Proposed habitat restoration due to dam removal along the Kinnickinnic River in River Falls, Wisconsin.
Purpose
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. Army Corps of Engineers to determine the feasibility of developing an aquatic ecosystem restoration project by researching the removal of Powell Dam or both Powell Dam and Junction Dam.
Status
A Federal Interest Determination was completed and approved in March 2022, and a Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement was executed in March 2023.
The 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 feasibility report was submitted to the Mississippi Valley Division for approval in November 2025, and the report is anticipated to be approved by the Mississippi Valley Division in March 2026. The study is cost-shared, 50% federal and 50% nonfederal, with an expected total cost of approximately $750,000.
Authority
This project is authorized under Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, as amended.
Funding
Federal funding received:
Fiscal year 2022
Feasibility $400,000
Feasibility Report with Integrated Environmental Assessment:
Section 206 Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) feasibility report with integrated environmental assessment