Completed in 2000
For more information contact
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Alpena Fishery Resources Office
145 Water Street
Alpena, MI 49707
| Project Description: |
Hardwood Creek, a tributary
in the headwaters of the Black River, is located in Otsego County,
MI. Flow of this creek was impeded at its only road/stream crossing
on Chandler Dam Road. A small plastic culvert restricted the flow
of the creek, backed up the water, and created a small impoundment
that warmed the water, and washed out the road during instances
of high precipitation. Additionally the culvert was perched on the
downstream side of the road, which created a fish passage barrier
to a native population of brook trout. Active local beaver populations
further impeded the flow of Hardwood Creek at this crossing by clogging
the culvert with woody debris. |
| |
 |
 |
| Hardwood Creek crossing before renovation |
Chandler Dam Road on Hardwood Creek during high precipition
event. |
 |
 |
Construction (left) and completed crossing (right) on Hardwood
Creek
|
| Project
Outcome: |
This project removed the plastic
culvert and replaced it with a wooden box culvert. The culvert
was made in Michigan utilizing red pine harvested in Michigan.
A wooden culvert was chosen to accommodate aesthetic concerns
as well as cost and functionality.
|
| Benefits: |
The box culvert allows for fish
passage to 3 miles of additional brook trout spawning habitat,
can accommodate a 50-year flood, and allows the stream to regain
unimpeded flow.
|
| Partners: |
Lowshaw Brothers, Michigan
Department of Natural Resources, Upper Black River Watershed Restoration
Committee, Huron Pines Resources Soncervation and Development Area
Council, Michigan Flyfishing Club, Otsego County Road Commission. |
 |
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