Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved a plan for the restoration of wildlife habitat in Ox Creek.
Commissioners did not comment on Monday as they signed off on the document, produced by the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, laying out a strategy to clean up 3,000 feet of the creek from Highland Avenue to Britain Avenue. The planning commission’s Marcy Hamilton tells us this phase of the work will focus on a few things.
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved a plan for the restoration of wildlife habitat in Ox Creek.
Commissioners did not comment on Monday as they signed off on the document, produced by the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, laying out a strategy to clean up 3,000 feet of the creek from Highland Avenue to Britain Avenue. The planning commission’s Marcy Hamilton tells us this phase of the work will focus on a few things.
“There are some old railroad bridges that are going to be taken out of the creek,” Hamilton said. “There’s a bunch of wood and logs that have fallen into the creek. That will be kind of strategically placed in the channel to create better habitat in the creek. And there’ll be some invasive species that are dealt with also.”
Hamilton says the work will allow for improved walking and fishing access along the creek and paddling opportunities when water levels permit. It’s also designed to enhance habitat for fish and aquatic insects.
The total project cost is estimated at $723,000, all from a grant. The commission is securing permits for the work now, and it’s expected to start in the spring and be complete in the summer. As for the ongoing effort to restore the creek, Hamilton says it took about 100 years for it to fall into its current state, so it will be a while before all of the work is done.
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is hosting walking tours along the creek to help residents see some of the things being planned for themselves. The next one will be on October 28 starting at 3 p.m. at Crystal Springs Cemetery. Watch SustainOxCreek.com for details as they become available.
