Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed
The purpose of this StoryMap is to educate and inform the public about the history, ongoing efforts, and current status of the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed Management Plan. This StoryMap was created wholly or in part by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's Watershed Council Support funding.
Introduction
What is a watershed?
A watershed as an area of land that channels all the rainfall, snowmelt, and runoff into a body of water like a lake or river. Watersheds can be small and include an area of land that drains into a trickling creek. They can encompass multiple states in the Midwest, all draining into the Mississippi River. Or they can encompass multiple countries draining into the Atlantic Ocean. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines these watersheds as “Hydrologic Units" and assigns them hydrologic unit codes. These units vary greatly in scale, from vast water resource regions spanning millions of square miles to small, local tributary systems. There are a total of 90,000 hydrologic unit codes designated across the nation. No matter where you are standing or sitting right now, you are in a watershed. And what you do everyday can help protect your favorite wetland, lake, or stream.
What is a Watershed Management Plan?
A watershed management plan identifies challenges and threats to water resources and outlines a strategy to address these issues within a specific watershed. Its primary purpose is to guide watershed coordinators, resource managers, policymakers, and community organizations in efforts to restore and protect the quality of lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands within the watershed. The plan serves as a practical tool, providing specific recommendations for practices that can improve and sustain water quality. During the development of a watershed management plan, various resource inventories are conducted to evaluate different types of nonpoint source pollution. These inventories typically include assessments of agriculture, forestry, road stream crossings, and surveys of streambanks and shorelines.
To be eligible for 319 nonpoint source funding, watershed management plans must meet EGLE’s Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) criteria and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 9 Elements of a Watershed Management Plan. These plans are considered "living documents," meaning they must be reexamined and revised over time to reflect changing conditions and the achievement of goals.
The EGLE Nonpoint Source Program has developed a reference sheet outlining CMI, Nine-Element, and Phase II watershed management plan requirements .
Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed
Geography
The Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed is the largest sub-watershed of Grand Traverse Bay, covering over 500 square miles of land and encompassing parts of Antrim, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Otsego Counties. The watershed is home to the famous Chain of Lakes, 55 miles of connected lakes and streams. Elevations in the watershed range from 535 feet above sea level to 1,561 feet above sea level.
Water Bodies
The lakes, rivers, and streams of this watershed provide ample opportunities for recreation, offer stunning views, support abundant fisheries, and help sustain local economies. The Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed contains nearly 60 square miles of water and over 200 miles of shoreline, and is unique in that it is comprised of 14 interconnected lakes and rivers in Antrim and Kalkaska counties and encompasses over 200 streams, 138 miles of which are designated Blue Ribbon trout streams. Starting at the headwaters near East Jordan, water flows 55 miles through the chain, drops 40 feet in elevation as it travels into Elk River and finally into Grand Traverse Bay where it provides approximately 60% of the bay’s tributary flow inputs (Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, 2005).
14 lakes make up the Chain of Lakes, however many more lakes can be found within the watershed including: Mud Lake, Carpenter Lake, Little Torch Lake, Eaton Lake, Thayer Lake , Harwood Lake, and a number of other small lakes. The Chain of Lakes begins at Beals Lake and flows north into Scotts Lake . Water then continues north through Six Mile Lake and onto St. Clair Lake . Near the town of Ellsworth, it turns south through Ellsworth, Wilson , Ben-way , Hanley and Intermediate Lakes . South of the town of Bellaire, the chain opens into larger bodies of water, flowing south through Lake Bellaire , west through Clam Lake , and cutting through southern Torch Lake to the Torch River. This main channel then flows west through Lake Skegemog , north through Elk Lake and out of the Elk River into Lake Michigan . The combined surface area of all fourteen lakes in the chain is 34,420 acres. The largest lakes found within the Watershed are Torch Lake , Elk Lake , and Lake Skegemog . With a maximum depth of 302 feet, Torch Lake is by far the deepest of all the lakes, followed by Elk Lake with a maximum depth of 195 feet.
