Committed to improving the water quality
and health of the Chippewa River
Past Projects
Chippewa River Erosion and Canoe Launch Project
The Isabella County Parks and Recreation Commission manages eight County Parks, three of which are located along the Chippewa River – Deerfield Nature Park, Majeske Landing, and Meridian Park. Due to increased use, high water and other water conditions, several spans of riverbank located throughout Deerfield and Majeske had erosion problem areas that required stabilization. Working to improve those areas to prevent future embankment issues was the goal of the Chippewa River Erosion and Canoe Launch Project. In Deerfield Nature Park the construction project improved/rebuilt two canoe launches, added one new canoe launch, repaired two large sections of eroded riverbank, and will add some interpretive signage about the Chippewa River. The project also included improvements at the Majeske Landing launch area.
Improving/rebuilding the launches and adding the new launch has: stabilized the river banks in the area of the launches; prevented further erosion caused by high foot traffic at the launches; and created a safer, more stable launch area for visitors. Providing new and improved launches and repairing erosion damage in the upriver area of the County Parks has helped maintain water quality downriver, provided more accessibility to the river for visitors, and protected the riparian areas from further erosion and degradation from natural and human forces.
River Cleanup
On Wednesday, the 6th of July, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribes Environmental team partnered with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College to organize the 2nd annual cleanup of the Chippewa River. A popular route of the river was chosen after Independence Day so that our cleanup would have the most impact. To start off the event we met as a group at Deerfield Park on a sunny morning and with the assistance of tribal elder, Daisy Kostus, we were able to bless and give thanks to nibi (the water) while also asking for protection when being carried down the river in a beautiful water ceremony. After the water ceremony, trash and recycling bags were provided and passed around to each watercraft while participants were briefly instructed on which was trash and what items could be recycled while also giving instruction on some invasive species that are present in the area so that our group did not contribute to the spread. Volunteers then launched and collected trash from Deerfield to Meridian Park, which is about a 3 hour paddle. The groups’ watercrafts consisted of mostly canoe and kayaks. Kayaks were used to access areas that were not navigable in canoes while the canoes offered great places to store/transport the larger, bulkier items that were collected along with sharp items. Trash collects and piles along the riverbanks, often becoming stuck in limbs or fallen trees. Some of the trash collected included plastic, glass, aluminum cans and bottles, discarded shoes, fishing line, lawn decorations, and even a patio umbrella. Over 5 bags of recyclable materials were collected while 4 bags of trash were collected. The trash was picked up and disposed of by Isabella County Parks and Recreation while the recyclable materials were brought back by the SCIT Recycling Coordinator, Kevin Chamberlain to be recycled correctly. By removing trash and debris from the water we are not only making it safer for us, as recreational users, but for the overall health of the river system and all of the wildlife that call the river and surrounding areas home. Environmental waste and trash are hazardous to native birds, fish, and other wildlife directly harming habitats, releasing chemicals, and creating unsafe conditions for both humans and animals.
Fruit Tree Planting
On Wednesday, September 21st members of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s Environmental Team, Project Venture Tribal youth program, and volunteers were able to come together and successfully plant 73 fruit bearing trees on the tribal college’s agricultural field thus ensuring future generations can care, access, and eat fruit from apple, apricot, cherry, peach, and pear trees. During our time together we learned how to plant bare root trees and the importance of planting native trees. The benefits of planting native trees include but are not limited to: providing habitat for wildlife improving ecosystem health, promotes community involvement and awareness, contributes to urban cooling and reduces energy costs by provides shading and reducing energy demands, can boost economic development and increase property values, trees can reduce flooding and decrease the impacts of runoff, and removes harmful pollutants from the air and forested watersheds help keep our drinking water clean.