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It's no secret that Bay County's quality of life could be improved by focusing on critical water quality and natural resource issues. With that in mind, county government established this department and directed it to coordinate and facilitate the participation of local government officials, farmers and agribusiness representatives, recreational users, local environmental groups, business and economic development organizations, and the public to increase general community awareness and involvement. The department also encourages conservation and reasonable use of natural resources and is responsible for implementing several recreational and educational access projects for Bay County. This department seeks and receives a variety of grants for such projects, and is also responsible for updating the Solid Waste Management Plan as defined by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Divisions Under the Environmental Affairs & Community Development Department:
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Maps of Interest:
Bing Map Link for Birds Eye Viewer of Bay City State Recreation Area
Shoreline Viewer Website Birds Eye Viewer of the Upper Peninsula
The Great Lakes Shoreviewer provides professional color photography of every inch of coastline (and many islands) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron). Each coastline photo also has a series of maps showing important natural features for planning and protection efforts.
Aerial Treatment of Phragmities Along Saginaw Bay Shoreline:
Aerial spraying to control the invasive plant Phragmites, is set to take place one time during the period between September 15, 2011 and October 15, 2011 along the Saginaw Bay shoreline adjacent to Bay County’s Pinconning Park and Fraser Township’s Linwood Scenic Park, at the east end of Linwood Road. The exact date is unknown at this time as aerial spray treatment is weather dependant, with favorable conditions of light winds with moderate humidity. The aerial treatment will be done by helicopter as this was determined to be the most effective method to reach the shoreline area and can target stands of phragmites only. An herbicide mixture of the products Habitat (Imazapyr), and Aqua Pro (glyphosate) a surfactant will be used to treat only those areas of Pinconning Park and Linwood Scenic Park area that have dense stands of phragmites. This mixture is specially formulated to be targeted to plants and safe for use in aquatic ecosystems near waterways. There will be a 24 hour water use restriction at the treatment area, so signs will be posted against swimming and/or wading at the site. Bay County Environmental Affairs and Community Development received a grant for phragmites treatment at the Pinconning Park location from the US Fish and Wildlife agency. Please note that a separate but similar spray application will be done about the same time at the Nayanguing Point area by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Any questions should be directed to Laura Ogar, Director of the Bay County Environmental Affairs and Community Development Department 989-895-41356 or via email at ogarl@baycounty.net. The General Permit is available for viewing by clicking HERE.
In The News:
MLive: Farmers in Saginaw Bay Region focused on water quality, not animal waste with recent $550,000 federal funding program (July 6, 2011)
Midland Daily News: Saginaw Bay Part of Preservation-Conservation Effort (July 5, 2011)
MLive: Update: $550,000 in federal conservation funds announced to help preserve Saginaw Bay Watershed (July 5, 2011)
Great Lakes Echo: Local governments search for funds to fix failing septic systems (June 28, 2011)
Great Lakes Bay Regional Energy Efficiency, Conservation & Renewable Energy
Great Lakes Bay Regional Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Renewable Energy Strategy Public Input Meeting (held January 20, 2011):
Bay, Saginaw, and Midland Counties are collaborating on the development and implementation of a Great Lakes Bay Regional Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Renewable Energy Strategy to conserve and reduce overall energy use, improve the energy efficiency of our buildings and transportation infrastructure. A Public Input Meeting to discuss the Strategy took place on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at SVSU. Please click HERE to view a draft copy of the Strategy.
Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative (SBCI)
Δ Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative (SBCI) Official County Webpage
SBCI Phosphorus Committee:
Δ Phosphorus Ban
Δ Phosphorus Ban Information
Δ Phosphorus Policy Advisory Committee - Final Report - Prepared by Public Sector Consultants, Inc.
Δ SBCI Phosphorus Committee Recommendation Letter - 2009
Δ SBCI Phosphorus Committee Final Report - 2009
Δ NOAA - Phosphorus Sources and Impacts on Water Quality in Saginaw Bay
Economic Areas of Interest
Other Environmental Links
Please click here for links to information regarding governmental, educational, recreational and advisory environmental organizations and groups.
Other Areas of Interest
Δ Hazard Mitigation Plan