Big change on The Boardman River in Traverse City

The Boardman River has been in the news an awful lot lately as the project to remove 3 of the dams along its course moves forward. This is the largest dam removal project in Michigan's history and will return The Boardman toward the top of the list of Michigan's swiftest rivers. The dams were strategically placed in the highest gradient portions of the stream to form ponds that were used to generate hydro electric power. This not only broke up the run of the river for paddlers but prevented Great Lakes fish from moving upstream during their annual spawning runs. With the dams coming out, The Boardman will be among the finest kayaking, canoeing rivers in The Lower Peninsula for those looking to paddle a bit swifter water. In terms of the fishing, there are still a lot of decisions that need to be made relative to the policies on anadromous fish like Steelhead and Salmon that make seasonal runs from The Great Lakes to spawn in the river. The movement of these fish and others that swim into the river from The Great Lakes is currently controlled to a large degree by a weir that is in place just below The Front Street Bridge as well as a fish ladder that is in place at The Union Street Dam which will not be removed but will be modified. Click the logo above to view a website dedicated to information on the project.

We'd be remiss if we didn't take the opportunity to share a beautiful Boardman River property that we just listed. Located just upstream of The Brown Bridge Pond, this home will certainly be one of those that benefits from the dam removal project. Currently, a short paddle leads people into the pond and a portage is required to get back into the river below The Brown Bridge Dam. Once the dam is removed, paddlers will be able to enjoy a spectacular float right through the high gradient area that was once covered by the pond and down into Traverse City unimpeded. Extremely private, this property is adjacent to State Land but offers very easy access into Traverse City. Enjoy a brief video of the property. When done, CLICK HERE, to view more details.




To set up a private tour of this home or learn more about real estate opportunities on The Boardman River, contact Sales Associate, Matt Geib at matt@homewaters.net.