The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA) Welcomes New Director
On behalf of the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, I am very pleased to announce that Jon Bumstead has accepted a seat on our board of directors. Mr. Bumstead is a property owner on the Muskegon River and lifelong resident of the watershed. He is passionate about Michigan’s natural resources and a forceful advocate for effective environmental stewardship.
Following a successful career as a builder in Newago County, Jon served three terms as the State Representative from district 100, retiring this year due to term limits. His notable accomplishments in the Michigan Legislature included leadership of the appropriations committee for Natural Resources and sponsorship of an important bill that protects the Great Lakes from commercial fish farming.
He has a history of active involvement and support for his community as indicated by his membership in a number of organizations including:
- The Newaygo Chamber of Commerce
- The Brooks Township Planning Commission
- The Michigan Home Builder’s Association
- The Newaygo County Building Review Board
According to Ken Johnson, MRWA Board Chair, “Jon is obviously a great fit for our organization and a most welcome addition to our board. I look forward to his contributions. “
George Heartwell, MRWA Governance Committee chair agreed: “As immediate past Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee Jon brings a new dimension to our MRWA work. He is well-networked and highly regarded in Lansing political circles and will help us navigate the sometimes challenging waters of state bureaucracy.”
Jon had this to say about his decision to accept a seat on the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly board: “the MRWA has been a results based environmental organization for nearly two decades and I feel privileged to serve on their board of directors. The Muskegon is my home river and a precious natural resource that we must protect. Given my experience as a state representative and community leader, I believe I can ake a significant contribution to this effort.”
Established in 1998 as an environmental non- profit, the MRWA has been an effective steward for the watershed comprised of the Muskegon River, which flows 217 miles from Higgins Lake to Lake Michigan, as well as all tributaries and affected land within watershed boundaries.
Board members provide leadership to ensure sustainability, while working to support the organizational mission of preserving, protecting and restoring the Muskegon River. To learn more, please visit www.mrwa.org.
Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our newest board member.
Julie Chamberlain
Executive Director
Muskegon River Watershed Assembly
