Priority areas in the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed are defined as the portions of the watershed that are most sensitive to environmental impacts and have the greatest likelihood to affect water quality and aquatic habitat. They are areas that may contribute the greatest amount of pollutants, either now or in the future, to the watershed and are considered targets for future water quality improvement efforts.

The priority areas were identified by analyzing the Comprehensive Watershed Management Tables and identifying the major areas where most of the threats to water pollution exist. Other resources used to identify the priority areas include; scientific research reports, existing subwatershed management plans, DEQ water quality reports, Grand Traverse Bay shoreline survey, field observations, Steering Committee members, and personal contact with watershed residents and scientific experts on the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed.

• Riparian Corridors: Areas within 1,000 feet of bodies of water (i.e. Grand Traverse Bay, rivers and streams, lakes)


• Wetlands: All wetlands and areas within 1,000 feet of wetlands


• City and Village Centers: Urban areas that drain to surface waters via storm sewers.


• Headwater Areas: Areas where there is a greater amount of groundwater recharge.