November 18 2026 Webinar

Описание: During the meeting, three presentations were given that focused on understanding and improving the health of Coldwater Lake.

The evening began with an update on the committee’s recent work and a review of current water-quality conditions in Coldwater Lake, presented by Margie Franker, Chair of the Lake Environment Improvement Committee. This overview highlighted the monitoring results and what steps were already underway to protect the lake’s long-term health.

The second presentation examined how watersheds influence lake water quality. The watershed was described as a giant funnel—everything occurring on the surrounding land, including fertilizer use, stormwater runoff, and erosion, ultimately flowed toward the lake. While watershed activities determined what entered the funnel, the riparian zone—the final stretch before water reached the lake—dictated what actually arrived.

Shoreline owners’ actions at this final point play a crucial role in whether the lake receives clean, filtered water or excess nutrients and sediment. Our third presentation provided best practices for shoreline owners. Both watershed and riparian levels were emphasized as essential for maintaining good water quality.

Two specialists contributed their expertise:
Julia Kirkwood from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) discussed watershed management and how it affected Coldwater Lake’s overall health.
Erick Elgin from Michigan State University Extension shared straightforward, practical steps shoreline owners could take to help keep the water clean and support healthy habitat.
Together, these presentations provided a clear picture of how individual and community actions had a meaningful impact on protecting Coldwater Lake for the future.