The low head dam in Crookston is a popular fishing spot but it is also a safety hazard. Photo by D. Arscott.

The City of Crookston has been partnering with other state agencies (DNR, MPCA, and SWCD) to stabilized and restore eroding banks, protect city water and sewer lines, and work towards the removal of this low head dam. Recent appropriations in the state bonding bill (2003) have provided the rest of the funds necessary to remove the dam. The deconstruction/construction project will place a rock rapids ~300 feet long in the place of the dam in order to maintain upstream water levels and dissipate the energy that is scouring the outer bank below the dam. Furthermore, the rock rapids will provide for recreation, help maintain a healthy fishery, and allow fish passage from upstream to downstream. Historically, sturgeon would migrate up the Red Lake River during the spawning season to spawn at the confluence of the Clearwater and Red Lake Rivers. Substrate and water temperatures were apparently the important factors making that confluence an exceptional spawning site. Eventually, parks might flank both sides of the river here and provide canoe and kayak type recreation opportunities. Contact the City of Crookston for more information about the dam removal.

Downstream of the dam the current slowly erodes and scours a deep hole (about 20-20 ft deep) and whittles away the outside bank. Photo by D. Arscott.

Rocks such as these will be piled in place of the dam. Maplewood park is in the background. Photo by D. Arscott

As part of the master planning for river restoration in Crookston, a new bank and terrace was created to control erosion. The bank was planted with willow cuttings whose fibrous roots help hold the bank in place. Additionally, snags or root wades were drilled into the bank to help slow the force of the water. Photo by D. Arscott

Maplewood park is currently home to a playground and picnic shelter. The park will be closed during the dam modification process. Photo by D. Arscott