ROCKFORD, Mich. - If you like trout fishing, volunteers are building a more pristine habitat near the Rogue River.
Several groups are contributing volunteer efforts to dismantle a dam on Rum Creek, which feeds into the Rogue River. The dam is blocking nearly seven and a half miles of a cold water trout stream. Trout Unlimited has been working on the project for years and now has the $70,000 restore and protect one of West Michigan's best trout streams.
Rum Creek is about three degrees colder and trout seek refuge in those cold creek channels. The dam has blocked that cold water and, therefore, the trout. An economic study with Grand Valley estimated that the river is worth about $7 million in recreational opportunity.
The excavation is scheduled for August. Rockford Brewing Company is holding a "Dam Removal Party" Tuesday evening at 6:00pm.
