Welcome to RestoreTheHuron.org – For more information contact Laura Rubin: lrubin@hrwc.org - Sign up below to help or for more information

Events July 6: The current plan is to hold a public hearing on July 6 at the first Council Meeting in July—this is being scheduled and placed on Council's agenda—again on the two recommendations put forward by HRIMP.   June 15 at 6pm: City Council will hold a work session prior to Council meeting at 7pm.  This work session will primarily focus on the Argo area and the two recommendations developed by HRIMP.   The Parks Advisory Commission voted 5–4 in favor of keeping Argo Dam. Voting in favor: Barrett, Grand, Lawter, Offen and Nystuen. Voting against: Berauer, Berla, Macomber and Rosencrans. Berauer, Macomber and Rosencrans plan to draft a “minority opinion” to submit to council, outlining their rationale for wanting to remove the dam. The Environmental Commission voted 8–4 in favor of removing Argo Dam, with Graham, Nystuen, Westphal and Wright dissenting. For a copy of the plan, visit the city of Ann Arbor’s website. Download HRIMP Ecological Benefits of Removing Argo Dam FAQs About Argo   Why This? We are creating this informational website to create a place where people who have a strong interest in the future of the Huron River for ecological, commercial, or recreational reasons can come together to share perspectives and ideas for improving the Huron. We see FORTH as an educational resource to promote the idea that a healthy, free flowing Huron River, free of aquatic invasive plants and species, and a shore line and surrounding watershed that is ecologically sound as being crucially important to ensure the viability of the River for users now and for generations to come. We are committed to promoting solutions that provide for the greatest access to the River for the widest variety of interest groups on both the water itself and the surrounding land areas. We strive to make sure that other groups enjoy the same level of access and that all groups enjoy similar levels of public financial support for their activities; however, the ecological health of the river must trump all other considerations. Clean water, free of invasive plants and animals, free flowing, with well managed bottom lands and watershed is our highest priority. What Can I Do? Speak out and attend upcoming public meetings to let the decision-makers know that you care Sign this pledge to let decision-makers know there are constituents who want the dam removed from the river Write a letter to the AA news or send it to your favorite blog or on-line news source. Why Us? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Huron River Watershed Council believe that it does not make sense to maintain Argo Dam. It’s time to return this part of the river to its natural, free flowing condition. And we need your help. We have been working with the City of Ann Arbor to develop strategies for managing and protecting the river in Ann Arbor with a focus on the dams and their upstream impoundments. These impoundments are struggling with a build-up of sediment, nuisance weed growth, algae blooms, poor ecologic quality, and multiple recreational uses. The city has not had dedicated funds or a strategy to manage these uses and problems. Following a 1995 DNR Huron River Assessment, the Huron River Watershed Council believes that Argo dam doesn’t make sense any more. The restoration of the river should be a priority and removing this dam is the most sensible option. Argo dam’s infrastructure is aging and requiring large investments (exceeding $0.5 million dollars). The build-up of sediment and weed growth is a problem for recreational users and the rowers now weed whack (mulch) plants in order to cut a path to row. Rather than managing all of the impoundments for all uses, active recreation and public funds should be focused on fewer impoundments where the City can dredge, manage weeds, and serve the public.