Great Lakes Restoration Projects Producing Results for People, Communities

FEBRUARY 2015 Great Lakes Restoration Projects Producing Results for People, Communities

Prepared for the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition by Andrew Whelan, Anna Brunner, Jeff Alexander, and Dave Gershman

This report was made possible through the generous support of the Erb Foundation, Great Lakes Fisheries Trust, Joyce Foundation, and Peter Wege Foundation. The Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition is solely responsible for the content of this report. The views expressed in this report are those of the Healing Our Waters–Great Lakes Coalition and do not necessarily represent the views of financial supporters.

Cover photo credits clockwise from left (ending in the center): U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Department, Ducks Unlimited, and Gail Heffner.

Healing Our Waters® – Great Lakes Coalition http://www.healthylakes.org/

More than 120 organizations representing millions of people are uniting to restore one of America’s greatest natural wonders — the Great Lakes. The coalition seeks to stop sewage contamination, shut the door on invasive species, and restore wetlands and other damaged habitat, each of which is an essential component of restoring the health of the Great Lakes. For more information, contact:

TODD AMBS CHAD LORD JENNIFER HILL JORDAN LUBETKIN CELIA HAVEN Campaign Director Policy Director Field Director Communications Program Coordinator 608-692-9974 202-454-3385 734-887-7104 Director 734-887-7123 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 734-887-7109 [email protected] [email protected] Table of Contents

ILLINOIS

Program helps communities restore health of Lake Michigan ravines Northeastern Illinois ...... 3

Dead Dog Creek restoration reduces runoff, erosion into Lake Michigan Winthrop Harbor, Illinois ...... 4

Reducing erosion in ravine will improve Lake Michigan Village of Lake Bluff, near Chicago, Illinois ...... 5

INDIANA

Naturalizing stormwater retention basin improves water quality Valparaiso, Indiana ...... 6

MICHIGAN

Former golf course transformed into wetlands and green space Holland, Michigan ...... 7

Liberated creek no longer a source of mercury pollution Ishpeming, Michigan ...... 8

New map helps communities plan their green infrastructure projects Lower Grand River Watershed, near Grand Rapids, Michigan ...... 9

Restoring connectivity in the Two Hearted River watershed Luce County, Michigan ...... 10

Dam removal liberates a long-harnessed river Dexter, Michigan ...... 11

Restoring local creek brings diverse communities together Grand Rapids, Michigan ...... 12

Dam removal boosts river’s water quality and fish passage Nashville, Michigan ...... 13

Lake’s contaminated sediment cleaned up by poplar trees Muskegon, Michigan ...... 14

Native species return to a fen along the Kalamazoo River Kalamazoo, Michigan ...... 15

River habitat restoration leads to increase in trout population Coldwater River, near Grand Rapids, Michigan ...... 16

Reconnecting lagoon to river restores habitat for fish and wildlife Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan ...... 17

Belle Isle’s fishing pier attracts fish and fishermen once again Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan ...... 18

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 1 MINNESOTA

Northern Minnesota river has stronger riverbanks, less erosion Near Hovland, Minnesota ...... 19

NEW YORK

Restoring fish habitat at Lake Shore Marshes Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Area in Wayne County, New York ...... 20

Protecting the Indian River Lakes wetland benefits people, wildlife Jefferson and St . Lawrence Counties, New York ...... 21

OHIO

Marsh restoration paves way for return of native wildflowers Cleveland, Ohio ...... 22

Project transforms farm field into a coastal wetland Oak Harbor, Ohio ...... 23

With dams removed, an urban stream creek recovers Berea, Ohio ...... 24

Restored Ohio creek reduces flooding Hudson High School, Hudson, Ohio ...... 25

PENNSYLVANIA

Fish passage project bolsters a steelhead fishery Lawrence Park Township, near Erie, Pennsylvania ...... 26

WISCONSIN

Program limits spread of four invasive weeds through Wisconsin Ozaukee County, Wisconsin ...... 27

REGION-WIDE

Preventing spread of invasive species through bait trade Region-wide (samples were taken from every Great Lakes state) ...... 28

2 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Program helps communities restore health of Lake Michigan ravines NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS

Groups in Northeastern Illinois are focused on restoring ravine habitat by working with private landowners to reintroduce native plants. These plants will help to decrease erosion, thereby preventing sediment build- up in Lake Michigan and protecting valuable fish and wildlife habitat.

THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: Northeastern Illinois, along E Ravines, like the one here, drain into Lake Michigan. Minimizing sediment loss is D L A N K the shore of Lake Michigan, was histori- important for the health of the ravine ecosystem and for Lake Michigan. (Alliance for the U

Great Lakes photo) R

E cally the site of deep ravines that ranged

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R from 10 feet to 75 feet high, but over time

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O the growth of cities has destroyed many of the Great Lakes by reducing the sediment that flows into these natural drainage areas. By filling in these areas in Lake Michigan, while providing a varied habitat that will the landscape, communities have put more of a strain on benefit wildlife around the lakes. the remaining drainage areas, funneling the same quantity of water through fewer and fewer streams, increasing APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $ 297, 332, w it h erosion. The ravines are also home to locally rare plant $150,000 coming from Sustain Our Great Lakes—an species, including paper birch and star-flower. Of the organization partially funded by the Great Lakes remaining ravines, sixty percent are on residential Restoration Initiative property and due to this high level of development effective ravine protection involves educating public and RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: erosion, increased private landowners on how to care for these important stormwater runoff, loss of native species ecosystems. Individual decisions by these landowners that might seem simple—like removing plants from the edge KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes of the yard or climbing up and down the hill leading into Restoration Initiative through Sustain Our Great Lakes, the ravine—could unintentionally increase erosion and Alliance for the Great Lakes, Lake County Forest Preserve sediment build up in the ravine and in Lake Michigan. To District, Chicago Botanic Garden, Conservation Research help educate landowners on behaviors and decisions that Institute, Illinois Natural History Survey, Northwater support the health of the ravine, as well as to understand Consulting, Openlands, and National Fish and Wildlife the current state of ravine health, local groups have Foundation established the Lake Michigan Watershed Ecosystem Partnership. Over the past four years the partnership TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: contractors to plant seedlings, worked to develop guides to help assess the state of ravine local nurseries, ecologists, biologists, and digital map- health quickly—helping the group understand what work ping technicians needs to be done to support each ravine and how landowners can contribute. Protecting these ravines will help WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1lucast

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Since 2011, vegetation already existing in the ravine ecosystems has been assessed and 13 rare species are being monitored. With the results of the ravine assessment in hand, the Lake Michigan Watershed Ecosystem Partnership planted 43,000 native plants and 1,000 native shrubs in critical areas to slow or prevent erosion, preventing sediment from entering nearby Lake Michigan. In addition to planting native species, invasive plants were also removed from several sites in over 80 hours of work, increasing habitat for native wildlife. A new monitoring protocol was developed by this project to more quickly assess ravine health and it ended up cutting assessment time by 90 percent. The assessment of these ravines and others nearby will continue, with the hopes of educating private land owners throughout the area in the best ways to care for their ravine ecosystems.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 3 Dead Dog Creek restoration reduces runoff, erosion into Lake Michigan WINTHROP HARBOR, ILLINOIS

Project is expected to annually prevent 67 streambed. At every step, care was taken to ensure the tons of sediment and 73 pounds of phospho- aquatic wildlife was unharmed. Any disturbed areas along the banks were seeded with both a cover crop rous from flowing into Great Lakes. and a seed mix of native plants following construction to establish a root system that will hold the new soil together. The crew also installed a stormwater bio-

THE G retention basin above the restored bluffs to redirect BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: The Illinois Beach State Park E D L stormwater and prevent future erosion. A N K in northeastern Illinois is one of the last U

E relatively undeveloped stretches of Lake

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S APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $1,518,251, most of

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R Michigan shoreline between Chicago and

