Project Background
Project Background
Riley One is a comprehensive effort to improve the lakes
within the Riley Creek watershed.
Primary efforts include carp management, plant management, and water
quality improvement. Efforts span
developing an understanding, manipulating to test the understanding, and
managing with the appropriate approaches.
The University of Minnesota is currently understanding, manipulating,
and managing carp and plants (see prior 2 pages). The Engineer is working with the University
to gather data and develop strategies to improve the overall water quality.
Current Project Status - DISTRICT ENGINEER
Purgatory Creek /
Riley Creek Improvements Project. This project is to
improve game fish movement through the creeks.
Current area of focus is Riley Creek where it flows underneath Bearpath Trail, upstream of Lake Riley, where the
University has identified a few obstructions to fish movement. The DNR issued a
permit on April 9, 2012, for the proposed improvements. Coordinated with the Bearpath
organization to do the work as well as install a stream gauge.
On
April 12, 2012 the Engineer and University met at the site with Manager Wencl to complete the work.
Rocks were moved by hand to open channels approximately 8-10 inches in
width. One channel was constructed
through the rock weir directly under the bridge, and 2 channels were
constructed through the riffle just downstream of the bridge. The purpose of the channels is to reduce the
effort required by game fish to swim up Riley Creek to spawn. The area will be monitored by the Engineer
and University to assess the improvements.
A level sensor was installed to record stream water
levels and understand the flows in the creek.
2012 Project
completion: Work is being completed
from 2011 efforts on Stormwater Pond Protocols
project, Riley Creek Improvements, and University Coordination.