Huron River Report
Published spring, summer and fall by the Huron River Watershed Council
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Fall 2020
- Oh, Dam! Was that a beaver?
- Healthy Forests Equal Healthy Rivers, Why HRWC is focused on land use
- Rebecca’s Stream of Consciousness, Floodplain management and addressing aging dams are key solutions to future flooding
- Take a Suds Tour of the ‘Shed, Support local businesses and HRWC!
- New State Standards for PFAS, Maximum contaminant levels established for drinking water
- Swimming in Plastic, Redux, Microplastics are prevalent, but mysterious
- 2020 Interns, 25 Intrepid Heroes!
- Lights, Camera, Analyze! HRWC pilots low-cost spectrophotometer to analyze water pollution
Summer 2020
- Invasive Aquatic Plants, Ecosystem-altering species prevalent in the Huron River watershed
- Something’s Fishy about Mussels, What’s lurking at the bottom of the river from guest author Rene Mulcrone
- Stream of Consciousness, Rebecca Esselman, HRWC’s Executive Director writes about COVID-19 pandemic impacts to HRWC
- The Bill and Mary Kinley Innovators Fund, Enabling creative solutions for river protection and restoration
- Welcome Wendy, HRWC’s new development director
- Cleaning up the Huron, One piece at a time
- River Giver’s Recap, Thanks for the support
- Heroes of Woody Debris Management, Keeping the river safe, yet natural
- New Microplastics Pollution-Reducing Member Benefit, Free Guppyfriend!
Spring 2020
- Waterlogged: High Water Tables, High Flows, and Climate Change
- Plan your Summer Paddling! Outfitters of the Huron River
- Revised Phosphorus Policy Approved
- Volunteer Spotlight, Paul Cousins
- The Bill and Mary Kinley Innovators Fund
- Welcome New Staff, Allison Gotelaere and Kate Laramie
- Stream of Consciousness, Rebecca Esselman HRWC’s Executive Director writes about climate change and the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
Fall 2019
- Enjoy the Huron River! Perspectives on threats to the river and how best to handle them (PFAS, 1,4-Dioxane, Microplastics)
- Whole Farms for Clean Water, Empowering farmers to improve water quality
- Volunteer Spotlight, Summer Interns
- Three Easy Steps! Stop the spread of invasive species in the watershed
- Peninsular Paper Dam Slated for Removal, Ypsilanti City Council votes for removal
- Healthy Land = Healthy Water, HRWC releases land protection toolkit
- Flux + Flow at Fleming, Discovering a creek through play
- Stream of Consciousness, Rebecca Esselman HRWC’s new Executive Director shares appreciation for Laura and progress during our leadership transition
Summer 2019
- The Great Blue Heron, A symbol of environmental health and inspiration for HRWC’s iconic logo
- Green Infrastructure Takes Root! HRWC completes construction of new projects to improve creeksheds
- River Givers Gathering, A recap of the spring event
- Connecting Land and Water Trails, Washtenaw County’s Border-To-Border Trail meets the Huron River
- Lake Monitoring Expands in the ‘Shed, Volunteers capture data on 24 lakes in 2018
- Ensuring Safe (and Fun!) Field Outings, New efforts promote inclusivity, minimize risks
- Laura’s Final Stream of Consciousness (as she moves to her new role at the Great Lakes Coalition), PFAS Good and Bad News
Spring 2019
- Hellgrammites, The insect of your nightmares
- PFAS in the Huron River, An emerging threat
- Climate Change Vulnerability, What is it and what are we doing about it
- We Support Nature, A cure for what ails you
- Explore the Huron Safely and Courteously, 104 miles of Huron River National Water Trail awaits you
- Volunteer Spotlight, Sharon and Dave Brooks
- RiverUp! Report, Huron River Designated as a State Water Trail and Peninsular Paper Dam Removal Feasibility Study Completed
- Ford and Belleville TMDL Update, MDEQ to redevelop lakes pollution policy
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Making Michigan a Leader in Clean Water and Environmental Protection
Fall 2018
- Engaging Youth in Nature & Science, HRWC Initiatives in STEM Education
- Not Just Another Pretty Flower, The role of autumn flowering plants
- Thank You, Elizabeth
- Your Environmental Values, Deciding on a bequest to HRWC
- Taking the Pulse of the River, A partnership develops a remote watershed sensor network
