Project Overview
MNTU partnered with the City of Hermantown to replace an undersized barrier culvert on Keene Creek at Okerstrom Road with a properly sized pre-cast concrete arch culvert with headwall and wingwalls, reconnecting wild brook trout with 8,300-ft of habitat. This new passage connects two previous MNTU in-stream projects above and below the crossing, and the installation included a new cross vein to maintain depth of the pool below the culvert, added toewood and boulders within the pool, riffle substrate throughout the culvert, and the planting of dozens of native trees, including white pine, white spruce, and white cedar along the stream edge.
Before
The previous culvert at Keene Creek (Okerstrom Road, Hermantown) was an undersized barrier for fish passage during high and low flows and lacked suitable substrate for spawning and food production.
During
Removal of old culvert and installation of new culvert at Keene Creek.
After
Following construction, this new culvert on Keene Creek features improved substrate, habitat, and passage for brook trout. Downstream of new culvert on Keene Creek. The project added toewood and boulder habitat while maintaining a deep pool. Several dozen white pine and white cedar trees were planted to restore riparian shade along the stream.
Students from Concordia College visit Keene Creek and learn about the importance of replacing barrier culverts to improve fish passage for wild and native brook trout in rivers along the North Shore of Minnesota. The undergraduates also electrofished in Keene Creek, above the new culvert that re-established passage to over 1.5 miles of habitat to wild brook trout.
Additional Information
Related projects: Stream habitat improvement project upstream 800-feet (2021) and downstream 1,200-ft (2022).
Angler access: Anglers can access Keene Creek from Okerstrom Road in Keene Creek Park. There is access for fishing above and below the crossing within the park.
LSOHF funding allocation: CPL grant, City of Hermantown
Other partners: City of Hermantown
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