Report Published by the Huron River Watershed Council SPRING 2020

feature story Waterlogged High water tables, high flows, and climate change Water tables remain well above into the planting season, normal, and the Huron River is interfering with growers’ flowing higher season-for-season ability to earn a living. compared to any period in recent Flooding in contaminated memory. Since May of 2019, the flow sites can result in pollution of the river is consistently higher spreading to surrounding than average. Many creeks repeatedly areas. High flows on the overflow their banks, and many river can be dangerous for normally seasonal wetlands hold anglers and paddlers— standing water through late summer. several canoe and kayak In Hamburg Township, the river has rental businesses along remained near or above flood stage the Huron River, including for months. Parts of Milford have Skip’s near Dexter and the seen their highest water levels in a Ann Arbor liveries, have generation. communities had to delay or limit their have seen both the effects of high services due to unsafe, high river flows and coastal flooding from flows. record high water levels Spring flooding at Hudson Mills —conditions magnified when winds More than a passing trend Metropark. credit: HRWC blow on shore out of the east. The The high water levels and water tables challenges are widespread. in the watershed are part of a larger High water levels are more than pattern. The 2010s were the wettest decade in ’s recorded history, a nuisance. They create public and 2019 was the 2nd wettest year on record for the U.S., the wettest ever for health risks. Water in basements can Michigan, and the 2nd wettest in . These circumstances have lead to mold and lasting structural all coincided with severe flooding across much of central damage. Farm fields remain wet well continued on page 3 Plan Your Summer Paddling! Outfitters of the Huron River Planning a paddle trip on the Huron times for paddling fun. Each is listed parking instructions, they offer rock- River this summer? Consider the here in upstream to downstream solid advice on how to stay safe and convenience of a pre-planned trip order. get the most from your experience. with transportation between points. These outfitters are as unique as Some outfitters require There are six excellent Huron River the area of river they service. Always reservations, while some are walk- outfitters staging trips from ten check websites before you go! Dig in up only. Most offer group rates. locations that offer a wide variety and look at the information provided. Operating hours can be different of experiences, watercraft, and float From what to bring, to trip length, to continued on page 4

INSIDE: UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS TMDL policy changes for Ford and Belleville lakes | Staff changes | Volunteer spotlight on Paul Cousins | The Bill and Mary Kinley Innovators Fund HRWC status and updates Rebecca’s Stream of Consciousness

