Report on the Grand River Restoration Project and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Project Overview

• Location: Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• Objective: To restore the natural rapids of the Grand River, contributing to ecological health and community well-being.
• Core Activities:
  1. Removal of four low-head dams between Bridge Street and Fulton Street.
  2. Placement of approximately 20,000 tons of natural rock and boulders to recreate the river’s natural structure.
• Lead Partners: The project is a collaborative effort between the City of Grand Rapids and the non-profit organization Grand Rapids Whitewater.
• Estimated Cost: The overall initiative is valued at approximately $20 million.

Environmental Assessment and Public Engagement

• An environmental assessment is required before the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can consider a funding request. This assessment evaluates the project’s comprehensive environmental and cultural impacts.
• Areas of Assessment Include:
  • Air Quality
  • Noise Levels
  • Land Use
  • Public Health
• In line with creating inclusive and sustainable communities (SDG 11), a 30-day public comment period was opened on September 15 to solicit community feedback.
• The draft environmental assessment is available for public review online and at several Grand Rapids Public Library branches.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The project’s primary goal is to enhance aquatic habitats for native Great Lakes fish and mussel species. By removing dams and restoring the natural riverbed, the initiative directly supports the conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Removing artificial barriers and restoring the river’s natural flow contributes to improved water quality and the overall health of the watershed, aligning with the sustainable management of water resources.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The project is designed to increase public access and recreational use of the river, enhancing urban green space and promoting sustainable tourism. The public consultation process ensures community participation in urban development.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The restoration of a riverine ecosystem positively impacts the surrounding terrestrial environment, supporting local biodiversity and contributing to the protection of inland freshwater ecosystems.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • This initiative is a model of a multi-stakeholder partnership, involving municipal government (City of Grand Rapids), civil society (Grand Rapids Whitewater), and federal agencies (USDA), demonstrating effective collaboration to achieve sustainable development.

Project Status and Funding

• The City of Grand Rapids is seeking $11 million in financial assistance from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
• The project permit request was approved by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in December.
• Final approval from the NRCS is pending the completion of the environmental assessment and public comment period. This review is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
• Upon completion of the public comment period, a final environmental assessment plan will be submitted with the funding application to the USDA.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  The project focuses on restoring a river, which is a critical freshwater ecosystem. By removing dams and adding natural features, the initiative aims to improve the river’s health and natural flow, directly contributing to the protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article states a key goal is to “increase public access and recreational use of the river.” This enhances the quality of life for residents of Grand Rapids by creating accessible, green, and public spaces within the urban environment, making the city more inclusive and sustainable.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  Although primarily focused on marine ecosystems, SDG 14’s principles of protecting aquatic life are relevant. The project’s goal to “enhance aquatic habitat for native Great Lakes fish and mussel species” aligns with the broader objective of conserving and sustainably using aquatic resources. The Grand River is a tributary to Lake Michigan, directly impacting the Great Lakes ecosystem.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  This goal is directly relevant as it explicitly includes the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of inland freshwater ecosystems. The Grand River restoration project, by removing dams and recreating natural rapids, is a direct action to restore a freshwater ecosystem and its biodiversity, specifically targeting native fish and mussel species.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article highlights a multi-stakeholder partnership essential for the project’s implementation. It involves the “city of Grand Rapids,” a “nonprofit partner Grand Rapids Whitewater,” and a federal agency, the “U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).” This collaboration between public, private (non-profit), and governmental bodies exemplifies the spirit of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.

  The project’s core mission is to “restore the Grand River’s rapids” by removing dams and adding natural rock, which is a direct effort to restore a river ecosystem.

• Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces…

  The article explicitly mentions that a goal of the project is to “increase public access and recreational use of the river,” which directly aligns with creating accessible public spaces for the community.

• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts… and take action for their restoration…

  The project aims to “enhance aquatic habitat for native Great Lakes fish and mussel species.” This action to restore a critical habitat that connects to the Great Lakes ecosystem supports this target.

• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services…

  The entire initiative is an example of restoring an “inland freshwater ecosystem” (the Grand River) to improve its ecological function and health.

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…

  The project is described as an initiative “being led by the city of Grand Rapids and nonprofit partner Grand Rapids Whitewater,” seeking funding and approval from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This is a clear example of a public-private-civil society partnership.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Targets 6.6 and 15.1: The physical changes to the river serve as direct indicators. The article mentions the “removing four low-head dams” and adding “about 20,000 tons of natural rock and boulders.” The extent of river area restored can be measured.
• Indicator for Target 11.7: Progress can be measured by the “increase [in] public access and recreational use of the river.” Implied indicators would be the number of new access points created, an increase in permits for recreational activities, or survey data on public use of the river area post-restoration.
• Indicator for Target 14.2: The success of habitat enhancement can be measured by monitoring the populations of “native Great Lakes fish and mussel species.” An increase in the diversity and population size of these species would indicate progress.
• Indicator for Target 17.17: The existence and functioning of the partnership itself is an indicator. The amount of financial resources mobilized is also a key metric. The article mentions the city is “seeking $11 million in financial assistance” from the USDA for a project expected to “cost roughly $20 million,” which quantifies the partnership’s financial scope.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mlive.com