HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2021.03.11 - 34228MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #21072 March 11, 2021
BY: Commissioner Kristen Nelson, Chairperson, Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee
IN RE: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - APPROVAL OF 2021 MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES FISHERIES HABITAT GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS on February 5, 2021, the Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC) was invited by the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources to submit a full grant proposal to the Fisheries Habitat Grant
Program for the Mill Pond Dam Removal and Restoration project; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and Springfield Township jointly
manage the Mill Pond Dam and impoundment through an interlocal governmental agreement in which
OCPRC contributes 55% and Springfield Township contributes 45% for any needed repairs and
maintenance; and
WHEREAS in 2019, OCPRC and Springfield Township hired AECOM to conduct a feasibility study for the
dam, and that study recommended removal of the dam and restoration of the natural river channel, and
WHEREAS removal of the dam and restoration of the river channel and adjacent wetlands will benefit many
native species including sunfishes, rainbow darter, rainbow mussel (species of state special concern),
Blandings turtle (state special concern), mudpuppy (state special concern) and eastern Massasauga
rattlesnake (federally threatened species); and
WHEREAS the Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking to apply for a grant of $350,000, with a match
of $175,000, which will be shared by the Parks and Recreation Commission ($96,250) and Springfield
Township ($78,750); and
WHEREAS the Parks and Recreation Commission has the match for this grant budgeted in its Capital
Improvement Program; and
WHEREAS additional grants are being applied for to help further offset the cost of the total project, which
has an estimated budget of $1,647,600; and
WHEREAS the project is projected to begin in FY 2022.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby approves
and authorizes the grant application for $350,000 to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Fisheries Habitat Grant Program.
Chairperson, on behalf of the Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee, I move the
adoption of the foregoing resolution.
t;Ai' • N94o4
Commissioner Kristen Nelson, District #5
Chairperson, Legislative Affairs and
Government Operations Committee
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE VOTE:
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Kochenderfer absent.
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE:
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Cavell absent.
From:
Kosloski. Chio (DNR)
To:
Prowse. Melissa lean
Cc:
Nomer ]ne (DNR)
Subject:
2020 FHGP Pre -Proposal - Oakland County Parks and Recreation - Davlsburg MITI Pond Dam Removal and
Restoration - Shlawassee River
Date: Friday, February 5, 2021 3:57:00 PM
Attachments: 2020 FHGP Handbook ndf
2020 FHGP Full Anolirahnn Form.docx
2020 FHGP Workhnok.xlsx
Hello,
Congratulations! This e-mail is to inform you that the pre -proposal noted above was among those
approved to move forward in the 2020 FHGP application process. Therefore, I would like to formally
invite you to submit a complete application packet for your project by March 12, 2021. A copy of the
full application form and workbook are attached. The an_nlication must be submitted to me via
email. No hard conies are recurred.
**Please note that the size limit for emails is 25 MB (including both the text in the email and
attachments). If the email is going to exceed this size limit the attachment file sizes must be reduced
and/or the submission can be broken up into multiple emails. You will receive an email confirming
receipt of the grant application within 5 business days of submittal. If you do not receive a
confirmation email within this timeframe, please send me a follow up email to ensure that your
application was received.**
Please be sure to follow the instructions included in the full application form and workbook, as well
as in the 2020 FHGP Handbook (also attached) when completing your application, as an incomplete
application packet may be considered ineligible. The handbook will provide you with step by step
instructions to complete the application along with a list of all attachments that will need to be
submitted to make your application packet complete. Please note that this invitation to submit a
complete application packet does not guarantee that your project will be funded.
If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact me via email. You
may also contact Joe Nohner, Fisheries Division, at 517-599-6825 or nohneri(]a michlean.eov.
Lastly, below are a list of comments/questions from our pre -proposal reviewers. Please consider this
feedback as you craft your full application.
This project does not request the full amount required to complete the project. Please discuss
in the proposal what the plan for accomplishing the entire project is, including applying for
funds and identifying which funds are committed.
