BLACK RIVER PROJECT 1999-2000
Volunteer Monitoring Program
April 1999 - Volunteers for the Black River gathered with other annual conference attendees for a day long training session presented by Gary Kohlhepp, Aquatic Biologist, MDEQ, Surface Water Quality Division. Training was done on the collection of Macroinvertebrates and other stream insects. The group collected insects on the Boyne River near the Boyne Mountain Resort.
In June of 1999, ML&SA was awarded a Grant by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Surface Water Quality Division to conduct a Pilot Program on the Black River in Van Buren and Allegan Counties.
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This was the first time such a grant was awarded to a Volunteer organization that would use volunteers from lake associations to do Chemical testing along the river that was to be studied. The study would consist of Dissolved oxygen, Total Phosphorus, pH, Alkalinity, Turbidity, Soluble reactive phosphorus, Nitrate nitrogen, as well as other testing. The volunteers would collect, identify and report their finds on Macroinvertebrates and other stream insects. Watershed information would also be gathered.
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Dr. Robert King, Professor Emeritus, Central Michigan University is the Field Director for the entire study. Dr. King also serves as a member of the ML&SA Science Advisory Committee. He is assisted by Don Winne, Executive Director of ML&SA. Pearl Bonnell is the project manager and Dr. Scott McNaught, Central Michigan University is responsible for all lab testing procedures and results.
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ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEERS
who took samples and performed measurements at the 15 sites: |
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Black River has a north, middle and south
branch.
The north branch begins at Hutchins lake near Fennville, the middle branch includes Upper and Lower Scott, and Saddle lakes. The south branch begins East of Bloomingdale and flows through Great Bear Lake. Another tributary starts with Upper Jeptha Lake.
The study is designed to pin point water quality problems within the system, and to suggest corrective measure, which will improve water quality and restore habitat for fish and other aquatic animals.
ML&SA is developing a Cooperative monitoring program for lakes and streams/rivers that will preserve and protect state wide water resources. Programs are to be developed for lakes and streams/rivers that will center on "Watershed Watch", educating riparians as well as the general public on the importance of being aware of what is happening in their watershed that will effect Michigan's waters.
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