This is a new award with the little river band of ottawa indians to develop permit-ready plans to reintroduce a free-flowing connection between the muskegon river and a historic channel expanding…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a cooperative agreement to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians on October 1, 2026, totaling $1,120,741 to develop permit-ready plans reintroducing a free-flowing connection between the Muskegon River and a historic channel in Michigan. The project will restore walleye and lake sturgeon fisheries and expand recreational angling opportunities to improve economic vitality in the surrounding area. The award is funded under the Habitat Conservation program (CFDA 11.463), which supports habitat conservation activities including coastal and marine habitat restoration and protection pursuant to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and other legislation. The period of performance runs through September 30, 2029, with place of performance in Manistee, Michigan. The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is a federally recognized tribal government with demonstrated capacity administering federal grants across environmental protection, natural resource management, and community development initiatives.

This is a new award with the little river band of ottawa indians to develop permit-ready plans to reintroduce a free-flowing connection between the muskegon river and a historic channel expanding michigan's most productive walleye and lake sturgeon fisheries. Restoring the river will provide new recreational angling opportunities that will improve the economic vitality of the surrounding area.