Engineering study on Reasoner Dam approved
The Humboldt Conservation Board and Humboldt County Board of Supervisors have agreed to hire an engineering firm to study the Reasoner Dam on the West Fork of the Des Moines River in Humboldt. File photo.
By KENT THOMPSON
Action is coming regarding the Reasoner Dam and the Des Moines River in Humboldt County.
On Wednesday, May 5, the Humboldt County Conservation Board held a one-hour meeting with the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors for the purpose of discussing alternatives regarding the dam and the West Fork of the Des Moines River in and around Humboldt.
In attendance were Conservation Board members T.C. Loving, Mary Miner and Bob Rasmussen, along with County Conservation Director Todd Lee. Humboldt County Supervisors in attendance were Rick Pedersen, Sandy Loney, Bruce Reimers and Dave Lee. Local citizen Bret Harklau was also in attendance.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both groups agreed to a study that would include possibly lowering the dam or repairing the dam, removing silt, repairing/replacing the gate system on the dam, looking at an air bladder system for the top of the dam, rock arched rapids, enhanced fishing opportunities with fish ladders and improved safety measures among other items.
The county will be utilizing Stantec, the firm that has been consulting with the county on the matter for more than a year. The cost is estimated to be in the $100,000 range. Last fall, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved a bond issue which earmarked $250,000 toward working on possible improvements to the dam and Lake Nokomis.
Read what people at the meeting had to say in this week's Humboldt Independent. Your trusted source for local news and sports.
