THE FISHPASS PROJECT
FishPass is the culmination of a 20-year restoration project on the Boardman River in Traverse City, reconnecting the Boardman with Lake Michigan. The project will replace the Union Street Dam in downtown Traverse City, the last of four dams on the river that will have been removed. According to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the mission of FishPass is to provide up- and down-stream passage of “desirable” fishes while simultaneously blocking and/or removing “undesirable” fishes.
The Brook Trout Coalition, along with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Adams Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council and other environmental organizations contend that only native species are desirable and that non-native species such as steelhead and salmon should be deemed undesirable.
On October 30, 2019, the DNR issued a statement saying that “no salmon or steelhead would be passed for 10 years following the construction and initial operation of FishPass.”
April 30, 2021 — Judge Rules Traverse City FishPass Project Must go to a Vote
March 24, 2021 — Last dam standing: Traverse City fish restoration project on the ropes
February 11, 2021 — No New Decision on FishPass Injunction
January 16, 2021 — Judge puts FishPass on hold
April 2020 — Environmental Assessment, upland portion of Union Street FishPass Project
November 30, 2019 — GLFC answers to FishPass questions submitted by the public
November 27, 2019 — U.S. Army Corps of Engineeers notice seeking public comment on FishPass project
May 28, 2019 — Three-dimensional animated virtual tour of FishPass project