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I N O which was provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Milwaukee. Extending about a mile from Initiative. The Stormwater Management Commission the lakeshore, the area is dominated by dune ridges and provided around $10,000. swales, and houses a unique and diverse array of species. Stormwater runoff picks up sediment high in phospho- RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Severe stream rous, nitrogen, and other pollutants from the fertilizers, bank erosion, the discharge of excess sediment and pesticides, and other chemicals used in the residential pollutants into Lake Michigan and its surrounding area; the sediment and wetlands pollutants flow into Dead Dog Creek, which KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes introduces them to Restoration Initiative, the Village of Winthrop Harbor, Lake Michigan and its the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and surrounding wetlands. Conservation Land Stewardship, Inc. This has threatened the health of an area that is TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Heavy equipment operators, not only geologically drivers, and general laborers and biologically unique, A section of Dead Dog Creek in Winthrop Harbor, but whose resources Ill., during to restoration efforts. (Lake County WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1mL8VSO have amplified impor- Stormwater Management Commission photo) tance to Illinois, given the state’s relatively small proportion of the Lake Michigan watershed. Thanks to two grants from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission is attempting to address these issues. Crews have been restoring stream channels, banks, and riparian areas along Dead Dog Creek. Several areas along the stream bank have seen significant erosion, resulting in 25- to 35-foot bluffs. These bluffs were stabilized and repaired by installing rocks at the base of the riverbanks, and then compacting soil on top of these rocks to form a gradual slope. Riffles were installed to restore the natural conditions of the After restoration efforts. (Lake County Stormwater Management Commission photo)

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The project has repaired severely eroded stream banks, including several 25-to-35 foot bluffs, restored the natural streambeds and channels, restored riparian areas, and created a bio-retention basin to redirect stormwater and reduce future erosion. The project is expected to annually prevent 67 tons of sediment and 73 pounds of phosphorous from flowing into Lake Michigan, which will improve the quality of the water relied on by humans, fish, and wildlife throughout the watershed. The highly visible nature of this project has received overwhelm- ingly positive feedback from the local community and strengthened the working relationship between the agency and the village, making it very valuable from an ongoing stewardship standpoint.

4 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Reducing erosion in ravine will improve Lake Michigan VILLAGE OF LAKE BLUFF, NEAR CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Curbing storm water runoff and reducing erosion in a ravine near Chicago will keep hundreds of tons of sediment from washing into Lake Michigan and will enhance recreational opportunities.

THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: A ravine that slices through E D L A N K the Village of Lake Bluff is one of about U

E three dozen ravines along the western

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O the Wisconsin border. The ravines naturally collect storm water runoff and snowmelt from the surrounding landscape and transport it to Lake The restored creek now meanders through Lake Bluff Ravine. Stabilizing the creek banks Michigan. The construction of homes, roads and shop- with rocks and vegetation will curb erosion and reduce the amount of sediment washing ping centers along the Lake Michigan coast in recent into Lake Michigan. (Village of Lake Bluff photo) years covered vast areas of the landscape with concrete and other impervious surfaces. Communities along the expected to reduce the amount of sediment washing shoreline also pipe storm water into some of the ravines. into Lake Michigan from the Lake Bluff Ravine by 302 The result: flash floods in the ravines that have caused tons annually. In addition to reducing erosion, the Lake severe erosion of the stream channel and adjacent Bluff project enhanced recreational opportunities in and stream banks. The erosion has resulted in the loss of around the ravine, which is already home to popular property along several ravines, including the Lake Bluff hiking and biking trails. Ravine. That erosion sends tons of excess sediment into Lake Michigan every year, where it fouls water quality APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $788,900, nearly all of and harms fish and wildlife habitat. Erosion has been a which was provided by the Great Lakes Restoration problem in the Lake Bluff Ravine for more than two Initiative decades, to the extent that it threatened to consume parts of two local roads. The village tried to stem erosion RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Flash flooding, in a small section of the 3,500-foot-long ravine in the severe stream bank erosion, loss of fish and wildlife early 1990s, but lacked the funds to completely solve the habitat, and the discharge of excess sediment into Lake problem. Armed with a grant from the Great Lakes Michigan Restoration Initiative, the Village of Lake Bluff in 2011 took another stab at halting excessive erosion in the KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes ravine. Crews removed trees and other debris from the Restoration Initiative, Village of Lake Bluff, U.S. stream at the bottom of the ravine, restored its natural Environmental Protection Agency channel and restored its natural channel and stabilized 1,600 feet of eroding stream banks with stone and TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Environmental and civil vegetation. Storm sewer outfalls were repaired to reduce engineers, landscape architects, hydrologists, biologists, erosion in the ravine, and several small check dams were heavy equipment operators and general laborers placed in the stream to slow the flow of water, thereby reducing erosion. Completed in 2013, the project is WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1mIzLME

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The project stabilized eroding stream banks along nearly half of the 3,500-feet long ravine, restored the stream’s natural channel and repaired storm drains that exacerbated erosion in the ravine. The project is expected to reduce the amount of sediment washing into Lake Michigan from the ravine by 302 tons annually, which will improve water quality and fish habitat.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 5 Naturalizing stormwater retention basin improves water quality VALPARAISO, INDIANA

Retrofitting and naturalizing a retention originally designed, only held excess water but did basin in Indiana improved water quality by nothing to slow down flow or filter out sediments and pollution. Thanks to a grant from the Great Lakes filtering out sediments and pollutants from Restoration Initiative, the City of Valparaiso and nonprofit stormwater, decreasing the harmful impact Save the Dunes have partnered to naturalize and retrofit of storms, and improving aquatic wildlife the Thorgren Basin by removing concrete and natural- habitats. izing landscaping and vegetation in the swale. They aim to expand the basin’s functionality, having it treat stormwater and provide aquatic habitat in addition to redirecting storm flows. At each inlet to the basin, THE G BY RE sediment traps were constructed to remove much of the A D T DESCRIPTION: One of the biggest threats to E D L A sediment picked up by the stormwater. The channels were N K the Great Lakes is polluted runoff that U

S reconstructed to give them a meandering path that slows

E occurs when heavy rains wash pesticides,

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A down the flow of stormwater, allowing sediments and

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O other pollutants into nearby rivers and pollutants to settle out. Crews removed the concrete streams—and eventually the Great Lakes. Several years lining the channels, replacing it with bio-swales of native ago, to control stormwater flow within a local watershed, vegetation. Crews also landscaped the basin to provide a the City of Valparaiso, Ind., constructed a traditional varied topography for wildlife habitats, creating clay-lined concrete detention basin. The basin itself is roughly 2 permanent pools, transitional wetland zones, and upland acres in area, but is responsible for collecting stormwater infiltration areas. Native vegetation was planted from approximately 330 acres, most of which are throughout the basin to naturalize its hydrology. commercial, industrial, or residential. The basin, as APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $815,000 including $607,000 provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Sedimentation, polluted storm runoff, erosion, lack of suitable aquatic habitats

KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the City of Valparaiso, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Salt Creek Watershed Group, Valparaiso University, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, G.E. Marshall, Soil Solutions, Inc., TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc., A & L Great Lakes Laboratories, Amereco Engineering, and Stat Analysis Corporation

TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Local environmental contractors, professors, and general labor

In addition to treating and redirecting stormwater, the retrofitted basin includes a varied WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1oYKAdU topography with native vegetation to provide wildlife habitat. (Save the Dunes photo)

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Primary construction on the Thorgren Basin retrofits was completed in November 2012. The project is expected to prevent 402 pounds of nitrogen, 130 pounds of phosphorus, and 23 tons of sediment from entering the Salt Creek watershed annually. In addition, low levels of oxygen in the creek will be addressed, with more than 3,500 pounds of dissolved oxygen restored to the water annually. These changes have significantly improved the water quality for both the people and wildlife in the area.

6 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Former golf course transformed into wetlands and green space HOLLAND, MICHIGAN

The site of a former golf placed at the base of the stream course has been restored to banks to provide support and prevent sedimentation. Crews also a wetland ecosystem in helped reestablish native vegetation order to reduce sediment and shrubs, creating a root system and nutrients entering water that holds soil in place. The river system and to provide a itself was partially restored to its natural course by removing or space for outdoor public reconfiguring several bridges that recreation. were used as part of the golf cart path system and were affecting stream flow. A section of the Macatawa River in Holland, Mich., undergoing THE G BY RE stream bank stabilization. (Ottawa County Parks & Recreation A D T DESCRIPTION: The E APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: D L Department photo) A N K Macatawa River in U

