Northwest Michigan Stream Connectivity Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems in the Upper Great Lakes CONSERVATION RESOURCE ALLIANCE
Beaver Island 5 3 Iron Ore Creek Maple River Cheboygan Black River Petoskey Charlevoix Gaylord 1 4 Traverse City Boardman River Rapid River 15 7 8 Grayling Au Sable River Frankfort 6 9 Bowens Creek Platte River Bear Creek Manistee River 10 Manistee River Cadillac Manistee 2 11 Pine River Little Manistee River 14 13 Muskegon River Ludington 12 Big Sable River Pere Marquette River Northwest Michigan Stream Connectivity Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems in the Upper Great Lakes In 2010, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service awarded the Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) grants totaling $374,630 through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Great Lakes Basin Fish Habitat Partnership. The purpose of the grant was to help restore fish passage, instream habitat, and corridor habitat throughout CRA s 13 county service area of northwest Michigan. Ultimately, these on-the-ground community based projects opened up approximately 150 miles of habitat for native fish species and other aquatic organisms and restored more than 30 miles of instream habitat and 220 acres of riparian corridor habitat.
FISH PASSAGE Road & Stream Crossings Aarwood Road Bridge Rapid River The Aarwood Road crossing is the lowest stream crossing in the watershed and was creating a barrier to aquatic species movement to the entire Rapid River upstream of the crossing. This crossing on the Rapid River, a key tributary in the Chain of Lakes Watershed, had a deteriorating 60 ft undersized bridge that was restricting the natural movement of the river, contributing a substantial amount of sediment, and degrading habitat. The bridge was replaced in 2012 with a 108 ft channel-spanning concrete bridge. 1 The new bridge is a significant improvement matching the Rapid River s natural hydraulics and channel form improving the passage of fish and other aquatic species by opening up an additional 45 miles of river. Total project cost: $1,127,114 LaSalle Road Bridge Big Sable River In 2008, heavy rains and high waters on the Big Sable River caused the LaSalle Road Bridge to fail as well as 28 other crossings in the watershed. The undersized crossing was impounding sediment causing the river to become shallow and wide and consequently warmed the river temperatures to near lethal limits for coldwater species. Portions of the bridge and embankments washed into the river and the long, steep, sandy road approaches delivered tons of sediment into the stream. 2 In 2011, a new channel-spanning bridge was installed that improved nearly 50 unrestricted miles of river for fish and other aquatic organisms. The new bridge minimizes flooding risks and annual maintenance costs for the local road commission. In addition, road approaches were paved and curbs were added to control runoff and reduce erosion. Total project cost: $109,796
Ely Bridge Road Timber Bridge Design Maple River The twin undersized culverts at this crossing cut off native fish populations from upstream spawning and nursery habitat. In addition, habitat degradation both upstream and downstream caused by these culverts made this site a great fit with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service s program priorities of fish passage and habitat improvement. 3 Current condition Engineering designs for this site include removing the existing undersized culverts and replacing the crossing with a 60 ft timber bridge as well as managing road runoff. The runoff will be rerouted into adjacent wetlands where the water will be naturally filtered before entering the river. Construction is anticipated during the 2014 field season and has an estimated total construction cost of $323,000. Total project cost: $9,295 Current condition Burnt Mill Road Bridge Platte River Located in the headwaters of the Platte River Watershed, this site where Burnt Mill Road crosses the mainstem of the Platte River affects 85 miles of river downstream. The undersized culvert was identified as a severe site due to how much unnatural sediment it was contributing to the river and its significant alteration of the stream channel. The surrounding streambanks were eroding and slumping into the stream and an unnatural pool was forming at the culvert outlet. These conditions were exacerbated by intense recreational use. 4 The site contributed to warmer water temperatures, a problem for our coldwater fish, and caused trees to collapse into the stream further impeding stream flow. In 2010, CRA and partners installed a 54 ft timber bridge at the site, reminiscent of the natural, wooded character of the area and former mill and railroad site. Spillways were also added to help control and redirect runoff allowing it to slow down and filter prior to entering the river. In addition, natural instream habitat made of trees was added to stabilize the streambanks and add cover for fish and aquatic species. Total project cost: $328,000
