The Kinnickinnic River runs through downtown River Falls, Wisconsin, where it has been historically altered by two hydroelectric developments: Junction Falls and Powell Falls. The River Falls Hydroelectric Project, licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as Project No. 10489, included both dams, which together inundated a series of rapids, including the namesake Junction Falls.
The Junction Falls Dam is a 140-foot-long, 32-foot-high concrete structure creating Lake George, with a 250-kilowatt powerhouse. Powell Falls Dam, downstream, is a 110-foot-long, 16.5-foot-high concrete dam that formed Lake Louise, with a 125-kilowatt powerhouse. These small hydroelectric facilities, though historically significant, have long constrained river recreation and ecological function.
American Whitewater has supported exploration of dam removal on the Kinnickinnic River for decades, recognizing the potential for significant ecological restoration, enhanced fish passage, and new whitewater recreation opportunities in the heart of River Falls. In 2018, American Whitewater filed detailed study requests and comments with FERC urging that decommissioning both Junction Falls and Powell Falls be fully evaluated as a reasonable alternative under federal law. The organization highlighted the relatively small hydroelectric output relative to environmental and recreational impacts and emphasized the public interest in a restored, free-flowing river.
In 2021, following heavy flooding and damage at Powell Falls Dam, the City of River Falls applied to amend its FERC license to remove the Powell Falls development. The 2022 FERC order formally approved this amendment (178 FERC ¶ 62,056), decommissioning Powell Falls from the federal license while allowing the dam to remain in place under state oversight. The decision reflected broad support from state and federal agencies, local stakeholders, and community organizations. American Whitewater supported this step as an important milestone toward river restoration.
Meanwhile, the remaining Junction Falls Dam continues to operate. In 2025, FERC issued a new 40-year license for Junction Falls (191 FERC ¶ 62,132), authorizing continued hydropower generation in the near term. At the same time, the City of River Falls has formally adopted a long-term policy to discontinue hydroelectric operations and remove the remaining dam by 2040, reflecting a community vision for a restored, free-flowing river through downtown. American Whitewater remains engaged to ensure that opportunities for further restoration — including eventual removal of the Junction Falls Dam — remain central to implementation of that long-term plan.
The Kinnickinnic River restoration project represents a collaborative effort between the City of River Falls, state and federal agencies, and community stakeholders. With Powell Falls decommissioned and a clear long-term path for Junction Falls, the project sets the stage for expanded river recreation, improved water quality, and enhanced ecological function for generations of river users.