The Mecum road crossing consisted of five undersized culverts and was severely impounding water and backing up sand for ¾ mile upstream, in addition to drastically warming the water upstream of the crossing. Brook trout had been nearly extirpated from the stream stretch upstream of the crossing.
Surveys from 2002-2004 showed abundant brook trout, with some exceeding 12” in length. However, in a 2008 survey, only two brook trout were caught in the reach; the habitat had dramatically changed.
Mecum Road was considered the worst remaining crossing on the North Branch of the Manistee. The old structures were removed and replaced with a modern timber bridge, setting the stage for this important stretch of river to regain it's vitality and health.
Key funding for this project was provided by:
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division
- Great Lakes Fish & Wildlife Restoration Act Grant - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Great Lake Restoration Initiative
- Elliott Donnelly Chapter of Trout Unlimited
- Paul Young Chapter of Trout Unlimited
- Sustain Our Great Lakes Grant administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
- USDA – Conservation Innovation Grant
- Conservation Resource Alliance River Care Program
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