Join us for the Cannon River Fish Passage Open House, where you can learn about the design plan for the fish passage project from our partners at Bolton & Menk. The event will feature an informative presentation and an opportunity for community members to engage directly with experts.
After the presentation, visit our various information tables, which include details on the Lower Sakatah Lake Dam, Gorman Lake Dam/Culvert, and Clean River Partners. Please stop by the table that interests you most to ask questions and dive deeper into the project discussions.
While not required, we ask that you please register to assist with planning. There is a space on the registration form for you to ask your initial questions for the engineers to address during their presentation.
Accessibility Information
Accessible parking
Accessible entrance
Bathrooms available
What is Fish Passage?
The Minnesota DNR reports that there are over 1,150 dams in the state. These structures can disrupt rivers and turn flowing streams into still reservoirs, altering the ecosystem in significant ways. This can lead to problems like sediment and nutrient build-up, increased algae growth, higher water temperatures, lower oxygen levels, and hindered fish movement. When fish can’t pass through these dams, it limits their numbers upstream and prevents many species from reaching their spawning grounds, which can hurt their natural reproduction. Moreover, native mussel species that rely on fish as hosts for their upstream journey can't get above the dam either, impacting our biodiversity and water quality.
Fortunately, communities across the state are embracing solutions such as replacing or modifying low-head dams into Rock Arch Rapids. This nature-inspired fish passage design allows fish to swim freely, resembling the flowing stream riffles they thrive in. Picture a series of descending boulders, creating pools of water like a staircase just for fish! Rock Arch Rapids ensure fish can pass under any flow conditions and enhance the natural movement of sediments.
How To Get There
Questions?
Contact Anna Holman (she/her), our Conservation Program Manager for Habitat Protection
Email: anna@cleanriverpartners.org
Phone: (507) 200-8219
Thank you to our event partner!
