Introduction
As summer approaches, the boating community in Benton Harbor is rallying around a critical cause: restoring the St. Joseph River for safe recreational use. Low water levels have made sections of the river nearly impassable for boats, prompting urgent action in the form of a large-scale St. Joseph River dredging project. To help cover the substantial cost, a Memorial Day Fundraiser is being planned at Harbor Shores, uniting boaters, residents, and local businesses in a shared effort to preserve this vital waterway.
Why St. Joseph River Dredging Is Urgently Needed
Currently, water depths near Pier 1000 Marina range between just 3.5 and 4 feet, which is far too shallow for most recreational boating. This has raised concerns about safety and accessibility, especially as the summer boating season draws near. Without immediate dredging, many boats would be unable to safely navigate the river.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has acknowledged the urgency of the situation. In a rare move, the DNR suspended its usual May 1 deadline for dredging restrictions related to fish spawning, allowing the project to proceed. This temporary suspension highlights the importance of the St. Joseph River dredging project to the region’s recreational economy and environmental balance.
County, Contractor, and Community Coordination
Berrien County played an essential role by securing the required permits to begin the St. Joseph River dredging effort. With approvals in place, Triple D Excavating of Eau Claire began removing sand near Tackle Haven—one of the river’s critical boating areas.
Triple D Excavating has earned strong praise from the community, particularly from Pier 1000 Marina’s Kathy Myers, who is leading the fundraising charge. The contractor’s flexibility has been key; rather than demanding full payment upfront, they have agreed to be compensated in phases as funds become available. The total cost of the dredging is estimated at $200,000, and while fundraising is ongoing, this approach has allowed work to move forward without delay.
Kathy Myers and the Drive to Fund the Dredging
Kathy Myers, a longtime advocate for the Benton Harbor boating scene, has taken the helm of the fundraising efforts. Through her leadership at Pier 1000 Marina, she’s been mobilizing the local boating community to support the St. Joseph River dredging project.
While the full $200,000 has not yet been raised, there is strong momentum, thanks in part to grassroots contributions and awareness campaigns. Myers remains hopeful that the upcoming Memorial Day Fundraiser will provide a significant financial boost to close the gap.
A Memorial Day Fundraiser with Purpose
The centerpiece of the fundraising efforts is the upcoming Memorial Day Fundraiser at Harbor Shores. This event is more than just a holiday celebration—it’s a rallying point for the community to support an essential project that impacts everyone who uses or values the river.
Planned activities at the event are expected to draw a broad crowd, offering entertainment while also highlighting the importance of the St. Joseph River dredging effort. The goal is to both raise funds and increase public understanding of why dredging is necessary, especially as tourism and recreational use of the river pick up in the warmer months.
What Happens to the Dredged Sand?
As sand is extracted from the riverbed, it’s currently being stored temporarily at Pier 1000 Marina. However, there are already plans to move it to the former Berrien Hills golf course, where it will be used as fill material for a separate redevelopment project.
This approach not only addresses the storage challenge but also promotes sustainability by repurposing the dredged material. It reflects a broader vision for the project—one that benefits multiple areas of the community.
Conclusion
The Memorial Day Fundraiser at Harbor Shores represents more than just a fundraising event; it’s a reflection of Benton Harbor’s commitment to safeguarding its natural resources. The community’s investment—both emotional and financial—in the St. Joseph River dredging project underscores how critical this waterway is to local recreation, tourism, and quality of life.
With dredging already underway and support continuing to grow, the initiative stands as a model of what can be achieved when a community comes together to solve a shared problem. As the river deepens, so too does the resolve of those working to ensure a safe and vibrant summer on the water.