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# The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay

Protecting & preserving Grand Traverse Bay through projects & advocacy

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://gtbay.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Heather - "Only the greatest dream come to reality"](https://gtbay.org/swimmer-heather/) - Dr. Heather Smith, MD? Believe it or not, our very own Grand Traverse Bay WATERKEEPER could be treating patients today instead of protecting our waterways. In her own words, Heather says: “[In college] I thought I was going to do the pre-med track, but I did not. I ended up taking a couple environmental classes

## Pages

- [Home](https://gtbay.org/) - We Protect The Water You Love Our Work GRAND TRAVERSE BAY WATERSHEDA watershed is an area of land where all rivers, streams, and precipitation drain into a single body of water. Art with a purpose. Beth Price Photography is a northern Michigan-based photography business dedicated to capturing authentic, purposeful images inspired by place. The Watershed
- [News](https://gtbay.org/news/) - News News & Happenings Follow us on our mission to safeguard the beautiful waters of Grand Traverse Bay and our inland lakes and streams for all to enjoy. Annual Reports 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 20212020 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 Latest eNewsletters June 2026May 2026April 2026March 2026February 2026January 2026December 2025November 2025October 2025September 2025August
- [Freshwater Summit](https://gtbay.org/freshwater-summit/) - freshwater summit The Freshwater Summit is an annual conference aimed at discussing the latest research, projects, and initiatives that impact the Great Lakes and Grand Traverse Bay regions. The Summit engages environmental professionals, citizens, and businesses in topics of interest that help further understanding of and appreciation for our invaluable freshwater resources. 19th annual freshwater summit
- [Dive-in, Do Your Part](https://gtbay.org/dive-in-do-your-part/) - Get Involved Photo credit: Lysa Gudz Dive In, Do Your Part Join us in our mission to safeguard the beautiful waters of Grand Traverse Bay and our inland lakes and streams for all to enjoy. With a community-wide commitment to clean water, we will all enjoy our waters for generations to come. Volunteer Help The
- [Adopt-A-Stream ](https://gtbay.org/adopt-a-stream/) - Adopt-A-Stream Launched in 2003, Adopt-A-Stream is The Watershed Center’s biannual stream sampling program. Each year, over 100 volunteers assess macroinvertebrate communities in wadable streams across the Grand Traverse Bay watershed. Surveying macroinvertebrates is a quick yet meaningful way to assess stream health as they have known tolerances to pollution, are easy to identify with little
- [Freshwater Summit - 18th Annual](https://gtbay.org/freshwater-summit-2025/) - 18th annualfreshwater summit 18th annual freshwater summit Thursday, October 30, 2025 │9am-3pmHagerty Center │ 715 E. Front St, Traverse City 8:30-9:00am: Registration9:00-9:10am: Welcome & opening remarks9:10-10:10am: KEYNOTE SPEAKERBioregionalism – starting & staying with the nature of placeStephanie Mills, author10:10am-10:40pm: Sea lamprey control – the pillar of a world-class fisheryMike Siefkes, Sea Lamprey Control Director, Great Lakes
- [Who We Are](https://gtbay.org/who-we-are/) - Who We Are Photo Credit: Kevin O'Meara We are a small, but mighty organization devoted to protecting the water you love.The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay is the only organization solely dedicated to the mission of protecting and enhancing the quality of the Grand Traverse Bay watershed and all its waterways.We are a passionate non-profit
- [Elk River Chain of Lakes](https://gtbay.org/elk-river-chain-of-lakes/) - Elk River Chain of Lakes Photo credit: Katherine Berst The largest subwatershed of Grand Traverse Bay The Elk River Chain of Lakes (ERCOL) is the largest subwatershed of the Grand Traverse Bay watershed and covers 500 square miles of land, has over 60 square miles of open water, and covers 200 miles of shoreline. Home
- [Mitchell Creek Crossing Improvement](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/mitchell-creek-crossing-improvement/) - PROJECT: mitchell creek railroadcrossing improvement Reconnecting a creek. This project replaces an undersized culvert on the west main branch of Mitchell Creek where it crosses a railroad grade along the TART Trail in Traverse City. The undersized culvert acts as a severe velocity barrier to fish passage and has created a large plunge pool at
- [Our Projects](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/) - Our Projects Protecting our waters through on-the-ground projects The Watershed Center has led dozens of on-the-ground projects bringing more than $15 million to our region to implement our watershed protection plans. These projects ANNUALLY prevent more than 2,232 tons of sediment, 1,624 pounds of phosphorous, 5,361 pounds of nitrogen, and 254 million gallons of stormwater