hen I decided to join the an Environmental Teach-In in March HRWC staff eight years ago, it of that year that served as a model Wwas born from a desire to consider for the teach-ins that happened the implications of climate change nationwide on April 22nd as part of the for river protection. The organization first Earth Day. Many around the world recognized then that natural are rallying around this significant K. Paine resources were being uniquely anniversary, demanding that climate impacted by this growing threat, change be addressed at the scale and and that this required new data, speed necessary to avoid catastrophic new strategies and a new definition loss and irreversible change. of success. At the time, there was There is evidence that the growing large floods, drought or high water growing recognition of climate din of voices is finally being heard, temperatures. At the same time, we change impacts among professional and that the weight of evidence is are emphasizing solutions that both networks that managed water, forests, leading to more significant action. improve water quality and capture and fields. In the social discourse, the While federal agencies have been carbon or reduce greenhouse gas politicization of climate change had backsliding under this administration, emissions. For example, protecting already begun but did not have as sweeping legislation, such as the natural lands in the watershed is strong a hold as it has now. But even Green New Deal and the Energy a win for both water quality and just eight years ago, most of us were Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act climate change mitigation. Trees in the “climate change is coming” (H.R. 763), is being proposed and capture and store carbon, reducing camp. As the events of the past years gaining support. We are seeing key greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have played out, it’s hard not to be in financial institutions like BlackRock that cause climate change. This the “climate change is here” camp. acknowledge the weight of climate “natural solution” to climate change In fact, the five warmest years risk and changing investment is one of the most powerful we have on record have occurred since strategies to account for this risk. in our toolbox of options and it needs 2015. Natural disasters such as We saw a presidential candidate to be given the weight it deserves, fires, hurricanes, drought and floods Jay Inslee run on a climate change alongside energy and technology are shattering records time after platform. TIME’s 2019 Person of the solutions. time. 2019 was the fifth year in Year was young climate activist, Greta As we approach the fiftieth row that the U.S. saw 10 or more Thunberg. anniversary of Earth Day, join us natural disasters where economic Some of the evidence is right at one of the many events around losses exceeded 1 billion dollars. here in our backyard. Last year, southeast Michigan to commemorate Beyond economic impacts, these Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti declared a the occasion and generate the energy disasters result in countless tragic climate emergency, as did Washtenaw and action needed to tackle our stories of people displaced, lives County. Each followed this with greatest environmental challenge yet. and homes lost, and crops failed. commitments to reaching ambitious You can find some events listed on In our region we have seen annual carbon neutrality goals. Ypsilanti page 8. rainfall increases and major storm committed to be carbon neutral by You are part of the solution and events grow larger. Read Dan Brown’s 2035. Ann Arbor aims to be climate the time is now. cover piece in this newsletter— neutral by 2030. HRWC is one of the — Rebecca Essleman Waterlogged: High Water Tables, High many community partners involved HRWC Executive Director Flows, and Climate Change—to learn in developing the plan to achieve @natureiswater how a changing climate is impacting this goal; I am part of an advisory the Huron. committee moving forward the Sources: This year is the fiftieth anniversary adaptation and resilience portion of of Earth Day. Earth Day 1970 is the plan. Check out A2Zero.org to Five warmest years on record: NOAA National considered the event from which the learn more about the process and add Centers for Environmental Information, modern environmental movement your input. State of the Climate: Global Climate Report for Annual 2019, published online January was born. It led to the formation At HRWC, we are investing in 2020, retrieved on January 21, 2020 from of the Environmental Protection strategies that prepare the river for www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/201913. Agency and the passing of the Clean new climatic conditions. A resilient Water Act, the Clean Air Act and the river system is one that is strong Economic losses: NOAA National Centers for Endangered Species Act (as well as to begin with. Habitat restoration, Environmental Information (NCEI) U.S. Billion- “Ann Arbor’s own” Ecology Center!). A dam removal and riparian and Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters (2020). part of the story you may not know is wetland protection will lead to a www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/ that the University of Michigan hosted Huron that can recover from periodic Waterlogged continued from cover North America, resulting in widespread damage. Beyond natural water level variation, the Great Lakes have been at or near record levels over the past year. From Lake Superior to Lake Ontario, the effects on coastal communities and ecosystems has been dramatic. Beaches have been claimed by the lakes. Sensitive, rare wildlife habitats have been swept away or inundated.

Climate change makes the Precipitation trends water cycle more chaotic are changing dramatically. These events are all symptoms of credit: HRWC climate change. Several climate factors affect how much water is in the Great Lakes basin over any given period of time. Evaporation, precipitation, and ice cover are the dominating climatic characteristics. A warming world increases evaporation over the long term. Once Increased precipitation, amount of change is inevitable for water evaporates from a watershed, flooding, and pollution decades to come due to the residual it falls anywhere the wind takes Since 1951, precipitation has warming effect of greenhouse gases it—potentially removing available increased by 14% across the Great already emitted. That means local water from the region. Warmer Lakes region. The frequency of heavy communities need to be prepared temperatures therefore tend to lead storms has risen by 35%, a major for unprecedented weather events to drier soil and lower water levels in cause of widespread flooding. In in addition to working to reduce the affected region. some hotspots, including parts of emissions and slow global warming. Precipitation and ice cover in the Southeast Michigan, the increase has region, however, have become more been greater. Perhaps more important Planned climate resiliency variable with rising temperatures. is how and when that precipitation is HRWC has been working with Warmer air holds more moisture. For reaching us. The most intense storms communities to adapt to the every 1°F rise in temperature, the have become more powerful and increasing volume of water flowing atmosphere holds around 4% more more frequent, delivering a greater through the watershed. Recent water vapor, providing more readily proportion of our precipitation partnerships include: available fuel for storms. in downpours rather than gentle When the Great Lakes freeze over sprinkles. Fall snow is coming later, • The City of Wixom—installing in late winter, the ice effectively shuts and spring snow is melting earlier. rain gardens to restore a section down evaporation from the lakes and, These seasonal changes affect of Norton Creek; counterintuitively, a warming world the timing and volume of water • The City of Ann Arbor—installing can lead to variable periods of greater moving through the system, requiring green infrastructure to help ice cover. As the polar regions warm adaptations in how the water is reduce runoff; and faster than the rest of the planet, the managed. In Dexter, for example, the • The City of Ypsilanti—removing temperature gradient that keeps cold new storage basin the city installed to Pen Dam to restore the natural air trapped in the arctic weakens. hold wastewater during large events ability of the river to absorb high Cold air masses can break away to the overflowed twice in the first year. flows through Ypsilanti. south (the “polar vortex” outbreaks) Disrupted spring weather means that and cause the lakes to freeze, thus rain falls on rapidly melting snow and Working at this scale in our home reducing evaporation even as more still-frozen ground, causing abrupt communities is where individuals moisture and precipitation arrives flooding that carries road salt and and groups can have the greatest from outside the region. Since 2014, other recently thawed contaminants positive impact. As we try to avoid this has been a recurring pattern to streams. the worst impacts of climate and, as the world continues to warm, Unless global greenhouse gas change by reducing greenhouse gas variability in ice cover could become emissions are drastically reduced, the emissions, we can work to adapt to even less predictable. The Great Lakes current trends will likely continue the unavoidable and keep our heads and our watershed could see higher and worsen. Even if emissions are above water. highs and lower lows in water levels. reduced enough to avoid the worst —Daniel A. Brown impacts of climate change, some

