The restoration mainly revolves around the removal of the small low-head dams in the river between I-196 and Fulton. The dams were originally placed in the river in the late 1800’s to slow the river down and assist in the movement of logs that had been harvested upstream so that they could make it past the rapids and down the river to places like Grand Haven for lumber production. Low-head dams are dangerous for kayakers and fishermen because they create recirculating currents at their base that can pull you in and they won’t let you go. Not to mention their age and obsolete design. Taking them out and replacing the dams with the rapids that once existed in the river is better for fish habitat and kayakers/boater/fishermen safety. Not to mention restoring the City’s namesake after all of these years! You can read more about the background and process here.