Steamboat Rock Dam Removal and Fishing Park Master Plan

​Prepared by Paul Speed, P.E.
​
​Nate Hoogeveen with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) presented the “Steamboat Rock Dam Removal and Fishing Park Master Plan” to the Steamboat Rock City Council on March 8, 2021.  The master plan was developed based on the alternative most favored by the public (see Final Social Assessment Findings below) and the project partners. 
The master plan includes improvements along approximately 0.8 miles of the Iowa River including:

• Dam removal
• New in-water angling features
• New access to angling locations
• Bank stabilization
• New water access 

The plan will mitigate the safety hazard of the dam, restore fish passage, improve fish habitat throughout the river, and reduce the risk of flooding at Pine Ridge Park.  

​Engineering for the in-river portions of this plan is underway.  The project will be required to obtain permits from the Iowa DNR and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.  The Iowa DNR is leading the efforts to raise funds for construction.