About
About the Huron River Watershed Council
Footbridge at Pickerel Lake, Dexter Twp by Marc Aikeman
The Huron River is the cleanest urban river in Michigan, supporting excellent fishing, paddling and even swimming.
Much of the credit for this goes to the Huron River Watershed Council, formed in 1965 to improve the use and management of water throughout the region in southeast Michigan drained by the Huron River and its tributaries.
Since it was formed, the Council has served as a place where local units of government and citizens have discussed problems and sought solutions to critical issues affecting the River. Even though the Council has no enforcement powers, it has accomplished its goals through the use of technical data, factual information and citizen stewardship to influence decisions made by various local and state agencies.
Early concerns were primarily stream flow and flood control as they affected water supply and wastewater treatment capacity but members soon realized this was part of a much larger picture. The Council’s goals were soon expanded to include conservation, fisheries improvement, shoreline management and water quality monitoring.
What does the Huron River Watershed Council do?
Mission Statement: The mission of the Council is to inspire attitudes, behaviors, and economies that protect, rehabilitate, and sustain the Huron River system.
Stream monitoring by volunteers: HRWC has developed the premiere citizen-monitoring network in the State. Our strong quality assurance and quality control mechanisms allow agencies to confidently use this data to direct water protection programs.
Educating the public: HRWC implemented an award-winning mass media campaign aimed at changing behaviors to keep our water safe and clean and now offers a workbook “Marketing the Environment” to help other agencies with their public education. Marketing the Environment Workbook, $15 – Call HRWC at 734/769-5123 x17 to order.
Reducing Pollution: HRWC’s work on phosphorus pollution produced numerous ordinances to protect natural areas, provide stronger protection of wetlands, and to reduce conversion of land and natural habitat to pavement and buildings.
Assisting Communities on Water Issues: HRWC’s science and policy experts respond daily to residents and government representatives to help them manage development in ways that protect creeks, wildlife, and natural features.
Protecting Drinking Water: HRWC has written an award-winning guidebook that communities throughout Michigan are using to develop drinking water protection plans.
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