Recently, there have been a number of reports in the news about problems with dams – both what happens after a dam failure like the catastrophe on the Pigeon River, as well as the everyday problems that dams can cause for fish passage, warming water temperatures, and downstream erosion. These are issues that directly impact landowners, as well as fish and wildlife.

It’s clear from listening to our partners that dams – their management, modification and/or removal is an issue that Huron Pines needs to address. It's our intention to work with partners to identify those regional problems, compare the solutions on a cost-benefit basis, and help assemble the funding and technical support necessary to complete as many of these projects as the available resources allow.

We’ve set September 17th as our “Dam Summit” for members and supporters to learn more about dam removal, modification and management issues. We’re fortunate to have the Executive Director of the Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited, Bryan Burroughs, PhD. at this special meeting to talk with our group about moving forward with a region-wide dam program. We’ll also have other organizations from outside of our traditional service area make case-study presentations about dam projects they have worked on.

Our members and supporters should look in the mail in mid-August for their invitation to this meeting. Through the generous sponsorship of the Perrin Chapter (Lansing) of Trout Unlimited, we’re able to provide this meeting to our supporters at no charge.

Space is limited so please contact the office and reserve a spot if you plan to attend.