Habitat Restoration (Chippewa County, MI)
Project Description 
Past modifications to incorporate commercial shipping in the St. Mary’s River have greatly altered its aquatic habitat. This area was once a valuable rapid habitat used as a spawning area for fish and invertebrate species in the river system. Without this project the area would continue to be unproductive as a spawning area.
The west project site would consist of removal of old building foundations, excavation of a channel, and the installation of a culvert to allow water to flow behind the existing rock piles over the natural rock-rubble/cobble substrate. The east project site would require the modification of the eastern remnants of the upper dam. A portion of the upper dam would be removed and culverts placed under the existing roadway. A channel would then be excavated to allow water to flow behind the existing rock piles over the natural rock-rubble/cobble substrate.
It is expected that the restoration of water flow over the rock-rubble/cobble substrate will provide critical habitat for a number of fish and invertebrate species.
Nonfederal Project Sponsor
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division, Northern Lake Huron Management Unit.
Congressional Interest
- Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
- Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
- Representative Bart Stupak (D-MI-5)
Cuurent Status
The Preliminary Restoration Plan was completed in September 2005.
Funding
| Total | Federal | Nonfederal | |
| Current working estimate | $2,594,380 | $1,695,113 | $899,267 |
| Funding to date | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Funds required to complete project | $2,594,380 | $1,695,113 | $899,267 |
St. Mary's River Project Manager Carl A. Platz Click here to download a copy |