The MLWP is a nonprofit, volunteer organization with a fiduciary partnership that allows tax-deductible, charitable contributions to be made to an account that is maintained by the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC). The MLWP officers direct how the funds in this account are spent.
The MLWP addresses the portion of the Muskegon River Watershed that lies within Muskegon County, including Muskegon Lake, the lower portion of the Muskegon River and the sub-watersheds of Mosquito Creek, Cedar Creek, Bear Creek, Green Creek, Four Mile Creek, Ryerson Creek, Ruddiman Creek, Beidler’s Creek and other direct drainage areas around Muskegon Lake.
The MLWP formed in 1992 as the Muskegon Lake Public Advisory Council. The initial focus was on public education and the building of local, state, federal and regional partnerships for the cleanup of the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern. As the group evolved to incorporate a wider, watershed view, the name was changed to Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership. The MLWP’s work will result in the removal of Muskegon Lake from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern in 2021/2022.
Yes, the MLWP’s overarching master plan is the Muskegon Lake Action Plan. Other plans have been developed to improve natural resources through green infrastructure for stormwater runoff control, fish and wildlife habitat restoration, shoreline public access and coastal resiliency plans.
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