Rugg Pond Dam Removal Project Open House

Join Conservation Resource Alliance, Kalkaska County, and project partners for a public open house to learn more about the Rugg Pond Dam Removal, River Restoration, & Hanson Road Stream Crossing Project.

Rugg Pond and the Rapid River are important natural and community resources in Kalkaska County. As planning moves forward for the removal of the Rugg Pond Dam and restoration of the surrounding river system, we invite community members to learn more about the project, explore findings from recent survey and engineering work, ask questions, and share ideas for the future of this special place.

The open house will provide an opportunity to connect directly with project partners and learn about the many considerations guiding the project—from dam safety and aquatic habitat to recreation, water quality, cultural history, and future public access.

Explore the Project
During the open house, attendees can learn more about:

-Why the Rugg Pond Dam is being removed
-Dam safety and ecological considerations
-River restoration and aquatic habitat
-Sediment and water quality influences
-The Rapid River Watershed and its connection to the Great Lakes
-The history and cultural landscape of Rugg Pond
-Hanson Road stream crossing on the Little Rapid River
-Future access and recreational amenities following restoration

Community input will be an important part of the evening. We encourage anyone who uses, values, or is simply interested in Rugg Pond and the Rapid River to attend, ask questions, and share their perspective as the project moves through the early stages of engineering and design.