Muskegon Lake Area of Concern

• Case Study 6. From Lumber to Foundries to Revitalization: The Muskegon Lake Story (PDF)

Muskegon Lake's early years supported a flourishing lumber and foundry town, but this came at a price. Contaminated sediments, degraded habitat, and elevated contaminant levels in fish have kept people from enjoying the lake. Now, after decades of restoration efforts, Muskegon is on track to implement by 2020 all identified management actions required for restoring impaired beneficial uses of the lake. Restoration investments are projected to reap a six-to-one return on investment as measured in the value of recreation, the number of new visitors, and the increase in housing value.
 

Photos

Please feel free to use the following photos in any publicity about this story. Please credit the source indicated.

Aerial view of Muskegon Lake. Credit: GEI Consultants of Michigan.

Veteran’s Memorial Park during habitat restoration. Credit:  GEI Consultants of Michigan.

Veteran’s Memorial Park after habitat restoration. Credit:  GEI Consultants of Michigan.

North Muskegon High School students assisting with fish relocation for the Bear Creek wetland restoration. Credit:  GEI Consultants of Michigan.

Berm removal to restore hydrological connection to Bear Lake. Credit:  GEI Consultants of Michigan.