The MSU Extension Natural Resources Program in Livingston County offers educational resources in water quality and watershed management subjects.

Water quality programs and services teach management practices used to maintain high quality bodies of water, including ponds, lakes, creeks, and rivers.

Lessons include aquatic plant management, aquatic ecology, shoreline management and lakescaping, nutrient levels, creek monitoring, and more.

Watershed management focuses on land use and how it pertains to water quality in lakes, rivers and other water bodies. The Watershed Management Short Course is targeted to individuals from any background to receive basic to intermediate lessons pertaining to watershed management with a focus on addressing non-point sources of pollution.

From citizen action groups to Phase II regulated storm water management with local units of government, the MSU Extension Natural Resources Program offers educational services, technical assistance, and group coordination efforts which empower citizens and government officials in addressing watershed management issues.

The Phase II Storm Water Rule, issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), required municipalities and other public bodies that operate a separate storm water drainage system within a U.S. Census-defined Urbanized Boundary to obtain a storm water permit by March 10, 2003.

More than a dozen local units of government in Livingston County are participating in group watershed efforts, with the Drain Commissioner as the leading department, to comply with Phase II regulations as administered by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).

•  Aquatic Plant Control
  Guidelines for using herbicides and algaecides for controlling aquatic plants and algae. Guidelines include state permit requirements (check with township and drain commissioner for local permit requirements), herbicide dosage rates, types of herbicides, plus more.

•  Pond Management
  This document, provides answers to many of the questions asked about managing a pond. The bold print throughout the document explains descriptions of the ponds from the people that asked the questions.

•  Watershed Management Short Course
  More information on the Michigan Watershed Management Short Course.

Phase II Regulated Storm Water Management Links:

•  SEMCOG Phase II Storm Water Information Clearinghouse

•  Michigan Dept of Environmental Quality Storm Water Program Overview

•  Environmental Protection Agency Storm Water Final Rules