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County board approves feasibility study for Cold Spring dam removal in Sock River watershed amendment
Summary
The Stearns County Board adopted a minor amendment to the Sock River Watershed plan to add a feasibility study exploring removal of the Cold Spring dam and replacement with a rock arch rapids; the watershed board had approved the change prior to the county vote.
The Stearns County Board on March 24 adopted a resolution approving a minor amendment to the Sock River Watershed Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan to include a feasibility study for removing the Cold Spring dam and evaluating a rock arch rapids replacement. Emily Forboard (staff) said the watershed board voted to change the plan and that the county action would add the feasibility study only, not fund construction.
Forboard explained the study will explore feasibility, likely involve state agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources, and assess whether there is sufficient reach to construct rock arch rapids in place of the dam. Commissioners noted lake associations and local stakeholders have been informed and that the feasibility study will clarify technical and environmental constraints.
The board passed the resolution by roll call vote. No construction funding or schedule was approved; the resolution covers the planning-stage feasibility evaluation.
