Lake Michigan Watershed

Lake Michigan is the 3rd largest lake in surface area in the Great Lakes system.  It is also the 6th largest freshwater lake in the world.

Lake Michigan is the end point to many of our local watershed rivers such as the Black River, Paw Paw River, Galien River, Dowagiac River, Saint Joseph River and many others.

Lake Michigan contains the world’s largest collection of fresh water sand dunes along with many wetlands, prairies, and savannas, these all provide essential habitat to a great diversity of life. The aquatic food web supports fish for food, sport and culture. The fertile southern-soils are amenable to agriculture and the coast is home to 25 harbors and hundreds of marinas. The Lake Michigan coastlines also serve as a key North American migratory bird flyway.

Lake Michigan is a wonderful attribute to our region and the people.

For more information about the Lake Michigan Watershed see the links below:

Lake Michigan Basin

http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/lakemich/intro.html

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_30909_31053-153460--,00.html

Lake Michigan Lakewide Management Plan

Lake Michigan Facts and Figures

http://www.great-lakes.net/lakes/ref/michfact.html

Ecosystem Partnership of Illinois

http://www.greatlakes.org/coastal-conservation/lmep.asp

Stormwater Management Commission

http://www.co.lake.il.us.smc/planning/wtrshdmgmt_default.asp