TU and partners to work on Tippy Dam bank restoration in 2019

Heavy use by anglers has contributed to degradation of the streambank below Tippy Dam in Michigan.

By Jeremy Geist

Trout Unlimited, in partnership with the Huron-Manistee National Forest, is planning to restore the severely eroded bank of the Manistee River downstream of Tippy Dam along national forest Land in Wellston, Mich.

Heavy recreational use has led to multiple user-created trails causing excessive bank erosion and sedimentation into the river.

As this location is a highly popular access point for trout and salmon fishing, the project partners aim to restore the banks using bioengineering practices and provide designated access to sustain angling and other recreational opportunity.

Toe wood and native plants will be installed to provide bank stability and habitat for fish and wildlife, and a concrete staircase and cobble walkway will be created to maintain fishing opportunities.

The project is currently in planning, design and permitting phases, and Phase I of the project will be implemented during the summer of 2019.

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Approximately 250 linear feet of bank will be restored during Phase I, and efforts will continue into the following years. Interpretive signage (above) describing the project was installed this fall at the project location.

Efforts to improve the stream bank are supported by the USDA Forest Service – Huron-Manistee National Forest GLRI and Stewardship funds, Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Habitat Improvement Account, local TU chapters and area partner donations.

Jeremy Geist manages Trout Unlimited's Great Lakes stream restoration efforts in Michigan.