Great Lakes Restoration: Federal Funds for Little Traverse Bay Little Traverse Bay will be getting increased attention over the next three years, thanks to a recent award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Watershed Council received a grant The Watershed Council for $887,723 to implement The Little Traverse Bay received a grant for Stormwater Management $887,723 to implement Initiative (LTBSMI), an The Little Traverse Bay Stormwater Management ambitious water quality protection project for the Initiative. Little Traverse Bay Watershed. As part of $40 million in grants awarded under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for 2011, the award is a tremendous opportunity for the Watershed Council and our project partners to work toward the goals and objectives established in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan. Specifically, the LTBSMI will address nonpoint source pollution through implementation of specific recommendations from the Little Traverse Bay Watershed Management Plan. These efforts are critical to protect the good water quality of the Bay because nonpoint source pollution poses a significant threat to it, as well as the entire Great Lakes. The LTBSMI involves a diverse group of project partners, including the Emmet and Charlevoix County Road Commissions, North Central Michigan College (NCMC), Bay View Association (BVA), Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and commercial property owners. With its focus on implementing stormwater best management practices, the LTBSMI includes four major components: Click Road and Holms Road Construction Projects This element involves the construction of a timber bridge at Click Road and installation of a new culvert at Holms Rd. The bridge will replace culverts at the Click Road crossing over the Bear River, which will promote the restoration of both the natural streambed and the river’s hydraulics. The second road-stream crossing project will include the replacement of an undersized culvert at Holms Road, which passes over Hay Marsh Creek, a tributary of the Bear River.
A Stormwater Wetland at North Central Michigan College The stormwater wetland at NCMC will replace a failing stormwater retention pond located adjacent to the Campus Natural Area. Currently, the sediment-filled pond is not effectively treating stormwater. The stormwater wetland will include a two pond system; a sediment forebay will trap sediments and the second pond will simulate a natural wetland for additional stormwater treatment. A trail and educational signage will be incorporated into the design. 25 Rain Gardens within the Bay View Association Currently, Bay View stormwater is directed to storm drains along US 31 that discharge, untreated, directly into the Bay. A community-wide Bay View Association Rain Garden Initiative will promote the use of rain gardens to manage stormwater. The initiative will include promotion of rain gardens through outreach and education, and a cost-share program to fund 25 rain gardens within BVA. Restoration on Lower Tannery Creek The lower section of Tannery Creek, a cold-water tributary of Little Traverse Bay, is one of the most impaired systems in Northern Michigan due to the concentrated development in the lower section and expanding residential areas upstream. Hardened structures and hydrologic changes (flashiness caused by stormwater runoff from nearby parking lots, roads, and roofs) have resulted in scouring and accelerated erosion of the stream channel. In addition, the stream currently flows under the Little Traverse Wheelway through an undersized culvert. Replacement of the culvert with a clear-span bridge and removal of failing streambank structures will allow restoration of the stream channel. The work for each component will span over three years and the Watershed Council will be providing updates as progress is made. So stay tuned and keep your eyes open for the projects of the Little Traverse Bay Stormwater Management Initiative getting underway in 2012! For more information about the LTBSMI, please contact Jen Gelb at 231-347-1181 ext. 112 or jen@watershedcouncil.org.