When it became apparent that funding for Chesaning’s dam rehabilitation would be difficult to obtain, alternative approaches were considered. Complete removal of the dam and restoration with man-made rapids was quickly recognized as the most ecologically-sensitive solution, as well as an approach favored by many funding agencies.

The Nature Conservancy and Friends of the Shiawassee River (FOSR) are hosting a speaker series on the benefits of increased native fish populations in the Shiawassee River as a result of the construction of rock rapids that replaced the former dam in Chesaning, Michigan. Local elected officials and those concerned with addressing barriers, including dams in Corunna, Shiatown and upstream are encouraged to attend. The events are free and open to the public.

The first program in the series, “Fish Passage and Recreational Potential on the Shiawassee River,” was held on Thursday, January 14, 2010, at Baker College’s Welcome Center, Room E, 1309 S. M-52, Owosso, MI 48867. Wade Trim staff including Mike Nielsen, PE, Wayne Hofmann and Leah Groya, AICP, LEED AP, discussed background information on the project as well as the economic and recreational benefits that the new rock rapids provides the City of Chesaning and communities upstream, including Owosso and Corunna.

FOSR and Wade Trim are working together to create a better understanding of fish passage in the Shiawassee River to address failing dam structures. “The Shiawassee River is home to many dams that are now aging and limit the movement of fish and other beneficial species in the river,” said Heidi Frei, Director of the FOSR. “We hope to identify possible ways in which we can reconnect the river system while also increasing opportunities for fishing, kayaking and canoeing.” Information and photos of the Chesaning dam removal and rock rapids construction can be found at http://www.riverrestoration.info.

FOSR is a volunteer organization committed to improving the environment, promoting the responsible use of, and enhancing the appreciation of the Shiawassee River throughout its watershed. The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to protect the most ecologically important lands and waters around the world for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its 1 million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 102 million acres worldwide, including 360,000 acres in Michigan. For more information, visit the Friends of the Shiawassee River at http://shiawasseeriver.org or The Nature Conservancy at http://nature.org/michigan. For more information about the FOSR speaker series, contact Heidi Frei at 989.723.9062 or hfrei@tnc.org.

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