The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission has given its 2021 Graham Woodhouse Intergovernmental Effort award to the Dowagiac River Restoration/Water Trail Project. The commission says the award each year is given to projects that exemplify cooperation between and among governments, non-profits, and private entities. The Dowagiac Restoration/River Water Trail Project involved 19 Miles of Dowagiac River Water Trail, the removal of the Pucker Street Dam, and the Restoration of two Miles of the Dowagiac River. The dam removal alone took seven years to accomplish in total, carried out by the city of Niles and partners. Demolition started in August of 2019 and finished in late 2021. With the removal of the dam, the 19-mile Dowagiac River Water Trail became possible, allowing for recreation development including a new kayak launch at Dodd Park, a new river access site at Peavine Street, and a park at the dam location for kayakers and anglers.
