March 7, 2006

Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today congratulated the Conservation Resource Alliance on the completion of the Manistee River Watershed Nonpoint Source Pollution Control project. The project addressed sediment erosion and impediments to fish migration on streams in Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford Counties. As a result of this project, 427 tons less sediment will be entering the Manistee River and its high quality tributaries each year.

“Sediment is recognized as the largest single water pollutant in the state,” said Director Chester. “Preventing unnecessary sediment from getting into our streams will protect native fisheries and ensure a healthy aquatic ecosystem.”

Nonpoint source pollution is caused when rain, snowmelt, or wind carries pollutants to lakes, streams, and wetlands.

The project was funded in part by a $676,691 grant made available through the Clean Michigan Initiative and administered by the DEQ. Local grassroots support for the project was provided by the Pine River Restoration Group, the Lower Manistee River Partnership, the Upper Manistee Restoration Committee, and the Bear Creek Watershed Council. Other partners included the U.S. Forest Service; Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised March 7, 2006 by Pat Watson