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Wright County approves partnership with DNR for Deer Lake dam work to improve fish passage
Summary
The county approved a resolution to add DNR-funded rock-ripple work to a 2028 bridge replacement near Deer Lake so the DNR can replace a vertical dam drop with rock ripples to improve fish habitat; the county said the DNR would reimburse consultant costs.
Wright County commissioners approved a resolution to allow the county to add DNR-funded stream/structure work to an upcoming bridge replacement near Deer Lake, officials said.
Chad, speaking for public works, said MnDOT funding supports a 2028 bridge replacement on County Road 108 south of Buffalo and that the DNR is proposing to replace a vertical control structure at Deer Lake with what he called rock ripples — a stepped rock structure intended to improve fish spawning and upstream passage. Chad said the DNR has funds to pay for the restoration and will reimburse the county when the county adds the work to its consultant scope.
"It allows the fish to be able to work their way up the rock ripples during spawning as opposed to ... a vertical drop," Chad said. He described the proposal as a partnership that would not increase county costs because DNR money would be used for the work.
A motion to approve the resolution was made, seconded and passed by the board. Commissioners noted the partnership pulls together multiple property owners and public access areas adjacent to the project.
The board did not discuss detailed construction timelines beyond the 2028 bridge replacement year nor specific permits; staff said they would coordinate property and consultant work with DNR and return with further details if needed.
