An Underdeveloped, Prized, Mid-Michigan River Asset.
By Mike Stout, President and Founder, Michigan Waterways Stewards and i3 Marketing, LLC.
This was the first time I have paddled the 22 miles of the Red Cedar River running from Williamston to Lansing, MI. I was told this would be about a four hour trip with no known obstructions.
This section of the Red Cedar River is packed with varied rural, urban, and campus living, intermixed with business and industry, and a number of treasured parks and preserves. It is home of an abundance of wildlife and scenic beauty. It is a stretch of river I look forward to returning.
But, on this winter day, January 13, 2023, I was forced to take ten portages and was saddened by the amount of urban debris seen in or along our prized Red Cedar River. Because of the extraordinary effort required to portage around 10 river-wide obstructions, the paddle took two hours longer than expected. I finished at just under six hours.
On this trip there were at least eight river-wide blockages in Meridian Township alone. There were several other spots where I paddled below a suspended fallen tree. When waters rise and river speeds quickens, many of these areas will also become impassable.
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I am surprised that there hasn’t been greater attention to our Red Cedar River. If clear passages were made and maintained, even just 10-12’ wide openings created, it would make for a treasured river trail to fish, paddle, or float.
It would certainly become worthy of an annual grand celebration. With a little effort, Meridian Township could create a treasured nine mile Red Cedar River river trail and seamlessly connect those cities and towns immediately before and after river. But now it represents a significant choke point. It is an underutilized natural asset that other municipalities would covet to have and care for. |
Red Cedar River: Williamston to Lansing.
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To improve understanding of the Red Cedar River, beginning at Williamson and ending at the confluence of the Grand River in Lansing, I have broken up this 22-mile stretch in four distinct segments:
Segment 1: Williamston to Meridian Township river snags.
Segment 2: Meridian Township river snags to West Meridian Township railroad crossing.
Segment 3: West Meridian Township railroad crossing to MSU Jenison Field House.
Segment 4: MSU Jenison Field House to the confluence of the Grand River.
I provide pictures of the first three and a half segments, each presented in chronological order. I was unable to complete documenting the final 1.5 segments before my phone and the day went dark. I will return.
Segment 1: Williamston to Meridian Township river snags.
Segment 2: Meridian Township river snags to West Meridian Township railroad crossing.
Segment 3: West Meridian Township railroad crossing to MSU Jenison Field House.
Segment 4: MSU Jenison Field House to the confluence of the Grand River.
I provide pictures of the first three and a half segments, each presented in chronological order. I was unable to complete documenting the final 1.5 segments before my phone and the day went dark. I will return.
SEGMENT ONE: WILLIAMSTON TO MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP RIVER SNAGS
Scenic - Rural - Well Maintained
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Generally speaking, we must applaud the City of Williamston, area land owners, and users of the river. This entire route was relatively clean, navigable, and pleasant to paddle.
But, there are areas needing attention, as it is everywhere. If river stewardship is not regularly practiced, river-wide obstructions will develop and urban debris will collect, resulting in a less desirable user experience and impair repeat visit and new user rates.
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Let me take you down Segment One of the Red Cedar River.
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Areas Needing Attention:
1. Not long after put in, on the back side of what appears to be McDonalds parking lot, is unsightly urban debris consisting of tires, possibly an engine block, and other items. This detracts from the town of Williamston and marginalizes the Red Cedar River experience. These items can be easily be retrieved.
2. At the first bend, where W. Grand River road is closest to the river and cement steps lead to the Red Cedar River, a fallen tree has taken down a power line. Both are obstructing the river and creating an unsightly mess. This needs to be cleared.
3. There is an unusual metal object in the vicinity of where Winst Street would lead to. As water levels rise, when this piece is hidden just below the river’s surface, it could create havoc to the bottom of a boat or possibly injure a person. This is an unsightly and potentially dangerous impediment that needs to be removed, in the least redesigned if needed.
1. Not long after put in, on the back side of what appears to be McDonalds parking lot, is unsightly urban debris consisting of tires, possibly an engine block, and other items. This detracts from the town of Williamston and marginalizes the Red Cedar River experience. These items can be easily be retrieved.