- [Ways to Give](https://gtbay.org/ways-to-give/) - Ways to Give Photo credit: Lynn Huffman Photo credit: Katherine Berst Protect the water you love. Protecting and enhancing the quality of Grand Traverse Bay and all its waterways is critical to our region’s future. The Watershed Center is the only organization solely dedicated to this mission. We rely on grants to fund our on-the-ground
- [Beach Cleanups](https://gtbay.org/beach-cleanups/) - beach cleanups Photo credit: Rick Kane Help clean up our shorelines. The Watershed Center is a regional leader in beach, shoreline, streambank, and in-water cleanups that help remove litter from our water. We host public cleanup events, help private groups conduct their own cleanups, and partner with other groups in cleanup activities. Starting in 2021,
- [Donor Recognition Celebration](https://gtbay.org/donor-recognition-celebration/) - DONOR RECOGNITIONCELEBRATION With gratitude. As a valued supporter of The Watershed Center, we invite you to join us to celebrate the tremendous impact your generosity has had on the health of our local waters. Join the staff, Board, and fellow supporters of The Watershed Center as we reflect and recognize the progress you’ve made possible
- [Suttons Bay Shoreline Stabilization](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/suttons-bay-shoreline-stabilization/) - PROJECT: suttons bay shoreline stabilization Photo Credit Bioengineering to combat coastal erosion. This project addresses a coastal erosion issue in the Village of Suttons Bay at their public marina at the eastern end of Coal Dock Park. This area is a spit of land that juts out between the north and south sections of the
- [Previous Projects](https://gtbay.org/previous-projects/) - previoius projects Protecting our waters through on-the-ground projects Since our origin in 1994, we have completed nearly 50 restoration projects throughout the Grand Traverse Bay watershed, bringing more than $15 million to our region to implement our watershed protection plans. As we continue to identify sites and seek funding for protection and restoration activities, check
- [Green Infrastructure in Suttons Bay](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/green-infrastructure-in-suttons-bay/) - PROJECT: Suttons Bay Green Infrastructure Utilizing green infrastructure to protect public health at beaches. Stormwater inputs into Grand Traverse Bay and its connected waterways are a primary concern because of the potential to contribute excessive sediment, nutrients, pathogens, and toxins. Direct stormwater outlets into Grand Traverse Bay also transport bacteria such as E. coli that
- [Kids Creek Crossing Improvement](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/kids-creek-crossing-improvement/) - PROJECT: kids creek eleventh Streetroad crossing improvement Natural stream function restoration. This project continues work on The Watershed Center’s Kids Creek Restoration Project. We are continuing our successful partnership with the City of Traverse City to improve road stream crossings that are negatively affecting natural stream function.This project will replace the undersized and misaligned culvert
- [Kids Creek Riparian Restoration](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/kids-creek-riparian-restoration/) - PROJECT: kids creek riparian restoration Woody riparian buffer and stormwater wetland. This project continued work on The Watershed Center’s Kids Creek Restoration Project by installing a riparian buffer and stormwater wetland to reduce stormwater, sediment, and nutrient inputs to Kids Creek, an impaired stream in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed. This project addressed pollution affecting the
- [Green Infrastructure in Northport](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/green-infrastructure-in-northport/) - PROJECT: green infrastructure in northport Photo credit: Shane Wyatt Green infrastructure reduces stormwater pollutants From 2023-2024, The Watershed Center continued its successful partnership with the Village of Northport to reduce stormwater inputs to Grand Traverse Bay from runoff originating in the village. Specifically, we utilized green infrastructure (also referred to as nature-based solutions) to address
- [Mitchell Creek Source Tracking](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/mitchell-creek-source-tracking/) - PROJECT: Mitchell Creek Source Tracking Photo credit: Nate Richardson Managing bacterial contamination to protect the quality of our waters. In 2015, The Watershed Center conducted bacteria monitoring on Mitchell Creek, a mid-sized stream located in Grand Traverse County that experiences elevated levels of E. coli. As a result, Mitchell Creek is now listed on the
