Funding for this project is provided by the Minnesota DNR Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investment, which allocates $150 million into Minnesota’s recreation infrastructure. $10 million is for Restoring Streams and Modernizing Water-related Infrastructure Projects, which includes the Cannon River Fish Passage Project.

Click here to learn more about the Get Out MORE investments.

$1 Million is allocated for the Cannon River Fish Passage Project. Project breakdown is listed below:

• Lower Sakatah Dam ($500,000)

• Gorman Lake Dam ($350,000)

• Gorman Lake Culvert ($150,000)

Current plans are to leave the existing weirs and lower parts of the old lake outlet dams in place to maintain water levels and control seepage. Several individuals have expressed concerns that the weir on Gorman Lake Dam is in rough shape. Bolton & Menk’s structural engineers will review the structure and report on what work may need to be completed for this weir. The runout elevation of the current dam will be maintained in the rock arch rapids designs for both the Gorman Lake Dam and Lower Sakatah Lake Dam modification projects. These cases, where sections of the dam are kept in the rock arch rapids design, are often referred to as a “modification” rather than “full removal.”

We will work with Cordova Township on a culvert replacement for Dodd Road. The design of the Dodd Road Culvert is ongoing. Currently, the Cannon River’s flow is pinched through one culvert, which limits fish passage and causes issues with erosion and sedimentation. The final designs of the Dodd Road Culvert and Gorman Lake Dam will balance fish passage with the statutory requirement to match the existing water levels.

While the rock arch rapids are not “bog proof,” they are designed to reduce the issues often seen with traditional dams. Unlike dams, they do not have structures above the water, like piers, abutments, or catwalks, that can create blockages or debris jams. The weirs are arched and the cross section of the ramp curves to the center of the channel. This directs flows to the center and helps flush through bogs and other debris better than the straight crest of a dam. Debris that is pushed through has a better chance to break up as it is rolled to the center of the channel. 

The goal of this project is to ensure no change in water levels from pre- and post-implementation. There are statutory requirements that prohibit changes in water level, and final designs must be approved by the MN DNR Dam Safety. Final designs are underway and will be designed to closely match existing water levels for a range of flows to the maximum feasible extent.

Spring 2025

With the concept designs complete, the project is moving into Phase II. Currently, Bolton & Menk are working to finalize the designs for the rock arch rapids and Dodd Road culvert. The designs will be finalized over the summer, with an anticipated completion in October 2025.

Summer 2025

Over the summer, Aquatic Resource Delineations and permitting will begin. Efforts to engage the community will continue, ensuring that all stakeholders are kept informed about the project's progress and developments.

Fall 2025  

By fall, the designs of the rock arch rapids and culvert will be complete. A project bidding package will be completed allowing for the selection of contractors and the progression to the next phase of the project. Prior to bidding, another public meeting will be held to keep the public informed.

Winter 2026

We anticipate that construction will begin in the winter. Work on dam replacements usually takes place in the fall or winter seasons. This is the time with the lowest water levels; lowest risk of a weather event to drastically raise the water levels; and has the least impact to fish and other aquatic organisms that use these areas.

There are 28 fish species that will benefit from this project, including a genetically rare strain of walleye. A few species of note that will benefit from the projects include bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and channel catfish. 

Native game fish, such as walleye and northern pike, struggle with dam barriers, and dam-related hydrological conditions affect their natural reproduction. For example, walleye have been documented migrating long distances but often get trapped due to inconsistent water levels and dam barriers, especially in summer low-flow conditions. Modifying the Gorman Lake and Lower Sakatah Lake Dams is an incremental step toward restoring full connectivity in the Cannon River watershed.