South Branch Wild Rice Lower, also known as Lower Dam, is a vital infrastructure located in Ulen, Minnesota, built in 1981 for flood risk reduction along the Wild Rice River S Branch. The dam, primarily owned and regulated by the local government, stands at a height of 21 feet and serves to manage a drainage area of 43 square miles. With a storage capacity of 2,215 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in controlling the river's flow and mitigating potential flood hazards in the Becker County region.

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the South Branch Wild Rice Lower dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential and remains in a not rated condition as of the last inspection in 2012. Despite not having a specific spillway type listed, the dam's design as an earth buttress structure ensures its stability and effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With state-mandated permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place, the dam continues to be a key asset in safeguarding the local community and environment from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this structure serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and climate resilience in the region.