The Green River Dam was constructed approximately 50 years ago to provide water for the Green River Trout Farm. Photo courtesy of Conservation Alliance. - FWS photo

The Green River after removal of the dam. Approximately five miles of stream was opened up for fish and aquatic organisms. - FWS photo

After years of negotiations between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and the new owner of the Green River Trout Farm, the Green River Dam was removed – a classic “win-win” situation. 

The negotiations revolved around keeping the trout farm operational, removing the dam for fish passage, and working within the Natural Rivers Act. 

It all started approximately 50 years ago, when the Green River Dam was built to provide water to operate the trout farm.  Then in 1972, the Jordan River was designated the first Natural and Wild-Scenic River in Michigan, and one of its important tributaries is the Green River. 

The Green River trout farm continued to operate until 1999-2000 it went up for sale.  It sat vacant for over 12 months, before being purchased by the current owner.  Since the trout farm was not operated for over 12 months, the current owner had to get approval from the Natural Rivers Board before he could raise fish again. 

To make a long story shorter, today the trout farm is operational and approximately five miles of the Green River has been reconnected for fish and aquatic organisms.

Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA), who coordinated the project starting in 2005 at the request of the MDNR held the dam removal celebration event on October 11.  The event was well attended, with over 30 people, representing numerous state, federal, private, and county organizations and business. 

Rick Westerhof, Green Bay National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, represented the USFWS at the event.  However, it should be noted that Stewart Cogswell, from the same office was responsible for getting funds for the project. 

The total cost to remove the dam was $200,000 with funding provided by MDNR ($100,000), USFWS ($5,000), USDA’s Conservation Innovation Grant Program, and CRA’s River Care Fund.  The River Care fund includes numerous contributions from individuals, private and corporate donors such as the Oleson Foundation, Frey Foundation, Charlevoix County Community Foundation, DTE Energy, Michael Dow, Nestle Ice Mountain and the General Motors Foundation.

There is one more collapsed road stream crossing upstream from the old Green River Dam site to be replaced and then the entire Green River will be open to fish and aquatic organisms.  By the way, just a few weeks after the dam was removed fish were observed moving upstream past the old Green River Dam site.