The impacts of climate change manifest in the Shiawassee River in two significant ways:

1) extreme storm events that cause a rapid rise in water volume and levels in the Shiawassee River and its tributaries, many of which are managed as county drains. 

2) summer droughts that lower water levels and present a stress to aquatic life and a challenge to recreational users of the river.  

Populations within the Shiawassee River Watershed experience climate change in various ways, requiring differing responses. This page, dedicated to climate awareness information, is organized into three, major stakeholder groups: Agriculture, Recreation and Municipalities. Despite the varying perspectives represented by these groups, all stakeholders can identify with the Shiawassee River, a defining aspect of place.  

We invite you to explore our page, where we share longitudinal data collected by the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, as well as links to science-based websites and articles - all designed to address your curiosity about climate change and what steps we might take on a local level to protect the Shiawassee River watershed.

Here you can learn more about actions you can take as a recreationalist or a riparian landowner.

Here you can learn information of particular interest to landowners, including how farmers are using climate change mitigation strategies.

Here you can learn more about what's being done by municipalities to adapt to a changing climate and how you can be part of the solutions.