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In southeast Michigan, April showers are bringing more than May flowers to Wayne County this spring.
Heavy downpours are also resulting in higher-than-normal water levels in creeks and tributaries and creating more pooling in yards — occurrences Friends of the Rouge Senior Restoration Coordinator Matthew Bertrand confirmed can’t be attributed solely to long-term climate change.
A dry winter and — in some cases — over-development of rural land are also playing roles in the widespread wetness.
“The reality is we’ve had a very wet last month or so with a lot of rain coming down following a drought from roughly late-December through February,” Bertrand explained. “Frost freezes deeper when there isn’t a lot of snow between January and February.”
“When this happens, the ground doesn’t absorb the rain water as fast as usual. It puts more water into streams and creeks, while creating more pools in yards. The rain water may also be absorbed by plants, which may be rising later.
More:The Plymouth rain garden-planting project will help stop flooding, dried-up streams
Bertrand acknowledged that climate change is often associated with unusual weather patterns these day, but it’s not always the main culprit.
“In reality, climate change is a long process — not something that happens year to year, rather over decades and centuries,” he said. “What we are currently experiencing is extreme weather. When it gets really cold outside, we’ll use the term “Global warming?” It’s freezing outside! It’s not that it’s freezing outside, but rather that we have an extreme event. It will still get very chilly at times.
“Regardless of what your position on climate change is, you can’t point to one event and say “See!” Both sides of the issue.
Kevin and Beth Vaughn’s 132-year old home is situated on 2.5 acres of rural property at the western fringes of Canton. Fellows Creek, which runs north-south through their land, has overflowed more than ever in recent history, according to Beth Vaughn.
Kevin Vaughn is having difficulty mowing his yard because it is so saturated by rainwater, from spring through autumn. They also point out the increasing development in an area once completely wilderness-free.
“I’ve lived here since 2005 and have never seen the creek this full,” Beth Vaughn said. “I certainly hope it is not a new normal based on all of the development they’re putting where they shouldn’t be building without more consideration to the surrounding areas.”
Bertrand stated that overdevelopment of rural properties can lead to environmental problems.
Bertrand stated, “Localized flooding such as these can often be associated with development.” “We’ve seen a lot of Canton development lately. It would be fascinating to find out where the water comes from and explore that area.
“When you have a development downstream (as is the case for the Vaughns’ property), there is the possibility that the drainage system isn’t working properly. The water from the developments is suddenly flooding an area that doesn’t normally receive that much water.
Debris near culverts creates problems
Another likely reason for high-rising water levels in creeks that run through western Wayne subdivisions is debris-clogged culverts that run under roads. A culvert that carries North Fellows Creek under Hanford Road in Canton appears to be 80% clogged with tree branches and other debris.
Cyndi Ross, Friends of the Rouge Restoration manager, said that residents who live near these canals should be allowed to come together and clear the openings.
She stated, “That would make it a great thing to do for residents.” “If, for example, a tree is thrown into the creek, any floating wood or branches can be removed. Any wood that is embedded in the stream bank or stream bed must be left intact. This is to ensure that the bank does not become unstable.
Ross suggested that residents who live near a stream like Fellow Creek should not mow the creek’s edge.
“Mowing to the water’s edge is a popular choice for many people. However, it’s one of the worst things you can do to a stream. Vegetation and plants absorb extra nutrients and help to clean and cool the water.