Land Cover
The Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed is characterized by a wide variety of land cover types and land uses. As of 2010, forested land comprised the vast majority of land cover (42.96%), which contributes to the high quality nature of the region (NOAA C CAP 2010). Other land cover types found within the Watershed include urban, agriculture,grassland/herbaceous, scrub-shrub, wetland, water, and barren.
Agriculture is the second most extensive land use type within the Watershed. Of the total agricultural land found within the watershed. 68.32 square miles is cultivated cropland and 11.59 square miles is pasture and hay. The top crop items grown in the Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed vary between counties. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, top crop items grown in counties of the watershed include hay, tart cherries, corn, potatoes, soybeans, wheat, and the top livestock items include cattle, and pigs (Census of Agriculture 2012).
Water and wetland areas together make up just over 20% of the Watershed. Urban and developed areas make up a relatively small percentage of the land area (4.25%). The primary urban centers include Ellsworth, Central Lake, Bellaire, Mancelona, Elk Rapids, and Kalkaska.
Soils
Glacial tophography within the Watershed consists of eight different glacial feature types. The southern and eastern parts of the Watershed are primarily characterized by moraine ridges with few kettle lakes, broad and flat outwash plains with few lakes, and pitted outwash plain. Closer to the 14-lake chain in the western and northern parts of the Watershed, the glacial topography is predominantly composed of broad moraine ridges, till plains, or drumlins. Around the major lakes are sandy flat lake plains.
The Watershed is characterized by 10 different soil associations that vary throughout the landscape (Figure 13). In the north and western portions, the majority of the soils are of the Emmet-Montcalm-Kalkaska soil association. This soil association typically consists of sandy loams and loamy sands that range from neutral to acidic. They are found on gently sloping to steep land and are well-drained. In the eastern part of the Watershed, Kalkaska-Leelanau-Emmet and Kalkaska-Rubicon-Duel soil associations are more common. The Kalkaska-Leelanau-Emmet soils are well-drained sands and loamy sands that persist on level to steep areas. They are typically slightly acidic or neutral. The Kalkaska-Rubicon-Duel soil association shares similar characteristics to the Kalkaska-Leelanau-Emmet soils, but the sand is very droughty (dry) (USDA, 1966).
Groundwater
Groundwater is essential for maintaining water quality and ecosystem integrity. It replenishes lakes, streams, and wetlands, providing a consistent water source that supports aquatic habitats and biodiversity. Within the Watershed, most groundwater recharge occurs in the southwestern corner where the watershed intersects with Grand Traverse County and in the eastern-most portions of the Watershed. Recharge rates in these areas ranges from 15 to 20 inches per year. Groundwater recharge is lowest in the northern part of the watershed near Ellsworth and Eastport, with a rate of 5 to 8 inches per year. Near major lakes such as Torch Lake, Elk Lake, and Lake Skegemog, recharge is between 5 and 8 inches year.
Implementation Tasks
Implementation tasks are strategic actions designed to achieve specific goals within a watershed management plan. These tasks focus on improving water quality, protecting natural resources, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Implementation Tasks Include:
- Protect the diversity of aquatic habitants
- Protect and improve water quality
- Enhance and maintain recreational opportunities that preserve water quality and support the local economy
- Promote sustainable land management practices that conserve and protect the natural resources, character, and heritage of the Watershed
- Integrate climate-resilient practices and efforts throughout the Watershed
- Develop and maintain effective education and outreach efforts to support Watershed protection
Specific Categories Covered by Implementation Tasks Include:
- Water Quality Monitoring: Conduct regular monitoring of physical, chemical, and biological parameters to track changes in water quality and identify areas needing intervention.
- Wetlands Protection: Preserve existing wetlands and restore degraded ones to enhance biodiversity, improve water filtration, and provide wildlife habitats.
