Tvedten responded that the dams were actually constructed by beavers! After a long back and forth, the state of Michigan backed down and dropped the issue. You can read the letters, both the one sent by the Michigan DEQ, and the hilarious reply from Tvedten here.
A selected quote
"I am the legal owner and a couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized) process of constructing and maintaining two wood "debris" dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond.
While I did not pay for, authorize, nor supervise their dam project, I think they would be highly offended that you call their skillful use of natural building materials "debris." I would like to challenge your department to attempt to emulate their dam project any time and/or any place you choose."
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