The flint river restoration is a long-term project key to the revitalization of the riverfront in downtown flint, michigan

In-river components of the project will open nearly 25 miles of streams to fish passage, improve in-channel habitat, and support spawning runs of lake sturgeon and WALLEYE. The flint river has been degraded by damming, channelization, dredging, and urban development. Existing issues include degraded in-stream habitat, barriers to fish movement, elevated water temperature, and water quality impairment. The project will remove the remnant foundation of the fabri DAM and the concrete weir of the hamilton DAM, which is the first fish barrier on the river upstream of saginaw BAY. The project will also install a series of constructed riffles along the 1.7-mile-long project reach to restore fish habitat and improve hydraulics. Riverbanks will be stabilized along the reach using bioengineering and native plantings in concert with riverfront park improvements. The flint river restoration provides a unique opportunity for a project to provide substantial ecological lift with social benefits included. The project enjoys broad support in the community and among stakeholders, with a long list of project partners. IT directly addresses fish passage priorities within US fish and wildlife service (USFWS) region 3, both for major species of conservation concern (lake sturgeon) and recreational interest (WALLEYE). IT supports sturgeon reestablishment efforts, fish passage priorities, and watershed restoration goals promoted by several federal and michigan department of natural resources programs. The project also meets the priorities of the city of flint and genesee county in providing outdoor recreational opportunities for underserved communities, as well as RE-vitalizing the downtown corridor.specific project objectives are to: 1) provide volitional fish passage upstream through the project reach by removing existing barriers; 2) naturalize the project reach to extent practical, with emphasis on geomorphic stability, habitat diversity, and hydraulic diversity; 3) improve conveyance and avoid incremental water surface elevation increases that result in flood risk impacts; 4) stabilize stream banks along project reach; 5) provide angling access and improve safe boating potential through the project reach; and 6) implement riverfront park improvements along downtown riverbanks. The project will be implemented in phases. Major steps in habitat restoration are as follows: 1) modify sea walls for construction access; 2) remove fabri-DAM foundation; 3) install riffles at former fabri-DAM site; 4) begin riparian and riverside park enhancements; 5) install temporary construction causeway downstream of hamilton DAM; 6) notch DAM and draw down backwater; 7) remove remaining concrete weir; 8) RE-grade causeway material to riffle final grade and install habitat enhancements; 9) install riffles at up- and downstream limits of vietnam veterans park; 10) install bank stabilization; 11) complete riparian and riverside park enhancements. The work proposed in this project would allow upstream access to 5 miles of the main branch of the river and portions of gilkey creek, kearsley creek, and riskin drain, resulting in 24.73 reconnected stream miles to lake huron for the first time in 100 years. The project directly addresses the goals of the great lakes fish and wildlife restoration act of 2016 as well as specific goals of various management plans. The project meets these objectives by removing barriers and providing passage upstream, creating habitat and contributing to the restoration of threatened and endangered species to self-sustaining levels. In addition to the environmental benefits of this project, its implementation will provide the opportunity to residents of flint recreational access and promote the development of adjacent, abandoned industrial properties to parks and other usable space.