Issuu

WATERSHED COUNCIL STAFF

Heather Huffstutler

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kory Alaniz

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Eli

EDUCATION MANAGER

Calla Beers

MANAGER

Kristin

Marcella Domka WATER RESOURCES MANAGER

Noah Jansen RESTORATION MANAGER

Emily

AQUATIC RESOURCES COORDINATOR

Natalie Walts OPERATIONS MANAGER

Anna

COORDINATOR

WATERSHED COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tom

Karie

Mike

Greg

Amanda Weinert

2024 INTERNS

Anna

GET IN TOUCH

426 Bay St, Petoskey, MI 49770 Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. (231) 347-1181 info@watershedcouncil.org watershedcouncil.org

Grass River, Bellaire MI

STRONGER TOGETHER: PROTECTING NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WATERS

Looking back on 2024, one thing is clear: we are stronger together. Because of you—our dedicated members, donors, and volunteers—we made incredible progress in protecting Northern Michigan’s waters.

This past year, we opened the doors to the Ruth Tucker Ayers Harris Watershed Discovery Center, a space dedicated to education, exploration, and community connection. Already, we’ve welcomed our first school groups, sparking curiosity and inspiring young minds to become the next generation of freshwater stewards. Along our lakeshores, we introduced BeBot and PixieDrone, two innovative tools that not only cleaned up microplastics but also raised awareness about plastic pollution in our waters. And when the Clean Waters Challenge returned to the Bear River for Healing the Bear, volunteers came together to remove litter and debris from 15 miles of shoreline—proof of what’s possible when a community rallies around clean water.

These moments remind us why we do this work. Every lake protected, every river flowing free, and every student inspired happened because of you

Each year brings new challenges—pollution, invasive species, development pressures, and the growing impacts of climate change continue to threaten the waters we love. These aren’t easy problems. That’s why we spent the past six months creating a Five-Year Strategic Plan, a roadmap to help us navigate the uncertainty of the next few years and build momentum for lasting change. With your support, we’re doubling down on our efforts: advocating for clean water protections, equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to safeguard our lakes and rivers, and forging strong partnerships to tackle the biggest water challenges facing Northern Michigan.

As you read through this annual report, you’ll see the names of those who made this work possible—you

Thank you for being part of this mission. Let’s keep going

Heather Huffstutler

Heather Huffstutler Executive Director

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

The first Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council board meeting I attended as the Lake Charlevoix Association representative was on September 18, 2019. That day, I learned that the Watershed Council had already begun planning for Gail Gruenwald’s retirement. Many of you remember Gail—at the time, she had been leading the organization for three decades. Her departure marked a significant transition, and selecting the next Executive Director became a defining challenge during my time on the board.

The process spanned 48 months—made even more complex by the disruptions of the COVID pandemic. Then, last year, we welcomed Heather Huffstutler as our new Executive Director. With the professional support of Amy Cell Talent, along with numerous board members and our management team, the organization has moved forward with renewed focus and energy.

One of our biggest accomplishments this past year was creating a strategic plan. This plan is now guiding daily decisions and setting the framework for our work in 2025 and beyond. A key moment in this process was an all-day retreat at Camp Daggett, where board members and staff worked together to refine our goals for the future.

That day, surrounded by dedicated individuals with deep experience and unwavering commitment, I was reminded of what makes this organization so special. Every conversation, every decision, and every initiative is rooted in a shared passion for protecting the waters we call home.

As we move forward, I am confident that Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is stronger than ever, and I am grateful to serve alongside such dedicated staff, board members, and supporters like you.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Tom Darnton Board of Directors, President

CHARTING A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE:

TIP

OF THE MITT WATERSHED COUNCIL’S FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

For more than 45 years, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council has championed the protection of Northern Michigan’s freshwater resources. But as environmental challenges grow more complex, so too must our approach. Over the past year, the Watershed Council has embarked on an intensive process to chart the course for the next five years—one that blends science, advocacy, and deep community engagement to create a shared vision for water protection.

A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO PLANNING

The development of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan was a community-driven effort, conducted in partnership with Solvent Group, a strategic consulting firm specializing in nonprofit planning. Over the course of a year, we engaged in a robust process that included stakeholder interviews, workshops, and strategy sessions to ensure that the plan reflected the needs and aspirations of those who care most about our region’s waters.

“We didn’t want this to be a top-down plan,” says Executive Director Heather Huffstutler. “We wanted to hear from the people who live, work, and recreate on these waters every day—our members,

donors, partners, board members, staff, and community members. Their insights shaped every aspect of this plan.”

Through one-on-one conversations, focus groups, and surveys, we gathered perspectives from a diverse range of voices—riparian property owners concerned about shoreline erosion, scientists tracking climate impacts on our water bodies, local policymakers navigating the intersection of conservation and development, and passionate volunteers who dedicate their time to stream monitoring and restoration projects.

A VISION FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

The plan that emerged from these conversations is a bold and ambitious roadmap to safeguard Northern Michigan’s water resources. It places water quality protection and restoration at the forefront, ensuring that lakes, rivers, and wetlands remain healthy and resilient in the face of increasing environmental pressures.

We are sharpening our focus on two critical strategic issues:

• Pollution entering the Great Lakes, inland lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater

• The increasing pressure of shoreline and wetland development

Addressing these challenges head-on, we will expand our efforts in restoration projects, strengthen policies that protect water quality, and amplify public education on sustainable practices.

Additionally, the Watershed Council is dedicating time and resources to key focus issues that threaten our waters

including: aquatic invasive species, septic and nutrient pollution, degraded shorelines, river system connectivity challenges, and the impacts of climate change on coastal communities.

At the same time, the plan emphasizes the importance of engaging people— because clean water is a community effort. Expanding educational programs, strengthening volunteer opportunities, and increasing public outreach are all essential components.

Advocacy and policy leadership remain a pillar of the Watershed Council’s work. Defending environmental safeguards, shaping policies that protect water resources, and ensuring that conservation remains a priority at all levels of government will be key efforts moving forward. Science will continue to guide decision-making, with investments in long-term monitoring, climate research, and emerging contaminant studies providing the foundation for effective action.

LOOKING AHEAD

With this roadmap in place, the Watershed Council is poised for a transformative five years. But success depends on continued collaboration.

“This isn’t just our plan—it belongs to the community,” says Board President Tom Darnton. “We invite everyone to engage with it, support it, and be part of the solution.”

The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan is available on our website, where you can explore key initiatives, upcoming events, and new ways to get involved. Protecting Northern Michigan’s waters isn’t just our mission—it’s yours, too.

