Michigan is centrally located in the Great Lakes basin and, as such, every
stream in the state eventually empties into a Great Lake or connecting channel.
Soil erosion and sedimentation to the Great Lakes is therefore a significant
issue for Michigan. To address this problem, the Great Lakes Basin Program has
supported 66 projects in Michigan since 1991. Basin Program support totals over
$3.77 million, with an additional $1.36 million being leveraged from non-federal
sources.
GLBP projects have focused on a variety of areas including agricultural, streambank,
urban and forest-based erosion. Over 107,000 acres are under some form of best
management practice, thereby preventing the loss of over 325,000 tons of soil
annually. Benefits include improved water clarity and newshore fish spawning
habitat.
Formal and informal education and public information projects have been an
important component of the effort in Michigan. These activities target important
stakeholder groups such as developers, landowners, government agency personnel
and school children. Projects have used print and radio media as well as workshops
and training opportunities to disseminate information on soil erosion and sedimentation
control.
