Clinton River Habitat Restoration

The Clinton River Watershed is located in four Southeast Michigan counties with approximately 80 miles of meandering river that ultimately discharges into Lake St. Clair. Current and previous development within the watershed continues to impact river stability, habitat, diversity, and water quality. The 9 mile section of the Clinton River in Sterling Heights and Utica represented an excellent opportunity to dramatically improve habitat and river functions on a significant stretch of the river. The increase in flows, sedimentation, and incision in the river has resulted in extensive areas of bank erosion, mid-channel bar development, large woody dams, and poor water quality. As the river adjusts to the changes, habitat, benthos, and fish and wildlife population have been negatively impacted.