Page updated on October 1, 2024
City Utilities will be removing two low-head dam structures in the Spy Run Creek. The upstream dam is located behind Science Central, south of Elizabeth Street while the downstream dam is in Lawton Park, next to the historic pedestrian bridge, north of Fourth Street.
These improvements will enhance aquatic habitat for mussels and their host fish. The proposed projects will also result in an improved fishery in Fort Wayne. Anglers frequent several parks to fish, and kayak fishing and paddling has become popular over recent years. This project also improves recreational safety on the Spy Run Creek by removing the threat of dangers from strong, turbulent and recirculating hydraulic forces and unseen obstructions.
Once complete, the project will significantly improve aquatic species movement and water quality, and open approximately 44 miles of river within the Maumee River Basin.
Spy Run Creek has two low head dams that were originally constructed to cool the turbines of an adjacent electric plant when the City of Fort Wayne generated electricity at what is now Science Central. Removing them will open the entirety of Spy Run Creek for aquatic movement between the creek and the St. Marys, St. Joseph, and Maumee Rivers.
Climate change is providing larger and more frequent rain events, and Fort Wayne has responded by making changes to local infrastructure. Removing the dam will restore natural aquatic river processes and the floodplain for Spy Run is expected to level out or even shrink.
Fort Wayne City Utilities
Role: Project Management and funding
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Fish Passage Program
Role: Technical assistance; federal compliance; and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act
Role: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding
Indiana Department of Natural Resource Division of Fish and Wildlife
Role: Technical assistance; Mussel monitoring; and Lake and River Enhancement funding
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation
Role: Project Support