Sabin Dam

Sabin Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Boardman River in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. It is owned by the county as a recreational site, but it was formerly owned and used by Traverse City Light & Power.[1] The dam is located about 5.3 miles (8.5 km) upstream from the mouth of the Boardman River at Grand Traverse Bay.

Sabin Dam
LocationGarfield Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, United States
Coordinates44.7080°N 85.6230°W / 44.7080; -85.6230
PurposeHydropower generation (formerly)
Construction began1902 (1902)
Demolition date2018
Owner(s)Grand Traverse County
Dam and spillways
Type of damHydropower
ImpoundsBoardman River
Spillways2
Reservoir
CreatesSabin Pond
Power Station
Decommission date2005

History
See also: Boardman River Dams Ecosystem Restoration Project

In 1902, Sabin Dam was the third dam built on the Boardman River. Sabin was rebuilt in 1930 with the nearby Boardman Dam, of which the Sabin is a copy. These dams ran fluently, producing hydroelectricity on the Boardman for nearby towns like Traverse City and Chums Corner. In 2005, the other dams on the river were decommissioned. In 2013 and 2017, Brown Bridge and Boardman Dams were removed, respectively. With each of these removals, a surge of water flowed into Sabin Pond and through the dam. It is proposed that in 2018, Sabin Dam will be removed, letting the Boardman River flow in its original channel.

Recreation and nature

The dam pond has little to no recreation uses on the water, but there are a series of trails along the western side of the pond. The Boardman River Nature Center is also just to the west of the dam.[2]

References
  1. "Boardman River Dams". theboardman.org. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
  2. "Boardman River Nature Center – Traverse City, MI". Grand Traverse Conservation District. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
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