- RiverUp! Report, Negotiating for a better Flat Rock Dam portage and Ypsilanti’s Peninsular Paper Dam
- Searching for Microplastics, Developing a volunteer monitoring program
- Volunteer Spotlight, Summer Interns
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Highlighting HRWC’s work with the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP)
Summer 2018
- Aerial Insectivores, Look for swallows and swifts throughout the watershed this summer
- Safe Swimming in the Huron River, Stay healthy by deciding when and where to jump in
- Change Makers Needed, HRWC seeks residents to make their voices heard for the river
- RiverUp! Report, Paddler’s Companion 3rd Edition released and DTE Energy riverfront property set for transformation
- Walter J. Weber, Jr. Water Quality Monitoring Fund Supports HRWC’s science programs
- 2018 Stewardship Awards, Congratulations Rowan Elowe, Bill Phillips, Janis Bobrin and Books By Chance
- Goodbye, Stevi. Hello, Andrea! Staffing changes at HRWC
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Recognizing Laura Rubin for 20 impressive years at the helm, guest authored by Elizabeth Riggs, Deputy Director
Spring 2018
- “Here Come Old Flat-Top,” Flathead mayfly, easy to find and easy to identify
- Breathing Life Back into Norton Creek, Partners work to restore an impaired tributary
- Digging into Lakes, HRWC investigates harmful algal blooms in Brighton and Ore lakes
- Together We Protect Our Home River, How your donor support helps
- Volunteer Spotlight, Eric Robinson
- RiverUp! Report, Flux + Flow at Fleming and Flook Dam Portage Improvements
- Dam Good Effort, Breaking through the money question for dam removals
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, The role of HRWC’s Board of Directors
Fall 2017
- Fishing the Home Waters, Huron River becomes a destination for anglers
- Planning Ahead, Local governments and residents are key to the health of the Huron
- HRWC Fun, Getting out on the Huron River is a summertime favorite!
- RiverUp! Report, What’s the Economic Impact of the Huron River?
- Taking Climate Change to the Next Level, The role of regional entities to amplify local action on climate
- 2017 Summer Interns Get the Job Done! HRWC appreciates their contributions and commitment
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Speak up and voice opposition to the repeal of the Clean Water Rule
Summer 2017
- Swimming in Plastic, Microplastics are found throughout the Huron River
- Invested in the Huron, Impacts of federal funding cuts
- Kick Toxic Sealcoats to the Curb, Safer alternatives protect families and water resources
- New Rain Gardens in Swift Run! Green Infrastructure to improve neighborhood, creek and the Huron
- Stewardship Awards, Recipients honored for their hard work on behalf of the Huron
- RiverUp! Report, Low Impact Camping on the Water Trail, Sustaining Trail Towns
- Trails in the Watershed, A shining example of Michigan as the Trail State
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, What we can do to address threats to the EPA, federal pass-through grants and climate related initiatives and funding
Spring 2017
- Volunteer Initatives, Bill Lee, Sally Ruzky, Janet Kahan and Jesus Bautista help the Huron
- Catch-and-Release Protects the Huron’s Fish, Anglers can help offset the effects of climate change
- Plant a Tree . . . Today, And store 100 gallons of stormwater
- Benefits of a Free-flowing River, Dam removal is an essential strategy for river restoration
- RiverUp! Report, Making a More Accessible River, Trail Ambassadors Keep a Look Out
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, update on Ann Arbor area dioxane-contamination, Dave Wilson tribute
Winter 2016
- Try Your Hand at Ice Fishing, And be sure to wear warm gloves!
- Preparing for Climate Change, Anticipating an altered climate and its impacts on the watershed
- Hands-on Learning Gets All Wet! Education Program takes on snorkeling
- RiverUp! Report, Frog Island Park Renovation, Connecting the Huron River Water Trail to the Great Lakes
- Making Honey Better, HRWC receives grant to improve Honey Creek in Scio Township
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Dioxane cleanup standards, coal tar bans and phosphorus in Lake Erie
Fall 2016
- Creek Countdown, How healthy is the creek near you?
