A mid-Michigan conservation group is looking to clean up a 10 mile stretch of river. Officials said the project will open up recreation and tourism opportunities in Gladwin county.
Officials said in its current condition, a ten mile stretch of Cedar river between the city of Gladwin and Beaverton is unnavigable. The emerald ash borer toppled trees along the bank into the river.
Tristan Hewitt, Gladwin Conservation District Administrator, said right now that stretch of river has limited recreation opportunities.
"“Because of that you just can’t get out there and access that resource. You can only really make it 30-40 yards and then you are stuck at a bunch of logs, you really can’t utilize it at all.”
Hewitt said workers will start cleaning the river this summer with the help of a ten thousand dollar grant from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Network. He said opening up the river will also open up opportunities for recreation and tourism in Gladwin county.