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| Preserving natural areas, rural and historical features of the River Raisin Watershed |
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The River Raisin
Few people are lucky enough to own a piece of the Raisin (as much as anyone can own a river), but we all have a stake in it because it literally shapes our communities. From a canoe and at the few bridges that cross the Raisin, you can see that it is lined with woods and wetlands; stretching beyond this natural buffer are more woods, wetlands, farm fields and scattered houses. These vistas add untold wealth to our quality of life. The view will change over time, but we can do something now to ensure that future generations will always be able to journey down the Raisin and imagine that they are one of the first inhabitants of the area. It is still mostly untamed. The river ebbs and flows; trees fall; birds perch and fly and hunt; fish swim; animals venture to the edge for a drink. We believe it is in the interest of everyone who lives near the river to join the effort to preserve these scenes. There are several programs, in addition to the RVLT’s buffer easement project, to help landowners manage their natural areas in ways that benefit the river, its watershed, and the many valuable species of plant and animal life that inhabit it. More details about the buffer easement project can be found on page 3. The RVLT encourages you to contact us or any of the groups listed on page 3 for more information on how you can help preserve the Raisin.
River Raisin Buffer Easement ProjectThe RVLT seeks to protect the rural and agricultural lands along the River Raisin in Washtenaw County by obtaining donated conservation easements and referring landowners to other conservation programs. The easements would preserve ribbons of land (buffers) along the river, which would protect water quality by reducing runoff of soil and chemicals from lawns and farms into the river. These buffers could be of varying width depending on many factors, and would provide corridors for the movement of wildlife along the river between larger natural areas. A grant from the Stubnitz Foundation will provide the funds for expenses needed to establish the conservation easements. Stewardship Network The Nature Conservancy Department of Natural Resources Lenawee County Washtenaw County River Raisin Watershed Council Washtenaw County | Contents | |||||||
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n November of 2005
the RVLT initiated a buffer easement project that is focused on the
upper River Raisin in Washtenaw County. Significant parts of the Raisin
have already been protected and the RVLT would like other riverfront
property owners to know what options are available to preserve and
enhance their natural habitat along the river.