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 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 Partner
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Fisheries Division
Congressional Interest
- Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
- Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
- Representative Fred Upton (R-MI-6)
Current Status
A preliminary restoration plan report was completed in January 2004. Since that time, restoration work was completed by state and local interests on the Dowagiac River. Due to nonfederal budget constraints and uncertainties associated with future potential restoration areas, the nonfederal sponsor requested the USACE initiative be terminated in January 2011. As a result, no additional studies will be pursued on this project.
Funding
| Total | Federal | Nonfederal | |
| Current working estimate | $1,500,000 | $975,000 | $525,000 |
| Funding to date | $65,000 | $65,000 | $0 |
| Funds required to complete project | $1,435,000 | $910,000 | $525,000 |
Project Manager Paul A. Powell Click here to download a copy |