Aug. 24, 2011 - Bear Lake and Bear Creek Watershed is Focus of Aug. 30 Open Meeting
Contact: Tim Ervin
231-723-4325
For Immediate Release
BEAR LAKE AND BEAR CREEK WATERSHED IS FOCUS OF AUG. 30 OPEN MEETING
Public Also Invited to Take On-Line Survey
BEAR LAKE, MICHIGAN -- If you live on or near Bear Lake, Bear Creek or one of its tributaries or simply have an interest in these important natural resources, there will be an open community forum on August 30, 2011 at Bear Lake School from 7-9 PM to keep you informed about the development of a “Greater Bear Watershed Plan.”
The purpose of the plan is to ensure the wise use, protection and management of these waters and the lands that are included in their watersheds. A Greater Bear Watershed Steering Committee, consisting of area residents and representatives from local, state and federal agencies and organizations is guiding the effort and seeks the input of all interests in developing the watershed plan.
“It is essential that property owners in the watershed learn about what we are doing to prepare this plan,” said Jim Draze who chairs the Steering Committee. “The watershed encompasses a very large part of Manistee County and portions of Benzie and Wexford County. Every property owner and every person or group that has an interest in these waterways should attend the August 30 meeting to understand what the watershed plan will cover and accomplish and how they can become involved.”
Draze said that an online survey is also available for anyone to use to weigh in on issues and priorities for Bear Lake and Bear Creek and tributaries. The survey takes about ten minutes to complete by going to www.bearwaters.org.
“This plan will form the basis for future volunteer efforts and grant requests to protect and properly manage this invaluable watershed for generations to come,” Draze said. “This will be anything but a plan that collects dust on a shelf. It will be a living, breathing document that will be of immense importance to the economic well-being and quality of life for those who care about these natural resources.”
The August 30 meeting will include a review of watershed plan goals, a discussion about the contents of the plan and an open facilitated discussion among participants about watershed needs and priorities. The development of the Greater Bear Watershed Plan is made possible by a grant to Alliance for Economic Success from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Public Sector Consultants, based in Lansing, is working with the Steering Committee to develop the watershed plan.