Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Logo

Lake Charlevoix Watershed

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Lake Charlevoix shoreline

The purpose of this StoryMap is to educate and inform the public about the history, ongoing efforts, and current status of the Lake Charlevoix 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. 

This cross-sectional illustration of a watershed shows various water processes and land uses. It features rain falling and flowing as surface runoff, with groundwater recharge and discharge indicated by arrows. The landscape includes forests, agricultural fields, rural areas, and urban areas. Human activities such as wells, septic systems, urban runoff, and wastewater discharge are depicted. The river collects runoff, groundwater discharge, and wastewater, flowing towards a larger body of water, illustrating the interconnectedness of water processes and human impacts within a watershed.

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.

Cover page of the Lake Charlevoix Watershed Management Plan that includes a watershed map and text: "Lake Charlevoix Watershed Management Plan: Protecting Water Quality for Today and Tomorrow. July 2012"

Lake Charlevoix Watershed

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Geography

The  Lake Charlevoix Watershed  covers approximately 332 square miles (212,515 acres) and spans across Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties. The watershed has an elongated shape, running from northwest to southeast, and includes significant portions of multiple townships such as Bay, Boyne Valley, Charlevoix, Eveline, Evangeline, Hayes, Hudson, Marion, Melrose, South Arm, and Wilson in Charlevoix County; Chestonia, Echo, Jordan, Star, and Warner in Antrim County; a portion of Elmira Township in Otsego County; and a part of Resort Township in Emmet County. The highest elevation in the watershed reaches around 1300 feet above sea level, providing a substantial elevation relief from Lake Michigan’s elevation of 579.5 feet.

Water Bodies

The watershed is defined by  Lake Charlevoix , one of Northern Michigan's premier inland lakes, renowned for its clear water, scenic shoreline, and excellent fishing. Covering over 17,200 acres, it is the third largest lake in Michigan and features a shoreline stretching approximately 60 miles. The main basin of Lake Charlevoix extends nearly 14 miles and has a maximum depth of 122 feet. The South Arm stretches over 8 miles with a maximum depth of 58 feet.

Other waterbodies in the Lake Charlevoix Watershed include:

  •  The Jordan River : Draining 82,356 acres, the Jordan River flows for approximately 32 miles from its spring-fed headwaters near US-131 and M-32 to its confluence with Lake Charlevoix. Designated as Michigan’s first State Natural River in 1972, the Jordan is cherished for its pristine, clear waters and exceptional hydrological stability. The river nurtures a diverse and vibrant ecosystem, offering remarkable vistas in the hills of its headwaters and wide, marshy spreads near its mouth.
  •  The Boyne River : The Boyne River, a significant tributary of Lake Charlevoix, drains 45,912 acres and flows approximately 22 miles through Northern Michigan. Originating from the elevated hills near Boyne Falls, the river descends through dense forests and rolling landscapes before reaching Boyne City, where it empties into Lake Charlevoix. The river's path features diverse terrains, including lush riparian zones and mixed woodlands. Additionally, along its course, the river is interrupted by three impoundments, two formed by dams. The Boyne River supports a rich ecosystem and is renowned for its excellent fishing, particularly for trout, making it a key natural asset within the watershed.
  • Other tributaries include: Bennett Creek, Birney Creek, Brown Creek, Cascade Creek, Collins Creek,  Deer Creek , Eaton Creek, Five-tile Creek, the Green River, Hog Creek,  Horton Creek , Landslide Creek, Loeb Creek, Marvon Creek, Mill Creek, Monroe Creek, Moyer Creek, Porter Creek, Schoolhouse Creek, Six-tile Creek,  Stover Creek , and Warner Creek
  •  Adams Lake 
  •  Deer Lake 
  •  Nowland Lake 

Land Cover

The land cover in the Lake Charlevoix Watershed is primarily forested, dominated by beech/maple and white pine forests. Wetlands account for about 22% of the land area, providing critical habitats for numerous species. Agricultural lands make up approximately 15%, including pastures and crop fields. Urban areas, including Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan, constitute about 4% of the watershed. The varied topography includes gently rolling hills, steep slopes, and flat lake plains, creating a visually diverse and ecologically rich landscape.