2. At the first bend, where W. Grand River road is closest to the river and cement steps lead to the Red Cedar River, a fallen tree has taken down a power line. Both are obstructing the river and creating an unsightly mess. This needs to be cleared.
3. There is an unusual metal object in the vicinity of where Winst Street would lead to. As water levels rise, when this piece is hidden just below the river’s surface, it could create havoc to the bottom of a boat or possibly injure a person. This is an unsightly and potentially dangerous impediment that needs to be removed, in the least redesigned if needed.
SEGMENT TWO: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP RIVER SNAGS TO WEST MERDIAN
Scenic - Wild - Not User Friendly
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While this was the most scenic stretch, including several parks, preserves, nature centers, and accompanying river trail systems, it was the most challenging area to paddle due to seven river-wide obstructions over a distance of 1.5 miles.
In this area where the Red Cedar River snakes through through a 2.5 mile span, there was heavy signs of prior river-wide obstruction mitigation efforts. There is no telling if this was down by river users, nearby residents, or Meridian Township. |
Let me take you down Segment Two of the Red Cedar River.
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With a little effort, Meridian Township could greatly enhance the Red Cedar River appeal and usage, and build on its remarkable recreation and park system reputation:
- It appears that along the entire south side of the Red Cedar River here, there are accessible river trails allowing the City to access the river.
- If the Township did not want to remove these river-wide obstructions in their entirely, then create 'at least' 10 - 12’ passages.
- With the river at seasonal low levels now, now is the ideal time to conduct river improvement work.
- Depending on the size and skill of a dedicated crew, it is reasonable to believe this work could be completed within 1-2 days.
- Once the obstructions have been removed, and natural debris pulled from the river, when the ground hardens during a deep freeze or later in the year when the ground dries, any piles of wood could be moved elsewhere to be discarded.
SEGMENT THREE: WEST MERIDIAN TO MSU JENISON FIELD HOUSE
Urban - Unsightly - Littered
As you exit Meridian Township’s scenic park system you are presented with a completely different Red Cedar River experience. It changes from private and serene, to that of the loud noises of every day urban life.
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After you adjust for the change, this varied scene adds to the uniqueness of a Red Cedar River paddle, making it all the more extraordinary.
But, the frequent pockets of littered riverbanks, or where urban debris has pooled up in a hairpin turn or snagged behind a fallen trees, it marginalizes the on-river experience. It also tarnishes the imagery of those neighborhoods, businesses, and cities which line the Red Cedar River |
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Specific Threats To Our Red Cedar River And Its Users:
1. Near those road or river trail improvement projects construction materials seem to find their way into the river.
• It may be in the form of a highway divider, barrel, temporary protective barriers, and other.
2. Under or near bridges we often see evidence of careless fishermen or the homeless.
3. As you pass multi-family housing units the tops of their metal dumpster are often open with large amounts of trash around their base or caught in the steep embankments leading to the river.
4. As the Red Cedar River passes through Michigan State University you are likely to see abandoned bicycles, e-scooters, and other large items in the river.
5. As you pass by the Hannah Administrative Building there is underwater dam that has been a problem and a topic of discussion for decades.
• It is difficult to pass over this dam and the steep embankments to the right make it challenging to go around.
6. Although you can’t see it from the river, you know when you’re passing Secchia Stadium, MSU's women’s softball field.
• In the river you will find a large collection of day glow yellow softballs.
• You will also find a long-standing softball caddy half filed with river mud.
7. A little further down river, out of sight from most, you will discover the collection of pollution that MSU's Grounds Department was unable to capture upstream.
• Most noticeable are the number of MSU Police wooden barricades and more women's softballs.
1. Near those road or river trail improvement projects construction materials seem to find their way into the river.
• It may be in the form of a highway divider, barrel, temporary protective barriers, and other.
2. Under or near bridges we often see evidence of careless fishermen or the homeless.
3. As you pass multi-family housing units the tops of their metal dumpster are often open with large amounts of trash around their base or caught in the steep embankments leading to the river.
4. As the Red Cedar River passes through Michigan State University you are likely to see abandoned bicycles, e-scooters, and other large items in the river.