- Surprises in Norton Creek, A mix of restoration efforts recommended
- Pointe Mouillee or “Wet Point,” Bird migration through the mouth of the Huron River
- 2016 Summer Interns
- Huron River Appreciation Day
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, HRWC’s new 5-year strategic plan for 2016-2021
Summer 2016
- Aquatic Hitchhikers, Invasive species change and destroy ecosystems
- Shared Resource, Shared Responsibility, How several communities are using water wisely
- RiverUp! Report, Tackling Ford Lake’s tough portage, Measuring the worth of a river
- Communities Reduce NPS Pollution, New regulations push further improvements in stormwater control
- Tour Your River, Plan a Huron River Water Trail adventure
- 2016 Annual Stewardship Awards
- Creating Climate Resilient Communities, Changing rainfall has implications for stormwater management
- HRWC Events and Workshops for June, July, August
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, An update on HRWC projects
Spring 2016
- Rain Gardens in Mitchell, Neighbors join together to protect Swift Run Creek
- Fluctuating Flows Frustrate Fish, How providing more habitat helps fish spawn and thrive
- The Bad, The Good and The Really Good, Celebrating Success in a coal tar-free watershed
- Huron Love Stories, HRWC oral history project
- HRWC Events and Workshops for March, April, May
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Observations from the Flint Water Crisis
Winter 2015
- HRWC Looks Ahead, The final part of a series celebrating 50 years of history, growth and achievement
- Eyes on the River, HRWC volunteers protect the Huron
- New Monitoring Methods, Investigating crowd-hydrology and remote sampling options
- Oral History Project, Paul Rentschler recalling the “boom years” at HRWC – babies, a body behind the door, kids in the halls, and expanding success
- Use Less Salt This Winter, At home, frequent shoveling is best!
Fall 2015
- HRWC’s Second 25 Years, Part 3 of a series celebrating 50 years of history, growth and achievement
- Woody Debris, Friend or foe?
- DIA Inside|Out on the Huron River, 15 masterpieces on exhibit along the Water Trail, now through October
- Preparing for a Safer Future, How emergency managers can help communities adapt to climate changes
- Building a Community of Practice, HRWC hosts inaugural National Water Trails Forum
- Huron River Appreciation Day, Photos from our July 12 celebration
- Success! HRWC continues to make waves with a slew of recent projects
Summer 2015
- HRWC’s First 25 Years, Part 2 of a series celebrating 50 years of history, growth and achievement
- Middle Huron Progress, Investments yield results
- “You Mean We’re Drinking Your Pee?!” Huron River oral history project continues with Paul Cousins
- The 18th National Water Trail, Huron River Water Trail joins network of exemplary trails
- Stewardship Awards: Zachery Gizicki, Luke Blackburn, Magda Herkof
- Recipe for Conservation Success, Ingredients for a Great Michigan in the 98th Michigan Legislative Session
- Protecting a Regional Treasure, The Huron’s Natural River District
Spring 2015
- Tracing HRWC’s Roots, the Huron River Watershed Council at 50
- The American Mink, a relentless predator perfectly suited to a riparian habitat
- Upstream, Downstream and a Swim, Huron River oral history project continues
- RiverUp! Generates Momentum, highlights of recent accomplishments and current projects
- Waterfront Wisdom, tips for shoreline property owners
- Program Updates, HRWC’s activities on various programs in 2014
Winter 2014
- Trail Towns of the Huron, Part 4 in a series: the City of Ann Arbor
- Toxic Bacteria Impacts Lake Erie Communities, harmful algal blooms and their connections to the Huron River watershed
- Word on the Streets, coal tar sealcoat emerging as serious human and aquatic health threat
- Keeping the ‘Shed Natural, natural areas and farmland preservation
- Oral History Project, stories about the Huron River and its watershed
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, phosphorus reduction and climate change resiliency, improving agricultural controls and enabling stormwater utilities
Fall 2014
- Trail Towns of the Huron, Part 4 in a series: the Village of Milford
- Hardworking Trees, low-cost watershed workers
- Green Infrastructure Innovation, coming soon to a neighborhood near you!
