Rapid River Road/Stream Crossing Restoration Project
Kalkaska County, MI

Grantee: Kalkaska Soil & Water Conservation District
Basin Program Funds: $29,500
Non-federal Funds: $27,527
Project Duration: 10/1992 - 09/1993
Status: complete

Problem Statement
The sediment being introduced at the 6 road-stream crossing sites and 1 access site covers naturally occurring cobble on the river's bed, which reduces aquatic insect habitat, causes shallowing of the stream, and increased water temperatures. Sediment is being introduced at these crossing by two avenues: Narrow culverts and lack of controlled drainage.

Background
The goal of the Rapid River Road/Steam Crossing Restoration Project is to reduce sediment and associated pollutants at 6 road stream crossings and 1 public access site on the Rapid River in Kalkaska County, Michigan.

The Rapid River is the final river in the Elk River Watershed requiring treatment. The river flows in a northwesterly direction into Torch River, which ultimately empties into the Grand Traverse Bay through a series of lakes.

In a recent inventory conducted by the Kalkaska Soil and Water Conservation District (KSWCD), the 6 road-stream crossing and 1 access site were determined to be delivering sediment to the Rapid River at a rate of 485 cubic yards per year.

Results
The KSWCD, cooperating with the Kalkaska County Road Commission and the Rugg Pond Natural Area Association, completed repair of 6 road/stream crossings and access sites. The repair of these sites virtually eliminates sediment loading to the Rapid River from these roads, thereby saving 425 tons per year of sediment from entering the river.

KWSCD, along with the Road Commission, will be conducting maintenance inspections annually of the road/stream crossing projects. In addition, the Soil Conservation Service will be monitoring the sites 3 times per year. The Rugg Pond Natural Area Association will maintain the access site.