Senate Approves Environmental Bill Including River Cleanup

The Minnesota Senate sent an environment bill to the Governor this weekend that included a proposal from Sen. Al DeKruif to lift state rules against individuals cutting dead or downed trees from river and stream banks.

DeKruif, who represents Northfield, said one of his environmental concerns was the annual flooding that occurs on the Minnesota River from Mankato to the Twin Cities.

“In the spring of the year, nearly every year, we have a real problem with flooding in that area,” DeKruif said. He cited tornado damage around St. Peter, which felled trees. “Local folks wanted to go in and cut up those trees, and were told by the DNR, no they can’t because that’s habitat. I worked together with the LeSueur County Emergency Management Director Ann Traxler to pass legislation to allow cutting dead trees and cleaning up debris to help eliminate the logjam problems we have.”

It was similar debris that washed downstream and created a dangerous situation that ultimately took the life of MnDOT employee and Cleveland resident Michael Struck last March. Struck was swept away and drowned when the backhoe he was operating fell into floodwaters at Seven Mile Creek.

“This is a common-sense change that may prevent similar tragedies,” DeKruif said.

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