(MLive file photo), Croton Dam operates its floodgates at full capacity downstream on the Muskegon River from the endangered Hardy Dam, Sept. 12, 1986. Toxic PFAS forever chemicals threaten both humans and wildlife. (The Muskegon Chronicle/ Beth Erhart)", Caption: "Booth News Service, Mike McDonnell, 32, (far right) had just moved to Saginaw from Grand Island, Nebraska, he said that he has his doubts about staying, Sept. 11, 1986. Street View] Deck plate girder bridge over Muskegon River on M-37 & M-82 (Evergreen Drive) Open to traffic. Kentwood, MI 49512 The decision has more potential to alter Michigans rivers and the communities that surround them than perhaps any action since their construction stopped up the rivers and inundated a collective 17,200 surrounding acres with water that people built lives and livelihoods around. The men were leaving the house that Dewitt has been renting after checking for water damage. The three major dams of the Muskegon River (Rogers, Hardy and Croton) generate about 45,600 kilowatts, with about 30,000 of that from Hardy Dam. (The Grand Rapids Press/ Anna Moore Butzner), Nick Ruehmeier, 11, and sister Megan, 6, who live next to Hardy Dam, cross the dam as water pours over it, Sept. 11, 1986. In the late 1800s, Muskegon was home to many different industries, including lumber mills, chemical companies, foundries, a coal-fired power plant, and a paper mill. (Saginaw News file photo), Drivers ford high water in Saginaw about 6:30 a.m. Sept. 12, 1986. Any season of the year, this location boasts a plethora of fun activities to enjoy. The . March 18, 2022 Muskegon River anglers should be on the lookout for Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel collecting walleye eggs below Croton Dam this spring. Newaygo Powerhouse/Old Newaygo County Museum 4-17-18, Newaygo Grain Elevator the in background (photo-N.Looman). Alcona Hydro has a capacity of 8,000 kilowatts. (The Grand Rapids Press/ Anna Moore Butzner), Rising water from the Cass River rose to over eight feet above flood level in Vassar, Sept., 1986. This is a popular local launch for small boats, canoes and kayaks. The natural features and history of the Muskegon River have informed its current impacts on Muskegon Lake and given us both curses and blessings to manage and benefit from. The Cabin sleeps six - a king size bed on . (Kalamazoo Gazette file photo), Zilwaukee, MI , Sept. 13 , 1986. Documented Unsafe Conditions at Michigan Coal Ash Dams J.R. Whiting Power Station: According to an EPA inspection, the buttressing of the facility's significant hazard dam was (The Saginaw News/ Steve Jessmore), Saginaw, MI: Sept. 14/1986: Saginaw Township resident Ralph Zimmermann's basement wall fell in Thursday, Sept. 11, and family and friends are still cleaning up the mud from belongings and throwing out those beyond help. A PERMIT is required for launch and parking (see table above for fee details). If you will be contacted, you will receive a letter in the mail with additional details. Nicely wooded lot tucked off the road. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. Consumers, one of Michigan's largest electric utilities, began a lengthy process this autumn to consider the future of its 13 hydropower dams that plug five Michigan rivers: The Au Sable, Manistee, Muskegon, Grand and Kalamazoo. The river drains 2,725 square miles of watershed and passes over four major dams, Reedsburg, Rogers, Hardy and Croton on its journey to Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. Viewing Consumers eventual exit from the hydro business as inevitable, he and his colleagues have begun working with Muskegon River communities to envision a future that doesn't involve the dams in their current form. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Newaygo Dam at the centennial celebration in 1954 In October of 1968 the State of Michigan started taking bids for the destruction of the Newaygo Dam. Click here to see a map of properties that will be contacted, If you have questions, please email us at hydro@cmsenergy.com. February 16th, 2023 | Grand Rapids Steelhead. Its not best for the river, said Tess Nelkie, board secretary of fishing and river conservation group Anglers of the Au Sable. Croton Dam is a Consumers Energy power plant complex on the Muskegon river in Croton, MI where the tailwater begins. A contractor from Grand Rapids got the job and for $84,000 the demolition of the dam was completed in February, 1969. New regulations ended the practice of peaking, or filling and then rapidly draining reservoirs to maximize power output during times of high demand. Removal of this dam. Privacy Policy River is bankfull. (The Saginaw News/ Michael Robb), Fritz Cain, of