E $1,419,000. Of this, $646,000 was

E western Michigan

V provided by the Great Lakes

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O Macatawa and is part of the Lake Michigan watershed. The RESOURCE CHALLENGES area is prone to flash floods that ADDRESSED: Flash flooding, severe cause erosion, sediment build up, stream bank erosion, harmful algal and an increase in nutrient pollu- blooms, the discharge of excess tion in the ecosystem. These sediment and pollutants into Lake nutrients have caused toxic algal Michigan and its surrounding blooms in Lake Macatawa in the wetlands, inadequate wildlife past. The Ottawa County Parks and habitat, and a need for public Recreation Department is working recreational green spaces to combat this by restoring the Following stabilization and re-vegetation. (Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Department photo) wetlands and floodplains along the KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND river to their natural conditions. The PRIVATE): Great Lakes Restoration department recently purchased a golf course adjacent to Initiative, the Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa the river when the parent country club ran into financial Greenway, The Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, difficulties. Thanks to a grant from the Great Lakes and Request Foods, Inc. Restoration Initiative and a conservation easement from a local business, the parks department has replaced turf TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Wildlife biologists, hydrolo- grass with native vegetation throughout the former golf gists, wetland/stream restoration experts, landscape course, which has reduced storm water runoff as well as architects, engineers, administrative and planning staff, pesticide and fertilizer use—and has created an outdoor park staff, and general laborers green space for the Holland community to enjoy. Crews converted 53 acres of the 122-acre property into wetlands WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1jVxfRP and restored stream banks and riparian areas. Rocks were

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The new wetlands installed by the project increase the ability of the floodplains to absorb and retain stormwater, reducing the threat of floods to adjacent homes. The wetlands also help filter out much of the sediments and pollutants before they can reach Lake Macatawa. The new park also provides new outdoor recreational opportunities for the local community, thanks to features such as picnic benches, a 3-mile trail system throughout the park, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Since major construction was completed in the fall of 2012, there has been a noticeable increase in the waterfowl populations in the wetlands, and popular activities for residents have included hiking, wildlife viewing, cross country skiing, and of course, disc golfing.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 7 Liberated creek no longer a source of mercury pollution ISHPEMING, MICHIGAN

Restoring the natural channel of a northern mining practices contaminated sediments and fish in Michigan creek stopped the flow of mercury Deer Lake, earning the lake a spot on a list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern in 1987. The city of Ishpeming began from underground mines into nearby Deer working with state and federal agencies several years ago Lake and Lake Superior. on a plan to divert Partridge Creek out of the mines, thereby eliminating an ongoing source of mercury entering Carp Creek and Deer Lake. Restoring the creek’s natural course — which required rebuilding parts of THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: Partridge Creek, which E Ishpeming’s storm sewer system, streets and side- D L A N K flows through the city of Ishpeming in U

E walks — began in 2011. The work was completed in 2013.

E Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, was diverted

V Moving the creek out of a manmade channel down-

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N stream of Ishpeming created new fish and habitat and I T

I N O flood control measure. The creek was increased public access to Partridge Creek. Eliminating diverted into nearby mines, where the water picked up the active source of mercury entering Deer Lake was one traces of mercury and deposited it into Carp Creek, of the last steps in a lengthy effort to get the lake which flows into Deer Lake. Mercury from historic removed from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern. In October 2014 the U.S. EPA delisted Deer Lake—it is no longer an Area of Concern. Only three other locations around the Great Lakes have been removed from the Area of Concern list. Deer Lake joins Presque Isle Bay, Pa., Oswego River, N.Y., and White Lake, Mich. The Great Lakes Area of Concern list was originally compiled in 1987, totaling 26 sites in the United States, 12 in Canada, and 5 binational locations.

APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $8 million, which was provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Mercury contamination of Deer Lake and the southern Lake Superior watershed, and the loss of fish and wildlife habitat along Partridge Creek

KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Deer Lake Public Advisory Council, city of Ishpeming, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Environmental engineers, civil engineers, chemists, toxicologists, biologists, ecologists, heavy equipment operators and general laborers

Partridge Creek now flows freely, without polluting Deer Lake or Lake Superior. (Michigan WEB SITE: http://bit.ly/1g4olQG Department of Environmental Quality photo)

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The project halted the flow of mercury from underground mines into Deer Lake and the southern Lake Superior watershed. It also created new habitat for trout, increased public access to the waterway and completed efforts to get Deer Lake removed from a list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern.

8 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ New map helps communities plan their green infrastructure projects LOWER GRAND RIVER WATERSHED, NEAR GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Through identifying areas around Grand Rapids that have the greatest potential to provide an interconnected network of land and water, the Natural Connections Map of the Lower Grand River Watershed aims to protect the region’s plants, animals, air, water, health, and quality of life.

DESCRIPTION: The Grand River meanders through lower Michigan and the city of Grand Rapids before feeding the waters of Lake Michigan. The watershed of the Grand River—the area of land whose runoff ends up in the river—totals almost 3,000 square miles. The health A kayaker enjoys the Grand River. More people will be able to use the river for swimming, of the river is therefore connected to the way the land fishing, and playing as more green infrastructure is installed in communities throughout the watershed. (Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds photo) around it is used and managed. Managing a landscape that crosses multiple counties and government bound- ment, and maximizing green space in the community aries is a challenge, but one that has been taken up by for people and wildlife. the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, or LGROW. LGROW’s hope for the watershed is that it can APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $15,000 be restored for all to enjoy as a place to swim and fish and as a source of clean drinking water. To accomplish RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Lack of green this, LGROW has made a map of the entire watershed, infrastructure, need for farmland preservation, loss of highlighting sources of pollution, areas that could be parks and open space, lack of connectivity of trail and improved, and natural areas that could benefit from river corridor systems being connected. The Nature Connections Map also shows where green infrastructure, like rain gardens, KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): The Natural permeable pavement, or connected green space, have Resource Conservation Service, Plaster Creek Stewards, been or could be installed. The map highlights areas in Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr, & Huber, Grand Valley Metro the region that have already been protected as natural Council–Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, lands in the watershed—including parks, game areas, Grand Valley State University Resources Institute, forests, nature centers, trails, and camp lands. In addi- Michigan Department of Natural Resources and tion, it points out priority areas in the watershed that Environment have the potential to support and connect regional green areas, but are not yet protected. LGROW and its partners TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Geographic information are currently using this framework to engage local systems map-makers governments in advancing the critical policy issues surrounded green infrastructure, low impact develop- WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1pH7hCY

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Thanks to the Natural Connections Map, groups and governments can now see where potential connectivity projects lay in relation to one another. The hubs and corridors identified on the map have the greatest potential to provide an interconnected network of land and water that supports native plant and animal species, maintain ecological processes and services, sustain air and water resources, and contribute to the health, well-being and quality of life of people and communities throughout the region. Additionally, the map can be used to determine where green infrastructure projects would be most beneficial to the overall health of the Grand River.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 9 Restoring connectivity in the Two Hearted River watershed LUCE COUNTY, MICHIGAN

Repairing culverts, regrading roads and stabilizing river banks at 27 road crossings and man-made erosion sites along Michigan’s Two Hearted River has naturalized river flow, reduced sediment by more than 625 tons, and connected 35 miles of river. This has improved habitat for fish and wildlife and increased recreational opportunities.

THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: The Two Hearted River E D L A N K watershed, flowing into Lake Superior, U

E remains relatively pristine. The area is

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T Eroded stream banks were regraded to be less steep, reducing sedimentation. Stairs

I largely forested and supports a variety of

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I N O were also constructed to provide recreational access with limited erosion. (The Nature fish and wildlife species, including several Conservancy photo) fish designated as conservation priorities such as brassy minnow, brook trout, and Coho salmon. Where culverts APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $1,399,255. Of this, have been installed at road crossings the flow of the river $883,013 was provided by the Great Lakes Restoration has been significantly altered, making it difficult for fish Initiative and other aquatic organisms to move throughout the river. To be effective, culverts should be wide enough to Sedimentation, allow for the natural flow of the river to be unobstructed. RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: The Nature Conservancy is addressing these issues thanks erosion, altered hydrologic function of the river, restric- to grants from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the tion of fish migration, and loss of fish and wildlife Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife habitat Service, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The Conservancy, along with project partners, conducted KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes an inventory of road crossings and access points within Restoration Initiative, Superior Watershed Partnership, the watershed and identified 27 priority sites to restore. Luce County Road Commission, East Branch Sportsmens Old culverts that were restricting river flow were removed Club, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and replaced with new, wider culverts, or bridges. Severely Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association, Educating eroded banks were re-graded to be less steep, using stakes, to Control Off Road Damage, Compass Land Consultants and native plantings to stabilize the new slopes. Roads Inc., Kevin Brow & Son Excavating, U.P. Pipe and crossing over the culverts were also re-graded so that Concrete, Wilson Creek Woodsmithing, Van Straten water flowing onto these roads now flows into retention Brothers Inc., AECOM, J.E. Kloote Contracting Inc., basins that filter out sediment before rejoining the river. Newberry Redi Mix, and D & D Home Center (Newberry) At two of the fords gravel was removed to naturalize the streambeds, and the banks were stabilized. At the time of TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Contractors, hydrologists, this writing, work at 19 of the sites has been completed engineers, equipment operators, and general labor and the remaining 8 sites will be finished by the end of this year. WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1kLPxDs

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The project has restored natural stream flow or stabilized banks at 19 sites along the river. The project, once complete, will restore 27 sites. This work is expected to reduce annual sedimentation of the Two Hearted River by more than 625 tons per year. The project will also reconnect 35 miles of previously fragmented aquatic habitat. Road erosion and flooding will also be reduced, making the roads safer and increasing opportunities for activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and snowmobiling.

