Category Archive

We have failing, defunct dams along the Kalamazoo River that linger in large part because they hold back contaminated sediments.  This is one of the costs of deferring the cleanup of contaminated sediments.  Several of these dams are long past their useful and safe lifespans.  State agencies and other local stakeholders have been diligently working to align both funding and …

Earlier this summer the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found environmental DNA, or eDNA from Asian carp in the Kalamazoo River, prompting further surveillance efforts.  State and federal agencies are closely monitoring the Great Lakes region for evidence of Asian carp, a group of invasive carp species that would have a devastating effect on …

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Michigan Department of Natural Resources are working to increase awareness about Asian carp.  Populations of this invasive species have not been found in the Great Lakes system, but recent monitoring results indicate the presence of genetic material of Asian carp, such as scales, excrement, or mucous in the lower section of the Kalamazoo …

Enbridge is completing the final phase of dredging operations at Morrow Lake in eastern Kalamazoo County.  Local leaders report that the dredging operations are going very well and all indications are that the dredging will be completed later this fall, on schedule.  Read the recent article to hear what the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council’s president has to say in regards …

Our next Kanoe the Kazoo paddle trip will be held on Saturday, July 12.  The group, led by the Calhoun Conservation District, will paddle down the Kalamazoo River starting at Perrin Dam in Marshall and ending at Saylor’s Landing.  Contact Tracy Bronson at the Calhoun Conservation District for more information and to register (269) 781-4867 x5.

Join the Kalamazoo Environmental Council at our annual Legislative Breakfast on Monday, March 10, 2014 from 7:30-9:30 am at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Take time to engage with our local state and federal legislators and their staff about environmental and natural resource policy issues. Register online (https://naturecenter.thankyou4caring.org/kec-legislative-breakfast-2014) Or RVSP by email (kay.chase@wmich.edu) Cost (for breakfast @ 7:30): $10 Program only …

In partnership with the City of Kalamazoo, we recently received a Climate Change grant from Freshwater Future to launch a rain barrel campaign to raise awareness about stormwater runoff and water conservation. In the face of a changing climate, it is more important than ever to start managing runoff as a resource, consider everyday things we can do to control …