Additionally, all matching funds must be in place at the time of the application. If matching
funds are not in place, the applicants may want to consider requesting a commitment for
funding conditional on receiving commitments to fund the project as a whole.
Thanks,
Chip Kosloski
Program Manager
Wildlife Habitat and Fisheries Habitat Grants
Grants Management Section
Finance and Operations Division
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Phone:517-284-5965
Email: I<oslosl<ic3ftmichigan.gov
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
-Henry David Thoreau
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT of NATURAL RESOURCES
FISHERIES HABITAT GRANT PROGRAM
PROJECT APPLICATION FORM
The lnrOrmallan requested In this approach is Important In the ovaludllon advent proposal Incomplmelnformallon could
cult In the proposal barn. sacred at a lowerpi or removed from consrderabon. For additional Information, refer to
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General Funds: The amount of the applicant commits to the project
Cash Donations (from others) The amount of cash that someone, other than the applicant,
commits to the project A commitment letter signed by the donor must be provided for this
amount with the application packet.
Value of Donated Material be Labor Union others) The minnated value of donated materials
and labor that someone, other than the applicanh commits to the project Detailed
commitment hours for these amounts, signed by the donor(s), must be prowded with the
application packet Donated labor should not be valued greater than minimum wage unless
professional is performing aches their field of expeuise (for example, a heavy equipment
operator operating heavy equipment).
Other- The expenses Incurred by the applicant for labor, materials and equipment or other
grams awarded for a manu mentary scope of work by another entity A commdment/award
letter must be pravlded wllh the application packelfor other grants awarded.
anteas presented
FISHERIEI
PROJECT BUDGET FORM
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criteria) should not be listed under the Contractual scope Item, Project
partners mmtmmbinethsr budgets with the mygibrnl's budget under the i
apyropne[e smye Items
For equipment owned by the applicant, an estimate of the cost for
operation Can be obtained from the Michigan Department ofTmnsportatlon
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yearn wMch We equipinent was used Item ... d elonsofdood booklets
an befound online For equipment not addr ess In describable C, local
rental rates may be need.
Volunteer labor should not be valued greater than minimum wage unless
professional is performing work In then held of expartue(am example,a
beavyerulpmant operator operating heavy equipment) Reportable
eimbursemen(... t on of the handbook for documentation required to
pill. donations of profeeelonal time.
Donated maledals should be Added at current market value and supported
byonllnegmtemrolberveflncatlon If grant is awarded, the methods of
valuing donations are sublect to Dick, review and approval
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of the total prole tcost Indirect can only be charged to the grant It is not
thippiea march category, However, when a cl.buoi.anl request is
submitted, the Indirect rate entered Into the application budget will be
applleitto the total eimbursement tine. grant and mamb eapen esl and the
not will be dead to the leimbursement total A summary of induect
charges6 required. An addi0onalsheet may be attached to the project
appllcatien,knecessary
A budget narrative is optional for budget expenditures that may require
mmIthe al explanation
Budget totals are rounded to the nearest hunted.
i,°`"Ai0g4�p Michigan Department of Natural Resources— Grants Management
w oNa� FISHERIES HABITAT GRANT PROGRAM
FULL PROPOSAL APPLICATION FORM
Instructions:
1. Complete the form below.
2. Please refer to the 2020 Fisheries Habitat Grant Program (FHGP) Handbook for guidance on
overall program goals, priorities, and eligibility.
3. Questions on the application process should be directed to:
Joe Nohner: 517-599-6825 or by email at nohneril7a.michiaan.aov: or Chip Kosloski: by email at
kosloskic3a.michiaan.aov.
4. Full application packets must be emailed to kos1oskic3(a).michiaan.00v no later than March 12,
2021. Late applications will not be considered for funding. No hard copies are required. A list of
required contents for all full application packets is included in the 2020 FHGP Handbook.
