JCCB votes 4-1 to remove portion of dam


Jerry Pasker of Monticello addresses the Conservation Board during their Aug. 24 meeting. Several people spoke their peace before the board voted 4-1 to move forward with removal of the dam. The members of the board are, from left, Conservation Director Brad Mormann, Larry Pisarik, Dean Zimmerman, Russ VonBehren, Rob Roman, and Dave Tabor. (Photo by Kim Brooks)
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     A 4-1 vote by the members of the Jones County Conservation Board (JCCB) favored proceeding with the process of removing roughly 80 percent of Monticello’s Mon Maq Dam.

     The motion was made to reflect the notion of reconnecting and restoring the Maquoketa River as a continuous water recreational trail.

     After numerous public meetings, and an ongoing 10-year process that involved two Conservation directors, the board felt that the most recent option, Option A, was the right way to go.

     This alternative, one of many, calls for partial removal of the 100-plus-year-old dam structure, adding arching boulders across the channel. According to the plans, the boulders would be positioned to allow paddler, tube, and boat passage during regular flow seasons. This would be done lowering the elevation of the boulders directly above the scour hole and near fishing access points. Development of as handicap accessible sidewalk would allow all visitors the opportunity to move closer to the cascading water and fishing access.

     A fully intact portion of the dam would remain on the north end for historical interpretation, in addition to signage explaining the history of the site, some of which is currently on display.

     The project would also benefit Kitty Creek in Monticello. A rock arch rapids structure would be constructed below the City of Monticello’s sewer line crossing in the creek. Four arching rows of large boulders would be placed on the surface to increase surface roughness and add structural stability.

     Option A comes at a total cost estimate (engineering and construction) of $1.8 million. Total funding to date in grants and donations/contributions is over $2 million.

     With over 40 people in attendance at the Aug. 24 Conservation meeting, including two county supervisors, each member of the board shared his thoughts on how he intended to vote. Dean Zimmerman was the lone vote against proceeding with the current proposal.

     Zimmerman was primarily concerned with the preservation of wetlands that could be affected by dam removal, a sentiment that was also shared by Jerry Pasker of Monticello.

     “If the Corps of Engineers determines that the wetlands are negatively affected, they’re very unlikely to stop a project because of that,” said Zimmerman. “They’re more likely, at that point, to prescribe some type of mitigation. They would require us to create a similar wetland or other wetlands elsewhere. What I don’t know is the cost of that.”

     Conservation Director Brad Mormann said the JCCB would work with the Corps to put together a wetland monitoring plan “to see if or what would happen.” Mormann said some of the current wetlands may change; there would be some losses, and some gains.

     “We do have it in our budget to monitor this and go from there,” said Mormann.

     Rob Roman, JCCB, wanted to note and thank the Board of Supervisors for their support, which was voted upon during their Aug. 8 meeting. This was also a 4-1 vote in support of Conservation’s efforts to raise money and remove a portion of the dam.

     “It’s important to note that the $2 million is available now, as of today,” said Roman.

     Zimmerman questioned whether removal of the dam would negatively impact the environmental habitat of the Maquoketa River where the wildlife is concerned.

     “I don’t believe the fish and wildlife service, with their interest specific for that sort of activity (fishing), would grant money if they believed it would hurt the fish and wildlife resources.”

     Roman said some have questioned whether JCCB is staying in line with NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act). He said the goal of that act is to foster excellent action that protects and enhances the environment.

     “I appreciate all of the comments on cultural issues, but this, in my opinion, is a bit different,” said Roman. “This is not a building, bridge or road. This is a dam, a cultural resource, and river, a natural resource. As I look at balance, what comes to the top is a natural resource. And that’s where I’m at on this issue.”

     Zimmerman said he just wants to honor the 3,000-plus people who signed petitions that circulated throughout Jones County, signing in support of saving Mon Maq Dam. “I don’t think we’ve taken a serious look at not removing the dam,” he said. “And I think that’s what these people are asking.”

     Dave Tabor, JCCB, acknowledged the differing of opinions concerning the future of the dam.

     “They are based on different priorities, different assumptions,” he said. “It’s the recognition or non-recognition of some pertinent facts.”

     Tabor said his vote in support of the project was the conclusion of public input and rational review of the facts.

     “This is not just something we dreamed up in our sleep,” continued Tabor. “We had input from many agencies.”

     Russ VonBehren, JCCB, said he was initially against tearing out the dam. But after numerous meetings and hearing from those involved in the project, he sees things differently now. He also pointed out that this process has been ongoing for a decade.

     “It took nine years to get you people in front of us,” he said to the crowd.

     VonBehren said while his vote won’t make everyone happy, “this process is far from over.

     “Could the dam be saved after this vote?” he asked. “Absolutely.”

     He said many things in the process are unanswered right now, but the JCCB won’t know what the future holds if they don’t pursue the project.

     “We’re sitting here with this opportunity and the money there,” he said.

     Larry Pisarik, who’s been on the JCCB the longest, said they’ve put in many hours of research and consideration into this project over the past 10 years.

     “We’ve consulted several agencies,” he said. “This is not something we concocted ourselves. We haven’t taken this lightly, and have had to set aside our personal feelings.”

     Pisarik said the vote does not mean the project is a done deal.

     “There are a lot of hoops to jump through,” he said. “The project could come to a halt at any place along the way. But we are responsible for making the decision.”

     The board also heard from several people in the audience, allowing them a few minutes each to address the public.

     Don Bohlken, former Monticello resident, asked those present to raise their hand if they were in favor of keeping the dam. Based on the majority of hands in the air, he said it looks at though the majority of Jones County is in favor of saving the dam.

     “Are we a government of the people, by the people, and for the people? Or are we a government for the people by the government of the government?” questioned Bohlken. “I think that this is pretty representative of Jones County right here in terms of what they want.”

     Tom Osborne of Monticello addressed public opinion.

     “You have fast growing public opposition,” he said.

     Osborne also referred to a countywide survey where 93 percent favored keeping the dam.

     “If you move forward,” he said, “I would hope that your vote recognizes public opposition.”

     Quinn Phelan, also of Monticello, spoke of Mon Maq’s historical reference in Monticello.

     “It’s an historical fixture in the community,” he said. “It’s a great backdrop for a city park.”

     Phelan said the excuse that it’s inconvenient to portage around the dam is not valid, as people have been portaging around the dam for 100-plus years.

     “I would just ask the Conservation Board to maintain and keep the dam in good condition,” concluded Phelan. “It’s has a unique profile in this community.”

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