Lower Boardman River Unified Plan
Lower Boardman River Unified Plan
n 2018, the DDA, in cooperation with a community-led Leadership Team, initiated a planning process to develop a comprehensive plan for the 1.6 miles of the Boardman River that meanders through Downtown. To date, the Leadership Team has worked to complete a comprehensive inventory and understanding of the rivers conditions (above and below the surface), identified through extensive civic engagement, guiding values and a general vision for the future of the river. The Unified Plan is now available for review (see below)!
Brief History of the Boardman
The Boardman River has a long and rich history. Originally called the Ottaway River, the river was used (and cherished) by indigenous people for transportation and sustenance for hundreds of years. European settlers, including Captain Harry Boardman, moved into the area in the 1800’s and used the river to move cut timber from the surrounding region. While vital to the economic growth of the region, the logging industry devastated the rivers aquatic habitat. After the logging era, several dams were constructed along the river to provide power to the region. The last of these dams was decommissioned in 2005. For the last 15 years, under the Boardman River Dams Ecosystem Restoration Project, local leaders are working to remove the remaining dams and reconnect over 160 miles of free-flowing river.
Your Boardman Leadership Team
- Jennifer Jay, The Grand Traverse Land Conservancy – Co-Chair
- Brett Fessell, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians – Co-Chair
- Sammie Dyal, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
- Russ Soyring, City of Traverse City Resident
- Frank Dituri, City of Traverse City
- Tim Werner, City of Traverse City Commissioner
- Jean Derenzy, Downtown Development Authority
- Christine Crissman, The Watershed Center
- Rick Korndorfer, Downtown Property Owner
- Pete Kirkwood, Downtown Business Owner and DDA Board Member
- Elise Crafts, Business Owner
- Mike Vickery, City Resident
- Deni Scrudato, City Resident
- Shawn Winter, City Planner for City of Traverse City
PROJECT CONSULTANT
Bob Doyle, from SmithGroup, is the primary consultant charged with helping the The Leadership Team develop, facilitate and complete the Unified Plan.
Civic Engagement
The Leadership Team has (and will continue to) facilitated a robust civic engagement process throughout the planning process. Listed below is a list of civic engagement activities to date:
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