5. As you pass by the Hannah Administrative Building there is underwater dam that has been a problem and a topic of discussion for decades.
• It is difficult to pass over this dam and the steep embankments to the right make it challenging to go around.
6. Although you can’t see it from the river, you know when you’re passing Secchia Stadium, MSU's women’s softball field.
• In the river you will find a large collection of day glow yellow softballs.
• You will also find a long-standing softball caddy half filed with river mud.
7. A little further down river, out of sight from most, you will discover the collection of pollution that MSU's Grounds Department was unable to capture upstream.
• Most noticeable are the number of MSU Police wooden barricades and more women's softballs.
SEGMENT FOUR: MSU JENISON FIELD HOUSE TO GRAND RIVER CONFLUENCE
Scenic - Lowlands - Much Improved
A special shout out is due to the City of Lansing for their commitment, and recent work, to create a much improved on-river quality experience.
At the beginning of the stretch you soon enter the area of Municipal Park. In this area well hidden, you will discover large pools of pollution that made its way through the campus. It includes more women’s softballs and MSU Police barricades. Before you make it to Lansing's 200-acre Crego Park, there are two short portages you must take to pass two fallen trees blocking the entire width of river.
I will need to return to assess this area. When I was making my way through my phone and the day went dark. But having regularly paddled the area between Kruger’s Landing and the confluence of the Red Cedar I am familiar with the areas needing greater attention, specifically on the south side of the river:
I will need to return to assess this area. When I was making my way through my phone and the day went dark. But having regularly paddled the area between Kruger’s Landing and the confluence of the Red Cedar I am familiar with the areas needing greater attention, specifically on the south side of the river:
- Where South Pennsylvania passes over.
- At the industrial complex running along E. South Street.
- Where E. Elm Street passes over.
CREATING MID-MICHIGAN'S TOP RIVER DESTINATION
Our Red Cedar River offers more scenic beauty, abundance of fish and wildlife, varied rural and urban settings, and opportunities for sport and recreation, than any other Michigan river. In addition, our prized Red Cedar River runs through the campus of MSU and along Potter Park Zoo. It is a river worthy of being protected, treasured, and celebrated.
With a little effort, improved focus, and a collaborative effort, we can transform the Red Cedar River into a top river destination not just in Michigan, but the entire Upper Midwest.
FIRST. PRIORITIZE AND FOCUS.
• Avoid the temptation to do too much at the start.
- Prioritize on fewer action items to simplify work and allow for the delivery of immediate and measurable tangible results.
• For now, focus on a Williamston to Lansing, Red Cedar River route.
- A separate assessment of the Red Cedar River, from its start to Williamston, will be conducted later.
SECOND. MAKE THE RED CEDAR RIVER NAVIGABLE.
• If the river isn't navigable, it is simply an underutilized and undervalued natural asset.
- Remove all known ten (10) river-wide obstructions or provide easy-to-navigate passages.
▸ Seven (7) river-wide obstructions known in Meridian Towsnhip.
▸ One (1) known obstacle in East Lansing, on MSU campus.
▸. Two (2) river-wide obstructions known in Lansing.
- Where there may be mitigating circumstances, provide easy portaging solutions.
THIRD. COMMIT TO MAINTAINING NAVIGABLE PASSAGE.
• When a new river-wide obstruction is discovered, commit to its timely removal.
- Committing to improved river stewardship will create a heightened awareness, excite and encourage others to support. Ultimately, it will create a better user experience.
- Conducting regular maintenance is easier, requires less effort, and is less costly.
FOURTH. ELIMINATE KNOWN POOLS OF POLLUTION.
• Once the river is opened, maintain river quality and aesthetics.
- This is for the benefit of fish and wildlife, recreation and sport.
▸ This will create a better user experience, incent greater trial, and deliver greater repeat visit rates.
FIFTH: COMMUNICATE, COLLABORATE, AND CELEBRATE.
• Avoid the temptation to work in isolation.
• Delegate, Empower, Elevate.
- Create cross functional teams consisting of high performing individuals and/or organizations to improve focus, make work easier, and insure steady advancement.
SIXTH: GOAL SETTING.
