Photo Credit: Shawn Donais, MN DNR
In 2009, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) completed a master plan for the Ottertail River, which flows 186 miles in the northwest part of Minnesota. Part of that study concluded that an 8-mile stretch of the river was not navigable into the city of Fergus Falls because no canoe/kayak access existed above Central Dam. In 2011, the city wanted to bring river enthusiasts into town while providing an area for a portaging around the dam. Many river travelers were bypassing the city and entering the river downstream.
1 + 1 = Project
The city already had a location along the Ottertail River in Veteran’s Park; however, funds were not available to build a dock system and an ADA approach to the shoreline. The local DNR office also saw a need for an access, but the agency could not provide the engineering for the project due to staffing limitations and other priorities. Both the city and the DNR realized they needed to work together because one entity couldn’t accomplish the project on its own.