The Kalamazoo River Water Quality Trading Demonstration ProjectA two year water quality trading demonstration project is being conducted in the Kalamazoo River to improve water quality and provide information vital to the design of a statewide water quality trading program. The project will demonstrate and evaluate the environmental and economic implications of watershed-based nutrient (phosphorus) trading between point and nonpoint sources (NPS). It will provide an incentive for implementing voluntary nonpoint source (NPS) reductions and promote collaborative, community-driven watershed management planning.

This project will be administered by the Forum for Kalamazoo County (a nonprofit organization) in cooperation with the Kalamazoo River Partners (watershed coalition), the City of Kalamazoo, local industry and consultants, the Kalamazoo Environmental Council (KEC), Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB), Michigan Agricultural Stewardship Association (MASA), Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). Funding for this project is being provided by grants, point source funding and in-kind services. A Steering Committee and several Working Groups have been established to direct and implement the project.

Additional information on the project is available in the Kalamazoo Water Quality Trading Demonstration Project Summary.   Inquiries may be directed to Mr. Bill Reed at the Forum (616 337-7258), Mr. Mark Kieser at Kieser & Associates (616 344-7117) or Mr. David Batchelor of the SWQD (517 373-2677).