PAGE 3 Plan Your Summer Paddling continued from cover depending on the season or day of the week. Some have restrictions or additional charges for launching The Big Bend picnic area and launch at Willow private watercraft at their locations. Some are in parks Metropark in the Lower Huron (outfitter Motor City with public launches nearby. Some allow small well- Canoe Rental). credit: E. McMillen Cislo behaved dogs and some prohibit pets altogether. Some have rules about coolers. Most, but not all, offer trips where you can stop at a public park to enjoy a picnic or use a restroom. All are popular and get very crowded on warm sunny summer weekends, including Fridays.

Upper Huron

Heavner Canoe & Kayak Rental Heavner Canoe & Kayak Rental offers unique outdoor educational and recreational programs year-round. Experience “up north” paddling close to home. Launch from one of Village Canoe Rental Metropark (restrooms on-site). Known three locations on the Huron River Hidden away in the southeast corner for excellent customer service, the and meander on the water through of the Village of Milford is Village friendly and helpful staff will make beautiful Proud and Island Lake Canoe Rental, with plenty of parking you feel well cared for! State Recreation Areas, Kensington and a picnic area for your enjoyment. Metropark, and Milford’s Central “Skip’s is a full-service canoe and Park. Stop to hike, swim, picnic, Rates: $30-$36 per day, pick up and kayak rental facility providing access fish, or camp along the way. Enjoy drop off $8 to the most scenic and cleanest stretch concerts at Central Park or delicious of the Huron River. We get regular food and artisanal brews at River’s Equipment: sit-on kayaks, single and feedback that our customers feel Edge Brewing Co. on a Proud Lake tandem kayaks, canoes like they are paddling in northern trip. Heavner’s also offers popular Michigan. Since 1973, we have been moonlight paddles in the summer. Open: May 1-September 30. May and offering a family-friendly adventure September by advance reservation down the Huron without the hassle of Rates: $20-$50 per kayak or canoe, only. dams, lakes or portages.” transportation included —Nate Pound and Tyler Soja, Owners Location: 1216 Garden Road Equipment: single kayaks, canoes Milford, MI 48381 Equipment: single and tandem kayaks, canoes Porter service for private craft by Phone: (248) 685-9207 special arrangement Open: first weekend in May through Website: villagecanoe.com Open: May 16-September 15. mid-October, weekends only before Pre-season April 1-May 15 or Memorial Day weekend and after Labor Day September 16-October 30 by advance Middle Huron reservation only. Year-round activities offered, weather-permitting. Trip rates: $22-$43 per kayak or canoe, transportation included Skip’s Huron River Canoe Locations: Proud Lake Livery Tubes: yes, float from Dexter-Huron 2775 Garden Road Paddle or float through the to (3.5 hours), $18 Milford, MI 48381 designated natural river district of the Huron River in the Dexter area on a Location: East Delhi Road Farm Center 1-2-hour or 3-4-hour trip that travels Ann Arbor, MI 48103 4570 Huron River Parkway the river as it winds through Hudson Milford, MI 48380 Mills Metropark and Washtenaw Phone: (734) 769-8686 Island Lake County nature preserves. You will 12950 Grand River Road be enchanted by the scenic beauty, Website: paddlethehuron.com Brighton, MI 48116 birding and wildlife viewing. On warm sunny days, see the smallmouth Phone: (248) 685-2379 bass and other fish species as you float along. Pack a picnic lunch for continued on next page Website: heavnercanoe.com a leisurely stop at Dexter Huron

