Kinnickinnic River Dam Removal Proposal to Have Public Hearing

ST. CROIX COUNTY, Wis (WSCM/WLAK) – The Kinnickinnic River in Western Wisconsin could soon see the removal of two dams, and officials are seeking public input on the project.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District will hold a public meeting on the project in River Falls next week. Their goal is to gather public input on a draft feasibility study for the environmental restoration project. The meeting will be held at River Falls City Hall on June 4 from 6:30 to 8 pm.

The project would involve the removal of the Junction Falls dam and Powell Falls dam on the Kinnickinnic River. Officials say the section of the river that flows near River Falls has become degraded, and the removal of the dams would restore it to its natural setting. They also say the degradation of the river has led to increased sedimentation, higher water temperatures, and a lack of aquatic species diversity.

In December, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources also awarded a surface water protection grant to implement Best Management Practices along the Kinnickinnic River. The goal of that grant funding is to reduce the amount of sediment and nutrients entering the river by building buffers and stream bank improvements.

The river runs about 22 miles across Western Wisconsin and has become a popular fishing spot for local residents. The degradation of the river could harm the fish population, as well as a variety of bird species and a number of endangered or threatened species.

Area residents can find a summary of the proposed Kinnickinnic River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District website. A recording of the meeting will also be available online.