Headwaters Restorations 1 & 2 2015

In 2012, the SRRWD purchased 257 acres of land located at the headwaters to the Shell Rock River for the purpose of providing fish and wildlife habitat restoration, water quality, flood control and recreational opportunities. The $2.56 million dollar project was funded by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund in 2011.

The property has various amenities that include the headwaters to the Shell Rock River,1.4 miles of shoreline to the Shell Rock, floodplain, and mesic hardwood forest. The area is also home to undisturbed and highly diversified wetland complexes and riparian corridors, along with possible pre-historic Native American sites.

The land acquisition was a key step in replacing the old Albert Lea Lake Dam structure. Now that the Albert Lea Lake Dam is complete, the parcel of land is transferred over to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to be managed as an Aquatic Management Area (AMA).