Portage Creek Fish Passage Restoration Project

This project will reestablish fish passage between Portage and Leech Lakes and reduce shoreline erosion by removing the existing dam on the Soo Line Trail and replacing it with natural grade control. The existing dam on the Soo Line Trail, below Portage Lake on Portage Creek, will be removed and replaced with natural grade control. This will consist of a series of rock weirs designed to slow water velocity and allow fish to migrate upstream. The grade control will also be designed to manage water levels on Portage Lake slightly lower than historic levels in order to reduce shoreline erosion from high water ice heave. A bridge will be built on the Soo Line Trail to span Portage Creek. All work from planning through contract administration and monitoring will be performed by the USFS and the LLBO. Construction/maintenance activities would be accomplished by a hired contractor. CPL funds will be used for bridge installation completed by a hired contractor.