Restoration Projects

Restoration Remedies Program
A technical service of the Watershed Council

Northern Michigan's lakes, streams and wetlands are precious natural resources. Their protection is vital in preserving the 'Up North' character that is so special. One of the most important ways you can protect your lake or stream is to control erosion and sedimentation of your shoreline or streambank. Erosion and sedimentation can have a serious impact on water quality, wildlife habitat, and property values.

An effective method referred to as "biotechnical erosion control" provides the most cost-effective, environmentally friendly and aesthetically appealing alternative to controlling accelerated shoreline erosion. The Watershed Council can develop restoration designs based on this method, as well as apply for the required state and local permits and coordinate the installation of the project.

If you are concerned about the condition of your property's shoreline, streambank or wetland, the Watershed Council offers a variety of services through our Restoration Remedies Program. Below are some of our featured restorations. For more information about the Restoration Remedies Program, contact Jennifer Gelb at (231) 347-1181 or e-mail her at  jen@watershedcouncil.org.

Restoration Remedies Program - Featured Project #1

The Evangeline Township Park on Lake Charlevoix,

Glenwood Beach Drive

Shannon McMaster, Boyne City Assistant Planner/Zoning Administrator

Restoration Remedies Project - Featured Project #2

Pigeon River

Streambank Restoration

BEFORE

Approximately 35 linear feet
on the Pigeon River slumped likely
as a result of high water levels
in early spring of 2008.

Mullett Lake Preservation Society (MAPS)

Shoreline and Streambank Erosion Control

The Watershed Council can provide different levels of contract services for shoreline and streambank restoration needs. The first step is to complete our Shoreline, Streambank and Wetland Questionnaire. After reviewing your questionnaire, we will contact you to discuss your options. This may include scheduling a site assessment where Watershed Council staff will visit your shoreline or streambank property, document the current conditions, and recommend courses of action. In some cases, a restoration plan or design is recommended to curb the progression of erosion and sedimentation, and "restore" the shoreline or streambank to its former condition. An effective method referred to as "biotechnical erosion control" provides the most cost-effective, environmentally friendly and aesthetically appealing alternative to controlling accelerated shoreline erosion. The Watershed Council can develop restoration designs based on this method, as well as apply for the required state and local permits and coordinate the installation of the project.

Greenbelt and Habitat Enhancement

Regardless of whether or not your shoreline or streambank is experiencing erosion, the Watershed Council can help you restore the riparian buffer by providing greenbelt design and habitat enhancement services. Designs incorporate aesthetics and wildlife habitat, all while accommodating your shoreline or streambank needs. Native plants are emphasized due to their effectiveness at stabilizing shorelines and streambanks, their habitat value, suitability to local conditions, and their natural "fit" in the landscape.

Stormwater Runoff Prevention

Help prevent stormwater runoff! Where does rain or water from snow go? Lawns and gardens absorb some of it, but water can't soak into driveways, sidewalks, rooftops, and other hard surfaces (also called impervious surfaces). When stormwater runoff flows over roads, sidewalks, lawns, and gardens, it picks up substances like dirt, fertilizers, oil, salt, and bacteria. Additional pollution comes from nutrients used in fertilizers applied to lawns and gardens, as well as pet waste, and sediments from soil particles that are washed away from bare spots in lawns and gardens, roadways, and other areas of exposed soils. Stormwater can also contain other pollutants such as toxins and heavy metals. Most stormwater runoff washes into nearby water bodies carrying these pollutants from the places where we live and work into lakes and streams. To learn more about stormwater and what you can do to prevent it, click here to download a copy of our brochure, Clean Water is Everyone's Business. (Please note this brochure's file size is 3MB. If you have a dial-up connection this download may take several minutes.) 

Mullet Lake Tributary Monitoring Project

The water quality of Mullett Lake, located in northern Cheboygan County, Michigan, has been monitored for several decades, but little data exists for tributaries flowing into Mullett Lake. In 2005 the Mullett Lake Area Preservation Society contracted with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council to monitor water quality in the Cheboygan River, Indian River, Little Sturgeon River, Pigeon River, and Mullett Creek. Monitoring has been conducted two times per year since 2005.

Water samples are collected for bacteriological and chemical analyses, physical water quality parameters are measured, and discharge data collected on the tributaries in the spring and fall of each year. Parameters monitored include: dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, temperature, total phosphorus, orthophosphates, total nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, chloride, fecal coliform bacteria and E. coli bacteria.

Using chemical constituent concentrations and discharge data, pollutant loadings and relative percentage contributions have been calculated for Indian River, Pigeon River, and Mullett Creek. Calculated pollutant loads were used to estimate nutrient load contributions from non-monitored watershed areas and combined with Cheboygan River load data to develop a simple nutrient budget.

Data collected thus far shows strong evidence of nutrient and bacteriological contamination occurring in the upper Mullett Creek watershed, which is probably a result of agricultural activity. Despite flowing through an urban area, this study has not exposed serious water quality problems in the Indian River. Surprisingly, relatively high nutrient loads and bacteria levels were documented in the Pigeon River, indicating there may be water quality issues in its watershed.

Results of this study make clear the need to adopt agricultural best management practices to protect and improve stream water quality, particularly in the Mullett Creek watershed. Groundwater nitrate concentrations in the Mullett Creek watershed should be monitored to safeguard public health and stormwater outlets should be monitored in Indian River to better assess urban impacts. Encouraging good riparian property management practices, throughout the watershed will benefit the water quality of Mullet Lake and its tributaries.

For detailed information, download the complete report (with data and maps) by clicking on this link: Mullett Lake Tributary Monitoring Report. (Please note the file size of this document is 762.5kb)

Did you know?

Watershed Council members receive a 10% discount off Restoration Remedies services. Support Tip of the Mitt Watershed by becoming a member today and start enjoy the benefits of membership.