PAGE 4 Plan Your Summer Paddling continued from previous page City of Ann Arbor Parks & Additionally, for $9 per person Porter Service for private equipment: Recreation anyone can ride the shuttle bus from yes, call in advance With two locations, the City offers Gallup Park back up to Argo Park, a variety of paddling experiences even if you didn’t rent from the livery Locations: through the heart of Ann Arbor and its (people only, no equipment or tubes). Outpost at Oakwoods Metropark lush parks and natural areas. There’s a 32911 Willow Road 2.5-hour trip and a 1.5-hour trip; both Locations: New Boston, MI 48164 include paddling through the Argo Argo Park Phone: (313) 473-0396 Cascades, a 1500-foot long series 1055 Longshore Drive of nine small drops and pools. The Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Atwater Paddles longer trip includes the Barton and Phone: (734) 794-6241 26425 Atwater St. Argo nature areas, where birds and Flat Rock, MI 48134 wildlife are plentiful. There are also Gallup Park Phone: (313) 473-9847 options to go out and back at your 3000 Fuller Road own pace in the still-water sections of Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Website: motorcitycanoerental.com the Argo and Gallup reservoirs. Phone: (734) 794-6240 H2E River Adventures “My favorite trip is our 1.5-hour river Website: a2gov.org/canoe H2E River Adventures is a pop-up trip from Argo Park to Gallup Park outfitter that provides kayak, canoe through Ann Arbor. This trip starts Lower Huron and tube trips on the lower Huron with the super fun rapids at the Argo River from the boat launch in Flat Cascades and then floats through Rock. Kayak or canoe trips are offered beautiful river parks. Love hopping Motor City Canoe Rental from Flat Rock to Dodge Park in South in a boat, escaping the city life and Paddle through the scenic beauty Rockwood (4 hours) or to the mouth immersing myself in nature. And it is of the Lower Huron, Willow and of the Huron River at Hull’s Trace (7 convenient and easy and available Oakwoods Metroparks (6-hour, hours). every day, no reservations needed.” 4.5-hour or 2-hour trips offered) —Cheryl Saam, Recreation Supervisor or tour from Flat Rock to South Rates: $25-$50 per kayak or canoe, Rockwood (2-hours). Their outpost transportation included Equipment: sit-on kayaks, single and for staging trips in the Metroparks is tandem kayaks, canoes; 3 or 4-person at Oakwoods, with a second location Equipment: single kayaks, two- paddleboats and kid kayaks (Gallup next door to the new Atwater Street person canoes only); 6-person rafts and SUPs (Argo Tacos (yum!) in Flat Rock. only) Tubes: yes, float from Flat Rock to Trip rates: $25-$45 per kayak or South Rockwood (8 hours), $25 Open: Gallup, April 18-October 18; canoe, transportation included Argo, May 2-September 27 Location: Flat Rock Boat Launch Equipment: single and tandem 28911 Seneca Street Rates: $21-$32 per kayak or canoe kayaks, canoes Flat Rock, MI 48134 for trips, transportation included, 6-person rafts $72; $10-$20 per boat Tubes: yes, float from Willow to Phone: (734) 379-9912 for 2 hours of still-water paddling Oakwoods Metropark (3 hours), $10-$20 Website: h2eriveradventures.com Tubes: yes, from Argo Park only, for short trips down the Cascades or longer trips to one of the downstream city parks, $10 for 2-hours (walk back or pay $9 for transportation from Gallup Park)

WATER TRAIL Kayakers having fun RESOURCES on the Cascades at Argo (outfitter City Find maps, recommended of Ann Arbor Parks & trips, links to outfitters, things Recreation). to see and do in Trail Towns credit: B. Mitchell along the way, and more at huronriverwatertrail.org.

