Ecosystem Restoration (Cass County, MI)
Project Description 
The Dowagiac River is a coldwater trout stream that was channelized 100 years ago. The channelization project straightened and deepened the entire river in Van Buren and Cass Counties for the purpose of draining the Decatur Marsh. Now, a group called “Partnership for MEANDERS” is working on restoring river flow back to some of the old meanders that were abandoned by channelization. The purpose of the project is to restore the original river channel south of M-62 in order to achieve the original flow, enhance aquatic and floodplain habitats, and improve the functioning of the river (specifically, its ability to handle sediment).
Nonfederal Project Sponsor
State of Michigan, Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division.
Congressional Interest
- Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
- Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
- Representative Fred Upton (R-MI-6)
Stage
Preliminary Restoration Plan (PRP).
Current Status
The PRP report was completed and forwarded to the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) in January 2004. Upon review and approval of the document and upon receipt of additional funding, the planning and design analysis phase of the project will be initiated. Funding limitations have not allowed progress into the next phase.
Funding
| Total | Federal | Nonfederal | |
| Current working estimate | $1,040,000 | $676,000 | $364,000 |
| Funding to date | $13,000 | $13,000 | $0 |
| Funds required to complete project | $1,027,000 | $663,000 | $364,000 |
Dowagiac River Project Manager Carl A. Platz Click here to download a copy |