Frankenmuth Dam Survey Construction Layout

Located in the heart of Frankenmuth (Michigan), at the Cass River Dam, Frankenmuth’s Fish Passage project reconnects the fish of the Saginaw Bay to more than 73 miles of historically significant spawning areas. While the focus of the project is on fish passage, the project maximizes opportunities to benefit Frankenmuth’s local economy and infrastructure – keeping the river profile as it is today and adding opportunities for recreation while sustaining the tourism industry and employment center through eco-tourism. Regionally, the project benefits the Saginaw Bay Watershed and the Great Lakes Bay Region (GLBR), supporting local and regional efforts to improve the premier water resource.

This project is a constructed rapids, also known as a rock ramp. From the top 4-feet of the existing dam to 300-feet below the dam are placed a wedged-shaped stone ramp. Large stone weirs are constructed on top of the ramp to form a step-pool rapids allowing fish to pass upstream to spawn.  Water depth upstream of the dam will remain as it is today, supporting local commercial boating. Fish can move through the weirs in both low and high water conditions, accommodating more diverse fish species. Aesthetically pleasing, the new slope of the project design not only allows for fish to pass, but also kayaks and similar small watercraft. Spicer Group provided the complex construction staking and survey tasks for this project.