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Tower and Kleber Dams on the Upper Black River, Northeastern Michigan

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Tower and Kleber Dams on the Upper Black River, Northeastern Michigan An Exploration of Impacts and Stakeholder Interests: Tower and Kleber Dams on the Upper Black River, Northeastern Michigan Prepared for: Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Authored by: Lauren Edson Kevin He Molly Watters A project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science of Natural Resources and Environment University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment April 2017 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steven Yaffee Abstract Background: Tower and Kleber dams operate on the Upper Black River in Northeastern Michigan and their license is set to expire on April 30, 2024. A decision to relicense or remove the dams will need to be made by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the dam owner, Nelson Turcotte of Tower Kleber Limited Partnership, within the next several years. Our clients, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, asked us to conduct an analysis of the impacts of the dams and explore the range of issues that need to be considered in decision-making. Project Purpose and Methods: For this analysis, we sought to understand: (1) the current ecological, economic, and social impacts of Tower and Kleber dams; (2) potential impacts of dam removal; (3) key stakeholders, concerns, and considerations to be included in the decision- making process; and (4) information and processes that should be incorporated moving forward. We reviewed published literature and interviewed members of identified stakeholder groups. We also held a large public meeting where we presented our preliminary findings and gathered input from attendees. Our meeting and this final report aim to provide our clients and other stakeholders with a baseline understanding of issues surrounding the dams as they begin the decision-making process regarding the dams’ future. Findings: We determined that the dams are in satisfactory condition and produce expected amounts of electricity. They affect water conditions and habitat for many aquatic species, including lake sturgeon whose current spawning and nursery habitats limit natural reproduction. However, the dams do not have a significant impact on Black Lake water levels. We identified many public concerns that should be addressed moving forward, including pond-front property, fishing opportunities, recreation, and tribal rights. To address misconceptions and confusion about dam impacts, we recommend gathering additional site-specific data and ensuring all information is made publicly available. To help alleviate conflict surrounding the issue, we recommend that our clients and the dam owner clarify the decision-making process, acknowledge concerns and emotions, work directly with landowners, directly involve tribal nations, and develop stakeholder visions for future dam scenarios. i Acknowledgements Our team would like to give special thanks to our advisor, Dr. Steven Yaffee, Professor at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment. We would also like to thank our clients, Patrick Hanchin, representing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Frank Dituri, representing the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. We also want to acknowledge the following organizations and individuals for their support throughout this process: The University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment, especially the Office of Academic Programs and Information Technology Staff Brett Fessell Tim Paulus, Forest Township Supervisor The hatchery and research staff at the Michigan State University/Michigan Department of Natural Resources Streamside Rearing Facility, especially Doug Larson and Ed Baker The residents of Tower and Kleber ponds The Black Lake Association and residents of Black Lake The Black Lake Preservation Society Brenda Archambo, Sturgeon for Tomorrow Hometown Inn of Indian River, Michigan ii Table of Contents Abstract........................................................................................................................................ i Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................... ii Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... iii Table of Figures ........................................................................................................................ vii Acronyms and Abbreviations ...................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 2 Project Context ....................................................................................................................... 3 Important Considerations and Drivers ................................................................................. 4 Introduction to the Place ......................................................................................................... 5 Project Purpose ...................................................................................................................... 8 Methods .............................................................................................................................. 8 Findings ....................................................................................................................................11 Who are the Key Stakeholders? ............................................................................................12 Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership ......................................................................................12 Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative ................................................................................12 Michigan Department of Natural Resources .......................................................................12 Local Governments ............................................................................................................12 Tribal Nations .....................................................................................................................13 Universities and Academic Institutions ...............................................................................13 Environmental Organizations .............................................................................................13 Landowners .......................................................................................................................13 Fishermen ..........................................................................................................................14 Tourism Organizations and Local Business .......................................................................14 What are the Impacts of the Dams? ......................................................................................14 Physical Status of the Dams ..................................................................................................15 Physical Condition of the Dams .........................................................................................15 Perceptions of Integrity and Maintenance ..........................................................................16 Cost of Operation and Maintenance ...................................................................................17 Cost of Dam Removal ........................................................................................................17 Electricity Generation ............................................................................................................19 Significance of Electricity Generation .................................................................................19 Run-of-River Operation at Tower and Kleber Dams ...........................................................20 Reliability of Electricity Generation .....................................................................................22 iii Electricity Transmission .....................................................................................................24 Properties ..............................................................................................................................26 Impacts of Dam Removal ...................................................................................................26 Dam Removal and Property Values .......................................................................................30 Properties on Tower and Kleber Ponds ..............................................................................30 Value of Waterfront Properties ...........................................................................................38 Black Lake Water Level .........................................................................................................42 Effect of Alverno Dam on Water Levels ..............................................................................43 Effect of Tower and Kleber Dams on Water Levels ............................................................44 Sediments .............................................................................................................................46 Sediment Build-up ..............................................................................................................46
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