The Largest River Restoration Project in Michigan’s History
The largest river restoration project in Michigan’s history is happening right here in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed. The removal of Brown Bridge, Boardman and Sabin dams on the Boardman River will restore more than three river miles of native coldwater fisheries habitat, more than 250 acres of wetlands and nearly 60 acres of upland habitat.
The Watershed Center is involved in two collaborative efforts for the future of the Boardman and its watershed. First, we’re part of a team of conservation organizations and government agencies focused on dam removal. We received $533,000 in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding from EPA to manage sediment removal as the Brown Bridge and Sabin dams are dismantled. Managing sediment will protect aquatic habitat. This is critical because if excess sediments flow downstream, they could suffocate aquatic insects that provide food for fish.
Secondly, we are managing an unprecedented new watershed plan that will establish a blueprint for the stewardship, economic well-being and quality of life of the Boardman watershed. By integrating economic, social and environmental objectives, this new Prosperity Plan will serve as a model for long-term stewardship of critical watersheds throughout Michigan and the nation. The plan also builds on the success of the Grand Vision and will result in on-the-ground projects that support the Grand Vision’s guiding principles.
The Boardman River is a significant resource in our region. It is the second largest tributary to Grand Traverse Bay, supplying 30 percent of the Bay’s surface water. The Boardman is also hailed as a Blue Ribbon trout stream, being one of the top 10 trout streams in Michigan.
Restoring the river will also bring positive economic benefits to the region~more than $3 million from increased recreation, tourism and property values.
Future generations will look back at this as a watershed moment, a point when the community rightfully decided to free a river and let it return to its wild and native grandeur.
Implementation Team
The team makes decisions for overall planning and directing the dam removals. Implementation team members include:
- Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
- City of Traverse City
- Grand Traverse County
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment
- Michigan Hydro Relicensing Coalition
- Traverse City Light and Power
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Conservation Resource Alliance
- Grand Traverse Conservation District
- Grand Traverse County Road Commission
- Rotary Camps and Services
- Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay
Project Stages
Deconstruction and Modification, 2011-2013: The three dams will be deconstructed as engineering plans are finalized and funds are secured. The Union Street Dam will be modifed.- Restoration: 2013-2018: The Implementation Team will promote restoration to benefit fish and wildlife habitat.
You can learn more about the Boardman River Dam Project.