10 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Dam removal liberates a long-harnessed river DEXTER, MICHIGAN

Removing the Mill Creek Dam in southeast Those problems were significant because Mill Creek is Michigan improved a Lake Erie tributary, the largest tributary of the Huron River, a large river that flows into western Lake Erie. The dam was removed in restored natural rapids and prompted the 2008 and natural rapids quickly returned to that stretch development of a waterfront park and trails. of Mill Creek. Aquatic insects and trout returned after the dam was removed, which attracted anglers and paddlers to the village. Dexter officials also obtained state grants to build a linear park and trail along the DESCRIPTION: In 1824, the man who founded the village restored creek. The popular park has attracted numerous of Dexter built a dam on Mill Creek. Samuel Dexter used visitors, revitalized Dexter’s business district and become the dam to power a sawmill and later a grain mill. A a fixture of the community. number of people owned and operated the dam until it was taken out of service in the early 1900s. The dam, APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $1.24 million, which which later became the base of a road through Dexter, included the cost of developing four acres of a park along was hazardous to swimmers and boaters and a financial the former dam site. The state of Michigan provided liability for the village, located about 50 miles west of most of the funding. Detroit. The dam played a key role in the development of Dexter, but the structure blocked fish passage, submerged RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Lack of fish prime fish habitat under a millpond and altered the passage, altered stream flow, thermal pollution and natural movement of water, sediment and nutrients. degraded fish and wildlife habitat

KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Village of Dexter, the Huron River Watershed Council, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Washtenaw County Road Commission and DTE Energy

TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Civil and environmental engineers, landscape architects, biologists, ecologists, heavy equipment operators and general laborers

WEB SITE: http://bit. ly/1wkNUlO

Mill Creek flowed freely for the first time in nearly two centuries after the dam was removed in 2008. (Huron River Watershed Council photo)

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The project restored the natural flow in Mill Creek, improved fish habitat and increased the number of fish and desirable insects around the dam site. The former dam site also became the centerpiece of a waterfront park that has attracted visitors and pumped life into Dexter’s downtown business community.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 11 Restoring local creek brings diverse communities together GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Calvin College faculty are improving the upper portion of the creek, causing bacteria growth to Plaster Creek’s water quality and promoting accelerate and reach dangerous levels by the time the water enters Lake Michigan. Plaster Creek consistently has environmental justice through green infra- E. coli levels over 50 times higher than the limit for safe structure restoration, biological and social human contact making it unsafe for people to swim in or research, and community education. drink from. In 2008, several faculty members from the local Calvin College formed Plaster Creek Stewards to address both stormwater and environmental justice issues. Plaster Creek Stewards identified three primary compo- DESCRIPTION: West Michigan’s Plaster Creek is a 14-mile- nents for reducing stormwater impacts: green long creek that flows into the Grand River and eventually infrastructure restoration that uses native vegetation to Lake Michigan. Stormwater and farm runoff enter the absorb stormwater, scientific and social research, and community engagement. Plaster Creek Stewards employs low-income urban high school students who receive both classroom and job experience through assisting with restoration projects. The group is also developing partnerships between upstream and downstream schools along the creek; students from partner schools share their experiences and visit the stream in both locations to observe differences. Plaster Creek Stewards is currently working to develop similar partnerships between upstream and downstream churches. The goal of these efforts is to foster an awareness that the Plaster Creek watershed is an inter-connected social and biological community defined by a common shared resource. Plaster Creek Stewards estimates that it will take 20 to 30 years of concerted efforts with an involved and informed community to undo a century’s worth of river degradation. The diverse community of the Plaster Creek watershed has come together to protect a common shared resource. (Photo by Gail Heffner) APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: Over $1,600,000

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Polluted stormwater runoff, water quality degradation, sedimentation, erosion, bacterial contamination, environmental justice

KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Calvin College, River Network, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: University research, excava- tors, engineers, and general labor The summer Green Team initiative employed high school students who assisted with greenhouse work and with green infrastructure restoration. (Photo by Gail Heffner) WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1txYT7u

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This project is reducing the harmful impacts of stormwater on this watershed and the people who rely on it. Treating stormwater will reduce the levels of sedimentation, nutrient runoff, thermal pollution, trash, and toxic effluent in the Plaster Creek, restoring water quality and reducing bacterial contamination. This project is also promoting environmental justice by forging partnerships between upstream and downstream communities and fostering a stewardship mentality.

12 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Dam removal boosts river’s water quality and fish passage NASHVILLE, MICHIGAN

Removing the Nashville Dam on the Thornapple River in Southwest Michigan has improved fish habitat and water quality, increased fish diversity, and provided more recreational opportunities.

DESCRIPTION: By the 21st century the Nashville Dam, originally built in 1854 to provide power for a sawmill, no longer served any functional purpose. In fact, the dam blocked fish passage in the Thornapple River and trapped sediment behind it, leading to low oxygen levels The Nashville Dam on the Thornapple River prior to removal. The dam prevented fish in the river. Dissolved oxygen in the water is essential for passage and was degrading water quality. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo) the health of all fish and aquatic organisms, and insuffi- cient levels can lead to fish kills. Removing the dam improved oxygen levels in the river and helped open up 60 miles of unimpeded fish passage and a further 105 tributary miles. The project also helped reconnect five inland lakes to the river system. The associated millpond was drained, leaving approximately 60 acres of new floodplain. Following the removal of the Nashville Dam, the Barry Conservation District and partners worked with many landowners along the floodplain area to install native plants and to enhance habitat by constructing shallow wetland areas.

APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $550,000

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Low dissolved oxygen, fish kills, fish passage barrier, aging and The Thornapple River with the Nashville Dam removed. The large boulders in the river hazardous structure, poor aquatic organism population provide habitat for a variety of fish and aquatic wildlife. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rates above the dam, heavily sedimented impoundment photo) with limited recreational capacity County Parks and Recreation Board, Grand Valley State KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Michigan University and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Ocean Trust, Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Thornapple River Watershed Council and citizens of the Service, Michigan Department of Environmental Village of Nashville Quality, Fish America Foundation & NOAA, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Village of Nashville, Barry WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1nWJWIR

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Removing the Nashville Dam provided more than 60 miles of river access to fish and improved Thornapple River’s water quality. Fish such as bass, northern pike, and walleye are returning, providing new fishing opportunities for the public. A survey done two years after the dam removal confirmed that species diversity and abundance had increased. Recreation on the river is improving annually, with more canoe and kayak traffic and improved fishing opportunities above the former dam. The former millpond now provides approximately 60 acres of wildlife habitat along the river corridor, attracting waterfowl, seasonal nesting birds and mammals. The diversity of aquatic wildlife in general has also improved.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 13 Lake’s contaminated sediment cleaned up by poplar trees MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN

Planting poplar trees around Muskegon Lake One of these is helping remove toxins in the soil by ab- projects helping Muskegon Lake sorbing and degrading the chemicals as the uses poplar trees to trees grow. The poplar trees also will reduce clean up toxins, runoff and provide a sustainable source of absorb runoff, and wood for local manufacturers. contribute to the local economy. Poplar trees can As part of this project, a few poplar trees are dug contribute to the THE G BY RE cleanup of the A up and their roots are examined to analyze the rate D T DESCRIPTION: The history of pollution E D L of contaminate absorption. Here is a poplar root A landscape through N K around Muskegon Lake, Mich., from U

E with just a little over one year of growth. (Delta

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E petroleum products, mercury, and PCB’s Institute photo)

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O Concern — a designation conferred to the trees absorb toxins in the soil as they are growing. Poplar region’s most polluted waters — in 1985. Nutrient runoff trees absorb heavy metals, chlorinated solvents, and from the surrounding landscape also caused large algal volatile organic compounds and the trees then degrade blooms and harmed the base of the food chain in the the toxins or convert them into a non-toxic form. Soil lake. As a result beach closings occurred, fish and wildlife can then stay in place, reducing run-off and erosion, and were degraded and the public was warned not to be cleaned up at the same time. This also circumvents consume them, fish and wildlife habitat was impaired, the need to store contaminated soil offsite. Poplar trees and dredging was restricted. Many projects are on-going are fast growing and great at absorbing water, helping to to restore this complex ecosystem to health with a goal of minimize runoff into Muskegon Lake. Finally, because removing the lake from the Area of Concern list by 2019. the poplars grow so quickly, they can also contribute to the local economy, providing wood cabinets, doors, and paneling, or as a source for bioenergy production.