PAGE 5 MISSION The Huron River Watershed Council protects The Huron River Watershed and restores the river for healthy and vibrant communities. VISION We envision a future of clean and plentiful water for people and nature where citizens and government are effective and courageous champions for the Huron River and its watershed. CORE VALUES We work with a collaborative and inclusive spirit to give all partners the opportunity to become stewards. We generate science-based, trustworthy information for decision makers to ensure reliable supplies of clean water and resilient natural systems. We passionately advocate for the health of the river and the lands around it.

HRWC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee Mary Bajcz Chris Benedict (Vice Chair) Janis Bobrin Paul Cousins Matthew LaFleur (Treasurer) Dick Norton (Chair) Diane O’Connell Evan Pratt Steven Wright

Board of Directors Susan Bade Scott Barb Sue Bejin Marlene Chockley Cheryl Darnton Larry Dishaw Individuals, local businesses and more than 40 communities Belinda Friis support HRWC’s work through voluntary membership. David Glaab Mandy Grewal Fred Hanert Gerry Kangas Michelle LaRose Molly Maciejewski Erica Perry Sharon Popp Visit www.hrwc.org for detailed maps, monitoring data and creekshed status updates. Peter Schappach Matt Stuk Curt Wolf Lisa Wozniak huronriver hrwc

huronriver huronriverwc

© 2020 Huron River Watershed Council The Huron River Watershed

For most paddlers, spring is the welcome start of the season for recreation on the river. credit: M. Margineanu

HRWC STAFF Daniel A. Brown x 608 Watershed Planner [email protected] Anita Daley x 603 Marketing Specialist [email protected] Rebecca Esselman x 611 Executive Director [email protected] Jason Frenzel x 600 Stewardship Coordinator [email protected] Allison Gotelaere x 610 Development Associate [email protected] Jennifer Kangas x 604 Operations Director [email protected] Pam Labadie x 602 Marketing Director [email protected] Kate Laramie x 612 Watershed Ecology Associate [email protected] Ric Lawson x 609 Watershed Planner [email protected] Kris Olsson x 607 Watershed Ecologist [email protected] Andrea Paine x 613 Visit www.hrwc.org for detailed maps, monitoring data and creekshed status updates. Watershed Planning Associate Lake Erie [email protected] Paul Steen x 601 Watershed Ecologist 1100 North Main Street, Suite 210 [email protected] Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 (734) 769-5123 www.hrwc.org

Design by SJ Design Studio. Quarterly layout and illustrations © 2020 by J. Wolf, Laughing Goat Arts. The Huron River Report is published three times per year. Its content is prepared by staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of board members. calendar of events HRWC Events and Workshops MARCH • APRIL • MAY • 2020

River Givers Gathering Sunday, March 8, 1 - 3pm, Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Place, Ypsilanti LOCAL EARTH DAY EVENTS A celebration of you, the volunteers and donors who work to protect the Huron River and all that we accomplish together. Join us for live music, food, science, 2020 Michigan Climate door prizes and fun for all ages. Free for all River Givers who have volunteered or Action Summit donated to HRWC in the last 12 months and friends and family. Thursday, March 12 Contact: Allison at [email protected] or x 610 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor

Chemistry and Flow Monitoring Orientation 50th Anniversary Earth Saturday, March 21, 1 - 2:30pm, NEW Center, Ann Arbor or Day Celebration Saturday, March 28, 2 - 3:30pm, Riverview Veterans Memorial Library, Riverview March 11 – 14 Help measure the quality of local rivers and streams this spring and summer! University of Michigan Collect water samples, measure stream flow and record chemistry measurements. and the Ecology Center Monitoring sites are in Washtenaw, Livingston and Wayne counties. Commitment Ann Arbor is two or more hours per month, April—September, depending on availability and interest. We have a strong need for volunteers to work downriver. Additional Ann Arbor Earth Day hands-on training will occur in the field during the first week of sampling. Festival Details: www.hrwc.org/water-quality-monitoring April 19 Registration: www.hrwc.org/volunteer/water-sampling Gallup Park, Ann Arbor