Please note: Information in this application may be used in DNR communications regarding the
grant; the DNR will credit photography to its source if a citation is provided.
Applicant Organization: Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Project Title: Davisburg Mill Pond Dam Removal and Restoration
Proiect Details:
To what themes are you applying? Check all that apply. The maximum grant amount is the
sum of available funding in the themes for which a project is eligible.
® Aquatic habitat conservation ($1,250,000 available for 2020): Funding to improve fish and
other aquatic organism populations by protecting intact aquatic habitat and rehabilitating
degraded aquatic habitat.
® Dam management ($350,000 available for 2020): Funding and technical assistance to
manage dam removal and repair projects that will enhance aquatic resources and fishing
opportunities along with reducing infrastructure costs and improving public safety.
❑ Aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee, and Muskegon watersheds
($251,083 expected available for 2020): Funding to support fisheries habitat rehabilitation
or enhancement, preparation of comprehensive river management plans, aquatic studies,
and fisheries recreation with surface water connections to the aforementioned rivers.
2. Public access. Public waters are those that have public access or are permanently connected
to a water body with public access. Direct public access means that the site can be readily
accessed from public access points, including boat launches that require a fee.
❑ Project is on a public water with direct public access.
® Project is on a public water without direct public access.
❑ Project is on a water that is not permanently connected to other waters but has been
stocked with fish from DNR (or its predecessors) hatcheries.
❑ Projects is on a water body without public access and that has never been stocked with fish
from DNR (or its predecessors) hatcheries. STOP NOW; this project is ineligible.
3. Consultation
RR1974(Rev 0210212021))
® Applicants have consulted with the DNR Fisheries Biologist responsible for managing this
water body. (Please provide documentations such as an email, phone conversation
summary, or letter of support).
Fisheries Biologist name Jeff Jollev
4. Mussels
❑ No mussel surveys are required for permitting.
❑ Mussel surveys are required for permitting, but not yet complete.
❑ Required mussel surveys have been completed. Please attach relocation plan if necessary.
5. Invasive species plan (required for projects with a construction phase)
® This project has a plan for minimizing the spread of invasive species during construction.
Please attach plan.
❑ Not applicable; this project does not include a construction phase.
6. Project design status
❑ No design completed.
❑ Conceptual design (e.g. 30%) completed. Please attach designs to your application.
® Preliminary engineering design (e.g. 60%) completed. Please attach designs to your
application.
❑ Full engineering design (e.g. 90%/final) completed. Please attach designs to your
application.
7. For projects applying to the "Aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee, and
Muskegon watersheds" theme, in which watershed(s) is this project located?
❑ Au Sable
❑ Manistee (does not include the Little Manistee)
❑ Muskegon
8. Conditional commitment. For a limited number of very high -quality projects that do not
currently have match funding or other requirements in hand, we may offer conditional funding
commitments. Please see the handbook for details. Are you requesting a conditional
commitment of future project funding?
® No, we request funding from this grant cycle.
❑ Yes. The project would be expected to start on October 1 of (insert year), after the
applicant secures the necessary (check all that apply)
❑ Permission
❑ Funding
❑ Other
9. Has this project previously been proposed to the DNR? (If yes, what modifications to the
project design/plan have been made?).
We applied to the Fisheries Habitat Program for the design/engineering phase of the project,
which was funded with a grant of $121,300.
Narrative Questions:
PR 1974(Rev 0210212021))
1. Project synopsis-75 words. Briefly describe what problem the project will solve, potential
strategies employed, and the benefits to be created for the targeted water body.
The Mill Pond Dam Removal and Restoration project will remove a deteriorating dam on the
Shiawassee River, restore the natural river channel, and restore historical riparian wetlands.
Decades of eutrophication and infilling in the Mill Pond has caused an explosion of aquatic
invasive species. The restoration would return the river to a more natural state supporting
native fish and wildlife and restoring wetlands in the impounded area would benefit adjacent
high -quality natural communities.