Duncan Bay, Cheboygan Photo credit: Kory Alaniz

RESTORING ROAD-STREAM CROSSINGS: A FRESHWATER SUCCESS STORY

Improperly designed or failing road/ stream crossings (RSXs) are easy to overlook, but they pose real challenges to stream health in Northern Michigan. These crossings can disrupt natural water flow, block fish movement, and contribute to erosion and sediment buildup, which harms water quality and aquatic habitats. Oftentimes, RSXs provide a direct route for excess nutrients, sediments, bacteria, heavy metals, and other nonpoint source pollutants to flow into our streams.

Van Creek, an 8-mile tributary of the East Branch of the Maple River, has experienced these issues since it was surveyed in 2014. The crossing was made up of three undersized culverts that had deteriorated over time, clogging with vegetation and sediment. Without proper flow through the culverts, flooding to the upstream of the crossing, obstructed fish passage, and increased sediment

in the stream became heightened problems. In 2023, the Van Creek crossing was identified as a priority for restoration based on its impact on stream connectivity, water quality, and hydrology.

With partnerships from the Emmet County Road Commission and Conservation Resource Alliance, and funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Watershed Council began construction in 2024. The old culverts were replaced with a flat-bottom pipe arch culvert designed to mimic the natural streambed, allowing water to flow freely and reconnecting Van Creek with the East Branch of the Maple River. This improvement has helped reduce road flooding, created safer conditions for residents, and restored fish access upstream.

Since starting its restoration work, the Watershed Council has completed nearly a dozen similar road-stream crossing projects, helping to improve stream health and protect Northern Michigan’s freshwater ecosystems. These efforts restore natural water flows, reduce sedimentation, and protect Northern Michigan’s freshwater ecosystems as well as enhance community resilience by preventing road closures and improving water quality in rivers and streams throughout the region.

 Want to learn more? Watch Road Stream Crossings-A Path to Better Water Quality

 Dive into RSX through our podcast!

OUR FRESHWATER FINDINGS

Monitoring our lakes, rivers, and streams is essential for watershed health. Our Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring (CWQM) Program is one of the ongoing ways we conduct this work by focusing on one of five watersheds in our service area each spring. In 2024, we collected data from the Lake Charlevoix and Little Traverse Bay Watersheds, sampling 5 lakes, 4 rivers, and 1 stream.

WHICH WATER BODIES NEED ATTENTION?

While our region’s waters generally have high water quality, some areas face challenges. The Lake Charlevoix and Little Traverse Bay Watersheds have shown evidence of water clarity issues, nutrient exceedances, and diminished macroinvertebrate diversity. Lake Charlevoix’s South Arm exceeded the EPA’s nitrogen threshold, while Nowland Lake, Susan Lake, and the Walloon Lake Mud Basin had elevated phosphorus. Rivers like The Bear River and Jordan River showed nutrient exceedances, and Tannery Creek had concerning chloride and nitrogen levels.

These problems are likely linked to non-point source pollution, such as fertilizer use, loss of riparian vegetation, and malfunctioning septic systems. Winter road salt runoff, in particular, is a growing concern, impacting water quality and harming wildlife.

WHICH WATER BODIES ARE DOING WELL?

On a positive note, Deer Lake and the Pine River Channel have normal nutrient levels and no issues of chloride contamination. These water bodies represent conditions to strive for, while also understanding that watershed changes are expected to occur over time and with increasing development.

WHAT’S NEXT?

CWQM will continue in the Cheboygan River Watershed in 2025, with results expected at the end of the year. Long-term monitoring provides critical insights into the health of our watersheds, ensuring we protect these vital ecosystems for years to come.

For more information or to learn what you can do to help your lake, contact Marcella Domka at mdomka@watershedcouncil.org or 231-489-7271.

WHAT WAS MONITORED IN 2024?

Lake Charlevoix

Walloon Lake

Deer Lake

Nowland Lake

Susan Lake

Bear River

Boyne River

Jordan River

Pine River

Tannery Creek

 Interested in a data deep dive on your favorite lake? Scan the QR code to learn more

Road Stream Crossing of Rapid River and Aarwood Road in the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed.

STURGEON TALES FROM THE WATERSHED

DISCOVERY CENTER

Winnie, our resident sturgeon, may not be as quick as her whitefish tank mates, but she’s grown to be the largest fish in the tank. While the whitefish eagerly snap up the first bites of breakfast each day, Winnie takes her time finding food that has sunk to the bottom. Despite her slower approach to meals, she has outgrown even the oldest whitefish, proving that patience can pay off!

Meanwhile, our other tanks tell a different story. To simulate the winter months, we’ve lowered the temperatures in the tanks housing our Arctic grayling, mudminnows, dace, and macroinvertebrates to about 50 degrees. While not quite as cold as Michigan’s winter lakes and streams, these cooler conditions serve two purposes: first, the drop in temperature slows the fish’s metabolism, reducing their need for food and energy; second, as we begin to raise the temperature in the spring, we anticipate an exciting burst of life.

For our northern redbelly dace and Arctic grayling, this change in temperature could trigger vibrant spawning colors. In our macroinvertebrate tank, we’re hoping for metamorphosis— some of our aquatic residents like dragonfly and stonefly larvae may transform into winged adults that we can release into the wild.

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES AS WE WATCH FOR THESE EXCITING CHANGES!

Winnie’s Total Weight (g)

This is what your support makes possible— students in streams, teachers with new tools, and a generation inspired to protect our waters. Thanks to you, watershed education is reaching further than ever. And together, we’re shaping the next wave of freshwater stewards.

Made possible with support from

Winnie’s Length Growth

 Boyne City High School Watershed Academy Students. Boyne River, Boyne City, MI

Watch students from Beaver Island wade in to test water quality in Cable Creek by scanning the QR code to the right.

2024 THANK YOU TO OUR

MEMBERS AND DONORS.

Donors between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

STURGEON CIRCLE

$10,000 - $999,999

Anonymous Gifts

Burt Lake Preservation Association

Mr. Peter Byron

Charlevoix County Community Foundation

Anne Morrow and Roger Chope

The Offield Family Foundation

The PECO Foundation

Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area

Community Foundation

Cordelia W. Robinson

Mr. Michael Hamilton Schirmer

Ms. Margaretta Taylor

CHAMPIONS

$5,000 - $9,999

Boyne Resorts

Dole Family Foundation

Bev and Jim Haas

Sylvia S. Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Kneese

Mr. David P. Parker

Dr. and Mrs. Albert F. Polk Jr.

Dr. William G. Weiss Jr.