River Roundup Brighton Earth Day Saturday, April 18, 9am or 10:30am, starting at the NEW Center, Ann Arbor Challenge Volunteer with us on EARTH DAY! Join a small team with your friends and family 5K and 1.Mile Run and help us monitor the health of our streams. Travel to various locations to April 25 collect a sample of the bugs and other creatures (benthic macroinvertebrates) that Mt. Brighton live in the Huron River system. ESTIMATED TRAVEL and FIELD time: 4 HOURS Registration: www.hrwc.org/roundup Big House 5K Sunday, April 19, 8am, University of Michigan Big House, Ann Arbor The Big House 5K is an exciting run/walk that courses through the University of Michigan campus before participants finish the race on the 50-yard line of Michigan Stadium. All race proceeds are split among the six nonprofit beneficiaries, including HRWC. This year, 8,500 runners and (maybe you) will run for the Huron River! This race sells out, so register early. Registration: www.hrwc.org/event/big-house-5k/ Board Meeting Thursday, April 23, 5:30pm, NEW Center, Ann Arbor Contact: [email protected]

Insect ID Day Sunday, May 3, Noon or 2pm, lasts 2 hours, NEW Center, Ann Arbor Discover what kinds of bugs volunteers found at the recent Roundup. Separate them into look-alike groups, and then an expert will identify them with you. You Thanks to its striped camouflage, silent record the data and compare the results to past years. flight, and status as an apex predator, Registration: www.hrwc.org/id-day the Great Horned Owl is called the “tiger of the sky.” Native to North America Huron River Day and a resident of the Huron River Sunday, May 17, Noon - 4pm watershed, this owl is adaptable to many Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor environments and considered common, Discount canoe and kayak rentals, children’s but populations are declining. Their activities, live animal programs, river exhibits, More events at diet is varied, including rodents, rabbits, music, food, fishing, and much more. Ride your www.hrwc.org/calendar skunks, porcupines, reptiles, birds, and bike to the event and receive a coupon for a other raptors. This majestic owl is at free boat rental. Sponsored by DTE Energy risk of accidental death by poisoning Foundation. as the result of the human use of toxic Details: www.a2gov.org/hrd substances to control for rodents. credit: J. Wolf PAGE 8 HRWC Events and Workshops Revised Phosphorus Policy Approved Lower limits will impact many, but will they fix Ford and Belleville lakes?

Last November, Michigan’s investment from municipalities, Belleville Lake due to the structure of Department of Environment, Great the trophic condition of the river that dam. Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) received impoundments has not improved. The bigger impact will be on the approval from the U.S. Environmental The final (and most direct) existing phosphorus sources in the Protection Agency for a revised driver of the revision was an watershed. They will now see lower policy to reduce algae blooms in administrative law judge’s order. Four phosphorus limitations in their two Huron River impoundments: of the wastewater treatment plants discharge permits from EGLE. On the Ford and Belleville lakes. The policy, (WWTPs) in the watershed sued EGLE positive side, there is no room for known as a Total Maximum Daily Load over permit restrictions tied to the any new dischargers. Hopefully, EGLE (TMDL), establishes a pollution diet TMDL. The judge ordered EGLE to will uphold this strict limitation and for phosphorus within the section of honor its commitment to revise the deny any new permit applications the watershed that drains to those TMDL by October of 2019. it receives. On the negative side, two water bodies. As part of the initial many existing sources have already analysis conducted by EGLE in 1995- What changed? invested millions of dollars to reduce 96, phosphorus was determined to be The most important change is that phosphorus loading to low levels. the nutrient that controls the growth EGLE, arguing that reductions to-date Any additional reductions will come of algae in the lakes, especially toxic have not done enough to improve at great cost. The WWTPs have not blue-green algae and microcystis impoundment conditions, dropped committed to any next steps, but bacteria. The revised TMDL lowers the the concentration target for Ford Lake their lawsuit against EGLE is likely to original limit for Ford Lake from 50 by 40%, from 50 µg/l to 30 µg/l. That continue. µg/l to 30 µg/l, among other changes. concentration target is then used The bottom line is that municipal as the basis for calculating much partners within the middle Huron Why was a policy revision lower load limits for all sources. EGLE River watershed have made necessary? also established a separate limit for tremendous progress in phosphorus The TMDL policy needed revision Belleville Lake and extended both reduction over the years, and this is for several reasons. As the first limitations to year-round (previously, helpful for the entire river system all nutrient-based TMDL in Michigan, the limitations only applied to the the way to Lake Erie. However, Ford approved back in 2000, it needed April-September “growing season”). and Belleville lakes are not natural. some structural changes to be Finally, the policy contains a more They may always be stressed by high consistent with other TMDLs around comprehensive list of individual phosphorus concentrations, or, at the country. Originally, a phosphorus point sources, with phosphorus load best, it will take many years to see concentration was set as the limit, limitations for each. All municipal significant improvement. The revised rather than a phosphorus load, or stormwater is included as a single policy makes some steps in the right annual weight. This allowed new source category, separate from direction, and HRWC will continue developments to add phosphorus generalized landscape runoff. to work with our partners to develop to the system as long as the solutions to address phosphorus concentration in their discharge was What are the likely outcomes? pollution. low enough. Thus, with these new It is unclear what long-term impacts —Ric Lawson sources, EGLE allowed the total load these policy changes will have on to the lakes to increase. The revised the river impoundments. Evidence TMDL corrects this problem. from efforts to control sources to In addition, many conditions eutrophic lakes elsewhere suggests in Ford and Belleville lakes have that it may require decades for lake changed over the past two decades. phosphorus concentrations to recede. HRWC has been monitoring A significant problem is that the lakes phosphorus in the streams since contain a substantial phosphorus load 2003. The most recent load in bottom sediment from past years calculation (a five-year mean of upstream pollution as well as a through 2018) indicates a 53% naturally high phosphorus content drop in phosphorus entering Ford in underlying soils. While EGLE Lake. While EGLE does not calculate considered this “internal load,” they phosphorus loading in the same way, under-represented its importance. they did confirm a 20% decrease in Continued periodic bottom-releases phosphorus concentrations entering during the growing season by the lake. At the same time, biennial Ypsilanti Township to keep bottom lake monitoring shows no change in waters oxygenated will still be The goal of the phosphorus limit policy phosphorus concentrations in either important to prevent algae blooms. is to restore function to the lakes, like lake. Despite tremendous effort and Unfortunately, this is not possible in here on Belleville Lake. credit: HRWC

