Ecosystem Restoration (Traverse City, MI)
Project Description
The Boardman River main stem is located in Grand Traverse and Kalkaska Counties and flows approximately 49 miles before entering West Grand Traverse Bay at Traverse City, Michigan. The project consists of potential modification or removal of up to four (4) dams along the Boardman River: (1) the Union Street Dam at river mile 1.5; (2) the Sabin Dam at river mile 5.3; (3) the Boardman Dam at river mile 6.1; and (4) the Brown Bridge Dam at river mile 18.5. The Boardman River is a designated Natural River under the State of Michigan Natural Rivers Program and is a top-quality trout stream with 36 lineal miles designated with “Blue Ribbon” status. Modification or removal of the dams could restore several miles of river and reconnect 160 miles of aquatic habitat. Although all four dams are being considered for modification or removal, several alternatives will be evaluated. Significant coordination with the nonfederal sponsors and the public will help to ensure selection of the optimal overall plan.
Nonfederal Project Sponsors
Grand Traverse County and city of Traverse City, Michigan. Project also coordinated with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Contact: Todd Kalish 231-922-5280
x 6870), and the Boardman River Dams Committee (Contact: Jennifer Jay 231-995-2617).
Congressional Interest
- Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
- Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
- Representative Dave Camp (R-MI-4)
Stage
Feasibility.
Current Status
The Preliminary Restoration Plan (PRP) was approved in July 2006. Future funds will be used to continue detailed feasibility-level planning and design efforts focusing on completion of hydraulic modeling; sediment fate and transport studies; establishment of environmental objectives; alternative identification and formulation; environmental regulatory agency coordination and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance; preliminary design; and overall project management. This project has a high level of public involvement and is being performed in close coordination with the nonfederal sponsors and with the Boardman River Dams Committee.
Funding
| Total | Federal | Nonfederal | |
| Current working estimate | $7,200,000 | $4,680,000 | $2,520,000 |
| Funding to date | $475,000 | $475,000 | * |
| Funds required to complete project | $6,725,000 | $4,205,000 | $2,520,000 |
*No data provided.
Boardman River Project Manager Carl A. Platz Click here to download a copy |