GUARDIANS

$1,500 - $4,999

Alice Greene McKinney and E. Kirk McKinney, Jr. Fund

Mrs. Joanne Arbaugh

Mr. and Mrs. Norton L. Bretz

Tom and Katie Carruthers

City of Cheboygan - Parks Dept

Bob Solt and Anne Couture

Dee Irwin and Pat Duffy

Evening Star Joinery

Mr. Philip Ficks

First Congregational United Church of Christ

Linda and Norm Harris

Brian Hayes

Ms. Valerie B. Hendricks

Perry Irish Hodgson and Rich Hodgson

Mrs. Ann K. Irish

Irish Boat Shop

Verne and Judy Istock

Dutch and Leslie Jones

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Klaas

Lake Leelanau Lake Association

Ed and Janet Mardigian

Michigan State University

Mullett Lake Area Preservation Society

Mr. and Mrs. William A. Petzold

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

Drs. N. Edward and Patricia Robinson

Ms. Lynne G. Rosenthal

Oliver and Ana Schwab

Mr. Gary L. Sieb

Bill and Jane Stone

Anne Melvin and Daniel Sullivan

Diane Svigals

Nancy A. Swift

Township of Elk Rapids

Rick and Michele Tromble

STEWARDS

$500 - $1,4999

Anthony and Elizabeth Abbattista

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Adams

Barb Mathes and Patrick Alguire

Matthew Babich

Bank of America

Mr. and Mrs. Randall Barnhart

Shelley Barr

Ann R. Baruch

Bearcub Outfitters

Big Stone Bay Fishery, Inc.

Jeff and Stephanie Bigelow

Catherine S. Bollinger

Douglas and Suzanne Brenton

Shannon B. and William W. Brower

Richard and Jane Bruening

Dr. Patricia Kolowich and Mr. Jared Buckley

Camp Walden

Mrs. Susan B. Carruthers

Frank and Eva Carswell

Jim and Patricia Clarke

Michael and Mary Jane Clayton

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Coleman

Dale and Anne Covy

Crooked Tree Breadworks

Mr. and Mrs. David G. Crouse

Dr. and Mrs. Melvin Czechowski

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Darold

Jane and Cliff Denay

Jonathan and Wendy Dewys

Michael L. and Rhea A. Dow

Driggers Foundation

John and Janet Dunn

Mr. Kent DuPont

Cheryl and Michael Eberhart

Barbara Nixon and George Elias

ESLA Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association

Judith Engelberg

Michael and Marcy Etienne

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Eustis

Mr. and Mrs. James H. Everest

Ron and Lisa Fenech

Mr. and Mrs. Brian J. Fisher

Carroll J. Haas Foundation

Dale and Bruce Frankel

Mrs. Stefany Freeman

Tom and Carla French

Mrs. Brenda Frey

Nathan Fry

Dr. and Mrs. John E. Gannon

Bill and Mardy Gast

Mr. Herbert Gedge

Gorter Family Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Gowland

Grand Valley Metropolitan Council

Dwayne and Carole Griffin

Donna and Rick Gross

Mr. and Mrs. Paul S. Harkaway

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip T. Harrison

Michael and Ann Hayes

Nancy Hedges

Mr. and Mrs. William Hewett

John and Barbara Hoffman

Barbara and Jerome Hoganson

Mrs. Anne Byerlein-Hollan and Mr. Charles G. Hollan

Mr. and Mrs. William B. Holmes

Rick and Lotsie Holton

Heidi Hornaday

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Howell

Dr. and Mrs. John Hutto

Mr. and Mrs. C. James Hyslop

Greta Jacobsen

Pat and Roger Jacobson

Vicki and Carl Janssens

Joe and Judi Jarecki

Richard Lord and Sue Jeffers

Mr. Scott C. Johnson

Bob and Lisa Jones

The Kasamis Family

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Keane

Mr. J. Todd Kennedy

Gina Keough

Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. King Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Kingon

John and Barbara Kowalczyk

Mrs. Ann U. Kraft

Ms. Liz Krimendahl

Ms. Kathleen Kurtz

Lake Charlevoix Association

Ms. Connie Landis

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Larimer

Hal and Betsy Lawrence

Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Lehmann

John and Linda Linnenberg

Laura Lowrance

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Manthei

John W. and Elizabeth J. Marklewitz

Laura Mate

Randolph and Jeanette Mateer

Eliece Aiman and Kirk McKinney

Barbara McKinstry

Pat and Carolyn McNamara

John Messer

Mr. and Mrs. Bo Miller

Minkin Family Foundation

Rob and Debra Monroe

Mullett Lake Woods Civic Association

Daniel and Julie Murphy

Ken Musselman

Patricia Saad and Andrew S. Muth

National Parks Conservation Assn

David and Suzu Neithercut

Mark E. and Helen Neithercut

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Neithercut

Chris and Linda Nelson

Mr. and Mrs. Howard W. Newkirk

Ms. Patty Nowak

Nub’s Nob Ski Area

Kevin J. O’Malley Family

James J. and Kimberly A. Palmer

Barbara Papazian

Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Parker

Mr. and Mrs. John D. Paul Jr.

Mr. B. Matthew Petcoff

Petoskey Downtown Offices

Mr. Henry Pfeifle Jr.

Pickerel-Crooked Lakes Association

R.E. Olds Foundation

Ken Bloem and Royce Ragland

Mary Ready

RNR Family Foundation

The Robert Boynton Family

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Rocap

John and Debbie Rohe

Mr. William H. Rudolph Jr.

Mr. Luis Saldivia

David and Linda Sandvik

Joan Young and Tom Schellenberg

Chris and Jenny Schild

Ham Schirmer

James and Kathy Schroeder

Peter and Helen Schulze

Kc Schute

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Scott

Seedums Garden Club

Matt and Amy Sheldon

Mr. and Mrs. Pete Shields

Mr. John R. Shreves

Peter and Kelly Simons

Mr. and Mrs. Andy Siudara

Brian Smith

Mrs. Barbara R. Smith

Scott and Dibby Smith

Alan and Stacy Sollenberger

Nancy Sparks

Sue and Gary Stewart

Michael and Amy Stornant

Patty Styke

Ronald Vargason and Barbara Sugden

Perry Nelson and Clare Sullivan

Mr. Christopher J. Swanson

Mrs. Anne Symchych

Dick Taylor

Paul and Nancy Taylor

Lee Tegland

Mr. and Mrs. Philip R. Thornton

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Thorpe

Mr. Tom Titcomb

Torch Lake Protection Alliance

The Triford Foundation

Mr. Robert S. Troth

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Trudell

Christine and David M. Underwood Jr.

Van Andel Foundation

Mr. Julian P. Van Winkle

Ms. Jan E. Biddick and Dr.

Ronald VandenBrink

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Volle

Carolyn Workman and Kurt Wacker

Ward and Eis Gallery

Mr. and Mrs. John Washbish

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weaver

Sharon Wehrle

Wentworth Builders

Hugh N. Westwater

Ms. Suzanne Wingate

Mr. James T. Witherspoon

FRIENDS

$250 - $499

Linda Adams

Linda and Steven Alexander

Mrs. Karen Andrews

Mike and Holly Angileri

Richard A. Bachhuber

Mr. and Mrs. John Balser

Gary W. and Ann V. Barfknecht

Beaver Island Boat Company

Craig and Diane Bell

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Benson

Mr. Erwin P. Bettinghaus

Mr. and Mrs. George Biltz

Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Binder Jr.

