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We have failing, defunct dams along the Kalamazoo River that linger in large part because they hold back contaminated sediments.  This is one of the costs of deferring the cleanup of contaminated sediments.  Several of these dams are long past their useful and safe lifespans.  State agencies and other local stakeholders have been diligently working to align both funding and timing of sediment removal to tear out these old dams.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2015/04/kalamazoo_river_may_be_redirec.html

Earlier this summer the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found environmental DNA, or eDNA from Asian carp in the Kalamazoo River, prompting further surveillance efforts.  State and federal agencies are closely monitoring the Great Lakes region for evidence of Asian carp, a group of invasive carp species that would have a devastating effect on the Great Lakes fishery and ecosystem.

The results are in: no further Asian carp eDNA was found in the Kalamazoo River during the most recent round of monitoring.  Read the full press release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources…

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Michigan Department of Natural Resources are working to increase awareness about Asian carp.  Populations of this invasive species have not been found in the Great Lakes system, but recent monitoring results indicate the presence of genetic material of Asian carp, such as scales, excrement, or mucous in the lower section of the Kalamazoo River.  This finding has prompted closer monitoring for the invasive carp, and this involves all of us that are on the water.

The recent press release includes photographs and a link to a video describing how to identify the fish.  Contact your local DNR office if you believe you have seen Asian carp in Michigan waters.

Enbridge is completing the final phase of dredging operations at Morrow Lake in eastern Kalamazoo County.  Local leaders report that the dredging operations are going very well and all indications are that the dredging will be completed later this fall, on schedule.  Read the recent article to hear what the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council’s president has to say in regards to the cleanup.