VANDERBILT -- State regulators and conservationists may get their wish to remove a dam on the Pigeon River where a sediment release this summer decimated fish populations in the blue-ribbon trout stream.
The Michigan Departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Quality completed their field investigations into a discharge of sediment on June 22 and 23 that clogged the river with silt, killing fish for miles downstream. The dam is owned by the Song of the Morning Ranch, a private yoga retreat east of Vanderbilt in the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
It was the third time a sediment release at the dam damaged the river over the past five decades.
"We want to ensure this never happens again and the best way to ensure that is to remove the dam," said Lance Weyeneth, environmental committee chairman for the local Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited. "That's what we're pushing for."
Dam owners consulted with experts at Huron Pines, a nonprofit conservation group that specializes in river restoration. It recommended the dam be removed, said Brad Jensen, agency executive director.
"They've made clear to us they want to know more about the issues and indicated they want to do what's best for the river," he said.
One suggestion is to lower the level of the dam to narrow the pond there so nutrient-rich sediment along the shore will grow wetland vegetation, Jensen said.
Meanwhile, the Michigan Attorney General's Office will work with dam owners to reach a settlement agreement. It will include mitigation for damaged resources and public recreation opportunities, and costs for restoring the river, including dam removal. The state also seeks reimbursement for its investigation and a civil fine, according to a letter sent by Assistant Attorney General Pamela Stevenson to Golden Lotus, the company that owns the yoga center.
DNR fisheries coordinator Kurt Newman also said the dam should be removed.
"We think that is the best action to take for the long-term benefit of the river system," Newman said.
Golden Lotus' attorney, William Schlecte of Ann Arbor, wouldn't discuss settlement talks but said his clients solicited proposals for a dam removal feasibility study.
"Song of the Morning has as great an interest as the State of Michigan, Trout Unlimited and any other users of the Pigeon River to ensure that this never happens again," Schlecte said. "Nobody wanted this to happen and they are abashed that it happened."
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