The Huron River watershed in Southeast Michigan is home to nearly 100 dams that alter the chemical, physical, and biological processes of its main stem and tributaries. These structures often harm wildlife, impose high maintenance costs, and in some cases, pose safety risks to downstream communities. This panel will highlight recent initiatives led by the Huron River Watershed Council and its partners to restore the river’s natural flow through the removal of aging and obsolete dams and improved flow management strategies. Panelists will explore the ecological impacts of dams, discuss the status of dams within the Huron, share updates on a dam removal project in Ypsilanti, and introduce a budding initiative leveraging real-time data and communication to foster more collaborative dam management along the Huron’s main stem.

About the Speakers:
Daniel Brown, Climate Resilience Strategist, Huron River Watershed Council
Daniel has worked to address the effects of climate change across North America. He helps develop strategies that preserve land for waterway protection, reduce planet-warming emissions, and improve climate resilience. He also works on efforts to restore the main river corridor through dam removal, leads HRWC’s efforts to address PFAS contamination, and coordinates the Huron River Water Trail. He enjoys empowering conservation based on sound science and getting people to enjoy Michigan’s natural resources. Daniel joined HRWC in 2018 and lives in the Horseshoe Creekshed.

Andrea Paine, Program Manager, Huron River Watershed Council
Andrea coordinates HRWC’s stormwater management, fee-for-service stormwater services, and community engagement work. She also supports local policy and other watershed planning and management projects. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in environmental policy and planning from the University of Michigan. She joined HRWC in 2018, lives in the Allens Creekshed, and is originally from Manistee, MI.

About Coffee Talks: Coffee Talks provide a monthly opportunity for U-M faculty, staff, and students interested in water, and water-interested people in southeast Michigan to connect with colleagues, learn about pressing and/or emerging water-related issues, and meet new partners. This academic year, we are excited to explore the intersection of water + energy and what this nexus means to U-M researchers, institutes, and external partners. Coffee Talks are in-person convenings designed to build connections as part of the U-M Water Center's mission and programs; we are not recording sessions at this time.

You can register for this session here: https://graham.umich.edu/wateratmichigan/coffee-talks