In 2000, the World Commission on Dams found that “Large dams generally have a range of extensive impacts on rivers, watersheds and aquatic ecosystems – these impacts are more negative than positive and, in many cases, have led to irreversible loss of species and ecosystems.”

Our own state agencies concur–Argo Dam has the second-highest adverse impact on a river of any dam in Michigan. The DNR abandoned stocking efforts in Argo Pond because species diversity and habitat quality is too low. Dam removal is supported by the local Audubon and Trout Unlimited chapters, as well as the League of Conservation voters.

Like it or not, the most recent study of Argo Dam’s potential to provide hydro power reports a payback that will take 40 years. A more effective means of achieving Ann Arbor’s energy goals is to develop policies aimed at reducing consumption. In most municipalities (and nations, for that matter), energy consumption is too high and wasteful. Likewise, pricing policies often promote wasteful behavior rather than energy conservation.

I urge residents and planners to stop viewing the Argo issue as an energy-source issue. Instead, consider the recreational, ecological, and economic benefits that restoring the river will provide.

For more on this topic, visit this website.

I guess if all you want to do is “sustain” local economy your minimalist strategy is probably viable. Personally, I’d rather see Ann Arbor creating jobs and opportunities so that everyone that wants a good job can have one. Probably more ambitious than your goal but its worth shooting for.

I think that some incentives are needed for getting more Washtenaw County farming to occur. A few years ago, I saw in a local publication that Washtenaw County was losing 10 acres a day to development. With the downturn in the current economy, I’m not sure that figure is still true, but loss of farmland has had an effect on the number of Washtenaw County vendors at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Perhaps policy needs to change at the market, with incentives aimed towards Washtenaw County farmers – which might stimulate more farming operations in the county. A “carbon footprint” incentive, which gives a stall fee discount to those farmers who produce their goods in Washtenaw County would be one example.

ARL