If you happen to run across Syers Creek, tucked away in Lake County, you'll find a high quality coldwater stream with great habitat for brook trout and mottled sculpin. Follow this Little Manistee River tributary far enough upstream and you may find a dry streambed caused by a sand berm dam known as Syers Lake Dam. Created to provide vehicle access to adjacent private lands, the 120' long and 6' high berm restricts movement of aquatic life, increases sedimentation and elevates water temperatures.

Removal of this barrier will not only return the natural flow to the creek, but  wetland areas will also be reclaimed. As we experience more severe weather events, these wetlands are critical buffers that help manage additional runoff.

Our project team has completed a preliminary design to remove the current structure and replace it with an appropriately sized structure that accommodates a more natural stream flow and provides a safe crossing for vehicles. This undertaking is estimated to cost $120,000 with 90% of the funding currently committed.

We are now in the final fundraising push. Please donate today. If you have questions, please contact CRA Development Coordinator, Matt Thomas, at 231-946-6817.

The next steps include an engineering contract and design of the dewatering system – slated for completion in May. This will be followed by permitting and compliance this summer with the bidding process to start in July for an anticipated August construction launch.

We will be sure to send updates as this exciting project unfolds. Please contact info@rivercare.org to be sure you receive our Little Manistee River HomeWaters updates.

Funders - Thank you for your support!

Dale and Lisa Pominville and Syers Lake neighboring landowners
Conservation Resource Alliance – River Care™
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians
Great Lakes Council of Fly Fishers
International Federation of Fly Fishers
Little Manistee Watershed Conservation Council
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Trout Unlimited National
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Regional Conservation Partnership Program
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Fish Passage Program and Great Lakes Fish & Wildlife Restoration Act

Project Update April 2018