Building demolition to begin at former Luster Heights Prison Camp

Site being cleared for future McGregor District office of Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) maintenance workers are traveling from refuges all over the Midwest to begin demolition of the former Luster Heights Prison Camp. The buildings are being demolished to clear the site for the future McGregor District office of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.  

The maintenance workers will be joined by members of the deferred maintenance strike teams. The strike team members, demolition project and the new office are funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. This crew of six to eight USFWS employees will begin work on June 6, and is expected to complete the project on June 26.  

Demolition debris will be hauled off-site by Southwest Sanitation. The demolition site and entrance road will be closed to public access during this time. Staff ask that visitors to the surrounding Yellow River State Forest Luster Heights unit enter the trail system from the west, as a small section of the north trail will be closed for three weeks to accommodate the construction traffic.

Cushing Terrell, an architecture, engineering and design firm, is currently developing the conceptual site plan for the new office. Construction on the new office and maintenance facilities is expected to begin in the fall of 2023 or early 2024.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. USFWS is both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on the agency’s work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.