Commissioner reports detail Cross Lake 'Turtle Connection' dam plans and fish-passage work
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Summary
Commissioner Joan reported progress on the Turtle Connection Cross Lake project near Tilburg Park, saying state DNR control of a failing dam prompted proposals to replace structures and add fish passages; most landowner issues have been resolved though one remains under negotiation.
Commissioner Joan reported to the Polk County Board of Commissioners that work is advancing on the Turtle Connection Cross Lake project, centered on Cross Lake and Tilburg Park, after a county-area dam fell into disrepair.
Joan said the project began when a Department of Natural Resources-owned dam deteriorated and was not being maintained. County and state discussions have moved from emergency stabilization to planning for replacement structures and water-level management, Joan said. "There’s been a lot of work with the surrounding landowners. For the most part, most of the things have been worked out, but there's still a couple things with one of the landowners that they're working with," Joan said.
She described proposed construction of fish passage features patterned after work done on Sand Hill, with rock-stacked passages in the streambed to aid migration. Joan said planners believe a rock fish passage will be a "really good addition" to the project.
Why it matters: Cross Lake and Tilburg Park are local recreation and habitat resources. Replacing a state-owned dam and installing fish passages could affect water levels, shorelines and adjacent private properties; unresolved easement or access concerns with at least one landowner remain.
Discussion and context: Joan said the project's design phase is progressing and that the county has coordinated closely with nearby landowners. She also noted broader community and committee work on related parks and facility maintenance, including possible building repairs and upgrades at a local Productive Alternatives facility and ongoing work by the county's membership development and public-health committees.
Next steps: Joan said remaining landowner concerns are under negotiation and that project leaders expect to move forward with the proposed plan, including possible dam replacement and fish-passage installation. County staff did not present a formal action or vote on the dam project at the April 15 meeting; Joan delivered an informational update during her commissioner report.
Ending: Commissioners received the update; staff and project partners will continue negotiations and return to the board if formal approvals or easements are required.
