The lower portion of the Lake Michigan watershed is one of the fastest growing and most urbanized regions in the Great Lakes Basin. Agriculture and urban development dominate the landscape and have resulted in drained wetlands, fragmented forests, and increased sedimentation and nutrient-loading in lakes and streams. Habitat fragmentation has hindered attempts to restore large blocks within this watershed although potential exists to restore small wetlands and establish native prairie, especially on private lands.
Conservation Work
Current efforts in this region are focused in the Grand River watershed, but will be expanded to cover the entire area in the future. Restoration of wetlands, particularly small emergent wetlands with a mix of open water and vegetation, and re-establishment of native prairie plant communities associated with existing or restored wetlands, are the conservation focus in this watershed. Restoration techniques include removing drain tiles, plugging drainage ditches, and installing low-level dikes and water control structures to restore hydrology.
Waterfowl Benefits
Restoration will benefit breeding mallards, wood ducks, and potentially American black ducks. Targeted wetland projects will also provide quality feeding sites for spring migrants, such as northern pintail, lesser and greater scaup, mallards, ring-necked ducks, and SJBP Canada geese. This area supports some of the highest breeding densities of mallards and wood ducks in Michigan.
