The St. Paul District, recently teamed up with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center's Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to build a model of the Red River Control Structure, which is part of the Fargo-Moorhead Metro Flood Risk Management Project for the Red River of the North. The model is helping engineers better understand the engineering, environmental considerations and public safety impacts of the project.

The St. Paul District hosted a training event for area emergency management services on how to recover disabled vessels approaching dam gates during a two-day event at Lock and Dam 4, in Alma, Wisconsin, July 16-17. The training – led by Joel Herman, lock and dam operator and instructor for the Corps of Engineers boat operator course – allowed partner agencies a chance to see and practice how the St. Paul District conducts rescue operations, which include closing the dam gates and launching a rescue vessel. Herman aims to expand the program and offer the training at additional lock and dam sites within the district. Special thanks to our community partners taking part in the event, including: Wabasha, Buffalo and Winona County Sheriff’s Departments, Alma Fire and Rescue and the Minnesota and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

In partnership with other agencies, service-support organizations and dozens of volunteers, we hosted more than 30 veterans at Sandy Lake Recreation Area on June 10 for fishing, food and camaraderie. This incredible event made possible through hard work from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Disabled American Veterans, Department of Minnesota and many more! #CorpsParks (USACE video by: Patrick Loch)

The Motor Vessel Aaron F. Barrett, pushing 12 barges en route to St. Paul, Minnesota, was locked through Lock and Dam 2, near Hastings, Minnesota, April 24, 2019. The Corps considers the first tow to arrive at Lock and Dam 2 as the unofficial start of the navigation season, because it means all of its locks are accessible to commercial and recreational vessels. However, this spring’s high flows continue to force lock closures in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri and could lead to additional lock closures within the St. Paul District, leading to delays in other tows reaching St Paul.

With water anticipated to rise above the lockwall at Lock and Dam 4, in Alma, Wisconsin, personnel from several Mississippi River locks helped prepare the site for high water on March 29. Judy Denzer, lockmaster, explains how handrail removal, jersey barriers, snow fencing and sand bags will minimize damage to electrical and mechanical components of the lock by keeping debris off the structure and moving downstream. #2019FloodFight

A contractor crews lifts steel bulkheads on the upstream side of the St. Anthony Falls Lock on March 20, a tricky maneuver completed in advance of anticipated high flows resulting from snowpack melt in the Mississippi headwaters. For nearly two weeks lock staff and personnel from the maintenance and repair section broke-up mounds of ice that had accumulated below the bulkheads to ensure the miter gates and tainter gate were operational and the bulkheads wouldn’t stick during their removal by means of a crane. With the bulkheads removed, the site can now be used to mitigate potential flood impacts by releasing water through the lock chamber (Of the 13 locks and dams in the St. Paul District, only Upper and Lower St. Anthony Falls were constructed to mitigate for flood impacts). Removal of the bulkheads also signifies the near-completion of a major rehab project here that includes installation of new machinery to raise and lower the tainter gate and the application of a protective coating on the tainter and miter gates, highlighting an effort to ensure operability of our critical infrastructure for future generations. (USACE video by: Nayelli Guerrero and Patrick Loch)

A contractor crews lifts steel bulkheads on the upstream side of the St. Anthony Falls Lock on March 20, a tricky maneuver completed in advance of anticipated high flows resulting from snowpack melt in the Mississippi headwaters. For nearly two weeks lock staff and personnel from the maintenance and repair section broke-up mounds of ice that had accumulated below the bulkheads to ensure the miter gates and tainter gate were operational and the bulkheads wouldn’t stick during their removal by means of a crane. With the bulkheads removed, the site can now be used to mitigate potential flood impacts by releasing water through the lock chamber (Of the 13 locks and dams in the St. Paul District, only Upper and Lower St. Anthony Falls were constructed to mitigate for flood impacts). Removal of the bulkheads also signifies the near-completion of a major rehab project here that includes installation of new machinery to raise and lower the tainter gate and the application of a protective coating on the tainter and miter gates, highlighting an effort to ensure operability of our critical infrastructure for future generations. (USACE video by: Nayelli Guerrero and Patrick Loch)

CAP 204 allows us to capitalize on the need to get rid of dredged sand by using it for the enhancement of aquatic ecosystems of the Mississippi River valley. Through other programs, such as the Upper Mississippi River Restoration program, our District has developed an island building expertise. CAP 204 is just another opportunity to utilize that expertise, specifically at the head of Lake Pepin, in Pool 4 of the Mississippi River, and in Pig's Eye lake, in Pool 2.

