It’s been a slow start to the summer season, but what few nice days we have had weather-wise around the area saw some beaches close as a result of E. coli contamination (as of this writing, there are currently no beaches experiencing closures as a result of E. coli).
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission of Benton Harbor is looking to help educate and protect the watersheds of the area with the launch of a new website for the Lake Michigan Tributaries Watershed Management Plan. The new site, BetterBeachesSWMI.org, offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the streams and rivers that empty into Lake Michigan, and that the water is at risk for E. coli.
“After a lengthy grant application, SWMPC with its partners was able to secure funding to raise awareness of the aging and failing sewer system and septic systems throughout Berrien County,” says Marcy Hamilton, Senior Planner. “We authored a watershed management plan to develop and implement solutions to reduce pollution. Ultimately, we want to minimize lake closings due to E. coli bacteria levels being too high.”
The website was designed in partnership with the Berrien County Health Department, The Pokagon Fund, Great Lakes Scientific, and Chikaming Open Lands. Each plays a significant role in the protection of the land and water through education, pollution prevention, testing, and water protection. Visitors to the new website will receive detailed information about the current local and regional situation, actions that can be taken by businesses and homeowners, plus resources and news on active solutions.
“With the recent beach closings at Warren Dunes, Weko Beach, and Cherry Beach due to E. coli, now is the time of year this has the greatest impact on the health of Lake Michigan and our economy,” Hamilton added.
The new website will be updated regularly with articles, upcoming events, breaking news, opportunities for public engagement, and original content to support SWMPC’s mission to promote a sustainable, high quality of life through the facilitation of sound planning and decision-making.
Explore the new website at www.BetterBeachesSWMI.org. Information will also be made available on the shared “Sustain Ox Creek” FACEBOOK page at https://www.facebook.com/sustainoxcreek.org/