2. Project description-600 words. Explain the goals of the project, the direct deliverables, and
how those actions address the problem. How did this project become a conservation priority?
Do the proposed strategies address the underlying cause(s) of the impairment or directly treat
a condition/result of the impairment(s)? How does this project address habitat limiting factors,
reestablish ecosystem function, and/or address public safety?
The goals of the project are to (1) remove a deteriorating dam on the Shiawassee River in
Springfield Township, (2) restore the river to a natural channel, (3) restore adjacent wetlands in
the currently impounded area, and (4) provide habitat and passage for native fish and wildlife.
The Shiawassee River corridor has been a decades -long conservation priority for Springfield
Township (ST), which owns and actively manages more than 670 acres of preserves along the
corridor. Thepreserves are recognized for their significant resources by multiple gencies
including the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Oakland
County Planning. The dam removal and restoration project is listed as a component of the
Michigan DNR Fisheries Division Priority Habitat Conservation Projects, along with the
Davisburg Trout Pond Dam project as part of the "Shiawassee Connectivity Projects" (Project
ID SLH-S-E).
Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) and ST jointly manage the mill pond and dam
as majority property owners on either side of the pond and dam. The need to repair the dam
was identified in 2015, with the outlet pipe reaching the end of its service life and having a
reduced flow due to pipe deformation. In 2019 OCPR and ST hired AECOM to complete a
Feasibility Study providing a series of alternatives to the dam. ST and OCPR board agreed
that dam removal was the best option, due to safety concerns as well as conservation, habitat
restoration, and recreational opportunities.
The direct deliverables will be a barrier removed in a headwaters area of the Shiawassee
River, a free -flowing natural river channel, and restored wetlands.
The proposed strategies include dam removal, natural river channel restoration and wetland
restoration. The underlying cause of the impairment is the existence of the dam.
The project will address habitat limiting factors by not only removing the dam, but by creating a
natural stream channel with habitat -enhancing components such as toe logs, abc, xyz. The
combination of the natural river channel and the restored wetlands in the impounded area will
both provide habitat for native species, as well as benefit high -quality adjacent natural areas.
The project also addresses public safety as the Mill Pond Dam does not meet the State of
Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy *EGLE) standards and is at
risk for over -topping during 100-year storm events. Removing the dam will eliminate this
safety concern and improve connectivity between downtown Davisburg and Mill Pond Park.
Furthermore, dam removal and channel restoration is a unique opportunity to connect the
upstream and downstream areas into a contiguous segment for preservation and recreation
3 PR1974(Rev 0210212021))
flowing approximately 8 miles from the headwaters at Shiawassee Lake downstream to Holly
Mill Pond.
3. Project location and scale-100 words. What is the scale and extent of the benefit directly
provided by this project? Please include a map.
The location of the project is the Mill Pond Dam and impoundment in Springfield Township.
The project will restore .6 miles of river channel - a total of 2.5 miles will be opened when the
DNR removes its upstream Trout Pond Dam (in -process). Approximately 11 acres of wetland
habitat will be restored. Approximately .2 miles downstream ST is working to address a failed
culvert that blocks the river on township parkland. Removing two dams and a failed culvert
creates a unique opportunity to connect the river from the headwaters at Shiawassee Lake
downstream 8 miles to the Mill Pond Dam in Holly.
4. Benefits-500 words. How will fish, wildlife, habitat, ecosystem function, and/or public safety
benefit from this project? What will the habitat project provide to the target species or
ecosystems? Describe what is unique about the benefits that will be derived. What, if any,
benefits will be derived by the human communities that use this waterbody?
The project will restore stream habitat in a headwater segment of the Shiawassee River
benefitting numerous aquatic native species documented downstream of the project reach
including the rainbow darter, sunfishes, rainbow mussel (state special concern) and mudpuppy
(state special concern). Restoring riparian wetlands will benefit wildlife species documented in
the vicinity of the project area including the federally threatened eastern Massassauga
rattlesnake and state special concern Blanding's turtle. It will also reestablish "hanging" prairie
fen habitats within the impounded area, contributing to the connectivity of the Long Lake
Natural Area, one of the largest examples of a prairie fen complex in the world.
