Letter: Dam removal best for finances, environment
by Cedric A. Richner Ann Arbor
Wednesday May 20, 2009, 5:36 PM
In June, City Council will decide the future of Argo Dam. Dam removal is better economically, recreationally and environmentally.
Also, visit: http://www.restorethehuron.org/
5/26/09
Watershed council's resources on dam removal
The Huron River Watershed Council recently launched a new addition to it's website, titled "Argo Dam Removal." The page provides four simple justifications for removing Argo Dam, as well as some general facts about the dam. Visit the council's page by clicking here:
HRWC - Argo Dam Removal
HRWC - Argo Dam Removal
5/22/09
Rowers, dam supporters launch media campaign
The following opinion pieces from 5/22 continue to refute the science-based claims that Argo Dam is a detriment to the quality of the Huron River between Barton and Geddes Dams. Likewise, the commentary points to the lowest-cost options for maintaining Argo Dam--a structure that primarily benefits Ann Arbor's rowing community--rather than bigger picture reasons to remove the dam (i.e. improved biological diversity, greater recreational opportunities, economic growth).
Other voices: Argo's demise could end rowing
MLive.com - MI,USA
In fact, it's one of the newest dams on the Huron River. (See related essay.) On May 7, a large group of concerned citizens participated in a public hearing ...
Other voices Far from deteriorating Argo Dam as good as it was ...
Ann Arbor, Michigan opinion. Get the latest columns and public opinions on Ann Arbor, Michigan local news and events. Read letters to the editor and comment ...
Other voices: Argo's demise could end rowing
MLive.com - MI,USA
In fact, it's one of the newest dams on the Huron River. (See related essay.) On May 7, a large group of concerned citizens participated in a public hearing ...
Other voices Far from deteriorating Argo Dam as good as it was ...
Ann Arbor, Michigan opinion. Get the latest columns and public opinions on Ann Arbor, Michigan local news and events. Read letters to the editor and comment ...
5/21/09
Divided PAC passes resolution to keep dam
The Ann Arbor Chronicle » Park Advisory Commission: Argo Dam Stays
By Mary Morgan
Most of the 15 people who spoke during PAC's public comment time on Tuesday were in support of keeping Argo Dam, and some of those supporters – but not all – were part of the city's rowing community. Many teams use Argo Pond for ...
By Mary Morgan
Most of the 15 people who spoke during PAC's public comment time on Tuesday were in support of keeping Argo Dam, and some of those supporters – but not all – were part of the city's rowing community. Many teams use Argo Pond for ...
5/19/09
UM prof endorses dam removal
From MLive.com
Letter: Dam-free Huron River makes sense
by John R. Knott Scio Township
Monday May 18, 2009, 11:50 AM
Traverse City officials voted in April to remove three former hydroelectric dams on the Boardman River, joining the growing number of communities across the country who have decided that the liabilities of maintaining deteriorating dams are outweighed by the benefits of restoring stretches of free-flowing river.
The fact that federal and state funding is available for dam removal but not for dam maintenance is a recognition of the logic that drives such decisions.
Removing Argo Dam would give Ann Arbor 30 acres of riverfront parkland and a free-flowing Huron River within the city limits. The restored Huron would offer more fish species and an uninterrupted stretch of river with whitewater that would appeal to the many canoeists and kayakers who use the Huron.
Argo Pond has its defenders, particularly members of a vigorous rowing community who prefer it to other practice areas, but it is hard to believe that indefinitely paying the costs of maintaining an obsolete dam, and the related costs of managing a growing algae and sediment problem, make sense in the long run. The rowers could be accommodated elsewhere.
The experts on the health of the Huron River - ecologists, the DNR, the dedicated stewards of the Huron River Watershed Council - strongly favor removing Argo Dam.
The decision that City Council must make this summer will not be easy, but removing the dam would be the right course for the future and would strengthen Ann Arbor's reputation as an environmentally progressive city.
Letter: Dam-free Huron River makes sense
by John R. Knott Scio Township
Monday May 18, 2009, 11:50 AM
Traverse City officials voted in April to remove three former hydroelectric dams on the Boardman River, joining the growing number of communities across the country who have decided that the liabilities of maintaining deteriorating dams are outweighed by the benefits of restoring stretches of free-flowing river.
The fact that federal and state funding is available for dam removal but not for dam maintenance is a recognition of the logic that drives such decisions.
Removing Argo Dam would give Ann Arbor 30 acres of riverfront parkland and a free-flowing Huron River within the city limits. The restored Huron would offer more fish species and an uninterrupted stretch of river with whitewater that would appeal to the many canoeists and kayakers who use the Huron.
Argo Pond has its defenders, particularly members of a vigorous rowing community who prefer it to other practice areas, but it is hard to believe that indefinitely paying the costs of maintaining an obsolete dam, and the related costs of managing a growing algae and sediment problem, make sense in the long run. The rowers could be accommodated elsewhere.
The experts on the health of the Huron River - ecologists, the DNR, the dedicated stewards of the Huron River Watershed Council - strongly favor removing Argo Dam.
The decision that City Council must make this summer will not be easy, but removing the dam would be the right course for the future and would strengthen Ann Arbor's reputation as an environmentally progressive city.
5/18/09
Dexter's Mill Creek Rapids - Best playspot in Michigan
RSCK Member, James Blackburn, paddles Mill Creek Rapids
The Spring of 2009 is proving to be exceptional for whitewater paddling in lower Michigan. The combination of seasonal thaw and rain is keeping rivers like the Clinton, the Huron, the Red Cedar--those known for providing whitewater paddling opportunities--at high levels. Huron River paddling enthusiasts are finding good play at the Trestle, Rock Dam, and Tubbs. The construction activity and non-maintenance of Delhi Rapids is resulting in lower quality eddies and play features, a sad sign.