- Education, HRWC-style, volunteers go deep with watershed-area schools
- Oral History Project, stories about the Huron River and its watershed
- Looking Under the Hood, university team studies river flows, the Huron’s “engine”
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, honoring Congressman John Dingell
Summer 2014
- Trail Towns of the Huron, Part 3 in a series: the City of Ypsilanti
- Ford Lake’s Legacy, the mixed history of the impoundment
- Stewardship Awards, Mike Schultz, The Battersby Family and Dave Wilson
- From Source to Source, the energy and carbon in our water supply
- Saving Water Saves Energy, program opens doors and inspires increased water conservation
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, highlights from State of the Huron Conference 2014
Spring 2014
- Trail Towns of the Huron, Part 2 in a series: the City of Flat Rock
- Bird Migration, finding feathered friends in the watershed
- When It Rains, It Pours, rainfall in a changing climate
- Up a Creek, no need for a paddle
- Green and Clean, understanding “Green Infrastructure”
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, wetland permitting, dioxane, fracking and State of the Huron Conference
Special Issue: Michigan Fisheries, 200 Years of Changes
- This document is a compilation of the 4 part fish series found in the Winter 2012-Fall 2013 newsletters.
Winter 2013
- Trail Towns of the Huron, Part 1 in a series: the Village of Dexter
- Mapping By Hand, how it was done over 100 years ago
- Investigating Bacteria Sources, Honey Creek Plan
- Identifying Failing Septics, a new approach
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, concerns about Michigan’s new wetlands law
Fall 2013
- 200 Years of Michigan Fish, Part 4 (final installment)
- A Paddler’s Journey, Ron Sell’s 2013 river expedition
- Protection for Portage Creek, Communities work to keep high-quality creek healthy
- Laura Rubin, River Hero!, River Network recognizes her inspirational leadership
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, reflections on the River Hero award and stormwater, asset management and wastewater
Summer 2013
- 200 Years of Michigan Fish, Part 3
- Honey, We Shrunk the Huron!, using mesocosms to perform river experiments
- Map of upcoming recreation features of the HRWT
- Adapting to a Changing Climate, project report
- Stewardship Awards, HRWC honors three individuals for their exceptional dedication
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, EPA’s National Rivers and Streams Assessment
Spring 2013
- 200 Years of Michigan Fish, Part 2
- RiverUp!date, Highlights of 2012
- Results are In! 2012 water quality monitoring shows mixed trends
- HRWC Events and Workshops for March, April, May
- Our Regulated River, Resources for dam owners and operators in the Huron
- H2O and Planned Giving, Leave a legacy for the Huron River
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, a new project protecting Portage Creek
- Thank you to our supporters and volunteers
Winter 2012
- 200 Years of Michigan Fish
- Low Flow Woes and Lake Levels
- Survey Says Watershed Residents are Stormdrain-Aware
- Never a Dull Moment, HRWC Programs Progress Report
- Blue Giving, HRWC Staff picks for meaningful gifts
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, a tribute to Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner Janis Bobrin
Fall 2012
- Ospreys are Back, reintroduction effort a success
- Restoration of a Highly Urbanized Mallets Creek, benefits extend downriver
- Clean Water Act at 40, a perspective on landmark legislation
- A Dam Nation, HRWC continues to eye the impacts of dams on the Huron
- New Staff, welcome Rebecca Esselman, HRWC Watershed Planner
- Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, concerns about in-stream whitewater structures
Summer 2012
- The Huron River in the War of 1812, the Governor’s vision for a military supply route
- Changing color of stormwater, green infrastructure
- H2O Heroes beat the peak, tips for saving water outdoors in the summer
- Make no small plans, charting a river’s rebirth
- Volunteer Awards, thanks and celebration at Annual Meeting
- A few special volunteer positions, are you the right fit for these opportunities?
