PORTAGE TOWNSHIP - The Portage Township Board of Trustees heard an update about an effort to create a management plan for the Pilgrim River watershed Monday during their regular meeting.
Evan McDonald, executive director of the Keweenaw Land Trust, gave the board members a brief overview of the project, which involves developing a plan for use of the 15,600-acre watershed without damaging it.
McDonald introduced Gina Nicholas, chair of the Houghton/Keweenaw Conservation District and Pilgrim River watershed management plan advisory commission member, who said a $51,000 National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency grant has been received for the project.
"We have to match that with $51,000 of in-kind service," she said.
The management plan must be finished by spring, Nicholas said.
"We're moving as fast as possible," she said.
The rigorous science-based work being done includes determining exactly what is getting into the Pilgrim River and how the river may be affected, Nicholas said.
She said a requirement of the NOAA grant is community involvement, which is why the presentation was being given to the township board of trustees.
When the management plan is completed, Nicholas said it will be comprehensive.
"The citizens will know about the watershed," she said.
Three Michigan Technological University graduate students involved with developing the management plan also presented to the board.
Merrill Jackson, Ph.D. candidate, said often graduate students working on water issues go to other countries, but the Tech students chose to work on the Pilgrim River project.
Jackson said it's important for those working on the management plan get input from the public, so it would be helpful if the board of trustees could recommend someone from the community to be part of the process.
Trustee John Ollila said there are many homes and businesses in the watershed, and development of the management plan should involve as many stakeholders as possible.
"It's a vast watershed," he said.
Nicholas said businesses took part in a similar management plan developed for the Eagle River in Keweenaw County.
"We'd like everybody who's interested to participate," she said.
The presentation on the Pilgrim River management plan was for council information only. No action was taken.
In other business, the board:
approved the nearly-$1 million 2012 township budget. The 2011 budget was $1.7 million.
heard from township engineer Eric Waara the Dodgeville and Hurontown sewer projects are complete.
received three checks from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Passport Grant program totaling $60,000. The presentation was made by Lee Verberkmoes, superintendent of the McLain and Fort Wilkins state parks, who said they are for various recreation projects, including park restrooms, tennis courts and picnic tables.
approved a resolution proposed by Kim Stoker, executive director of the Western Peninsula Planning and Development Region asking the Michigan Legislature to allow the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Alliance to administer state Economic Development Corporation funds in the U.P.
