Fort Randall Dam Tailrace
Pickstown, SD
Improving fishing access and safety were the genesis for the recreation improvements at Fort Randall Dam Tailrace. The fishery below the dam attracts bald eagles and people wanting to catch the large fish present in the tailwaters. It also attracts people coming to observe the eagles attracted to the tailrace. The steep bank down to the water’s edge, coupled with changing water levels limited access for elderly visitors and persons with disabilities. The swift waters kept families from enjoying an outing at the tailwater.
US Army Corps of Engineers staff stationed at Fort Randall Dam wanted to improve visitor access and safety, and selected Big Muddy, who was a sub-contractor to an Omaha architecture firm for this IDIQ contract with the USACE.
After a 2-day design charrette, a concept emerged that became the basis for the master plan and subsequent 35% Design-Build RFP document. The design envisioned a new, safer one-way road system to improve vehicle access, built nearer the water elevation. The road would run on a new terrace cut into the existing bank and across a new embankment. The embankment would close-off a small bay, creating a pond for fishing, away from the swift tailrace. Fish stocking in this two-acre pond, coupled with a broad, level terrace around the pond’s perimeter, provides a safe and accessible fishing experience.
Three fishing piers will be located along the tailwater. Accessible parking stalls and walks at each pier provide a completely accessible angling experience. The reduced distance and vertical drop to the tailwater’s edge makes it easy to fish from the riverbank.
In addition to a new road alignment, fishing pond, and accessible fishing piers, Big Muddy also developed a signage plan and designed six wayside exhibits to be displayed in the eagle viewing area. While the project was intended to be let as a Design-Build project, Fort Randall management used in-house staff and resources to complete all grading, road construction, bank protection and the fishing pond.