Jordan River NFH Fish Biologist Tim Smigielski at old Antrim Creek dam site with ASCD representatives. USFWS Photo.

The Antrim Creek Dam was removed in September 2008 through the efforts of the Antrim Soil Conservation District (ASCD), Antrim County and in cooperation with the private landowner.  The previous land owner’ built the dam to supply water for a man-made pond adjacent to the creek, but the current land owner wanted to remove the dam.  Four miles of prime habitat for brook trout and other fishes was reconnected with Lake Michigan with removal of the dam.

The project began when the private land owner was interested in returning the creek to its natural state and contacted the ASCD.  ASCD discussed the project with Stewart Cogswell, Lake Michigan Fish Passage Coordinator for the Green Bay National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office and he was instrumental in securing $10,000 dollars from the Coastal Program. 

During the construction phase, sedimats were used to control sediment during dam removal, creek banks were stabilized with geotextile fabric and landscaping stone, and step pools were constructed to allow passage of fish.  The piping to the man-made pond was removed and seeps above the pond were for the new water supply.  A temporary road was built on a neighbor’s property to get the equipment and materials to the site.  After construction, the road was reseeded and rock berms built to reduce runoff. 

Tim Smigielski (Lead Fish Biologist, Jordan River National Fish Hatchery) and Rick Westerhof (Green Bay National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office) toured the site with representatives from the ASCD.  Tim’s experience with Michigan streams was extremely valuable in inspecting the site and other potential sites in the area.  Thanks Tim.