- [Bacteria Source Tracking](https://gtbay.org/healthy-beaches/bacteria-source-tracking/) - bacteria source tracking Finding the source of bacteria at local beaches. To reduce the threats to public health due to elevated bacteria levels, it is essential to know the source of bacterial contamination so proper steps can be taken to lower the inputs. Since 2022, we have analyzed water samples from public Great Lakes beaches
- [Spotlight on Kids Creek](https://gtbay.org/salt-guide/spotlight-on-kids-creek/) - Salt guide for responsible salt use that reduces chloride pollution into our water. Understanding Salt Spotlight on Kids Creek Responsible Salt Use Understanding Salt Spotlight on Kids Creek Responsible Salt Use Kids Creek.Grand Traverse Bay Watershed. Chloride from salt use is contributing to the water quality impairment of Kids Creek. Understanding when and how chloride
- [Understanding Salt](https://gtbay.org/salt-guide/) - Salt guide for responsible salt use that reduces chloride pollution into our water. Understanding Salt Spotlight on Kids Creek Responsible Salt Use Understanding Salt Spotlight on Kids Creek Responsible Salt Use Our Water.Our Responsibility. This resource guide provides information about how the choices we make each winter can keep our freshwater healthier for people, pets,
- [Responsible Salt Use](https://gtbay.org/salt-guide/responsible-salt-use/) - Salt guide for responsible salt use that reduces chloride pollution into our water. Understanding Salt Spotlight on Kids Creek Responsible Salt Use Understanding Salt Spotlight on Kids Creek Responsible Salt Use Take Action.Protect Our Waters. Even a small amount of chloride in our lakes, streams, and groundwater can harm plants and wildlife, corrode infrastructure, and
- [Chloride Studies](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/chloride-studies/) - PROJECT: Chloride Studies Monitoring the effects of deicing salts on nearby streams Each year, over 20 million metric tons of road salts are applied to roads across the United States. The use of road salts and other de-icing agents is particularly prevalent in the Midwest and Northeast where winters are long, snowfall is abundant, and
- [Educational Resources](https://gtbay.org/educational-resources/) - Educational Resources Clean Boating Clean Boats Clean Waters (website)Clean Boating (brochure) Climate Change Climate and Hazard Mitigation Planning Tool (interactive map)Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region (brochure)Future Climate Scenarios (website) Coal Tar (PAHs) Toxic Pavement Sealants (brochure) Coastal Resiliency Building Coastal Resilience: Planning for the Future (video series)Coastal Solutions Compendium (website)Great Lakes Coastal Resilience Planning
- [Clean Water Act Suit](https://gtbay.org/clean-water-act-suit/) - clean water act & Michigan environmental protection act suit History of Pollution Burnette Foods, Inc., operates a fruit processing facility located in Elk Rapids, Michigan. Burnette Foods discharges its fruit processing wastewater to the ground through spray irrigation fields under the requirements of a groundwater permit issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes,
- [Contact](https://gtbay.org/contact/) - Contact The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay 420 E. Front Street Suite 200Traverse City, MI 49686231.935.1514info@gtbay.orgChristine Crissman, Executive Directorccrissman@gtbay.org231.935.1514 x1Sarah U’Ren, Program Directorsuren@gtbay.org231.935.1514 x2Heather Smith, Grand Traverse Bay WATERKEEPER®hsmith@gtbay.org231.935.1514 x3Michelle Handke, Director of Philanthropymhandke@gtbay.org231.935.1514 x4Report a ThreatHelp us keep Grand Traverse Bay and its watershed clean and safe!If you observe any threats, potential violations or
- [Legacy Giving](https://gtbay.org/ways-to-give/legacy-giving/) - LEGACY GIVING The Watershed Center's History Over thirty years ago, a network of conservation professionals and community members gathered monthly around a table over brown bag lunches. Through these conversations, they began to see an overwhelming need for an organization dedicated to addressing local water quality concerns. In 1994, The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay,
- [Freshwater Summit - 17th Annual](https://gtbay.org/freshwater-summit-2024/) - 17th annualfreshwater summit 17th annual freshwater summit Wednesday, October 30, 2024 │9am-3pmHagerty Center │ 715 E. Front St, Traverse City 8:30-9:00am: Registration9:00-9:10am: Welcome & opening remarks9:10-10:00am: Adikameg: Aging lake whitefish populations and creative new restoration strategiesKris Dey, Hatchery Manager, Little Traverse Bay band of Odawa Indians10:00-10:30am: Protecting and preserving freshwater ecosystems by employing effective swimmer’s
