Story perspectives

Ypsilanti to remove Peninsular Paper Dam in 2027

9/9/2026

Summary

Ypsilanti Removes Dam

Ypsilanti, Michigan, will remove the Peninsular Paper Dam in early 2027 to protect native mussels.
Volunteers from the Huron River Watershed Council relocated about 3,000 mussels downstream this summer.
A 2024 survey recorded over 1,000 live mussels of eight species, including three listed as threatened in Michigan.
Scientists expect juvenile mussels to appear upstream after removal, signaling habitat recovery.

Summary

Great Lakes Fundraiser

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project launched a $10,000 fundraiser titled “Critical Condition — Needs Life Support.”
Donations were just under $1,700 by Tuesday afternoon.
Co-founders Dave Benjamin and Bob Pratt have run the nonprofit as volunteers since 2011.
In 2026 the group gave about 1,300 presentations in seven Great Lakes states to schools and first responders.
Their decade-plus effort restored lifeguard services in South Haven after 14 years of campaigning.

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Ypsilanti Removes Dam

Ypsilanti, Michigan, will remove the Peninsular Paper Dam in early 2027 to protect native mussels.
Volunteers from the Huron River Watershed Council relocated about 3,000 mussels downstream this summer.
A 2024 survey recorded over 1,000 live mussels of eight species, including three listed as threatened in Michigan.
Scientists expect juvenile mussels to appear upstream after removal, signaling habitat recovery.

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