PAGE 9 Volunteer Spotlight • Paul Cousins credit: G. Hieber credit:

With deep gratitude and admiration nourished the larger HRWC family secret to success, “always attend HRWC presents the Lifetime with his amazing food and famous the meetings!” Paul’s commitment Achievement Award to Paul Cousins. hospitality. His vision and leadership to community finds him serving as a Paul is HRWC’s longest standing led to the removal of Dexter’s Mill Dexter City (Village) representative board representative, serving since Pond Dam in 2008 and the restoration on and off for 20 years—as well as on 1968, first for Webster Township and of more than 200 miles of stream to numerous commissions and nonprofit more recently for the City of Dexter. free-flowing habitat and a Mill Creek boards supporting transportation, Paul is an inspired ambassador for park that is a community focal point. education, and the arts—where his the Huron River, forging relationships Paul’s early environmental career knack for fundraising has benefitted and facilitating initiatives that was sparked during his time as a an untold number of residents and support its protection and restoration. teacher at Dexter High School and his visitors. He and his wife Pat also He was Chair of the HRWC Board work with the Environmental Club. owned and operated Cousins Heritage (2003-2009), has been a member of He and fellow teachers cleaned up Inn—a beloved local farm-to-table numerous committees, volunteered the property behind what is now Mill restaurant—for 18 years. for nearly all events, and has Creek Middle School. The outdoor Always one for appreciation, classroom that Paul led for a decade some of Paul’s best experiences drew its teaching from his time of service are the methods from Dr. amazing friends he’s made, including Bill Stapp, just as numerous HRWC staff and board HRWC’s Streamside members. He is also exceptionally Education Program proud to have participated in HRWC’s does today. “growing up.” When asked It is HRWC’s pleasure to induct about his Paul Cousins into the Hall of Fame, philosophy of following other beloved members community service Herb Munzel, Eunice Burns, David Paul says, “if Wilson, Magda Herkof, Sally Rutzky, someone thinks I Janis Bobrin, and Dave and Sharon can be of assistance, Brooks. I will, and will —Jason Frenzel try my best.” His

Paul talks to Under the Radar host Tom Daldin for a 2017 episode featuring Dexter and the Huron River Water Trail. credit: HRWC