Paul and Lisa Blanchard

Bob and Sara Blessing

Gordon Masters and Ronn Blodgett

Mrs. Ann Blue

Brian and Lori Bosgraaf

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas P. Bottomley

Martha and Andrew Bowman

William and Treva Breuch

Mr. and Mrs. John Brockschmidt

Mr. Willis E. Brown

Rob Busch

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Campbell

Dan and Linda CasaSanta

Charlevoix State Bank

Polly Cheney

Kevin Christman

Circuit Controls Corporation

Matthew R. and Laurie C. Clarke

Mary L. Clausen

The Clothing Company

Mr. Brian Clay Collins

Virginia Compere

Bill and Barb Craig

The Crane Family Fund

Frank and Dana D’Andraia

Scott Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Davis

Mr. and Mrs. David H. Deal

Amy T. Dickinson

Erika Dielman

Heidi Dietrich

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Dimond

John and Sharon Dolton

Mr. and Mrs. Pat Dougherty

Drs. James A. and Maureen Doull

Stephen H. and Nancy Eibling

EJ USA, Inc.

Michael and Kay Farrimond

Mr. Joseph C. Fisher

Elise Fisher

Michael Foley

John & Sarah Ford

Mr. Dale Giddings

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Ginther

Katherine Gjaja

Katherine C. Gjaja

Dr. and Mrs. Richard F. Gutow

Mark Haddox

Henry and Nancy Hanflik

Mrs. William A. Hanley Jr.

The Hastings Family

Jane and Jim Haugh

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Heid

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hingst

Lawrence and Kathleen Hintz

Judith Hitz

Dirk and June Hoffius

Mrs. Josephine Hopkins

Mrs. Jane Horn

Melanie S. Manary and Charles Huebner

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Huey

Joe Graham and Emily Hughes

Mac and Suzie Jacob

Mark and Kathryn Jarvie

Johan’s Pastry Shop, Inc.

Ms. Margo F. Jonker

Mr. and Mrs. J. Terrill Judd

Jamie and Gail Junod

Steven and Bonnie Katz

Edie and Fred Kaufmann

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Keedy

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Kelly III

Teresa Kline

Kenneth Knowles

Carla Kociolek

Prof. Thomas C. and Mrs. Judith Kohler

Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Lacks

Mr. William S. Laitner

 Volunteers collect macroinvertebrates at Bessey Creek

William Ledeen

Jim and K.C. Leh

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald B. Leng

Tim and Robbi LeRoy

Virginia Skinner-Linnenberg and Daniel Linnenberg

Mr. Robert P. Linnenberg

Dr. Robert C. Lum

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Lunghamer Sr.

Margo A. Lyon-Rogers

Anne and Ormond MacDougald

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Maher

Mrs. Judy Mainland

Dr. and Mrs. Patrick M. Maloney

Terry and Pam Manning

Doug and Rachel Mantha

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Martin Jr.

McBride Custom Homes

Ann and Bill McCormick

Bruce and Carol McLachlan

Duane and Jill Meyer

Mr. and Mrs. Dale Meyer

Michigan Lakes & Streams Association

Marianne and Jon Miller

Allen and Jean Moberly

Tom and Gail Molen

John Royal and Marilyn Morehead

Mr. and Mrs. Gregg A. Motter

Rick and Meredith Neumann

Jeffrey Reider and Charles Otis

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Owen

Mr. and Mrs. William R. Owen

Lois Park

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Parker

Perennial Garden Club

Petoskey Plastics, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Keith H. Podob

Polly’s Planting and Plucking

June Prein

Mrs. Joan Quinlan

Catherine S. McVicker and Eric Rasmussen

Arthur and Bonnie Rettig

Mary Ann Reynolds

Dr. and Mrs. Tad J. Richards

Loretta Richards

Jeff and Kim Ridings

Alvin Raycraft and Joan Ring

Rochelle and Randolph Forester Foundation

Ms. D. Elaine Rose

Mary Belle Royer

Mr. and Mrs. William Rybolt

Randy and Kate Safford

Ms. Nancy Salden

Susan Scarrow

Daniel and Julie Schmittdiel

Mr. and Mrs. George Seifried

Mr. and Mrs. John Shade

Dr. and Mrs. Gary Shaw

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Shear III

Robert and Melinda Sherman

Dave and Lynn Skornia

Karie Slavik

Hugh and Deborah Sloan

Jay and Peggy Smith

Dr. and Mrs. Kelley Smith

Louis Wojtowicz and Donna Sowers

Katherine Yih and Jack Spence

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Steffen

Gale and Anne Stephens

Margot Stoehr

Bob and Gretchen Tambellini

Dr. and Mrs. Brenda Tewel

Mr. and Mrs. John Truckey

Amy Tweeten

Kay and Kent Van Allen

Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Van Dusen III

Susan van Wieren

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Vance

Mr. Roy A. Vincent

Chris C. Voran

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wahl

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Webster

Ms. Jill Whelan

John and Yelena White

Mrs. Harriet Whitesel

Michael and Cami Whitt

Tim and Peggy Wilcox

Dr. and Mrs. Hal Willens

Michael and Kate Winnell

Jennifer and Todd Winnell

KEEPERS

$1 - $249

Joe and Meg Abbott

Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Aben

Mr. and Mrs. Dwain Abramowski

Ada Township

Thomas and Sheila Addison

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Albertson

Mr. Bruce Alexander

Bill and Jane Allen

Mr. Chip Allison

Mr. Peter Amspaugh

Rick and Sharon Anderson

Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Anderson

Sharon Fortner and David Anderson

Jane and Currie Andrews

William and Patricia Anton

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Antonishen

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Arendsen

Richard T. Arlen

Sandra J. Arnold

Randy and Peg Asmus

Lilo Atkinson

Dakota and Brit Averill

Jean L. Azar

Craig and Corine Babb

Dick and Annette Babcock

Mark and Linda Babich

Cheryl and Dave Bachleda

Dr. Edward and Jane Ann Bahr

Ms. Mary Baird

Robert Baisch

Jack and Susie Baker

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Baker

Barbara and Rick Baker

Elijah and Samantha Baker

David Baloun

Jim and Mary Bandeen

Maryle and Darryl Barbe

Gretchen Olsen and Steve Barney

Deborah Barron

Marianne and Thom Barry

Mr. Jon D. Bartell

Butch Bartz

Mrs. Dorothy M. Basmaji

Bass Lake Association of Elk Rapids

Dr. Dale and Carla Bauer

Lowell and Karen Baughan

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Alan Baun

Susan Bayless

Mrs. Gretchen Bearce

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Beaver

Mr. and Mrs. Walter W. Becky II

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Beechler

Marilyn Beerman

John and Dawn Beery

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Beitel

Ms. Jane Kinsman Bell

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bence

Mr. and Mrs. Darl E. Bennink

Barbara Bergin

Mr. and Mrs Roger Bergstedt

Ms. Sara Berry

Linda Beuthin

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Bezilla

Mr. and Mrs. Neil Bidwell

Mrs. Frank Biehl

Patricia Bierlein

Roy and Monique Bierwirth

Steve and Kathy Biggs

Elise Billingsley

Mr. and Mrs. William F. Binder

Diana and Jack Bishop

Ms. Sue Bissell

Dr. Robert A. Bitterman

Mary Jo Larson and Jim Bizer

Black Lake Sportsmen’s Club

Ron and Kathy Blank

Gary and Gail Blaskowski

Phyllis Blight

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Blomberg

Mr. Robert G. Bluhm Jr.

