The recent flooding is the worst in memory and perhaps the worst in history. When we formed the Watershed Board, one important mission was to control water bounce. Obviously, nothing has been accomplished thus far. In fact, we don’t hear much discussion of it.

There are only two ways to reduce or eliminate the flooding. One is to hold water back in impoundments and release it slowly with coffer dams. The other is to speed the water down the Shell Rock River. We probably need to do both.

One of our first and most distinguished watershed board managers was Mr. Ken Nelson.  This man has over 100 patents, most having to do with water flow. He designed the perfect adjustable dam for Albert Lea Lake, which would double water exit from the lake and facilitate water management. Then he built a working model of his dam using his own money.

This model was hailed by the Corps of Engineers, DNR and virtually everyone who viewed it as an important part of the solution to our frequent flooding.  The last that anyone has seen or heard of Ken’s remarkable solution was at a meeting in the courthouse a few years ago. At that meeting, the water board chairman told Ken to stop interfering and to go home. He did.  Let’s take another look.

Anthony Trow

Albert Lea