Tioga, ND- Tioga Dam Nature & Recreational Trail Project

CHALLENGE

The Tioga Dam is a 70+ acre recreational reservoir that was originally constructed in the 1950’s.  Over time amenities have been constructed in the Dam area including camping areas, a dog park, a kayak launch, a park shelter, etc. The City of Tioga sought to further enhance the dam area for public use by creating a recreational trail. This trail would provide a safe, accessible, and recreational space for the community and visitors around the scenic Tioga Dam. The trail needed to be designed at the correct elevation to avoid water inundation at the normal water elevation of the dam, while also accounting for drainage at water crossings.  The city also wanted to provide a continuous path around the dam which would require water crossings. The main objective was to provide additional recreational opportunities at the Dam for residents and visitors. However, inspections by the North Dakota State Water Commission had identified Safety Improvements with the dam that would need to be addressed in the design.

SOLUTION

Moore Engineering (MEI) provided a full range of services for the Tioga Dam and Nature Recreational Trail, including environmental assistance, design, permitting, construction administration, and on-site inspections. With the ongoing Dam Safety Improvements evaluation, it was determined that a portion of the trail project could proceed ahead of addressing these deficiencies.  Phase 1 of the project was developed which included an 8-foot-wide floating pedestrian bridge for crossing the dam, and about 5,000 feet of trail on the northern shoreline of the dam. This portion of the project was completed in the Fall of 2024. Phase 2 of the project will be completed at a later time upon completion of a project to address the Dam Safety Improvements. MEI worked closely with the City of Tioga to ensure the design met environmental and safety requirements while enhancing public access to the area.

OUTCOME

The project successfully created a safe and scenic recreational trail around a portion of the Tioga Dam, benefiting the community with an 8-foot-wide asphalt path, a pedestrian bridge, and a small gravel parking lot for visitors. The trail enhances outdoor activities for residents, attracts visitors, and offers a new outdoor space with a scenic view. Phase 1 of the trail was opened to the public in the Fall of 2024 after completion of construction. Moore provided the required services to design and assist in construction to ensure the success of the nature and recreational trail project.