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Jackson County Conservation District |
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Watershed Project Sees Much Progress during First Year
by Cecilia Govrik, Watershed Project Coordinator
The first year of the Upper Grand River Implementation Project (UGRIP) has now come to a close, but much progress has been made and even more success is expected in the upcoming two years. One goal of UGRIP is to provide educational materials and promote cost-share opportunities to landowners in the targeted sub-basins of the watershed (see map). During the past year, more than 60 landowners were contacted in some manner and provided with information on various conservation measures that could help protect water quality in the area. Some of these conservation measures were even implemented in the Ingham County portion of the targeted sub-basins. Over 80 acres of native grasses and plants were established through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Pheasants Forever in 2006, and over 1800 acres of wetland enhancement and restoration work is expected to be completed in 2007.
Many residents also took advantage of the educational workshops and field tours that were held in coordination with UGRIP. In April, the Jackson Conservation District held a Native Plant workshop in Munith. In September, the Michigan Audubon Society and Jackson Ag Council also highlighted the wetland and grassland restoration sites at the Haehnle Sanctuary during their Farmfest. Additional workshops and field tours will be planned under UGRIP over the next two years.
Youth education efforts have continued under UGRIP. The Dahlem Center experienced a successful first year of its “Our World of Water” program for 4th-6th grade classrooms throughout the watershed. Schools are already signing up for second year of the program this spring. Visit www.dahlemcenter.org for more information. The Ingham Conservation District will also be planning some watershed education events, such as teacher workshops, during the next year.
One notable portion of UGRIP is now underway in Henrietta and Waterloo Townships. An environmental consulting firm, ASTI Environmental, has been hired to complete a Natural Resources Inventory in both townships. ASTI will also assist the townships with long-term land use planning efforts by reviewing all of the township planning documents and policies, and then making any recommendations on how to make the policies more compatible with sustainable land use in the watershed.
Overall, a lot of progress has occurred under the Upper Grand River Implementation Project during its first year. The upcoming two years will bring even more exciting tasks, such as river cleanups and possibly some streambank restoration work. To stay up-to-date on the progress of UGRIP, visit the website www.theugrip.org.
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