The Thornapple River SAD Advisory Committee is now in place and working to facilitate river maintenance and improvements. Initial activities include contracting for weed control and removal as well as preparing a roadmap for later improvements. Cascade Charter Township oversees all activty and posts updates on the process.
The Cascade Thornapple River Association 2024 annual meeting was held on Thursday May 9th at 7pm in the Wisner Center at the Cascade Library.
The purpose of this organization is to protect and perpetuate the natural resources in and around the Thornapple River, Kent County, Michigan from the Cascade Dam south to the Alaska Bridge (68th Street).
Thanks to all who donated! We were very near our goal and are able to fund the show again this year without using any dues. Thanks to all that donated! Use the link below if you want to donate.
Cascade Township has updated their website with Depth Data for the Cascade Dam impound. The depth survey data was collected as part of the Thornapple River SAD project for the placement of the new markers within our stretch of the Thornapple River. The SAD paid for the survey and Cascade Township was able to transform the collected data into a useful tool for resident boaters, fishermen and homeowners. A link to general SAD related information is at
A link to Thornapple River SAD general documents is at Thornapple River SAD
Thornapple River SAD Documents
The Depth tool can also be accessed directly at
Thornapple River Depth Tool
The Original Survey Source Files can be accessed directly at
Thornapple River Depth Source Files
Meeting minutes from the 2024 CTRA Annual Meeting are currently posted on the Minutes tab above or directly at
2024 Meeting Minutes
Approval of the 2024 Minutes will take place as part of the 2025 CTRA Annual Meeting on May 8th
When: Thursday May 8th, 2025 at 7pm
Where: Cascade Christian Church Centennial Hall located at 2829 Thornapple River Drive SE (Please note the location change)
What: This in-person meeting will feature:
Updates on various river issues that are important to property owners
Election of three CTRA Board members (must be a member in good standing to vote)
Guest Speakers – Cascade Township Board of Trustees newly elected board members for comments and audience Q&A
An opportunity to meet and socialize with your river neighbors
We hope to see you on Thursday May 8th, 2025 at Cascade Christian Church Centennial Hall located at 2829 Thornapple River Drive SE.
Map to 2025 CTRA Annual Meeting
Monday April 22nd – Start drawdown at ½ foot per day
Friday April 26th – Reaches 2-foot level, maintained through the weekend
Monday April 29th — Start filling at ½ foot per day
Friday May 3rd – Reaches normal level
Note: The Cascade Dam is owned by Cascade Township and operated by Eagle Creek Renewable Energy under contract with the township. Drawdown dates, depths and drain/fill rates are set by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Further information can be found on the Cascade Township website.
Cascade Township - Cascade Dam
Thanks to the generous donations of CTRA members (and some nonmember guests). The 2024 CTRA End Of Summer Fireworks show is set for Saturday August 31st at approximately 8:45pm. The location is the same as last year – along Cascade Road – just look for all your neighbors. Please keep wakes to a minimum and turn off bright lights (navigation lights stay on for safety!) We will send an email and post on Facebook if there is a cancellation, so please check those sources frequently on Saturday as the show time approaches. Membership dues do not fund the fireworks.
Monday September 30th – Start drawdown at ½ foot per day
Friday October 4th – Reaches 2-foot level, maintained through the weekend
Monday October 7th — Start filling at ½ foot per day
Friday October 11th – Reaches normal level
Note: The Cascade Dam is owned by Cascade Township and operated by Eagle Creek Renewable Energy under contract with the township. Drawdown dates, depths and drain/fill rates are set by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Further information can be found on the Cascade Township website.
Cascade Township - Cascade Dam
The CTRA released the Spring 2024 resident update and announced that the date for the 2024 CTRA Annual Meeting needed to be changed to Thursday May 9, 2024 at 7pm. Thursday May 9th, 2024 at 7pm is the new date for the annual CTRA member meeting. Our meeting location had a scheduling conflict that required this change. This in-person meeting will feature: · Updates on various river issues · The election of CTRA Board members (must be a member in good standing to vote) · Guest speaker – Kent County Sheriff’s Department Marine Deputy (marine patrol questions are encouraged to be submitted ahead of the meeting) · An opportunity to meet and socialize with your neighbors The 2024 CTRA member meeting will now be held on Thursday May 9th, 2024 at 7pm at the Cascade Township Wisner Center, 2870 Jacksmith Ave. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Monday April 22nd – Start drawdown at ½ foot per day
Friday April 26th – Reaches 2-foot level, maintained through the weekend
Monday April 29th — Start filling at ½ foot per day
Friday May 3rd – Reaches normal level
Note: The Cascade Dam is owned by Cascade Township and operated by Eagle Creek Renewable Energy under contract with the township. Drawdown dates, depths and drain/fill rates are set by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Further information can be found on the Cascade Township website.
