You are invited to participate in one of several workshops intended for anyone interested in learning about Michigan’s new water withdrawal laws and how those involved with stewardship of our water resources can play a part in the water withdrawal decision making process. These workshops are designed for three audiences: 1) local water-resource advocates (watershed groups, lake associations, environmental groups, etc.); 2) local governmental planning and zoning practitioners; and 3) community/economic development officers in local governments.
A brief review of water law in Michigan will be followed by a tutorial on some key hydrologic terms and concepts. The Water Withdrawal Assessment Process, the use of state-of-the-art online tools, and how to avoid adverse resource impacts will all be covered. An overview of the regional groundwater and surface water resources will be presented specifically for each workshop location. Lastly, we will review several example uses of the Assessment Tool for sustainable community planning and development. Dr. David Lusch (MSU Geography and Institute of Water Research) will be the primary presenter.
Schedule of Events
• MARQUETTE – Thursday, June 25
Northern Michigan University, University Center, Kaye Ave & Lee Drive, Marquette, MI 49855
• ESCANABA – Friday, June 26
Bay de Noc Community College, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829-2510
• GRAYLING – Tuesday, June 30
Ramada AuSable Valley Inn & Conference Center, 2650 S I 75 Business Loop, Grayling, MI 49738
• PITTSFIELD – Thursday, July 2
Pittsfield Charter Township Offices, 6201 W. Michigan Ave., Ann Arbor MI 48108
• KALAMAZOO – Wednesday, July 8*
Christine Price Kalamazoo Public Library – 315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
• MUSKEGON – Thursday, July 9
Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 740 W. Shoreline Dr., Muskegon, MI 49441
• ROCHESTER – Tuesday, July 14
Rochester Community House – Rochester Municipal Park – 816 Ludlow, Rochester, MI 48307
• PETOSKEY – Friday, July 17
Odawa Hotel, 1967 US 131 South, Petoskey, Michigan 49770
These seminars are free and open to anyone to attend. To register please visit: http://www.michigantu.org/index.php/component/content/article/28-council/75-wwat-workshops.
Seminar Agenda
8:30 – 9:00 – Registration and coffee
9:00 – 10:00 – The Great Lakes Compact: why Michigan is regulating large-quantity water withdrawals
– Brief review of Michigan Water Law
– Tutorial on some key hydrologic terms and concepts
10:00 – 10:15 break
10:15 – 12:00 – Does your community plan for sustainable water uses?
– Brief overview of the Water Withdrawal Assessment Process
· Stream-flow estimation
· Impact assessment of flow reductions on fish habitat
· Modeling groundwater – surface water interactions
– Review of the environmental criteria now used to assess “adverse resource impacts”
– Overview of the groundwater & surface water resources of the region
12:00 – 12:45 lunch (provided)
12:45 – 1:15 – Overview of the Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool (WWAT)
1:15 – 2:30 – Example uses of the WWAT for sustainable community development
2:30 – 3:00 – Wrap-up questions and answers
These free educational seminars are brought to you by the following organizations;