Locally Grown

I wasn’t able to attend the meeting yesterday, but I just finished viewing the video discussion of the possible Ames Mill Kayak/Canoe Park, and I LOVE this idea!

One historical note: I certainly can’t speak for the Cannon River Watershed Partnership (I think my membership has lapsed–I’ll have to remedy that…), but back in the mid-’90s, Chris Robbins, who was then the CRWP’s river advocate (or some such title), approached me, as a kindred tree-hugging, neo-Luddite, clearly-out-of-the-mainstream kind of guy, about writing an opinion piece for the Northfield News advocating the removal of the Ames Mill Dam and returning the “Riviere aux Canots” (”River of Canoes, as French fur traders called it — see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannon_River) to its pre-white-settlement condition. I happily complied.

I believe I wrote this piece with a piece of charcoal on parchment, but I’ll see if I can find a copy. If I do, and it’s not embarrassingly poorly written, I’ll pass on an electronic facsimile here.

My two cents worth on the current proposal: I think it would be wonderful if it was possible to have one challenging, boulder-strewn chute for psycho-extreme-adventure-seekers, and one less-challenging, but still adrenaline-inducing chute for folks like me who love to canoe and can handle a wee bit of whitewater but aren’t up to Category V rapids. I think MANY people would love to be able to canoe/kayak through the heart of Northfield without portaging, not just the dudes and dudettes who would flock to an Olympic-caliber whitewater park. I daresay we might even be willing to pay a few tax dollars (or a fee) to do so.

PS To Dr. Hvisty and others working on this: I’d happily get involved if you need any volunteer foot soldiers to help make this happen. I can be reached at bruce@sustainablecommunitysolutions.com

#1

Ross, I can’t find anything about it. Nothing on the City of Owatonna web site nor the Chamber/Tourism site nor the Chamber’s blog that I could find. Got a link for us?

#3

I also am so excited to hear of a Whitewater park! I grew up canoing down the Cannon here as a child and in my college years got into whitewater paddling. There is a large group of people in the Twin Cities that drive over 2 -3 hours away on a weekend to paddle at Sandstone, Duluth or over to Wasau wi. There just isn’t much near the cities to paddle in. If there were a whitewater park as convenient as Northfield I am certain they would flock here. And with the resources that have been pulled together for the Mississippi Whitewater Park project, I would not see it as very hard to get plenty of skilled people to help or groups to assist with this project. Here is a link to their project that they have been working on for over 10 years. http://www.whitewaterpark.canoe-kayak.org/

A link to help you visualize what people could enjoy from downtown while visiting our town as well as provide a great recreational opportunity for our youth and others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXJ8E1d6vkM
Nice overall view of the park - little crazy background music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5irTTqUvMsA
Here is the Wausau Park website
http://www.wausauwhitewater.org/index.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hzLecq9cyY

I too agree that it would be great to have a side that would allow recreational paddlers to paddle on through the dam without too much trouble. It is practically impossible to portage this dam without a lot of trouble and walking through busy intersections. This could only add to bringing more people to Northfield. Imagine being able to canoe from Faribault to Cannon Falls by staying overnight in downtown Northfield! It would assist with the whole Mill Town Trails concept that is similar to what is already on the Cannon from Cannon Falls to Red Wing. Currently, I don’t know of many people that ever canoe through Northfield. It is either starting here or stopping here because of the dam. But what a fun trip it would be to start upstream from Northfield and then stop in Northfield for lunch and then finish downstream.

If there is a group gathering to make this happen I would be more than happy to help out with what I can.

Thanks for getting this at least considered!

#5

I was just down in Owatonna Friday evening.

They impose a 3% city lodging tax, but they also have an outstanding tourist bureau, a great tourism website, downtown maps, signage, information, and anything else you would need if you were to visit there.

Owatonna is not all that much bigger than Northfield in many regards.

My question to the NDDC, and the chamber, as well as others. Why can’t we get this done, and get some real movement and positive public relations in our community?

#7

Well, in some ways… this would be my point.

I have been a resident since 2001, and did not know this site existed. If even the residents do not know about it (and I consider myself quite web savy), then there is an issue of promotion.

I guess I could have Googled. I just did, and that link came up TENTH when searching for “Northfield MN”. That is probably why I missed it.

Searching on “Owatonna MN”, gets the page listed as #3.

I would also make the recommendation that the City modify its site slightly, so that visiting Northfield stands out more, and is not hidden under about Northfield.

I also did not know that the map you sent existed. It is a very good map, and rivals the Owatonna map, however… how do folks find it?

Tourists need ease of use.

I am also a strong advocate, that if the Liquor store does move, that the parking lot be expanded into the 5th and Water project, and that the old store be transitioned into a STAFFED Northfield tourism and visitors bureau. Its location is ideal at the main entry, close to bridge square and DJJD type events, as well as centrally located and easy to find in our community.

