River Raisin Partnership Launched

by Sybil Kolon

artnership and cooperation are key elements in improving the River Raisin. The recently approved River Raisin Watershed Management Plan (RRWMP) contains an action plan that itemizes 139 tasks that need to be taken to begin the process. These steps are divided into nine categories (i.e. planning, conservation/restoration, sewage and stormwater management). Each task includes a suggestion of which entities would be responsible for its implementation.

The approval of the RRWMP by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment¹ (DNRE) is a huge step in the right direction. Professionals have evaluated the condition of the Raisin and its watershed and prioritized the steps that need to be taken. But the RRWMP is a plan; it has no authority or funding to make it happen. However, now that the RRWMP has been approved, the DNRE does make some funding available to help implement it.

In October 2009, the RVLT and six other partners applied for a grant to begin implementing portions of the plan. We are hopeful of soon receiving word that our proposal has been approved. In the meantime, four of the original partners have established a Charter for the River Raisin Partnership (RRP) whose charge is to implement land and water protection and stewardship projects in the River Raisin Watershed, along with associated public outreach, consistent with the RRWMP.

The founding members of the RRP include the River Raisin Watershed Council, the Legacy Land Conservancy, the Stewardship Network and the RVLT. We invite other entities to join this effort. Interested parties can contact any of the original partners to find out more. Go to the RVLT website to find links to the RRP and the RRWMP: www.rvlt.org

¹ Created January 17, 2010 by Executive Order No. 2009-45, combining the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality into one department

Contents

• River Raisin Partnership Launched
• Planning Your Estate With A Conservation Easement
• Priority Patches
• Meet Your Community
• Good Resources
• Land Stewardship Workshops Continue
• Words of Others
• Washtenaw County Natural Areas Preservation Program up for Renewal

Design by Kenny King.