|
|
|
Galien River Watershed
|
|
|
|
Beautiful southwest Michigan is blessed with quiet woodlands, rolling streams, wildlife, and productive farms thanks to the gentle care it has received from families with long-time roots. But things are changing: the treasured forests are being sold, the land is subdivided and then it is developed. Have you asked yourself “What can be done?”
The Galien River Watershed Project is designed to preserve good water quality and protect the open, natural spaces that we all love. It’s part of a larger project to keep the beautiful Galien River a healthy vital river...
Project History –
This locally led project was started by the county drain commission in 2001 to study flooding problems in the watershed. An inventory was completed in 2003 and a local steering committee of conservation groups, elected officials, private citizens and landowners came together to develop a Watershed Management Plan. Grant funds were obtained in 2005 to begin implementation of the plan.
|
|
 |
|
|
| Photo by Nancy Johnson |
|
|
Project Partners includes:
- The Berrien County Road Commission is working to reduce erosion near stream - road crossings by using improved designs and best management practices.
- The Berrien County Conservation District is informing landowners of related farm bill programs through newsletters and field days.
- The Southwestern Michigan Planning Commission is increasing planning and township board knowledge of water quality issues.
- Sauk Trails RC&D will reduce stream-bank erosion with bioengineering techniques.
- The Conservation Fund is conducting community education projects to increase public knowledge and understanding of the watershed.
- Chikaming Open Lands is facilitating the grant, and working with landowners to establish voluntary conservation easements to protect water quality.
Stream Monitoring
Chikaming Open Lands is one of three organizations in the state of Michigan that has been awarded a startup Volunteer Stream Monitoring Grant by MiCorps. This grant is “seed money” to form a volunteer stream monitoring group, conduct research on a monitoring project and design a strategy for implementation. A successful program will greatly benefit the Galien River Watershed. Over the next six months, COL will be presenting information on Stream Monitoring to townships and citizen organizations within the Galien Watershed. If you would like to get involved or learn more, contact Chikaming Open Lands: Phone: 269-469-2330. Email: Info@chikamingopenlands.org You can also learn more about Stream Monitoring in our October 2007 Newsletter or visit http://www.micorps.net/.
Goals for the Future –
Priority One is to preserve water quality in the watershed by working with people owning land along the water’s edge. As a resident in the Galien River Watershed you have the ability to help preserve the river for centuries to come. You recognize that protecting the working farms, quiet woodlands and rolling streams is essential to maintaining good water quality. You value the local agricultural products. You know the importance of the wildlife that share the watershed with us. And most importantly you understand that protecting the Galien River and its tributaries will help ensure that future generations can enjoy the woods, streams, farms and wildlife.
If you’d like to learn how to support the Galien Watershed Project call Jean Brokish at 269-469-2330 or email jbrokish@chikamingopenlands.org.
To read the Water Management Plan, please visit www.swmpc.org.
To view the Galien River Watershed Map click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
