The Upper Manistee River Restoration

The Upper Manistee River Restoration A Collaborative Habitat Improvement Project CONSERVATION RESOURCE ALLIANCE

This report provides an overview of the Upper Manistee River Restoration project. Two overarching goals defined this project: Habitat restoration on the 1,720 acre Flowing Well Trout Farm property and replacement of the most severe, habitat degrading road/stream crossing on the Manistee River s North Branch on Mecum Road. Located in rural Kalkaska County in northern Michigan, this project was completed over a five year period with the help of many dedicated partners and funders. Beginning of dredged channel Beginning of dredged channel Natural Channel Dams #7 and #8 Dams #5 and #6 Raceways Earthen Berm Flowing Well Creek Earthen Berm Dam No. 4 Flowing Well Rd. Dam No. 9 Dam No. 10 Dam No. 11 Natural Channel North Branch Manistee River Dam No. 3 Dredged Channel Dam No. 2 Dam No. 1 Confluence of natural and dredged channels Confluence of natural and dredged channels TIMELINE 1960 s Flowing Well Trout Farm is under construction. Streams are dammed and channelized

An Opportunity for Change The brochure promised Family Fun. It also touted cold, northern spring water flowing from artesian wells and feisty rainbow trout that practically tear the rod right out of your hands trout fishing at its best! What the marketing materials for Flowing Well Trout Farm didn t mention was the long-term negative impact of this man-made angling attraction on one of northern Michigan s most spectacular fisheries. Over several decades, the farm expanded its diversion of cold water streams through the construction of a dozen dams. Rearing ponds and raceways added to the unfortunate manipulation of the natural systems of the North Branch of the Manistee River, Anderson Creek, and Flowing Well Creek in rural Kalkaska County. Countless tons of concrete formed the elaborate infrastructure designed to offer the ultimate fishing experience. The architects of this grand business venture surely didn t anticipate their mecca of fun would likely become a source of whirling disease (Myxobolus cerebralis). This devastating infection is most prevalent in farmed salmon and trout and can easily spread to wild fish populations. Ultimately, the discovery of whirling disease at Flowing Well Trout Farm led to its closure in 2002. Fast forward to 2009 when the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy utilized a Flowing Well Trout Farm $3.4 million Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund grant to purchase the 1,720 acre brochure circa 1970 s property, leading to the transfer of ownership to the State of Michigan. This giant first step set the stage for one of the most significant restoration efforts ever undertaken by Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA). Fueled by a National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Sustain Our Great Lakes grant of $625,791, $375,000 of additional grants, and an equal amount of matching contributions, conservation partners removed all 11 dams, returned the streams to their historic flows and significantly enhanced fish and wildlife habitat. The cobbled mess of man-made structures disappeared over the next five years. Many partners played important roles in this collaborative effort. This report documents the accomplishments and challenges of this project. Concrete raceways built to control water and fish had crumbled into environmental and safety hazards as well as an ugly reminder of the prior use of this property. 1970 s 2000 2002 Commercial operation and development of the farm continues The Trout Farm ceases operation

Dams, Dams and More Dams CRA staff biologists, Eric Ellis and Chris Pierce, project managers for the Flowing Well and Mecum Road sites, recall their initial visits to the shuttered trout farm as both an adventure and a harsh realization to the damage that well intentioned entrepreneurs can inflict on the natural world. One by one, more small concrete dams were discovered, revealing decades of diversion of once pristine brook trout water to feed the needs of the expanding fish farming operation. These barriers not only altered the morphology of the sensitive cold-water streams, they obstructed the natural passage of fish while degrading habitat for many other aquatic species. Removal of the dams would help restore natural flow to these water courses, reduce sediment accumulation, allow for fish passage, and reverse the warming effect of the dams on water temperatures. CRA s team first set out to decipher the natural flow of the native waterways as well as the best sequence for dam removal and restoration. The tools of demolition ranged from pick axes to backhoes. With each dam removal came the reward of returning moving waters to healthier status, free of the manmade obstructions that clogged the sensitive creeks and Manistee River s North Branch throughout this property. A total of eleven dams were removed. The well intentioned scheme of past decades was gradually unraveled one dam at a time until these streams flowed free once again. CRA staff begins the removal of one of the dozen small dams by pulling boards and debris by hand. Before After Before After 2008 2009 The shuttered Trout Farm and 1,720 acre property is purchased with a $3.4 million Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund Grant

