Feedback needed for Lake Charlevoix project
The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council wants to hear from residents, business owners or local government officials in Boyne City, Charlevoix or East Jordan. The council, in partnership with Drummond Carpenter, PLLC, and the three cities, has developed a website to solicit public feedback on potential green stormwater infrastructure planning efforts.
The site, which provides information about GSI and the Lake Charlevoix watershed, can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/33bm82d. Links to the individual surveys for each of the three cities are also on the website. Survey respondents may review pictures of potential GSI solutions proposed at locations within their communities and vote on the ones they prefer.
Over the course of the last 10 months, the project team has examined existing stormwater infrastructure in each city and highlighted opportunities to adopt new GSI practices. GSI mimics the ways that nature helps stormwater flow back into the ground, which can keep water resources clean and protect public health. It uses native vegetation and natural processes to capture pollutants and minimize nutrient runoff. GSI can prolong the life of existing stormwater infrastructure and enhance stormwater treatment. Examples include tree box filters, rain gardens or bioretention basins, bioswales, application of permeable pavers, and green alleys.
All survey responses are due for consideration by Dec. 1.
In addition to the survey, community members can sign up online for a stormwater site assessment offered by the watershed council. Those interested will be contacted in the spring of 2021 to schedule a time for watershed council staff to visit their property, free of charge, and discuss options for how stormwater management through GSI can help protect Lake Charlevoix.
For questions about this project aimed to advance future water quality protection efforts to preserve the high quality of the Lake Charlevoix Watershed, contact Jennifer Buchanan of Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council at (231) 347-1181.