APPROXIMATE COST OF THE PROJECT: $400,000 from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Contaminated soil, polluted runoff

KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, U.S. Forest Service, Delta Institute, West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission, City of Muskegon, State of Michigan, Shoreline Inn, Mart Dock

TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: General laborers, small equipment operators, tree farm employees

WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1vRE1df One of the brownfield sites in May 2013, just as the poplars are being put in the ground. (Delta Institute photo)

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Planting over 3,000 poplar trees around Muskegon Lake has helped remove toxins from the soil, reduced stormwater runoff into the lake, and provided a sustainable source of wood for local businesses. These poplar trees are now absorbing heavy metals in the soil that would otherwise build up in fish and wildlife.

14 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Native species return to a fen along the Kalamazoo River KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN

By removing invasive species from a wetland fen outside of Kalamazoo, Mich., native plants returned on their own and ecosystem health improved, attracting native wildlife such as butterflies, snakes and turtles.

THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: The Kalamazoo River E D L A N K meanders through the southern lower U

E peninsula of Michigan and eventually

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I N O species have been removed. (Kalamazoo Nature Center photo) the town of Kalamazoo, the river is periodically lined with fens—biologically diverse wetland areas, filled with unusual, rare, and sometimes endangered species. Fens help filter and slow water before it enters the Kalamazoo River, helping to keep this important Lake Michigan tributary healthy. In fact, fens are a distinct type of wetland, characterized by alkaline water, turned that way as the water soaks into the calcium-rich bedrock. Plants that thrive with the minerals found in the alkaline water are distinct— specific kinds of mosses, grasses, and even some carnivorous plants. In turn, these distinct plants support The fen environment after restoration. Once invasive species were removed from the fen, a diverse community of wildlife. However, the fens that native species in the seed bank began to fill in the open areas, creating a natural line the Kalamazoo River around Kalamazoo, Mich., environment that has attracted native wildlife such as turtles, snakes and butterflies. have been largely destroyed by invasive species. The (Kalamazoo Nature Center photo) Kalamazoo River Nature Center recently received Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding for a very RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Degraded fen straight-forward project that has had a big impact on the environment, invasive species, diminished habitat for health of their fens: removing invasive plants, which has native fen species allowed native plants to return to the fen on their own. By exposing the soil and the native seeds laying dormant KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes in the dirt, the native plant community has regenerated. Restoration Initiative, Kalamazoo Nature Center, The restoration funding has allowed the Nature Center Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, Pierce Cedar to keep the invasive species out of the fen for several Creek Institute, and Fort Custer Training Center years, while also giving biologists an opportunity to monitor the progress of the native plants. TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Plant biologists, volunteers, general laborers APPROXIMATE COST OF THE PROJECT: $196,000 from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1q58ioj

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: By removing invasive species that had blanketed the fen, native species were able to return, largely on their own. The seeds in the soil, known as the seed bank, were able to stay dormant for many years until they had enough sun and water for them to germinate. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant has allowed the Kalamazoo Nature Center to keep the invasive species at bay while also studying the progress of the recovering native plant community. Already, native species like snakes, box turtles, and many species of butterfly are returning to the area. Like other types of wetlands, these restored fens will help filter and slow water, helping the Kalamazoo River stay healthy.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 15 River habitat restoration leads to increase in trout population COLDWATER RIVER, NEAR GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Reducing riverbank erosion and placing APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $127,000. Schrems fallen trees in the Coldwater River restored received a $20,000 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and $40,750 grant from the National Fish and fish habitat and led to a 38-fold increase in Wildlife Foundation to supplement approximately the site’s trout population. $66,250 of local funds, materials and in-kind match.

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Poor aquatic habitat, limited lake-bottom diversity, no fish cover, poor DESCRIPTION: The Coldwater River is one of the largest fish migration and highest quality cold water streams in southwest Michigan. The 34-mile-long trout stream is home to 32 KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Schrems West species of fish, including brown, rainbow and brook Michigan Trout Unlimited; Coldwater River Watershed trout. However, riverbank erosion and the lack of fallen Council; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Partners for trees over the river that would provide prime habitat for Fish and Wildlife Program; Kent County Drain fish have left stretches of the river with low fish popula- Commissioner; Coldwater River Intercounty Drainage tions. One such area is a 2,500 foot stretch of the river Board; Streamside Ecological Services; Frank “Bob” adjacent to Schrems West Michigan Chapter of Trout Perrin – Lansing Trout Unlimited; Michigan Trout Unlimited’s Dolan Property. The river has been dredged, Unlimited is straight and shallow, and contains little woody debris or other cover for fish — resulting in limited and TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Machine operator, laborers, unfriendly aquatic habitat for trout. design and construction consultants In 2010, 38 trees were harvested from the Dolan Property and positioned in the Coldwater River to create WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1nD77HW fish habitat at 31 locations along the nearly half-mile stretch of river. The log structures have remained in place since construction and have greatly increased the site’s trout population.

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The trout population, according to a July 2014 fish survey, has increased tremen- dously — from 40 per mile at the Dolan Property in 2009, to 1,523 per mile. The project exceeded its goal of 800 fish per mile by 2013. The survey also found an increase in fish species diversity in the river. The habitat improvement work has remained in place, as documented by annual post-project monitoring.

Submerged logs in the Coldwater River provide habitat for trout and will increase the health of the An excavator places a log into the Coldwater River. These logs change the flow of the water in the river overall. (Photo by Aaron Snell) river, providing hiding spaces for fish and other invertebrates needed for a healthy ecosystem. (Photo by Aaron Snell)

16 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Reconnecting lagoon to river restores habitat for fish and wildlife BELLE ISLE, DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Reconnecting the Blue Heron Lagoon to the Detroit River provided a home for turtles, small fish, snakes, and frogs to grow and thrive — habitat improvements that can help get the Detroit River removed from the list of the region’s most toxic water bodies.

THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: Detroit’s Blue Heron Lagoon E D L A N K is located on the eastern end of Belle U

E Isle — a state park in the Detroit River. This

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O Central Park — has undergone substantial changes in the past that have hurt fish and wildlife habitat. Barriers, like sheet pile walls, grates and drop structures, were installed to regulate the flow of water, Native species have been planted around Blue Heron Lagoon, both in and around the but they prevented fish and other wildlife from easily water. Native wildlife will be able to thrive here thanks to the Great Lakes Restoration moving back and forth between the Detroit River and Initiative. (Friends of the Detroit River photo) the more sheltered wetland areas offered by the lagoon. Barriers, like the ones installed at the Blue Heron RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Stagnant water, Lagoon, and expansive development from cities have lack of fish nursery habitat, lack of turtle habitat, low both contributed to the loss of wetland areas throughout diversity of habitat the Detroit River, with about 97 percent of original coastal wetlands destroyed. The sheltered waters of the Great Lakes lagoon were closed off artificially for many years until KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): 2011, when the Friends of the Detroit River won a grant Restoration Initiative, Friends of the Detroit River, City from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to reconnect of Detroit Recreation Department, Environmental the lagoon to the Detroit River. By reconnecting the Blue Consulting and Technology Inc., SmithGroupJJR, Heron Lagoon to the Detroit River, the natural habitat Chandler Park Academy, Greening of Detroit was restored, providing shelter for fish and wildlife and creating a nursery environment for fry fish. The resto- TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Data gatherers, bird monitors, ration of the Blue Heron Lagoon is one small step to reptile monitors, volunteers, metro area school groups, restore the Detroit River and have it removed from the general laborers, heavy equipment operators, ecologists Great Lakes Area of Concern list, which lists the region’s most degraded waterways. WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1s3c81p

APPROXIMATE COST OF THE PROJECT: $1,495,280; with $1,459,649 from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and $35,631 in matching funds

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The 41-acre Blue Heron Lagoon now slowly flows out to the Detroit River, under a foot bridge that allows Belle Isle Park pedestrians to enjoy the view. The depth of the bottom of the lagoon was varied to provide several different habitat environments for different species of fish, snakes, turtles, frogs, and plant life. State- listed species including the endangered Eastern Fox Snake and Blanding’s Turtle live in the lagoon and the changes made to the area will help improve their habitat. A small peninsula has been built out into the waters of the lagoon to provide space for turtles to nest in. The Blue Heron Lagoon has been redesigned to incorporate space for fish, amphibians, plants, and humans, contributing to the health of the wildlife in the area and taking the Detroit River one step closer to being removed from the Great Lakes Area of Concern list.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 17 Belle Isle’s fishing pier attracts fish and fishermen once again BELLE ISLE, DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Restoring a fishing pier in Detroit has provided diverse habitat for fish to rest in, making the area suitable for fish and fishermen alike.

THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: The Detroit River is listed as E D L A N K an Area of Concern — one of the most U

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O pollution from industry, urban development, shipping, and sewage spills. Impairments identified on the river include loss of fish and wildlife The rocky shoal that blocks wave energy from reaching and eroding the shore of Bell Isle habitat, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, is installed. (Friends of the Detroit River photo) beach closings, and restrictions on drinking water consumption. Restoration projects underway and completed on Belle Isle — a Detroit-owned public park, now cared for by the state of Michigan — have focused on fish and wildlife habitat restoration. In 2004 the city of Detroit installed fish spawning reefs underwater just off the southeastern shore of Belle Isle. Fish need a reef to spawn on, but fry fish need wetland areas or shallow water habitat to hide in while they grow, so in 2011 more sheltered habitats were created for fish to succeed. Almost three acres of protected coastal wetland was installed along the island adjacent to the pier, providing a nearby area for small fish to take shelter and find food. The south fishing pier also had breakwaters installed to slow the current, allowing small fish to make their way An aerial view of the south fishing pier. The various shoals and the changes of depth in water are all visible in this photograph. (Friends of the Detroit River photo) to safety and providing a more varied habitat for larger fish. The south fishing pier allows fish to rest, but it also is an ideal spot for fisherman to try their luck. In other KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes areas, the Detroit River currents are too swift to catch Restoration Initiative, Friends of the Detroit River, City many fish. of Detroit Recreation Department, Environmental Consulting and Technology Inc., SmithGroupJJR

APPROXIMATE COST OF THE PROJECT: $557,522; with $528,289 from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Data gathering, fish monitors, $29,233 in matching funds volunteers, metro area school groups, heavy equipment operators, general laborers

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Little or no fish habitat, lack of variety in river, eroding banks, difficult WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1pqgo9g fishing conditions

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The south fishing pier is now surrounded by low, rocky outcroppings designed to slow the flow of water. Between the main shoal and the shore, the depth of the river has been varied to attract various types of fish. The native limestone used to construct the shoals provides an excellent habitat for small fish to hide in. Native plants, including partially submergible species, were planted to further enhance the habitat. Walleye, small mouth bass, channel catfish, white bass, largemouth bass, and even northern pike can now be caught off of the south fishing pier.

18 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Northern Minnesota river has stronger riverbanks, less erosion NEAR HOVLAND, MINNESOTA

Installing fallen trees, re-establishing flood hold water but that wouldn’t increase erosion, and restore plains, and planting new trees along habitat for fish and wildlife along the river. In 2010 the Partnership received Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Minnesota’s Flute Reed River helped stabilize funding and was able to move forward more rapidly with the river, reduce sedimentation, and provide their plans for the Flute Reed River. habitat for fish and wildlife. APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $540,603 from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and a $6,000 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to plant trees THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: The Flute Reed River runs E D L A N K from northern Minnesota through the RESOURCE CHALLENGE ADDRESSED: Extreme erosion, U

E town of Hovland into Lake Superior. Over sediment build-up in the river, high nutrient levels, and

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O banks and eroding sediment into the stream. The distinctive red clay along the stream contains KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes high levels of phosphorus, so not only does the sediment Restoration Initiative, Flute Reed Partnership, Cook begin to clog the stream and make it inhospitable to fish County Soil and Water Conservation District, South St. and other aquatic wildlife, but it also contributes to high Louis Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota nutrient levels in Lake Superior, which can cause algal Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of blooms. Preventing the sediment from entering the Flute Natural Resources, LaBoda Grading Inc., Stark Rainwater Reed and increasing the overall health of the river Harvesting, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, became a priority for the people along the river who Northern Bedrock Conservation Corps, and U.S. Fish formed the Flute Reed Partnership Watershed Group. The and Wildlife Service partnership, started by Rick Schubert, began in 2006 and within a few years began collecting data to assess which TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Landscape architects, digital banks along the river were losing the most sediment, and mapping experts, heavy equipment operators, grading monitoring water quality throughout the stream. These truck operators, and general laborers two pieces of information were used to create a plan to stabilize the stream banks, make flood plains that could WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1i1Z1EP

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: By September 2013, four areas along the riverbanks of the Flute Reed had been stabilized by adding large logs that slowed the flow of the water, deflecting it away from the eroding banks. The logs were covered in soil and plantings to help anchor them in place and absorb flood waters, while also providing habitat for wildlife along the river. In addition, over 5,000 tree seedlings were planted to anchor the soil in place. Within the coming years, the forest should begin to reclaim the eroded riverbanks.

To allow the land to naturally recover from past erosion, the Flute Reed River is contained to a The riverbank stabilization project installed floodplain areas into Flute Reed River, like the one smaller streambed while crews install logs and soil, creating a stronger riverbank, less susceptible pictured to the right, which help slow floodwaters while plants hold the soil in place. (Kerrie Berg, to erosion. A stronger riverbank will decrease sediment entering Lake Superior. (Rick Schubert, Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District photo) Flute Reed Watershed Partnership photo)

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 19 Restoring fish habitat at Lake Shore Marshes LAKE SHORE MARSHES WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA IN WAYNE COUNTY, NEW YORK

Ducks Unlimited restored 80 acres of Lake plant that outcompetes native plants and deprives Ontario wetlands to improve fish and wild- wildlife of suitable habitat. The cattails grow in dense stands with roots that form thick, impenetrable mats life habitat and create outdoor recreational that reduce the connectivity of the wetlands for both opportunities including canoeing, kayaking, water flow and migrating wildlife. Cattail mats have sport fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. severely reduced both the access to and availability of appropriate spawning sites for migrating fish. Thanks to grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, along with the contri- THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: The Lake Shore Marshes butions of several partner organizations, Ducks E D L A N K Wildlife Management Area is located Unlimited is working to restore spawning habitat and U

E near Lake Ontario in Wayne County, N.Y. return Lake Shore Marshes to a more natural condition.

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O wide variety of wetland and aquatic vated 20 oxbows, or potholes, to serve as spawning sites wildlife species, including snapping turtles, painted for migratory fish. Crews have also created and widened turtles, northern leopard frog, and several species of bird channels through the cattail mats to increase the listed as threatened or endangered. Several migratory connectivity of the wetlands and provide passage for fish species, such as pugnose minnows, northern pike, migrating fish. Excavated soils and other organic mate- and largemouth bass, also use these wetlands as rials created small mounds that increased the quality spawning sites. The variety of wildlife attracts anglers, and variety of wildlife habitat. hunters, and wildlife viewers. Unfortunately, this diverse ecosystem is currently threatened by the invasion of APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $174,784. Of this, narrow-leaved cattail: a tall, water-loving, nonnative $74,984 was provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and $75,000 was provided by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant.

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Invasive species, loss of fish and wildlife habitat, loss of spawning habitat, restriction of fish migration, altered hydrologic function of the wetlands, and loss of public access

KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Constellation Energy, Friends of Northern Montezuma Wetlands Complex, and Northern Montezuma Audubon Society

TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Contractors, biologists, heavy equipment operators, and general laborers Crews restored channels to provide migrating fish with access to spawning sites. (Ducks Unlimited photo) WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/S6THve

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The project has created and restored 20 potholes that provide fish with spawning habitat, and has created channels through the cattail stands to provide passage to these sites. Eighty acres of wetlands have been restored, including almost 11 acres of spawning sites and 7,600 linear feet of migratory channels. The naturalized wetlands have improved habitat for native species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds. These naturalized conditions have also improved opportunities for recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, sport fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

20 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Protecting the Indian River Lakes wetland benefits people, wildlife JEFFERSON AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES, NEW YORK

This project will help preserve 8 miles of shoreline and 406 acres of wetlands in the Indian River Lakes ecosystem. (Ducks Unlimited photo)

