Mud Creek, before restoration- note the ageing, undersized culvert. - FWS photo by Heather Rawlings

The new culvert at Mud Creek/Black River Road in Cheboygan County, Michigan. - FWS photo by Heather Rawlings

Mud Creek is a small tributary that enters the northwest corner of Black Lake, a large inland lake in the Cheboygan River watershed (Cheboygan County, MI). One quarter of a mile before the creek enters the lake, Black River Road crosses the creek.

The former culvert located at this crossing blocked fish passage and was inadequately sized. On July 9, 2007 this culvert was replaced with a six foot wide squashed culvert. This culvert was buried two feet into the streambed to allow for a false streambed, and the remaining opening can accommodate a 100-year storm event.  

The new structure allows for fish passage for one mile up Mud Creek, and into the 120 acre Mud Lake.  The total cost for the project was $10,543.  Funding was provided by the Alpena NFWCO’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program ($2,500), the FishAmerica Foundation ($2,500), and the Cheboygan County Road Commission funded the remaining cost ($5,543), as well as providing their labor and equipment to install the larger culvert.