The St. Paul District’s hydrographic survey crew joined the Winona Fire Department to conduct cold-water/ice rescue training on Lake Winona, in Winona, Minnesota, Feb. 19-20. The Corps’ survey crew brought the airboat, based out of Fountain City, Wisconsin, and the fire department brought the expertise and rescue equipment. The training – born out of a partnership that allows the survey crew to assist the fire department in a life safety situation – helped both airboat operators and rescue personnel get a feel for how to safely operate and board the specialized boat during a rescue on a lake or river.

Our 2019 ice surveys on Lake Pepin have begun. Last week a three-person crew with the project office in Fountain City, Wisconsin, launched the airboat to measure ice thickness in advance of navigation season and the unofficial start of spring! As of Feb. 13, 18 miles of Lake Pepin were covered with 10- to 21-inches of ice. The navigation industry uses this data to help determine when to send tows north to St. Paul, as this portion of the Mississippi River is the final segment holding winter ice.

The St. Louis District’s very own Cynthia Rodriguez was a crucial spokesperson for the blue roof program during a media blitz on November 29 in the north-western region of Puerto Rico. Cynthia spoke with 4 radio stations and one television crew, providing valuable information to Puerto Ricans still dealing with the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria. Born and raised on the island, Cynthia has spent two months helping her people as a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

** Vea a continuación para la traducción ** Throughout the island of Puerto Rico, a massive operation to remove more than three million cubic yards of debris churns on. Just outside of Ponce, the Recovery Field Office has established a bustling collection site in the El Tuque Quarry to collect vegetation, or veg, debris. ** Vea a continuación para la traducción ** A través de la isla de Puerto Rico, continua la operación masiva de recoger mas de tres millones de yardas cúbicas. El RFO(Recovery Field Office) en Ponce ha establecido en El Tuque un lote donde se recolecta vegetación y escombros. Los camiones llegan llenos de vegetación. Estos paran aquí en la torre y el “QC”, ella toma la tarjeta y corre el boleto. El operador del cuerpo de ingenieros en la torre anuncia la carga. Tenemos a los contratistas de Xpert en la torre también, ellos documentan la información y luego depositan la vegetación en la colina. Todo el material de vegetación de Ponce llega a este lote. Tenemos aproximadamente 250 camiones por día. Siempre y cuando sea de día, brigadas de camiones continuamente pasan por el punto de entrada de El Tuque. La colección de escombros ha sido tanta que llego al punto de necesitar un segundo lote con nuevas acumulaciones mientras se preparan para colocarse en la compactadora. Estamos recolectando aproximadamente de 3,500 a 5,000 yardas cúbicas de vegetación diariamente en este lote. En el lote tenemos aproximadamente 110, 000 yardas cúbicas. Luego de recolectar el material vegetativo, la meta es compactarlo. La separación de construcción y el material de demolición(C and D) del material vegetativo permite que la operación corra eficientemente. Aquí lo que hacemos es tomar la vegetación que recibimos en el lote y colocarla en la compactadora. Aproximadamente desde 5,000 a 6,000 yardas cúbicas de escombros son compactadas. Actualmente la compactadora no esta operando. Se están rompiendo los dientes de la compactadora debido al “C and D” que se encuentra en la vegetación. La separación es sumamente importante. A pesar de la dificultad que puede ser remover mas de 3 millones yardas cúbicas de escombros en la isla, el cuerpo de ingenieros permanecen dispuestos y preparados para quedarse con los puertorriqueños hasta que el trabajo se finalice. Para el cuerpo de ingenieros, soy Patrick Loch. Estamos aquí.

