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1. Know Your Watershed
The water that washes down your driveway, across your yard, or off your field eventually flows into a river, very likely the Shiawassee. Your watershed starts at your backdoor, at the downspout of your house, and at the storm drain on your street. Get to know where you live and where the water from your property flows. Does it go directly to the River or to a nearby creek or drain? Where does it enter the River? Our River flows north through the Shiawassee flats, one of the continent’s greatest stop over points for migratory birds, before it enters Lake Huron. Keep your downstream neighbors in mind.
2. Treat the Riverbank Like Your Front Yard
Whether the River runs behind your home or you are just a visitor to the riverbank, remember that the riverside is on display to all who travel on the River. Don’t leave trash on the riverbank. If not properly covered and cared for, dumpsters and burn barrels contribute trash to the River; consider moving them away from the stream. Please don’t clear the bank of natural vegetation (see # 5 below), but do help keep it free of rubbish. And please don’t dump yard waste and brush along the bank.
For removal of trash and yard waste, consult your yellow pages under “Rubbish Removal.”
3. Up, Out, and Away with Yard WasteUse your organic material to support growth in your garden, not in the River. Grass clippings and other yard waste will decay in streams and act as a fertilizer to support overabundant weed and algae growth. Instead, compost this material in a contained place well back from the River. Leaves, sticks and brush dumped on the riverbank or in gullies do not slow erosion. Rather, such unsightly piles deter plant growth and thus contribute to soil loss, which worsens water quality. Chip this material, dispose of it elsewhere on your property, take advantage of city removal options, or ask your waste hauler about disposal.
To get started with composting at your home, contact the Shiawassee County MSU Extension Service at (989) 743-2251.
4. Don’t Fertilize the River
The runoff of lawn or agricultural fertilizer into the River degrades water quality as it supports unsightly and smelly weed and algae growth. Homeowners, if you fertilize, apply sparingly using recommended application rates (a spring and fall application are usually all that are necessary). Please do not apply fertilizer within 30 feet of the River or a stream, and make sure to keep fertilizer on the lawn, not on paved surfaces or drainage areas. Be even more careful with herbicides and pesticides which can kill or injure the inhabitants of the River. Farmers and homeowners, have your soil tested regularly to determine what, if any, fertilizer you need. Discuss your concern for the River with any commercial service you use.
For information about soil testing, fertilizer, and alternatives to pesticides, contact the Shiawassee County MSU Extension Service at (989) 743-2251.
5. Be a Natural on the Bank
A major problem facing the Shiawassee is the runoff of soil into streams and county drains. Dirt turns the River brown (watch after any rain), adds silt to the bottom and makes the River more of a garden for growing things (like weeds) than a home for game fish and other aquatic life. Be cautious of disturbing banks and drainage ways, or removing vegetation anywhere in the watershed. While grass does prevent erosion, consider adding plants like honeysuckle and crown vetch along stream sides and riverbanks. They bring color and improved erosion control to your property.
If you have current or potential erosion problems, you can get advice, and perhaps financial assistance, to help remedy the situation. Farmers, if you establish filter strips along drainage ways, you may be eligible to participate in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). For help and information, contact Tina Tuller at the Natural Resource Conservation Service (989) 723-8264.
If you live along the River, be cautious about any action you take to control riverbank erosion. Any seawall construction or bank alterations below the high water mark require approval from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Just places rocks, unsightly concrete, or other material in or along the River may worsen or only postpone your problems. The DEQ can give you guidance on what actions you can take to reduce erosion and stabilize the Riverbank. For information on soil erosion and sediment control, email mikular@michigan.gov, or call (517) 335-3178.
6. Pump, Don’t Dump
If you own a septic tank, especially along the River or one of its tributaries, have it checked every 3 to 5 years; have it pumped out if necessary. This will prevent future, costly repairs, keep your drainage field from failing, and protect surrounding waterways. Also, do not dispose of hazardous chemicals at home, as they may damage your tank and pass through your system into the water table. It is illegal to drain off a septic tank, or other household drains into a sump pump or other drain that dumps into the River.
To report any suspicious drainage contact the Shiawassee County Health Department, Environmental Health Division at (989) 743-2390.
For information about septic tank maintenance and operation, contact a reputable service company (see yellow pages “septic tanks”) or call the Shiawassee County MSU Extension Service at (989) 743-2251.
7. Keep Dangerous Chemicals Out of the River
Products such as oil, gas, paints, pesticides, poisons, or other chemicals do not belong in the River, household drains or sewers, the storm drain, or on the ground. These and other hazardous and toxic materials are not treated by municipal sewage systems, septic tanks, or natural filters. Such chemicals can be extremely harmful to the aquatic life of the Shiawassee. Recycle oil and follow directions on containers for disposal of other chemicals. In general, avoid the purchase of hazardous chemicals and other toxic products. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
For information on how to dispose of hazardous or toxic materials contact the Department of Environmental Quality, Waste and Hazardous Materials Division, (517) 335-2690.
8. Only Rain for the Storm Drain
Catch basins, curbside gutters, and the ditch in front of your home, farm, or business empty into the River or one of its tributaries. Do not use the storm drain as a disposal system. Don’t dump oil, antifreeze, grass clippings, waste of any kind, or even soapy water into a drain or catch basin. Do automobile work in your garage, recycle motor oil, and wash your car on the lawn, not on the street or driveway.
9. Bring Back More Than You Take
Of course we’re conscious about litter on any outing to the River – a canoe or fishing trip, or a walk along the bank – but why not pick up at least a few pieces of trash as you go? You’ll not only leave the River cleaner, but you’ll set a good example and deter future litterers.
10. Join the Friends of the Shiawassee River
One way all of us can help improve water quality is to become a Friend of the River. A basic membership is only $15 and provides you with four issues of a newsletter with helpful information on how to protect and improve the River environment. Your donation – small or large – will also support clean-up efforts, education programs, and improved recreational access to the River.
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