Dam dangers: Anglers oppose DNR plans to make fishing areas safer

LITTLETON - The Department of Natural Resources intends to remove or modify a dangerous dam that most of this community's river enthusiasts want left alone.

“It would be irresponsible to leave the dam as is” because of the hazard it poses to recreationists, said Nate Hoogeveen, the DNR's river programs coordinator.

The Littleton dam is one of several in Eastern Iowa that the DNR wants to remove or modify under a program that preceded the failure last July of the Maquoketa River dam that formed Lake Delhi.

Unlike the catastrophic Lake Delhi dam failure, which imperiled downstream residents and caused extensive property damage and destruction, the dams targeted by the DNR impound much less water and present much less risk in the event of their failure.

Hoogeveen said the DNR wants to minimize the danger to anglers and boaters presented by the circulating currents caused by low-head dams, while improving the health of rivers by reconnecting stretches separated by dams.

Modifying or removing the dams also eliminates the need for costly repairs to maintain the aging and deteriorating structures, he said.

The Littleton dam, which has claimed nine lives since it was built about 80 years ago, ranks as the state's third-most dangerous low-head dam.

Despite the inherent danger of a deep pool roiled by dam-created circulating currents and eddies, anglers are among the fiercest opponents of the proposed changes.

“I've fished everywhere, and this spot is some of the best fishing I've ever had,” said Rod Morris, 50, of rural Vinton, who grew up in Littleton and returns there often to fish.

The well-oxygenated water makes for a healthy fish environment, said Roy Brockmeyer of Oelwein, another regular at the dam.

“This has been our river all our lives and now they want to mess it all up,” Brockmeyer said.

Sue Stilwell, 60, who lives along the river a few miles downstream of Littleton, said she worries that dam removal will unleash loads of silt now contained in the impoundment above the dam. She also worries that hydrological changes will reshape the river in ways detrimental to fish and wildlife.

Recreation in the unincorporated Buchanan County hamlet revolves around the dam, said Craig Coventry, whose son, Randy Coventry of Orlando, Fla., owns the land upon which the dam is situated. He bought it after the former owners had already sold the DNR an easement giving the state control over the dam, Coventry said.

Coventry said his family had planned to develop a campground along the river but doubts that anyone would want to camp there after the dam is removed.

Hoogeveen said the DNR has considered three options for the site after the dam is removed: a full set of rock riffles to the same height as the dam, rock riffles to half the height of the dam and a free-flowing river.

Noting that the full-height riffle could cost as much as $1 million, Hoogeveen said the half riffle “looks like the most promising option.” The DNR estimates the cost of removing the dam and not replacing it with anything ranges from $21,000 to $46,000.

The half riffle, he said, would alleviate the risk of drownings while preserving the scour hole that contributes to the area's excellent fishing.

“Optimistically, we would like to begin work this fall or early winter,” Hoogeveen said.

If the DNR opts for the rock riffle, it would be the state's second or third, depending upon whether the one slated for construction on the Wapsipinicon at Quasqueton beats it to the finish line.

The state's first artificial rock riffle, which last fall replaced the Vernon Springs dam on the Turkey River south of Cresco, has been well received, said Harold Chapman, director of the Howard County Conservation Department.

“It solved our safety and structural problems, while opening up the upper Turkey to fish from downstream,” Chapman said.