Grants: Water Resources

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Regional Marketing of the Cass River Water Trail

Jun 2017

Proposed by Cass River Greenway (CRG), this project will not only increase the online presence of the Cass River Greenway, but also provide on-the-ground interpretive and mapping kiosks for the project. Since its inception in 2007, CRG has developed more that 10 access points linking communities, worked to improve water quality, increased and improved habitat, establish annual river cleanups, fostered recreational opportunities and recently led the effort to apply for National Water Trail designation. This project will support, in part, the development of an interactive website that will highlight the water trail and the Cass River, as well as provide for updated river kiosks that are placed at access sites along the water trail. The maps have a uniform look and feel that provides consistence regardless of the access site.

Restoring Spawning Reef Habitat in inner Saginaw Bay

Dec 2016

This project requests WIN support for the construction of one reef restoration site in inner Saginaw Bay. Previously funded research has identified a lack of appropriate habitat for open water fish spawning for multiple species. Historically, Saginaw Bay contained an inner rock reef complex that provided critical spawning habitat for many native species including lake sturgeon and walleye. The goal is beyond creating additional habitat, but helps to facilitate a resilient and diverse native fish population. The WIN funds are dedicated specifically for construction and will serve as match against a larger federal grant that is being applied for.

Bridgeport Cass River Access and Trailhead

Dec 2016

This proposed project will develop a river access point and trailhead near the recently restored State Street Historic Bridge in Bridgeport. The project is included the township recreation plan as an amenity and an addition to the Cass River Water Trail project, where WIN has made multiple investments along the Cass. This project joins a canoe/kayak launch at Davis Park located upriver, that was a past WIN investment and was completed in 2016. The trailhead also is part of the Iron Belle Trail network, which has also been a focus of WIN investment including the recently completed Bay-Zil Trail that traverses the Bay/Saginaw County line. A DNR Trust Fund grant has already been approved for this project, and the proposed WIN grant will be part of the local match component. The WIN funding for this project is specifically dedicated to the fishing / wildlife viewing platform.

Middle Branch Cedar River Dam Removal

Dec 2016

Proposed by Huron Pines, this project seeks to not only remove a dam along the Cedar River in Clare County, but also provide training and capacity building for local groups (conservation partners, local and state government agencies)about management options for conservation and in particular, road/stream crossing conservation and water quality options. At the dam site, removal of this dam will open more than 9 miles of main stream tributary on one of the Saginaw Bay Watershed's only "blue stream / pristine quality" trout streams. The current dam not only is a barrier to fish passage, but has also been identified as a source of excess sediment and thermal pollution. While the dam is located on private property, the landowner is contributing $10,000 in cash match, and remaining funds have been applied for through the Michigan Dam Management fund. Four community workshops will be held – two targeting the Cedar River Watershed, and two targeting the Northern Saginaw Bay Watershed and the region at large.

Shiawassee River Water Trail

Jun 2016

The Friends of the Shiawassee River (a previous WIN grant partner for dam removal and other projects) is proposing to begin the process of more formally developing an "official" water trail and applying for designation under the Park Services' National Water Trail program (only 18 NWTs exist currently across the country). This project requests WIN support to assist them with the coalition building process, development of the required "Action Plan" for use by partners and submittal for NWT designation, and improved public information resources (including maps, more interactive website, and signage).

Thomas Township Canoe and Kayak Launch

Jun 2016

Proposed by Saginaw County's Thomas Township, this project contemplates the development of a canoe/kayak launch along the Tittabawassee River along Gratiot Road. This site is one of few owned by Thomas Township that has the ability to offer a public access facility to the public. The launch, while built by the Township, will have parking provided by a private landowner (insurance agency) under a unique public/private partnership to allow access to the river. This site will join others (many of which supported by WIN) along the Tittabawassee that are collectively identifying a "blue way" trail network in the Saginaw Bay region.

