A critical area is the geographic portion of the watershed that is contributing a majority of the pollutants and is having a significant impact on the waterbody (MDEQ). Critical areas are also those areas that can be the most impacted by pollutants. The LCWC and technical advisors have identified critical areas in the Les Cheneaux Watershed in order to reduce the geographic scope of the watershed project to focus resources on the areas within the watershed contributing the most pollutants and requiring the most diligent water quality management.
The critical areas were identified through analysis of pollutant causes, critical habitats, and the goals of the watershed project participants. The project partners also consulted the community to gain perspective with the community’s concern over future growth and development planning and their desire to protect the local environment, which sustains that appropriate growth and development (CFED). Wetland, surface water, and Michigan Natural Features GIS maps were studied to assist in delineating the critical areas.
Consequently, priority areas for the Les Cheneaux watershed include areas within 1,000 feet of all waterbodies, including isolated wetlands delineated by MIRIS, national wetlands inventory data, and future ground checking activity proposed during the future implementation phase of the project.
