Elk Rapids Almanac-July 2020
July 4- As we have been challenged to sustain our families’ happiness and well-being over the last few months, it is safe to say that safe access to the outdoors has never been more important. Decades of research have proven that nature can help physically and mentally sustain us by alleviating numerous health conditions and helping us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. Long-time nature lovers like me and first-time outdoor explorers are (safely) crossing paths on the numerous trails, lakes, and streams our region has to offer. As residents of Elk Rapids, my family has been exploring the trails at Maplehurst Natural Area, swimming in the refreshing waters of Elk Lake, and running along the picturesque shore of Torch Lake.
The Watershed Center wants to foster our connection to these unique natural areas by hosting the 2020 Watershed Challenge (www.gtbay.org). This virtual challenge encourages people to get outside and bike, swim, run, paddle, or hike the amazing landscapes our region boasts. I hope you will join me in this fun, community-oriented celebration of the Grand Traverse region and I look forward to seeing you on the trails and in the water this summer. _
Christine Crissman, Executive Director, The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay
Water Notes: What is a “watershed”? It is an area of land that channels rainfall and snowmelt into the nearest body of water such as a lake or river. The Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed is the largest subwatershed of Grand Traverse Bay covering over 500 square miles. It is comprised of 14 interconnected lakes and rivers in Antrim and Kalkaska counties and encompasses over 200 streams. The Watershed Center’s Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Protection Plan, approved by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, identifies threats to water quality in the Elk River Chain of Lakes and outlines steps needed to protect and preserve the watershed. Currently, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and The Watershed Center are composing a subwatershed plan specific to the Elk River Chain of Lakes to be submitted for state and federal approval.
July 4- As we have been challenged to sustain our families’ happiness and well-being over the last few months, it is safe to say that safe access to the outdoors has never been more important. Decades of research have proven that nature can help physically and mentally sustain us by alleviating numerous health conditions and helping us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. Long-time nature lovers like me and first-time outdoor explorers are (safely) crossing paths on the numerous trails, lakes, and streams our region has to offer. As residents of Elk Rapids, my family has been exploring the trails at Maplehurst Natural Area, swimming in the refreshing waters of Elk Lake, and running along the picturesque shore of Torch Lake.
The Watershed Center wants to foster our connection to these unique natural areas by hosting the 2020 Watershed Challenge (www.gtbay.org). This virtual challenge encourages people to get outside and bike, swim, run, paddle, or hike the amazing landscapes our region boasts. I hope you will join me in this fun, community-oriented celebration of the Grand Traverse region and I look forward to seeing you on the trails and in the water this summer. _
Christine Crissman, Executive Director, The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay
Water Notes: What is a “watershed”? It is an area of land that channels rainfall and snowmelt into the nearest body of water such as a lake or river. The Elk River Chain of Lakes watershed is the largest subwatershed of Grand Traverse Bay covering over 500 square miles. It is comprised of 14 interconnected lakes and rivers in Antrim and Kalkaska counties and encompasses over 200 streams. The Watershed Center’s Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Protection Plan, approved by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, identifies threats to water quality in the Elk River Chain of Lakes and outlines steps needed to protect and preserve the watershed. Currently, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and The Watershed Center are composing a subwatershed plan specific to the Elk River Chain of Lakes to be submitted for state and federal approval.
Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed Boundary.
