DOCSLIB.ORG

River Raisin Watershed Management Plan, Phase 1

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
River Raisin Watershed Management Plan, Phase 1 River Raisin Watershed Management Plan, Phase 1 by William R. Bennett Leslie E. Ramirez Katherine C. Ridolfi A project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Natural Resources and Environment) at the University of Michigan April 2006 Faculty advisors: Professor J. David Allan Dr. Thomas Johengen Abstract The River Raisin Watershed drains 2,780 square kilometers of southeastern Michigan and northern Ohio, terminating in Lake Erie. Currently, agriculture dominates the watershed (73 %) but exurban development is contributing to a changing landscape. As a result, the river and associated tributaries are heavily impacted and in need of a management plan that identifies threats to the watershed’s health and proposes appropriate responses. The River Raisin Watershed Council (RRWC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of Michigan, both active in advocating for watershed protection, enlisted the project team’s help in developing this plan. The results of this analysis will guide TNC and the RRWC to develop strategies to effectively manage the natural resources of the watershed. The team investigated three areas of importance in developing watershed protection strategies: 1) water quality in the upper watershed, 2) identification of conservation targets in the upper watershed using a GIS model and habitat assessment, and 3) analysis of local ordinances throughout the watershed that address stormwater management, preservation of natural areas, and reduction of impervious surfaces using a scoring system developed by the Center for Watershed Protection. The main stem of the River Raisin above the village of Manchester has the best water quality and also has the largest amount of priority area for habitat conservation. The subwatersheds of Hazen and Evans creek exhibited the poorest water quality in the upper watershed. The South Branch of the River Raisin and parts of Evans Creek are also the areas of lowest conservation value based on available habitat. The cities of Tecumseh and Adrian, the major population centers in these subwatersheds, are the local governments that need the most revision of local ordinances to improve water quality and stormwater management. Based on our analysis we recommend specific locations that could serve as focal areas for conservation planning and model ordinances to improve water quality. ii Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Problem Statement........................................................................................................................................1 1.2 Background....................................................................................................................................................1 1.3 Organization of this Report..........................................................................................................................3 1.4 The River Raisin Watershed Management Plan ........................................................................................5 1.5 Further Research...........................................................................................................................................7 2 WATER QUALITY ................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................................8 2.1.1 Water Pollution...........................................................................................................................................9 2.1.2 Point source & Non-point source Pollution..............................................................................................10 2.1.3 Threats to Rivers.......................................................................................................................................14 2.1.4 Water Quality Assessment........................................................................................................................16 2.1.5 Water Chemistry.......................................................................................................................................17 2.2 Methods........................................................................................................................................................20 2.2.1 Study Area & Location.............................................................................................................................20 2.2.2 Water Chemistry.......................................................................................................................................21 2.3 Results ..........................................................................................................................................................22 2.4 Discussion & Recommendations ................................................................................................................30 2.4.1 Limitations................................................................................................................................................30 2.4.2 Water Quality ...........................................................................................................................................31 3 CONSERVATION OF NATURAL AREAS ............................................................ 39 3.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................................39 3.1.1 Conservation of Biodiversity....................................................................................................................39 3.1.2 Prioritization of Conservation Areas ........................................................................................................46 iii 3.2 Methods........................................................................................................................................................46 3.2.