Award-Winning Shoreline Restoration Project Featured in New Great Lakes Commission Highlight Video

The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) recently released a video highlighting the Brandenburg Park Shoreline Restoration project on Lake St. Clair in Chesterfield Township, Michigan. In March, the project won the American Council of Engineering Companies Michigan Chapter’s “Engineering Eminent Conceptor Award” for its forward-thinking shoreline restoration design that turned a degraded seawall area into an enhanced natural environment.

A partnership led by the GLC and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on which OHM Advisors led a collaborative design team, the project replaced 740 linear feet of failing metal sea wall with naturalized shoreline and offshore shoals to reduce wave energy and increase resiliency to varying water levels, improve fish and wildlife habitats and enhance community access to the waterfront. The video, produced by Great Lakes Outreach Media, reviews prior conditions of the site, explains the restoration methods that were implemented, and highlights the use of long-term solutions to the basin-wide issue of shoreline erosion.

As a result of the project, researchers have observed an 84% increase in fish abundance, 450% increase in bird abundance and a 500% increase in water celery, an important native aquatic plant species providing food and refuge for fish. Recreational users have enjoyed enriched educational opportunities and renewed connections to functioning ecosystems.

About OHM Advisors:

OHM Advisors is the community advancement firm. Founded in 1962, we deliver award-winning work across the architecture, engineering, and planning spheres. With offices in multiple states, our 500+ person team partners with leaders at all government levels, school districts, developers, universities, and private companies to create great places.