Tittabawassee River Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Overview
On July 27, 2020, a settlement with the Dow Chemical Company to address federal, state, and tribal claims for natural resource damages in the Tittabawassee River System was finalized. The settlement is for an estimated $77 million in projects and funding that will restore fish, wildlife, and habitats injured following releases of hazardous substances in past decades from Dow’s manufacturing facility in Midland, Michigan. Under the settlement, Dow will implement or fund a number of restoration projects identified in Midland, Bay, Saginaw, and nearby counties. The natural resource Trustees evaluated a range of restoration actions and alternatives which would provide benefits to natural resources to compensate the public for losses to natural resources injured by releases from Dow's Midland plant and published the Final Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Tittabawassee River System.
Eagle Ridge Nature Area Restoration Project
A ribbon-cutting event was held on July 19, 2022, to celebrate the opening of the Eagle Ridge Nature Preserve which preserves a unique and diverse area for both wildlife and public enrichment. The 140-acre Dow-owned property adjacent to the City of Midland’s Stratford Woods Park is predominately forest and includes highly varied topography including sandy ridges and natural wetlands. Restoration work included re-connecting a wetland, control of invasive plants in several areas, and creation of a pollinator-friendly area. To provide public use of the property, nature trails, benches, and a boardwalk area were created to provide access and viewing of wetlands. Educational signage highlighting connections to the Anishinaabe peoples, wildlife, ecology, and unique topographical features was installed. The new nature area is adjacent to the existing Stratford Woods Park, allowing for easy access to public parking and facilities.
For documents associated with this restoration project, view the Eagle Ridge Nature Area Restoration Project section of the Tittabawassee River NRDAR Administrative Record.
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