There are currently two dams on the Kinnickinnic River in River Falls, Wisconsin: Powell Dam and Junction Dam. The Kinnickinnic River is a Class 1 trout stream, and the river section along River Falls is highly degraded because of impoundments. The removal of the Powell Falls Dam, and possibly Junction Falls Dam, presents a unique opportunity to restore the river to its natural setting.

Location

The project is located along the Kinnickinnic River in River Falls, Wisconsin, approximately 40 miles east of St. Paul, Minnesota. River Falls is approximately 10 miles upstream of the confluence of the Kinnickinnic River with the St. Croix River. The study area is in downtown River Falls.

Description

Prior to the construction of the dams, the Kinnickinnic River was a free-flowing river with natural waterfalls. The impoundments of Lake George and Lake Louise have resulted in increased sedimentation, high water temperatures, and a lack of aquatic diversity.

The project sponsor, the city of River Falls, requested assistance from the U.S. Corps of Engineers (USACE) to determine the feasibility of developing an aquatic ecosystem restoration project by researching the removal of Powell Dam or removing both Powell Dam and Junction Dam.

Status

A Federal Interest Determination was completed and approved in March 2022, and a Feasibility Cost-Share Agreement was executed in March 2023.

The USACE St. Paul District is currently working through the feasibility study process and held a public meeting on Aug. 15, 2023. The Tentatively Selected Plan was approved in December 2023. The St. Paul District submitted a waiver request to exceed the federal project limit. The waiver request was approved by The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works in October 2024. The project schedule has been updated to reflect Feasibility Report approval in the fall of 2025. The study is cost-shared, 50% federal and 50% nonfederal, with an expected total approximate cost of $750,000.