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Overview

• History of Michigan's Dams
Dams have been built and rebuilt across Michigan to meet a variety of needs that reflect the evolution of the State's economy and society over the decades.

• Regulation of Dams

• Environmental Impacts of Dams
Protection and restoration of river environments is essential for sustainable, diverse, and productive stream fisheries. Over the last two decades, fisheries managers and ecologists have explored the changes dams cause in the ecological processes of river environments.

• Dams in Michigan
Maps of Michigan dams.


Things You Want to Know

• Dam Removal
Most dams in Michigan were built decades ago and many have deteriorated due to age, erosion, poor maintenance, flood damage, and poor designs. Those dams that no longer make sense, that stand in disrepair, or are not removed are at significant risk of failure, particularly during high flow events.

• Dam Removal Guidelines for Owners PDF icon
The purpose of this guidance document is to suggest issues that may need to be considered when deciding the future of a dam, and to assist in implementing a dam removal project.

• Wetlands Protection
What is a Wetland?
Michigan's wetland statute, Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, defines a wetland as "land characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, wetland vegetation or aquatic life, and is commonly referred to as a bog, swamp, or marsh." The definition applies to public and private lands regardless of zoning or ownership


Dams Removed in Michigan

• Big Rapids Dam

• Stronach Dam

• Sturgeon Dam


Funding Sources

• Grant Sources

• Paying for Dam Removal PDF icon


Related Resources

• Dam Removal Success Stories PDF icon

• Exploring Dam Removal: A Decision-Making Guide

• Restoring the Flow PDF icon

• River Alliance of Wisconsin

• The Ecology of Dam Removal PDF icon




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