Furthermore, the restored stream channel would likely not sustain invasive species that are
found in the impoundment such as starry stonewort, Eurasian watermilfoil and Mute Swans.
The project will create new recreational opportunities for residents of ST and Oakland County
by creating stream fishing access, possible blue -way connectivity for canoe/kayak use,
connectivity to future pathways, and stream restoration educational opportunities.
Removing the dam benefits public safety and infrastructure. It doesn't currently meet EGLE
guidelines for 100-year flood events and has over -topped during storm events. This is a
significant safety hazard as Davisburg Road is on top of the dam. Replacing the dam with an
open -bottom culvert will provide passage for people and wildlife, and it will prevent over-
topping Davisburg Road in the future. Dam removal will eliminate liability associated with an
unnecessary dam structure that has short- and long-term maintenance and repair issues.
5. Methods-500 words. Are the proposed methods the most effective at accomplishing the
project goals based on support in peer -reviewed literature, examples implemented in Michigan,
or recent developments in conservation science? Describe alternatives that have been (or will
be) analyzed and why the proposed option is preferred. Please provide concept or design
plans if they are available.
The methods proposed for dam removal and impoundment restoration follow best practices
from literature and lessons learned in the field on similar projects in Michigan. The
impoundment will be drawn down to the maximum extent possible utilizing the existing outlet
structure prior to initiation of dam removal — resulting in a controlled drawdown allowing for
sediment stabilization, reduced downstream sedimentation, erosion and BOD concerns, and
reduced stranding concerns within the impoundment. Dewatering will be incremental, at a rate
not -to -exceed 6 inches per day. The use of a sediment trap and cofferdam, with pumps and
4 PR1974(Rev 02/02/2021))
filters to fully dewater the work area, will further reduce downstream sediment load while
maintaining active channel flow.
The channel geometry is designed by balancing site constraints, flow data and bathymetry,
regional curves, and reference reach geometry upstream and downstream of the
impoundment. The use of multiple methods to converge on a proposed channel and floodplain
geometry is best practice. In -channel spacing of pools, riffles, and meanders was designed
with reference to the reference reaches and Rosgen's Applied River Morphology. Floodplain
access is designed to reduce flood flows and shear stresses that could destabilize banks,
reducing the sediment load to the stream and protecting infrastructure, and providing riparian
habitat. Grade controls within the impoundment will protect the railroad bridge and Davisburg
Road crossing and prevent head -cutting. The channel gradient is shallow to allow aquatic
species passage, proposed to very between 0.03% and 0.055%, with riffle grade controls at
1 % slopes. The native seed bank will be allowed to regenerate with some use of live stakes
for stabilization.
Relevance-450 words. How does the proposed project align with the goals of the Fisheries
Habitat Grant and the theme(s) by which it would be funded? Describe how this project fits into
larger conservation planning for the target waterbody (this may include the Wildlife Action Plan,
DNR River Assessments, watershed management plans, species specific recovery plans,
DEGLE priorities, etc.). Preference will be given to projects that successfully address Fisheries
Division priorities listed in the Priority Habitat Conservation Projects list.
This project aligns with all four of the Fisheries Habitat Program goals. Rehabilitating
degraded aquatic resources in the project reach will promote biodiversity in aquatic habitats.
We envision the completion of this project will facilitate additional economic investment in
Springfield Township through the use of the newly created aquatic habitats and associated
recreational enhancements. This project will rely on existing partnerships with a vested
interest and history in conversation management in the upper Shiawassee River. This project
will also protect human health and safety. While this is a 'Low -Hazard' dam, the deterioration
of the structure and periodic inundation of the roadway over the dam during high water events
can negatively affect local traffic patterns and emergency responses in Springfield Township.