- Shoreline and Streambank Protection: Implement erosion control measures and establish vegetative buffer zones along shorelines and streambanks to prevent erosion and protect aquatic habitats.
- Stormwater Management: Monitor stormwater discharge and promote green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) to watershed residents to increase stormwater awareness and implementation of best management practices.
- Planning and Zoning: Utilize the recommendations of the Antrim and Charlevoix County Gaps Analysis (2013) to encourage the adoption of model standards in zoning ordinances to protect water quality. Work with local governments to implement and improve ordinances that will improve water quality.
- Land Use: Implement and promote best management practices in identified critical areas.
- Road/Stream Crossing: Conduct and repeat road/stream crossing inventories throughout the watershed on a priority basis. Implement road/stream crossing projects for improved hydrology, erosion control, and fish passage.
- Land Protection and Management: Repeat priority parcel process to identify additional priority parcels and protect high priority parcels throughout the Watershed.
- Ecosystem Health: Protect and restore water quality and habitat within the Watershed's priority areas that currently support, or have the potential to support, robust populations of aquatic species and other wildlife.
- Recreation, Safety and Human Health: Monitor public beaches for potential health hazards, promote clean boating practices, and provide information and feedback to local and state governments regarding their recreational planning efforts.
- Hydrology and Groundwater: Compile existing groundwater information, identify problems, determine data gaps and develop a strategy for long-term monitoring.
- Threatened, Endangered, and Species of Concern: Protect and restore critical habitat for species listed as Threatened, Endangered or as a Species of Concern through stream conservation practices, such as maintaining or establishing sufficient riparian buffers or natural flows, water quality protection, and invasive species management.
- Aquatic Invasive Species: Implement projects and programs to stop the introduction, spread and distribution of invasive species within the Watershed.
- Septic Systems: Develop a septic systems outreach campaign to educate the public on septic system maintenance.
- Emerging Threats: Mitigate and monitor emerging threats such as climate change, microplastics, PFAs/PFOAs and harmful algal blooms (HABs).
- Pollution Control: Address sources of nutrient and sediment pollution through targeted BMPs and regulatory measures.
- Community Engagement: Encourage local participation in watershed protection activities to foster a sense of stewardship among residents.
- Clean Marinas: Monitor public beaches and promote clean boating practices.
Water Quality
Water quality data has been collected throughout the Watershed since as early as 1967 but spatial and temporal coverage has been somewhat inconsistent even into the present time. The types of monitoring efforts range from one-time governmental efforts measuring many parameters across large areas to citizen science campaigns carried out by local volunteers. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council (TOMWC) has been one of the most active organizations compiling water quality data within the area and has implemented three ongoing monitoring programs exploring the state of inland lakes and rivers. TOMWC has been monitoring water quality in the Watershed through the Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Program since 1992, the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program since 1990, and the Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program since 2005.
Other data analyzed in the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed Management Plan was collected by partners such as The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay, The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), The United States Geological Survey (USGS), and Three Lakes Association.
Parameters Monitored
Multiple parameters are monitored when developing a watershed management plan. Monitoring includes over 40 physical and chemical parameters, including nutrients, aquatic macroinvertebrates, E. coli bacteria, pH, dissolved oxygen, and specific conductivity.
Aquatic macroinvertebrate monitoring, Wilkinson Creek, 2023
- Nutrients: Phosphorus and nitrogen levels are monitored in lakes and streams to assess nutrient pollution and its potential impact on water quality and aquatic life.
- Aquatic Macroinvertebrates: Insects in their nymph and larval stages, such as dragonfly and stonefly nymphs, aquatic beetles, and water mites, are monitored to gauge stream health and biodiversity.
- E. coli Bacteria: This coliform bacteria indicates fecal contamination in the water, which can pose health risks and affect recreational water quality.
- pH: Monitoring pH levels ensures the water quality supports fisheries and other wildlife by maintaining a balanced aquatic environment.
