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Middle 1 Subwatershed
Getting Involved
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We need your help! Improving the water quality in the Middle 1 Subwatershed
is a task that not only includes your community's maintenance and protection
of some of the highest water quality that exists in the entire watershed,
but also increasing you're environmental awareness and involvement to
help achieve that goal.
Improving the water quality in the Middle 1 Subwatershed requires
these things that you as an individual or group can do...
What is Environmental Awareness and how can I
increase mine?
Awareness can be defined as having perception or knowledge of something,
or being conscious or informed about something. The Middle 1 Subwatershed,
and the larger Rouge River Watershed, is an ecological community that
exists in southeast Michigan. If you live, work, or play in any of the
48 communities that make up the Rouge River Watershed, your daily actions
affect the health of the River. Increasing your awareness of the issues
that affect the health of the River will help you to better understand
how we are all part of the watershed, how our decisions impact the watershed,
and how you can communicate these messages to others. You can:
- Monitor this Web site for more information and updates
- Visit the River in your community to enjoy and observe any changes
- Participate in activities created by your community
- Participate in activities created by Friends
of the Rouge
- Change a few
behaviors at home
How do I become more informed?
Communities in the Middle 1 Subwatershed have applied for and will be
receiving their Voluntary General Storm Water Permit, and will be organizing:
- Public Education Program (PEP) workshops.
- Public Participation Program workshops (PPP).
- Publishing articles in your local paper, and
- Household Hazardous Waste Days among other activities.
These activities are designed to increase public awareness and provide
information about water quality issues, but also provide you the general
public, an opportunity to physically participate in these events and contribute
on a personal level to help improve the water quality in the Middle 1
Subwatershed. Contact the designated Storm Water General Permit Coordinator
in your community to see how you can help.
Voice your concerns... Involvement is not a
spectator sport!!
The activities surrounding the General Storm Water Permit, although designed
to inform the public about the issues, are strictly NOT a one-way street.
Your community needs to hear from you because you may have ideas about
the River and what you think is most important about our natural resources.
Come to the activities and communicate your ideas to community staff.
It's important! Watch your local newspaper and newsletters for event announcements.
Join others already involved!
Why wait for your community to organize events and activities that might
be of interest to you and your involvement in water quality improvement
in the Middle 1 Subwatershed? Here's a list of volunteers or organizations
in the Middle 1 Subwatershed that you can contact via e-mail and arrange
to get involved on your own.
YOUR ACTIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
If we all make a few changes with how we manage our household, our car
and our actions, we can make a big difference in the health of the Rouge
River...
- Select pest-resistant plants; minimize pesticide use.
- Consider native species of plants which "match" our ecology.
- Use slow-release fertilizers only if needed (soil nutrient testing
is the first step).
- Cut grass high (leaving 3" on the blade).
- Use compost to grow healthy plants and retain water.
- Use natural mulches to reduce weeds and hold soil in place.
- Cover exposed soils with mulch or grasses.
- Clean up pet waste and carefully discard.
- Do not feed ducks or waterfowl.
- Separate hazardous waste from household trash.
- Keep auto engine in good repair; recycle used oil and antifreeze.
- Disconnect downspouts from sanitary sewers.
- Use automated car wash -- don't wash cars on the pavement.
Click here
to view the entire Rouge Repair Kit (pdf version)!
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