The Conservation Alliance

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Conservation Resource Alliance

Website
http://www.rivercare.org
Contact Name
Matt Thomas
Contact Email
matt@antispamrivercare.org
Location
TC, M
Past Grants
2013 · $35,000
2012 · $35,000
2011 · $30,000
Grand Total
$100,000
The Conservation Resource Alliance is a private, not-for-profit organization based in Traverse City, Michigan, dedicated to maintaining the natural beauty and ecosystems of our land while simultaneously nurturing the economic vitality of northern Michigan.

We seek balanced, practical solutions to change, serving a 13-county area and caring for over 4 million acres of land in Northwest Lower Michigan. Through programs like RiverCare and WildLink, focused projects and events, we are making a difference in northern Michigan.Our wildlife biologists, fisheries biologists, engineers and field technicians work with land owners to plan, locate funding options, cut through red tape, and implement programs to enhance the habitat value and beauty of the region.

Project Update

The beautiful Boardman River in northwest Michigan, a renowned Blue Ribbon Trout Stream, is a step closer to running free. The first of three historic hydro-electric dams was successfully removed in 2012 opening miles of cold-water stream and setting the stage for the next steps of the largest dam removal initiative on  any watershed in the history of the Great Lakes basin. De-construction of Brown Bridge Dam began in August, culminating nearly a decade of community input and decision making that will eventually liberate the beloved Boardman River after over 100 years of man-made barriers altering the natural flow.

An Implementation Team representing all major stake-holders and led by project manager, Conservation Resource Alliance, navigated the highly complex process leading to the removal of the Brown Bridge Dam. Restoration and monitoring will continue in collaboration with a Prosperity Team that is dedicated to promoting the watershed as one of the most important community assets for recreation value and economic vitality. Planning and fundraising is underway for removal of the next two dams.