- Dissolved Oxygen: DO levels are critical for supporting fisheries and other aquatic organisms, with healthy levels indicating good water quality.
- Specific Conductivity: Conductivity is monitored as it indicates the presence of dissolved salts and pollutants in the water.
Critical and Priority Areas
Critical areas for protection, intervention, or remediation within the ERCOL Watershed.
Critical Areas
Critical areas within the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed are regions where management measures need to be implemented to reduce nonpoint source pollution. These areas have been identified through resource inventories, Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis, and reports from resource managers. The main sources of nonpoint pollution include agriculture, urban stormwater, shoreline management, hydrologic manipulation, road/stream crossings, and malfunctioning septic systems. A site may be classified as a level 1, 2 or 3 tier critical area if it meets a certain number of the threat factor criteria mentioned above. Tier 1 critical areas should be highest priority for some form of implementation to reduce, avoided or negate the impact of a threat factor. Tiers are classified as follows:
Tier 1 (high priority): Meets criteria for 5 or more threat factors
Tier 2 (mid priority): Meet criteria for 3-4 threat factors
Tier 3 (low priority): Meets criteria for 1-2 threat factors
In evaluating potential sites for remediation, this tiered approach should be utilized to prioritize discrete areas based on the number of identified threats.
Priority Areas
Priority areas are those most vulnerable to development and other land uses, including steep slopes, riparian areas, groundwater recharge areas, and wetlands. Protecting these features ensures long-term water quality in the watershed. Steep slopes are prone to erosion, riparian areas are crucial for water quality, groundwater recharge areas support cold water fisheries, and wetlands offer various ecological benefits. The Priority Parcel Analysis conducted by TOMWC, in collaboration with Little Traverse Conservancy and Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, evaluated land parcels based on ecological criteria and ranked them for protection efforts.
Priority parcel analysis results for ERCOL Watershed.
Accomplished and Ongoing Projects
Social Indicator Survey
Social Indicator Survey. Click to expand.
2018
Torch Lake Aquatic Plant Survey
Torch Lake Aquatic Plant Survey. Click to expand.
2021
Bass Lake Shoreline Survey
Bass Lake Shoreline Survey. Click to expand.
2022
Elk Rapids Corridor Assessment
Elk Rapids Corridor Assessment. Click to expand.
2022
Bass Lake Aquatic Plant Survey
Bass Lake Aquatic Plant Survey. Click to expand.
2023
Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Program (CWQM)
Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Program (CWQM). Click to expand.
Ongoing
Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLM)
Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLM). Click to expand.
Ongoing
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program (VSM)
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program (VSM). Click to expand.
Ongoing
Watershed Academy
Watershed Academy. Click to expand.
Ongoing
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Drop-Off Program (POD Program)
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Drop-Off Program (POD Program). Click to expand.
Ongoing
Mobile Boat Washing Program (MOBO)
Mobile Boat Washing Program (MOBO). Click to expand.
Ongoing
Waterfront Resource Guide
Waterfront Resource Guide. Click to expand.
2024
Restoration Projects
Restoration Projects . Click to expand.
Ongoing
Monitoring Sites
Monitoring Sites. Click to expand.
Ongoing
Village of Bellaire Wastewater Treatment Plant Monitoring
Village of Bellaire Wastewater Treatment Plant Monitoring. Click to expand.
2023 - Present
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Early Detection Surveys
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Early Detection Surveys. Click to expand.
2023 - 2025
Coastal & Riparian Habitat Restoration Initiative
Coastal & Riparian Habitat Restoration Initiative. Click to expand.
Ongoing
Social Indicator Survey
2018
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council conducted a series of three surveys in the Elk River Chain of Lakes (ERCOL) Watershed during 2017-2019 with watershed residents, shoreline property owners, and local officials. These were done to identify the needs and concerns regarding the water quality of the lakes in the Chain. The results will help guide the direction of future education efforts to protect the water quality of the Watershed. Find results and more information here .