WIth the trailhead and other great things coming right through that area, I really feel that we have a GREAT oppurtunity to do some awesome things to promote Northfield.

Just my $0.02. I am all for what has already been done, but I would like to see every resident be informed, know where this information is, and be an ambassador for Northfield.

I have bookmarked your links, and will spread the word.

Thanks Ross!

-J

#9

I was out at Stanton Airfield volunteering this summer and we had a group of kayakers come through and told us they were moving down the cannon river thru northfield and portaging, I don’t remember the details, but it leads me to
wonder how much river traffic do we already have that we don’t really count?

#11

I’ve added a blog post on my website (http://www.sustainablecommunitysolutions.com/index.php/2008/01/21/free-the-cannon-river/) that includes one more minor wrinkle on the discussion above: the possibility of including a run-of-the-river microturbine to the dam conversion to generate a small, symbolic amount of electricity.

I’ve also included a photo of a toothy five-pound northern I caught at the base of the dam in the summer of 1968. These guys could range further upstream with the proposed dam conversion.

#13

I just came back from vacation and am excited to see this conversation picking up again. Kayaks are great, but let’s not forget about canoes. I still think about the possibility of a “Northfield Outfitters.” It would be great to have the Chamber next door or even in the same building. If the outfitters offered transportation upstream and pick-up downstream, canoers (sp?) and kayakers would begin and end in Northfield. We would not have to worry about them just “traveling through.” The west side of the Second Street Bridge still seems like a great location, with or without dam reconstruction.

The one concern I have heard about reconstructing the dam is the possible impact water levels would have on downtown structures. Does anyone know if this is still a concern?

#15

Christine,

Why not the old liquor store, right by the park with ample new parking?

#17

Perhaps the safety center (or a new building on that site) would make a good outfitting place, with room to store canoes and kayaks, space to sell gear, parking and a visible location. It also could offer the visitors’ center and public restrooms/secure parking for bicyclists.
I think it would be hard to make the liquor store site work, given the amount of space/parking needed. But I really like the idea of people thinking about lots of options.
One thing to keep in mind when talking about a visitors’ center, or any other project, is that it’s fine to talk about where local people might want it to be, but the key is to find locations that work best to draw customers. We might think the liquor store spot would be a good visitors’ center, but what’s the best spot for catching the attention — and money — of visitors?

#19

I’ve blogged the podcast of yesterday’s show with Dave. All discussion on this issue continues here.

FYI: the plan for the dam initially proposed by Barr Engineering is described in this Dec. 12 article in the Northfield News: Bye Bye Waterfall?

­

#21

After listening to the podcast…I am more in favor of getting rid of the dam, as long as what replaced it looked very natural. Now, I have question to those of you that have been involved for a longer than I have…I have heard rumors that the original dam is underneath the dam that is there now. Is that true?

#23

Ross,

That is a beautiful vision. After sitting through some Streetscape meeting I can almost share your vision. I am just worried about the historical significance for the dam. Especially if the original dam is under the one that is there now.

I am in agreement the dam needs to go it is just really sad for me…

#25

Here’s Dave Hvistendahl’s summary email that he sent to Malt-O-Meal, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, City of Northfield, Northfield Downtown Development Corporation, and the Cannon River Watershed Partnership:

Transmitted herewith is an outline of the legal analysis of the efficacy of transferring the dam to a non-profit corporation, then leasing the recreational facility to the City of Northfield.

The replacement of Ames Mill dam, owned by Malt-O-Meal Company (MOM), offers a once in a life time opportunity to improve the quality of the Cannon River for canoes and Kayaks, while removing an impediment to fish migration.  Malt-O-Meal has indicated a willingness to explore the possibility of adding canoe and kayak chutes to the new dam structure, provided that Malt-O-Meal can transfer the dam to a non-profit agency, and thereby avoid the liabilities inherent in ownership, and accomplish it at a reasonable cost.  The DNR, however, will require MOM to continue to pay for the maintenance of the replacement structure to DNR standards.

The logical group to serve as dam owner would be the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation (NDDC).  By this email I request that they schedule a board meeting to consider the proposal.

The new structure cannot substantially reduce the water level of the impoundment area, due to the possibility that the reduced level might cause subsistence in buildings upstream.  A reduction in water level of a foot or two may be possible,which would narrow the channel upstream.

The initial proposal by Barr Engineering was deficient in a number of aspects.  The basic plan was to tier or step down from the existing dam, which would have increased high water levels against Malt-O-Meal, Froggy Bottoms River Pub, and other buildings along the river, as well as reduce the maximum flowage under the Mn DOT’s 4th Street Bridge.  (The 4th Street Bridge has its own original 1930’s superstructure).  It is unlikely that MN DOT would have approved  plan that increased stress on the bridge.   Barr Engineering’s design did not receive a good reception in the city because the structure did not approximate natural rapids. Many people objected to the uniformity of the structure, based upon reviews of other dam replacements done by Barr Engineering.