Cascade Township - Cascade Dam
One day, in-person Michigan Boater Safety Class The Cascade Thornapple River Association is sponsoring a free boater safety class on Saturday April 20th, 2024 administered by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division. Did you know that certain boat operators born after 6-30-96 and all personal watercraft operators born after 12-31-78 must complete a boater safety class to legally operate watercraft on Michigan waterways? This one-day, in-person class fulfills the Michigan requirement and participants will have the opportunity to take the standard test and walk out with their boater safety card if they pass. Students can retake the test on their own later if needed (nominal fees may apply). The class will be held Saturday April 20th, 2024 at the Cascade Township Wisner Center which is connected to the Cascade Library. The start time is 10:00 A.M. and it will run until approximately 4:00 P.M. There will be a 30-minute lunch break so please plan on bringing a sack lunch. Bottled water will be provided. The ending time depends on the pace of learning and how long you take to complete the test at the end of the class, so please give yourself a time buffer. The recommended minimum age for this class is 11. Please respond to the link below and provide the name, e-mail address, phone number and home address for each student so that we can get the class booklet to you in advance of the class and communicate with you. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend the class with their children to learn together. Note: We must enroll at least 20 students to hold the class, so please spread the word! We will communicate with all students as to the status of the class as the date approaches. Our thanks to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division for providing this free class. Signup or Questions: Email the CTRA to sign up or if you have questions: cascadethornapple@gmail.com Date and Time: Saturday April 20th, 2024 from 10:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M. (ending time depends on the pace of learning and how long you take to complete the test at the end of the class, so please give yourself a time buffer) Location: Cascade Township Wisner Center 2870 Jacksmith Ave. S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 This free class is the result of the CTRA advocating for you and for the river. If you are not currently an active CTRA member please consider updating your membership here: www.ctrapay.com
The CTRA released the Fall 2023 resident update with highlights of 2023 and set the date for the 2024 CTRA Annual Meeting as Tuesday April 30, 2024.!!!Now May 9, 2024!!!
CTRA Member Update
The fall 2023 river drawdown was approved by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy based on the established 2022-2024 Drawdown Plan. Dates are set by the State of Michigan. This years drawdown is again limited to two feet.
2022-2024 Drawdown Plan
The end of summer fireworks show is set for Saturday September 2nd at approximately 8:45pm. The location is the same as last year – along Cascade Road – just look for all your neighbors. Please keep wakes to a minimum and turn off bright lights (navigation lights stay on for safety!)
We will send an email and post on Facebook if there is a cancellation, so please check those sources frequently on Saturday as the show time approaches.
Membership dues do not fund the fireworks. We have adequate fireworks donations to cover this year’s show, so any additional donations received will be applied to next year. Thank you to all that contributed to fund the fireworks show!
CTRA Pay-Fireworks
The Cascade Thornapple River Association 2023 Annual Member Meeting will be held on Tuesday April 25th at 7pm in the Wisner Center. Hybrid live/recorded options are being explored however in-person is the only confirmed format at this time. Please save the date and we will see you on Tuesday April 25th at 7pm in the Wisner Center. The Wisner Center is connected to the Cascade Library located at 2870 Jacksmith Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
2022 CTRA Annual Meeting Recording
Monday April 24th – Start drawdown at ½ foot per day Friday April 28th – Reaches 2-foot level, maintained through the weekend Monday May 1st — Start filling at ½ foot per day Friday May 5th – Reaches normal level Note: The Cascade Dam is owned by Cascade Township and operated by Eagle Creek Renewable Energy under contract with the township. Drawdown dates, depths and drain/fill rates are set by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
The fall 2022 river drawdown has been approved by the State of Michigan. Please note that the dates are one week earlier than in previous years. Dates are set by the State of Michigan. This years drawdown is limited to two feet.
The end of summer fireworks show is set for Saturday September 3rd at approximately 8:45pm. The location is the same as last year – along Cascade Road – just look for all your neighbors. Please keep wakes to a minimum and turn off bright lights (navigation lights stay on for safety!)