Bridgeport, and his dog Rambo paddle down Fayette St. so the dog could do his duty on dry ground. Guilford: Falcon Publishing, 2001. Big Rapids, MI 49307-2280, Phone: 231-591-2334 The majority of the bicycle and pedestrian trail crossings are former railroad bridges which have been converted to non-motorized traffic. Current seams makes dry fly presentations tricky and the rainbow and brown trout can be very selective at times. The heavy rains have washed out a bridge in US-31, a main north-south route. (MLive file photo), Flood waters from the Tittabawasee flood the Saginaw Township wastewater plant early morning, Sept. 14, 1986. Large amounts of rain have caused massive flooding. We recognize that theres other values to these facilities than just the megawatts, said Marianne Walter, a senior engineer at the company. There are approximately 31 bridge crossings over the Muskegon River waterway. There are only two road crossings below Tippy Dam, but there are a number of public boat launches, with the ones at High Bridge, Blacksmith Bayou, Bear Creek and Rainbow Bend in the prime smallmouth water. The river has good runs of migratory salmon, steelhead, and brown trout. We fish the Muskegon River starting just below Croton Dam, Which is just east of the city of Newaygo, MI all the way down to the mouth that . Fifty years later, lumbering had faded as a major industry in Michigan and the old wooden dam was in need of major repairs. This is truly a unique family getaway! The fall steelhead fishinggets to be very strong by the third week of October. Their owner, Consumers Energy, has begun to ask whether their existence still makes sense. Today, as you kayak or fish under the M37 Bridge you can still see the steel remnants of the Newaygo Dam reaching out from the bed of the river. If you receive an error, please return later this evening to view your updated balance and make a payment if needed. The Muskegon State Game Area spans both Muskegon County and Newaygo County. The only exception to this rule is where special provisions apply to our lands which encompass 12,000 acres bordering our Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river hydro facilities, where hunting is allowed. Shirley Gunnerson was riding in the vehicle driven by her son, Andrew, and another youth when the storm forced them off the road. Saugatuck, Sept. 1986. But licenses for 11 of the 13 dams will expire in 2034, putting the company on a timeline to decide whether its logical to make the investments needed to keep them safe for the future. TEL: 231-652-5957. The companys dilemma is familiar: More than 80% of Michigans 2,521 dams have aged beyond their intended life span, resulting in growing costs to keep them going. United States. 584 were here. Croton Dam is a hydro dam that was built in 1907. Welcome to Michigan's number one Steelhead fishing destination and guide service. On the Kalamazoo River, hundreds of residents who live on the reservoir created by the Calkins Bridge Dam have joined a property owners association that is lobbying for its survival. It began commercial operation in 1907. Welcome home to your own private retreat along the picturesque. Rogers Dam is located in Mecosta County south of Big Rapids, with Hardy Dam and Croton Dam located in Newaygo County. Camping is another popular activity around the river, with several shoreline parks and campgrounds. MECOSTA COUNTY The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly and its partners have received funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support the removal of Altona and Buckhorn dam projects, according to a news release from the organization. Text >>(231) 519-7348. (Grand Rapids Press file photo), Caption: "Muskegon, Mich.,-- Lauren Martin (foreground) and Carl Pieczynski, both of Norton Shores, take a canoe ride through the mona Lake Mobile Homes Park in Muskegon Heights. By, Ford battery plant site prep main recipient of funds in $1.3 billion spending bill sent to governor, Free legal representation now available for many Detroiters facing eviction, MSU announces new security measures, plan for external review of response to mass shooting on campus, Michigan Senate advances repeal of 1931 abortion ban though the ban is already unenforceable, Michigan Senate passes Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act expansion to add LGBTQ rights, Report from environmental groups accuses power industry of failing to clean up coal ash dumps, Cancer-causing hexavalent chromium spills from Wixom plant into Huron River. (2023). For much of the last century, it was a cheap and reliable form of energy. Muskegon River is a river in the western portion of the lower peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. Like many of its neighboring streams, the Muskegon was one of the favored logging rivers during the boom years of the 1880s-1890s, and a keen eye can still pick out remnants of stray logs embedded on the river bottom, left over from the spring logging runs. (The Saginaw News/ Gary Netzley), The Brookside Tastee Freeze fell into Mitchell Creek in Big Rapids, Sept. 12, 1986. Roger was trying his luck fishing." Muskegon River Fishing Report (231) 519-7348 June 22, 2021 Happy New Year! Federal regulators consider Consumers' dams to be in satisfactory condition, with none of the alarming deficiencies that plagued the Midland dams. The dam formed a lake ironically known as Hardy Dam Pond that boasts more than 50 miles of picturesque shoreline. It was completed in 1913. Imagine awakening in complete peace to a beautiful sunrise reflecting on the surface of the glittering water serenaded by the morning songbirds. The Grand Rapids - Muskegon Power Company (a predecessor to today's Consumers Energy Company) built the Croton Hydroelectric Plant in 1906 - 1907. More then 10 inches of rain fell over the area causing local dams to fail. Heavy rains will send the rover to record highs. The ownership of the dam was transferred to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in the fall of 1966. Newaygo County Museum. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Invasive Plants and Waterfowl The River wasn't expected to crest until noon Friday. The Croton Dam Area . The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and panfish. Here's a Link for the Boat Launches from Newaygo Downstream Sediment volumes and associated sediment management costs were significantly less than originally anticipated. Since 1969, Wisner Rents Canoes has been offering canoe, kayak, tubeand boat rentalsfor locals and tourists. Pre-settlement, the river was a conduit for the movement and a source of sustenance for the native people. Caps Lock is on. Lake navigation features include advanced instrumentation to gather wind speed direction, water temperature, water depth . Heavy rains over the past two days have caused the worst flooding in Western Michigan in over 100 years." As a result, the dams now operate at less than 40 percent of their capacity. Chinook or king salmon enter the Muskegon in August and September, but are not fished heavily until they concentrate in October. Where are we gonna buy our bread? the 67-year-old resident said through tears at a recent public meeting hosted by Consumers. (Muskegon Chronicle file photo), Caption: Muskegon, Mich.,-- Maple Island Road, on the Muskegon and Newaygo county line, was washed out for about 200 yards across and dropped about 20 feet, where the road disappeared about 1 a.m. Thursday morning due to heavy area rain, Sept. 11, 1986. Current conditions of DISCHARGE, DISSOLVED OXYGEN, GAGE HEIGHT, and MORE are available. The pond features a rustic "up north" setting that is a popular spot for . The three major dams of the Muskegon River (Rogers, Hardy and Croton) generate about 45,600 kilowatts, with about 30,000 of that from Hardy Dam. Both types of trout can be found in the twenty miles of river below Croton Dam. He spends his days advocating for the rivers health, and believes an undammed Muskegon River would produce a fishery on a world-stage level.. (The Saginaw News/ Michael Robb), Caption: "M-46 at River Road. Over time, the economics of power generation shifted, too. Riverfront. Soodek, of the Lake Allegan Association, said she doesnt feel it should be property owners responsibility to keep the Kalamazoo River reservoir intact. She drove into the hole early Thursday, but was not hurt. We're currently experiencing system issues which may result in website slowness. (Photo by Dale Atkins), Caption: "Joanie Wilson approaches Roger Wilson and pet dog along Sylvia Street NW near Apline Avenue NW. In order to meet Federal guidelines for managing the property within the Croton Hydroelectric project, a Consumers Energy Employee or authorized contractor will be contacting home and property owners bordering the project. Big Bend Park is located on the Big Muskegon River near the Hardy Dam, with 17 miles of waterway for boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. Current conditions of DISCHARGE, DISSOLVED OXYGEN, GAGE HEIGHT, and MORE are available. Water data back to 1987 are available online. Both parks have cabins, a beach and a boathouse. Print/PDF map. Dam Hardy Dam Rogers Dam Big Rapids Figure 2.