Recreation related projects, studies and information papers

Big Sandy Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project

Sandy Lake Dam has undergone a series of modifications, repairs and periodic inspections over its 125-year history. From 2011 to 2016, a series of above and below water inspections identified several features that had deteriorated to a point that repair or replacement were necessary to maintain the long-term stability of the structure.
Published: 10/1/2018

Eau Galle Lake

Authorized purposes for the Eau Galle Lake Project include flood control recreation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife. Eau Galle Lake is located on the Eau Galle River immediately upstream of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, approximately 50 miles east of the Twin Cities of Minnesota.
Published: 2/26/2015

Flood Control Sites (MN): Lake Traverse, Orwell Lake, Red Lake, Big Stone - Highway 75 Dam, Lac qui Parle

All Minnesota flood control sites include flood risk management, recreation and environmental stewardship business line functions. Each has public use facilities for shore fishing, picnicking, bird watching and other activities. The land is actively managed for habitat enhancement. Lake Traverse is on the Minnesota–South Dakota border between Browns Valley, Minnesota, and Wahpeton, North Dakota/Breckenridge, Minnesota. It consists of two dams, two reservoirs and the Browns Valley Dike.
Published: 2/27/2015

Flood Control Sites (ND): Lake Ashtabula, Homme Lake, Souris River

Homme Lake and Lake Ashtabula are multiple-purpose sites with flood risk management, recreation and environmental stewardship business functions. Souris River Project is used for flood control and mitigation activities. Homme Lake is 2 miles west of Park River, North Dakota, on the South Branch of the Park River. Walsh County, North Dakota, leases land to operate a recreation area with overnight camping, a day-use area and a boat launch. Lake Ashtabula (Baldhill Dam) is 12 miles northwest of Valley City, North Dakota, on the Sheyenne River. It has overnight camping, swimming, boat launching, and picnic and playground facilities. About 2,500 acres are used for wildlife management. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) owns Upper Souris and J. Clark Salyer Refuges. Lake Darling is 20 miles northwest of Minot, North Dakota. J. Clark Salyer Refuge is 65 miles northeast of Minot, North Dakota.
Published: 2/27/2015

Mississippi River Headwaters Reservoirs

The Mississippi River Headwaters Project consists of six headwaters dams in north-central Minnesota. Cross Lake, Gull Lake, Big Sandy Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish, Pokegama Lake and Leech Lake make up the system. They were constructed or reconstructed between 1900 and 1913 (work on Pokegama started in 1884 and Winnibigoshish in 1885) to aid navigation on the Mississippi River between St. Paul, Minnesota, and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Because the navigation mission of the headwater’s dams declined with the creation of the upper Mississippi River 9-foot navigation channel and as recreation grew in importance to the region’s economy, the mission shifted to flood risk management, recreation and environmental stewardship.
Published: 3/21/2019

Mississippi River Recreation and Environmental Stewardship

Although navigation was the initial purpose of Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Channel Navigation Project, Congress has since authorized the development of recreational facilities, protection of forest resources, and required the consideration of fish and wildlife conservation.
Published: 2/27/2015

National Loon Center Facility, Public Docks and Shoreline Protection Project, Crosslake, MN: Review Outgrant Request (REC, ENS)

The National Loon Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization, is proposing the construction of a 15,000 square-foot National Loon Center Facility as well as 3,100 linear feet of shoreline protection efforts at the Cross Lake Recreation Area. The center will include a welcoming entrance and lobby area, interpretive displays, an aquarium, indoor/outdoor classrooms, laboratory, gift shop, conference rooms and office space, and a kitchen designed for concessions and large group events. The architectural design of the facility will conform to a “Northwoods” theme with fountains and a fireplace. Loon focused learning opportunities will extend beyond the interpretive exhibits and into the bay and throughout a trail system along the shoreline. An interpretive trail, multi-slip docks, and shoreline protection measures will provide visitors with a unique and educational experience.
Published: 9/24/2019