In 1957, the Michigan DNR impounded Trist Creek to create a 63-acre emergent marsh known as Baldwin Flooding. Over time, Baldwin became a key waterfowl migration and brood-rearing habitat and is one of the most heavily used public use areas at Waterloo Recreation Area. In spring 2004, near record rainfall and an aging infrastructure led to the failure of the levee and drained the wetland. DU staff wrote a $35,000 small NAWCA grant and secured funds from the Frey Foundation and Consumer’s Energy Foundation for this project that was completed in November 2006. DU provided the topographic survey, engineering design, contracting, and construction management services.

Maple River State Game Area and Rose Lake Wildlife Area (Gratiot and Shiawassee Counties)

DU provided cost-share assistance to the Michigan DNR to replace aging water control structures and pipes, and enhance levees at the 160-acre Unit A at Maple River and the 68-acre Orange Flooding at Rose Lake. The water level management infrastructures for these projects were no longer functional and required replacement in order for the DNR to manage and maintain quality wetland habitat.