City of Alpena - Green Infrastructure Visioning
Provide input for new green stormwater infrastructure
Overview
Alpena community members are invited to provide input for new green stormwater infrastructure, which will help to preserve and protect the Thunder Bay River and Lake Huron. This is the culmination of a partnership between Huron Pines, the City of Alpena, and environmental engineering firm Drummond Carpenter. The goal of the project is to protect water health in and around the City of Alpena by implementing nature-based solutions for stormwater management. This project is part of the larger Lake Huron Forever Initiative, which seeks to advance water quality protection and healthy, sustainable communities on both sides of the lake. Funding support is provided by the Michigan Coastal Management Program, Water Resources Division, Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The survey will remain open until November 18th, 2022 at midnight.
Interested in participating? Follow this story to learn more about watersheds and stormwater infrastructure, and then cast your vote.
New to storymaps? Click the headers at the top of this page to navigate between sections & keep scrolling to read more.
The Watershed
Thunder Bay River
The Thunder Bay River Watershed covers 1,250 square miles of Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties in northeast Lower Michigan. The river flows approximately 75 miles from the headwaters in Montmorency County to Thunder Bay on Lake Huron.
The Thunder Bay River Watershed is a rural region characterized by extensive forestlands, wetlands and freshwater resources. People here depend on the region’s natural assets to provide clean water, attract tourism and offer an array of outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities.
Historically, the Thunder Bay River has provided a wide range of resources and services for the people living around it. During the Ice Age, a land bridge ran from present-day Alpena to Amberley, Ontario. This land bridge served as a corridor for both the people and animals living in the area. Recent studies from the University of Michigan have shown that caribou migrated through the area and early hunters took advantage of this narrow land bridge, creating drive lanes for hunting. In more recent history, the Ottawa, Ojibwe and Potawatomi, known collectively as the Anishinaabek, came to the watershed for its seasonal bounties. Fishing villages were established along the shores of Thunder Bay by the Anishinaabek to harvest the large spawning runs in the spring and fall.
As European colonizers settled in the watershed, it was greatly altered. The lumber boom of the late 1800s meant big changes in the flow and health of the river.
The Michigan logging boom came to a close shortly after the start of the Great Depression. The watershed changed a lot from the start of the boom to the end, almost entirely due to human intervention. Over 75 dams were built on different sections of river across the watershed, draining some areas and flooding others.
Click and drag the icon in the center to “swipe” between photos. The photo on the left shows the Thunder Bay River in 1841 when the land was first surveyed. The photo on the right shows what the same section of river looks like in the present day.
Lands that were once dense white pine and oak forest became agricultural fields, and the settlements created during the boom eventually found new economic niches. Cities and villages turned to agriculture, mining, industry or tourism to support their local economies.
Today, the Thunder Bay River Watershed is still largely un-impacted by development, with 81% of the total area remaining natural forest and wetland. But there are still threats to the river’s health like climate change, invasive species and pollution. Known pollutant threats in the watershed include sediment and nutrients from sources such as undersized road/stream crossings, streambank and shoreline erosion, livestock grazing, crop production, lawn care practices, septic systems and urban stormwater runoff.
Stormwater
Closeup of culvert in Thunder Bay River, Alpena
What is it?
Stormwater is the general name for the water that ends up on the ground and in our rivers and lakes as a result of rainfall and snowmelt. Stormwater picks up salt, dirt, oil and fertilizer from roads, lawns, sidewalks and driveways. That polluted water, or runoff, flows across the ground and into drainage pipes that lead into our rivers and lakes. Polluted runoff from stormwater can result in beach closures, waterborne illnesses and degraded fish and wildlife habitat — all of which can impact recreation, tourism and the environmental and economic health of coastal communities.
What is stormwater infrastructure?
Stormwater infrastructure refers to the whole network of pipes, gutters, ditches and more that captures and directs stormwater. Traditional stormwater systems are sometimes referred to as "gray infrastructure." In Alpena, the stormwater system flows directly into the Thunder Bay River and then Lake Huron. But gray infrastructure is not the only option communities have to manage their stormwater. Green stormwater infrastructure offers an alternative to traditional management practices.
Huron Pines partnered with the City of Alpena to conduct a stormwater assessment. This involved digitizing the city’s stormwater system, calculating estimated pollutant loads, or the amount of pollutants entering the Thunder Bay River and Lake Huron, at different points in the city. This assessment is useful for prioritizing areas for stormwater management and contains recommendations for future projects and educational programs.
