The following link leads to a short press release from American Whitewater. The information pertains to a proposal for new whitewater in the town of Oroville, California. Similar to proposals for whitewater projects across the United States, planners are faced with balancing the costs and needs of various user groups. Similar to Argo Dam, the installation of a whitewater park could represent a significant up-front investment followed by long-term, sustaining income and low annual maintenance costs.
For the life of the Argo Impoundment, the City of Ann Arbor will be responsible for managing invasive aquatic plant species, dealing with the on-going build-up of sediment behind Argo Dam, and servicing the decades-old dam itself. Removing the dam will have high expenses associated with the physical removal, planning and removal of sediment, and restoration in the 27-acres of public land that will be de-watered. But a free-flowing river of improved water quality between Barton and Geddes will require minimal maintenance costs in the long run. Revenue associated with facility and equipment rentals could increase. User fees charged to whitewater boaters would be an added bonus (I would gladly pay 5 bucks to paddle clean, retentive features for a day). Commercial development, likewise, could benefit the Ann Arbor community.
If you feel strongly that the Huron should flow freely from Barton Dam, along North Main Street, past the North Side Grill and the U of M hospital complex, to join the already beautiful section of river winding through Nichols Arboretum, then it's not too late to make your voice heard. Likewise, if you are a paddler, fisherman, someone who enjoys parks or appreciates restoring nature, you still have opportunities to advocate on behalf the Huron River.
Ann Arbor's Environmental Commission meetings are open to the public and occur on the following dates/times:
For the life of the Argo Impoundment, the City of Ann Arbor will be responsible for managing invasive aquatic plant species, dealing with the on-going build-up of sediment behind Argo Dam, and servicing the decades-old dam itself. Removing the dam will have high expenses associated with the physical removal, planning and removal of sediment, and restoration in the 27-acres of public land that will be de-watered. But a free-flowing river of improved water quality between Barton and Geddes will require minimal maintenance costs in the long run. Revenue associated with facility and equipment rentals could increase. User fees charged to whitewater boaters would be an added bonus (I would gladly pay 5 bucks to paddle clean, retentive features for a day). Commercial development, likewise, could benefit the Ann Arbor community.
If you feel strongly that the Huron should flow freely from Barton Dam, along North Main Street, past the North Side Grill and the U of M hospital complex, to join the already beautiful section of river winding through Nichols Arboretum, then it's not too late to make your voice heard. Likewise, if you are a paddler, fisherman, someone who enjoys parks or appreciates restoring nature, you still have opportunities to advocate on behalf the Huron River.
Ann Arbor's Environmental Commission meetings are open to the public and occur on the following dates/times:
February 26, 7pm
March 26, 7pm
April 23, 7pm
May 28, 7pm
June 25, 7pm
Ann Arbor's Park Advisory Commission meetings are open to the public and occur on the following dates/times:
March 17, 4pm
April 21, 4pm
May 19, 4 pm
June 16, 4pm
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