While it is a low -hazard dam, it does not meet current 100-year storm capacity requirements.
This project is listed as a component of the DNR Fisheries Division Priority Habitat
Conservation Projects along with the Davisburg Trout Pond Dam project as part of the
"Shiawassee Connectivity Projects" (Project ID SLH-S-E). This project aligns with several
state -level priority plans including the DNR's Wildlife Action Plan for Warmwater Streams and
Their Headwaters, the Eastern Massasauga Candidate Conservation Agreement with
Assurances (of which both OCPR and ST are a part), and the DNR Wildlife Division Master
Plan for the Davisburg State Wildlife Area. The Mill Pond Dam removal and restoration project
will also address two focus areas of the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network: Wildlife
Stewardship and Water Resources. The Mill Pond and dam are currently a disruption between
two priority one natural areas identified by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. Removing
the dam and restoring the channel and wetlands would restore this critical connection. The
area is also a key linkage in the Oakland County Green Infrastructure Vision.
This project is located in the Saginaw River Watershed which is a USFWS priority watershed
for endangered mussels and Lake Sturgeon. Snuffbox Mussel was recently discovered
elsewhere in the watershed and the upper Shiawassee River holds potential habitat for
Snuffbox and Rayed Bean. Currently state listed rainbow mussels have been found
downstream of the project area. Additionally, the presence of mud puppy which is the primary
PRi974 (Rev 02/0212021))
host to salamander mussel is a priority to the Service as the salamander mussel is currently
going through a species status assessment to determine potential listing under the
Endangered Species Act.
Connection to ongoing activities-300 words. Explain how this project builds upon or furthers
the work of other habitat/watershed projects in the region. Explain how the benefits are unique
to the project and waterbody and cannot be derived from other efforts if they currently exist.
Mike Losey to help edit this section:
DNR Trout Pond Dam Removal
Springfield Township Culvert Removal
Other restoration work?
Other river/watershed work?
Monitoring and evaluation-250 words. How will you evaluate if the project goals and
objectives have been achieved? Describe any potential obstacles that limit project success.
How will strategies of navigating those obstacles be documented to guide future projects of a
similar nature?
Currently OCPR and ST survey and treat invasive species on their respective properties. This
work will extend onto the area created by the former impoundment for at least 5 years or until
species are eradicated. Both entities have trained staff that perform natural community
surveys and identify populations of both established and early detection species, and this will
occur on the Mill Pond property annually.
OCPR and ST also coordinate monitoring efforts within the Shiawassee River Corridor and
implement Coarse Level Metric surveys on the Springfield Oaks property that will serve as
baseline monitoring data. During the project period, a Long -Term Operation, Maintenance and
Monitoring Plan will be developed to codify monitoring protocols, procedures and analysis that
will ensure the benefits of the project are maintained into the future. Project monitoring
following restoration activities will include the use of two methodologies for streams and
wetland habitats. Procedure 51, Qualitative Biological and Habitat Survey Protocols for
Wadeable Streams and Rivers will be used to track the physical and biological condition of the
restored stream channel. The standardized monitoring procedure will be implemented at
appropriate intervals during and after the project period by trained staff or contractors. Coarse
Level Metrics protocols will be used to assess restoration progress in the wetland restoration
areas and will be implemented by trained staff annually.
9. Sustainability of project benefits-250 words. How quickly will the benefits of the project be
realized, how long are they expected to last, and how will those benefits be sustained over
time?
Some benefits of the project will be realized immediately, with the stagnant impoundment
transformed into a free -flowing river channel. Others will develop over time, as native
vegetation, aquatic habitat and wildlife are able to re-establish in both the river and in upland
areas.
