Oscoda Township Becomes a Lake Huron Forever Community
An aerial view of Oscoda, Mich., where the AuSable River meets Lake Huron.
Charter Township of Oscoda is the latest Michigan community to take the Lake Huron Forever Pledge, committing to protect Lake Huron’s water quality by reducing stormwater runoff, preserving natural areas and engaging community members in local conservation efforts.
The Township Board of Trustees adopted a resolution during its regular meeting Oct. 28 to take the pledge, joining the coastal communities of Alpena, Au Gres and Bay City in a shared effort to secure a healthy and resilient future for the second-largest Great Lake.
The Lake Huron Forever initiative was developed in 2019 by shoreline community foundations and conservation partners from the United States and Canada to advance water quality protection and sustainability on both sides of the lake. Facilitated by conservation nonprofit Huron Pines, the initiative supports community projects which strengthen the health of residents and natural resources of communities in Northern Michigan.
“Oscoda Township knows that a healthy Lake Huron means a healthy, strong and vibrant future for our community,” reads the pledge. “We must work together to protect the forests, wetlands and waterways to address threats of pollution and flooding caused by stormwater, proactively plan for the impacts of a changing climate, support native plant restoration and provide corridors for wildlife. We pledge to protect Lake Huron forever.”
The pledge contains a set of actions Oscoda Township plans to take. Among them:
Explore the use of nature-based solutions for coastline and water quality protection while balancing the maintenance needs and aesthetic considerations of the community.
Work with LHF technical partners to restore dunes at Oscoda Beach Park in collaboration with other LHF communities completing similar projects.
Initiate a stormwater assessment - with a focus on the Bayou - to better understand and address known stormwater impacts from roads on local water bodies.
Advance plans for the AuSable River Scenic Preserve with design and installation of signage, continued trail improvements, addressing temporary parking needs and including ongoing maintenance in annual budgets.
Visitors explore Hull Island, slated to become the AuSable River Scenic Preserve.
Additionally, the pledge outlines Oscoda Township’s plan for a Community Road Map, identifying specific threats to the health of the Au Sable River and Lake Huron and laying out goals to address them. Included in the Community Road Map are the following:
Curb stormwater runoff to reduce pollutants like road salt, nutrients, sediment and legacy pollutants from washing into nearby waterways.
Steward and manage Hull Island as the AuSable River Scenic Preserve for outdoor recreation and natural resource protection.
Improve and protect natural areas to promote biodiversity and enhance urban resilience.
Ensure safe access to natural areas and outdoor recreation with non-motorized trail projects that are well marked and well connected.
Strengthen coastal resilience with innovative solutions.
Control the spread of invasive plants and pests which cause ecological and economic harm.
Prioritize environmental education efforts for the general public.
“Lake Huron is the heart of Oscoda, providing recreation and amazing views to be enjoyed by locals and tourists all year round,” said Oscoda Township Clerk Joshua Sutton. “Water quality is a number one priority as our drinking water comes from Lake Huron and services Oscoda to Au Gres.”
An aerial view of Oscoda Beach Park and pier.
“The Township takes pride in all their parks and recreation facilities, especially the ones that front Lake Huron,” added Township Engineer Rick Freeman, P.E. “Managing beach erosion, stormwater runoff and invasive species are all critical to the future of this shoreline. Projects that take these issues into account are, and will continue to be, a priority.”
“Oscoda Township has identified projects that will benefit their residents and understands the community’s connection to its natural resources, and their priorities fit well within the scope of the Lake Huron Forever initiative,” said Abigail Ertel, Community Program Director for Huron Pines. “They are being proactive, and seeking additional technical support and expertise by joining the initiative is the right move.”
Huron Pines is currently working with Oscoda Township to transfer ownership of a 43-acre property on Hull Island which will own and manage it as the AuSable River Scenic Preserve. Land Protection Coordinator Julia Butch is helping facilitate that transfer.
“Oscoda Township is investing in the health of their land and water resources for environmental, economic and community sustainability,” Butch said. “I’m excited to see them take this next step in becoming a Lake Huron Forever community and I’m looking forward to our continued partnership.”
Huron Pines is leading the effort to inspire lakeshore communities in Michigan to join the Lake Huron Forever initiative with continued support from Bay Area Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, Community Foundation Grey Bruce, Consumers Energy Foundation, Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.