Watershed Projects
Paw Paw and Black Rivers Wetland Protection and Restoration Project
The Van Buren Conservation District has been awarded a three-year $806,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment through the U.S. EPA Federal Clean Water Act. The focus of the project is wetland protection and restoration, and will run from October 2009 to October 2012. The project will build off the recently completed watershed management plans for the Paw Paw and Black River Watersheds. The project has three main focus areas:
- Wetland Protection: Grant funds will be used to permanently protect over 650 acres, 440 of which are existing wetlands.
- Wetland Restoration: At least 100 acres of land that has been drained in the past will be restored to wetland conditions.
- Outreach & Education: Brochures, newsletters and other outreach materials will be developed and distributed to educate landowners about the importance of preserving and restoring wetlands. A variety of workshops and field days will also be held.
Questions? Please contact the Conservation District office at (269) 657-4030 x 5, or e-mail one of the Watershed Coordinators, Matt Meersman (matthew.meersman@mi.nacdnet.net) or Erin Fuller (erin.fuller@mi.nacdnet.net).
Why Wetlands?
Since European settlement, between 50 and 60% of our original wetlands have been converted for agriculture or development. Wetlands are crucial for protecting our drinking water, protecting property from flooding and providing habitat for wildlife.
