Goose Creek

Project description

The Goose Creek barrier is a Graduated Field Fish Barrier owned and operated by the Shell Rock River Watershed District, one of five barriers installed within the district’s boundaries. It is an open channel electric barrier with vertical side walls and electrodes flush-mounted to the barrier slab and walls.

The barrier was designed to prevent upstream migration of invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and Bighead Carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) to Goose Lake, an upstream waterbody in the Albert Lea Chain of Lakes. The barrier can also deter upstream migration of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), a species that currently resides in the Albert Lea Chain of Lakes.

A unique aspect of the Goose Creek Barrier is its location adjacent to the Green Lea Golf Course. Smith-Root, Shell Rock River Watershed District, and Green Lea Golf Course partnered closely during design, construction, and initial commissioning and operations to assure the objectives of the District and the Golf Course were both being met. Project implementation included the filling of a small water hazard adjacent to the 17th green, the removal of several trees, and the installation of a control building and backup generator adjacent to the 11th fairway. Signage on and around the barrier advises golfers to avoid the barrier and indicates the location of a nearby drop zone.

Goose Creek Barrier is Smith-Root’s 14th barrier installation in Minnesota.