A number of cities from Ohio to Colorado have created tourist magnets by creating white water runs in old millstreams.  The major project in Minnesota which has been crawling along for a number of years is the St. Anthony Falls project in Minneapolis.  The consulting engineer for the project has been the McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group (www.mclaughlinwhitewater.com).   I spoke with Risa Shimoda, strategic planner with McLaughlin Whitewater, who said that they had a good working relationship with the DNR, and that they have worked as both primary and consulting engineers on such projects.  If Barr has not designed a whitewater structure, MOM might find it advantageous to use McLaughlin in some capacity.

The main costs for the City of Northfield would be to construct a walkway or stairs as part of its Bridge Square river wall reconstruction that would allow paddlers to portage upstream at river level to repeat the run.  The construction of a weir near the Second Street bridge could raise the level of the water one foot below the dam structure to improve the aesthetics and navigability of the two block stretch during July and August.  Andrew Berglund of Northfield designed a self-cleaning concrete weir in the 1980’s for use in the river.  The advantage of Berglund’s design is that it is simple and easily replicated, using wood forms. (We will forward a copy to the DNR and the Northfield City Engineer.) The city would also be responsible for maintaining the boat landings and warning signs.

Time is of the essence, since MOM would like to start the project this spring.  I have therefore opted for a blanket email to the main parties involved to expedite the discussion.

I must add the disclaimer that the law firm of Hvistendahl, Moersch & Dorsey is not representing any of the potential participants in this project.  We have initiated this communication in the public interest and for the long term benefit of downtown Northfield.  Each party should consult with its own legal counsel in determining its responsibilities and liabilities, as well as the wording of any final agreement.

 

#27

My wife and I would LOVE to see a whitewater park in town. What a great idea! Please let me know if there is anything we can do..

Chris Ash
crash@toasterfork.com

#29

Hey Griff -

Maybe we could get David Hvistendahl to weigh in on this latest news. I ran into him yesterday at GBM and he’d heard of several potential sources of financing for different aspects of this complicated but exciting project.

- Ross

#31

I think the local whitewater paddling community would be overjoyed if Northfield were to create a whitewater park. I guarantee that you will receive support from the local whitewater paddling club (www.rapidsriders.com).

Here is a link for info on some other communities that have successfully created whitewater play parks.

Mike J

#33

I think it’s a great idea… I would use it all the time (I work at Carleton.)

Another plus… it would be good for downtown businesses, as it would bring a bunch of people into downtown Northfield from the twin cities metro — plus, it would be an enjoyable spectator spot for festivals.

There are definitely ways to accommodate both downriver canoeists and whitewater kayakers, either by offering a smoothwater channel that would run alongside the whitewater park or by putting in a nice portage (actually, a whitewater park would need put-in/take-out spots both above and below the drop, and a path between the two… which would be beneficial for all users of the river.)

Regarding safety, the consultant is absolutely correct: the current dam is a perfect drowning machine. You’ve probably seen the whole trees that get stuck in it from time to time, tumbling around… there’s no way a person could get out of it! Man-made whitewater parks are many orders of magnitude less dangerous than the current dam.

After a bit of poking through the difficult-to-use mnpca site, it looks like the Cannon is typically a bit better water quality than the Vermillion in Hastings, which is a popular local kayaking spot.

#35

With regards to adequacy of flow volume of the Cannon river, a query of the USGS website querying monthly mean flows from 1990-2007 show that the flow rate in cubic feet per second in the CANNON RIVER AT WELCH is:
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
397 463 1,130 2,100 1,460 1,740 1,110 870 770 699 674 528

If we guess that the flow in Northfield would probably be about 200-300cfs less than at Welch, and that the prime months for use might be May-Oct, we have :
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
1,160 1,440 810 570 470 399 cfs

Even at the low end of the flow, this is a respectable amount of water for the creation of play features in a whitewater park. For a good local comparison, the Vermilion river in Hastings MN has natural features which create beautiful (and very fun) play features at flows above 150cfs.
Another god comparison would be the play park in Salida Co, which has the following flows:
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
975 1,860 1,140 684 370 345

A competent engineer should be able to tailor the features in the park to whatever natural flow levels you’d care to stipulate.

#37

http://www.boaterparks.com/your_park.html

Recreation Engineering and Planning website has a lot of useful info regarding WW park projects they have created.
MJ

#39

John,
This was discussed at the NDDC forum. The Prof from St. Olaf studied this issued with other dam removals and generally it is only a very short term problem(few days). She did say the DNR could test the silt levels before the dam was removed.

#41