A long-planned habitat restoration effort along the Mississippi River near Montrose is moving forward through a partnership involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local officials.
The project will rebuild a series of islands in Pool 19 that have gradually eroded and become more flood-prone since the construction of Lock and Dam No. 19 in 1913. Work has been in development since 2021, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District leading planning efforts and coordinating with regional partners.
Officials say the restoration is important because Pool 19 serves as a key stopover for migratory birds—especially diving ducks—and provides critical habitat for fish and other aquatic life. Despite its ecological importance, the area has historically received little attention from major federal restoration programs.
The effort aims to rebuild island elevations and improve habitat conditions, helping reduce the impacts of flooding while supporting wildlife along this stretch of the river.
