Check out the latest reports for the Big Sable Watershed Restoration Committee to find out what this action oriented partner has been up to on their home waters, the beloved Big Sable River.

By Carol Moncrieff Rose

Northern Michigan Conservation Network

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus opined that “No man ever steps into the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”  While there is much to be appreciated by this wisdom, northern Michigan watershed groups are doing more than pondering its nuances; plans are being made, permits being secured, crews and contractors being hired, and data being collected.  Here’s just a sampling of watershed work on the agenda for some of northern Michigan’s river keepers.

New timber bridges are popping up all over northern Michigan as modern road/stream crossing replacements for aging, poorly designed, and deteriorating structures. One of the newest has recently been completed on Springbrook Road over the North Branch of the Boyne River. The previous undersized culverts prevented natural movement of sediments, causing impounding of sand and water upstream of the crossing over decades. CRA coordinated the design, engineering, and construction of thisnearly $300,000 project over the last couple of years and plans a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate this beautiful improvement to the Boyne in 2013.

The Conservation Resource Alliance, acting as contracted Project Manager, has led the Boardman Dams Implementation Team (IT) through the complex process of removing Brown Bridge Dam on the Boardman River. Brown Bridge Dam was the first of three historic hydro-electric dams on this Blue Ribbon designated trout stream slated for removal. This massive community driven project was set in motion nearly a decade ago. The project is on schedule and within budget as compared to anticipated outcomes. 

Annual Gifts Coordinator

Exciting career growth opportunity as part of a premier conservation organization in Traverse City, Michigan. Conservation Resource Alliance is a well-established leader in protecting the most beautiful of Michigan's special places. Building on more than 40 years of excellence, we work with communities and landowners, agencies and businesses, to improve the waterways, forests and lands of northern Michigan. CRA's office is located in Traverse City, a top destination for recreation, culture, and retirement. Our projects cover a region from Ludington to the Mackinac Bridge, and we enjoy a widening base of support from all over the Great Lakes region.