Project Partners: N/A
Project Cost: N/A
Torch Lake Aquatic Plant Survey
2021
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
In total, 25 taxa were found during the survey. Sixteen different plant taxa were found in Torch Lake and twenty were found on the lagoon. One additional species (invasive Phragmites) was found on the Clam River. The most frequently found plant was muskgrass (Chara spp.), found at 47% of sites on Torch Lake and 66% of sites on the Torch River Lagoon. Plants may have been found at more than one site.
The only invasive species found on Torch Lake itself was Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) at three sites. Eurasian watermilfoil was the second-most commonly found plant on the Torch River Lagoon, being found at nearly 50% of the sites. Other invasive species found on the lagoon include curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria).
Project Partners: Dole Family Foundation, Three Lakes Association, and Torch Lake Protection Alliance
Project Cost: $13,822
Bass Lake Shoreline Survey
2022
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Approximately 82% of shoreline properties on Bass Lake were considered to be developed or partially developed, with the vast majority of these being developed. Cladophora algae growth was not found along any of the parcels on Bass Lake in the 2022 survey. The highest percentage (29.2%) of Bass Lake parcels had a very poor greenbelt score, meaning that the greenbelt was absent. Half (50%) of the Bass Lake parcels fell into the two best categories, labeled good and excellent. The majority (56.3%) of Bass Lake parcels did not have any alterations to the shoreline. A total of 27 parcels (43.7%) had at least one alteration to the shoreline. The majority (91.7%) of shoreline properties did not show signs of erosion, and no sign of heavy erosion was recorded on the lake's shoreline.
Project Partners: Special Assessment District of the Township of Elk Rapids
Project Cost: $2,950
Elk Rapids Corridor Assessment
2022
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
At the request of the Village of Elk Rapids, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council assessed the riparian corridor in Elk Rapids along the Elk River. The project area included the river and the riparian corridor downstream of the village boundary and Burnett Foods. Watershed Council staff traveled throughout publicly accessible areas of the corridor on foot and by kayak to assess existing vegetation (species and general health), any invasive species, and areas where native vegetation should be enhanced. Staff also took note of any significant erosion, stormwater outfalls, and other conditions that may need future monitoring or restoration efforts. Find more information here
Project Partners: N/A
Project Cost: N/A
Bass Lake Aquatic Plant Survey
2023
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Based on this survey, plants cover 72.6% of Bass Lake’s total lake bottom. In total, 20 taxa were found during the survey. The most frequently found plant was muskgrass (Chara spp.), found at 54.7% of sites on Bass Lake. The next three frequently-found plants on Bass Lake were slender naiad (Najas flexilis), Illinois pondweed (Potamogeton illinoensis), and white pond lily (Nymphaea odorata). The only invasive species found on Bass Lake itself was purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicara), found at only one site.
Project Partners: Special Assessment District of the Township of Elk Rapids
Project Cost: $4,163
Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Program (CWQM)
Ongoing
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
The Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Program was launched by Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council in 1987. Initially, physical and chemical data were collected on 10 lakes but the program has progressively expanded to 58 lakes and rivers. Typically, data for nine parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, clarity, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, and chloride) are collected at the surface, middle and bottom of the water column in each water body. This highly-accurate water quality data for lakes and rivers in Northern Michigan, collected consistently for the last 20+ years, have been compiled into a single database that can be used by staff to evaluate aquatic ecosystem health, examine trends within or among water bodies, and identify specific problems. Find more information and program data here .
Project Partners: N/A
Project Cost: N/A
Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLM)
Ongoing
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Volunteers monitor water quality on their lakes annually during the summer months. Lake monitors use a Secchi disk to determine water clarity weekly, and a composite sampler to take a chlorophyll-a sample bi-weekly. These two sampling methods allow the Watershed Council to determine a Trophic Status Index (TSI) score for the lakes monitored. The TSI score can be used to track trends and compare lakes across the Watershed. Find more information and data here .