• Avoid the too often practice of not setting tangible short and long-term goals and timetables.
- Key performance indicators are essential for the success of any project.
▸ This creates the premise for high-quality reviews, improved learning, and will deliver greater results at a more rapid pace.
SEVENTH: DEFINE SUCCESS.
• Ultimately, everyone should know what everyone is working toward.
- The greater the specificity, the better.
• I normally suggest this to be defined early in the process. But because we're working with cities and towns across geography, a wide range of clubs and organizations, I suggest that we do this later.
- Once every sees how easy it is to achieve small milestones and cross major thresholds, excitement will grow as well the realization that greater things can be accomplished.
EIGHTH: CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
• To heighten awareness, to bring everyone together, and to insure immediate momentum, create an annual event now that will allow everyone to participate and eventually celebrate.
- Don't fear that year one success won't be as great as you would like.
- If you start now, and achieve broad support, year one will be fine.
▸ More importantly, years 2, 3 and 4 will be great.
▸ Well managed, it will become a top Michigan event and major draw for years to come and benefit of all.
With a little effort, improved focus, and a collaborative effort, we can transform the Red Cedar River into a top river destination not just in Michigan, but the entire Upper Midwest.
FIRST. PRIORITIZE AND FOCUS.
• Avoid the temptation to do too much at the start.
- Prioritize on fewer action items to simplify work and allow for the delivery of immediate and measurable tangible results.
• For now, focus on a Williamston to Lansing, Red Cedar River route.
- A separate assessment of the Red Cedar River, from its start to Williamston, will be conducted later.
SECOND. MAKE THE RED CEDAR RIVER NAVIGABLE.
• If the river isn't navigable, it is simply an underutilized and undervalued natural asset.
- Remove all known ten (10) river-wide obstructions or provide easy-to-navigate passages.
▸ Seven (7) river-wide obstructions known in Meridian Towsnhip.
▸ One (1) known obstacle in East Lansing, on MSU campus.
▸. Two (2) river-wide obstructions known in Lansing.
- Where there may be mitigating circumstances, provide easy portaging solutions.
THIRD. COMMIT TO MAINTAINING NAVIGABLE PASSAGE.
• When a new river-wide obstruction is discovered, commit to its timely removal.
- Committing to improved river stewardship will create a heightened awareness, excite and encourage others to support. Ultimately, it will create a better user experience.
- Conducting regular maintenance is easier, requires less effort, and is less costly.
FOURTH. ELIMINATE KNOWN POOLS OF POLLUTION.
• Once the river is opened, maintain river quality and aesthetics.
- This is for the benefit of fish and wildlife, recreation and sport.
▸ This will create a better user experience, incent greater trial, and deliver greater repeat visit rates.
FIFTH: COMMUNICATE, COLLABORATE, AND CELEBRATE.
• Avoid the temptation to work in isolation.
• Delegate, Empower, Elevate.
- Create cross functional teams consisting of high performing individuals and/or organizations to improve focus, make work easier, and insure steady advancement.
SIXTH: GOAL SETTING.
• Avoid the too often practice of not setting tangible short and long-term goals and timetables.
- Key performance indicators are essential for the success of any project.
▸ This creates the premise for high-quality reviews, improved learning, and will deliver greater results at a more rapid pace.
SEVENTH: DEFINE SUCCESS.
• Ultimately, everyone should know what everyone is working toward.
- The greater the specificity, the better.
• I normally suggest this to be defined early in the process. But because we're working with cities and towns across geography, a wide range of clubs and organizations, I suggest that we do this later.
- Once every sees how easy it is to achieve small milestones and cross major thresholds, excitement will grow as well the realization that greater things can be accomplished.
EIGHTH: CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
• To heighten awareness, to bring everyone together, and to insure immediate momentum, create an annual event now that will allow everyone to participate and eventually celebrate.
- Don't fear that year one success won't be as great as you would like.
- If you start now, and achieve broad support, year one will be fine.
▸ More importantly, years 2, 3 and 4 will be great.
▸ Well managed, it will become a top Michigan event and major draw for years to come and benefit of all.
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Michigan Waterways Stewards Stewardship • Education • Advocacy
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