LuAnne Kozma and Ellis Boal

Dr. and Mrs. Herman Boatin Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Bodker

Ms. Kathy Bodzick

Mr. and Mrs. Ward Bollinger

Mr. and Mrs. James Bone

Ms. Donna M. Boris

Mr. and Mrs. William V. Borland

Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Borovich

Mr. and Mrs. William E. Boruta

Kathleen Bottum

Doug and Sue Bouwense

Jeff and Patti Bowers

Mr. John Bowers

Mr. and Mrs. W. James Bowers

Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Bowman

James and Carmela Bownes

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Brady

Patrick and Carole Brady

Maureen Radke and Rick Brandi

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Braun

Jeri Lynn and Dan Braunlin

Doug and Janet Brautigam

Mrs. Virginia Breckenfeld

Mr. and Mrs. William A. Briggs

Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Brinich

Tim and Deb Broderick

Richard Brodhead and Christine

Kuchta Brodhead

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Brooks

 2024 Summer intern Anna Davies cataloging invasive species at Tannery Creek

Pamela O’Malley and Bruce Brown

Mr. and Mrs. H. Hewett Brown

Elaine and Bowden Brown

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas R. Brown

Judith Reddick and Ronald Brown

Aaron Brown

Mr. and Mrs. James Brown Sr.

Dr. and Mrs. Donald K. Bryan

Joseph and Paula Buckman

John and Bonnie Buist

Ms. Nancy Burk

Jim and Gina Burke

Tom and Ann Burks

Ms. Ann Joslyn Burrows

Keith & Jaynee Butkovich & Handelsman

Dr. Mary L. Butterfield

Susanne B. Buxton

Mr. and Mrs. Walter G. Byers

Carol Calcaterra

Ms. Joan Caldwell

Mrs. Margaret Campbell

Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd S. Campbell

Ms. Gail Campbell-Ferguson

Britta Campton

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Canada

Robert and Ann Canfield

Ms. Elizabeth Carpenter

Christine and Russell Carpenter

Rusty and Pam Carpenter

Mr. and Mrs. James C. Carroll

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Case

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Casey III

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cattel

Mr. and Mrs. J. Stewart Caulfield

Ms. Kathleen M. Cavanagh

Ms. Jan Cavanaugh

Mr. Donald Chakeres

Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Champion

Ms. Laura Chaney

Richard and Ruth Chapin

Mr. and Mrs. Todd Chappell

Mrs. Maggie Charlton

Carolyn and Terry Chase

Patricia E. Chatas

Cheboygan Long Lake Area Association

Cheboygan Twin Lakes Association

Carla M. Chepy

Dr. and Mrs. James P. Chiavaras

Mrs. Judi Chimner

Tracy Christopherson

John and Kristine Churchfield

Martha Churchill

Mrs. Ann Churchill

David Churchill

Mike Henson and Julie Churchill

Bud and Sandra Cicciarelli

Citizens National Bank Cheboygan

Mr. D.G. Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Clarke

Melinda Bagley and Dale Claudepierre

Mr. and Mrs. Royal Clippert

Marcia Coble

Michael A. Coburn

Mrs. Ann M. Coffin

Mr. Elwin Coll

Jim and Therry Colombo

Columbus Beach Club

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Combs

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Compere

Mary Ida Compton

Hugh and Susan Conklin

Robert and Linda Constantine

Ms. Wendy Conway

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Cooney

Greg and Janice Cooper

Mrs. Charlotte W. Corbett

Andrea Coronado

Pat and Judy Corso

Mr. Daniel J. Costello

Cottage Company of Harbor Springs

Loic and Gretchen Couraud

Mary and Dan Cowan

Elizabeth Cowan

Patricia Zajac and Mark Cowles

Clifford and Katherine Cox

Robin and Pat Crahan

George and Katie Cripps

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Crockett Jr.

Mrs. Mary Jane Croissant

Micheal and Joanne Cromley

Mr. Thomas E. Crook

James and Laurie Cross

Mr. and Mrs. William Crothers

Mr. David R. Crothers

Karen and Peter Cullman

Rick and Ellen Cullman

Mr. and Mrs. David M. Culver

Peter Cummings

Rick and Cathy Cunningham

Jan and Art Currey

Mr. Arthur W. Curtis III

JoAnne Curtis

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dallavecchia Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Carlo A. Dall’Olmo

Dr. and Mrs. Allen D. Damschroder

Stacy L. Daniels and Carol Y. Daniels

Connie and Tom Dansbury

Mr. Tom Darnton

Mr. Eric J. David

Bob and Sue Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Dean

James Dearing

James Schlappi and Lorie DeGrazia

Mr. and Mrs. Dale DeKraker

Maureen Dekruif

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis T. Delaney

Nancy P. Dennis

Mr. John Deremo

Terry and Betty Desmond

Dr. John H. Devor

Mr. and Mrs. William O. DeWitt Jr.

Kristopher and Lauren Dey

Robert and Anna Maria Deyoung

Christy Di Martino

Ralph Dietz

Richard A. and Janette F. Dilley

Mr. Victor Dinsmoore

Kirby and Jacq Dipert

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel DiPietro

Ms. Sandi Disante

Dr. Michael Disher

Beulah Dole

David and Libby Domann

Jean Donaldson

Karen Strough and Michael Donnelly

Mr. and Mrs. John Dorland

Robert Dorst

Marilyn and John Doty

Ms. Ann Dougherty

Douglas Lake Improvement Association

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Drake

Dee and Madeline Drake

Mr. Jerry Drobek

Drost Landscape

Mr. and Mrs. David E. Droste

Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Dudderar

Mr. John H. Dufek

Dr. and Mrs. Frank K. Duiven

Paula R. Dukat

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Dulak

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen E. Duncan

Bruce and Nancy Dunn

Don and Kathy Duquette

Mike, Liz and Ann Durbin

Mary and Mike Durkin

James and Heidi Dworman

EarthShare of Michigan

East Burt Lake Association

East Jordan Garden Club

Mr. and Mrs. Ray A. Easton

Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Eby

Liz and Glenn Eccleston

Emily Edsell

Mr. and Mrs. R. David Eick

Mr. Michael S. Elledge

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ellinwood

Barbara J. Elliott

Emmet County Lakeshore Association

Mr. Douglas B. Enck

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Enck

Encore Financial Group

Maureen Engle

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Engledow

Phyllis and Jim Epps

Mrs. Lola Ermisch

Fritz and Sandy Esch

Audrey and Clint Etienne

Mr. Robert W. Evans

Douglas and Heidi Evans

Ms. Helen G. Evenson

Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Evers

James and Evangeline Fabiano

Thomas and Martha Faes

John and Karen Faett

Mr. and Mrs. John N. Failey

Sasha Davis and Jeff Fancher

Carl J. Strebel and Fred Farage, Jr.

