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River Falls emphasizes river corridor, parks and historic preservation in plan implementation
Summary
Staff outlined partnerships with the Army Corps and National Park Service on the Kinney Corridor and greenway plan, noted that Powell Falls Dam has been decommissioned, and described hiring a conservation and parks manager and natural resources coordinator to carry out forestry and habitat work.
The Plan Commission heard that natural and cultural resources are a high community priority and that staff are pursuing partnerships and targeted projects to preserve those assets. Emily Shively said the city is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program on the Kinney Corridor and greenway plans, and that the Powell Falls Dam has been decommissioned following damage.
"There was damage to the Powell Falls Dam, so that has been fully decommissioned," Shively said while describing corridor work. She also noted staff hires—a conservation and parks manager and a natural resources coordinator—and described ongoing work on forestry management, emerald ash borer response, boulevard tree planting and interpretive signage for historic resources.
Shively said the city is exploring ways to protect Foster Cemetery and to expand public access to the river through kayak take‑out points and trail connections, while balancing preservation of remnant prairie and wetlands.
