Bear Creek/Bear Lake Implementation 2 Project

2010 – 2014

Partners:
Grand Valley State University Annis Water Resources Institute (GVSU-AWRI)
Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber Inc. (FTCH)
West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC)
Muskegon Conservation District (MCD)
Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership (MLWP)

Project goals and objectives include:
Reduce external nutrient loading sources to Bear Lake by 50%
Develop a strategy to reduce internal nutrient loading in Bear Lake by 79%
Involve watershed stakeholders in project
Update the existing BL/BC Watershed Management Plan
Implement BMPs and land use policies
Study internal nutrient loading of Bear Lake to develop a feasibility report for best treatment

As of December 2012 –

GVSU-AWRI is finalizing results on their study of internal nutrient loading in Bear Lake.
WMSRDC has conducted several meetings with municipalities and reviewed ordinances for land use policies.
BMP site for implementation has been selected – West Michigan Equestrian Center. FTCH and MCD have submitted engineering packet to DEQ. Targeting early spring for start of BMP work.
MLWP has involved watershed stakeholders in the project by conducting public meetings and workshops.
As of December 2013 –

GVSU-AWRI completed their internal nutrient loading study in Bear Lake and completed the report.
WMSRDC conducted a workshop for municipalities to review ordinances and receive input.
FTCH & MCD have completed their BMP work at the West Michigan Equestrian Center.
MCD completed Bear Creek/Lake Watershed Management Plan updates and submitted the Plan to the DEQ.
MLWP involved watershed stakeholders by conducting quarterly public meetings.