Soils

The Lake Charlevoix Watershed features a diverse mix of landscapes, including gently rolling hills, productive farmland, large expanses of forest and wetlands, steeply sloped hills, and relatively flat lake plains. This variety is the result of glacial activity that left behind a unique topography and a rich diversity of soil types. Glacially-formed moraines and drumlins run roughly parallel to Lake Charlevoix, with moraines rising up to 300 feet above the lake’s surface and reaching over 1300 feet in the upper Boyne and Jordan River Watersheds. The watershed includes the following soil associations:

  • Emmet-Onaway Association: Predominantly found in drumlins and moraines, this loamy soil is common in nearly level to very steep areas.
  • Kalkaska-Leelanau Association: Characterized by sandy and loamy sand till, these well-drained soils are found on the steepest slopes within the watershed.
  • Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Association: Found along streambanks, these very poorly drained organic soils are typical of depressional areas on till plains, outwash plains, and lake plains, indicative of shoreline wetlands.
  • Kalkaska-Mancelona Association: Well-drained to moderately well-drained sandy soils along the lakeshore, common in lake plains.
  • Emmet-Leelanau Association: Well-drained, sandy soils on moraines with varying steepness, from gently rolling to very steep.
  • Kalkaska-Leelanau-Emmet Association: Found in the Jordan River Subwatershed, these well-drained soils were formed in sand and loamy sand till, present on moraines, drumlins, lake plains, and till plains.
  • Roscommon and Tawas Series: Poorly drained soils in flatter valley areas extending from river channels, particularly in the area between Pinney Bridge and Webster Bridge.

The glacial history of the region has also resulted in features such as beach ridges and flat lake plains, showing evidence of historical Great Lakes water levels. These soils, ranging from steep sandy soils to wet mucky soils, support the watershed's diverse ecosystems and land uses.

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. In the Lake Charlevoix Watershed, the highly permeable sandy soils allow precipitation to rapidly infiltrate and recharge groundwater. This groundwater then feeds into the watershed's lakes, streams, and wetlands. Steep slopes, such as those in the Jordan River headwaters, facilitate the emergence of groundwater as seeps and springs, contributing significantly to surface water flows and sustaining the hydrology of the watershed.

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:

  • Best Management Practices (BMPs): Implement BMPs to control nonpoint source pollution, such as agricultural runoff and urban stormwater.
  • Partnerships and Collaboration: Develop strong partnerships with local governments, community groups, and stakeholders. Collaborate on projects to protect the watershed.
  • Information and Education: Launch educational programs to increase public awareness about water quality issues.

Specific Categories Covered by Implementation Tasks Include:

  • 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 implement best management practices to manage stormwater.
  • Planning and Zoning: Support the development and adoption of ordinances that protect water quality through land protection, reducing soil erosion and preventing the spread of invasive species.
  • Land Use: Promote and implement best management practices in designated critical areas.
  • Road/Stream Crossing: Implement priority road/stream crossing projects for improved hydrology, erosion control, and fish passage in the Watershed.
  • Land Protection and Management: Repeat priority parcel process to identify additional priority parcels and protect high priority parcels throughout the Watershed.
  • Habitat Restoration: Restore degraded habitats to support fish and wildlife populations.
  • 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 information, identify problems, determine data gaps and develop a strategy for long-term monitoring.
  • 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.
  • Aquatic Invasive Species: Implement projects and programs to stop the introduction, spread and distribution of invasive species within the Watershed.
  • Wastewater and Septic Tanks: Support the adoption of septic ordinances and develop a septic systems outreach campaign to educate the public on septic system maintenance.
  • Community Engagement: Encourage local participation in watershed protection activities to foster a sense of stewardship among residents.

