This project will replace 6 improperly sized failing road-stream crossings on michigan department of natural resources (DNR) state forest lands that are barriers to aquatic organism passage in the…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the National Fish Passage Program (CFDA 15.685) will provide $3,779,000 to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to replace 6 improperly sized failing road-stream crossings on DNR state forest lands in the Upper Manistee River watershed. The project aims to restore connectivity and improve approximately 25 miles of stream habitat, which is critical for the reintroduction of the Arctic grayling and passage of other aquatic organisms. Key deliverables include final design plans, approved permits, construction bid documents, and weekly inspection reports. The project partners include the Conservation Resource Alliance, Trout Unlimited, and several county road commissions. This effort supports the program's goal of reconnecting fragmented aquatic habitats and maintaining self-sustaining native fish populations.

This project will replace 6 improperly sized failing road-stream crossings on michigan department of natural resources (DNR) state forest lands that are barriers to aquatic organism passage in the upper manistee river, a priority watershed for restoration of arctic grayling and a state-designated natural river. Expected outcomes from the project are to increase connectivity and quality stream habitat by about 25 miles, prevent annual erosion of about 8 tons of sediment, and install more climate-adapted and resilient bridges and culverts designed to pass increased flood-flows. Target aquatic species are an assemblage of climate vulnerable cold-water fisheries resources, including arctic grayling. Project partners are conservation resource alliance, trout unlimited and the grand traverse, kalkaska and wexford county road commissions.objectives:- removal and replacement of 6 improperly sized failing road-stream crossings with new timber bridges and culverts that are designed to be climate adapted and more resilient for increased flood-flows within the watershed.- restore habitat and reconnect and improve 25 miles of stream habitat necessary for reintroduction of the arctic grayling to the upper manistee river watershed and passage for other aquatic organisms. Deliverables: 1. Final design plans and specifications for culvert removals, including engineering drawings, and detailed specifications for construction, erosion control, and restoration.2. Approved state, federal, and local permits.3. Bid documents for construction.4. Construction inspection reports, including weekly reports documenting observed conditions, progress, and areas of concern and proposed remedies.