2008 Graham Woodhouse Current Recipient

2008 Graham Woodhouse Recipients

CONGRATULATIONS

DOWAGIAC RIVER MEANDRS RESTORATION AT ARTHUR DODD MEMORIAL PARK, POKAGON TOWNSHIP, CASS COUNTY

History of the Dowagiac River

During the 1920s, the Dowagiac River was straightened and dredged.  Good stormwater management during this time period was about getting water away from properties.  This meant that the stream looked like a pipe and moved the water from properties quickly.  Little concern was paid to the erosive power of fast moving water, the management of sediment or the damage that would be caused by the speed of the river water and the added sediment loads. 

The consequences of the straightening and dredging of the Dowagiac River meant that the natural processes for managing sedient had now been lost.  Sediment, being a pollutant, can choke off quality habitat.  A once great environment for trout was lost!  The natural floodplain and the river were disconnected.  Flood events would tend to lead to more pronounced impacts such as fast rise in water levels, faster moving water, more turbid waters and an increase in sedimentation loads.

Objective of the Project 

The objective of the 13 year project were clear:

• Reconnect 1/4 mile of the Dowagiac River with its floodplain
• Create a channel that will bring back the functions of the natural stream
• Involve stakeholders to once again take ownershop of their river that included trout fishermen, canoe and kayak enthusiasts, and businesses that cater to outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Project Obstacles 

The obstacles that the project was able to overcome:

• Financial-overcome with funding, time, and materials from the project partners
• Technical-involved the actual design of riffle structures and their placement, the use and placement of materials (like 600 tons of limestone) and bridge construction

This project which began 13 years ago, started with a small group that evolved into a non-profit organziation.  Relationships have been built over time and collaboration among units of government and various other organziations sustained through hard work and dedication to the underlying virtue of the project is what made this project an ideal candidate for the Graham Woodhouse Intergovernmental Effort Award.

Partners in the Project Include:

1. MEANDRS group
2. Cass County Conservation District
3. Cass County Board of Commissioners
4. Cass County Road Commission
5. Cass County Parks Department
6. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Water Division
7. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries
8. Trout Unlimited
9. St. Joseph River Valley Fly Fishers
10. US Fish and Wildlife, Partnership for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Program
11. Michigan Departmen tof Agriculture,
12. Inter-County Drain Board
13. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
14. St. Denys Foundation
15. Pheasants Forever
16. Dowagiac Conservation Club
17. Consumers Concrete