Two Rivers Fish Passage Restoration and Habitat Enhancement
The City of Hallock, with funding from LSOHC, restored and enhanced habitat to facilitate fish passage by retrofitting the existing Hallock Dam on the South Branch of the Two Rivers and re-established a stable riffle-pool habitat downstream. In addition to the fish habitat improvement , the project has provided enhanced recreational opportunities for paddlers along the river.
The original dam was removed and retrofit with a rock arch rapids fishway that allows for fish migration upstream. Following the retrofitting/construction of the dam, contractors used root balls from local trees to further stabilize the river banks.
Engineering and research was completed by Houston Engineering with guidance from LSOHC and the MN DNR. Construction was done by Spruce Valley Corp. and subcontractors.
$2,000,000 the second year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the city of Hallock to restore and enhance fish passage and habitat in the South Branch Two Rivers. A list of proposed restorations must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
The project modified the existing 11 foot high dam and replaced it with a rock arch rapids fishway that has provided lake sturgeon spawning habitat and reconnected more than 30 miles and 300+ acres of habitat along the South Branch of the Two Rivers.