Manistee River Clean Up

lschultz • July 23, 2019

The Manistee River is known for its excellent fishing( such as Steelhead, Coho Salmon and Brown Trout) and beautiful scenery. It is apart of the Manistee watershed which is one of the biggest watersheds in the lower peninsula of Michigan draining a total of over 1700 square miles of land before entering Lake Michigan.

Watersheds are vital to the environment because all of this surface water runs off within the watershed and drains to streams, which leads to rivers which could potentially lead to the Great Lakes. Everything upstream eventually ends up downstream and it is essential to think about these downstream impacts when thinking of the big picture.

That’s why on Saturday, July 20th MUCC teamed up with the Huron-Manistee National Forest and Steelhead Manifesto to host the fifth annual Big Manistee River Clean-Up in the Huron-Manistee Forest at the High Bridge Boat Launch. Over 40 volunteers showed up to give back to their local community and watershed. About 200 pounds of trash was collected by these hard-working volunteers. This included plastic water bottles, pop cans, metal ladders, fishing rods and much more.

Even though the event ended early due to bad weather everyone’s positive mental attitude was high and there were smiles all around.

MUCC is working hard to unite citizens to conserve, protect, and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage. We want to encourage the public to connect to our natural resources through active reactions. More events will be coming to a watershed near you soon!

Recent Posts

By Justin Tomei June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####
By Olivia Triltsch June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.
By Katelyn Helsel June 25, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) for a native plug planting day in Barry County. Located on 850 acres, the institute offers both environmental education opportunities and serves as a biological field station for conducting research. Many diverse native communities from wetlands to prairies are present at PCCI, and many rare or threatened species in Michigan like the eastern box turtle call the institute home. 
More Posts