Iron Ore Creek Beaver Island CRA s first ever infrastructure project completed on Beaver Island considerably improved passage for fish travelling between Lake Michigan and Iron Ore creek. The jasper-tinted creek emptying into Iron Ore Bay had for years been crossed by a number of culverts in varying sizes and structural integrity. The creek was free of any other crossings upstream with 1.5 miles of unspoiled aquatic habitat. Anecdotal evidence also pointed to the potential for coaster brook trout recruitment from upstream stretches of the creek to the big lake. 5 A partnership between diverse groups resulted in the replacement of the structure with an elliptical culvert that was imbedded into the stream bottom. The new culvert improved safety and fish passage as well as improved the site aesthetics to complement the dramatic beauty of the unspoiled location. Total project cost: $34,350 Bowens Creek Arcadia Marsh Several secondary road/stream crossings in the Arcadia Marsh Watershed were severely perched, or elevated at the outlet, and undersized. As part of a holistic watershed restoration project, four road/stream crossings in the watershed were replaced with fish passage friendly structures. Working with the Manistee County Road Commission, the culverts were replaced with squashed structures that are inset, allowing the bottom of the culvert to become covered in natural sand and gravel. 6 Being appropriately sized, the structures are now able to pass stream flows more effectively, especially during high water events. Three of the sites required the addition of grade control structures to minimize the amount of erosive headcutting upstream, due to extreme elevation differences between the inlet and outlet. The additional grade control design work, materials, and labor went above and beyond the scope of the original project as planned and was generously donated by the road commission. Total project cost: $49,900
Mecum Road Timber Bridge North Branch Manistee River The Mecum Road crossing over the North Branch of the Manistee River was known as the worst remaining road/stream crossing in the Manistee River Watershed. The Mecum Road crossing consisted of five undersized culverts and was severely impounding water and backing up sand for ¾ mile upstream. From a fisheries or hydrology perspective, the crossing was severely impacting habitat and fragmenting fish and aquatic species populations for a significant stretch of the river. 7 In addition, the impounded water was drastically warmer, a major issue for coldwater fish, and was flooding adjacent early successional forest habitat nearby. The trout populations of the North Branch Manistee River consist almost entirely of brook trout. There is an MDNR Fisheries Status and Trends Fixed Site just upstream of the Mecum Road crossing. From 2002-2004, the station held brook trout populations from 85-168 per acre, and brook trout biomass from 13.1-21.8 lbs/acre. However, the Status and Trends survey from the summer of 2008 showed that stream conditions upstream from the crossing have deteriorated, with brook trout now mostly extirpated from the stream reach. Only two brook trout were caught in the 2008 survey. Sand and sediment continue to back up throughout the reach, and water temperatures upstream of the crossing are being elevated due to the impounding that is taking place. The habitat in the reach is beginning to resemble more of a lacustrine habitat, with a large variety of species of rooted macrophytes now present, most of which are typically found only in lakes. In addition, during the 2008 survey it became evident that coolwater species such as northern pike are becoming more abundant in the station (Tonello, MDNR 2008). In 2011, the existing culverts were removed and replaced with a 60 ft timber bridge spanning the width of the river. The channel spanning timber bridge allows for aquatic species to pass unrestricted. This opened 31 miles upstream of crossing and relieved the pressure of built up water and aggraded sediment. Total project cost: $456,764
RIVERS REBORN Dam Removals Flowing Well Dam Removal North Branch Manistee River In 2008, CRA staff set to work to restore the 1,720 acre Flowing Well Trout Farm property. The former hatchery was closed down after a heavy infestation of whirling disease which causes skeletal deformation and neurological damage in salmon and trout. Acquired by the State of Michigan with the assistance of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, the site included a myriad of environmental issues including dilapidated raceways and 12 small dams impounding the North Branch of the Manistee River and Flowing Well Creek. 8 These structures were diverting the natural stream channel, artificially warming water temperatures and blocking fish passage. By 2013, CRA and partners removed all 12 dams and applied a variety of conservation practices including invasive species removal and creation of reptile and amphibian habitat. In addition, several rundown buildings were demolished and 5 acres of native trees and shrubs were planted. 