Water Quality

Over the past several decades, extensive water quality data have been collected from the Lake Charlevoix Watershed by various organizations, including EGLE, USGS, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council (TOMWC), Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB), and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNWM). Historical ("Legacy") data from EGLE, which includes information prior to 2000 from the EPA STORET database, and other data from these organizations have monitored physical, chemical, and biological parameters across three lakes and eight stream drainage systems. Key lakes include the main basin and South Arm of Lake Charlevoix, Deer Lake, Nowland Lake, and Adams Lake. Stream systems include the Boyne River, Jordan River, Porter Creek, Horton Creek, Stover Creek, Loeb Creek, and Monroe Creek.

EGLE and Legacy data span five decades and cover about 70 locations in the watershed. USGS monitored five sites on the Jordan River from 1966 to 1971 and additional sites on Lake Charlevoix and Deer Lake in 2002 and 2003. TOMWC staff and volunteers have monitored water quality since 1986 at multiple sites, while LTBB has monitored since 2001. The Health Department has performed bacteriological monitoring at 12 public beaches on Lake Charlevoix since 2001.

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.

Volunteer Stream Monitoring, Boyne River, 2024

  • 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

Critical areas within the Lake Charlevoix 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. Critical areas are divided into general and acute categories. General critical areas are broader regions requiring attention, while acute critical areas are high-priority locations needing immediate action. Key acute critical areas include the City of Charlevoix, Stover Creek Watershed, Adams and Nowland Lakes, Horton Creek Watershed, Lake Charlevoix Shoreline, and the City of East Jordan.

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. Nearly 200 parcels scored high priority for water resource protection, with another 4,000 in the medium priority tier.

Accomplished and Ongoing Projects

Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Program (CWQM)

Ongoing

Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLM)

Ongoing

Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program (VSM)

Ongoing

Watershed Academy

Ongoing

Mobile Boat Washing Program (MOBO)

Ongoing

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Drop-Off Program (POD Program)

Ongoing

Jordan River Electrical Weir & Salmon Weir Removal Project

Project Lead: Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA)

Lake Charlevoix Shoreline Survey

2018

Jordan River Chestonia Bridge & Cokirs Creek Project

2013 - 2017

Students Experience Lake Charlevoix

1994 - present

Charlevoix Municipal Well Field PFAS Testing

2021 - Present

Green River Timber Bridge Project

Project Lead: Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA)

Contractor Training on Natural Shorelines and a Public Demonstration on Lake Charlevoix @ Tourist Park

2022-2023

Water Resources Education Program (WREP)

2019-2021

Green River Dam Fish Passage Project

June 2006 - October 2007

Lake Charlevoix Septic Study

2022, 2024

Lake Charlevoix Visioning and Shoreline Protection

2022

Land Protection

Ongoing

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:

  • Charlevoix
  • Susan

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 Lake Charlevoix 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:

  • Boyne River
  • Deer Creek
  • Horton Creek
  • Jordan River
  • Stover Creek

Project Partners: MiCorps

Project Costs: 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:

  • Boyne River
  • Stover Creek

Project Partners: Great Lakes Fishery Trust, and various lake associations

Project Costs: 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 the Department of Natural Resources

Project Costs: 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 Costs: N/A

Jordan River Electrical Weir & Salmon Weir Removal Project

On the lower Jordan River an electrical sea lamprey barrier owned by MDNR was operated in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the agency charged with treating Michigan’s streams to prevent uncontrolled reproduction of sea lamprey. The barrier began to fail after ten years of operation and required an estimated $250,000 in repairs to make it fully operational. As a result, the USFWS turned to chemical treatments (TFM) to reduce lamprey populations. Thus, the barrier remained an obstacle to some fish, and started to break down, no longer serving any practical purpose. Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, agreed that its removal is in the best interest of the watershed. In fact, its removal is a management option identified in the Jordan River Assessment written by MDNRE Fisheries Division (Hay 2004). At the mouth of the Jordan River near the south arm of Lake Charlevoix, salmon weir gates were built attached to a foot bridge in East Jordan. The gates were no longer used and trapped woody debris, sediment, and vegetation floating down the river. The gates were removed, allowing the natural movement of fish, wildlife, woody debris and sediment.

