1/A Minnesota Native Landscapes backhoe is positioned on a bed of rocks at the site of the Crosslake Rock Dam Feb. 5, 2020. The dam is being replaced with a structure that is more habitat friendly. Five rock weirs spaced about 40 feet apart along 200 feet of the stream channel will replace the dam. The series of riffles and pools is expected to restore natural flows, spawning habitat and in-stream cycling. Collectively, the access to habitat needed to reach reproductive age will benefit walleye, smallmouth bass, bait fish and mussels, according to Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District, and benefits will also extend to anglers and paddlers. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
2/Dylan Nistler, with Technical Service Area 8 engineering, talks Wednesday, Feb. 5, about the progress of building the new structure that will replace the Crosslake Rock Dam on the Pine River. The project began in January and is expected to be complete by March 1. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
3/The Pine River flows Wednesday, Feb. 5, below the construction project at the Crosslake Rock Dam. The 50-year old dam is being replaced with a habitat friendly structure that will help aquatic life rebound in the river. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
4/Using heavy equipment, workers with Minnesota Native Landscapes construct temporary structures on the Pine River stream bed Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the site of the old Crosslake Rock Dam. Funding for this project was provided in part by the Clean Water Land Legacy Amendment through the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and Minnesota State Legislature. Partners include Pine Lake Association, Crow Wing County Highway Department, city of Crosslake, DNR, Crosslake U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Technical Service Area 8 engineering. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