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................46 3.2.2 Land Cover Data Set.................................................................................................................................47 3.2.3 Description of Habitat Suitability Criteria................................................................................................49 3.2.4 Spatial Analysis........................................................................................................................................52 3.3 Results ..........................................................................................................................................................62 3.3.1 Delineation of Important Habitat Patches.................................................................................................62 3.3.2 High Conservation Priority Patches..........................................................................................................66 3.4 Discussion.....................................................................................................................................................85 3.4.1 Protection of Biodiversity and Habitat .....................................................................................................85 3.4.2 Protection of Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems..............................................................................90 3.4.3 Managing a Socially and Ecologically Functioning Landscape ...............................................................91 4 LAWS AND ORDINANCES................................................................................... 94 4.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................................94 4.1.1 Powers of Local Government ...................................................................................................................95 4.1.2 Ordinances for Water Quality...................................................................................................................95 4.1.3 Governmental Units in the Watershed....................................................................................................100 4.2 Methods......................................................................................................................................................101 4.2.1 Review of Relevant Laws.......................................................................................................................101 4.2.2 Codes and Ordinances Worksheet..........................................................................................................101 4.2.3 Existing Ordinances and Suggestions for Improvement.........................................................................105 4.3 Results ........................................................................................................................................................106 4.3.1 Performance of the Watershed’s Communities ......................................................................................106 4.3.2 Scores by Individual Municipalities .......................................................................................................111
Load more

Recommended publications
  • River Raisin National Battlefield Park Lesson Plan Template
    River Raisin National Battlefield Park 3rd to 5th Grade Lesson Plans Unit Title: “It’s Not My Fault”: Engaging Point of View and Historical Perspective through Social Media – The War of 1812 Battles of the River Raisin Overview: This collection of four lessons engage students in learning about the War of 1812. Students will use point of view and historical perspective to make connections to American history and geography in the Old Northwest Territory. Students will learn about the War of 1812 and study personal stories of the Battles of the River Raisin. Students will read and analyze informational texts and explore maps as they organize information. A culminating project will include students making a fake social networking page where personalities from the Battles will interact with one another as the students apply their learning in fun and engaging ways. Topic or Era: War of 1812 and Battles of River Raisin, United States History Standard Era 3, 1754-1820 Curriculum Fit: Social Studies and English Language Arts Grade Level: 3rd to 5th Grade (can be used for lower graded gifted and talented students) Time Required: Four to Eight Class Periods (3 to 6 hours) Lessons: 1. “It’s Not My Fault”: Point of View and Historical Perspective 2. “It’s Not My Fault”: Battle Perspectives 3. “It’s Not My Fault”: Character Analysis and Jigsaw 4. “It’s Not My Fault”: Historical Conversations Using Social Media Lesson One “It’s Not My Fault!”: Point of View and Historical Perspective Overview: This lesson provides students with background information on point of view and perspective.
    [Show full text]
  • River Raisin Heritage Trail System
    JULY • RIVER RAISIN INDEPENDENCE FESTIVAL FIREWORKS RIVER RAISIN HERITAGE TRAIL Sterling State Park MAP AND GUIDE • LOTUS TOUR OF MARSHES OF LAKE ERIE AUGUST • MONROE COUNTY FAIR • RIVER RAISIN JAZZ FESTIVAL St. Mary’s Park, Downtown Monroe • DOWNTOWN MONROE FINE ART FAIR Downtown Monroe Events & Activities • MONROE COUNTY JAM THINGS TO DO AND RIVER RAISIN RIB-OFF Monroe County Fairgrounds JANUARY • RIVER RAISIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD SEPTEMBER COMMEMORATION • RIVER RAISIN LABOR DAY BBQ FEBRUARY Downtown Monroe • MONROE MAGAZINE ARTIST SHOWCASE OCTOBER IHM Motherhouse • CUSTER WEEK • MCLS BLACK HISTORY MONTH BLUES SERIES Downtown Monroe Various library branches and La-Z-Boy Center-Meyer • LANTERN TOURS Theater/MCCC Campus Navarre-Anderson Trading Post MAY NOVEMBER • RIVER RAISIN JAZZ SERIES (MAY-AUGUST) • WRITERS ON THE RIVER Downtown Monroe Restaurants Ellis Library and Reference Center JUNE • HOLIDAY KICKOFF WEEKEND • RIVER RAISIN FIFE AND DRUM MUSTER Downtown Monroe Loranger Square, Downtown Monroe • CONCERTS IN THE PARK (JUNE-AUGUST) St. Mary’s Park Partners WWW.RRTRAIL.COM Designed by Monroe Publishing Company WWW.RRTRAIL.COM and made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through generous support of the Coca-Cola Foundation EIGHT MILES OF WILDERNESS, RECREATION AND HISTORY AND RECREATION WILDERNESS, OF MILES EIGHT to bring the stories alive. alive. stories the bring to markers and monuments dot the route route the dot monuments and markers August. The festival is held at St. Mary’s Park, Park, Mary’s St. at held is festival The August. Park – unique to say the least. the say to unique – Park in the Battle of Little Bighorn.
