Reconnecting Coldwater Habitat in Bigelow Creek

Bigelow Creek located in Newaygo County, MI is a cold-water trout stream that provides a thermal refuge for the marginal Muskegon River. The creek supports a self-sustaining population of Brook and Brown trout and boasts runs of anadromous fish, including Coho, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead.

Trout Unlimited, Inc. in partnership with the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, the USDA Forest Service, and the Newaygo County Road Commission identified the Bigelow Creek watershed as a priority area for targeted road-stream crossing improvements. A watershed-wide inventory of road-stream crossings was completed, followed by prioritizing crossings for replacement. So far 6 of the 8 road-stream crossing replacements have been completed.

The Bigelow Creek Project Team includes Trout Unlimited, the USDA Forest Service Huron-Manistee National Forest, the Newaygo County Road Commission, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Environment and Great Lakes, Muskegon Conservation District, the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, and local communities. Project funding is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, the Newaygo County Road Commission, Trout Unlimited, and the USDA Forest Service.