Spring 2012
- Elusive neighbors, salamanders in the watershed
- New Honey Creek study investigates bacteria
- Stream muckin’ and bug collectin’, how and why we do it
- Summer events: birding, fly fishing, hiking, swimming, paddling
- Board representative Scott Barb from Livingston County
- River stewards Barry Lonik and Donna Snyder speak up
- HRWC water quality monitoring program expands to lower Huron
Winter 2011
- Three ways to get outside and have fun this winter
- Scenarios of winter climate change in the watershed
- New fertilizer restrictions
- HRWC and partners target phosphorus, bacteria and habitat problems
- 2012 Watershed Community Calendar available
- Take the Watershed Community Online Survey
Fall 2011 Special Issue, Save Water, Tips and Info Inside . . .
- Save water, energy and money while protecting the Huron
- Water impacts of electricity production
- HRWC begins new community-based climate change planning
- Your water footprint
- Bids on the River online auction opens Friday, September 16
- 2012 Watershed Community Calendar available in September
- Take the Watershed Community Online Survey
Summer 2011
- Freshwater Sponges
- Meet HRWC’s Storm Chasers
- New Ad Campaign
- HRWC takes the Lead on Dam Program Improvements
- Annual Meeting
- Paddle the Huron River Water Trail
Spring 2011
- Adopt-A-Stream Founder Retires
- Assessing the Huron’s Natural Areas
- New River Scouts Program, Paddle to Protect
- High-Tech Sleuthing to Detect Failing Septics
- Volunteer Monitoring in Livingston County
- HRWC’s Summer Recreation Events (fly fishing, paddle trips, and more)
Winter 2010
- HRWC Wraps Up a Successful Project Using Rain Gardens
- Oil and Gas Pipelines in the Watershed
- Progress on Phosphorus-free Fertilizer Regulations
- Taking the Huron River’s Temperature
Fall 2010
- The River Today
- Measuring Stream Flow
- Fall Birding Opportunities
- 360 Feet of Streambank Restored on Mill Creek
Summer 2010
- The River in 1966
- Monitoring and Evaluation Data for Lower Huron
- To Hell and Back Portage Creek Management Plan
Spring 2010
- The Skinny on Lakes
- Phosphorus Declines throughout Middle Huron
- Join Us for 2010 Summer Fun
- Ann Arbor Township Protects the Watershed
Winter 2009: Special Issue, Climate Change
- Why Climate Change Matters
- SUDS on the River a Success
- Film Fest Call for Entries
- 2010 Wall Calendars Available
Fall 2009
- Native plants green up the Huron
- HRWC advocates Argo Dam removal
- Stream buffer protection in Green Oak and Scio Townships
Summer 2009
- What is your favorite place on the Huron?
- Water quality of 13 local lakes measured in 2008
- Changes in Lansing impact wetland, DEQ, and DNR
- Planning in Portage and Protecting in Mill
- Korean delegation visits HRWC
Spring 2009
- Swans of the watershed
- Great Lakes compact approved
- Michigan Clean Water Corps: Bringing water monitors together from across the state
- Spring and summer volunteer activities
- Implementing low impact development in Michigan
Winter 2008
- Eradicating deadly diseases: a local wetland’s role
- What our data tells us about the condition of the Huron
- Snow and ice melting tips for homeowners
- Celebrate winter in the Huron River Watershed
Fall 2008
- HRWC celebrates first dam removal in the watershed
- Three critical factors for healthy streams
- Adopt-a-stream program seeks volunteers and support
- Top rated adventures in the watershed,
- MDEQ issued new permits controlling stormwater runoff admid controversy.
Summer 2008
- Two ways to explore your watershed
- Get the “dirt” about soil composition and life
- Miller’s Creek development highlight low impact tools of urban stormwater management
- New Wood’s Creek friends group launched
- Riparian buffer initiative completed
- Successful Third Annual film festival focus on watershed issues.
Spring 2008
- Freshwater jellyfish thrive in Huron River
- Innovative planning tools
- Encouraging report on five-year study of middle Huron
- River friendly lawn care tips
- Dexter dam removal is moving ahead
- HRWC shares favorite spring location along Mill Creek watershed.
