The Michigan Clean Water Corps

About MiCorps

The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) was created through an executive order by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to assist the Department of Natural Resources & Environment (DNRE) (formerly the Department of Environmental Quality) in collecting and sharing water quality data for use in water resources management and protection programs.

The Great Lakes Commission was selected by DNRE to assist in establishing MiCorps. The Commission is partnering with the Huron River Watershed Council to develop, implement and administer the program, under the direction of DNRE and with the advice of a steering committee.

MiCorps will build upon existing volunteer monitoring programs established by the DNRE, including the Volunteer Stream Monitoring Grant Program and the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program.

MiCorps will solicit, organize and train volunteers around the state to participate in water quality monitoring activities. MiCorps will provide training for stream and lake monitoring; disseminate methods for accurate data collection; implement effective quality assurance practices; facilitate data reporting and information sharing online; and provide a forum for communication and support among volunteer monitoring groups in Michigan.

Mission

The mission of MiCorps is to network and expand volunteer water quality monitoring organizations statewide for the purpose of collecting, sharing and using reliable data; educate and inform the public about water quality issues; and foster water resources stewardship to facilitate the preservation and protection of Michigan’s water resources.

Program Goals

The Goals of MiCorps are to:

• Establish a volunteer monitoring network to facilitate communication, data and information sharing, common methods, and quality assurance practices.
• Promote and expand the volunteer monitoring network by identifying and assisting the development of new volunteer monitors and volunteer monitoring programs statewide.
• Educate the public about water quality issues and foster exemplary environmental stewardship.
• Gather and exchange reliable and meaningful water quality data for water resources management and protection programs at the state and local level.
• Establish an Internet-based program, including an enrollment registry, directory of member organizations, a data exchange platform, volunteer monitoring resources, training aids, and a newsletter.
• Include a volunteer monitoring recognition program with a Certification of Recognition for each member organization and a Certificate of Participation for each volunteer member.

Steering Committee Members

Mr. Elwin Coll, Chair
Private citizen

Mr. Robert Burns
Friends of the Detroit River

Mr. Kevin Cronk
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Dr. Joan Martin
Huron River Watershed Council

Lori Phalen
Michigan Association of Conservation Districts

Program Contacts

Paul Steen
Project Manager
Huron River Watershed Council
Ph: 734-769-5123 x14
Email: psteen@hrwc.org

Laura Kaminski
Program Administrator
Great Lakes Commission
Ph: 734-971-9135
Email: laurak@glc.org