Project Benefits:

  • Removal of a velocity barrier
  • Removal of a navigational hazard
  • Restore natural stream morphology
  • Removal of manmade structures that were starting to break down and could pose as safety hazards in the future

Project Cost: $63,500

Location: South Arm Township, Charlevoix County

Contributors: Great Lakes Fishery Trust, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Charlevoix County Community Foundation – Ethel Coeling Environmental Fund, MDNR Inland Fisheries Program, Paul Young Chapter of Trout Unlimited, NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant, CRA’s River Care Program – DTE Energy

Partners: Conservation Resource Alliance, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Friends of the Jordan River, the City of East Jordan, Pete’s Contracting and Molon Excavating

Lake Charlevoix Shoreline Survey

2018

Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Noticeable growths of Cladophora or other filamentous green algae were observed along the shoreline at 624 parcels (36.8% of total parcels surveyed). Lake Charlevoix greenbelts were generally observed to be in moderate to excellent condition. Of 1,692 parcels, 1,051 (62%) received a greenbelt rating in the moderate, good, or excellent categories. Erosion was noted at 578 parcels (34%) on the Lake Charlevoix shoreline. Some form of shoreline alteration was noted at 62.3% (1,371 parcels) of shoreline properties. There were 191 seawalls observed along the shoreline.

Project Cost: $15,119.65

Project Partners: Lake Charlevoix Association

Jordan River Chestonia Bridge & Cokirs Creek Project

2013 - 2017

The crossing on Old State Road, site #JO-8, was also known as the MDNR’s Chestonia Bridge access and was comprised of twin 16’ wide culverts sitting 2’ higher above what should have been the original streambed. The Antrim County Road Commission wrestled with embankment erosion, using poured concrete, and an aging timber retaining wall as stabilization measures. The culverts were undersized, altered stream morphology, and created a velocity barrier to aquatic species at different life stages. Stream velocities at the outlet of the culverts range up to 11.5 fps during normal flows; this was 5x faster than what it should’ve been. Partners collaborated to construct a bridge over the river, with enough funds to construct a box culvert over Cokirs Creek on adjacent state land to meet recreational access needs.

Project Benefits:

  • Excess sedimentation of 7 miles of river downstream is halted
  • Full passage of all aquatic life at all life stages and stream flows to 48 miles of upstream habitat
  • Natural transport of woody debris, gravel, sediment, detritus
  • Natural stream function, habitat and dimensions are restored; culverts had caused pool formation doubling stream width and scouring and impounding the river

Project Cost: $1, 353,000 (design, construction, and match)

Location: Jordan Township, Antrim County

Funders & Partners: Charlevoix County Community Foundation, CRA, Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Foundation, Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation, Great Lakes Fishery Trust, Frey Foundation, J.A. Woollam Foundation, Oleson Foundation, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Antrim County Road Commission, Antrim Conservation District, Friends of the Jordan River, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Aquatic Habitat Program, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation – Sustain Our Great Lakes Program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Great Lakes Basin Fish Habitat Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, River Care Program – River Care Program – DTE Energy Foundation, George Fund, ITC

Students Experience Lake Charlevoix

1994 - present

Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Every May the Lake Charlevoix Association and the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council sponsor an event called Students Experience Lake Charlevoix (SELC) for approximately 300 area sixth and seventh graders. For the event, students board the Beaver Islander in Charlevoix, travel to the west bay of Lake Charlevoix and spend either a morning or an afternoon on board participating in experiments relating to water quality, watershed protection, invasive species, water safety and several other topics. The students rotate to seven different learning stations which are run by enthusiastic area volunteers. It’s a great, fun learning experience for everyone on board.

Project Partners: Lake Charlevoix Association (LCA), Beaver Island Boat Company

Project Cost: N/A

Charlevoix Municipal Well Field PFAS Testing

2021 - Present

Project Lead: EGLE

The Charlevoix Municipal Well site is located on Lake Shore Drive in Charlevoix. This site was a former Superfund Site where groundwater was contaminated by industrial chemicals – TCE and PCE.  Groundwater clean-up activities resulted in EPA removing the site from the Superfund Program’s National Priorities List (NPL) in 1993. Operation and maintenance activities are ongoing to address the industrial chemicals.  PFAS sampling was completed by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in October 2021 and three monitoring wells were found to contain PFAS analytes that exceeded groundwater clean-up criteria.  The highest results were 200 ppt PFHxS and 15 ppt PFOA.  EPA and EGLE will be conducting additional field work on the site. The work will include additional soil and groundwater investigations throughout the city.

Project Partners: EPA, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Project Cost: N/A

Green River Timber Bridge Project

Project Lead: Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA)

January 2008 - May 2009

The Green River, the largest tributary to the Jordan River, faced issues at the Green River Road crossing (site #CH-7) where three aging, corroded culverts of varying sizes up to 36 inches in diameter were undersized for the 20-foot wide stream. This led to pool formation, embankment erosion, channel constriction, streambed scouring, and fish passage problems. In response, CRA, in collaboration with project partners, designed and constructed an 18-foot wide timber deck bridge with concrete abutments on spread footings to accommodate the springs in the immediate project area. This new bridge allows for a natural stream bottom, fully reconnecting the upstream and downstream portions of the green river and mitigating previous issues.

Project Benefits:

  • Reconnect 6 miles of the Green River, benefiting the greater Jordan River (an additional 16 miles)
  • Restore fish passage both upstream & downstream
  • Restore natural movement of woody debris & sediment upstream & downstream of site
  • Ensure safe roadway for vehicle traffic
  • Reduce road maintenance needs
  • Halt annual input of up to 5 tons of sediment from roadbed

Project Cost: $161,500 plus $4,300 in in-kind match

Location: Chestonia Township, Antrim County

Contributors: US Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA - Conservation Innovation Grant with the Little Traverse Bay Bands, CRA’s River Care Fund – DTE Energy & Grand Traverse Band, The Frey Foundation, The Oleson Foundation, Nestle Ice Mountain, Mr. Michael Dow, Charlevoix County Community Foundation

Partners: Conservation Resource Alliance, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Antrim County Road Commission, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Natural Resources - Fisheries Division, Friends of the Jordan, Wade Trim, Soils & Structures Inc., McDowell Construction

Contractor Training on Natural Shorelines and a Public Demonstration on Lake Charlevoix @ Tourist Park

2022-2023

Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

A training was held for shoreline contractors in 2022. The training included half a day of classroom-style instruction, followed by a day and a half of hands-on training to install a bioengineered shoreline at Tourist Park.

This work enhanced nearshore and shoreline habitat, protected water quality, material recruitment and movement, and improved the aesthetics of a degraded and unsafe public shoreline. As a demonstration site, the project will serve as an invaluable example of how shoreline development can occur without compromising the ecological connection between water quality, lake health, and fisheries.

Project Partners: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lake Charlevoix Association,

Project Cost: $37,185

Water Resources Education Program (WREP)

2019-2021

Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

The Water Resources Education Program engaged over 120 students from 4 Northern Michigan middle schools in a foundation-laying program of watershed experiences that was focused on local issues and stewardship of community water resources. Students were provided with water resources knowledge over the course of four in-class sessions. This knowledge allowed students to plan and implement an action project that was designed to improve or fix a water resource issue in their community. Over the course of the program, teachers received training, resources, and tools to continue water-resources education in the future.

Project Partners: Charlevoix Conservation District, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), and other local partners

Project Cost: $33,000

Green River Dam Fish Passage Project

June 2006 - October 2007

Project Lead: Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA)

After changing ownership, the operators of the Green River Trout Farm reached a legal settlement with the State of Michigan which allowed them to operate the Trout Farm on a designated Natural River. The agreement also called for the removal of the dam. The State entered into an agreement with CRA to help design and implement the project. CRA hired Spicer Group to design the project, and six months was spent finalizing that design. After the design phase, CRA again partnered with Spicer Group to hire a contractor to implement the step-pool system designed to allow free passage of fish while maintaining upstream water levels necessary for operation of the trout farm. The construction phase took two months, and the result is a stream free from obstruction with a more natural downstream flow of sediments, fish, and nutrients.

Project Benefits:

  • Free Passage of fish both upstream for 4 miles & the greater Jordan River (16 miles)
  • Low maintenance system for the operator
  • Flow of sediments downstream
  • Connected ecology of entire system

Project Cost: $190,000

Location: Chestonia Township, Antrim County

Contributors: US Fish & Wildlife Service, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, USDA - Conservation Innovation Grant, CRA’s River Care Fund, MDNR Fisheries Division, Oleson Foundation, The Frey Foundation, Mr. Michael Dow, Nestle Ice Mountain, Charlevoix County Community Foundation

Partners: CRA, Green River Trout Farm, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Natural Resources - Fisheries Division, Michigan Department of Transportation, Friends of the Jordan River, Spicer Group

Lake Charlevoix Septic Study

2022, 2024

Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

The pilot septic study aimed to increase general knowledge regarding nutrient inputs, microbial loads, algal growth, and soil and water conductivity. The study also aimed to improve current methods for evaluating septic contamination and to identify malfunctioning septic systems before complete failure via forms of septic pollution. The follow-up study in 2024, focused on source tracking fecal (E. coli) contamination. The pilot study results showed that total nitrogen (TN), (minimal) total phosphorus (TP), and fecal (E. coli) contamination is occurring in parts of Lake Charlevoix. Survey results also prove that not all shoreline property owners are maintaining their septic tank systems properly.

Project Partners: Lake Charlevoix Association, Charlevoix County Community Foundation, Central Michigan University, and the Northwest Michigan Regional Laboratory through the Health Department of Northwest Michigan

Phase I Project Cost: $21,836.46

Phase II Project Cost: $12,550.50

Lake Charlevoix Visioning and Shoreline Protection

2022

Project Lead: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

During the convergence of recent high water levels peaking in 2020 and ongoing development pressure, Lake Charlevoix experienced a significant increase in shoreline hardening. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, in partnership with the  Lake Charlevoix Association  (LCA) and the  Land Information Access Association  (LIAA), worked to reinvigorate the commitment local governments have made to the protection of the Lake Charlevoix Watershed and develop recommendations for a forward-looking approach that allows the communities to lead the development process based upon a vision for the future rather than simply react to it. You can access the full report and recommendations  here .

Project Partners: Charlevoix County Community Foundation, Lake Charlevoix Association (LCA), Land Information Access Association (LIAA)

Project Cost: N/A

Land Protection

Ongoing

Project Lead: Little Traverse Conservancy

Little Traverse Conservancy actively works to protect natural areas within the Lake Charlevoix Watershed. They have currently protected 3,618 acres of land. A featured project from these efforts is the Gunderson-Heeschen Wetlands Nature Preserve which protects 110 acres near Boyne Falls including 870 feet of tributary into Deer Lake and 2000 feet of pond.

Project Partners: N/A

Project Cost: N/A

Partners

Antrim Conservation District ( https://www.antrimcd.com/ )

Antrim County Road Commission (  https://www.antrimcrc.org/) 

Charlevoix County Road Commission ( https://www.charlevoixroads.org/ )

Conservation Resource Alliance ( https://www.rivercare.org/ )

Friends of the Boyne River ( https://boyneriver.org/ )

Friends of the Jordan River ( https://friendsofthejordan.org/ )

Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy ( https://www.gtrlc.org/ )

Lake Charlevoix Association ( https://www.lakecharlevoix.org/ )

MI Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy ( https://www.michigan.gov/egle )

MI Dept. of Natural Resources ( https://www.michigan.gov/dnr )

MI State University Extension ( https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ )

Natural Resource Conservation Service ( https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ )

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council ( https://watershedcouncil.org/ )

Water and Air Team Charlevoix ( https://watchchx.wordpress.com/ )

References

Beyer, A., C.K. Contant, and M.J. Donahue. 2001. Seeking Signs of Success: A guided approach to more effective watershed programs. 77pp. Harbor House, Boyne City, MI.

Blasius, B. J. and R. W. Merritt. 2002. Field and laboratory investigations on the effects of roadsalt (NaCl) on stream macroinvertebrate communities. Environmental Pollution 120:219–231.

Bruhn, L.C. and P.A. Soranno. 2005. Long term (1974-2001) volunteering monitoring of water clarity trends in Michigan lakes and their relation to ecoregion and land use/cover. Lake and Reservoir Management 21(1):10-23.

Charlevoix County Planning. 1988. Lake Charlevoix Management Plan Advisory Committee Report. Charlevoix, MI.

Crowther, R.A., and H.B.N. Hynes. 1977. The effect of road deicing salt on the drift of stream benthos. Environmental Pollution 14:113-126.

Conservation Ontario. "Watershed Labeled." Conservation Ontario,  www.conservation-ontario.on.ca/source_protection/files/watershed_labeled_hor.jpg . 

Farrand, W.R. 1998. The glacial lakes around Michigan. Bulletin No. 4. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, MI.

Gilliom, Robert J.; Hamilton, Pixie A., 2006, Pesticides in the nation's streams and ground water, 1992-2001 - a summary: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2006-3028. http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3028/

Hanchin, P. A. 2010. The fish community and fishery of Lake Charlevoix, Charlevoix County, Michigan in 2006-07. Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Fisheries Special Report X, Ann Arbor. In press

Herlihy, A.T., J.L. Stoddard, and C. B. Johnson. 1998. The relationship between stream chemistry and watershed land cover data in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 105:377-386.

Huron River Watershed Council. 2003. Mill Creek Subwatershed Management Plan. Ann Arbor, MI.

Jones. R.C. and Clark. 1987 Impact of watershed urbanization on stream insect communities. Water Resources Bulletin 15: 1047-1055.

Klein, R. 1979. Urbanization and stream quality impairment. Water Resources Bulletin 15: 948- 963.

Lenat, D.R., and J.K. Crawford. 1994. Effects of land use on water quality and aquatic biota of Lake Charlevoix Watershed Management Plan Page 203 three North Carolina Piedmont streams. Hydrobiologia 294:185-199.

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). 1987. Controlling urban runoff: a practical manual for planning and redesigning urban BMPs. Washington D.C.

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). "Developing a Watershed Management Plan." EGLE,  https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/water-resources/nonpoint-source/developing-a-watershed-plan . 

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. 1999. Pollutants Controlled Calculation and Documentation for Section 319 Watersheds Training Manual. Surface Water Quality Division, Nonpoint Source Unit, State of Michigan, Lansing, MI.

Serns, S. L. 1982. Relationship of walleye fingerling density and electrofishing catch per effort in northern Wisconsin lakes. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 2:38-44.

Serns, S. L. 1983. Relationship between electrofishing catch per effort and density of walleye yearlings. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 3:451-452.

Smullen, J. and K. Cave. 1998. Updating the US nationwide Urban Runoff Quality Database. 3 rd International Conference on Diffuse Pollution. Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Spur, S. H. and J. H. Zumberge. 1956. Late Pleistocene Features of Cheboygan and Emmet Counties, Michigan. American Journal of Science, Vol. 25-1, P. 96-109.

Steedman, R.J. 1988. Modification and assessment of an index of biotic integrity to quantify stream quality in southern Ontario. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 45: 492-501.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters.” EPA,  www.epa.gov/nps/handbook-developing-watershed-plans-restore-and-protect-our-waters .

U.S. Geological Survey. "Watersheds and Drainage Basins." Water Science School, U.S. Geological Survey,  www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/watersheds-and-drainage-basins . 

Wang L, Kanehl P (2003) Influences of watershed urbanization and instream habitat on macroinvertebrates in cold water streams. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 39:1181-1196.

Ziegler, W., and J. C. Schneider. 2000. Guidelines for evaluating walleye and muskie recruitment. Chapter 23 in Schneider, James C. (ed.) 2000. Manual of fisheries survey methods II: with periodic updates. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special Report 25, Ann Arbor.

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Volunteer Stream Monitoring, Boyne River, 2024