- [Healthy Beaches](https://gtbay.org/healthy-beaches/) - Healthy Beaches Photo Credit: Katherine Berst Beach Monitoring During the summer months, The Watershed Center conducts E. coli testing at Grand Traverse area beaches. Area beaches in Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties will be tested for harmful E.coli bacteria every Wednesday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Beach test results will be available by noon on Thursdays and posted shortly
- [What We do](https://gtbay.org/what-we-do/) - What WE do Photo credit: Peter Forton We Connect People to What Makes our Region Special—Clean Water Grand Traverse Bay and all its waterways make our area truly unique and admired. Protecting and enhancing the quality of our watershed is critical to our region’s future. The Watershed Center is the only organization solely dedicated to
- [Boardman-Ottaway River Network](https://gtbay.org/boardman-ottaway-river-network/) - Boardman-Ottaway River Network The Boardman-Ottaway River Network is dedicated to the preservation, protection, restoration, cultural significance, and sustainable use of the Boardman-Ottaway River and its 287-square mile watershed. This network acknowledges the significance of the Boardman River Watershed Prosperity Plan as a vision and framework for multijurisdictional cooperation to improve the environmental, economic, and social prosperity of
- [Boardman-Ottaway River](https://gtbay.org/boardman-river/) - Boardman-ottaway RiverWatershed Photo credit: Snap Happy Gal Photography A river in need of restoration The Boardman-Ottaway River watershed is in Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties and includes 180 miles of river and tributary streams. The watershed covers 287 square miles and drains 182,800 acres of land. The Boardman-Ottaway River is a subwatershed of the Grand
- [Kids Creek Road Crossing Improvements](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/kids-creek-road-crossing-inprovements/) - PROJECT: Kids Creek Road Crossing Improvements Photo credit: John Noonan Improving road stream crossings to restore natural stream function and thriving fish communities. In 2021, The Watershed Center partnered with the City of Traverse City to improve five undersized road stream crossings within the city limits that were negatively affecting natural stream function. As part
- [30years](https://gtbay.org/30years/) - 30th anniversary celebration event Join us for TWC's 30th anniversary celebration. Help us celebrate three decades of dedicated efforts to protect Grand Traverse Bay and its surrounding waters. This special event is a heartfelt gathering of our valued supporters over the years – donors, volunteers, board members, staff, and community partners. We will reflect on
- [Coastal Grand Traverse Bay](https://gtbay.org/coastal-grand-traverse-bay/) - COASTAL Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Photo credit: Kathy McKinley Maintaining designated trout streams The coastal Grand Traverse Bay watershed includes subwatershed areas of Mitchell, Tobeco, Acme, and Yuba creeks, as well as areas along east and west Grand Traverse Bay and Old Mission Peninsula totaling 190 square miles. The coastal watershed area encompasses 7 lakes,
- [WaveMaker Sail](https://gtbay.org/wavemaker-sail/) - WAVEMAKER SAIL BENEFITING THE WATERSHED CENTER Set sail August 20th. Join us as we set sail for the next chapter of protecting and advocating for our treasured waters. Guests will savor cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while we enjoy the beauty of our watershed from the deck of schooner Manitou on the west arm of Grand Traverse
- [Freshwater Summit - 16th Annual](https://gtbay.org/freshwater-summit-2023/) - 16th Annualfreshwater summit 16th annual freshwater summit Friday, October 27, 2023 │9am-3pmHagerty Center │ 715 E. Front St, Traverse City 8:30-9:00am: Registration9:00-9:10am: Welcome & Opening Remarks9:10-9:40am: Walking the Line: Managing Alewife Mortality in Lake MichiganDave Clapp, Charlevoix Fisheries Research Station Manager, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division9:40-10:10am: Protecting the Great Lakes from Invasive Carp:
- [Bay Guardians](https://gtbay.org/bay-guardians/) - Guardian for your waters. Celebrate 30 years of protecting the Grand Traverse Bay watershed by helping us reach our goal of recruiting 30 new Bay Guardians in 2024. Become a Bay Guardian today!As a Bay Guardian, your year-round generosity sustains efforts to monitor and protect our waters through all four seasons.Your weekly, monthly, or quarterly
- [Grand Traverse Bay Watershed](https://gtbay.org/gt-bay-watershed/) - Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Photo Credit: Peter Forton Safeguarding the beautiful waters of our region. The Grand Traverse Bay watershed is in northwest Michigan’s lower peninsula and drains approximately 976 square miles of land. The watershed covers major portions of Antrim, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties, encompassing 55 townships and municipalities. The largest municipality
