2010: The dam was ordered to be repaired or removed and work began in the region to resolve the significant challenges this presented. The Friends of the Shiawassee River (FOSR) and several state and local stakeholders, with the support of the SLBA, worked hard to gain sufficient funding, meet regulatory requirements and achieve safety in order to make significant renovations to revitalize the site.

2012: Partial dam removal began with funds from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The dam was lowered to within four feet of the riverbed elevation and the hole below the dam apron was partially filled with concrete rubble. The enlarged opening and lowered profile of the dam was enough to permit run-of-the river flow levels even at flood stage, reducing the risk of dam failure.

2013: The FOSR received additional funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network to further assess the site, do additional work to minimize safety concerns, restore fish passage and begin restoration of the river at the site. 

2014: An advisory group of local officials was established to work with the FOSR, state representatives and consulting engineers to review and develop plans for dam removal, river restoration and park improvements.  

2015: An Aquatic Habitat Restoration Grant was awarded from the Michigan DNR to assist in rehabilitation of the river at the site.

2016: The FOSR continued to work with state and local governments to help with the removal of the Shiatown Dam and support the restoration of the adjacent county park. 

2019: Once river levels fell to an optimal level, demolition of the dam started in the summer and was completed in the fall.

2020: The Shiawassee River, from Holly to Chesaning, received a National Water Trail designation bringing more people to the 88 miles of river journeying through four counties. The removal of the Shiatown Dam, along with several others along the river, made this designation become a reality.

Most recently, the Shiawassee County Parks and Recreation Commission took on a project to reforest the two-acre area. A total of 90 trees and 90 shrubs were planted streamside and within 200 feet of the Shiawassee River. A plan was prepared that involved 18 different tree species that promoted diversity for the new forest and recognition of a variety of adaptable plant zones. That plan was submitted to Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network and the FOSR received a grant to bring the plan to life.

While the SLBA took ownership of the property, they were able to alleviate liability concerns for the community, coordinate state and local resources, and are working to ultimately hand this property back to the community.

“The Shiatown Dam is just one example of how a land bank can assist communities to revitalize properties and bring new opportunities for economic growth throughout Michigan's communities,” said Jeff Huntington, Operations Director for the SLBA. “We are very grateful for the FOSR, as well as local and state partners for coming together and making this project the success that it is today. The FOSR really stepped up, put in a lot of time and the community is better for their service.”

To learn more about the SLBA's efforts to improve communities across Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/LandBank.