Last year, we reported the West Branch of the Maple River in Emmet County, Michigan was officially “free.” Water from the headwaters now flows unrestricted all the way to the confluence with the East Branch. To make this happen, CRA and partners replaced four road/stream crossings with appropriately sized structures including three timber bridges. We have our sights set next on the Maple River mainstem where Brutus Road crosses the river. We are breaking ground this year to replace these three culverts with a timber bridge.
From the big open water of our Great Lakes to the secluded creeks of our headwaters, we are lucky to have a vast array of freshwater habitats. Some fish like bass, whitefish and pike thrive in our big lakes. Others like our brook trout depend on our coldwater streams. Keeping these habitats in balance is critical for a diverse fishery.