Posted on August 12, 2024
The city of Clare’s Lake Shamrock dredging project has resumed its course.
In conjunction with the Tobacco River, the lake flows from the west and drifts to a dam at the east.
The project isn’t a small one; it was previously estimated to take about five years, but more recent updates suggest that the project will be completed by the end of 2024. This is even more impressive due to the project’s pause in April and May due to DNR closure for spawning.
Most property owners are responding well to the project and are excited about its progress. Jeremy Howard, Clare City manager, said “Although direct benefits will be seen by the 100 or so lakefront owners, this is fundamentally a community project. The lake, featuring a public beach, swimming and fishing areas, and a public boat launch, serves everyone.”
Everyone is excited to see the lake usable again. Aquatic plant mass and silt build up have restricted its use in almost every recreational sense.
“It will be wonderful to see the lake full of boats and other recreation activities when the project is complete.”
The dredging process is done through hydraulic and mechanical methods that aim to restore the lake to its original levels. Currently, mechanical dredging operates Monday through Thursday each week from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the West side near the beach. Hydraulic dredging operates 24 hours each day, Monday through Friday, and starts on the East side; eventually the two meet on the West finger of the lake.
If approved, an EGLE permit will help remove over 125,000 cubic yards of silt and spoils from the lake. The city also continued their plans for rehabilitation and improved the design of the lake’s original dam built in 1963. Engineering firms GEI and Spicer are exploring potential designs that may reconstruct the whole dam–including an emergency spillway. The dam portion of the project is estimated to be completed in 2026.
While originally amounting to $1.3 million in costs, more recent developments estimate around $7 million. While the increase is dramatic, Jeremy is optimistic.
“Despite these increases, we remain optimistic about completing the project successfully with existing and hopefully additional grant funds. The lake and dam have been a part of this community for the last 60 years, and we look forward to the lake and dam continuing to be a vibrant community asset for the next 60 years and beyond.”
For additional information, updates, and images, visit https://www.facebook.com/LakeShamrock/.
