Stages
Preliminary Decisions (2005-2009)
The City of Traverse City and the Grand Traverse County (owners of the dams) gathered community feedback, and hired consultants to conduct an engineering and feasibility study to assess the environmental, economical and social impacts of retaining, modifying and removing the Boardman River dams. The dam owners decided to remove the Sabin, Boardman and Brown Bridge dams and modify the Union Street dam.
Engineering/Planning (2010)
The IT coordinated the planning stage, working hard to identify and pursue required permits and fundraising opportunities.
Deconstruction / Modification (2011-2013)
Each of the three dams slated for removal will follow approved plans for deconstruction as engineering plans are finalized and funds are secured. The Union Street dam will follow approved plans for modification.
Restoration (2013-2018)
The restoration process will parallel the deconstruction and modification efforts. As the river changes, the IT will promote restoration to benefit fish and wildlife species and their associated habitat.