The benefits will be sustained over time by both Springfield Township and Oakland County
Parks and Recreation continuing to manage their portions of the property (although property
boundaries may be re-evaluated with the river channel restoration) once restored. The mill
pond currently acts as the property/parcel boundary between Mill Pond Park (Springfield
Township) and Springfield Oaks Golf Course (OCPR). When the impoundment is gone and a
new streambed and restored wetlands/uplands are in place, we will work together to determine
the most appropriate new property boundaries. Regardless of the actual boundary, OCPR and
PR1974(Rev 02IO2/2021))
Springfield Township will continue, as always, to work together on natural resource
management including surveys, invasive species management, sampling, etc.
10. Budget narrative and work plan-500 words. Explain the expected timeline of major project
tasks. Outline and describe the likely costs of each project component and any opportunities
for cost savings.
The budget for the project is $1,647,600, split into two main categories: Dam Removal and
Crossing Reconstruction ($1,209,743), and River Restoration and Sediment Management
($437,857). Within each budget category are multiple tasks:
Site Preparation (May 2022): Estimated budget of $328,281. Includes mobilization, site
clearing, signage, temporary relocation of park features (for staging) and erosion control
efforts.
Dam Removal (May — June 2022): Estimated budget of $337,617. Includes concrete
demolition, riprap removal, sluice gate and grate removal, removal of the 36" culvert,
embankment excavation, flow diversion, and pavement, guardrail and fence removal.
Road Crossing Replacement (June 2022): Estimated budget of $565,877. Crossing
replacement will include a pre -cast 3-sided culvert, backfilling, aggregate/asphalt and guardrail
replacement.
River Restoration and Sediment Management (June 2022 — July 2023): Estimated budget of
$415,825. Includes impoundment excavation, engineered riffle, riprap bank protection, channel
bed materials, habitat boulders, topsoil, live stakes, seeding, large wood/toe logs, and trail
replacement at Rotary Park (on the north side of the dam/Davisburg Road).
Recreational Development (future phase, not in this budget — 2023-2024): May include trails,
boardwalks, overlooks, fishing areas and canoe/kayak access.
Long -Term Monitoring and Evaluation (2023 and beyond): See answer to question 8.
Completing the entire project at once will provide cost savings from mobilization and
contracting services. We are also working with the Road Commission for Oakland County on
opportunities to utilize Tri-Party funds for a portion of the road reconstruction costs, or to
possibly expand the project to make the road and river crossing more pedestrian friendly.
11. Cost effectiveness-300 words. Why is this project a good investment of limited conservation
dollars? How do the benefits outweigh the costs?
This project is a good investment of limited conservation dollars for several reasons. First, the
project restores a deteriorated and unused mill pond into a natural stream channel, supporting
native aquatic habitat in a headwaters segment of the Shiawassee River. Stagnant water in
the Mill Pond has resulted in an explosion of invasive species that threatens the ecological
health of the pond and adjacent unique prairie fen habitats.
Second, the project is expected to have positive impact on aquatic native species documented
downstream of the project reach including the rainbow darter, sunfishes, rainbow mussel (state
special concern) and mudpuppy (state special concern).
Third, restoring riparian wetlands will benefit wildlife species documented in the vicinity of the
project area including the federally threatened eastern Massassauga rattlesnake and state
special concern Blanding's turtle. It will also reestablish "hanging" prairie fen habitats within
7 PR1974 (Rev 0210212021))
the impounded area, contributing to the connectivity of the Long Lake Natural Area, one of the
largest examples of a prairie fen complex in the world.
The benefits outweigh the costs in that we are restoring a river system to its original, natural
state, and restoring native aquatic and wildlife habitat. It is difficult to put a price tag on the
value of this type of restoration project, but given the recognition that this watershed and this
area have been given by the DNR, MNFI, Saginaw Bay WIN, and Oakland County, the
partners feel the benefits outweigh the costs. We are also working hard to secure funding from
multiple sources, making this a truly collaborative project not reliant on one funding source to
provide resources for the entire project.
12. Project team-250 words. Demonstrate the applicant's ability to implement a project of this
nature. Outline how typical project roles such as manager, engineer, partners, and public
involvement will be selected or handled during this project. Include any recent examples the
project team may have with this type of project.
