Input sought on Boardman dam removal

By SHERI MCWHIRTER
smcwhirter@record-eagle.com

September 30, 2008 12:00 am

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TRAVERSE CITY -- Whether or not to remove four dams on the Boardman River is the subject of an extensive public opinion survey in Grand Traverse County.

Two public meetings remain about various options for the dams, including repairs, modifications and complete removal. The dams include: Union Street Dam in Traverse City; Sabin Dam about 3.5 miles upstream; Boardman Dam another mile upstream; and Brown Bridge Dam an additional eight miles upstream.

"If people really want to weigh in, this is the time," said Sandra Sroonian, project coordinator.

Union Street and Brown Bridge dams are owned by Traverse City, while Sabin and Boardman dams belong to Grand Traverse County. Union Street Dam was the only one never used for hydroelectricity and is not being considered for removal.

The Boardman River Dams Committee studied the options during the last two years and wants guidance from the people of the Grand Traverse region before making a recommendation to city and county officials, Sroonian said.

The public opinion survey deadline is Oct. 10.

"I hope they retain or repair them," said Bruce Carpenter, of Traverse City, who lives alongside Boardman Pond.

Carpenter opposed last year's drawdown of the pond and contends dam removal would further damage the area's wetlands through a reduction in wildlife and changes to the ecosystem. The dams should be returned to use as hydroelectric generators in this age of renewable energy, Carpenter said.

But others want to see the dams removed altogether.

Dozens of surveys from members of the local Trout Unlimited group were returned to chapter president Bill Fernandez, who said the likely consensus is "in favor of dam removal." A free-flowing Boardman River would be a better cold-water fishery and would reduce the buildup of sedimentation, he said.

There will be a one-hour public meeting about the project at 7 p.m. today at the Traverse Area District Library, with another at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Boardman River Nature Center. The survey can be completed at the meetings or online at www.theboardman.org.

Results of the community survey will be discussed at the BRDC meeting on Oct. 28, Sroonian said.

Call (231) 995-2617 for more information.

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