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Project Title: Chesaning Dam Removal (FFS #R3TA)
State: Michigan
Project Description: Alpena National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Michigan received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to support removal of the Chesaning Dam in Saginaw County, Michigan. The dam was removed and a low slope rock ramp was constructed to maintain constant water levels for the Village of Chesaning’s Showboat Festival, which contributes significantly to the local economy every summer.
This dam was identified as one of the most significant impediments to the restoration of the Saginaw Bay walleye fishery, a million dollar recreational fishery for the Great Lakes. Its removal will support restoration of lake sturgeon and walleye to the Lake Huron and the Saginaw River Watershed. This project enabled walleye to access to 37 miles of upstream habitat and spawning habitat, and provided work to local contractors and heavy equipment operators. The Chesaning Dam removal project is an example of people from the community, local governments, and natural resources agencies working together on a project for the benefit of aquatic resources and the local economy.
Community fundraising efforts for this project and preservation of the Village’s annual Showboat Festival raised more than $92,000 in donations from 59 businesses, community groups and private individuals. Organizations that partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service include the Village of Chesaning, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network.
For additional information about the Alpena National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, visit the Alpena NFWCO website.
Photos:
 Chesaning Dam before the Recovery Act project - click the photo to see additional views of the project site |
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 The new slope rock ramp in Chesaning |
News Release: Secretary Salazar Announces $142,000 for Alpena NFWCO for Dam Removal and Rock Ramp Installation in Saginaw River Watershed
Originally posted 08/06/2009
Updated 09/21/2009
