“Relocate threatened and endangered mussels species.”
Grand rapids city engineer Tim Burkman says this summer a contractor is planning to relocate endangered mussels between bridge and Fulton streets to another section of the Grand River.
“The optimal time to relocate these mussels is typically August through October when the weather is warmer.”
And once the mussels are out of the way, next year the city plans to remove some dams and add boulders to create faster moving water in some places for kayakers, and some slower spots for recreational wading and paddling.
“After completing the relocation this year if we are able to that would allow for the possibility of 2025 to be the full in river construction season.”
After objections from the EPA, this new river restoration project is scaled back from the original plan that would have restored fast moving whitewater rapids to the river. If permits are approved and funds are available, the project could be completed by the fall of next year which City Commissioner Drew Robbins is happy to hear
“Happy to see some progress finally on this so that’s awesome.”