Carolyn and Kevin Farrell

 Watershed Council staff and volunteers work to protect the endangered Michigan Monkeyflower

Denise and Gary Fate

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Faupel

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Fear

Gary Fedus

Mr. Ross O. Felker

Mr. and Mrs. David Fenwick

Mr. and Mrs. James Fergus

Mr. and Mrs. Neil E. Ferguson

Mrs. Joan Ferrari

Daniel and Stephanie Ferris

Wendy Fershee

Mark and Sue Fielder

Mr. and Mrs. Marc A. Files

Mr. David Findlater

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fischer

Andrea B. Fisher

Mr. and Mrs. Dave Fisher

Michael J. and Marjorie K. FitzSimons

Mr. and Mrs. William Fleury

Flowers from Sky’s the Limit

Peach and Cary Ford

Ali Hill and Chris Ford

Mr. and Mrs. William D. Foren

Janis Forsberg

Patty Forsberg

Bob and Terry Foster

Julie and Tony Foust

Mr. and Mrs. John Fowler

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Francis

Reed and Janet Freidinger

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Frentz

Charles Frenzel

Twink Frey

Lynn and Jonathan Friendly

Friends of the Boyne River

George and Maiga Friess

Barb Frisk

Mr. and Mrs. H. Richard Fruehauf Jr

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Frye

Ed and Rita Furdak

Mary Ellen Furseth

Mr. William Furtaw

Sam and Kirsten Gaither

Mr. Joseph T. Galanek

Thomas Gallagher

Mr. Ronald L. Gamble

Lisa M. Gandelot

Mr. and Mrs. James Gartin

Heather M. Gates

Roger and Susan Gauthier

Richard and Holly Gedert

Mr. Roger Gellenbeck

Rodney and Alice Gerard

Brad and Sherry Gerlach

Robert Gibson

Leanne and Alan Gillespie

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Glazek

Mrs. Barbara Glowacki

Dr. and Mrs. Charles J. Glueck

Mr. Michael Glusac

Pam and Bill Gnodtke

Art and Marion Gold

Mary Pat and Geoffrey Goldich

Mary Baker Gonne

Michael Goold

Greg and Patti Gorno

Mr. and Mrs. John Gosnell

Roger and Kathleen Gowell

Mr. and Mrs. Ziba Graham Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Graham

Alexis M. Kaczynski and Eric Grandstaff

Christine S. Grant

Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association

Betsy Green

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Green

Drs. Sheila Gelman and David Greenblatt

Robert and Candy Greene

Mr. Richard Grimes

Mr. William F. Grubb

Robert and Jan Grupp

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Gschwind

David Guanci

John and Julie Guirey

Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Gulau

Ronald Gurdak

Donald E. and Grace A. Guthrie

Dr. Joanne and Dick Guttman

Drs. Bob and Sheridan Haack

Mrs. Charlene Haapapuro

Ted and Nancy Haddad

Robert and Janet Halderman

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hall

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin O. Hall

Ms. Michele LaForest Halloran

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hammond

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Hance

Jane and Rick Hancock

Ann Hardin

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hardy

Fr Thomas Haren

Sheila Harkaway

Terry and Michele Harmala

Mike and Jacque Harrington

Ms. Lucy Hartlove

Joan and Bill Hartwig

James W. and Jesseca Haslock

Trudy Haussmann and Robert Haugan

Mr. and Mrs. Carl W. Hawkins

John and Carrie Hayden

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. Hayes

Mr. and Mrs. Blair Headrick

Harold Heintz

Ms. Lortz Helene

Mrs. Joseph P. Henley

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Henne

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Herbert

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Heroy

Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Hibbard

Carmen Ventocilla and Todd Hickox

Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Johnson Hightower

Dr. Hashem M. Hilal

Mrs. Shirley Hill

Karen and David Hill

Hills of Walloon Association

Nancy Ann Hellman and Glenn Hindbaugh

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Hipschen

Nancy and Ed Hirschenberger

Mr. and Mrs. A. Paul Hoadley

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Hoadley

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hocken

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Hodulik

Dr. and Mrs. Gene O. Hoerr

David Hofacker

Bill and Marla Hofmann

John Hogan

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew W. Hogarth

Lauren Holbrook

Katherine Holcomb

Julie Fasone Holder and John W. Holder

Andrew and Dana Hollenbeck

Sue and Bill Holmes

Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Holmquist

Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Holthaus

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Hoster

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hoster

Michele Howard

William Howard

Bill Howard

Mrs. Catherine Howe

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Howe Jr.

Joe and Katie Howe

Mr. and Mrs. James C. Howell

David R. and Patricia L. Hubbard

Ms. Beth M. Hubbell

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Huff

Shaun Ulrich and Heather Huffstutler

Katherine Melby and Bret Huntman

Jeanne Harrison and Paul Hysen

Intermediate Lake Association

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Irwin

Thomas and Ruth Isaia

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Jackson

Terry and Patti Jackson

Mr. Edward C. Jacobi

William P. Jamnick

Larry and Glorya Janness

Roxanne Alfsen and Richard Jenkins

Katy Johnson

Drs. Jerome D. and Sally Johnson

Emily Johnson

Richard and Lynnet Johnson

Mrs. Dorothy Johnson

Mary & Ken Johnson Allen

Mr. and Mrs. Terry L. Johnston

Ms. Paula A. Jonas

Marty and Ellen Jones

Sherren Jones

John F. and Deborah Joslin

Mrs. Elizabeth Kaczmarek

Mr. and Mrs. Don L. Kaegi

Claire Kafer

Mr. John Kafer

Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Kalbfleisch

Kane Cottage, LLC

Emmaline Weidman and Dan Kantor

Kathy Karenko

 Gavin and Logan Dey release juvenile sturgeon into the Sturgeon River at the Nmé Celebration