We will send an email and post on Facebook if there is a cancellation, so please check those sources frequently on Saturday as the show time approaches.
Membership dues do not fund the fireworks. We have adequate fireworks donations to cover this year’s show, so any additional donations received will be applied to next year. Thank you to all that contributed to fund the fireworks show!
CTRA Pay-Fireworks
Cascade Township controls the activities of the Thornapple River Special Assessment District (SAD). The first application for exotic weed control on the Thornapple River was applied on Thursady June 21. Cascade Township has a website that is updated with the latest news on the SAD and the Aquatic Weed Management Program.
SAD Home
2022 Aquatic Weed management Program
This year, the virtual CTRA Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday April 26 at 7:00 PM. Lot owners without email address were notified via postcard and those with known email addresses received their notices via email. Please help us by setting your session name to something recognizable to others. If it defaults to iPad2 or Judy’s iPhone then we, and others, won’t know who you are!
CTRA Annual Meeting Zoom Link
2022 CTRA Annual Meeting notice
2022 CTRA Annual Meeting Slide Deck
2022 CTRA Annual Meeting Recording
The CTRA sent out an new email with the latest status of the Spring 2022 Drawdown that is now scheduled for a limited two foot drop starting April 25.
Spring 2022 Drawdown Update
The CTRA sent out an email with the latest status of the Spring 2022 Drawdown that is tentatively scheduled for a limited two foot drop starting April 11. This has since been revised to April 25
The CTRA sent out their February 2022 update email using the current address list. A printable version of this update is available here:
CTRA February 2022 Email
This Morning (Wednesday, October 6) The Cascade Township Posted an update to their website confirming the Fall 2021 drawdown is in progress.The fall dam drawdown will begin slowly on Monday, October 4. It will be drawn down to max October 8-10 and then begin coming back up.This is scheduled to be a 2 foot drawdown.The following email was sent by the CTRA to all known CTRA email address: The Fall Drawdown of the Thornapple River upstream of the Cascade Dam to roughly 68th St is underway. A signed agreement is now in place for the Fall 2021 Drawdown.Water levels started dropping on Monday, October 4 and will be held at the two foot maximum drawdown level Friday through Sunday before starting the refill process on Monday, October 11 with normal levels restored Friday, October 15.This morning Cascade Township (the owner of the dam) posted the update to the Fall Drawdown on their website. https://www.cascadetwp.com/community/cascade-dam.aspxThe CTRA website at http://cascadethornapple.org is being updated to reflect the revised status. Likewise, our Facebook (search for CTRA) is being updated with the latest information from Cascade Township.Fall 2021 river drawdown volunteers are needed this Saturday and Sunday!The CTRA needs volunteers to:Document the exposed riverbed in front of your property on Saturday and Sunday (when water is at its lowest point)Describe the width and composition of the exposed river bottom (muck, sand, gravel, rock, mixed)Make observations of stranded aquatic organisms, especially freshwater mussels (commonly referred to as clams)Take photographs and counts of any stranded organismsRelocate any stranded organisms to the waterSubmit your information to cascadethornapple@gmail.com and include:Your property address or area surveyed (if larger)PhotographsCounts (even if your count is zero)Comments on any hardship from a 2 foot drawdown compared to our historical 4 foot drawdownNote: If you have any issues submitting your information via email please let us know and we will find an alternative method to gather your photos.Information you submit will be used to create a potential permit request with State of Michigan regulators, and if approved it may restore 4 foot drawdowns in the future. CTRA will work in close collaboration with dam owner Cascade Township on this effort.Thank you for your assistance,Your CTRA Board of Directors
Update: The Cascade Township Board of Trustees on a 7 to 0 vote approved the formation of the Ad Hoc Thornapple River Special Assesment District Committee. The township will be sending out notices to SAD residents seeking participants to serve on the committee to help assure SAD funds are allocated appropriately.
Update: The Cascade Township Board of Trustees reapproved the formation of the Thornapple River Special Assesment District #1 after a lengthy public hearing by a vote of 6-1 in favor of the resolution. The Thornapple River neighborhood can now unify to help support restoring the section of the Thornapple River we call home.Step 3 of the SAD establishment process (take 2). The Special Assesment District establishment process resumes as part of the agenda for the Cascade Board of Trustees meeting on September 8th. While the meeting starts at 7:00, the SAD start time will be determined by the time used for other agenda items. CTRA members are strongly urged to attend the the meeting to show support for the SAD. Township Board Members have indicated that public support is vital for establishing a Special Assesment District. Show your support for the river we share by taking time to attend this meeting!