-Major tributaries and landmarks in the Muskegon River watershed. Find Lake Homes & Real Estate Experts. This years annual winter drawdown for Hardy Pond will begin early November 1, 2022 in preparation for a future auxiliary spillway project. "Several thousand gallons" of liquid containing hexavalent chromium have spilled into the Huron River. Au Sable River At Red Oak. Just west of this tiny town near Oscoda sits one of six hydroelectric dams that tamed the Au Sable River a century ago to supply power to a growing population. Newaygo Dam at the centennial celebration in 1954. Water data back to 1987 are available online. For additional information, please email us at hydro@cmsenergy.com. Foote Hydro has a capacity of 9,000 kilowatts. Heavy rains over the past two days have caused the worst flooding in Western Michigan in over 100 years. We held public meetings and asked people from the areas around our river hydro plants to attend and share their thoughts. During hydropowers heyday, Consumers and its predecessors owned more than 90 dams across the state. To learn how were planning for the future, and see the presentations from each meeting, click the button. Scott Looman YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The powerhouse is still standing today and is located just down river from the railroad bridge. The refurbished dam was completed in 1901. . (The Bay City Times/ Wes Stafford), Caption: "MUSKEGON, MICH., Sept. 11 -- It is bad enough to go shopping during a rainstorm, but for Paul Omness of Muskegon, his trip across the rain swept parking lot of a grocery store Wednesday afternoon included the added nuisance of a broken umbrella. The watershed flows through the cities of Muskegon, Newaygo, Big Rapids, Evart, and Houghton Lake. E-mail: mrwa@ferris.edu, Copyright 2023 Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, Dam Removal and the Problem of Articulating Positive Change. There are other financial models: In mid-Michigan, property owners around the infamous Midland damstook control of them, covering maintenance costs with annual taxes imposed on properties near the reservoirs. Official websites use .gov The Muskegon is a fantastic smallmouth river from late June until late September. Au Sable River At Mio Dam. In Michigan, the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly is working to solve that problem. We are intermittently experiencing technical difficulties with processing payments. (The Grand Rapids Press/ Ken Kolker), Partial caption reads, "looking for a wrecker after it stalled on a flooded Bay City street Thursday. Later road was closed to traffic across Tittabawassee. 2 Streamgauges Max Discharge: 1,840 cfs Deepest Point: 7.69ft Maximum discharge along the river was observed at the Muskegon River Near Croton with a streamflow rate of 1,840 cfs. 5380 Croton Drive . ST. JOSEPH RIVER The St. Joseph River in southwest Michigan is a sleeper when it comes to typical spring walleye action. It was built by the city of Allegan and began commercial operation in 1936. We're sorry for any inconvenience and ask that you try again later today. hKBa}Z7hP\BCLD~PK-)- I EcP!AD$nur{s5^Y-qA#Ml8 P/1t(S0#lIUowI4GS@QSB'bx{)Q9?O3 /tnSMP^,]w That is enough electricity to serve a community of nearly 23,000. The dam removal involved upstream sediment dredging, downstream sediment traps and restoration of natural flow and river bottom elevation. hb``e``zQ In addition, dirt bikes, snowmobiling, ATVs and other off-road vehicles may not be operated on any company property (except for licensed trails). Muskegon River ( / mskin / ms-KEE-gn) is a river in the western portion of the lower peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. Michiganders pay to offset the dams environmental impacts: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources spends $1 million annually to stock salmon and trout in the Muskegon and Au Sable, where state fisheries chief Jim Dexter said heat from dams puts waterways in a marginal category for trout survival.. Hydro Safety for Visitors, Boaters and Anglers, Hydro Plant Emergency Planning Booklet - Newaygo and Mecosta County, For the safety of fellow Michiganders, visitors and our employees, we administer a land use policy that includes no hunting on Consumers Energy private property. Richville area, Sept. 11, 1986. *Appliance Service Plan is not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission. For more on what caused this flood, read Mark Torregrossa's story here. There are trees along the roads at every site--with most sites being back-in, caution needs to be taken manuevering a big rig into your site. Consumers is considering one of four options for each dam: Relicense and continue generating power; sell to a new owner who would maintain the impoundment; remove the dam and restore a free-flowing river; or build a new barrier that generates no power, but preserves a reservoir.