The updated Ocqueoc River 
Watershed Management Plan is now complete. The document outlined pollutants and threats to the watershed and offered several key recommendations to protect this high-quality resource. The Ocqueoc River Commission, Huron Pines RC&D and other partners have been working together to promote resource stewardship, implement on-the-ground activities, and work with local leaders to protect and enhance the Ocqueoc River Watershed.
The purpose of the Watershed Project is to improve and protect the water quality of the Ocqueoc River and the lakes and streams that drain to it. Five project goals were created through the collaborative efforts of the Watershed Partnership and are based on protecting the state's designated uses.
Goal 1: Protect the watershed’s fishery population and navigation by reducing the amount of erosion, particularly caused by human activities, negatively impacting the river.
Goal 2: Safeguard fisheries, aquatic life, public water supply, and body contact recreation by reducing the amount of nutrient loading to surface water.
Goal 3:Protect the fishery and other aquatic life by restoring a more natural flow regime to the river system.
Goal 4:Conserve important wildlife habitat areas.
Goal 5:Enhance and protect the Ocqueoc River Watershed by promoting stewardship, education, and responsible use of the watershed.
In addition to updating the management plan several other projects were completed in 2005. Numerous outreach programs and information related to the Ocqueoc River Watershed were presented and made available to the public. A newsletter titled Caring for the Ocqueoc was created and sent direct mail to riparian landowners, was provided at local meetings, and copies were available at the Conservation District and two public libraries. Two educational kiosks were constructed and located at the Onaway and Rogers City district libraries. Information about the Ocqueoc River Watershed, the implementation project and environmental message were cycled on the kiosk. Specific information included the hydrologic cycle, groundwater, karst topography, wildlife habitat and corridors, the importance of high-water quality, nonpoint source pollution, erosion problems, land conservation options, and simple steps to protect water quality.
Project Accomplishments:
Education and Outreach
- Five workshops were held reaching over 100 people.
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395 riparian landowners received the Caring for the Ocqueoc newsletter and Landscaping for Water Quality booklet
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Four water resource articles were circulated in two newspapers
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Educational kiosks were placed at two public libraries.
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Watershed information and projects updates were provided on the internet.
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One river clean-up using over 90 volunteers was completed.
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A policy and planning “toolkit” was provided to 5 townships and the planning commission.
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Met with seven landowners interested in permanent land conservation options.
Road/Stream Best Management Practice
- Site 39, Little Ocqueoc River and N. Silver Creek Road.
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Two perched culverts were replaced by one bottomless culvert.
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6 diversion outlets were installed.
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.2 acres were revegetated.
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650 linear feet of the approaches was regarded and hardened with crushed aggregate.
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Total cost of the road/stream project was $62,193.40 with $28,000 project funds and $15,993.40 match supplied by the road commission.
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In addition, the US Fish & Wildlife Service provided $18,200 in “other” funds to pay for the cost of the new structure.
Pollution Reduction
An estimated 17 tons of sediment, 14 pounds of phosphorous, and 29 pounds of nitrogen were reduced as a result of installing BMP’s.
For more information about this project please contact Lisha Ramsdell at 989-348-9319 or lisha@huronpines.org