The 2021 Fireworks on the River event will be held on Labor Day weekend. The Fireworks are best viewed from your boat. See the map in the Newsletter. Thank You to those who generously donated last year (we had some extra donations to carry forward to this year) but we are still short of our 2021 goal so your continued support is needed. Donating is easy using the CTRApay portal link below or use big gold button on the Membership page to go to the regular CTRApay portal to pay your annual CTRA dues as well!
The Cascade Township Board of Trustees voted 7-0 to move forward with the repeat of step 3 of the SAD establishment process and announced that September 8th will be the Public Hearing date. Announcements will be sent out by Casacade Township prior to the meeting. It was also confirmed that the 10% cap on increases above the base $300 was over the term of the assesment period (15 years) and not per year. Many district residents had expressed concern over the possibility of having a 10% increase per year even though that was never the intention.
Cascade Township Supervisor, Grace Lesperance signed and certified the SAD roll for the Thornapple River SAD. This marked the offical restarting of the SAD approval process.
The CTRA sent the following notice to all SAD area residents with emails on file.
The Thornapple River Special Assessment District (SAD) will be on the township board agenda this Wednesday, May 26th at 7pm. The SAD was already approved on February 10th, 2021 after an extensive public process, however it is possible that the process may be reversed without additional support.
Your public comments in support of forming the SAD advisory committee and collecting required funds will help to keep the process moving forward.
The meeting on Wednesday, May 26th at 7pm will have both an in-person and a virtual option. Your opportunity to comment will be near the beginning of the meeting, regardless of how you choose to attend.
In-Person at the Wisner Center: 2870 Jacksmith Ave SE
Zoom Meeting ID: 817 6957 1319
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81769571319
Zoom Telephone dial-in number: +1 312 626 6799
Please consider submitting your comments in writing to the township board if you cannot attend the live meeting. Send them to the emails below no later than 11am EST on Wednesday, May 26th 2021 to ensure they are included.
[Note: Township contact emails are not being included on our website]
A live, free broadcast via Zoom online meeting service will be used. Email or mailer was sent to your address with sign on information.
Topics included financial update, year-in-review, river quality information, special assessment district (S.A.D.) update, board election and more…
The Cascade Thornapple River Association 2021 annual meeting was held virtually again this year. The CTRA Board appreciates your flexibility and understanding as we navigate the challenging circumstances related to COVID-19. Meeting minutes will be posted and sent out after the meeting to accommodate residents unable to attend in this virtual gathering format.
A live, free broadcast via Zoom online meeting service will be used. Email or mailer was sent to your address with sign on information.
Topics included financial update, year-in-review, river quality information, special assessment district (S.A.D.) update, board election and more…
Spring 2021 river drawdown volunteers are needed this Saturday and Sunday!
The CTRA needs volunteers to:
Document the exposed riverbed in front of your property on Saturday and Sunday (when water is at its lowest point)
Describe the width and composition of the exposed river bottom (muck, sand, gravel, rock, mixed)
Make observations of stranded aquatic organisms, especially freshwater mussels (commonly referred to as clams)
Take photographs and counts of any stranded organisms
Relocate any stranded organisms to the water
Submit your information to cascadethornapple@gmail.com and include:
Your property address or area surveyed (if larger)
Photographs
Counts (even if your count is zero)
Comments on any hardship from a 2 foot drawdown compared to our historical 4 foot drawdown
Note: If you have any issues submitting your information via email please let us know and we will find an alternative method to gather your photos.
Information you submit will be used to create a potential permit request with State of Michigan regulators, and if approved it may restore 4 foot drawdowns in the future. CTRA will work in close collaboration with dam owner Cascade Township on this effort.
Right now the schedule is:
Tuesday, April 13 through Friday April 16 – Start of drawdown and river to be dropped six inches per day to reach a maximum drop of two feet.
Saturday April 17 through Sunday April 18 - River held at two foot drawdown.
Monday April 19 through Thursday April 22 - River to be raised six inches per day to return to normal level.
Thursday April 22 - End of drawdown
On April 13 CTRA representatives met in the afternoon with the other parties controlling this week’s drawdown. The CTRA Board met later that evening to discuss details of the requirements for drawdown monitoring activities to establish efforts to reach out to volunteers to monitor the drawdown.
