The Anglers, as a member of the Michigan Hydro Relicensing Coalition, through attorney Jim Schramm, our board member and leader of the Coalition, has been involved in a second precedent setting agreement involving the federal relicensing of hydro-electric projects in Michigan ( and now Wisconsin).
Wisconsin Electric and several state and federal natural resource agencies have reached conceptual agreement regarding the license renewals for eight company dams in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Northeastern Wisconsin. The Wilderness Shores Settlement Agreement, which also involved representatives of two river and recreation coalitions, assures the continued operation of the hydroelectric system and the protection of associated land and water resources for an additional forty years.
The settlement was announced at WE's headquarters in Iron Mountain. Joining the company were representatives from the Michigan DNR; Michigan DEQ; Michigan Attorney General; Wisconsin DNR; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; National Park Service; Michigan Hydro Relicensing Coalition; and the River Alliance of Wisconsin.
The settlement, covering eight of WE's thirteen hydroelectric plants located in the Menominee River Basin, allows for an environmental assessment at the beginning of the process rather than the end, which allows a more meaningful opportunity for effective and informed public input.
Key elements include:
Project Operation. Operation will continue on its eight hydro-electric projects, two water storage reservoirs, and a diversion canal with modifications to improve fishery habitat and recreational opportunities. Modifications include drawdown modifications, run-of-the-river operations, and modified peaking operations. Flows that mimic natural conditions will provide protection of spawning fish. Minimum flow will be increased in the Paint River.
Dam Removal. WE will remove three dams: the Sturgeon Dam, the Pine Dam, and the dam on Wood's Creek.
Water Quality. Michigan and Wisconsin water quality standards will be met at all projects.
Fisheries. WE will install fish barrier devices on all projects. Upstream passage (fish ladders) will be provided if necessary. WE will finance aquatic studies, habitat enhancement, and recreation enhancements.
Land Management. WE will implement plans that protect wildlife habitat on 18,000 acres. Moreover, WE will manage for diversity and old growth 4,400 acres including eight miles of Menominee River frontage. Public access in the Piers Gorge area will be ensured.
Recreation. WE will provide facilities with all projects including barrier-free access. A Menominee River canoe trail will be developed. Flows on the Menominee will not be reduced on weekends and additional water will be released into the Paint River below the Lower Paint Dam.
Future Responsibility. WE will continue to be responsible for all dams if power generation is discontinued, including dam removal. RWOL
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