Winter 2007
- Study illustrates potential watershed deterioration by 2030
- Seeking the elusive Stonefly
- HRWC staff and locals protect Woods Creek
- Portage Creek to have its own management plan
- Successful “Suds on the River” environmental awareness event
- Update on HRWC projects & activities
- Bioreserve project seeks volunteers & partners.
Fall 2007
- Tools for preserving the watershed
- Liz reports on her 100-mile Huron River swim
- Five area townships participating in Huron Buffer Initiative
- Paw Paw trees still found in a few Huron floodplain forests
- Green Oak Township leading effort on stormwater ordinance
Summer 2007
- Liz swims the Huron to raise awareness for water quality
- Green alternatives to traditional burial practices
- Successes from the second annual film festival
- Adopt-a-Stream volunteers provide vital scientific information about the Huron and its tributaries
- Volunteers honored at annual meeting
- Bioreserve project on a roll
Spring 2007
- Progress and direction for Ann Arbor’s Greenbelt Initiative
- Helping HRWC identify and protect natural areas
- Innovative land-use project focuses on transfer of development rights (TDR)
- Colt Farm’s permit denied
- How stormwater regulations hold up in court
- Longnose Gar is an ancient native fish species present in the Huron
Winter 2006
- Origins of the Huron River name
- Results of a two-year study of Mill Creek
- Tax incentives for land conservation
- Restoration projects in the Huron’s headwaters and a section of Millers Creek
- Detroit Heritage River Water Trail in the works
- Ann Arbor bans phosphorus in lawn fertilizers
Fall 2006
- Steelhead and chinook salmon in the Huron
- Stream assessment using modeling techniques
- Questions (about water protection) to ask your candidates for state and local office
- Study of novel methods to prevent algae problems in Ford and Belleville lakes
Summer 2006
- Migrating birds of the Huron
- Buffer initiative protects riparian areas
- Paddling on the Huron: contact info for liveries
- Mill Creek watershed update
- Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) program studies high-density development
Spring 2006
- Rare plants and animals in the watershed
- Davis Creek
- Bioreserve program continues
Winter 2005
- Effects of road salt on the Huron
- Reactions from River RoundUp
- Drinking water damaged by development
- Lower Huron and Huron Chain of Lakes watershed management plans completed
- Workshops for lakefront property owners to help protect lake quality
Fall 2005
- Mill Creek project targets subwatershed protection
- Kidney shell mussel egg case found in the Huron
- Pharmaceutical pollutants in the Huron
- Residents concerned about algal blooms
- History of HRWC
- Removal of Mill Pond Dam
Summer 2005
- Story of Barton Pond
- Field guide to aquatic phenomena
- Early origins of HRWC
- Storming Down a Lovely Valley: new report on Millers Creek
Spring 2005
- Life as a smallmouth bass
- Millages to protect greenspace
- Recreation in the watershed: contact information for area parks
- Rapid stream assessments provide snapshot of stream conditions
- Barton Pond vulnerable to bluegreen algae
- Plant trees to protect the Huron
Winter 2004
- Fishing spiders
- Controversy over water withdrawal rules
- Feasibility of removing Argo Dam
- Statewide monitoring through Michigan Clean Water Corps
- Natural areas map completed
Fall 2004
- Flooding around Ore Lake
- Infrastructure barriers harm fish and mussels
- State acts to curb sprawl
- Implementation of Mill Creek plan
- Watershed communities examine codes and ordinances
Summer 2004
- Approaches to Phase II storm water regulations
- Machines restore polluted aquatic environments
- Bridge planned in natural river zone
- Watershed friendly golf
Spring 2004
- Measuring flooding in Allen’s Creek
- Implementation of Kent Lake subwatershed plan
- Hawk migration in the Huron
- Middle Huron stream monitoring update
- Greenbelt plan to protect open space
- Pledge book survey results
Winter 2003
- MDEQ approves watershed plan in Mill Creek
- A muskrat tale
- The first State of the Huron Conference
- Ann Arbor library builds “green”