    [Show full text]
  • River Raisin Watershed Managment Plan Part 1
    River Raisin Watershed Management Plan River Raisin Watershed Council Project Partners: Lenawee Conservation District University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and the Environment Stantec JFNew Submitted June 25, 2008 Re­submitted June 5, 2009 Final submission September 30, 2009 Partially funded by Clean Water Act Section 319 Grant administered by the MDEQ MDEQ Tracking Code 2005‐0117 Cover Art by Tom Thiery This plan is dedicated to the memory of Kara Suzanne Tecco (1982 – 2007) who worked tirelessly and gave selflessly to this plan and to the River Raisin Watershed Council River Raisin Watershed Management Plan Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................... 9 1.1 Water Quality Concerns .................................................................................................... 11 1.2 Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................................ 13 1.3 Recommendations ............................................................................................................ 14 1.4 Adaptive Planning ............................................................................................................. 15 2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 16 2.1 The Great Lakes and the River Raisin Watershed ...........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • River Raisin Assessment
    River Raisin Assessment EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is one of a series of river assessments to be prepared by the Fisheries Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for Michigan rivers. This report describes the characteristics of the River Raisin and its biological communities. River assessments are prepared to provide a comprehensive reference for citizens and agency personnel who desire information about a particular fisheries resource. These assessments will provide an approach to identifying opportunities and solving problems related to aquatic resources in watersheds. It is hoped that this river assessment will increase public awareness of the River Raisin and its challenges and serve to promote a sense of public stewardship and advocacy for the resources of the watershed. The ultimate goal is to increase public involvement in the decision making process to benefit the river and its resources. This document consists of four parts: an introduction, a river assessment, management options, and public comments and responses. The river assessment is the nucleus of the report. The characteristics of the River Raisin and its watershed are described in twelve sections: geography, history, geology and hydrology, channel morphology, soil and land use patterns, biological communities, special jurisdictions, recreational use, dams and barriers, water quality, fishery management, and citizen involvement. The management options section of the report identifies a variety of challenges and opportunities. These management options are categorized and presented following the organization of the main sections of the river assessment. It must be stressed that the options listed are not necessarily recommended by MDNR, Fisheries Division. They are intended to provide groundwork for public discussion and comment.
    [Show full text]
  • 2018 Dam Inspection Report
    TABLE OF CONTENTS CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................................................... 3 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 3 FIELD INSPECTION ............................................................................................................... 6 SPILLWAYS ............................................................................................................... 7 STRUCTURAL STABILITY ......................................................................................... 7 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS......................................................................................... 8 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................... 8 APPENDIX A: PHOTOGRAPHS ........................................................................................... 10 APPENDIX B: LOCATION MAPS ......................................................................................... 20 APPENDIX C: FIELD REPORT ............................................................................................ 22 APPENDIX D: ENGINEERING DATA ................................................................................... 29 APPENDIX E: TECUMSEH DAM REPAIR PERMIT DRAWINGS ........................................ 32 APPENDIX F: RED MILL POND LEGAL LAKE LEVEL STUDY, JULY 18, 2012, FTC&H .... 37 APPENDIX G: TECUMSEH DAM EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN .......................................
    [Show full text]
  • River Raisin Battlefield
    River Raisin Battlefield 1403 East Elm Ave Monroe, Michigan River Raisin National Battlefield Park A former paper plant in Monroe was redeveloped into a National Park with brownfield redevelopment incentives from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). A Brownfield Redevelopment Grant and Loan paid for site assessment, building demolition, and contaminated fill removal. A National Park memorializing the Battle of Frenchtown in the War of 1812 has made the former paper mill a popular a tourist destination. SITE CHARACTERISTICS AND HISTORY Raisin National Battlefield Park and the expanded park The 35-acre site is the on approximate location of the officially opened for public use. Frenchtown settlement, the historical origin of the City of Monroe, and one of the earliest European settlements in The project helped preserve a historic American battle site and resulted in economic benefits from increased Michigan. Frenchtown was the location of a series of War tourism. The park also fosters trans-national of 1812 conflicts between French and British factions. In comradeship between the United States, Canada and the 1915, the first River Raisin Paper Company mill was built United Kingdom. Each year, on the anniversary of the on the undeveloped site. The River Raisin Paper Battle of Frenchtown, U.S., Canadian and British Company, later sold to Jefferson Smurfit, occupied the representatives attend a commemoration for those who site until 1995. The property was donated to the city for gave their lives and a reenactment of the battlefield tactics of the time. the national park project. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND REMEDIATION FUNDING AND INCENTIVES The DEQ awarded the City of Monroe a brownfield grant • $1,000,000 DEQ Brownfield Grant and loan in 2004 to redevelop the contaminated • $646,400 DEQ Brownfield Loan $1,200,000 EPA Brownfield Revolving Loan property.
