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Buckhorn Creek Restoration – Buckhorn Dam

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Buckhorn Creek is a unique, steep gradient stream. The removal of this dam will result in a high bridge over an exceptionally scenic, pure Michigan creek. The newly installed bridge will be a popular stop along the White Pine Trail as visitors take in the beautiful sounds and scenery of free-flowing water.

Why It Matters

Fish passage and refuge, providing access to 2.4 miles of cold-water resources for the 20,000 trout stocked annually at Paris Park.
Conservation and restoration of natural stream habitat. Encourage year-round recreational enjoyment – cycling, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, and more.
Tourism and related revenue as the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail and Paris Park are enhanced. Emergency access to improve safety.
Infrastructure improvement as a 100-year-old dam is replaced with modern infrastructure.
The completed project will feature great views from the bridge!

Goals

Complete removal of a 100-year old dam.
Restoration of natural stream function and connectivity for a healthy Buckhorn Creek.
Installation of a new, modern bridge overlooking scenic Buckhorn Creek along the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail.

Location

“You can already imagine what it’ll look like once the river runs free again. It’s been a long time coming.”

Mecosta County Resident

Funding Summary

Committed Funding

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — $60,000
MI DNR – Parks — $704,700
MI DNR Fisheries — $156,199
National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) — $104,720
NFWF / DNR America the Beautiful — $366,184
Mecosta County — $8,000
Great Lakes Fisheries Trust — $200,000
Meijer Foundation – $300,000
DNR Habitat Improvement Account – $300,000

Timeline

Before 2025 — Planning, pre-development, begin fundraising and begin engineering and design
2025 — Complete engineering and design, bid construction, continue fundraising
2026 — Construction
Future — Monitoring and impact evaluation

Buckhorn Creek restored and a new scenic bridge on the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail.

Project Partners

Every project helps conserve and restore the Muskegon River. You can help support our work by making a gift, volunteering your time, or partnering with us.