Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District

The Waishkey River Watershed Management Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to preserve and protect the watershed, focusing on restoring and maintaining water quality. Developed by a dedicated management committee, the plan addresses key concerns including point and nonpoint source pollution, invasive species, and the protection of threatened and endangered species and habitats. Strategies involve implementing best management practices, public education, stakeholder engagement, and continuous monitoring to achieve long-term ecological health and resilience.

The Munuscong River Watershed Management Plan provides a strategic framework for protecting and restoring water quality and aquatic resources within the Munuscong River watershed. It prioritizes management efforts across rural, urban/residential, and public land areas, addressing pollutants such as bacteria, sediment, and nutrients. Key focus areas include implementing Best Management Practices, preserving and enhancing wetlands and riparian areas, protecting groundwater, supporting sustainable agriculture, improving recreational infrastructure, and fostering coordinated land use planning. The plan aims to achieve and maintain water quality standards that support designated uses and ensure the long-term health of the watershed's ecosystems.

The Les Cheneaux Watershed Management Plan provides a roadmap for the community to reduce non-point source pollution and protect the region's natural resources. It focuses on safeguarding drinking water quality, restoring recreational uses, preserving warm and coldwater fisheries, and maintaining navigation. Key strategies involve managing urban stormwater, hazardous waste, and invasive species, alongside protecting critical habitats and promoting wise land use planning to ensure the long-term ecological health and sustainability of the watershed.

The strategic plan outlines the Chippewa/Luce/Mackinac Conservation District's vision to be a dynamic and sustainable organization with flexible resources to meet evolving conservation, natural resource, and agricultural needs. It focuses on four key organizational perspectives: achieving financial sustainability through diverse funding, becoming the primary resource for agricultural and environmental education and assistance, optimizing internal processes and systems for consistent community impact, and attracting and developing skilled board and staff through a culture of learning.

This Conservation Needs Assessment serves as a strategic roadmap to identify and address natural resource issues within Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac County. The plan is driven by stakeholder and partner involvement, aiming to assist with land use and management through education, community projects, and services. Key strategic priorities include addressing the lack of education about natural resources, managing invasive species, and improving poor agricultural practices. The overarching vision is for the organization to be recognized as a conservation leader, actively involved in all conservation matters, and dedicated to meeting natural resource management needs by expanding services and implementing conservation practices.