Clinton River Watershed Council

Clinton River Watershed Council 
The mission of the Clinton River Watershed Council is to protect, enhance, and celebrate the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair. Individual and community actions protect and improve the health of the Clinton River, assuring that its natural, economic, and recreational value enhances the quality of life of those who live, work, and play in the Clinton River watershed and Lake St. Clair.  For more information, Visit their Website.
For information on paddling safety, click here. 

WATER LETTUCE FOUND
During routine water quality monitoring in September, CRWC staff identified a single water lettuce plant in the Clinton River Spillway. CRWC reported the sighting to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) immediately after confirmation. The Lake St. Clair CISMA followed up on the report and both organizations have continued to survey the area for additional plants. This occurrence highlights the effectiveness of alerting MISIN when an invasive species has been located. Please report any invasive species observances to MISIN here.

"The Lake St. Clair CISMA was very quick in their response to the MISIN report. Invasive species can harm our local water resources in many ways and I am glad that we were able to catch this one early. This is a great example of effective teamwork and water quality monitoring. CRWC will continue to work with the CISMA to address this issue into the future." - Eric Diesing, CRWC, Watershed Ecologist

MSU WEBINAR SERIES
The Michigan State University Extension Conservation Stewards Program is presenting a free webinar series this fall highlighting some of the extraordinary conservation and restoration efforts in Michigan and how people with different goals and cultures come together to make it happen.
The "Conservation Talk" webinar series is happening on select Tuesdays throughout October, November, and December 2020 from 12-1PM EST via Zoom. Throughout the series, we will take a closer look at diverse cultural perspectives, unique natural ecosystems, innovative conservation partnerships that celebrate ecosystem heritage, efforts to connect people to nature, and ongoing restoration efforts in Michigan.  
The webinar series kicks off on October 20, 2020. Ajee Witherspoon from the Detroit Zoological Society will be speaking on "Connecting Youth with the Outdoors in Detroit: Cultivating the next Generation of Naturalists and Conservationists."

Online registration is required to participate in this webinar series.  Choose individual webinars or register for the entire series: https://events.anr.msu.edu/ConservationTalkTuesdays/
Complete details about the webinar series, including descriptions for each talk including speaker information, can be found at the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program Webinar Series page: https://www.canr.msu.edu/conservation_stewards_program/Webinar-Series/
Who should attend this webinar series?   

• Anyone who loves nature and conservation
• Existing Conservation Stewards interested in continuing their learning and networking/connecting with other alumni
• Natural resource professionals who want to build their knowledge on ecosystem-based management principles
• Individuals who want to learn more about the Michigan Conservation Steward Program 

The following webinars will be offered at 12PM EST as part of a series: 

• October 20, 2020:
  Connecting Youth with the Outdoors in Detroit: Cultivating the Next Generation of Naturalists and Conservationists
  Speaker: Ajee Witherspoon, Detroit Zoological Society
• October 27, 2020:
  Up-close and Personal with Bears, American Marten, Fisher, and Deer 
  Speaker: Clay Wilton, Michigan Natural Features Inventory
• November 10, 2020:

Where has Our Wild Rice Gone?
Speaker: Marie Schaefer, Michigan State University, Department of Community Sustainability

• November 24, 2020:
  Graying in Michigan: Their Past, Present and Future   
  Speaker: Nicole Watson, Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife 
• December 8, 2020:
  How Habitat Restoration on Belle Isle Can Mitigate Climate Change
  Speaker: Sam Lovall, Friends of the Detroit River & Greg Norwood, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• December 15, 2020:
  Perspectives in Conservation: Understanding People and the Landscape to Protect our Natural Heritage
  Speaker: Jesse Lincoln, Michigan Natural Features Inventory

The Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP) is a course designed for individuals interested in Michigan ecosystems and sharing this knowledge with others. Conservation Stewards practice community-based volunteer conservation management activities. To learn more about the Michigan Conservation Stewards Program, visit: http://www.canr.msu.edu/csp

UPDATE ON BYPASS RESTORATION
Construction on this project has been completed! Paddling in this area can resume as normal. For a map on portage locations please visit our paddling page.

This fall we are asking individuals to keep an eye out for invasive European Frog-bit. This invasive plant species can cause negative impacts on native aquatic plants and other organisms that live within our freshwater resources. European Frog-bit looks like a miniature water lily with tiny, quarter sized "heart shaped" leaves. If you suspect you have found this plant, please report it to CRWC or directly to the state at EGLE-WRD-ANC@michigan.gov or 517-284-5593

AOC SUCCESS!
Great news! The first of eight remediation criteria has been met from the Clinton River Area of Concern (AOC). Earlier this week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the removal of the degradation of aesthetics beneficial use impairment from the Clinton River Area of Concern. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the partnerships between local, state and federal agencies involved and the efforts of the Clinton River Public Advisory Council! Among successful efforts completed was the St. Lawrence Cemetery project which removed large amounts of trash from a historic fill site along the river in Shelby Twp!

October. 28 // WEEKLY CLEAN
October 28, 2020 // Gerald N. Donovan Park in Sterling Heights, 10:00am-12:00pm 
Upcoming weekly cleans visit: https://www.crwc.org/events/volunteer/keeping-it-clean

Join Waste Management and Six Rivers Land Conservancy for the Outsiders Film Fest (OFF) on October 28, 2020 from 7:00pm - 10:00pm at the Emagine Novi Drive In theater. Ticket price is $40 per car.
Films include shorts, feature length, documentaries, profile pieces, and more to share stories from all over the world that will inspire viewers.
You can view a partial list of films at: https://www.sixriversrlc.org/outsiders-film-fest
To purchase a ticket: Outsiders2020.eventbrite.com