Watersheds and people
A change in the watershed affects our lives... a change that we make in the landscape affects the watershed. It's all connected. Nature's changes can be as quiet as branches building up behind a fallen log and changing the path of a stream. Or they can be as dramatic as a springtime flood. Our actions, too, can be subtle or very dramatic... but they all affect someone or something. When we cut forests, clear land, lay concrete and asphalt, and build houses and towns we cause changes in the watershed. Those changes mean the water cycle works differently.

Rain striking the ground has fewer places to soak in gradually... runoff is faster and more violent... causing erosion and flooding. Water quality deteriorates as water drains from farms and cities carrying pesticides, animal waste, oil and heavy metals into our groundwater, streams, and eventually, the Great Lakes. Streams and fish habitat are damaged.

Watershed Impacts
An Unhealthy watershed

• Pollutes:
  • Waterways, air, soils, and wetlands
• Destroys:
  • Plants, wildlife, wells, sanitation systems, and roads
• Reduces:
  • Land Values, community pride, and recreational opportunities
• Fouls
  • Water Habitats, soils, natural aquifers, air quality, and overall ecosytem

A Healthy watershed provides:

• Clean air, land and water
• Healthy plants, wildlife, and people
• Natural balance and fewer invasive species

The watersheds, the water cycle and our lives are all interconnected. Any action, anywhere, affects the land, the water, and ultimately, us.

How can you help improve the water quality in your area?

Increase your awareness.
Become more informed about water quality issues and voice your concerns. Join with others already involved in these efforts. See the “Links” page to see what’s going on in your community and to find sources for more information about watershed protection.

Increase your activity.
Get involved in local efforts that improve your environment. Remember, individual and collective efforts will help protect the quality of our valuable water resources. Many organizations in Mid-Michigan are actively working to protect and preserve our water resources. Get involved by volunteering. A number of volunteer opportunities are dedicated to water cleanup and protection. Young and old alike can enjoy river and stream clean-ups, river watching, and stream monitoring. Your participation can make a difference! See the “How to Participate” page for local organizations and participation opportunities. Also check out the “Events” page to see when and where the Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Protection will be hosting meetings, river cleanups, storm drain marking projects, and other related events.

Change your habits.
On an individual level, changing some habits can help protect the quality of our water resources. Individual actions and those efforts in your community have important impacts on keeping our water resources healthy. Below are ten simple steps we can take to protect our watersheds. Give them a try. A few simple changes can make a big difference!
These steps are also available for download here: TopTenThings-GLRC.pdf

Demonstration Project: Carrier Creek, Stormwater Management and Resotration Project. www.carriercreek.com

Carrier Creek is a designated Eaton County drain for approximately 11 square miles (about 7,400 acres of land) in Delta and Windsor townships and the City of Lansing.

Development in Delta and Windsor townships over the last several years has resulted in increased impervious surfaces (i.e., rooftops and parking lots), and consequently, the increased amount of stormwater has led to flashy flow and floods. Past dredging activities had also caused natural floodplains to become separated from the creek, which also contributed to flashiness and flooding. Without improvement, the increased water volume entering the creek had the potential to cause more flooding and further erosion along stream banks.

The Carrier Creek Stormwater Management and Restoration Project was developed to address the increasing stormwater demands in the area, while also enhancing the natural resources of the corridor.

Source: Carrier Creek Website