About the Watershed Coalition

The Northwest Michigan Watersheds Coalition is a working group led by the Benzie Conservation District since 2011. The Coalition is made up of local watershed organizations, conservation groups, and resource managers working together to protect our watersheds. The group expanded their capacity and geographic coverage in 2022 based on the desire of it's members to take a more active role in water quality protection throughout the region. In 2023 the Coalition formed a Steering Committee, Water Smart Land-use Committee, and Aquatic Invasive Species Committee. 

Mission: Empowering our communities to prioritize water quality in all decision making in Northwest Michigan.
The Northwest MI Watershed Coalition envisions a future where informed and engaged communities lead the way in protecting our watersheds for their intrinsic beauty and their cultural, social and ecological importance.​

Our Priorities

Expand collaboration for water quality
Outreach to build the NMWC
Build relationships with key agencies and organizations
Increase participation in committees and member associations
Find more local water champions

​Consistent resource management
Standardize and share resources to support best ecological practices for land management and recreation
Support development and implementation of Watershed Protection Plans
Be a resource for members and the community on invasive species prevention, detection and treatment and water quality data collection practices

Ensure regulatory landscape protects water quality
Learn more about the regulatory landscape and identify vulnerabilities in the current processes
Support best practice sharing and build resources to help others to navigate the systems
Ensure our rules effectively protect water quality and are followed
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​Raise awareness and educate
Build strong and consistent messaging about water quality and risks to it
Share water quality testing and data
Support and promote place-based education
Share success stories
Connect decisions to water quality
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For more information please contact John Ransom at [email protected].

Coalition Partners