Lakes monitored in 2024:
- Bass
- Bellaire
- Clam
- Elk
- Hanley
- Intermediate
- Six Mile
- Susan
- Skegemog
- Thayer
- Torch
- Wheeler
Project Partners: Lake associations, and MSU Extension
Project Cost: N/A
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program (VSM)
Ongoing
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Volunteer teams monitor the water quality of wadeable streams two times a year, during the spring (May) and fall (September) in the ERCOL Lake Watershed. While volunteers note relevant information on the survey form, collectors use a net to vigorously sample all habitats in the stream reach for macroinvertebrates. The macroinvertebrates collected are identified and used as bioindicators to determine health of the streams monitored in the Watershed. VSM data is used to compare sites and identify trends over time. Find more information and program data here .
Streams monitored in 2024:
- Wilkinson Creek
Project Partners: MiCorps
Project Cost: N/A
Watershed Academy
Ongoing
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
The Watershed Academy program provides high school science students an opportunity to become experts in their local watershed. The Watershed Academy is a great opportunity for these students to learn about their local watershed and assume leadership roles in their community through volunteering time, knowledge, and skills.
Students in the program conduct stream monitoring through the same methods as the Volunteer Stream Monitoring program. In addition to collecting macroinvertebrates, students test nutrients, chloride and other parameters.
Streams monitored in 2024:
- Bissell Creek
Project Partners: Great Lakes Fishery, and various lake associations
Project Cost: N/A
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Drop-Off Program (POD Program)
Ongoing
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
The Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Drop-Off Program or POD Program is a multicounty-wide medication drug take back initiative to provide a convenient location for residents to properly dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications. The POD Program is a highly successful collaboration including a stakeholder’s group, community collections, and a permanent drug drop box program. The POD Program has over 20 permanent collection drop boxes at law enforcement agencies throughout Northern Michigan. Find more information here .
Project Partners: N/A
Project Cost: N/A
Mobile Boat Washing Program (MOBO)
Ongoing
Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
The Mobile Boat Washing Station (MOBO) Program was started in Northern Michigan in 2020. High-pressure, heated water is used to wash invasive plants and animals off boats and trailers. The Watershed Council visits various Northern Michigan lake landings and washes boats for free throughout the summer. The MOBO event calendar and more program information can be found here .
Project Partners: U.S. Forest Service, and Department of Natural Resources
Project Cost: N/A
Waterfront Resource Guide
2024
Project Lead: The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay
The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay created a Waterfront Resource Guide intended as an education tool for waterfront property owners within the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed region. The guide can be found at the link here: https://gtbay.org/waterfront-guide/
Project Partners: N/A
Project Cost: N/A
Restoration Projects
Ongoing
Project Lead: The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay
The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay has completed several restoration projects throughout the watershed. This includes work on rain gardens in Elk Rapids, road-stream crossing updates, stream restoration and riparian buffers and more. For more details on specific projects, please visit their interactive map here .
Project Partners: N/A
Project Cost: N/A
Monitoring Sites
Ongoing
Project Lead: The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay
The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay has several ongoing monitoring sites throughout the watershed including road-stream crossing inventories, stream monitoring, and conductivity monitoring. For more details on specific projects or monitoring sites, please visit their interactive map here .
Project Partners: N/A
Project Cost: N/A
Village of Bellaire Wastewater Treatment Plant Monitoring
2023 - Present
Project Lead: Three Lakes Association (TLA)
Following concerns regarding the wastewater treatment plant and past treatment levels, Three Lakes Association began monitoring nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations in the surface water of the Lower Intermediate River. Monitoring occurs upstream and downstream of the discharge wetland. Monitoring first occurred in 2023 and 2024, with continuation in 2025. For a detailed history, please see TLA's 2025 newsletter here.
