Argo Dam

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The Argo Dam sits in the Huron River at the upriver end of Ann Arbor, creating the 92-acre Argo Pond behind it. Argo Park is on the east end of the 200-foot-long, 18-foot-high dam; north Main Street on the west. Argo Dam was initially constructed in 1920 by Detroit Edison, and was sold to the City of Ann Arbor after a 1963 decommissioning. The City reconstructed the dam in 1972 due to safety concerns.

The Michigan DNR, US Geological Survey, and Huron River Watershed Council have all noted the dam as a priority for removal, due to its age and significant effect on streamflow. However, recreational users, such as rowers, object to the potential loss of the pond.

[edit] Future of Argo Dam

The future of Argo Dam is in question: should it and the small recreational lake it creates stand, or should the dam be torn down to promote free-flowing rivers?

The dam is in need of $500,000 worth of repairs as of July 2008.

Arguments against the destruction of the dam include the fact that an entire community of over 600 rowers would be forced to commute to Belleville. Both Huron and pioneer high school practice their Co-Ed crew teams on the river, and the commute would be virtually impossible. The university of Michigan men's team, Ranked 6th in the nation, and Ann Arbor Rowing Club also practice on the river. All four teams have nationally recognized programs, which constantly send young and old athletes alike to compete at world ranked events, including the Olympics and junior Olympics.

Removing the dam would allow fish to swim freely, and could allow trout to return to the river. The water level would drop, giving the city an additional 25 acres of parkland.

Argo canoe livery supports a large canoe community, but canoeing wouldn't necessarily disappear with the dam.

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