Paddlesports recreation and dam removal

Dam removal  often  puts fishing concerns above those of the paddlesports industry and recreation.

Based on extended analysis of data collected for the Outdoor Recreation Participation Report using
the responses of over 40,000 Americans ages six and older - paddlesports is rapidly growing in the USA

17.8 million Americans ages 6 and older participate in kayaking, canoeing, and rafting

Kayaking has enjoyed steady growth in spite of the economic slump growing 3% each year.

The survey is the largest of its type examining participation in sports and outdoor activities.

http://www.outdoorindustry.org/images/researchfiles/2009%20Paddlesports%20Report.FINAL.pdf?79

Paddlers bring extensive revenue to communities via purchases for lodging, gasoline, restaurants, etc., etc.

Obstacles to fish ARE OFTEN obstacles to Paddlesports also - and our voice is powerful in $$$$  !

Saginaw Bay Watershed blocked by dams

Fish Passage

The Saginaw Bay watershed is fragmented by nearly 300 dams or spillways . Improving fish passage at existing dams, either by ladders or by dam removal is the single surest means with which to increase natural reproduction. River spawning walleyes are already abundant in the bay, and are the only proven source of natural recruitment.  Establishment of fish passage and/or removal of unnecessary dams, while no small undertaking, can pay great dividends in terms of enhancing walleye recruitment. Enhancement of fish passage will also benefit lake sturgeon, white bass, and a variety of other warm water species. 

Figure 1. Saginaw Bay watershed. Dots indicate the location of a dam or spillway obstacle.

Dam removal is the preferred option for maximizing the benefits of natural reproduction. Dam removal eliminates the problem of safe and effective downstream transport of walleye fry which may otherwise be retained above dams or killed in hydroelectric turbines. Removal of dams also facilitates recovery of high gradient river reaches which are often necessary for successful natural reproduction.

Saginaw Bay's fishery is already valued at well over $18,000,000 in the 1990's 
and accounts for 58% of the total sport fishing effort on the Michigan waters of Lake Huron.

Excerpt taken from :
Strategy and Options for Completing the Recovery of Walleye in Saginaw Bay

David G. Fielder

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Fisheries Division

Lake Huron Basin Team

August 2002

Map Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail

CLICK on the picture to enlarge

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Sara has done an extraordinary job of compiling info
and pushing the project forwards for many years now.

Sara McDonnell
Program Coordinator
University Outreach
V: 810.424.5489
F: 810.424.5484

University of Michigan - Flint
432 N. Saginaw St., Suite 1001
Flint, MI 48502-1950
www.umflint.edu/outreach
http://blogs.umflint.edu/outreach

Many others are involved as well,  

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Shiawassee River fishing derby June 13 2010

FISHING DERBY
JUNE 13
(FREE FISHING WEEKEND—no license needed—EARLY START 6am)
SHIAWASSEE RIVER



Guaranteed Cash and other Prizes for largest legal & live:
Northern Pike Large Mouth Bass Small Mouth Bass


This contest is also a fundraiser to develop a new landing site on Fish Lake Rd., Holly Township.
We need match money to get grants.
Help us reach our goal.

$20 per ticket Minimum $50 prize Per category

Half the money goes to the landing construction.
The rest will be split amongst the winners of the 3 categories.
Donated merchandise will be assigned to categories at the beginning of the contest.

6 AM: Buy tickets and launch at Waterworks Park, Holly, Michigan
Noon: Weigh in at Strom Park, Fenton, Michigan

All boats must launch at Waterworks Park (opposite the Millpond on S. Broad St.)
Michigan boating and fishing laws must be followed.

Spotting of vehicles and return rides will be available.

River is shallow and narrow in areas! Motors may be very difficult to use!



Sponsored by www.headwaterstrails.org

For more information call Douglas at 248-634-4551
dslanyk AT comcast.net

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