Once a driving force of industrial growth in the early 1900s, the Plainwell Dam on Michigan’s Kalamazoo River had, over time, become an obstacle to ecological health. Its aging structure trapped sediment, blocked fish passage, and disrupted the river’s natural flow.
Today, through the Plainwell Dam Removal and Channel Restoration project, SWCA Environmental Consultants is helping restore more than 7,000 linear feet of riverbank and 10 acres of floodplain as part of the Kalamazoo River Superfund Site cleanup. With support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, SWCA’s team is reestablished native vegetation, installed 550 trees, 900 shrubs, 10 acres of native seed, and over 30 root-wad structures—all sourced from local plant materials to strengthen ecosystem resilience.
The removal of the Plainwell Dam resulted in significant ecological improvements. It restored a free-flowing section of the Kalamazoo River, allowing fish populations to migrate more naturally and improved overall water quality. The project also enhanced recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, boosting local tourism and community engagement with the river.
Additionally, the project contributed to ongoing conservation efforts aimed at revitalizing the Kalamazoo River as a valuable natural resource. With the dam no longer obstructing flow, the river’s ecosystem has gradually regained balance, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species.
Learn more about this unique project here.
Comments are closed