The Jim Falls Hydroelectric Project (FERC P-2491) provides whitewater releases during the summer months for recreation. While the original license that was issued on July 24, 1984 did not include these recreational flows, it was amended as part of the The Lower Chippewa River Settlement Agreement (LCRSA), filed with FERC on February 1, 2001 and approved on February 12, 2003.

The LCRSA sets forth the principal environmental conditions for several projects including the Holcombe Project No. 1982, Wissota Project No. 2567, Dells Project No. 2670, Jim Falls Project No. 2491, Chippewa Falls Project No. 2440, and Cornell Project No. 2639.

Of particular interest to boaters, Article 42 of the Jim Falls license was amended for the benefit of fish and recreation. The original license called for a minimum flow of 240 cfs from ice-out, in spring, through October 31, and a minimum flow of 20 cfs from November 1 through ice-out in spring. This flow regime was modified as follows:

• A minimum flow of 850 cfs is provided into the Jim Falls Project bypass reach from April 1 through May 31 to enhance lake sturgeon spawning habitat, and a minimum flow of 240 cfs is provided the remainder of the year, for the protection and enhancement of aquatic habitat in the Chippewa River.

• 650 cfs is provided on the second and fourth Saturdays in July and on the second Saturday and third Sunday in August between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to provide whitewater boating opportunities in the Chippewa River bypassed reach at the Jim Falls Project.

FERC Staff assessed the suitability of the river for kayaking, and determined that the natural river channel has several rapids and narrow chutes with some 20 feet of fall over its approximately 0.75-mile length impacted by the project, and offers the best whitewater opportunities among the Chippewa River Project sites. The releases are provided when whitewater opportunities are typically rare because of lower river flows, and benefit the region by offering whitewater opportunities on the Chippewa River where they do not currently exist.

Documents

• FERC Order Amending Article 42, issued Feb 12, 2003
• Lower Chippewa River Settlement Agreement, filed Feb 1, 2001