Map displaying the location of stormwater outlets, manholes, storm sewer lines, drainage zones, and ditches in Alpena.
Why manage your city's stormwater?
Protect water quality
Sediment and pollution that drain into rivers and lakes from stormwater can lead to increased algae growth and bacteria, which are harmful to fish and wildlife. Algae and bacteria also impact recreation opportunities like swimming and fishing and can lead to human health issues in some cases.
Prevent erosion and flooding
When stormwater can’t absorb into the ground, it will collect or pick up speed as it travels across cement and other hard surfaces until it drains in nearby waterways, which can cause erosion and flooding. In extreme cases, flooding can wash out roads and cause damage to property and infrastructure.
Ensure economic viability
Protecting water quality and taking steps to prevent issues with pollution and infrastructure ensures the long-term health of the local tourism economy and supports home and property values.
Going Green
Green stormwater infrastructure, or GSI, combines traditional stormwater management practices with the natural environment to better capture and contain runoff. This approach is sometimes referred to as nature-based solutions or low impact development (LID). Green stormwater infrastructure uses soil and plants to mimic natural processes to better manage runoff. Native plants are the first choice for GSI, as they have evolved with both the climate and other organisms in a region making them a better choice than non-native plants. Green stormwater infrastructure designs offer many benefits compared to traditional methods of stormwater management.
Benefits
Increase groundwater infiltration Green infrastructure techniques allow water to infiltrate into the soil, which helps preserve natural processes and recharge groundwater.
Improve aesthetics and public access Green stormwater designs are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, and can increase public use of a space.
Protect surface water and shorelines Green infrastructure can reduce the amount of pollutants in water before it reaches rivers and lakes. It can also help reduce erosion caused by high volumes of stormwater runoff.
Reduce costs GSI doesn’t rely on gray infrastructure, reducing the costs associated with traditional stormwater management. Energy costs from maintaining current infrastructure and spaces can also be reduced.
Capture precipitation at the source Green stormwater infrastructure reduces the need for large scale flood controls, like floodwalls, by capturing precipitation where it falls.
Fit the site Green stormwater management designs are created to fit the specific conditions of a site, making them applicable in almost all locations.
Examples
Green stormwater infrastructure can look like a regular sidewalk or an expansive garden on a rooftop. Scroll through the examples below to see some common design types.
Rain Garden
Rain gardens are gardens in depressions that use native plants to capture, contain and filter stormwater. They have a wide range of applications and can be strategically placed to capture runoff from roofs, roads and parking lots. Besides helping to capture and contain runoff, they also have the benefit of increasing the aesthetic appeal of a space and providing habitat and food for wildlife. Bioswales and curb-cut gardens function similarly.
Porous & Permeable Pavement
Porous and permeable pavement refers to a wide range of surfaces that allow water to infiltrate through them, unlike traditional surfaces such as asphalt. There are many different types of porous pavements, from specialized concrete to permeable brick pavers. All allow for better groundwater infiltration, reducing the risk of flooding and protecting water health.
Green Roof
Green roofs use plants to slow down runoff, increase evaporation and reduce heat reflected from impervious surfaces. They also add extra aesthetic interest to a space.
This green roof is part of the NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena and was funded through the Lake Huron Forever initiative, which seeks to benefit communities and the environment through nature-based solutions for water protection.
Tree Canopy & Tree Box Filter
Tree canopy refers to the area under a tree that is shaded by the leaves, or crown. Increasing tree canopy has a lot of benefits, such as reducing heat impacts and air pollution, providing habitat and food for wildlife, increasing public use of a space, and improving aesthetics. Where additional stormwater capture and retention is needed, tree trenches are used.
Tree trenches look a lot like regular street trees, but they help capture and direct stormwater. Each tree is planted in a chamber with specialized substrate, similar to gravel, that helps runoff infiltrate. Multiple chambers are connected underground, forming a tree trench that better manages stormwater than single trees.
Tip: Click the diagram to enlarge. Click again to return to the storymap.
Stormwater Planter Box
Another way to use plants for green stormwater infrastructure is through planter boxes. They work like mini rain gardens, capturing water to filter or redirect to an existing stormwater system. Planter boxes are a great option where space for plants is limited, such as alleys or sidewalks.
