The Saginaw Bay is one of largest remaining freshwater coastal systems in the nation, comprised of a 22-county watershed, and is the largest watershed in Michigan. Approximately 10% of the state drains to the bay via the Saginaw River. Major tributaries include the Titabawassee, Shiawassee, and Flint rivers. Settlement and intensive farming led to the loss and degradation of more than 50% of these wetlands. Degradation of remaining habitat has occurred as intense agricultural and industrial practices throughout the watershed have seriously degraded water quality. The once extensive natural communities of plants and animals are today found only as disconnected remnants primarily associated with state and federal wildlife areas. More thab 30 plant and animal species on the federal threatened and endangered list make their home in the 22-county watershed.
Conservation Work
Conservation work in this priority area will concentrate on the protection and restoration of Great Lakes coastal marshes and their associated habitats, expansion of existing state and federal wildlife areas with the restoration of newly acquired lands, and restoration and enhancement of small wetlands and associated uplands important for waterfowl production on private lands. Conservation activities in the Saginaw Bay priority area will be concentrated primarily on migration habitat, and secondary on production habitat.
Migration habitat work has been focused on large complexes along the coast and major river systems and primarily on public lands. Many projects on public lands were completed more than 40 or more years ago and are in need of infrastructure repair and structural improvements in order to maintain wetland values and management potential. A good approach would be moist soil or natural marsh management for optimal use of the habitat to meet the needs of both spring and fall waterfowl using these areas. Additional opportunities for wetland restoration in coastal and riverine systems exist when land is acquired.
Waterfowl Benefits
More than 3 million waterfowl annually migrate though the Great Lakes area. Several species of waterfowl and other priority species will benefit from conservation activities within Saginaw Bay. Southern James Bay (SJB) Canada geese, northern pintail, American black ducks, mallards, canvasbacks, ring-necked ducks, and both greater and lesser scaup are common migrants through the area and will benefit from restoration designed to increase food supply, especially during spring. Production habitat projects will benefit primarily mallards and wood ducks, and occasionally American black ducks and blue-winged teal.