Make a Gift for Ages to Come

Contact Allison Gotelaere about your planned gift to HRWC: [email protected], (734) 769-5123 x 610 PAGE 10 The Bill and Mary Kinley Innovators Fund • Paul Cousins Volunteer Spotlight A shared vision for innovative solutions in water protection credit: G. Hieber credit: HRWC is excited to announce the long-lasting solutions from the launch of the Bill and Mary Kinley seeds of great ideas. Innovators Fund! Bill and Mary have Together we can grow and been long-standing champions for sustain this fund over the long the Huron River. Their commitment term and find innovative solutions to HRWC’s mission over the years for clean water. Help us reach has made a lasting difference in the our goal by contributing to the

health of the river and in engaging Innovators Fund today. Donate HRWC credit: watershed residents in experiencing between now and June 1, 2020, and protecting it. With the Innovators and your gift will be matched Fund, the Kinleys are investing in dollar for dollar by the Kinleys (up HRWC’s future—our ambition to to $22,000). Achieving this match explore and lead new and innovative goal will allow HRWC to launch approaches to river protection and the Fund with $162,000! If you would “Having worked with the Huron restoration. like to make a lasting difference River Watershed Council for over a They have seeded the Fund with by contributing to the Innovators decade, we have full confidence in a generous gift. The Fund will allow Fund contact Allison Gotelaere at them to use this Innovators fund HRWC staff to pursue new ideas and [email protected] or use the wisely. We feel it’s a forward-looking partnerships, gain the necessary enclosed envelop and check the box step for HRWC initiatives that skills to increase our impact, and for Innovators Fund. might not be possible otherwise, quickly tackle emerging threats to Thank you for giving us room to such as developing self-sustaining clean water. It gives the organization spread our wings, Bill and Mary! programs to increase rain gardens, or critical flexibility to do our best work conducting research on microplastics at the time that it is needed most —Rebecca Esselman in the river.” and the ability to grow high-impact —Bill and Mary Kinley Welcome New Staff; Thank You, Margaret! Allison Gotelaere and Kate Laramie join HRWC’s team HRWC is pleased to introduce you education efforts, and natural areas to new staff—Allison Gotelaere and assessments. Kate has extensive field Kate Laramie. Allison joined HRWC experience and has shined in many in September as Development teaching roles. She has worked at Associate. She has been a great the University of Michigan Biological addition to our development team, Station and Tip of the Mitt Watershed leading on membership and this Council, and is currently pursuing year’s events like River Givers, the Big her Master of Science degree at the House 5k and Suds on the River. She University of Michigan. She was also provides support on fundraising an intern with HRWC in 2018, and and helped make our 2019 year-end we are delighted to bring her on campaign a huge success. Allison permanently. previously worked at the Leslie In October, we said goodbye to Science and Nature Center and the long time Development Director, Michigan Municipal League, bringing Margaret Smith. Like all non-profit strong experience in fundraising for organizations, HRWC relies on the environment and knowledge of the support of people within our how to work with communities. When community. Margaret’s efforts in not at work, you may find Allie and forging that support will outlast her her fiancée hiking with their dog Argo tenure at HRWC and carry us forward along the banks of the Huron. into the future. We thank her from Make a Gift for Ages to Come Kate Laramie joined our team in the bottom of our hearts for her photo: M. Rowe February as a Watershed Ecology efforts. We are glad of the time she Contact Allison Gotelaere about your Associate. Kate provides support spent with us and wish her well in her for our benthic macroinvertebrate future endeavors. planned gift to HRWC: [email protected], program, summer internships, STEM —Rebecca Esselman (734) 769-5123 x 610 Allison (top) and Kate. credit: HRWC PAGE 11 1100 North Main Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Printed on 30% minimum post-consumer recycled content paper.

Together We Protect Our Home River Please give back to the river that has given us so much

Since 1965, we have led the change we want to see – taking the mantle and advocating at the LOCAL level, collecting and interpreting science, informing action, policy, and outreach, strengthening local laws and regulations, implementing innovative solutions such as natural resources planning, climate readiness, and real-time monitoring. Donate at hrwc.org/donate HRWC depends on your support to protect our clean water for people and nature.

Questions about how your dollars can help? Allison Gotelaere, [email protected], (734) 769-5123 x 610

Photo by John Lloyd