The Isabella County Parks and Recreation Commission manages eight County Parks, three of which are located along the Chippewa River – Deerfield Nature Park, Majeske Landing, and Meridian Park. Due to increased use, high water and other water conditions, several spans of riverbank located throughout Deerfield and Majeske had erosion problem areas that required stabilization. Working to improve those areas to prevent future embankment issues was the goal of the Chippewa River Erosion and Canoe Launch Project. In Deerfield Nature Park the construction project improved/rebuilt two canoe launches, added one new canoe launch, repaired two large sections of eroded riverbank, and will add some interpretive signage about the Chippewa River. The project also included improvements at the Majeske Landing launch area.

 

Improving/rebuilding the launches and adding the new launch has: stabilized the river banks in the area of the launches; prevented further erosion caused by high foot traffic at the launches; and created a safer, more stable launch area for visitors. Providing new and improved launches and repairing erosion damage in the upriver area of the County Parks has helped maintain water quality downriver, provided more accessibility to the river for visitors, and protected the riparian areas from further erosion and degradation from natural and human forces.