This cache is located where a
Hydro electric dam once operated.
Since
1880, the Muskegon River flow had been impeded by a dam at this
location in Big Rapids, MI. The dam was removed in two stages, 1966
and 2000. Many issues came together to make the dam removal project
economically, ecologically, physically and politically acceptable.
Between 1991 and 1997, three young men drowned within 750 feet of
the dam. At the same time, a number of State and Federal ecological
efforts were under way to restore rivers to their natural
condition, led in the State of Michigan by the Great Lakes
Protection Fund and the Great Lakes Fishery Trust. Finally,
throughout the nation and the State of Michigan, a number of
communities “rediscovered” the value of river frontage.
This
structure, approximately 6’ tall, was the foundation of the
historic hydro dam left over after the aborted 1966 removal
attempt. That attempt in 1966 succeeded only in removing the
“tainter gates” and a portion of the super structure while
releasing approximately one million cubic yards of sediment from
the upstream impoundment into the Muskegon River system. The 1966
“fiasco” was remembered by long-term Mecosta County residents and
proved to be a major challenge for the Big Rapids city officials,
who supported the 2000 dam removal, to overcome. During the summer
of 2000 the 6’ hydro dam was removed and later, in the summer of
2001, the downstream coffer dam and secondary sediment trap was
removed.
The
Muskegon River in Big Rapids is now navigable with these man-made
hazardous areas removed. The fishing habitat has also been improved
through reduction in water temperature, expansion of the migratory
ranges and the re-establishment of the original Muskegon River
gravel beds, long covered by the silt upstream of the hydro dam.
Facts, figures, history, construction methods and individuals
associated with the project and their contacts can be found within
the City’s web page located here: http://www.ci.big-rapids.mi.us/damremoval/general/outline.htm
With
the final portion of the Big Rapids hydro dam removed, the City is
once again celebrating its river heritage. In the fall of 2002, the
City began construction of a $1,000,000 River walk along the
location of the former hydro dam. The cache is placed at this
site.
NOTE: We developed
this series of caches to introduce you to our favorite part of
Michigan. We drive up every other weekend to relax at our place
on the Muskegon River. We'll soon be retiring from the Detroit
area and be permanent residents of Paris, MI.