2009 Ownership of the property is transferred to the State of Michigan

Understanding the Community From the beginning, the team focused on the opportunities a project of this scope and uniqueness offered. Understanding the characteristics of the land and waters, how it integrated with the surrounding region, and what best management practices could be implemented to restore and protect this special place were critically important. Herpetological Resource and Management, LLC was contracted to conduct a comprehensive study to identify species diversity of amphibians, reptiles and macroinvertebrates and establish a baseline for comparison to post-restoration diversity. Recognized as key bioindicators gauges of environmental health these groups of animals are highly sensitive to environmental pollutants and habitat disturbances. Their presence, distribution and relative abundance are important tools in identifying the need for, and success of, habitat restoration projects. Restoration and manage ment promote diversity The survey revealed the presence of 12 species of reptiles and amphibians and 25 families of aquatic macroinvertebrates, and the habitat appears to be able to support an even greater diversity. Some of the species of herpetofauna and macroinvertebrates observed at the study site are sensitive to environmental pollution and disruption, indicating that the site has areas with high quality habitats to support these sensitive organisms. The restoration project will likely improve the habitat quality, which can increase the diversity, distribution, and abundance of the resident fauna. Recycling on-site materials, a reptile hibernacula was constructed to provide refuge habitat for the many species of reptiles identified on the Flowing Well property. A contractor performed pre and post restoration reptile, amphibian and macroinvertebrate monitoring on over 200 acres, providing important data on these resident communities and possible impacts of habitat improvement. 2010 Conservation Resource Alliance begins fundraising and habitat restoration planning and initial herpetology study commences

A Road Map for Future Stewardship To provide a sound basis for future stewardship of the property, CRA contracted with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), a program of Michigan State University Extension, to conduct a series of biological inventories for the Flowing Well site including: 1. A botanical inventory focused on the identification of the natural communities occurring on the property including a Floristic Quality Assessment 2. A survey of the mussels occurring in Flowing Well Creek and the North Branch of the Manistee River, in response to reports of high bivalve populations in those streams 3. A breeding bird survey 4. A desktop assessment of the potential for rare insects to occur on the property based on the findings of the botanical inventory Collected data benefiits future m anagem ent A comprehensive report documenting this study was produced and is available online at the MNFI website: mnfi. anr.msu.edu. The valuable information and data obtained through this element of the project reveal a number of characteristics of this property that are unique and reflective of the value that restoration and ongoing stewardship will offer. The Flowing Well property supports a number of rare species, including state-listed, threatened species and high-quality natural communities. The MNFI assessment recommends that a carefully crafted stewardship plan should be developed that incorporates these determinations. 2011 Dam removal begins returning streams to more natural flows

The Walls Came Down Although the hodgepodge of buildings and structures scattered across the Flowing Well property once served the needs of the functioning commercial trout farm, they had become a significant liability. CRA navigated all of the safety and environmental hurdles necessary to demolish and remove all of the dilapidated buildings. Gone are the caretaker s home, motel, lodge, storage and work buildings that had been left to decay over the years. Not originally part of the restoration plan, this bonus accomplishment removed the risks associated with the remnant structures and greatly improved the aesthetics of the completed project. Before Ten abandoned wells were properly closed and all of the buildings were deconstructed or demolished. Usable materials were salvaged by a contractor to be repurposed. After Removing and filling in the old raceways resulted in an emerging meadow planted with native grasses and wildflowers. 2011 Mecum Road timber bridge is designed and constructed, replacing five undersized culverts

Improving Instream Habitat The North Branch of the Manistee River has a naturally reproducing population of brook trout and a small brown trout population. The manipulation of the river through the Flowing Well property had diminished the natural instream habitat that is critically important for a healthy cold-water trout stream. CRA coordinated the incorporation of approximately 165 large woody debris structures on over 6,000 linear feet of the North Branch 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 over a mile of river that was negatively impacted from the trout farm and associated dams and diversions. Benefits of Woody Debris: Provides hiding and resting cover for a variety of fish and wildlife species Provides substrate for aquatic insects Helps divert the current away from sensitive streambanks Decreases excessive sedimentation of mainstem Restores natural river function and channel form Teamwork, partner collaboration, and a boots on the ground determination was the formula for the dramatic impacts this project delivered. 2011 Herpetology inventory continues

