Restoration Management Procedures for Michigan's Upper Peninsula Watersheds

Stream pollution, or an excess of naturally occurring sediment, is a continual problem within watersheds and directly related to fluctuations of its fish inhabitants. Sediment introduction in a stream system occurs primarily by sheet flow and/or concentrated flow. Restoration efforts require knowledge in water resource engineering, fish and invertebrate habitat, and construction management. This report documents the hydrologic engineering analysis, planning, management, and monitoring of a successful stream restoration project in a rural region of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Otter River restoration project was initiated in May 1999 to confront the problem of sediment pollution into the Otter Lake watershed. The Otter Lake system is recognized for a once prominent fishing habitat, the last documented site of upper Michigan's grayling fish species and an established blue ribbon trout stream. A combined effort of the Michigan Technological University (MTU) Watershed Improvement Center and all divisions of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has proven effective.