Dr. and Mrs. John J. Karkosak

Gary Karp

Suzanne L. Kasten-Schell

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Kaye

Chris and Heather Kazmierczak

Betsy and Geoff Keenan

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Keller

Bill Kelly

Anne Kelly

Sharon Kemp

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Kemper

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Kendell

Robert and Sheryl Kendrick

Sheri Rhoads and Adam Kennedy

Gale Kepford

Mr. and Mrs. William J. Kerscher III

Mr. Robert Kersey

Mr. and Mrs. Brad Kessel

James and Jennifer Kight

Ms. Janet Killian

Mrs Barbara King

Mary and Gerald King

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Kirby

Patricia A. Kishigo

Stewart and Susan Kissinger

Emily Meyerson and Harry Kitchen

Dr. and Mrs. Howard Klausner

Mr. Robert Klein

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Klepach

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold G. Kluge

Patrick and Amanda Kneese

Lynn Knopf

John and Judith Knoppe

Cameron Brunet-Koch and Bruce Koch

Dmitri Konson

Vern and Laura Kors

Mrs. Loretta Kowalski

Ms. Donna M. Krall

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Kramer

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Kranz

Debra Soverinsky and David Kraus

Drs. David B. and Linda S. Krill

Jason and Maggie Kromm

Meagan Kryzwosinski

Mr. and Mrs. Quinton L. Kuebler

Dr. and Mrs. Paul Kuhlman

Mr. and Mrs. Trent Kutsch

Russell and Suzanne LaBeau

Mr. and Mrs. John Lake

Lake Shore Beach Association of Topinabee

Helen and Mike Lambert

Doug Fuller and Martha Lancaster

Mr. Edwin O. Landon

Jeff and Peggy Landon

Ty and Lisa LaPrairie

Larks Lake Association

Allan and Cathy Larner

Kathryn A. Laughlin

Douglas and Ellen Law

Greg and Marie Law

Mr. and Mrs. John E. Lawrence

Elizabeth and Stephen Layman

Cheri Leach

Erma Leaphart

Ms. Phyllis H. Ledyard

Neil and Carolyn Leighton

Family Lekander

Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Leland Jr.

Mary Foucard and Roderick Lemmer

Marty Letts

Alison Hollister and Thomas Lewis

Robert J. and Caroline S. Lewis

Ms. Mary D. Liebner

Mr. Glenn M. Lieving

Shawn and Laura Lilley

Walt and Jean Lindsay

Wayne and Georgia Lindstrom

Jesse Lipson

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Long

Long Point Property Owners Association

Catherine and John Loomis

Charlotte Koger and Samuel Lopresto

Lowell and Sue Loweke

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Luchtefeld

Carl and Lori Luepnitz

Lorraine Lund

Mrs. Jane Lund

Ms. Karen S. Lunquist

Mr. and Mrs. David Lurie

Mr. William F. Luxton

Ms. Jill Lynch

Jack and Vickie Lyon

Susan Mabee

Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Mabley

Mr. and Mrs. William R. MacKay

Mrs. Rita Mackay

Jan Garvey and Jack Maddox

Mr. and Mrs. Chester A. Mahan

Peter and Suzanne Maithel

Jeff and Paula Malak

Mark and Carolyn Malaski

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Malloure

Dr. Elizabeth L. Malone and Mr. Frank M. Malone

Susan Malone

Mr. and Mrs. James Malpass

Ms. Janet M. Mancinelli

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Mann

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Mann

Mrs. Judith E. Manturuk

Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Markham

John Marshall

Mr. and Mrs. H. Clifford Martin

Mary K. and Dennis L. Martin

Ms. Norean Martin

Mr. and Mrs. Dudley W. Marvin

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Marvin

Neil and Linda Marzella

Mr. and Mrs. Alex J. Mason

Mary Honstead and William T. Mate

Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Della Matievich

Daniel and Gail May

Jim and Judy Mayo

David and Mary McAuslan

Mrs. Lois McClaughry

Arthur and Rita L. McClellan

Mr. and Mrs. Michael McCully

Nancy McDonald

Dorothea McDougal

Meredith McGehee

John T. McKay

Mr. and Mrs. F. Phillip McKinley

Charles and Norma McKinley

Ms. Kay McKnight

Mr. and Mrs. Edward McLaughlin

Mr. and Mrs. William McLean

Mr. and Mrs. Ray K. McMullen

Dr. and Mrs. Mark McMurray

Jack and Rebecca McNaughton

Mr. Tom McNeely

Ms. Diane R. McPharlin

Logan McQueen

David McVicker

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Mercke

Mary Merrill

Joseph and Catherine Merritt

Mrs. Connie Messner

Donna Marie Meszaros

Mr. Robert L. Metzger

Paul and Nancy Michael

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Mikus

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Milen

Phil and Peggy Millard

Vic and Wilhelmine Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Miller

Ms. Linda H. Miller

Ronald V. and Patricia A. Miller

Tom Miller

Duane and Nancy Miller Family

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Minch

Donald and Elizabeth Molosky

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Monroe

Judith Montych

Sheila and Thomas Moore

Charles M. Moore

Ron and Linda Moore

Jeffrey Moore

Ernest and Staci Moosherr

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Moran

Ms. Diane Morand

Bo and Jan Morley

Chris and Liisa Morley

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O. Morrow

Ms. Kathy Motschall

Marla Kay Houghteling and Norman Mottl

Robin Moyer

Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Mueller Jr.

