Mio Dam is a hydro-electric dam located on the Au Sable River in Michigan capable of generating 4.96 MW of electric power. It was the 4th of 6 dams built by Consumers Power between 1906 and 1924 along the Au Sable River and is the furthest upstream of the six. The dam was completed in 1916. The Mio Hydroelectric Plant consists of an embankment on each side connected by a spillway. Located North of the spillway is the powerhouse and outdoor substation. Public access to Mio Pond is provided via a boat ramp maintained by Consumers Energy, and portage facilities are also provided allowing canoes and kayaks access to bypass the dam. Portage the dam on the right using the cement stairs then carry down a gravel road with a canoe slide on the down river side of the dam. The Mio Dam powerhouse continues to operate with the same turbines and generators that were installed over a century ago. Recognition and Significance NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER: In 1984 the Federal government designated the 23-mile stretch of river below the dam as a part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. This special stretch between the Mio Dam and Alcona Dam provides habitat for bald eagles and the endangered Kirtland’s warbler and numerous recreational opportunities like hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, picnicking and bird watching. MICHIGAN HISTORIC SITE: In 2005 the Mio Dam was named as a Michigan Historic Site because it was the first hydro to route excess river flow through conduits built into the foundation of the powerhouse (known as under-sluce) rather than the typical costly above-ground gated spillway. Nevertheless, in 1988 the dam was modified to meet then-current federal dam safety standards requiring an additional above-ground concrete spillway be added. Now, if the pond level rises above the capacity of the conduit/under-sluice spillway, the water overflows over the newer static spillway. HYDRO HALL OF FAME: In June 2017, the Mio Dam's historically unique significance was celebrated when it was inducted into the Hydro Hall of Fame by HydroVision International recognizing the ingenuity of its initial design (conduit spillways under the powerhouse foundation) and the over 100 years of value the dam has provided. The unique under-slice design reduced tailwater erosion during spill operation, reduced construction expense, and eliminated ice build-up on tainter gates during winter. This under-sluce design was also incorporated into other Consumers Power Company