The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will lower the water level of the “St. Anthony pool” — between Upper and Lower St. Anthony Falls locks and dams — by 13 feet on Feb. 20, and John Anfinson and Dave Wiggins, from the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service, will lead a walking tour of the area. Those interested are invited to see the St. Anthony Falls lower than it has been for over 20 years, states a release from Friends of the Mississippi River (FOMR), the organization handling arrangements for the two-hour tour, which starts on the Stone Arch Bridge at noon.

States the FOMR release:

The Corps is conducting the drawdown, which they do every 20 years, to facilitate a tunnel inspection. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Friends of the Mississippi River and the National Park Service will offer an interpretive tour of the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls.

Starting on the Stone Arch Bridge overlooking the river, John and Dave will discuss the site’s historical significance, provide an overview of the lock and dam’s construction, and identify important points of interest exposed by the lower water level. The tour will head across the bridge to Mill Ruins Park where participants will get a close look at the exposed river bottom. National Park Service rangers will also be in the area to answer questions throughout the day.

The tour is free, but pre-registration is required. Please sign up in advance with Friends of the Mississippi River at spt@fmr.org or 651-222-2193 ext. 16.

Please include your name, full contact information and the number in your party. It is imperative we be able to reach you in case of weather-related changes; for this purpose, consider including your personal and work e-mail addresses.

last revised: February 18, 2008

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