Ross Lake Ecosystem Project
Ross Lake environmental studies, including review and permitting, excess sediment and material removal and disposal, clearing and grubbing, bank stabilization, channel restoration, habitat restoration, as-built drawings, and implementation of on-land best management practices
Goals
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Remove excess sediment to restore lake storage capacity and reduce flood risk
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Improve water quality by addressing nutrient-rich runoff
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Restore aquatic habitat and enhance recreational use
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Project Status
rev. 3/9/26
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Staff working with engineers to finalize construction timeline
Project Updates & Documents
Combined Notice: Release of Funds & No Significant Impact
March 26th, 2026
Final Notice & Public Review
October 27th, 2025
Early Notice & Public Review
September 16th, 2025
Community Outreach Event #2
September 10th, 2025
Additional Field Work
August 25th, 2025
Additional field work- lake mapping and sediment depth analysis on Ross Lake. Say hi to our team on the ECT boat as they work to collect data around these important metrics.
Field Crews Are Back
August 19th, 2025
ECTs field crews will be back out on Ross Lake and around the city collecting additional data for the proposed projects. Please watch for the ECT team in their boat, kayaks and on land as they complete additional environmental study work.
Ecosystem Work
June 25th – 27th, 2025
The ECT field team and City staff conducted wetland delineation and sediment sampling work. They observed vegetation and took sediment samples to determine the location of existing wetlands.
Schedule & Tentative Timeline
Project Component |
Estimated Completion |
| NEPA EA Anticipated Completion | April 2026 |
| Engineering Design & Permit Completion | May 2026 |
| EGLE Permit Submission | May 2026 |
| Construction Bidding | June 2026 |
| EGLE Permit Receipt | July 2026 |
| Construction | August to November 2026 |
| Project Close Out | December 2026 |
*Dates are tentative, dependent on numerous variables.
Resources
Ross Lake Milfoil Map
Gladwin County Lake Board Procedures
Ross Lake Cross-sectional Sketch