    [Show full text]
  • Water Trail Master Plan
    Monroe County Water Trail Master Plan July 2014 Monroe County Water Trail Master Plan This Plan was prepared by Monroe County and LIAA. This Plan was funded in part by the Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program, Department of Environmental Quality Office of the Great Lakes and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Table of Contents Introduction 1 Regional Context 1 Watersheds Rivers, Streams Creeks and Lakes What is a Water Trail? 4 Water Trails - a Regional & State Perspective 5 Water Trail Planning in the Region Blueways of St. Clair Huron River Water Trail Detroit Heritage River Water Trail Clinton River & St. Clair Coastal Water Trail Water Trail Planning in Michigan Local Initiatives 6 River Raisin Heritage Corridor-East Best Practices 54 Master Plan Access Sites Site Location Appropriateness Summary of the Planning Process 9 Cost Considerations Community Input Environmental Friendly Launch Considerations Gear and Equipment Water Trail Inventory 11 Safety Emergency Assistance Obstacles and Safety Concerns 51 Obstacles Weather and Lake Conditions Leveraging Trails for Economic Development 61 Shipping and Boating Traffic International Waters Facilities and Infrastructure Strategies 63 River and Paddling Etiquette 52 River Etiquette Leave No Trace Next Steps Private Property 66 Monroe County Water Trail Master Plan Introduction Water trails are swiftly becoming a signature feature of outdoor recreation in southeast Michigan. A series of water trails in Monroe County offer very different, but no less picturesque paddling experiences. Veteran kayakers have been paddling the western stretches of the River Raisin for many years, but use of the entire river has not been fully developed for the broader population.
    [Show full text]
  • Recycle Them at Your Local Grocer
    YCLE NO REC W Spring 2019 Congratulations to our Monroe County Green Schools! Kudos to all our 2018-2019 Green Schools! The following schools have achieved Official Michigan Green School designation for outstanding performance and lasting contribution to conservation and preservation of the environment: Evergreen - Dundee Elementary School, Fred W. Ritter Elementary, Meadow Montessori School, Monroe County Intermediate School District, North Elementary School, St. John the Baptist, Elementary School St. Mary Middle School Campus, St. Michael the Archangel - Early Elementary School, St. Patrick Catholic School, St. Joseph Catholic School, Sterling Elementary School Emerald - Bedford Junior High School, Eyler Elementary School, Sodt Elementary School, Triumph Academy Green - Dundee Middle School, Dundee High School, Mason Central Elementary School Earth Day Expo 2019 Another Earth Day Expo is now in the books! We had a great turnout this year and hopefully many of you were able to join in the celebration of our one and only home! We honored our many Green and Healthy Schools and the Climate Literacy Project’s butterflies really stole the show! Many thanks to our generous sponsors for helping make this day possible: Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, DTE, Monroe County Library System, DTE Energy Foundation, La-Z-Boy, The River Raisin Institute, and the Monroe Family YMCA. Did you know? Did you know the plastic bottle you used for only a few minutes will still be around more than 450 years from now?!? Plastic never really goes away, it just breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces into our environment. With everything you use, always remember it must go somewhere as there is no “away.” This is our only home, let’s keep it clean and take care of it so it will continue to take care of us! See Recycling Guide Have fun and get outside this summer! inside, and Page 4 for 2019 Events Calendar For more info on community recycling resources, please visit us at www.greenmonroecounty.com and follow The Monroe County Health Department on Facebook.
    [Show full text]
  • Monroe County, Michigan
    L A N D S C A P E S T E W A R D S H I P P L A N: Monroe County, Michigan PREPARED BY LISA BRUSH THE STEWARDSHIP NETWORK DATE MARCH 2017 Landscape Stewardship Plan for Monroe County, Michigan This Landscape Stewardship Plan is funded in part through a Fiscal Year 2015 Landscape Scale Restoration grant for “Developing Nine Landscape Stewardship Plans in Michigan” (15-DG- 11420004-175). The United States Forest Service, State and Private Forestry granted $336,347 in federal funds to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Forest Resources Division which along with its partners provided $337,113 in matching non-federal funds. The Department of Natural Resources administered the grant in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Huron Pines, The Stewardship Network and the Remote Environmental Assessment Laboratory. In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Acknowledgements We would like to thank the United States Forest Service for funding the project and the DNR Forest Stewardship staff (especially Mike Smalligan) for coordination. We are grateful for the information provided by many private landowners, public agencies, and nonprofit organization staff. Josh Liesen from Huron Pines provided much of the material for the Project Introduction section of this document, and Dr. Hugh Brown, Brittany Santure, and Rachel Muelle provided valuable content for this document. The cover photo was taken by Paul Muelle. Contact Information: Lisa Brush The Stewardship Network 416 Longshore Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 996-3190 [email protected] www.stewardshipnetwork.org 2 Table of Contents 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Kentucky Soldiers at the Battles of Frenchtown and the River Raisin Massacre Christian Michael Wright
