DNR representative speaks about SV Creek's potential

By Sonya Hemrich
for Spring Valley Tribune

Spring Valley Tribune/STPNS

June 06, 2008

SPRING VALLEY, Minnesota (STPNS) -- Steve Klotz, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) area fisheries supervisor from the Lanesboro office, addressed members of the public and city council about the potential Spring Valley Creek has during a meeting on Wednesday, May 28.

Klotz stated that he has a "vision." He noted that he hates to use that word but can't think of a better word.

"Spring Valley has a lot of potential with Spring Valley Creek," he stated. "It's a beautiful trout stream. If we work together and get some volunteer projects going we can do a good job with this resource."

Klotz noted that the DNR currently stocks 1,000 rainbow trout in Spring Valley Creek for the kids to fish for. "We stock for the kids to catch and they are good to eat and it's a lot of fun," he said.

Klotz showed those present a slide depicting work that the DNR has done on Trout Run Creek. The work involved sculpting and lowering the banks and overall improving the habitat. It also made it easier to fish from the banks.

He stated that the city's creek might be a challenge because it doesn't have that floodplain and one has to think about protecting the people and their property.

In order for the DNR to do habitat work along the creek it needs an easement, because of a state statute, from the landowner. Klotz stated that the corridor width of its easement is 132 ft. He noted that the DNR would contact the landowners and work with those that are interested. The easements are perpetual and involve a one-time payment to the landowner. Klotz mentioned that the city of Spring Valley would run about $3,460 per acre.

Klotz also mentioned that there is 1,000 ft. of trout stream in Spring Valley that is worth about $15,000.

If landowners were interested, according to Klotz, on this stretch the DNR "could slope the banks, narrow the stream and make it a better habitat."

The DNR representative noted that all the easement allows for is for the DNR to do the work and allows the public to fish. "The landowner still owns the property," Klotz noted.

"If we had an easement by the trail there is so much we could do," he said. "But, we would have to talk to the landowners." He noted that currently there are no easements on Spring Valley Creek.

He mentioned that the city owns a bunch of this land so it would have enough to start with if the city were interested. "It is a cooperative thing," Klotz stated. "It's to make sure kids are able to fish the streams."

He noted that his goal is to start working with the city as best as he can and "the things can try to do I would like to start doing."

"The better we can make the resource, the prouder the people in town will be of it and take better care of it," Klotz noted. "This is pry already taking place."

Mayor Jim Struzyk stated that the council supports the DNR for the project.

Spring Valley Ponds

Klotz was asked by an audience member about what was currently going on with Spring Valley Ponds. He stated the Minnesota DNR is currently working with the late John Bondhus' wife in order to purchase the property.

"If we can acquire it, boy does that open the doors," he stated. "My vision for that is a couple of trout ponds stocked for fishing and some warm water fishing opportunities." He mentioned cleaning it up, making it more park-like, adding a parking lot and connecting to the trail. Klotz noted that it would have to be worked out with the city too because there would be upkeep.

"We are in the negotiation stages," he said. "We will pry find out within the next month. I think it will be a big plus for the community but a bunch of work."

Klotz noted that if the DNR can acquire the ponds that his hope is that will increase the interest in fixing up Spring Valley Creek.

He noted that if anyone is interested or wishes to obtain more information one can call his office in Lanesboro at (507) 467-2442 or e-mail him at lanesboro.fisheries@dnr.state.mn.us.

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