Lower Rouge River Water Trail

Logjam Information

Logjams provide habitat for fish and wildlife and play a role in stabilizing banks (more info). Logjams are abundant in the Rouge River because the many paved surfaces cause the river to rise and fall quickly after it rains. The loss of the ash trees in recent years due to the Emerald Ash Borer has worsened the problem.

Please help us track these constantly changing logjams by reporting any that you see using this simple app. Your reports will be added to the map below.

Report Logjams

Join Our Woody Debris Work Team!

For safe paddling, there are ways to open them without damaging the river. If you don’t mind donning a pair of waders and working along with a team, please consider volunteering with us to open logjams. This work is periodic and weather-dependent. Follow the Rouge Paddling Facebook page for the most current updates.

Logjam Opening Days

In 2021 our Woody Debris Work Team volunteers were needed to help open logjams in Dearborn, at the Rouge Gateway Greenway Trailhead. We planned two workdays this summer and both groups worked vigorously to open up two log jams in a key section of the Lower Rouge Water Trail. Over the two workdays, close to 40 Friends of The Rouge volunteers pulled trash collected at these log jams and removed floating wood from the river and out of the flood plain for bug and wildlife habitat. We are grateful for all who joined us for our Woody Debris Workdays! 

This is hard work that involves wading in the river and working with a team. If you are interested,  sign up for our list and we will notify you about work days.

2022 Woody Debris Workdays

Saturday, June 9

Saturday, July 17

Saturday, October 1

Register HERE to Help with logjams

Logjam Opening Workshop

CALLING ALL LANDSCAPING & FORESTRY CONTRACTORS! DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS!

FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE WILL PRESENT THE BASICS OF CLEARING AND OPENING LOGJAMS USING PROVEN ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE METHODS.

Saturday, September 25, 2021

9 AM – PRESENTATION

10 AM – 12 PM – HANDS-ON WORKDAY DEMO

Rouge Gateway Greenway Trailhead  21312 Michigan Avenue Dearborn, MI 48124

Friends of the Rouge is leading the development of a 29-mile water trail on the Lower Rouge River. There are also shoreline property owners both residential and commercial who have few options when logjams encroach their property. There is a growing need for experienced woody debris management contractors. Urban waterways like the Rouge River can become littered with logjams. These logjams are a nuisance to paddlers, but woody debris also creates great habitat for fish and other wildlife. Clearing and opening logjams in an environmentally safe way is our aim.

REGISTER HERE

FLYER PDF

Please Note

The water is generally safe for boating if there has been no heavy rain or snowmelt; swimming is not recommended.

The Lower Rouge River Water Trail is a consortium of interested groups and communities and is a project of the Lower Rouge River Water Trail Leadership Committee. Contact us through info@therouge.org.