Missy Murphy

Loren and Paula J. Musilek

Roberta M. Mylan

Tom and Lynn Neelands

Geoffrey and Constance Neithercut

Thomas Nellenbach

Dr. and Mrs. Phil Nelson

Sherry Nelson

Dan and Anne Nemes

Stacie Newberry

Dr. and Mrs. Edward E. Newcomb

Mr. and Mrs. William F. Newman

Mr. Kelley Newton

Marilyn and Dave Nichols

 Volunteers clean up litter along the Bear River during Healing the Bear

Maureen Nicholson

Bob and Nancy Nickodemus

Barbara Menear Nickola

James and Janet Niedecken

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Nield

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Nihls

Mr. P. Scott Nofsinger

Mr. Brian Nolan

Mrs. Thomas Noneman

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Nordin

Mr. James Nordlie

Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Nordstrom

Becky Norris

Mr. Thomas B. North

Northern Michigan Master Gardener Association

Diane St.Claire and Tom Northway

James and Virginia Nuffer

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nuorala

Dr. James G. O’ Brien

Mr. and Mrs. John Ochs

Ms. Karin Offield

Thomas and Mary O’Hare

Jean M. and Grant W. Ohlson

Carol and Patrick O’Keefe

Chad and Sue Okuly

Ms. Sally Olds

Patrick and Linda O’Leary

Maurice R. and Maryann Olsaver

Donna Organek

Beverly and James Osetek

Mr. Gerhard F. Osterbeck

Ms. Virginia Otto

Ed and Mary Jane Overmyer

Mr. Donald C. Owen

Richard Owen

Dr. and Mrs. Gerard Ozanne

Mr. and Mrs. James Paczesny

Mr. Mark W. Paddock

Susan and Leonard Page

Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Parker

Phillip Parker

Marilyn and Phil Parker

Mr. and Mrs. George Parker

Jon Parlow

Jackie and Lee Parrish

Anne and Bayard Paschall III

Chris and Ginger Payne

Mr. and Mrs. John Roy Peak III

Henry and Sally Peet

Larry and Linda Pelowski

Caren Peltier

Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Pemberton

John and Lorayn Perkins

Mr. and Mrs. James K. Perrin

Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Pettke

Pickerel Lake Association - Botsford

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Pickering

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Pietrangeli

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Pigott

Nancy and Larry Piotrowski

Ms. Kathleen S. Pistono

Tony Pitts

Karen and Dan Plasencia

Plath’s Meats

Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Platt

John and Kathy Polanski

Dr. Kerry L. and Mr. Joseph Polizzi

Mr. and Mrs. Alex Pollock

Nancy and Jeff Porter

Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Potter

Mr. and Mrs. William Powel III

Kevin and Dianna Prediger

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Priest

Mr. Roy Pulaski

Bob and Sherry Pursel

Mr. and Mrs. Max R. Putters

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Pysh

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Radabaugh

Jim and Holly Rader

Ms. Carol Raitzer

Mr. and Mrs. David Randall

Marilyn Randall

Dr. and Mrs. John R. Rasmussen

Re/Max of Elk Rapids

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Reade

Ms. Christine G. Redman

Dennis and Barbara Reese

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Reh

Susan McCraven and Robert Reider

Connie J. Reinhold

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Reis

Mr. and Mrs. Conrad S. Reiter

Mrs. Barbara E. Renton

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Rentschler

John Rich

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Richardson

Phil and Joan Richardson

Lawrence S. Richmond

Ms. Georgiana E. Richner

James and Linda Ries

Steve and Judy Ritter

Suzanne E. Ritzler

Ms. Kathleen Robinson

Larry and Elaine Rochon

Elise Roe

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Root

Dr. Jay T. Rorick Jr.

Martha Brownscombe and Jay Rosen

Bruce Ross

Sarane Ross

Dan and Alice Ross

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Ross

Ralph and Nancy Rucinski

JoEllen and Jim Rudolph

Sandra E. Ruffini

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Rule

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Runk

Melinda Rupp

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Rupp

Randi Richner and Eric W. Russell

Mr. William Rutledge

Hugh and Nancy Ryan

Penny Afton Sage

Andrew and Jo Sahara

Paul and Lori Sak

Ms. Constance Saltonstall

Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Sandford Jr.

John N. Santeiu Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Santen

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Santi

Mr. and Mrs. Richard N. Sarns

Mr. and Mrs. William Sarran

Mrs. Jean E. Sayre

Hilary Barrett and Robert Scarrow

Chuck and Marcy Schafer

Mr. and Mrs. Rex Schlaybaugh Jr.

Michael and Sara Schmidt

Jane Schneider

Mr. and Mrs. Brett Schneider

Mrs. Judi Schneider

Mary M. Biagini and Donald C. Schnetzler

Dr. Franziska Schoenfeld

Emily and Jeff Schoeny

Cynthia Donahey and Art Schoolmaster

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schram

Mr. Donald J. Schwalm

Ann and Max Schwandt

Robert Schwert

Fred and Priscilla Schwier

Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Scott

Lee and Doris Scott

Mr. and Mrs. James Scott

Mr. and Mrs. Michael M. Sears

Debra Seehaver

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Seibert

Dr. and Mrs. Corey J. Seitz

Steve and Sandy Selden

Beth Selke

Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Sellers

Andi and Ron Shafer

Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Shearer

Mr. Michael D. Sheean

Mr. William Shelton

Mary Ellen Sheridan

Derek and Adrienne Shiels

Dr. and Mrs. David Shneider

Steve and Sue Sikkema

Mrs. Ruth Ann Silvernail

Dave Simcox

Hugh Melling and Denise Simon

Michael and Maria Simonte

Mr. Mark H. Sinclair

David and Sharon Sinclair

Craig and Susan Sincock

Fred and Susan Sittel

Saliann and Daniel Siwulec

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Slanec

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Slominski

Bernie and Carol Slotnick

Linda Roomann and Bill Slutz

Mr. Clyde L. Slutz

Carlin and Karen Smith

Scott Smith

Ms. Sara E. Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Smith

Brook and Jean Smith

Julie Smith

Mrs. Joanne Snedden

Mr. Jacob L. Snider

Dr. and Mrs. Ronald D. Snyder

George and JoAnne Snyder

Mr. and Mrs. R. Bruce Snyder

Mrs. Carolyn Snyder

Mr. Howard Soldan II

Dean and Fran Solomon

Mr. and Mrs. John K. Solosy II

Keith and Martha Soltis

Don and Gloria Sowle

Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Spencer

Stephan and Susan Speth

Mr. and Mrs. William J. Sprow

Mr. Donald Spurr

Nancy Squires

Lynn Haire and Larry Sroka

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Staich

John D. Staley

Mr. and Mrs. George Stancel

Kendall P. and Diana D. Stanley

Ken and Peg Stapleton

Mrs. Loretta Stark

Bob and Liz Stearns

Sue and Tony Stempky

Deborah Stephens

Sherri Stephens

Karin Stevens

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Stevens

Jan and Mariellyn Stevenson

Christian and Anja Stoldt

 Students collect and sort macroinvertebrates for water quality testing

2024 FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

The Watershed Council receives income from donor contributions, grants, contracts for service, and investments. Our day-to-day operations expenses cover the cost of watershed protection, policy and advocacy, education and outreach, communications and development, and general management. The charts below summarize these categories for our 2024 operating fund.

REVENUE

 Contributions: $488,911

 Grants: $434,912

 Contracts: $40,973

 Endowment Distributions: $143,895

 Other: $257,453

Total Revenue: $1,366,144

EXPENSES

 Watershed Protection: $854,856

 Policy and Advocacy: $213,631

 Education: $157,726

 Development & Communications: $196,043

 Management and General: $200,845

Total Expenses: $1,623,101

PROTECT NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WATERS

From quiet wetlands to the Great Lakes, our waters connect and sustain us all. Your gift to Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council ensures these lakes, rivers, and streams remain healthy for generations. Join a community dedicated to protecting and preserving the waters we all depend on. Make your gift today at watershedcouncil.org.

Protect the Waters You Love

If you’re 70½ or older with a traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a smart way to support the causes you love—like protecting Northern Michigan’s waters—while lowering your tax bill. A QCD lets you give directly from your IRA to a nonprofit without counting it as taxable income, and it may count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). You can give up to $100,000 annually without itemizing deductions. Talk to your financial advisor to see if a QCD makes sense for you, and ask your IRA custodian to initiate the gift.