Status

The study kicked-off in 2023 and the team is drafting initial alternatives.

UMRR graphic

Lower Pool 4 - Robinson Lake Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project

Robinson Lake placemat

(click to enlarge)

Location

Pool 4, Upper Mississippi River, Miles 760.2-752.8, Wabasha County, Minnesota and Buffalo County, Wisconsin, Congressional Districts: MN-2, WI - 3

Partners

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minnesota and Wisconsin departments of natural resources

Phases

The Lower Pool 4 study has been separated into three phases: Phase 1 – Big Lake, Phase 2 – Robinson Lake, and Phase 3 – Tank Pond. Phase 1 – Big Lake is currently in the feasibility phase, and it is anticipated that the feasibility study will be complete in 2024. Phase 2 – Robinson Lake will start the feasibility phase in 2023. Phase 3 – Tank Pond does not have an anticipated start date for feasibility at this time.

Description

The overall goal of the Robinson Lake HREP is to maintain/enhance/create quality habitat for native and desirable plant, animal, and fish species.

The Lower Pool 4 study area encompasses approximately 9,382 acres of open backwater, meandered side channel, main channel border, and island formations from state Highway 25 (Nelson Dike) at Wabasha, Minnesota, to Lock and Dam 4 near Alma, Wisconsin. It includes the main stem of the Mississippi River and portions of the Buffalo River. The site lies within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.