top of page
Orland, IN
FAWN RIVER RESTORATION
The Fawn River Dam Removal and Restoration project fully restores river connectivity and ecological health by replacing a degraded dam with engineered riffles, rock vanes, and naturalized riverbanks that improve water quality and support aquatic passage for both people and wildlife.
2016-2018
Flatland Resources led the dam removal and stream restoration design and construction, implementing engineered riffles, rock vanes, and stabilized banks to restore river connectivity, improve aquatic habitat, and enhance recreational use.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Fawn River fish hatchery near Orland in northern Indiana historically featured an earthen dam used to divert water into the Indiana Department of Natural Resources fish ponds. The removal of the hatchery dam was an outcome of a sediment release at the hatchery. An estimated release 100,000 cubic yards of sediment dropped out along the next 5 miles downstream impacting the stream ecology.
The discharge led to Clean Water Act case law in Green Mills, Inc v. Indiana Department of Natural Resources case law. After the conclusion of the DNR determined that the Fawn River Hatchery Dam was obsolete with removal being the best course of action after restoration of the downstream area impacted by the hatchery discharge.
Through a competitive bidding process, FlatLand Resources was awarded the project to remove the dam plus the restoration of approximately 1700 feet of stream. The restored stream increased the recreational uses of the river with an increase of brown trout population as well. FlatLand Resources constructed the Fawn River Fish Hatchery dam removal and stream restoration project during one of the wettest falls on record and a record flood event.
PROJECT PERSONNEL
DAVID
project lead
+project manager
bottom of page