Elsie Dam Removal and Fish Passage Project

The Elsie Dam, constructed in 1840 on the Maple River in Duplain Township, Michigan, partially failed on August 17, 2023, due to piping around the south headwall and timber crib. Duplain Township, EGLE’s Dam Safety Unit, Fischer Contracting, and Spicer Group quickly coordinated temporary emergency stabilization, which was completed by August 23.

Following the failure, Spicer Group revisited the five alternatives from a 2010 study and presented an updated scope and cost estimates to the Township Board in November 2023. A grant was awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to study options for removing the dam to fish passage. Two Dam Risk Reduction Grants and a DNR grant were also obtained.

Spicer Group was retained to assess the dam’s condition and provide design services.. After evaluating alternatives, the Township along with EGLE, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Fish Passage Program, and the Michigan DNR opted to fully remove the dam. The goals of this approach are to eliminate the public safety hazard, restore ecological health and fish passage, and create a navigable river for recreation.

Removal will enhance the vigorous fishery of the Maple River, which supports gamefish such as bass, catfish, pike, walleye, and muskellunge. Historically blocked migratory species, including Steelhead and Muskellunge, will regain access to upstream habitats, expanding fishing opportunities and improving overall river connectivity.

Spicer Group provided the study, survey, and design services and will also provide construction inspection services in the future.