In 1995, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources “Fisheries Research Report” recommended removing select dams to improve fisheries.

On the Huron River, the MDNR identified three dams for removal:

Peninsular Paper Dam on the Huron River in Ypsilanti

At that time and the years since, HRWC has supported the communities in which these dams are located with technical assistance about stream flows, the impacts of dams and other flow alterations, and options for dam management. (See our Climate Resilient Communities: Improving information access and communication among dam operations of the Huron River main stem report.)

In the last several years, HRWC’s work with dams has broadened to look at all 100 dams across the watershed. HRWC is learning more about the systematic problems caused by an entire watershed of dams, as well as problems caused by specific dams. HRWC will continually work with all communities, dam owners, and dam operators in improving the functionality of their dams and potentially removing the dams altogether.

Learn more about Ypsilanti Pen Dam

Check out the story of our work in Dexter to remove the dam

A History of HRWC’s Dam Activities

Activity Activity Description Links to more information
Co-funded Peninsular Paper Dam Removal Feasibility Study HRWC and the City of Ypsilanti hired an engineering firm to study the feasibility of redeveloping and revitalizing the Pen Park area for more recreational and economic uses and improved water quality from removing the dam. Feasibility Study (<1mb)

Appendices (30mb)
Huron River Dams Network Since 2012, HRWC has facilitated the Huron River Dams Network connecting dam operators and owner along the mainstem of the Huron River.  This network meets regularly to discuss issues related to dams and water management and allows better coordination of flow management to the benefit of the ecosystem.
Monitoring the Flow HRWC is working with the Open-Storm Laboratory at the University of Michigan to install and maintain gages that monitor river flow in the watershed. Currently, ten stations have been installed. These gages help dam operators improve the management of flow through dams.
Advocating for Argo Dam Removal. 2007-2011. HRWC worked with scientists, governments, and outdoor groups in pushing for removal of Argo Dam. The dam has not been removed.
Removal of Mill Dam 2007-2009. HRWC worked with the Village of Dexter in removing the dam on Mill Pond.

Dexter Dam Prior to Removal
Mill Pond Dam (Dexter) prior to removal
 “Making History on Mill Creek“
Seminar December 2009. HRWC hosted a seminar providing communities with tools and resources for dam removal decisions.
Seminar Series 2010. HRWC facilitated three regional meetings where eighteen organizations from across the state shared their experiences on dam projects, their hopes for Michigan’s rivers, and recommendations to their peers and the DNR and DEQ for how to “make the grade” for the state’s dam infrastructure. Re*Envisioning Dam Management in Michigan
Inventory Revision 2011-2012. HRWC updated its database of watershed dams by contacting dam owners via mail and phone. Aerial imagery was used to find new dams that had escaped notice previously. Identify and getting contact information for current dam owners was the top priority of this database revision. Huron River Report, Dam-nation.
Dam Removal Prioritization HRWC created a ranking system that prioritizes which dams have the best potential or best reason to be removed, based on social, economic, and ecological data. HRWC has used the list of highly ranked dams to meet with individual dam owners and discuss the results and how HRWC can work with them in improving their dam management. HRWC will continue to explore the possibility of removing dams ranked high on this list. Huron River Report, Dam-nation.
Small dam owner workshop Anyone who operates, owns or maintains dams, and people who simply care about local rivers, were invited to join guest speakers from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Spicer Group, and HRWC’s in-house experts. Luke Trumble, P.E. from the state’s Hydrologic Studies and Dam Safety Unit, discussed the regulatory framework. Shawn Middleton, P.E. discussed how to conduct your own visual inspection and steps for creating a maintenance plan.
Learn more about threats that dams and impoundments pose to rivers