FishPass

10/08/2026

150+ neighbors, artists, students, tribal members, reporters, and Michigan Municipal League Convention attendees visited FishPass this week! We fielded great questions. Took selfies. Did impressions of a swimming 6 ft Lake Sturgeon while singing Sade (IYKYK). Got in our steps.

*Got excited about FishPass and the opportunity to restore a native fishery!*

10/08/2026

“…Arctic grayling haven’t been seen in Michigan waters for almost a century as industrial activity decimated their numbers — but northern Michigan tribes and the state are trying to change that.”

Northern Michigan tribes are releasing Arctic grayling for the second year in a row, in hopes of restoring the native freshwater species. Questions remain about how many have already survived and how to adapt to shifting weather from climate change.

10/08/2026

Check out the front page of today’s Traverse City Record-Eagle!

The bridge design has elements similar to other bridges along the Boardman/Ottaway River. When FishPass is complete, we can hike, bike, stroll, or roll the shoreline of this system from upstream to the bay!

10/06/2026

FishPass is a team effort! Having Senator Gary Peters on our team has been incredible! ♥️

10/03/2026

… came for the farmers market… stayed for the FishPass sunrise…

10/02/2026

Seeing kids, families, neighbors, COMMUNITY, showing up with smiles and cheers for FishPass meant more to us than any headline to date. FishPass belongs to all of us, and we can't wait to see what's possible for the Boardman/Ottaway and beyond - together.

10/02/2026

📣
HEY YOU! YEAH; YOU!
-Up on Cass, Union, Rivers Edge, and every balcony on the river… we saw you during the FishPass bridge install! Thanks for cheering us on, while we placed this beautiful multi-ton landmark in its forever-home in the heart of our community!

*Seeing kids, families, neighbors, biz owners, showing up for FishPass meant more to us than any headline to date. ♥️

FishPass belongs to all of us, and we can't wait to see what's possible for the Boardman/Ottaway and beyond - together.

10/02/2026

Join the community in celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12, 2026

The Leland Cultural District (111 S. Main St. Leland, MI) is hosting a free, family-friendly day of programming to recognize the histories, cultures, and resilience of Indigenous peoples.

📅 Event Schedule:
🥁 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM | Dusty Bears Dancing & Drumming (Old Art Building Lawn)
🎬 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Indigenous Knowledge Film Hour (Old Art Building) — Featuring short films by the Leelanau Conservancy, Kchi Wiikwedong History Marker Project, and LHS.
🍲 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Indigenous Food from Tanya Raphael & Indigenous Education Opportunities (Old Art Building Lawn)
📖 6:00 PM | James Vukelich Program + Book Signing (Old Art Building)
🏛️ 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (All Day) | Local History Exhibits (Leelanau Historical Society)

🔗 For more information and event details, please visit LeelanauHistory.org/Events

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

This week’s seamless, safe, perfect bridge install underscored (again) how fortunate we are that local crews won the FishPass contract. Spence Brothers, Grand River, and Team Elmers thank you for being on our team; for making this first/only project-of-its-kind a reality!
*This bridge is a landmark - connecting our community in a new way. It’s a big accomplishment and we appreciate you! ♥️