Press Release: Announcing the Cannon River Fish Passage Initiative

This press release inspired two news articles featured in the Faribault Daily News and Le Sueur County News.

LE CENTER, MN – The natural flow of rivers plays a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, but the presence of dams can disrupt this balance. In much of the world, including Minnesota, aging dams are becoming increasingly concerning, particularly for fish populations and the biodiversity of our waterways.

Dams convert vibrant rivers into static reservoirs, leading to a multitude of negative ecological consequences. They hinder fish passage, preventing species from reaching vital spawning grounds. This reduces the number of fish upstream and jeopardizes native mussel populations that rely on fish hosts for reproduction. These altered conditions may also lead to increased sediment accumulation, warmer water temperatures, and lower dissolved oxygen levels—compromising water quality and overall ecosystem health.

In response to these challenges, we are happy to announce our partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to implement innovative fish passage solutions in the Cannon River watershed. The Gorman Lake Dam and Lower Sakatah Lake Dam will be modified into rock arch rapids —an effective, nature-inspired design that replaces or modifies low-head dams. Rock Arch Rapids mimic natural stream conditions, allowing fish to swim freely while enhancing sediment movement and improving ecological diversity.

The upcoming modifications at the Gorman Lake Dam and the Lower Sakatah Lake Dam will open 23 miles of the river for fish passage, significantly improving aquatic habitats. This project supports fish populations and enhances recreational safety by addressing the dangerous "drowning machine" hazards associated with low-head dams. With minimal long-term maintenance needs, Rock Arch Rapids will provide a cost-effective solution for years to come.

We invite our community to learn more about this transformative project at the Cannon River Fish Passage Open House. Join us on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the 4-H Family Center, 320 S Plut Ave, Le Center, MN. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from our partners at Bolton & Menk, who will provide insights into the design plan and address any questions from the community.

This event is especially important for anyone who cares about the health of our rivers and the species that inhabit them. While registration is not required, it is encouraged to assist with planning and allows participants to submit questions in advance for our engineering team. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts and learn how Rock Arch Rapids will improve the Cannon River watershed.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit cleanriverpartners.org/events/fish-passage-open-house.