Removing dams boosts brook trout population

Removing several dams from a defunct fish farm in northern Michigan restored natural conditions in 37 miles of a trout stream, which increased the native brook trout population.

Description

The Flowing Well Trout Farm, built in the mid-1900s, erected 12 small dams to create fish rearing ponds. The dams, built in the North branch of the Manistee River and the Flowing Well Creek, diverted the natural flow of a trout stream, caused unnaturally high water temperatures, blocked fish passage and disrupted the natural movement of sediment and woody debris in the river.

Resource Challenges Addressed

• Blocked fish passage

• Excessive warming of water temperatures

• Fragmentation of a river ecosystem

• Loss of wetlands

• Loss of fish spawning habitat

Location

Kalkaska, Mich.

Approximate Cost

$626,000

Key Partners

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Lake Restoration Initiative, Elliott Donnelly Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Paul Young Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Sustain Our Great Lakes grant (administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation), U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Conservation Resource Alliance’s River Care program

Types of Jobs Created

Biologists, ecologists, environmental engineers, civil engineers, truck drivers, excavators, project monitors and administrative support personnel

FLOWING WELL TROUT FARM RESTORATION

The north branch of the Manistee River before the dams were removed, preventing fish from swimming upstream. Credit: Conservation Resource Alliance

Results and Accomplishments

The project restored natural conditions in 37 miles of a trout stream, increased the native brook trout population, lowered water temperatures, eliminated sediment buildup, removed the risk of dams failing and restored 100 acres of wetlands.