Project Partners: N/A
Project Cost: N/A
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Early Detection Surveys
2023 - 2025
Project Lead: CAKE CISMA
With funding from the DNR's Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, CAKE CISMA conducted early detection surveys for Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive forest pest, and engaged local communities through education efforts. After a citizen reported the first confirmed detection of HWA in Antrim county, CAKE CISMA worked to map the infestation and treated over 4,000 trees in the Torch Lake area, For more information on HWA and CAKE CISMA's efforts, please visit this web page.
Project Partners: Mason Lake Conservation District, Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network, MDNR, MDARD
Project Cost: $27,700
Coastal & Riparian Habitat Restoration Initiative
Ongoing
Project Lead: CAKE CISMA
With funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, CAKE CISMA and its partners are focused on protecting and restoring unique freshwater ecosystems in the region. This project builds upon a comprehensive survey conducted by Michigan Natural Features Inventory for CAKE CISMA that prioritized key areas based on habitat quality, rarity, and wildlife importance (read the report here ). CAKE CISMA is actively managing invasive species like phragmites, buckthorn, and knotweed to restore these vital habitats. Invasive-free buffer zones are also being established around endangered plant populations and rare natural communities. For more information, please visit this website .
Project Partners: Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Project Cost: $200,000
Partners
Antrim Conservation District ( https://www.antrimcd.com/)
Antrim County Planning Department ( https://www.antrimcountymi.gov/ )
Antrim County Road Commission ( https://www.antrimcrc.org/ )
Conservation Resource Alliance ( https://www.rivercare.org/ )
Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association ( https://elk-skegemog.org/ )
Friends of Clam Lake ( https://friendsofclamlake.org)
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy ( https://www.gtrlc.org/ )
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians ( https://www.gtbindians.org/ )
Grass River Natural Area ( https://www.grassriver.org/ )
Health Department of Northwest Michigan ( https://nwhealth.org/ )
Local Governments
MI Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy ( https://www.michigan.gov/egle )
MI Dept. of Natural Resources ( https://www.michigan.gov/dnr )
Michigan State University Extension ( https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ )
Natural Resource Conservation Service ( https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ )
Networks Northwest ( https://www.networksnorthwest.org/ )
Paddle Antrim (https://www.paddleantrim.com/ )
Three Lakes Association ( https://www.3lakes.com/ )
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council ( https://watershedcouncil.org/ )
The Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay ( https://gtbay.org/ )
Torch Lake Protection Alliance ( https://tlpa.co/ )
References
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Ardizone, Katherine A. and Mark A. Wyckoff, FAICP. 2003. Filling the Gaps: Environmental Protection Options for Local Governments. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Coastal Management Program with financial assistance from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, authorized by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 19722. June 2003.
Boutt, D.F., Hyndman, D.W., Pijanowski, B.C., and D.T. Long. (2001). Identifying potential land use-derived solute sources to stream baseflow using ground water models and GIS. Groundwater. 39(1):24-34.
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Clement, T.A. (2016). Grass River Natural Area Stream Monitoring Report.
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Friends of Clam Lake. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2016 from Friends of Clam Lake: http://www.focl.info/
Frankenberger, J., McLoud, S., and A. Faulkenburg. (2002). Watershed Inventory Workbook for Indiana: A guide for watershed partnerships. Retrieved from https://engineering.purdue.edu/SafeWater/watershed/inventoryf.pdf.
Fuller, L.M., & Minnerick, R.J. (2008). State and regional water-quality characteristics and trophic conditions of Michigan’s inland lakes, 2001–2005: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2008–5188.
Grass River Natural Area (GRNA). (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2016, from Grass River Natural Area: http://www.grassriver.org
Great Lakes Integrated Sciences Assessments (GLISA). (2014). Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region. Retrieved from http://glisa.umich.edu/media/files/GLISA_climate_change_summary.pdf.
Kendall, A., Fessell, B., & Cronk, K. (2014). Understanding the Hydrologic Landscape to Assess Trajectories of Sediment Sources and Stream Condition in the Grass and Rapid River Watersheds.
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