Join Dr. Dan O’Keefe for a look at the physical and biological impacts of channelizing the Grand River. The Grand River Waterway Project seeks to stimulate economic vitality. Is the proposed plan worth the environmental risks and hidden costs?
In conjunction with regularly scheduled Grand Rapids Steelheaders meeting, social hour begins at 6.
The Grand River Waterway project proposes to remove 50 acres of shallow river habitat along 22.5 miles of river. The project would create link for large powerboats to access Lake Michigan from Grand Rapids by channelizing a section of river that is already used by small fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, crew teams, and the Grand Lady riverboat. Local governments are now weighing the possible economic impact of new marinas and resulting tourism against the environmental damage and hidden costs of channelization.