|
|
|
April 15, 2000
Falls future discussed by Nicollet BoardBy GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer ST. PETER -- The future of Minnemishinona Falls has become a major concern for Nicollet County officials, who heard a presentation this week during a county commission meeting. The falls, located on Highway 41 west of North Mankato, has become the subject of concern recently, when the chain link fence along the edge of the cliff collapsed. The owner of the falls, Craig Muellerleile, who constructed the fence and opens the area for tourists, contacted county officials regarding concerns over possible liability with the situation. "It is the goal right now to obtain some source of public funding that will allow the county to purchase the falls and replace the fence," Nicollet County Director of Public Works Mike Wagner said. "There is also the possibility of erosion at the bottom of the falls that creates some hazard as well." Wagner used the word possibility, because county officials are hoping to conduct a study of the falls and the surrounding rock surfaces to determine if erosion is the cause of the collapsed fence. "If that is the case, then it is our goal to see if we can do something to prevent erosion," he said. "If erosion continues it will eventually threaten the road and the bridge." The area at the top of the falls, which are about 50 feet above the lower river, is hard rock, but there is a soft layer underneath where the problem has begun, he said. "If preserving the falls is not an option, then we will need to see what can be done to protect the road," Wagner said. "It is our belief that the erosion, and thus the falls, will follow the creek upstream, causing problems in the future." All the discussions are preliminary at this time, because there are too many questions to answer before any work can begin on preservation and protection, he said. "There are different sources of money, and a committee has been formed that will help study the situation and make recommendations," he said. The collapse of the fence is a recent event that has caused Muellerleile some concern with safety. As a result, he has stated he will not allow people to see the falls anymore unless something can be done. the falls are a popular spot for many local residents. "By obtaining funds and purchasing the falls, it is our hope that the county will be able to preserve the falls for public use and protect it from erosion," Wagner said. "I hesitate to use the term park, because it is surrounded by private land. The only park in the county is Seven-Mile Creek, which is quite a draw to residents." Part of the problem stems from the fact that Highway 23, which leads from Highway 14 to Judson, will be paved this fall. The county is trying to designate it as an alternate route for the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway, since it has a bridge crossing the river. "If the falls are preserved, then it will enhance the scenic byway," Wagner said. "Nothing is going on at this point, because we need participating money." There is a well worn path on a point of land along the east side of the falls that has been used for many years, and county officials would like to see that continue, he said.
|