The CTRA is working hard to restore future drawdowns to the historical 4 foot drop level. Watch for future updates on this topic.
If you can assist during this drawdown and have not already volunteered please let us know if you want to help! Just email us at cascadethornapple@gmail.com
The Spring drawdown has always been the second weekend of April. Special challenges threaten this years drawdown. Stay tuned for updates. Email updates are being sent out. Consider providing CTRA your email address if you want timely updates!
Establishment of the Thornapple River Special Assessment District Number 1 involves a twelve step process outlined in Michigan Public Act 188 of 1954. The extensive process is administered by the Cascade Township Board of Trustees and the Cascade Township Clerk.
The Board of Trustees votes to move forward with the process at four distinct points that are referred to as resolutions.
Upon completion of Step 12 in the process the new annual assessment of $300 per parcel will apply to the Summer 2021 property tax bill.
The Cascade Township Board Meeting on Wednesday December 16 included the approval of step six of the Township SAD steps (see link below). Step seven - Notice of the Second Public Hearing is in progress. Watch your mailbox for a physical copy of the notice.
The Cascade Township Board Meeting on Wednesday October 21 included the approval to go forward with the SAD process by the Cascade Township. The Township website will have more details on the actual schedule for implementing the SAD. The next steps are basically just following the requirements of Michigan Law for implementing Special Assesment Districts. Details of the process steps are included below for your reference. The latest CTRA response that was presented as part of the October 21st approval meeting is also linked below. While support for the SAD was overwhelming there were some concerns raised. We as a community need to move forward together to make the SAD work best for our river. The CTRA prepared a document addressing many of the concerns expressed during the first public meeting that was held on September 23. That response was intended to clarify some of the concerns that were raised. It is a good read. Click below to access the CTRA responses.
The Cascade Township Board Meeting on Wednesday September 23 included the First Public Hearing for the SAD. Due to some technical issues regarding notice a second, First Public Hearing on October 14th was scheduled. However, due to the recent Supreme Court ruling virtual meetings were not allowed under the Open Meetings Act. The Township meeting is currently being recheduled to Wednesday, October 21 when (hopefully) a new law will clarify the legality of virtual and/or hybrid meetings. The township website
has been updated with information on this meeting. Some expected information is not yet posted. Check back for more information.
The Fall drawdown is always the second weekend of October.
The Cascade Township Board Meeting on Wednesday September 23 will include the First Public Hearing for the SAD. We are the sixth New Business item on the agenda so our actual starting time is unknown. Agenda Item 057-2020 Consider Resolution of “Declaration of Intent to Make Public Improvements”; Hold First Public Hearing For Thornapple River Special Assessment District No. 1.
The CTRA membership really came through to fund this year's Fireworks Show! Thanks to all that donated. If you liked this years show consider donating to next year's show.
The Cascade Thornapple River Association 2020 annual meeting was held virtually this year. The CTRA Board appreciates your flexibility and understanding as we navigate the challenging circumstances related to COVID-19. Meeting minutes will be posted and sent out after the meeting to accommodate residents unable to attend in this virtual gathering format.
A live, free broadcast via Zoom online meeting service was held. Email or mailer was sent to your address with sign on information.
Topics included financial update, year-in-review, river quality information, special assessment district (S.A.D.) update, board election and more…
Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan's premiere outdoor activities, Michigan Fishing, for FREE! The 2020 Free Fishing Weekends are scheduled for winter: February 15 & 16 and summer: June 13 & 14.
The Spring drawdown is always the second weekend of April and will continue as planned despite the COVID-19 crisis. The Fall drawdown is always the second weekend of October.
Want to see the latest updates from the board and the CTRA riverside community? Check out our Facebook page!
The Boat Launch Upgrade program will be continued in 2021. An upgrade to regular CTRA membership is required. See the Membership Page to purchase the Boat Launch Upgrade.
The Thornapple River Special Assesment District was approved by the Cascade Township Board only to be later cancelled due to a technical issue at the township because the roll had not been properly certified as stated in the aproved motion. The process was restarted when Supervisor Lesperance certified the roll on July 28, 2021. The next major milestone is a Public Hearing to be held on September 8, 2021 as part of the regular Cascade Township Board of Trustees meeting.
Due to the PFAS contamination of residents drinking wells by discharges from the Gerald Ford International Airport many residents are being forced to switch to municipal water.
Township Press Release
Web Design by Dog Ear Marketing
© 2020-2022 Cascade Thornapple River Association. All rights reserved.