31 miles of stream were reconnected through this project. Total project cost: $623,791 Wheeler Creek Dam Removal Manistee River Wheeler Creek is one of the coldest, high quality tributaries to the Manistee River and is dominated by a self-sustaining population of brook trout. The creek is heavily wooded and runs through large tracts of public lands with natural springs in its headwaters and near the confluence with the Manistee. Originally developed in 1867 as the first sawmill in the county, a failing concrete dam stood on Wheeler Creek and posed a significant environmental and safety risk. The 20 ft high concrete spillway and barrier were cracking and beginning to break apart. 9 In 2009, CRA and partners worked together to draw down the impounded ponds and remove the dam. Channel restoration was completed in three phases: 2 months, 6 months and the final phase 2.5 years after dam removal. This phased approach allowed the river channel to create a natural sinuosity with streambank stabilization techniques applied after the streambed naturally formed. Altered for nearly 150 years, we made history in removing the failing dam and reconnected over seven miles of high-quality stream. Total project cost: $400,000
Manton Millpond Dam Removal Manton Creek The Manistee River is a state designated Natural River and federally designated Wild & Scenic River. Portions of the Manistee River are Blue Ribbon Trout Stream and it provides a popular fishery for steelhead, salmon, brook and brown trout. The major resource problem on Manton Creek, tributary to the Manistee River, related to a failing, abandoned mill pond dam that impounded 14 acres originally but after multiple failures approximately six acres of water remained impounded. During 10 The Manton Millpond Dam was located northwest of downtown Manton in section 4 of Cedar Creek Township. Originally built in 1919, the dam at one time generated electricity and powered a grist mill. Since 1986, the dam has failed regular inspections required by the MDEQ Dam Safety Unit. The Manton Millpond Dam served no purpose. The spillway was failing and was need of immediate attention. The purpose of the Manton Millpond Dam removal was to restore the stretch of Manton Creek impounded by the dam to improve water quality and benefit the resident salmonid (brook and brown trout) populations. Because the impoundment has been accumulating sediment since its construction in 1919, the depth in the impoundment has decreased to the point where the aggraded dark sediments are enhancing solar heating of the impounded water. This has the double effect of negatively impacting both the water quality and the salmonid population downstream. In addition to improving water quality, approximately one mile of stream channel will be recovered upon removal of the dam and impoundment. The ability of fish to pass into and out of the restored area will enhance genetic variability and allow for migrations of both forage and sport fish to take advantage of seasonally important habitats. CRA worked with partners to remove the dam and completed the multi-year project in 2012. Total project cost: $158,835
INSTREAM HABITAT Large Woody Debris Big Sable River LWD Sites 11 and 12 Big Sable River From 2002-2006, the Big Sable Watershed Restoration Committee, CRA, and MDNR initiated a baseline temperature study on the Big Sable River and its tributaries. The river s headwaters and upstream are recognized for both brook trout and brown trout, while downstream to Hamlin Lake is generally known for brown trout. Prior to the beginning of this study, minimal temperature data was available for the Big Sable River. 11 CRA, MDNR, and BSWRC recognized the need for additional temperature information for the Big Sable River because water temperature has direct implications on habitat quality and survival for fish and other aquatic organisms. For example, temperature data could be used to determine suitability of trout stocking sites, determine where abundant groundwater inputs are found, and used to help prioritize ongoing habitat restoration activities throughout the watershed. The committee used this data along with habitat quality assessments to prioritize areas in need of habitat improvements through large woody debris. In 2007 the committee started their first fish cover/lwd project. In 2011 we completed 9 fish cover structures and ~150 ft of whole tree revetments, strategically placed in overly wide, shallow stretches and placed revetments along eroding banks to help stabilize soils, redirect current, and mobilize sediment. Our next phase of LWD work began in 2012 and is ongoing. Our efforts are focusing on identified areas from Darr Rd. (Freesoil Twp.) downstream of the US-31 crossing including over 45 LWD habitat structures placed along 6,400 ft of Big Sable River. Total project cost: $27,000 12