The Mill Pond Dam project team consists of key staff from both OCPR and Springfield
Township. The project team includes:
Zach Crane, Project Manager, Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Mike Donnellon, Chief of Facilities Maintenance & Design, Oakland County Parks and
Recreation
Mike Losey, Natural Resources Manager, Springfield Township
Sarah Cook Maylen, Natural Resources Coordinator, Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Laura Moreau, Supervisor, Springfield Township
Melissa Prowse, Supervisor of Planning & Resource Development, Oakland County Parks and
Recreation
Sarah Richmond, Parks and Recreation Director, Springfield Township
The team has jointly managed the project since the Feasibility Study in 2019 and meets
regularly. As we move from Feasibility Study through Design/Engineering (current) and into
Construction, the same team will continue to manage the project. OCPR and Springfield
Township have worked collaboratively for years on conservation efforts and managing the mill
pond and adjoining properties.
Example construction projects OCPR has recently completed:
Independence Oaks Blvd. Box Culvert Replacement: $400,000
Addison Oaks Shoreline Restoration Project: $80,000
Zach Crane has led a variety of projects that involved collaboration with other local
municipalities throughout Oakland County. Examples include a $1.3M safety path in
Independence Township completed in 2017 with Oakland County and Independence
Township, as well as all capital improvement and major maintenance projects with the City of
Madison Heights as it relates to the 30-year lease agreement at the Red Oaks Nature Center
facility and grounds between Oakland County and the City of Madison Heights.
13. Necessary authorizations-250 words. Does this project have any special considerations and
how will you address them? This may include mussels, threatened and endangered species,
contaminated sediment, sea lamprey management, State Designated Natural River permitting,
and/or other regulatory considerations.
This project has one primary special consideration which is the potential presence of eastern
Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) (EMR). Both Springfield Township and OCPR
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signed on to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Candidate Conservation
Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) for the federally threatened EMR. As a result, both
agencies will inform the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) of potential activities on site
and go through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy wetland
permitting processes which includes formal review from the USFWS. Water drawdowns are
limited by the CCAA during the inactive season (October 15 — April 15) so project activities will
be scheduled accordingly.
This project will not take place in a portion of the Shiawassee River that is classified as a
Group 2 stream for state threatened or endangered mussels. Previous mussel surveys in the
vicinity of this project have documented a population of rainbow mussels (Villosa iris) which is
listed as a species of special concern, and a fish population survey found an amphibian
species of special concern, larval -stage mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus).
Sediment sampling was conducted as part of the feasibility study performed prior to this grant
application and the results did not reveal contaminated sediment.
Davisburg Road crosses over the top of the dam/river. The removal and restoration project will
work closely with the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) to both detour traffic
during construction and replace the road once the dam has been removed.
PR1974(Rev 02/02/2021))
Resolution #21072 March 11, 2021
Moved by Gingell seconded by Gershenson the resolutions on the Consent Agenda be adopted.
Discussion followed.
Vote on Consent Agenda:
AYES: Charles, Gershenson, Gingell, Hoffman, Jackson, Jollat, Kowall, Kuhn, Long, Luebs,
Markham, McGillivray, Miller, Moss, Nelson, Powell, Spisz, Weipert, Woodward, Cavell. (20)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolutions on the Consent Agenda were adopted.
Moved by Spisz seconded by Weipert to amend MR #21064, MR #21065, MR #21066 and MR #21067 as
follows:
Add all Commissioners as cosponsors of these resolutions.
A sufficient majority having voted in favor the amendment carried.
L14.
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-SOLUTION
IHEFOVETHI8ByACP4
CHIEF DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
ACTING PURSUANT TO MCL 45.559A (7)
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Lisa Brown, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and
accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on March 11, 2021,
with the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court at Pontiac,
Michigan this 111h day of March, 2021.
/i &ezez/
Lisa Brown, Oakland County