There is a new addition to the whitewater resources in lower Michigan: the Village of Dexter's Mill Creek Rapids. This series of features was created when a small, failing dam was removed in 2008. Paddlers from Lansing, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Grand Rapids, and surrounding areas have all enjoyed Mill Creek's playful run.
For more information about the NEW Mill Creek Rapids, visit American Whitewater:
4/23/09
Kayakers can determine Argo's fate
Anyone interested in helping with the removal of argo dam should attend the last meeting on May 7th at Ann Arbor's Cobblestone Farm. The rowing community will be there in force. Whitewater kayakers need to voice their concerns, or the city commissions may be swayed to keep the dam. Checkout these links for information recommending the removal of Argo Dam.
Print, read, and know this information. It may even be worth printing and carrying these web pages with you to the meeting.
4/1/09
Support your local paddle shop - Kayak Corral!
Kayak Corral is offering a 10% discount on your next purchase! As you gear up for Spring, stop by KC's Saline location (which is totally RAD). They carry a hearty variety of kayaks and gear--for both whitewater and flat water--and they are arguably the best paddle sports outfitter in Michigan.
CLICK HERE for a printable coupon
CLICK HERE for a printable coupon
3/22/09
Coming Soon - New Website
Dear Fellow Paddlers and Friends,
Huron River Paddlers is currently building a new home in cyberspace. We will continue to update this blog in the meantime, but look for the launch of the new site later this Spring. Thank you to everyone who continues to use HRP as a resource for whitewater paddling information on the Huron River and the rest of Lower Michigan.
At the right, you have links to stream flow information for the Huron, Chippewa, and Red Cedar Rivers. Please use them! Also, there are links to relevant information related to the potential removal/alteration of Ann Arbor's Argo Dam. Stay tuned for more news about the dam and its future. Lastly, scroll to the bottom of the page for information about local paddling clubs and more.
Thanks again for visiting! See you on the river.
HRP
Huron River Paddlers is currently building a new home in cyberspace. We will continue to update this blog in the meantime, but look for the launch of the new site later this Spring. Thank you to everyone who continues to use HRP as a resource for whitewater paddling information on the Huron River and the rest of Lower Michigan.
At the right, you have links to stream flow information for the Huron, Chippewa, and Red Cedar Rivers. Please use them! Also, there are links to relevant information related to the potential removal/alteration of Ann Arbor's Argo Dam. Stay tuned for more news about the dam and its future. Lastly, scroll to the bottom of the page for information about local paddling clubs and more.
Thanks again for visiting! See you on the river.
HRP
3/4/09
Introductory Class on the Huron
This Spring, the Lansing Area Whitewater Paddlers (LAWWP) and the Lansing Area Instructors (LAINST) are offering a class called "River Kayaking," which includes a run down the Mighty Huron!
Two pool sessions (held at the East Lansing Community Center) will be followed by a fun all-day trip down the light rapids of the Huron River in Ann Arbor. Students will learn paddling maneuvers, safety skills, and water-reading techniques needed to paddle rivers safely.
Cost: $75.
Dates: May 5, 12 in the pool and May 16 on the river.
For details on this and other great offerings from LAWWP/LAINST, please contact:
Todd Leigh, toddleigh@hotmail.com
Linda Savage, savage@msu.edu
Phone: (517) 333-9716
http://www.capitalareakayaking.com/.
Two pool sessions (held at the East Lansing Community Center) will be followed by a fun all-day trip down the light rapids of the Huron River in Ann Arbor. Students will learn paddling maneuvers, safety skills, and water-reading techniques needed to paddle rivers safely.
Cost: $75.
Dates: May 5, 12 in the pool and May 16 on the river.
For details on this and other great offerings from LAWWP/LAINST, please contact:
Todd Leigh, toddleigh@hotmail.com
Linda Savage, savage@msu.edu
Phone: (517) 333-9716
http://www.capitalareakayaking.com/.
Public Meetings - Paddlers' Input Needed
Ann Arbor's Environmental Commission meetings are open to the public.
March 26, 7pm
April 23, 7pm
May 28, 7pm
June 25, 7pm
Location
Ann Arbor's Park Advisory Commission meetings are open to the public.
March 17, 4pm
April 21, 4pm
May 19, 4 pm
June 16, 4pm
Location
March 26, 7pm
April 23, 7pm
May 28, 7pm
June 25, 7pm
Location
Ann Arbor's Park Advisory Commission meetings are open to the public.
March 17, 4pm
April 21, 4pm
May 19, 4 pm
June 16, 4pm
Location
3/3/09
HRP Archives
As of March 1, 2009, http://www.huronriverpaddlers.blogspot.com/ has received over 2,600 hits. HRP has posted 25 updates, which include action alerts, links to dam removal and whitewater park resources, and editorials about the status of the proposped removal of Ann Arbor's Argo Dam.
New links (on the right-hand sidebar) are added almost daily, and the full spectrum of project-related resources from the City of Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, and Recreation, Engineering, & Paddling, are available under the heading "Project Resources."
The Blog Archive helps keep the homepage short, but allows visitors to check back on updates that began in August 2008.
For all new visitors, we encourage you to peruse the archive! If you are working on a whitewater-related project in your area (i.e. Grand Rapids, Flint, Allegan County, Petoskey, or elsewhere), you may find useful information or inspiration for advocating in your community.
If at anytime our visitors have questions or want to request more information, please email michiganwhitewater@gmail.com.
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