FLAT ROCK, Mich. – The Huron Clinton Metro Parks is in the process of deciding what will happen to a nearly 100-year-old damn in Flatrock.

One option has residents stressed out about their homes, businesses, and even the wildlife in the area.

So far, nothing has been decided. But so many people love this dam that the thought alone of removing it worries them.

The dam that’s been here in Flat Rock since the 1920s could soon be going away. And that’s the last thing these community members want to hear.

“I think these people all bought their homes for this lake. I feel for these people. I feel greatly for them,” said nearby resident Jesse Cowell.

The dam has been a staple in the Flatrock community. According to the Department of Natural Resources, it has had issues with not allowing fish to pass through the water easily, which has, in turn, affected the ability to reproduce for the variety of species inside the water.

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission conducted a feasibility study in February.

So far, the options to tackle the problem include improving the fish passage or removing Flat Rock and/or Huroc Dam, which are just a short distance away.

If that does happen, business owners fear what could happen next. Gerardo Melgarejo owns a restaurant and a canoe rental business.

“We think that the water level is gonna come down. So, it’ll affect the views of the restaurant and definitely the water for the paddles,” said Gerardo.

Dora Hill, the owner of the boutique bed and breakfast The Sanctuary on Huron River, has a similar concern about the water going down.

“If you can imagine that, just a muddy flat land with all the animals and fish gone. We don’t really know how long it’s going to take for it to come back to any type of eco-balance,” Hill said.

Many, however, are concerned about the animals and what will happen to them.

“Most of the people that live behind the damn, they’ve been posting pictures of all the wildlife. Tons of seagulls. Tons of fish. Tons of turtles. I think it’s gonna be affected by this. The water’s just gonna shrink,” Gerardo said.

“The wildlife has been here for years, and now we’re going to dramatically change everything, which I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Cowell said.

A petition to save the damn has already received hundreds of signatures, along with a growing Facebook group dedicated to the same thing. You’ll also find these signs all over town with the words save Flat Rock dam”.

A passionate plea from people who just want their voices heard.

“I think if you’re going to make them his decision of ripping this dam out, if you can afford to, I think you made a really bad decision,” Cowell said.

It seems that it’s clear that Residents rather have the damn fixed than removed.

But once again, there is no idea when a concrete decision will be made. Officials want to take their time researching to make the right choice.