Pointe Park Development, Renovation and Water Trail Project - Caseville

Jun 2016

This project, sponsored by the City of Caseville, includes new improvements at Caseville's Pointe Park on Saginaw Bay. This 5 acre park is envisioned to be completed with a new universal design canoe/kayak launch which will serve as a premier site along the Thumb Heritage Water Trail, increased fishing opportunities, educational kiosks and installation of energy efficient lighting. The construction will include "sustainable construction principles" including bio-swales, green infrastructure components, and recycled materials. The WIN funds are proposed to specifically fund in total or partially the canoe/kayak launch, lighting, signage and permeable pavers. It should be noted that this entire project will support a portion of the local match dollars for a larger Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund grant of approximately $300,000

Corunna Dam Removal and Access Improvement

Dec 2015

This Corunna Dam sits on the Shiawassee River, above the previously WIN-funded removal of the Chesaning Dam, and below the WIN-funded site of the Shia-Town Dam Removal. This project includes not only the dam removal, but also the development of the site plan for river access that will be implemented along with the dam removal. The WIN funds join the overall project cost and scope, but are directed toward the development of the access site plan, along with interpretive signage at the dam removal site itself. The costs for the plan development are estimated, therefore there may be some flexibility to use any remaining funds, per agreement with WIN, for the construction phase of the project. The access portion of the project includes a 600 ft pathway/trail, 100" boardwalk, overlook and potentially a canoe/kayak launch.

Chippewa Watershed Septic Source Identification and Database Development Project

Dec 2015

This project, sponsored by the Gratiot Conservation District and Mid-Michigan Community Health Department, seeks to improve and develop a database to better track sources of bacteriological contamination of the upper Chippewa River. Currently, the ability of the health department and other stakeholders to track sources is stymied by lack of available information. This project will use WIN funds, along with funding support provided by the conservation district and health department, to develop a database layer using Geographic Information Systems that will overlay properties with septic systems that are in high-priority areas, specifically adjacent to water courses. The project will also allow the partners to develop educational material as well as develop and package presentations that will be used for community groups and others looking toward a phase 2 of the project, that include a "fund" to assist in the repair/replacement of failing systems.

Frankenmuth Memorial Park Boat Launch Renovations

Jun 2015

Building on other investments in and around Frankenmuth including public access sites, dam removal, blueway mapping, riverbank restoration, and kayak/canoe launch facilities and equipment, the City of Frankenmuth is requesting WIN fund to match a Michigan Natural resource Trust Fund grant for improvements at one of the City's primary public access locations. The proposed renovations at the site include a wider and longer boat launch, a fishing platform and accommodations for canoe and kayak launching. This site is identified as an access point along the Cass River Water Trail, a program of the Cass River Greenways

Village of Byron River Access Facility

Jun 2015

Proposed by the Byron Village Downtown Development Authority, this project seeks to develop and formalize an undeveloped site frequently used by community members to access the Shiawassee River at Byron. The site, located on expansive riverfront property owned by the school district, is a key component of the DDAs new riverfront access plan and community development program. The work in Byron joins a variety of community projects along the Shiawassee River that have occurred in recent years, much of which have been supported by WIN including the Chesaning Fish Passage, Shia-Town dam Removal and restoration, Heritage Water Trail, and ongoing work by the Friends of the Shiawassee including additional public access sites. This site will provide not only access to the river for canoes and kayaks, but also for other community events such as fishing and river sampling.

Rifle River Prosperity Network - Huron Pines

Dec 2014

Proposed by Huron Pines, this project seeks to engage communities more fully in the relationship between their communities and the Rifle River. Using the "Gateway Community" concept, Huron Pines and partners will engage businesses, environmental organizations, and others in identifying how to best maintain and improve community character, while balancing environmental protection and economic development. This 18+ month project includes community forums, development of a shared vision, and a unique mini-grant program that partners can use to implement creative projects geared toward identifying the region as a "Gateway".