 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Mid-Shiawassee River Watershed Planning Project
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Since 2000, the Shiawassee Conservation District has worked to improve the Mid-Shiawassee River Watershed by assembling an approved watershed management plan, implementing an information and education campaign and installing Best Management Practices.
Currently, the Shiawassee Conservation District is working to update this existing plan to include new requirements for watershed management plans set forth by the state and federal government. The main objective in updating the current Mid-Shiawassee River Watershed Plan is to prepare for implementation of long term physical changes in an effort to improve water quality by reducing or eliminating non-point sources of pollution. The updated plan will identify and prioritize sources of non-point source pollution through a comprehensive stream inventory.
This Nonpoint Source Pollution Control project is funded through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE), Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection through a grant awarded to the Shiawassee Conservation District.
OUR WATER QUALITY CONCERNS
The
Shiawassee River Watershed covers 742,400 acres of mixed agricultural
and urban land uses, with numerous small streams and county drains
contributing to nonpoint source pollution. Nestled between the cities
of Flint and Lansing, urban sprawl is a growing concern. Earlier
research has shown exceedances in phosphorus and pathogens, and poor
fish and macroinvertebrate communities. In 1995, a biological survey
indicated degraded habitat from sedimentation, large flow fluctuations
and removal of riparian vegetation. Large flow fluctuations are leading
to a wider, more shallow river, unstable stream banks and many other
pollutants. Excessive aquatic rooted vegetation is causing large
dissolved oxygen fluctuations, stressing the more sensitive
macroinvertebrate and fish species.
The Shiawassee River flows about 110 miles in a northerly direction and discharges into the Saginaw Bay. The Shiawassee River Watershed covers 742,400 acres of mixed agricultural and urban land uses, making it vulnerable to a wide range of pollution sources.
The Mid-Shiawassee River Watershed area covers three unique sub-watersheds, representing urban, agricultural, and urban/agricultural land uses. The objective is to create a unique model of management that can be used throughout the state for other watersheds with similar land uses.
State Road Drain Watershed
covers 13,760 acres of
predominately agricultural land use. Tributary erosion is rampant in the
State Road Drain, contributing to the problem of sedimentation and
nutrient overload. An Environmental Impact Statement in 1976 stated
that the drain yields 274 tons of sediment into the River annually.
Middle Branch of the Shiawassee River Watershed
covers 22,336
acres of mostly urban land use, encompassing the growing cities of
Owosso and Corunna. The most immediate concern appears to be the
Corlett Creek area, undergoing major development.
Holly Drain Watershed covers 22,720 acres of agricultural and urban land uses, providing a unique model of an agricultural/urban watershed. Exceedances in nutrient enrichment, nuisance plant growth and E. coli bacteria top the list of concerns.
Public support is crucial to the Watershed Planning Process. Partnerships built during this time play a vital role in deciding where to most effectively and efficiently apply conservation efforts and assist in preparing for the next implementation phase. If you are interested in participating in the planning process, sharing your concerns or getting more information about the project and nonpoint source pollution, please contact :
Andrea Berry
Watershed Project Technician
(989)723-8263 Ext. 3.
The Shiawassee Conservation District’s mission is to provide for the care, informed usage, and protection of natural resources by creating awareness of conservation issues and by being the leader in providing innovative assistance.