Pine River LWD Site 13 Pine River An important cold water tributary to the Manistee River, the Pine River system begins in Osceola County and flows westerly through the counties of Lake and Wexford before joining the Manistee River in Manistee County. Habitat assessments at the MDNR Fisheries 230th Avenue PAS show a pronounced lack of overhead woody cover in this stretch as well as many other stretches lacking instream woody debris. 13 Tonello (MDNR 2009) reported that Status and Trends fisheries surveys have shown that despite having cold temperatures, trout biomass in this stretch is lower than that of other area trout streams. In 2011, CRA and partners set forth to implement a LWD habitat project in this area to document and monitor the effects of large woody debris in the system. This involved the construction and placement of 24 instream cover structures in approximately 1,800 ft of river. Total project cost: $20,000 Pine River LWD Site 14 Pine River During 2011-2013, CRA, working with partners including the MDNR Fisheries Division, Wer Hee Gen Land Company, and Pine River Watershed Restoration Committee coordinated the implementation of a multi-year habitat improvement project. This project involved the construction and placement of 18 instream cover structures in approximately 2,000 ft of river during the first phase. During the 2013 field season we followed up with a second phase of LWD placement including an additional 28 instream structures along 2,000 ft of Pine River. 14 The partnership continues to improve the habitat on the Pine River and looks forward to completing additional LWD work on an annual basis. The Pine River Area Trout Unlimited is completing a habitat survey on the Pine which will help us identify future projects designed to improve this cold water river system. Total project cost: $31,000
Flowing Well LWD North Branch Manistee River The North Branch of the Manistee River is a cold, groundwater-fed tributary to the Manistee River and is a state designated Natural River that provides necessary habitat components for numerous federal and state endangered/threatened species. It has a naturally reproducing population of brook trout and a small brown trout population. The new world record brown trout was caught from the Manistee River in September 2009. 15 The riparian corridor surrounding this river functions as an important regional wildlife corridor and is buffered by thousands of acres of state owned land. These ecological hot spots are threatened and degraded by impacts of poorly managed land that help contribute to the degradation of water and upland habitat in the area including the abandoned Flowing Well Trout Farm, a 1,720 acre property recently acquired by the State of Michigan. This phase of the project focused on incorporating approximately 165 large woody debris structures on over 6,000 ft of the North Branch Manistee River providing instream habitat for a variety of aquatic species. Woody debris structures were constructed underwater along streambanks with larger pieces secured at the water s surface. CRA worked with Kanouse Outdoor Restoration to restore this stretch of river that was negatively impacted from the trout farm and associated dams. Total project cost: $75,000 The Conservation Resource Alliance CRA is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving the water quality and habitat of northwest Michigan through community based, hands-on natural resource management projects. Founded over 45 years ago, CRA is a highly regarded conservation leader in Michigan. Focus areas are major river systems and the surrounding wildlife corridors in a 13 county region extending from Ludington and the Pere Marquette River northward to the Mackinac Bridge.
The combination of existing partnerships, inventoried and shovel ready natural resource problems, and local economic needs helped make this Northwest Michigan Stream Connectivity project a huge sucess. Support from the USFWS helped leverage more than $3,000,000 towards Great Lakes restoration goals. Thank you USFWS and all our dedicated partners: United States Fish & Wildlife Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Great Lakes Basin Fish Habitat Partnership Michigan Department of Natural Resources Michigan Department of Environmental Quality National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Sustain Our Great Lakes Program Fish America Foundation Road Commissions Kalkaska County Mason County Manistee County Benzie County Emmet County Charlevoix County City of Manton Trout Unlimited Chapters Kalamazoo Valley Elliott Donnelley Pine River Paul Young Wm. Mershon Challenge USDA NRCS Conservation Resource Alliance 10850 Traverse Highway, Suite 1180 Traverse City, MI 49684 231-946-6817 info@rivercare.org www.rivercare.org Trout and Salmon Foundation Charlevoix County Community Foundation National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Osceola County Community Foundation Pine River Association