Remove Argo Dam
FAST FACT ABOUT THE HURON RIVER: Removal of the Argo Dam will result in a gain of 30 acres of parkland for the City of Ann Arbor (as well as the associated aesthetic and economic value of this parkland) plus another 28 acres that will serve as floodplain and filter pollutants in runoff.
FAST FACT ABOUT THE HURON RIVER: Removal of the Argo Dam will result in a gain of 30 acres of parkland for the City of Ann Arbor (as well as the associated aesthetic and economic value of this parkland) plus another 28 acres that will serve as floodplain and filter pollutants in runoff.
Why remove Argo Dam?
It’s better for the river
Cleaner, healthier water. Better habitat for fish and wildlife. Natural control of invasive species. Flood control. Read our science brief.
It’s a great quality-of-life opportunity
30 acres of brand-new parkland in the heart of Ann Arbor. Beautiful natural rapids. Better canoeing, kayaking, fishing—even tubing! Revitalization of the northern gateway to the city.
It makes economic sense
Argo Dam requires $300,000 in repairs now; another $250,000 within a few years, and $60,000 in maintenance and insurance every year. In the long run, the city estimates it will cost less to remove Argo than to repair it.
See a Pdf on the costs. Argo cost comparisons.
But what about the rowers?
Removing Argo Dam would mean that the four rowing teams have to move to other locations. We believe this can be done, though it will be difficult. It’s vital to point out that at every step in the two-year process of evaluating Ann Arbor’s dams, everyone, HRWC included, has publicly stated that Argo should only come out if it will not mean the end of rowing in the city. Read more about rowing alternatives and why we believe that the possibility of moving rowing to other ponds is worth exploring.
It’s time to return this part of the river to its natural, free flowing condition.
A Huron River Restored without Argo Dam
Click here to see what restoration could look like with Argo dam removed
We need your help.
- Write your City of Ann Arbor Council members
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Take a look at the letter that HRWC’s Executive Director sent to the Ann Arbor News and write a shorter version of your own.
- Write a letter to your favorite blog or on-line news source. When it gets posted, send an e-mail to webmaster@hrwc.org put “Argo Dam” in the subject line to let us know and we’ll link to it.
- Speak out and attend upcoming public meetings to let the decision-makers know that you care.
- Sign the pledge to let decision-makers know there are constituents who want the dam removed from the river and encourage your friends, family and colleagues to do the same
Please keep the letters to the paper and your conversations in the community coming. We are convincing people one conversation at a time.
Who endorses Argo Dam removal?
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
.
.