During 2020 a road-stream crossing project was completed on Bigelow Creek, a tributary to the Muskegon River. The former culvert was replaced using U.S. Forest Service Stream Simulation Design to allow brook trout to pass at all life stages as well as other fish species, aquatic insects, and terrestrial animals. These improvements to road infrastructure significantly reduce the risk of upstream flooding and a catastrophic road failure due to large flood events.

The project was a partnership between Trout Unlimited Great Lakes Program, Newaygo County Road Commission, U.S. Forest Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, Muskegon Conservation District, and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

For more details on the project, read the article on Near North Now.

For before and after photos, check out the slideshow below.