Currently there are three active channel-dredging operations in the Mississippi River: the hydraulic Dredge Goetz at Grand Encampment, near Alma, Wis.; a government mechanical dredge plant at Beef Slough, near Alma, Wis.; and a contract mechanical dredge plant at Mule Bend, near Weaver, Minn. Two contract mechanical-dredge crews are mobilizing to begin next week at Blacksmith Slough, near Trempealeau, Wis., and Boulanger Bend Lower Light, near Hastings, Minn. For more information, find our dredging notices here: