String Lakes

The outlet dam for String Lakes was built in the early 1900s and had since deteriorated to the point that quick easy fixes are no longer an option.   Field to Flyway Engineering was contacted by the Minnesota DNR and Cottonwood County Soil and Water Conservation District to help come up with a solution for a new outlet structure.  Three options were considered had to be permittable through the agencies at the state and federal levels.  These options were: a new fixed crest outlet similar to what was there previously, rock arch rapids, or a variable crest water control structure.  Cost estimates and funding opportunities were explored for all three options then were presented at a public meeting to riparian landowners and other local stakeholders to get public input on how to move forward.  As a result of the meeting it was decided to move forward with the rock arch rapids.  Field to Flyway Engineering progressed the plans and cost estimate that were used in a grant application.  We should find out shortly the result of the application we helped draft.  If we are awarded this grant we will finalize designs, complete permitting, develop a bid package to be sent out to contractors to bid on.