Restoration Project 

Johnson Creek Intercounty Drain Restoration Restoration

Johnson Creek is a tributary to the Middle Branch of the Rouge River. The established Johnson Intercounty Drain is 3.6 miles long with an existing right-of way along its length. It is highly channelized with spoil berms along the banks and extensive bank erosion. The Johnson Intercounty Drainage Board received a USEPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant to design the restoration of a portion of Johnson Creek designated as an intercounty drain. Johnson Creek is a tributary of the Middle Branch of the Rouge River, which it joins near Northville. The project, once implemented, is expected to increase the number and variety of native fish, mussels, and aquatic bugs and quality of wildlife habitat.

The project will Restore 6 acres of habitat along the banks of the river and Improve habitat and connect habitats within 2 miles of Johnson Creek.

Johnson Creek is the only coldwater stream in the Rouge River watershed capable of supporting the types of fish like trout and mottled sculpin that are adapted to coldwater habitats. The colder water is created by groundwater. Channelization and a buildup of sediment has contributed to fish and wildlife habitat that lacks the diversity needed to support productive fish and wildlife populations. In addition, the conditions contribute to low dissolved oxygen concentrations in the waters of Johnson Creek, which is one of the most important indicators of water quality for animals that live in its waters. Dissolved oxygen is necessary for the survival of fish, mussels, and aquatic bugs.