Restoration of a Multi-Functional Landscape: Mill Creek after Dam Removal By

The Village‘s relationship with Mill Creek has changed from one based primarily on power for saw and grist mills (economic growth) in the 1800s to one based on a free-flowing stream after the dam‘s removal in 2008. Our recommendations can help the Village of Dexter achieve its ecological goals for Mill Creek Park, improve the watershed‘s health and integrity, improve interpretive and educational experiences, and develop a richer, more diverse relationship between the Village and Mill Creek. Key watershed recommendations are: 1) conduct local restoration/enhancement projects such that they contribute to the watershed‘s ecological functions and processes, 2) reduce the height and angle of artificially high streambanks, 3) reduce erosion around stormwater outfalls, 4) move stormwater from pipes to bioswales, 5) adopt or revise ordinances to protect riparian and wetland areas, to encourage low impact development, and to prevent use of invasive plants in landscaping, 6) remove invasive plant species, 7) move proposed paved trail more than 25 feet from streambanks, 8) reestablish natural disturbances (fire and flooding), and 9) improve safety in the Outdoor Education Area (OEA) by repairing erosion that threatens walkways, removing poison ivy, dead-standing trees and dangerou