The people in the image above are standing on an island, and the backhoe is on the sand berm. Fine sediments were placed in the area between the island and the sand berm to an elevation that would result in this area remaining aquatic as opposed to terrestrial. The source of sediments was the main channel for sand, and backwater areas for fines.

Constructed  by the Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District.

Trucks dumping sand to create this island, which breaks up wind to protect areas for aquatic vegetation to grow.

Construction was delayed on this island due to an eagle pair nesting in the right-most tree pictured here.

The rock barrier provides stability and protection from erosion, but is mixed with more natural access to sand beaches preferred by terrestrial species

Section 204 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992, Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials

The Army Corps of Engineers can create aquatic and wetland habitats in connection with construction or maintenance dredging of an authorized Federal navigation project.

This picture shows sediment being dredged prior to be transported to island construction site that will improve ecological health along the Mississippi River.