Michigan to remove the Sanback Dam in 2026, restoring 14 wetland acres and protecting more than 70 downstream miles

A century-old dam that no longer serves a purpose will be removed in Michigan in order to restore natural ecosystems of the region. The Sanback Dam on Beechwood Creek in Rose City was constructed in 1920 to power a flour mill and later a lumber mill. Today, it stands as a crumbling concrete structure and has transformed into a safety hazard for both people and wildlife.Currently, it blocks fish and other aquatic animals from moving through the creek and warms the water, threatening the cold water habitats of Beechwood and Houghton creeks, important parts of the Saginaw Bay watershed. Thus, the US Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Coastal Program is working with partners to remove the dam. This will help reopen a half-mile upstream habitat that had been cut off for over a century.According to surveys, Beechwood Creek supports many native and naturalised fishes, including brook, brown and rainbow trout; slimy sculpin; blacknose dace; creek chub; brook stickleback; brassy minnow; fathead minnow; and white sucker.Moreover, if the dam fails, it could send large amounts of sand, silt and organic material downstream. Sediment behind the dam contains arsenic at levels above residential saf...