Friends of Pool 2

06/20/2026

🌊 Pool 2's parks, trails, boat launches, and river access points are enjoyed by anglers, paddlers, boaters, hikers, birdwatchers, and families alike. As recreation activity increases throughout the season, a little awareness can go a long way.

Be mindful of your surroundings, keep walkways and launch areas clear, respect personal space, and remember that everyone is there to enjoy the outdoors in their own way. Practicing courtesy and patience helps create a safer, more welcoming experience for all.

Share the space. Respect the river. Enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

06/20/2026

This event offers an easy (and free) way to get to know the river!

After a couple years hiatus, Share the River is back! Join us on Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to noon for a free, low-stakes way to experience the Mississippi […]

06/19/2026

Osprey rescue. Great teamwork. Another reminder to pick up your fishing line before you leave.

06/19/2026

💙 These students shared their creativity. Let's show them our support!

Our Youth River Art Scholarship Auction is underway, and every bid helps fund student scholarships while supporting Friends of Pool 2 programs.

🎨 Support young artists
🎓 Invest in scholarships
🌊 Support Pool 2

Even if you can't bid, sharing this post helps us reach more supporters.

🔗 Bid now: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/friends-of-pool-2-online-scholarship-art-auction-2
⏰ Auction ends soon!

06/18/2026

⚓ Thank You, Marine ⚓

Whether you're looking to buy a boat, sell one, keep it looking its best, or need an experienced captain, Gallus Marine has you covered.

Their support helps strengthen our boating community and makes events like ours possible.

📞 612-210-0531

Thank you, Gallus Marine, for supporting Friends of Pool 2 and the river community!

06/18/2026

Have you noticed the new island taking shape upstream of Lock & Dam 2? 🌿🚤

This isn't a natural island—it's a major habitat and infrastructure improvement project led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The new protective island is being constructed to help shield the nearly 100-year-old embankment at Lock & Dam 2 from wind, waves, and erosion. Built using material dredged from the navigation channel, the island will serve multiple purposes:

✅ Protect critical river infrastructure
✅ Improve fish and wildlife habitat
✅ Create wetlands and native vegetation areas
✅ Provide overwintering habitat for fish
✅ Support a healthier Mississippi River ecosystem

Construction began in 2025 and is expected to continue through 2027. Once completed, the island will feature native grasses, trees, wetland habitat, and rock structures that benefit both wildlife and river health.

Projects like this help balance navigation, conservation, and recreation on Pool 2—ensuring the river remains a valuable resource for future generations.

👇check it out: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters

06/17/2026

♻️ Leave No Trace!

Bring it in, take it out. Keeping trash out of the river helps protect Pool 2's wildlife, water quality, and natural beauty for future generations.

06/17/2026

On the bright side...

06/17/2026

Awwww!

Water safety is for everyone - human babies and fur babies alike! Make sure your entire family is wearing a life jacket every time you’re in, on, or near open water to ensure that your visit is great.


Mississippi Valley Division (US Army Corps of Engineers)

06/17/2026

Congratulations to Joe!

A rare record for a rare fish: the blue sucker! 🎣

Joe Busch of Cottage Grove reeled in this 31.25-inch blue sucker off the Mississippi River in May. The fish secured the new state catch-and-release record. 📏

Blue suckers were once common and highly prized by commercial fisheries, known as the "Sweet Sucker." Habitat loss and water pollution in the early 1900s decimated their numbers, but they have been slowly recovering since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972. 💧

A little story from Joe on the catch:

"This fish jumped out of the water behind us while fighting," Joe said. "I told my buddy that I think this might be a blue sucker. It looked different than any other fish we had caught but was not 100% sure till we had landed it. This fish put up a great fight and was a pleasant surprise to both of us!"

Congratulations Joe on a special record for a special fish! 💙

Learn more about Minnesota's state record fish program: mndnr.gov/fishing/staterecords.html