Marenisco acquires dam from MDNR

MARENISCO - Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh recently approved the sale of six acres at the Presque Isle River Dam flooding area to Marenisco Township.

The dam is south of Marenisco, off the west side of M-64.

"With the dam repairs, this impoundment enjoyed by anglers and hunters is expected to return to a popular waterfowl and warmwater fishing destination for Marenisco Township," said Terry Minzey, DNR Upper Peninsula regional wildlife supervisor. "This is a good example of the DNR partnering with local communities for the benefit of citizens and natural resources."

The DNR completed a $126,000 project to replace corroded gates at the dam and repair a steel beam that broke in spring flooding in 2013. Funding for the work came from the DNR and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

When filled, the impoundment creates an 875-acre body of water, which has been managed primarily under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service's Ottawa National Forest.

The land parcels were acquired by the state in 1958 as a gift from Gogebic County or through purchases with state game funds. That same year, the Michigan Department of Conservation built the Presque Isle River Dam on the West Branch of the Presque Isle River to provide waterfowl and fish habitat. The Gogebic County Board of Commissioners managed the dam.

In April 2002, warm temperatures during spring snow-melt produced high water at the dam. The dam's gates were not opened. Water overflowed the left embankment and the dam failed. Three years later, the DNR resumed responsibility for the dam and rebuilt the embankment.

"We're pleased with the DNR that they've decided to be in favor of repairing the dam and then turning it over to us," said Marenisco Township Supervisor Dick Bouvette. "We think that we have some pretty good uses for the dam. It will be an excellent place for waterfowl, fishing and probably any type of study anybody would want to do on birds and water mammals."

Bouvette said the township plans to improve a public park at the flooding area by removing some stumps and brush, adding picnic tables and updating a restroom.

In previous years, the flooding area had been home to panfish and bass, with a few northern pike and muskellunge. Wetland bird species, including black terns, American bitterns and common yellowthroats, also were found at the site.