** Vea a continuación para la traducción ** In the mountains of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting one of its last building assessments on critical infrastructure on the island. For more than five weeks, teams have worked tirelessly to document damage done by hurricanes Irma and Maria to more than one-thousand buildings, whether in urban centers or remote mountain villages. ** Vea a continuación para la traducción ** En las montañas de Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, el Cuerpo de Ingenieros de los Estados Unidos está llevando a cabo una de sus últimas evaluaciones en infraestructuras en estado crítico en la isla. Por más de cinco semanas, el equipo ha trabajado arduamente para documentar el daño causada por los huracanes Irma y María a más de 1,000 infraestructuras. “Nosotros estábamos haciendo evaluaciones edificio por edificio verificando la estructura, el mecanismo y la electricidad. Es una evaluación general de seguridad”. – Brandon Works, misión de la infraestructura. “Tienen unas pequeñas grietas en el techo que debemos reparar. Además, se encontraron daños en el techo de las gradas pero nada estructural, solo cosmético.” – Carl Sellers, misión de la infraestructura. Mientras la recuperación va mejorando, también mejora el día a día de los ciudadanos. Luego de casi dos meses desde que el huracán María azotó la isla, los niños finalmente regresan a sus escuelas. “Los niños regresaron el viernes pasado, así que este es el tercer día de clases. Estaban muy felices y ansiosos de regresar. Extrañaros a sus amigos y sus maestros, estaban cansados de estar en sus casas. Se sentían tristes. Llegaron al comedor y repitieron comida de tres a cuatro veces ya que finalmente tenían comida caliente. Hoy van a tener una carrera del pavo, la llamamos la ‘Carrera de la esperanza’”. – Mrs. Ramos, maestra de Inglés en la Escuela Elemental Luis T. Balinas Con las evaluaciones de las infraestructuras en estado crítico completadas, la próxima fase de reconstruir y reparar puede continuar. Esto sería otra misión cumplida para el personal operando fuera de la oficina de recuperación (RFO) en San Juan, Puerto Rico. “Se condujeron 1,131 evaluaciones. Se siente bien y fue bastante fácil terminar la misión, es importante que los niños regresen a la escuela y brindarles normalidad en sus vidas luego del paso del huracán María”. – Brandon Works, misión de la infraestructura. Para el Cuerpo de Ingenieros de los Estados Unidos en Puerto Rico, soy Patrick Lach. Estamos Aquí.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District is partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron to encourage everyone to practice water safety and remember to wear their life jacket.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District is partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to encourage everyone to practice water safety and remember to wear their life jacket.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District is partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to encourage everyone to practice water safety and remember to wear their life jacket.

A typical day at Lock and Dam 5, near Minnesota City, Minn., turned into a quick reaction rescue for two of the district’s lock operators recently. Nathan Van Loon, Lock and Dam 5 head operator, said it was a fairly windy day with 3 to 5 foot waves on the north side of the dam. He said he noticed a canoeist and his dog come down the river and try to hold on to the wall, but the canoe began taking on water and capsized.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District welcomed the first line tow of the 2014 navigation season to St. Paul, Minn., April 16. Corps lock operators locked the Motor Vessel Angela K through Lock and Dam 2, near Hastings, Minn., around 5 p.m., with 12 barges. Available in high definition.

The Corps of Engineers' St. Paul and Rock Island districts worked as one team to replace a lock gate at Lock and Dam 5A, ear Fountain City, Wis., Oct. 17. Also available in high definition

LANSING, Iowa-- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, and many federal, state and local partners, are working together to restore habitat along the Mississippi River. Available in High Definition.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is sending a survey team around Minnesota to conduct snow surveys March 4 to 8, while Corps park rangers are conducting surveys near the Mississippi River Headwaters. The surveys will aid the Corps’ water management team in determining what the snow water equivalent, or how much water, is located within the snowpack. This information is also shared with other agencies, such as the National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey. The survey team will begin near Minneapolis March 4 and make a counterclockwise trip around the state. They will survey areas near Duluth, Minn.; Brainerd, Minn.; and Moorhead, Minn. The process involves going to a predetermined location and gathering snow through a snow tube. The snow is then measured for its weight, and the totals are converted using a mathematical formula to determine the water content. The Corps will monitor the region for future snow storms, and they will conduct additional surveys if needed. Also available in high definition

The district and its partners worked hand-in-hand to place federally endangered mussels along the Mississippi River in Pool 2, Aug. 17. The team is trying to propel the growth of endangered species in other areas within Minnesota beyond the St. Croix River. The endangered species include the Higgins eye and winged maple leaf mussels. Also available in high definition. This version includes title graphics.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District expects to complete repair work at Lock and Dam 2 near Hastings, Minn. in anticipation for the 2012 navigation season. The guide wall work began in January and is scheduled to be complete in March. Produced by Vanessa Hamer. Also available in High Definition.

Package of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District who will reach a major milestone this week in the Ward County, North Dakota flood recovery effort. More than 4,000 homes were damaged and 11,000 people were displaced after historic flooding along the Souris River this summer. The Corps has removed more than 61,000 tons of debris from homes and has removed temporary levees that were built during the flood fight. The removed debris would fill a football field 10 stories high. Soundbites from Barry Sullivan. Produced by Patrick Moes. Also available in high definition.

MINOT, N.D. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is helping communities along North Dakota's Souris River rebuild after historic flooding this summer. Available in high definition.

This edition features a story on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District which is currently assisting local residents with rebuilding after historic flooding damaged more than 4,000 homes this summer. The Corps, along with other federal, state and local agencies, are helping communities along the Souris River recover after historic flooding. Hosted by Patrick Moes. Also available in high definition.

Briefing of the Mississippi Valley Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Michael Walsh, hosting a press conference for local media to explain the Corps' current flood fight efforts along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The Corps continues to monitor levees and the are performing as designed. Produced by Patrick Moes. Also available in high definition.