- [Making Waves](https://gtbay.org/making-waves/) - Making Waves:Swimmer Stories of Connection to the water Heather – “Only the greatest dream come to reality” Dr. Heather Smith, MD? Believe it or not, our very own Grand Traverse Bay WATERKEEPER could be treating patients today instead of protecting our waterways. Read More »
- [Permits & Zoning Requirements](https://gtbay.org/waterfront-guide/permits-zoning-requirements/) - waterfront resource guide for property owners in the Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed. Home Community History Recreation Home Community History Recreation « Back to Waterfront Resource Guide Home Permits & Zoning Requirements Nearly all villages and townships have zoning ordinances that have specific requirements for how homeowners use and modify their property. Before taking
- [eNews Sign Up](https://gtbay.org/enews-signup/) - eNews Signup * indicates required Email Address *First Name *Last Name *eNewsletters Watershed Moments eNewsSwim for GT Bay eNews
- [Leadership Circle](https://gtbay.org/leadership-circle/) - Leadership Circle Who is Our Leadership Circle? The Watershed Center’s Leadership Circle directly engages individuals in our community in ways that increase knowledge, enjoyment, pride, and informed decision-making around water. Leadership Circle members serve as ambassadors for The Watershed Center, demonstrating that strong connections to water fuel loyalty and action, now and into the future.Leadership
- [Freshwater Summit - 14th Annual](https://gtbay.org/freshwater-summit-2021/) - 14th annualfreshwater summit Wednesday, October 20, 2021 Wild Rice RestorationRoger LaBine, Water Resource Technician, Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, co-chair of the Native Wild Rice CoalitionLakebed 2030Hans VanSumeren, Director, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, Northwestern Michigan CollegeTraverse City Wastewater Infrastructure Update and COVID Testing ResultsJoshua Lycka, Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator, Jacobs/Traverse City
- [Fly Rod Raffle](https://gtbay.org/fly-rod-raffle/) - fly rod raffle Three great prizes, one great reason - clean water The Watershed Center has teamed up with three talented, local craftsmen and artists to offer a unique opportunity to protect our watershed and have a chance to win one of three hand-crafted prizes. 100% of the proceeds from raffle ticket sales will support
- [Great Lakes Water Levels](https://gtbay.org/great-lakes-water-levels-2/) - Great Lakes Water Levels High and Low Water Level Impacts For over 100 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been tracking water levels across the Great Lakes basin. This data reveals that water levels in the Great Lakes cycle through high and low periods with each phase typically lasting several years. Water levels
- [Shoreline Erosion](https://gtbay.org/shoreline-erosion/) - Shoreline Erosion Shoreline erosion impacts Shorelines along the Great Lakes have been slowly moving inland, which is a natural, irreversible process. Although this land may not come back as permanent shoreline, loosely consolidated sand and stone beaches will reappear during lower water years. The process of erosion is similar in inland lakes; however, the variability
- [Great Lakes Water Levels](https://gtbay.org/great-lakes-water-levels/) - Great Lakes Water Levels High and Low Water Level Impacts For over 100 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been tracking water levels across the Great Lakes basin. This data reveals that water levels in the Great Lakes cycle through high and low periods with each phase typically lasting several years. Water levels
- [Stock the Trailer](https://gtbay.org/stock-the-trailer/) - stock the trailer Every spring and fall, our Adopt-A-Stream volunteers monitor stream health at over 25 sites throughout the Grand Traverse Bay watershed. In the words of Mike Foley, one of our dedicated volunteers, this program is so important because it’s “an early warning system that can detect changes that are occurring over years and
- [Freshwater Summit - 13th Annual](https://gtbay.org/freshwater-summit-2020/) - 13th annualfreshwater summit Friday, October 2, 2020 EGLE Water Resources Division’s Response to Great Lakes High Water LevelsRobyn Schmidt, Water Resources Division-Cadillac, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and EnergyPlanning to be a Resilient Great Lakes CommunityDick Norton, Professor, University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban PlanningUtilizing Natural Shorelines to Reduce the Ecological
- [Advocacy Academy Bootcamp](https://gtbay.org/advocacy-academy-bootcamp/) - advocate academy bootcamp April 15, 2023 │ 9am - 2pm Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Then the Advocacy Academy Bootcamp is the perfect opportunity to learn the skills you need to make an impact. Led by experiences advocates from The Watershed Center, TART Trails, Norte, and Groundwork Center for Resilient
