Help support a healthy, accessible Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

For more information

Contact Christine Goepfert
Midwest Campaign Director
cgoepfert@npca.org

We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to reimagine the future of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in the Twin Cities. The Army Corps of Engineers is studying the future of Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and Lock and Dam 1. Both no longer serve their original navigational purpose and the Army Corps is conducting a study now to determine what to do with these structures. This includes considering lock and dam removal, disposal, modification or future use opportunities. Building on our decade of advocacy for the Mississippi River here, NPCA is working with local communities to understand what’s possible for the national park, our connection to it and best uses for it.

Map of Study Area

Utilizing historical imagery, mapping and data, NPCA has created several renderings of the locks and dams in question to help us think creatively and consider all options. As part of this, NPCA is calling for a thorough analysis of all alternatives being considered, including dam removal and the connected impacts on the surrounding community and health of the river. Our renderings help us visualize a future with a free-flowing river that could improve water quality, restore native fish and provide more recreational access. Join us in speaking up for the Mississippi River and all the existing and future opportunities it holds.

Lower St. Anthony Falls

Lake Street/Marshall Avenue Bridge

Lock & Dam #1

Given changes to the Mississippi River’s physical characteristics over the last 100+ years, it may not look exactly like it did before locks and dams were built but would likely offer many new opportunities. The river’s water levels and flow would vary greatly with the seasons and rainfall amounts. Additionally, years of sediment has built up on the riverbed. What is in that sediment? Where would it go if the lock and dam was removed?

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