2/24/2026 Meeting Minutes

1. Welcome and Introductions

   1. Council members present: Renee Vanhouten, Fred Steketee, Rachel Frantz, Wally Bujak, Jim Williamson

   2. Public present: Sara Rahn, Sherrill Gardiner, Ron Young (virtual)

2. Financial Report

   1. Purchased a PO box with EGLE Watershed Council Support grant funds

3. Grant Report(s)

   1. EGLE Watershed Support Grant

      1. Board member shirts

         1. Those present were given paper voting form to choose preferred logo and shirt style

         2. Those not present will be sent digital form to vote

         3. Courtside, who we usually print with, has a 20 shirt minimum for new designs, $30 for embroidery. 

         4. Will finalize plans at next meeting

      2. TRWC brochure

         1. Rachel passed around the draft brochure and will send a digital version to all for comments, suggestions, etc. 

         2. Wally brought the new Grand River water trail brochures and maps for the group

         3. Rachel will add similar features to the new brochure map

      3. Rain garden workshops

         1. We have three workshops scheduled throughout the watershed in lui of promoting site assessments

            1. March 16, 2026, 5 PM, Hastings Public Library

            2. March 19, 2026, 6 PM, Dowling Public Library

            3. March 30, 2026, 6 PM, Delton Public Library

   2. EGLE 319 Grant 

      1. Funds to pay 50-100% of cost to repair and replace septic systems in the Thornapple Lake, Mud Creek, High Bank Creek, and Upper Thornapple River watersheds

      2. Received grant agreement 2/23/2026, once signed will form steering committee and begin advertising program

4. Water Quality

   1. Cascade Ada Weed Study and Treatment

      1. Currently conducting salt and nitrate monitoring 

         1. https://www.cleanwaterhub.org/organization/443

      2. Rachel will add links to TRWC website

      3. Ron Young with Ada Thornapple Association shared information about treatment of wastewater from the Ford International Airport as well as specifics about the algae problem, river access and an interest in collaborating together in future shared objectives. 

   2. Annual Cleanup

      1. Potential ideas for cleanup

         1. Switch to every other year for clean up

         2. On off years do paddle event

         3. Invasive Species Removal Event, BCK CISMA

            1. Could train volunteers to go along banks and cut stumps with CISMA staff following with dobbers (herbicide) 

            2. Would need landowner permission

            3. BCK CISMA could only do work in Barry County, possible partnership with Kent STRIKE team?

            4. Could use Survey123 to mark invasives along the banks during the non cleanup paddle events

            5. Would want to get waterproof phone cases for volunteers

   3. MiCorps Sampling

      1. Sampling is scheduled April 30 - May 2 sign up here

      2. Identification workshop scheduled May 15, 1PM - 5PM at PCCI Research lab sign up here

   4. Thornapple River Water Trail

      1. Wally gave an update on the river trail project

         1. This is a two year process and it has just started

         2. They need a map, the brochure map may be helpful in this effort

         3. Municipal support along the river is needed

5. Other

   1. Fishing Contest

      1. Could pair with a fish fry, include local businesses/restaurants

      2. Potential use as a fundraiser 

   2. Tabling - Community outreach

   3. Riverwatch

      1. Looking to begin in April 2026

   4. Fish Stocking/Anglers

      1. Looking for grants

         1. Potential funders, DNR, Great Lakes Commission - Rachel will look around for potential funding partners

6. Meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM

   1. Next Meeting 6:30pm, Monday March 23, 2026