LINN COUNTY, Iowa — Palisades-Kepler State Park, known for its scenic river views and trails, is facing concerns over its aging dam on the Cedar River. The low-head dam is old, crumbling, and in desperate need of upgrades.
The Natural Resources Commission recently approved a contract with Stantec Consulting Services of Ohio to analyze the area, gather public opinions, and finalize a plan for the project. They’ll either be lowering the height of the dam or will remove it.
“The biggest goals are safety, ensuring the public still has good spots to fish, maybe even better spots to fish if we can accomplish that. To preserve the fishery and the important spawning that occurs in this area,” River Programs Coordinator for the Iowa DNR, Nate Hoogeveen said.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) highlighted the park as one of the largest sturgeon spawning areas in the country. The construction plan aims to work around the aquatic life to protect the fish and improve safety for visitors, reducing on-water incidents…