Crow Wing County Historical Society Requests Onsite Review of Archaeological Site

Strategic Insights -

The Crow Wing County Historical Society has submitted comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on the relicensing process for three hydroelectric projects: Little Falls, Sylvan, and Pillager. The society, along with the Friends of Old Crow Wing, has expressed concerns about the lack of adequate review and protection of the Chippewa Agency Historic District, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They are requesting an onsite review of the archaeological site and supplemental information from the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Crow Wing County Historical Society and the Friends of Old Crow Wing have been participating in and commenting on the relicensing process since July 2023.
  • The society is requesting an onsite review of the Chippewa Agency Historic District, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, due to concerns about the lack of adequate review and protection.
  • The society is also requesting that the supplemental information requested by the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office be developed.
  • The existing study has been criticized for its inadequacies, and the society is seeking a more comprehensive approach to protecting the archaeological site.
  • The society has been working closely with the Minnesota State Historical Preservation Office and has filed comments on May 16, 2025 (Document Accession #20250602).
  • The Friends of Old Crow Wing are a 501(c)3 organization that has been advocating for the protection of the Chippewa Agency Historic District.

Statistics:

  • 3 hydroelectric projects are being relicensed by FERC: Little Falls, Sylvan, and Pillager (P-2532, P2454, or P-2663).
  • The Chippewa Agency Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (73000967_R).
  • 1 enclosure is included with the commentssubmitted by the Crow Wing County Historical Society.
  • Comments were filed by the Crow Wing County Historical Society on May 16, 2025 (Document Accession #20250602).

Sources:

  • FERC Project No. 2532 (Little Falls Hydroelectric Project)
  • FERC Project No. 2454 (Sylvan Hydroelectric Project)
  • FERC Project No. 2663 (Pillager Hydroelectric Project)
  • Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (Email: history@crowwing.gov, Website: www.crowwinghistory.org)
  • Crow Wing County Historical Society (Email: history@crowwing.gov, Website: www.crowwinghistory.org, Street Address: 320 Laurel Street Brainerd, MN 56401, Phone: (218) 829-3268)
  • Friends of Old Crow Wing (501(c)3 organization)