Cornwall Creek Flooding may be a place known to you and for others not so much. To me, the Cornwall Creek Flooding is near and dear to my heart, my family having camped on its shores every winter for over a decade. Surrounded by the Pigeon River Country State Forest (PRC) this impoundment was created in 1966 to provide a high quality, publicly accessible fishery and it has been successful. Enjoyed by many for its beauty and lack of development within the over 100,000 contiguous acres of the PRC, Cornwall Creek Flooding is at risk of being lost.
As with so many dams constructed across this country they are approaching or exceeding their intended design life and the Cornwall Creek Dam is no different. The condition of the dam has prompted EGLE to recommend the owner of the dam, the Michigan DNR to draw down the water to maintain safety, which is currently slated for late summer of 2023.
The hope for the dam was to provide upgrades and maintenance to continue its life and preserve this unique asset available to the public. Unfortunately, the funding that was obtained fell short of what was needed, and further funding has not been allocated at this time. Further information on the project can be found in the link below from Huron Pines who was responsible for management of this effort.
Unfortunately, this drawdown will result in the loss of the fishery and a loss of a recreational resource to the hunting and fishing public. While this is disheartening vision, a grass roots effort is upcoming to try to preserve this resource. Curtis Goldsborough with the group Save Cornwall provided the following statement;
“With each passing year, its value has grown exponentially, through decades of generational lessons learned and memories made by anglers, campers, hunters, kayakers, canoeists, equestrians and adventurers of all ages. Through 57 years of wildlife habitat evolving and thriving in and around these waters. The value has NOT diminished. It has only grown. And for this reason, it must be preserved for current and future generations."
So, what can we do now?
- Educate yourself on the issue
- Visit Cornwall Creek Flooding to see for yourself the beauty of what is at risk of loss on your public lands.
- We also strongly encourage BHA members and non-members alike to contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, your representatives, and lawmakers to voice your opinions and concerns.
About Michigan BHA
Our chapter is dedicated to serving the interests of conservation and access to clean public lands and waters. Through planning, collaboration, and dedication, we will make a difference.