Rivers/Streams

MNL partnered with Great River Energy to restore native pollinator habitat at their Elk River campus, the former site of a decommissioned waste-to-energy facility. Planted in fall 2023 with a diverse native seed mix, the project supports GRE’s Pollinator Strong initiative and its participation in the Monarch CCAA.

This restoration adds to the 9 acres already planted at the site and advances GRE’s goal of establishing 600 acres of pollinator habitat across Minnesota. We’re proud to support projects that improve biodiversity, reduce maintenance costs, and show how utility lands can serve ecological and community goals.

For decades Trout Brook in Afton, Minnesota was in disrepair, lacking the wildlife it once harbored. In 2023, work began restoring the stream to its natural state, and thus able to provide habitat for Brook Trout the stream’s namesake. To repair the straightened stream, MNL implemented a re-meander allow the stream to flow naturally through the landscape.

The project was completed with the contributions of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Great River Greening, and the South Washington Watershed District.

The Crow River Bank Stabilization Project focused on stabilizing around 500 linear feet of eroding bank in St. Michael, MN. The project incorporated various bio-engineering practices, such as site grading, toe wood installation, and the use of woven erosion blankets. Additionally, native seeding and live staking were implemented to enhance the stabilization efforts.

Situated in Albert Lea, across the lake from Myre-Big Island State Park, the head of the Shell Rock River required a change in the flow of water. Undertaken in the winter of ’21 and ’22, our team worked tirelessly through long, cold days in wet conditions to complete the restoration. Various techniques were employed, including tree revetments, grading, root wads, straw blankets, rock riffles, and permeable dikes.

A dam built in 1970 on Pine River in Crow Wing county was no longer functioning properly for both wildlife and humans. Nearby home owners experienced flooding and in turn keeping Big Pine lake at a lower water level. MNL executed a highly intricate plan including series of rock weirs to control the stream both up and downstream while allowing migrating fish to pass easily.