Protecting valuable shoreline and wetland demand for waterfront property, is threatening these habitat from unwise development in the St. shorelines and wetlands by encroaching on natural space and increasing polluted runoff. Thanks to a grant Lawrence Valley of upstate New York has from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Ducks enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, improved Unlimited is working to limit these impacts and preserve water quality, and increased recreational the Indian River Lakes ecosystem. Between 2011 and opportunities. 2012 Ducks Unlimited coordinated the purchase of several threatened high quality habitat parcels, and is working with partner organizations to limit their future development. THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: The Indian River Lakes E D L A APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $608,699. Of this, N K region of upstate New York’s St. Lawrence U

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RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Ducks Unlimited obtained five parcels covering 591 acres, including more than 406 acres of wetlands, 8 miles of riparian and shoreline habitat, and 184 acres of uplands—all of which will be protected from development. This will preserve wildlife habitat and help combat habitat fragmentation, as these sites are contiguous with another 540 acres of protected wetlands. Retaining the integrity of wetland ecosystems will help filter out sediments and pollutants from the water, beneficial to both the native wildlife and the people who depend on this water for drinking, bathing, washing, and fishing. Preserving the natural state of these lands and preventing unwise private property development allows the public to continue accessing and enjoying them, increasing outdoor recreation opportunities.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 21 Marsh restoration paves way for return of native wildflowers CLEVELAND, OHIO

Restoration efforts are helping control the endangered or threatened species. Most of the marsh is invasive weed Phragmites, and allowing managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, which is fighting back against the invasive Phragmites. native plants and wildlife to return, includ- Only a remnant of the original swamp forest survives ing bald eagles. and it is being preserved as an important source of seeds for future restoration efforts.

DESCRIPTION: Mentor Marsh is one of the largest exam- APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: Stewardship activities ples of a natural marsh and wetland along Lake Erie. cost about $10,000 annually. Before 1959, the area largely had been a swamp forest. Then the forest began dying rapidly, in part due to salt RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Invasive from a mining operation and landfill leaching into the Phragmites had created a uniform habitat, unsuitable water. Efforts to protect the marsh began in the 1960s. for native wildlife. In 1971, the marsh became one of the first State Nature Preserves in Ohio. The salty water is tolerated by the KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): The Cleveland invasive Phragmites, which quickly established itself as Museum of Natural History maintains Mentor Marsh. the dominant vegetation in the marsh and by 1979, it Key partners in the preservation of the marsh included had crowded out native plants. The dense invasive plant the state of Ohio, city of Mentor, and many local is persistent and difficult to control. individuals. Since Phragmites exploded across the marsh, fire has swept the marsh nine times, with the stands of the TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Ongoing restoration work invasive plant providing a large source of fuel. At 850 supports the jobs of naturalists as well as contractors acres, the marsh provides critical spawning habitat for who apply herbicide. Lake Erie fish and serves as an important stop for migratory birds. The marsh is home to 12 state-listed WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/19UAraG

Pink swamp milkweed, a native flower, growing along the boardwalk Mentor Marsh. Restoration efforts have successfully removed the invasive weed phragmites from (The Cleveland Museum of Natural History photo) Mentor Marsh. (Photo by Jennifer Doron)

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Continual maintenance and restoration efforts have removed Phragmites and transformed several acres around the Wake Robin boardwalk. Today, visitors can stroll the boardwalk, enjoy native wildflowers and spot several rare birds that have returned. More than 200 species of birds have been sighted in the marsh, including the return of bald eagles in 2010.

22 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Project transforms farm field into a coastal wetland OAK HARBOR, OHIO

This 171-acre coastal wetland was created along western Lake Erie. (Ducks Unlimited photo)

A former wheat field in Ohio was transformed which created a 171-acre wetland in a former wheat field, into a 171-acre coastal wetland along western included the installation of water control devices, pumps and fish ladders. The fish ladders allow desirable species Lake Erie, benefiting fish and wildlife and to enter the wetland while keeping out destructive supporting outdoor recreational opportunities. species, such as carp. The restored marsh and wetlands provide new habitat for fish and wildlife, control flooding and reduce the amount of polluted runoff that reaches

THE G Lake Erie. BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: Coastal wetlands are valu- E D L A N K able natural resources that provide a variety U

E APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $1.3 million, which F

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I N through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric O before it reaches lakes and rivers, control Administration’s habitat restoration program flooding and provide habitat for plants, fish, wildlife and insects. Wetlands were widespread across the Great Lakes RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Loss of wetlands, prior to European immigrants settling the region in the coastal flooding and loss of habitat for fish and migra- 1800s. Since then, the Great Lakes watershed has lost 62 tory birds percent of its original wetlands, and some parts of the region have lost more than 90 percent of these habitats, KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes according to Ducks Unlimited. The loss of wetlands has Restoration Initiative, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature fragmented Great Lakes ecosystems and eliminated habitat Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the that is critical to waterfowl. To counter the loss of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and wetlands, which continues despite laws designed to protect the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the natural features, groups like Ducks Unlimited and The Nature Conservancy are working with the federal govern- TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Biologists, hydrologists, ment to restore coastal wetlands. In 2013, those groups ecologists, heavy equipment operators and general joined forces on a $1.3 million project to restore 2,500 laborers acres of marsh (including nearly 600 acres of wetlands) in the western Lake Erie basin. The first phase of the project, WEB SITE: http://bit.ly/1uqIu8d

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The first phase of the project created a 171-acre wetland that will support more fish and provide additional habitat for migratory birds along western Lake Erie, benefiting both fish and wildlife while supporting outdoor recreational opportunities.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 23 With dams removed, an urban stream creek recovers BEREA, OHIO

Three small dams were removed from Baldwin Creek, a tributary of Lake Erie in Berea, Ohio, increasing oxygen in the creek, lowering water temperature, and benefiting aquatic life.

DESCRIPTION: Development severely altered Baldwin Creek, which runs through the City of Berea and into the East Branch of the Rocky River, which empties into Lake Erie near Cleveland. The creek was channeled and moved from its historic creek bed. A series of small dams blocked fish passage, damaged habitat and trapped debris. The three low-head dams impeded fish passage in Baldwin Creek had a low dam, slowing water flow and altering the habitat of the creek. the lowermost mile of Baldwin Creek, impacting the (Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District Photo) state-threatened Bigmouth Shiner. The presence of the dams also contributed to problems with sedimentation, high water temperatures, and low oxygen levels in the river, all of which harm fish and wildlife habitat. In 2001, local officials began forging plans to remove the dams to improve the ecology of the creek. The dams were obsolete, crumbling and costly for the city of Berea to maintain. By 2013, the three dams had been completely removed and benefits were already being seen in the water quality. In 2012, the water temperature in July was measured at 75.3 degrees Fahrenheit. By 2013, after the dams were removed the July water temperature had dropped to a cooler and healthier 68.8 degrees.

APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $506,000

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Loss of fish and wildlife habitat, low oxygen levels, altered stream flows Baldwin Creek can now flow naturally with the dam removed, allowing fish and wildlife to and fragmentation of the creek’s ecosystem move throughout the area. (Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District Photo)

KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): The Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District, the Northeast Ohio TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Civil engineers, biologists, Regional Sewer District, Ohio Environmental Protection heavy equipment operators and general laborers Agency, Cleveland Metroparks, the Rocky River Watershed Council, and the U.S. Environmental WEB SITE: http://bit.ly/GSPZPG Protection Agency

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The project removed three dams, which restored nine miles of Baldwin Creek. Removing the dams restored the creek’s natural flow, removed barriers to fish passage and restored in-stream habitat for fish, including the state-threatened Bigmouth Shiner. The faster flowing water has increased the dissolved oxygen in the creek and lowered the average temperature—both changes benefit native aquatic life. Indeed by 2014, at least 15 different species of fish were found living in the creek.

24 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Restored Ohio creek reduces flooding HUDSON HIGH SCHOOL, HUDSON, OHIO

A restored creek will reduce flooding near a quality, reduced the volume of stormwater that is suburban Cleveland high school. Students discharged downstream, and enhanced the school’s environmental curriculum. The work transformed the at the school helped design and complete the stagnant ditch into a living laboratory for students at project. Hudson High School, who helped design the project. Students also planted 550 shrubs and 1,100 grass plugs on the banks of the creek, which added to the 250 trees that work crews planted. DESCRIPTION: An unnamed tributary of Tinker’s Creek that flows through Hudson High School, near Cleveland, APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $ 687,8 0 8 had been severely altered in the past. Tinker’s Creek is a tributary of Lake Erie. Before the high school was built, RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Urban flooding, the area was farmland and the tributary was channel- polluted runoff, loss of fish and wildlife habitat, loss of ized, disconnected from its floodplain and used as a wetlands and ecosystem fragmentation drainage ditch. As farmland gave way to urbanization the area’s hydrology changed again, KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): City of Hudson, sending greater flows of stormwater down the tributary, Hudson High School, Cuyahoga County Board of increasing the danger of flooding downstream. Faster Health, and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency flows of water meant nutrients and pollution could not be filtered as effectively. The stream banks became TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Biologists, ecologists, land- increasingly eroded, which sent more sediment down- scape architects, heavy equipment operators, general stream and degraded river bottom habitat for macro- laborers invertebrates and fish. After years of planning, a coalition restored the tributary. The project reconnected the WEB SITE: http://bit.ly/1cyFkF5 stream to its floodplain, restored habitat, improved water

Tinkers creek, immediately adjacent to Hudson High School, has been restored, with Tinkers creek, with native plants growing along the banks. (Babette Oestreicher photo) pools and riffles for fishes and other aquatic life to enjoy. (Babette Oestreicher photo)

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The project restored 2,000 linear feet of stream, along with an adjoining meadow and forested wetland. The project provides storage for about two million gallons of storm water without flooding nearby streets or properties. A 6.28-acre conservation easement will protect the site.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 25 Fish passage project bolsters a steelhead fishery LAWRENCE PARK TOWNSHIP, NEAR ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA

A fish passage structure built in a Lake Erie tributary in Pennsylvania created a steelhead fishery and gave resident and migratory fish access to four additional miles of free-flowing stream by reconnecting the lake with the upper reaches of the watershed.

THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: The Pennsylvania Fish and E D L A N K Boat Commission constructed a pair of U

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O lake east of Erie, Pa. The project was completed in two phases. The first phase restored fish passage by constructing an Alaskan Steep-pass fish-way at the Lawrence Park Golf Course dam in 2010. The second phase restored passage by constructing a 250-foot long naturalized bypass channel to restore fish passage to four miles of stream habitat along Fourmile Creek.

APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $130,000. The project was funded in part by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Stream fragmentation, fish passage, excessive stormwater runoff and scour along the lower reaches of Fourmile Creek. At the bedrock falls stream flow from Fourmile Creek is now seasonally diverted into the bypass channel to provide passage for native and recreational fish species. The project is part of a larger initiative to restore ecological function and improve fish passage in the Fourmile Creek watershed.

KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Lawrence Park Golf Course, Erie County Conservation District, Pennsylvania Sea Grant, Lawrence Park Township, and Excessive stormwater runoff created a barrier to fish passage in Fourmile Creek. A fish the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passage structure connected the upper portion of the creek to Lake Erie. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo)

TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Biologists, engineers, and construction tradesmen WEB SITE: http://bit.ly/17wqlXC

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: A bypass channel restored upstream fish passage to four miles of stream habitat along Fourmile Creek—establishing steelhead access into the middle and upper reaches of the creek and creating a recreational steelhead fishery.

26 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/ Program limits spread of four invasive weeds through Wisconsin OZAUKEE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

A coalition of groups are combating the spread The Land Trust is controlling these species with herbi- of invasive weeds in southeast Wisconsin to cides, mowing, prescribed burns, and biocontrols such as beetles that eat the non-native plants. With each treat- protect fish and wildlife habitat, water quali- ment, care is taken to ensure that unintended residual ty, and outdoor recreational opportunities. effects are minimized. Treated sites are monitored for three years to guard against any re-sprouting plants and ensure that the control methods are effective. The Land Trust and their partner organizations are hosting work- THE G BY RE A D T DESCRIPTION: Southeast Wisconsin is E shops to train volunteers to remove the weeds, and to D L A N K currently threatened by the spread of U

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O ecosystems, with disastrous consequences for wildlife and people. Most invasive plants are APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $573,663. Of this, extremely aggressive, and once established their dense $448,663 was provided by the Great Lakes Restoration root systems can make it difficult for native plants to Initiative. The remaining $125,000 was raised by the compete. This can significantly reduce the presence of Ozaukee Washington Land Trust. fish and wildlife in an area, as the invasive weeds do not provide them with their ecological needs. Thanks to a RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Invasive species, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant, the Ozaukee loss of native plant species, loss of fish and wildlife Washington Land Trust is combating the spread of four habitat, soil quality, water quality invasive weeds throughout southeast Wisconsin. Coordinating with 25 partner organizations across six KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes counties, the trust is targeting so-called “pioneer colo- Restoration Initiative, Milwaukee County Parks, nies” of four invasive plants: phragmites, Japanese Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, knotweed, purple loosestrife, and lyme grass. Pioneer The Conservation Fund, Racine Health Department, colonies of these weeds are still young and small enough Gathering Waters Conservancy, Milwaukee Area Land that they may be effectively controlled; if left unman- Conservancy, Racine County, Weed Out!, Milwaukee aged, eradicating them may quickly become unfeasible. Metropolitan Sewerage District, Pleasant Prairie Parks Department, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin Waterfowl, Ozaukee County Fish Passage, Maywood Environment Park, Root River Council, Kenosha Grounds Crew, City of Port Washington, Kenosha County, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Lakes Early Detection Network, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Sheboygan County, and Washington County

TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Town weed commissioner, contractors, non-profits, general laborers

WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1fbdjIx A worker mows down a stand of phragmites. (Ozaukee Washington Land Trust photo)

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: So far, 130 acres have been treated. By the end of 2014, the Trust plans to have treated 1,500 acres in total. The restored areas are helping improve the quality of wildlife habitat and groundwater quality. Restoring native plants and wildlife enhances outdoor recreation for hikers, wildlife watchers, hunters, and anglers. Retaining aestheti- cally natural landscapes improves property values, and removing invasive root systems prevents significant property and infrastructure damage. An inventory of treated sites has been created to inform future management action.

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION PROJECTS PRODUCING RESULTS FOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES 27 Preventing spread of invasive species through bait trade REGION-WIDE (SAMPLES WERE TAKEN FROM EVERY GREAT LAKES STATE)

Researchers are working with agencies, Restoration Initiative, researchers from the University of bait shop owners, and anglers to develop a Notre Dame and Central Michigan University have collaborated to quantify the prevalence of invasives in monitoring and public education campaign the bait trade. The researchers collected samples of tank to prevent the spread of invasive species water from 525 bait shops across the Great Lakes states of through the bait trade. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. They then geneti- cally screened these samples for the presence of six invasive fish species by searching for their unique DNA THE G BY RE A sequences amongst the environmental DNA, or eDNA. D T DESCRIPTION: One possible pathway for E D L A eDNA screenings are much more efficient than tradi- N K invasive species like Asian carp to enter U

S tional visual screenings, and make searching for

E the Great Lakes is the commercial bait

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O catch larger predator fish. At the end of minnows feasible. Results indicate that while the issue the day, it’s not uncommon for anglers to release unused does not yet appear to be widespread, some invasive fish bait fish into the water. If any of those fish are non-native, species are being brought into Great Lakes bait shops. it can lead to the establishment or spread of invasive fish—which can wreak havoc on native fish and their APPROXIMATE COST OF PROJECT: $276,150, which was habitat. Thanks to a grant from the Great Lakes provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

RESOURCE CHALLENGES ADDRESSED: Invasive species

KEY PARTNERS (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state environmental agencies, and the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

TYPES OF JOBS CREATED: Geneticists, graduate students, research and field technicians, resource managers, long- term monitors

WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1nLLR89

Researchers collected samples from bait shops across the region to determine if anglers were inadvertently purchasing invasive species as bait fish. (Photo by Lucas Nathan)

RESULTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Out of the 525 bait shops sampled, goldfish were detected in 13, round gobies in 8, tubenose gobies in 3, silver carp in 3, and rudd in 1. Bighead carp was not detected in any of the bait shops sampled. These results indicate that while the issue does not yet appear to be widespread, some invasive fish species are being brought into Great Lakes bait shops. Federal and state agencies are developing monitoring programs to prevent the establishment of invasive species populations. Researchers identified a high potential to increase anglers’ awareness of invasive species and prevent practices such as dumping the remainder of bait buckets into the water at the end of the day. Anglers support healthy populations of native fish, and they can play an important role in preserving the integrity of natural ecosystems.

28 HEALING OUR WATERS® – GREAT LAKES COALITION • HTTP://WWW.HEALTHYLAKES.ORG/

Join us in shaping the future of Great Lakes restoration.

HEALING OUR WATERS® GREAT LAKES COALITION

11TH ANNUAL GREAT LAKES RESTORATION CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER 29 – OCTOBER 1, 2015 CHICAGO, IL