About Us
The River Raisin Watershed Council was formed in 1974 under the state of Michigan’s Local River Management Act and is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by member municipalities. We are a public service, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
Our mission is to inspire behaviors that promote stewardship, improve water quality, and encourage public participation to protect, preserve and enhance the River Raisin Watershed. We do this by working with partners on various activities, including classroom and public education, outreach to farmers, water quality monitoring, volunteer cleanups, and encouraging recreation on the river. Through these actions, we strive to promote and foster an understanding of the connection between our quality of life and the health and well-being of the plants and wildlife living in the watershed.
The RRWC applies for and participates in many grants that are available to help achieve our goals. These grants are often done in partnership with other non-profits, agencies, and businesses, all of which are eligible to become associate members. Local residents can also support the RRWC by becoming individual members. Associate and individual members contribute to the strength of the RRWC through membership dues, volunteer activities, and participation in various committees that make recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding RRWC activities. Please consider joining the RRWC today. Refer to the membership page for more details.
Governance
The Board of Directors of the RRWC is composed of representatives of all dues-paying municipalities within the watershed. The daily activities of the RRWC are managed by a seven-member Executive Committee composed of representatives of the three major counties in the watershed (Lenawee, Monroe, and Washtenaw) and four members elected annually by the Board of Directors. The Executive Committee meets monthly.
As of 2018, we have 50 municipal members, of a total of 63 eligible municipalities. The Board of Directors meets twice a year, in April and October. These meetings include informative presentations about activities in the watershed and the public is invited to attend.
Municipal dues are based on the population residing in the governmental unit’s land area within the watershed using current U.S. census data published every ten years. Dues are currently assessed to each municipality based on 10 cents for each resident who lives within the watershed in their municipality.
Partnerships
River Raisin South Br. Environmental Interaction Study
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
Dahlem Conservancy
Legacy Land Conservancy
Lenawee Conservation District
Michigan Nature Association
Raisin Valley Land Trust
The Nature Conservancy
The Stewardship Network
Washtenaw County Conservation District
Monroe Conservation District
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner's Office
Lenawee Jackson Washtenaw Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission