Elk River Watershed

The Elk River Watershed, covering over 500 square miles, is the largest sub-watershed of Grand Traverse Bay. It is home to the famous Chain of Lakes, 55 miles of connected lakes and streams in Antrim and Kalkaska Counties. Issues pertaining to the watershed are being addressed under the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Protection Plan (2005), which has been approved by both the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency. The Watershed Council has partnered with the Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay and various local organizations to address these issues, and in November 2010 formed the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed Plan Implementation Team (ERCOL WPIT)! Check out ERCOL WPIT on our Committee Pages by clicking here.

Additional Resources

Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Protection Plan (2005)

The Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed is the largest sub-watershed of Grand Traverse Bay. This EPA and DEQ approved plan has lots of information about the Elk River Watershed, as well as identifying threats and concerns to its health.

Elk River Chain of Lakes - 2010 Lake Profile

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council has worked for decades to ensure that our waters remain magnificent resources. The information and data contained in the Chain of Lakes Profile illustrates the hard work of our staff and volunteers to ensure the high water quality of lakes in our region now and in the future.

Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed Property Owners’ Permit Guide

If you have plans to build, drill or fill there are some things you should know before you begin. Many home improvement activities are regulated by local, state or federal agencies. As a result, a review process and permits are often required before work begins. This process can be confusing for the homeowner seeking answers. To help you navigate through the right channels, we offer this resource to set you on your course toward achieving your property goals.

Additional information about Elk-Skegemog Lakes can be obtained from the following partner organization.

Elk Skegemog Lakes Association

Mission
Do all things and take such actions as may be necessary or desireable to protect and preserve the environment of the area of the Elk-Skegemog watershed, including connecting lakes, streams and wetlands.

Contact:                 Bob Kingon, President
Mailing Address:   10202 E. Elk Lake Drive
City/State/Zip:       Rapid City, MI 49676

Phone: 322-6055
E-mail: rjkingon@prodigy.net

Website: http://www.elk-skegemog.org

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council • 426 Bay Street, Petoskey, MI 49770

PH: (231) 347-1181 • Fax: (231) 347-5928 • www.watershedcouncil.org