Mecum Road Timber Bridge The Mecum Road crossing over the North Branch of the Manistee River was known as the worst untreated road /stream crossing in the Manistee River Watershed. It consisted of five undersized culverts and was severely impounding water and backing up sand for ¾ mile upstream. From a fisheries and hydrology perspective, the crossing was severely impacting habitat and fragmenting fish and aquatic species populations for a significant stretch of the river. In addition, the impounded water was drastically warmer, a major issue for cold-water fish, and was flooding adjacent early successional forest habitat. The trout populations of the North Branch Manistee River consist almost entirely of brook trout. There is a Michigan DNR Fisheries Status and Trends Fixed Site just upstream of the Mecum Road crossing. From 2002-2004, the station reported robust brook trout populations. However, the survey from the summer of 2008 showed that stream conditions upstream from the crossing had deteriorated, with brook trout now mostly absent from the stream reach. Only two brook trout were caught in the 2008 survey. The habitat was becoming more like that of a lake than a vital trout stream. 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 the crossing and relieved the pressure of built up water and sediment. Before After 2012 Michigan Natural Features Inventory conducts a series of biological inventories

A Success Story to Celebrate It wasn t easy and it didn t happen overnight, but returning the damaged Flowing Well Trout Farm property to a more natural, resilient, and public place was well worth the effort and investment. Large scale collaborative initiatives like this project demonstrate the shared commitment to restore and protect degraded resources that hold great potential if cared for properly. The huge benefit to the watershed realized by replacing the worst road/ stream crossing on the Manistee River s North Branch with a modern timber bridge on Mecum Road could only be accomplished when resource problems this severe are understood and prioritized by all stakeholders. The value of this property for the diverse plant and animal species that rely on its unique natural features will continue to improve due to the protection and restoration efforts as well as ongoing stewardship. As a recreational asset, the State of Michigan has gained a real gem that will offer current and future generations great opportunities to enjoy all that this remarkable property has to offer. Conservation by the Numbers 6 abandoned buildings removed 10 abandoned wells secured 11 dams removed 14 private contractors engaged 25 full or part-time jobs created 37 river miles opened for fish & aquatic organism passage 100 acres restored wetland habitat 165 large woody debris structures installed 250 acres restored riparian habitat 1,720 acres permanently protected public conservation lands 6,000 linear feet of Manistee River North Branch habitat improved $696,000 total matching funds utilized $997,500 total project support Project Benefits Implemented innovative habitat improvements for reptile and amphibian populations Eliminated sediment delivery and buildup and high water temperatures at former dam sites and poorly designed road/stream crossings Restored movement of woody debris, aquatic organisms, and fish passage Eliminated safety risks associated with abandoned structures and wells Improved habitat to benefit the native brook trout population Replaced 5 submerged culverts with a timber bridge Improved habitat on priority watershed private lands Restored healthier, more natural stream flows Bird and bat nesting structures installed Native tree, shrub, and grass plantings Eliminated risk of dam failure Flora and fauna monitoring Invasive species removal 2013 Abandoned buildings are removed and ten wells secured

Partners and interested parties celebrated the project completion with a site tour in August 2014. Thank You to Our Partners Tackling the massive restoration of the Upper Manistee River and Flowing Well property was only possible due to the dozens of partners and generous funders that contributed to this project. The success of this endeavor hinged on the commitment of many organizations, agencies, and individuals to return this special place to a more natural, healthy ecosystem for the benefit of both wild creatures and people. Thank you for the vision, passion, and creativity that made this project a success! Partners Conservation Resource Alliance Michigan Department of Natural Resources National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Upper Manistee Watershed Restoration Committee U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy Trout Unlimited Chapters Herpetological Resource and Management Kalkaska County Road Commission PlantWise Restoration Huron Pines Michigan Natural Features Inventory Knoop Excavating SEEDS Krenn Bridge Company Kanouse Outdoor Restoration Contributors U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Great Lakes Fish & Wildlife Restoration Act Grant National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Sustain Our Great Lakes Program Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division FishAmerica Foundation & NOAA Restoration Center Elliott Donnelley Chapter of Trout Unlimited Paul Young Chapter of Trout Unlimited USDA Conservation Innovation Grant Conservation Resource Alliance Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Trout & Salmon Foundation DTE Energy Foundation Conservation Resource Alliance 10850 Traverse Hwy, Suite 1180 Traverse City, MI 49684 231-946 - 6817 info@rivercare.org www.rivercare.org Month 2012 2014 Partners and the community celebrate the conclusion of this successful collaborative project