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Pontiac Oaks Shoreline Restoration and Invasive Species Management

Managed by Oakland County Parks in partnership with the City of Pontiac, Pontiac Oaks features winding woodland trails along the scenic shores of Creger and Upper Silver Lakes. However, the park¡¯s native plant communities had become degraded over time by the widespread presence of invasive vegetation, resulting in overgrown shoreline habitat and lower plant biodiversity. Oakland County Parks retained our engineering and environmental team to develop a comprehensive plan that will restore the park and its shoreline habitats with minimal disruption.

Our restoration approach relies on multiple natural shoreline stabilization techniques, one of which is the enhancement of habitat by installing ¡°fish sticks.¡± These bundles of stabilized, felled mature trees are anchored to the shore and simulate natural habitats for a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms. Notably, amphibians and reptiles benefit greatly from fish sticks as they provide a stable, half-submerged medium in which to shelter, bask, and lay their eggs.

In addition to placing the fish sticks, we replaced invasive vegetation with native plants to promote biodiversity and accessibility. We repurposed mowed forest debris into brush bundles, helping clear space to encourage native flora to repopulate while providing small hubs for amphibians and reptiles to shelter and hibernate.

To reduce disruptions to local ecosystems and limit erosion during construction, we completed the bulk of construction in the winter, relying on the frozen ground and lakeshore to protect the fragile shoreline soils and lake bottomlands.

When complete, this project will be one of the largest fish stick installations in Michigan. More importantly, it represents a comprehensive approach to shoreline restoration¡ªsimultaneously promoting park usability, recreation opportunities, abundant natural areas, and aquatic ecosystem health.