Fishbeck was selected to perform Phase 100 (Study) and Phase 300 (Schematic Design) services for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)–Wildlife Division at the Allegan State Game Area, Fennville Farm Unit. The MDNR seeks to restore natural function to an approximate three mile stretch of stream that has been heavily dredged and incised as an agricultural drain for nearly 100 years. In addition to the stream naturalization, the project will expand and improve wetlands along the stream corridor. One challenge with this project is the stream is a legally established drain under the jurisdiction of the Allegan County Drain Commissioner. Fishbeck coordinated with the MDNR and Drain Office throughout the project to ensure that the transformative vision of the MDNR was not incompatible with the Drain Office’s mission to convey water and maintain the drain.
Fishbeck’s services included: desktop review of existing data sources, geomorphic stream assessment, vegetative surveys and wetlands assessment, hydraulic stream surveys, groundwater monitoring, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling including wetland water budgets, wetland and upland habitat development, stakeholder coordination, preliminary concept development, cost estimating, and schematic design. Fishbeck teamed with Encompass Socio-Ecological Consulting to provide fisheries and aquatic biology services.