    Kentucky Soldiers At The Battles Of Frenchtown And The River Raisin Massacre Christian Michael Wright Department of History, Politics, Global Studies and Legal Studies, Morehead State University Research Mentors: Dr. Adrian Mandzy Introduction Conclusions When the nation called during our second war with the United Kingdom the men of Kentucky 1st Battle (18 January 1813) answered the call. They participated in engagements from Fort Meigs to the Battle of New 1st Regiment Kentucky Militia – 200 Men Orleans fighting and dying as their fathers and 2nd Regiment Kentucky Militia – 21 Men th grandfathers had done during the Revolution. Two 5 Regiment Kentucky Militia – 330 Men st such engagements were the Battles of Frenchtown 1 Rifle Regiment Kentucky Militia – 110 Men and the ensuing massacre. 2nd Battle (22 January 1813) Abstract 17th United States Infantry Regiment – 225 Men 19th United States Infantry Regiment – 75 Men 1st Regiment Kentucky Militia – 196 Men 2nd Regiment Kentucky Militia – 21 Men Reconstruction of the Kentucky Battle Flag Lost at Frenchtown. 5th Regiment Kentucky Militia – 325 Men Curtesy of the Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office. 1st Rifle Regiment Kentucky Militia – 107 Men https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6493064/kentuckys-river-raisin-battle-flag References Clift, G. Glenn. “Rosters of Troops.” Essay. In Remember the Raisin!: Kentucky and Kentuckians in the Battles and Massacre at Frenchtown, Michigan Territory, in the War of 1812: Reprinted with Notes on Kentucky Veterans of the War of 1812, 178–231. Baltimore, MD: Reprinted, two volumes in one, for Clearfield Co. by Genealogical Pub. Co., 1961. Quisenberry, Anderson Chenault. “The River Raisin.” Essay.
    [Show full text]
  • DNR DEPARTMENT of NATURAL RESOURCES Number 23 October 1998
    Michigan STATE OF MICHIGAN DNR DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Number 23 October 1998 River Raisin Assessment Kenneth E. Dodge www.dnr.state.mi.us FISHERIES DIVISION SPECIAL REPORT MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FISHERIES DIVISION Fisheries Special Report 23 October 1998 River Raisin Assessment Kenneth E. Dodge The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, (MDNR) provides equal opportunities for employment and for access to Michigan’s natural resources. State and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital status, height and weight. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility, please write the MDNR Equal Opportunity Office, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909, or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, 1200 6th Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226, or the Office of Human Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington D.C. 20204. For more information about this publication or the American Disabilities Act (ADA), contact, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division, Box 30446, Lansing, MI 48909, or call 517-373-1280. Printed under authority of Michigan Department of Natural Resources Michigan DNR Total number of copies printed 400 — Total cost $2,406.56 — Cost per copy $6.01 River Raisin Assessment Suggested Citation Format Dodge, Kenneth E. 1998. River Raisin Assessment. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division, Special Report 23. Ann Arbor, Michigan. 2 River Raisin Assessment
    [Show full text]
  • River Raisin Heritage Trail Dedicated
    Contact: Joe Verkennes Director of Marketing, Monroe County Community College 734-384-4207 (office) or 419-343-3063 (mobile) June 25, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RIVER RAISIN HERITAGE TRAIL DEDICATED MONROE, Mich. – Following a decade’s worth of work by a broad spectrum of community organizations, the River Raisin Heritage Trail was officially dedicated today at a ceremony near the corner of E. Elm and Detroit avenues. That location is where the greenways path connects the City of Monroe to the River Raisin National Battlefield Park and Sterling State Park, one of the busiest in Michigan. The trail also snakes by the Ford Marsh within the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, connects to Downtown Monroe and will eventually link to Monroe County Community College. The ceremony, which was free and open to the public, included a keynote address by U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.); comments by featured guest Jeff Corwin, host of Animal Planet’s “The Jeff Corwin Experience” and wildlife and science expert for NBC/MSNBC; a ribbon cutting; a living history encampment; and the unveiling of a new River Raisin Heritage Trail entrance sign designed and constructed by local volunteers. (more) “This trail connects a unique collection of sites, from a key battlefield in our nation’s second war for independence to the shore of a Great Lake,” Sen. Levin said. “It links Michigan’s history to its natural beauty and highlights how the intersection of land and water has shaped our state. I’m proud to have worked with so many citizens, volunteers, private groups, government agencies and with the tireless [U.S.
    [Show full text]