Lentic Systems vs Lotic systems.
Although there are many advantages to a free flowing (lotic) river system. The Same can be said for still water systems. The Saline river is 146 miles long and only about 500 yards is in the millpond and that offers a still water (Lentic) environment thus creating greater diversity of wildlife. The Saline river does not have migratory species such as salmon or saugars that require passage.
Beavers once provided ponds and wetlands in our state for species that require still water environments. Their dams also created a blockade for lampreys and other invasive species while calming storm raging rivers. Still water ecosystems create wetlands, improving water quality, mitigating floods and droughts, and supporting biodiversity. Not to mention property values. Still waters function as natural filters, slow water flow, and raise groundwater levels, which supports a wide range of plants and animals, from fish and insects to birds and mammals.
Our dam now takes on that role. Eagles, songbirds, water fowl (swans, cranes, egerts, blue herons, green herons, ducks. geese, grebes & coots) along with many mammals, reptiles and amphibians depend on the still waters of the mill pond. As do endangered lentic mussels and clams. It’s been a still water environment for over 180 years now. Saline is blessed to have such an environment. To destroy it would be to lose that biodiversity forever. Stillwater also offers residents greater recreation. I’ve lived in Saline for 36 years and have never seen a kayak or canoe in the free flowing waters right across the road in Curtis park.
Summary of comparative advantages
| Feature | Stillwater (Lentic) Environment | Free-flowing (Lotic) Environment |
| Water movement | Slow or stationary. | Unidirectional and constant. |
| Productivity | High productivity due to nutrient-rich sediment. | Variable productivity; nutrient cycling is dependent on the flow rate. |
| Oxygenation | Can fluctuate, especially in smaller, stagnant water bodies. | High and consistent oxygen levels due to water turbulence. |
| Wildlife movement | Provides local habitat and travel corridors. | Facilitates long-distance migration for many species. |
| Reproduction | Ideal, stable nurseries and spawning grounds. | Spawning beds are built from transported gravel and sediment. |
| Cover and protection | Dense vegetation offers excellent shelter from predators. | Riparian vegetation and instream structures provide cover. |