Case Study: Boardman Lake Ecological Assessment

Traverse City, Michigan

In Spring 2004, Grobbel Environmental & Planning (formerly Ball Environmental & Planning Associates), completed a multi-faceted study of Boardman Lake in Traverse City, Michigan as part of a Michigan Coastal Management Program grant funded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). Grobbel Environmental & Planning partnered with the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Center and other consultants to complete the study.

The study identified and evaluated the physical, biological, and built infrastructure resources of the Boardman Lake watershed for potential impacts to the water quality of Boardman Lake and the lower reaches of the Boardman River. Additionally, the study complemented other watershed management plans within the region (including The Watershed Center's recently completed Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Protection Plan).

The report recommended further investigation and remedial measures be considered and undertaken in accordance with these findings. It is recommended that:

• Land use planning and regulation be encouraged to explore the application of "low impact development" storm water treatment techniques.
• Natural and biological resources of the watershed should be further monitored and understood to promote and protect the regions economy.
• Education efforts should promote the essential link between land use and water quality protection and improvement.
• Sites of environmental contamination along shoreline should be addressed.
• Identified three stormwater outfalls that were considered "hot spots" due to elevated levels of pollutants.