The Muskegon River has been reconnected with Buckhorn Creek in Mecosta County following the removal of an over century-old dam.
The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly recently announced the completion of the $2.2 million restoration project. The project consisted of removing the dam, adding a bridge across the creek, and restoring the creek’s shoreline and banks.
The natural flow of the stream is now restored, allowing fish to swim freely between the river and creek. Paul Haan is the executive director of the MRWA. He says Buckhorn Creek is a cold-water habitat important for fish to be able to access.
“The Muskegon River itself tends to run a little bit warmer than that,” Haan said.
“A lot of our species in the local area will seek these cold-water tributaries like Buckhorn and others for refuge in the summer.”
Haan also said cold water is important for fish reproduction.
The creek runs through a rural, recreational area of Mecosta County. Haan says that historically, the area was home to Michigan’s second ever fish hatchery; and the creek was used to collect ice for it.
Since the fish hatchery closed in the 1960s, he says the dam has been deteriorating and on the road to collapse.
“That dam was just warming the water, impairing natural function of that stream, and really not contributing to the health and well-being of the community or to the natural ecosystem,” said Haan.
The dam removal began in May of this year. There's also a new 90-foot bridge across the creek. Haan says the bridge was important for recreational use and emergency vehicle crossings.
“Frankly, it's going to make a really nice stopping spot because you can hear the music of the water below,” said Haan, “It's a very beautiful scenic area.”
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 25th at the new bridge.
