DNR Won't Rebuild Flood Damaged Dam At Blue Mounds State Park

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Department of Natural Resources has decided against rebuilding a dam at Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne in southwestern Minnesota.

Heavy rain and flooding severely damaged the dam in June 2014, draining the lake behind it. The loss of the artificial lake disappointed many residents of Rock County, which has no natural lakes, so its swimming and other water recreation opportunities are limited.

But Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota state parks and trails, said Wednesday that the agency concluded the most responsible course is to remove the dam and restore Blue Mounds Creek to its normal channel.

The DNR cited concerns about water quality, such as E. coli bacteria, and endangered fish species in the creek.

Rebuilding the dam would cost $6.1 million. Removing it will cost $1.4 million.