Restoration of the Kalamazoo River: A Thriving Ecosystem Revitalized

Michigan's $7 million multiagency initiative has removed the aging Plainwell Dam, revitalizing nearly a mile of the Kalamazoo River and its surrounding habitat. This project marks a significant milestone in the restoration of the river, enhancing safety, improving fish and wildlife habitat, and providing recreational and economic opportunities for the local community. The project demonstrates the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local partners, as well as the commitment to protect public safety, conserve natural resources, and boost outdoor recreation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Plainwell Dam Removal and River Restoration Project was a $7 million multiagency initiative aimed at removing aging infrastructure and revitalizing the Kalamazoo River and its habitat.
• The project was a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local partners, including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes National Program Office.
• The Kalamazoo River was designated as an Area of Concern in 1987 due to contamination by PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) as a result of paper mill and paper recycling industries.
• The project seeks to provide recreational and economic opportunities for the surrounding community, while enhancing safety and improving fish and wildlife habitat.
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen noted that the project shows what is possible with proper investment and encourages the state to replicate this model in other areas.
• Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed $15 million in her budget to address the state's high-priority dams, highlighting the importance of investing in infrastructure and environmental restoration.

Statistics:

• $7 million: The cost of the Plainwell Dam Removal and River Restoration Project
• 1 mile: The length of river and surrounding habitat revitalized by the project
• 200 plus: The number of dams managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• 1987: The year the Kalamazoo River was designated as an Area of Concern due to PCB contamination
• $15 million: The amount proposed in Governor Whitmer's budget to address high-priority dams

Sources:

• Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen
• Jennifer Tewkesbury, Area of Concern Coordinator with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
• "Gretchen Whitmer's 2020-2021 Budget" (January 2020)
• "Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Dams" (2020)