Introductions/Attendance
The meeting attendees introduced themselves and identified their affiliations with the project. Those in attendance included: Bob Osterhout, Ypsilanti Twp.; Roger Bezek, Exeter Twp.; Jim Spas, Frenchtown Twp.; Cheryl Baltrip, Exeter Twp.; Joanne Darling London Twp. Resident; Julie Griess, Pittsfield Twp.; Aretta Schils, London Twp. Resident; Kathy Giszczak, Augusta Twp.; Dr. Joe Ohren, EMU/ICARD; Dr. Kevin Gustavson, EMU/WRC; and Megan Lindsey, EMU/ICARD.

Known/Suspected Sources and Causes of Pollutants/Challenges in Stony Creek Watershed
With the assistance and advice of several of the technical committee members Dr. Kevin Gustavson prepared and presented a document identifying potential sources of the ten pollutants as well as possible causes of those sources.  The draft chart (copy attached) was discussed at length by the Steering Committee and minor changes were made.  In the future the chart will be expanded to include a ranking of the causes—to focus our continuing planning efforts—and suggested Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for addressing the causes.  Kevin will continue to work with the members of the Technical Committee and present recommendations to the Steering Committee.

The chart will also be the basis of a careful narrative text in the watershed management plan, so members should view the chart as a summary of key information, not the only source of information that will be available for a reviewer.

New Data
Dr. Gustavson, with the help of his mapping staff, created 3 new maps which were projected and explained to the Steering Committee.  The data included in these maps were: population by density per square mile, a record of water color at numerous road crossing testing sites along the creek, and a map charting riparian buffer widths at road crossings.  It was suggested that while the color maps were excellent for the website and public presentations, it would be best if there were a way to present this information in black and white as well for ease of future distribution, especially in the hard copy of the watershed management plan that will need to be distributed to township officials. It was also noted that all of the maps must be dated and labeled with any resources used for their creation (e.g., census tract information) when applicable.

Roger Bezek shared that both Monroe and Washtenaw counties have aerial topography maps available in square mile sectors for a nominal fee. These maps might be useful for looking at land elements such as estimates of riparian buffers along private property or the extent of agricultural uses along the creek.

Pulte Land Company
Julie Griess brought to the Steering Committee’s attention that The Pulte Land Company was applying for a permit in Ypsilanti Township.  The application proposes to place culverts and fill within two streams and contiguous wetland areas and construct two storm water basins with discharge connections to streams as part of construction of the newly proposed Creekside Farms Subdivision, on Merritt Road, west of Tuttle Hill Road. Mitigation is not proposed with this project.

Julie had also drafted a letter expressing concern about the lack of mitigation, indicating the work of the Steering Committee to date on the Stony Creek Watershed Plan, and pointing to monitoring data on our website.  Committee members decided by that any individual could sign the letter but that it should not reflect a Committee position.  And Dr. Ohren agreed to be the contact person in the event that additional information was sought.  He also indicated that he would send a letter to the agency indicating our work on a 319 planning grant in the Stony creek watershed and requesting notification in the event of further hearings on applications.

London Aggregates Update
Cheryl Baltrip informed the group that the creek cleaning in Exeter Township under the auspices of the London Aggregate Case had begun.  She stated that there was some concern on the part of citizens downstream from the cleaning that as logs were removed there would be increased flow that would potentially cause flooding downstream. However, the group felt that the cleanup, although it was only a small portion of the creek, was in alignment with the Steering Committee goals.  Committee members felt that it could show that it is possible to do "gentle" cleanup without destroying the surrounding landscape or causing major erosion.  Dr. Ohren would contact Marlene Rogers from the Monroe Conservation District and ask for information on the cleanup efforts to keep the Committee up-to-date.

Watershed Events
On June 19th Dr. Gustavson will be hosting a group of citizens who are interested in helping collect macroinvertebrates to be studied for evaluation of watershed health. Everyone is invited to join in that event and flyers will be circulated to the public as well (see attached).  Please share the information and the flyer with anyone who might be interested; please contact Dr. Gustavson so he may plan accordingly. The study will be held from 9 am to approximately 1 pm. On Satruday June 19.  Interested individuals will meet in the parking lot at the Eagle Crest Conference Center on S. Huron in Ypsilanti and split up to visit testing sites throughout the watershed.