- [NOAA Data](https://gtbay.org/noaa-data/) - NOAA project DATA and reports Cross Sections (post-project)Fish Survey Data (pre- and post-project)Flow Data Cedar Street Site 1 Downstream (pre-project)Flow Data Cedar Street Site 1 Upstream (pre-project)Flow Data Cedar Street Site 2 Downstream (pre-project)Flow Data Cedar Street Site 2 Upstream (pre-project)Flow Data Elmwood Avenue Downstream (pre-project)Flow Data Elmwood Avenue Upstream (pre-project)Flow Data Sixth Street Downstream
- [Kids Creek Restoration Project](https://gtbay.org/kids-creek-restoration-project/) - kids creek restoration project Restoring an urban gem Kids Creek, a cherished stream on Traverse City’s west side, is on the State of Michigan’s Impaired Water’s List due to a poor macroinvertebrate (aquatic insect) community, mainly because of stormwater issues. Kids Creek drains almost 7 square miles and is a major tributary to the Boardman
- [Green Infrastructure in Elk Rapids](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/green-infrastructure-in-elk-rapids/) - PROJECT: Green infrastructure in Elk Rapids Reducing stormwater volume with green infrastructure practices. The Watershed Center initiated a partnership with the Village of Elk Rapids to install green infrastructure practices throughout the village with the goal of reducing stormwater volume and its associated pollution impacts to Grand Traverse Bay. We completed a Stormwater Action Plan
- [Green Infrastructure at Meijer](https://gtbay.org/our-projects/green-infrastructure-at-meijer/) - PROJECT: Green infrastructure at Meijer Reducing stormwater inputs through green infrastructure installation. The Watershed Center partnered with Meijer in Traverse City to reduce stormwater inputs from their parking lot directly into Kids Creek and a surrounding wetland with a direct channel to Kids Creek. As part of Meijer’s parking lot improvements in 2022, we installed
- [Report a Threat](https://gtbay.org/report-a-threat/) - Report A Threat Report a Threat to Water Quality To report spills, releases, or other environmental emergencies:State Pollution Emergency Alerting System Hotline Serves the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy800.292.4706Federal National Response Center Hotline Serves the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Coast Guard800.424.8802If the matter is not urgent but you have a question
- [Stormwater](https://gtbay.org/stormwater/) - Stormwater What is Stormwater? One of the major ways pollutants get to lakes and streams is through stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff results when rain fallsto the ground – or snow melts – and the water that does not infiltrate into the ground flows over the surface of the land. The flow of this stormwater often
- [PFAS](https://gtbay.org/pfas/) - PFAS What you need to know about PFAS Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, are a group of over 3,000 man-made chemicals used in various industries around the world since the 1950s. Recently, researchers, scientists, and public health officials have grown increasingly concerned with the threat that PFAS pose to our water, soil,
- [Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS)](https://gtbay.org/polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons-pahs/) - PAHs IN COAL TAR SEALANTS What you need to know about coal tar sealants Sealants are widely used liquids that are applied to driveways and parking lots to protect and improve the appearance of paved surfaces. Coal tar-based sealants are the most commonly used sealant type in the Midwest. Coal tar sealants have been the
- [Advocacy](https://gtbay.org/advocacy/) - advocacy We increase knowledge, enjoyment, pride, and informed decision-making around water. We focus our education efforts on providing watershed science to citizens, developers, and local government officials so they can make sound water management decisions. Now is the time to ensure we are making the right decisions about the future of our water resources.The Watershed
- [Elk River Chain of Lakes - Watershed Implementation Team](https://gtbay.org/elk-river-chain-of-lakes-watershed-implementation-team/) - Elk River Chain of Lakes - Watershed Implementation Team A collaborative effort The Elk River Chain of Lakes-Watershed Implementation Team (ERCOL-WPIT) was formed in 2011 to implement activities pertaining to the Elk River Chain of Lakes in the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Protection Plan. Organized by The Watershed Center and Tip of the Mitt Watershed
- [Watershed Warriors](https://gtbay.org/watershed-warriors/) - Watershed Warriors The Watershed Center’s Watershed Warriors are a group of engaged citizens committed to taking a stand for clean water in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed. These citizen advocates speak up effectively and at opportune times to oppose threats to water in their community and to support local decisions and efforts that protect water.The

## Categories

- [Swim](https://gtbay.org/category/swim/)