Greenbelt
Greenbelts, or native plantings, are one of the simpler ways to manage stormwater. Both terms refer to areas of land with native plants that capture runoff or precipitation. In addition to being best suited to the climate and wildlife in a region, native plants also have much larger and deeper root systems than non-native plants and turf grass. This makes them more effective at capturing and retaining water. Native greenbelts are particularly effective next to waterbodies, where the plants can serve as a barrier for runoff. Greenbelts can also add visual interest to an area and increase habitat for wildlife.
How to Participate
Scroll through the series of green stormwater infrastructure concepts below. Each one of these concepts has an associated location, description, photo and rendering options.
Tip: Click the icons on the right and left sides of the photos to switch between them, or click on the photo to enlarge it.
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Center Alley A Planter Boxes
Stormwater planter boxes function as raised rain gardens, which capture, filter and absorb precipitation and runoff before it enters the stormwater system. Placing planter boxes next to buildings allows additional roof runoff to be captured, further increasing the benefits. Stormwater planter boxes also add visual interest to a space.
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Center Alley B Planter Boxes
Stormwater planter boxes work like miniature rain gardens, capturing precipitation and runoff, filtering it, and then redirecting to the stormwater system. Stormwater planter boxes also add visual interest to a space.
Adding a bioswale next to the parking lot will capture and filter polluted runoff from surrounding impervious surfaces. A bioswale would also create a more inviting space and improve aesthetics.
3
Bay View Park Bioswale
A bioswale in a natural low spot will resolve seasonal water pooling issues, which makes lawn maintenance difficult, and will capture and filter runoff from the surrounding sidewalks and turf grass.
Depending on the planting style, a bioswale here would also create pollinator or wildlife habitat, improve aesthetics and provide shade or a windbreak.
4
Bay View Park Rain Garden
A rain garden in a natural low spot will resolve seasonal water pooling issues and capture and filter runoff before reaching Lake Huron. A native planting would also add wildlife habitat and create a more inviting park space.
5
Mich-e-ke-wis Beach Natural Shoreline
A natural shoreline planting between the parking lot and Mich-e-ke-wis Beach will act as a greenbelt, filtering runoff before it reaches Lake Huron. Planting native grasses will also help stabilize the shoreline, reducing erosion from wind and waves. Restoring the shoreline will also add habitat for wildlife while still allowing for beach access.
6
River Street Parking Lot Bioswale
Adding a bioswale next to the parking lot will capture and filter polluted runoff from surrounding impervious surfaces. A bioswale would also create a more inviting space and improve aesthetics.
7
Downtown Tree Box Filters
Tree box filters provide underground storage to filter and absorb road runoff before it enters the stormwater system. Tree box filters will also increase tree canopy, reduce heat impacts and add to the downtown aesthetic.
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Washington Avenue Bioswale
A bioswale adjacent to the roadway will capture and filter runoff from surrounding impervious surfaces better than the current lawn. Depending on the planting style, a bioswale here would also create pollinator habitat, improve aesthetics or serve as a community showpiece.
Public Input Survey
If you're having trouble viewing the survey within the storymap, click here to open it in a new tab. The survey will remain open until November 18th, 2022 at midnight.
About Huron Pines
It is our mission at Huron Pines to conserve and enhance Northern Michigan’s natural resources to ensure healthy water, protected places and vibrant communities. For almost 50 years, our work across the forests, lakes and streams of Northern Michigan has helped improve economic, environmental, educational and recreational opportunities. When we engage people in conservation stewardship, we support sustainable, empowered communities rich with protected natural resources. Huron Pines has offices in Gaylord and Alpena.
Our Values
These are the guiding principles which drive our work:
1) Improve quality of life Our work improves the quality of life in the communities where we live and serve. We understand that we must help empower communities and partners to value their natural resources and work together to be successful. Building that conservation ethic starts with school partnerships, opportunities through our Huron Pines AmeriCorps program, engaging volunteers and local communities, educating civic and elected leaders and always striving to develop the next generation of leaders.
2) Do good work We seek to continually improve our outcomes and processes, learn from our mistakes, be accountable and adapt to changing circumstances. We have a commitment to the success of our projects and we take pride in all of our work. We are committed to ensuring projects are well planned and prioritized to maximize benefits to both people and nature.
3) Discover and share We value Northeast Michigan’s clean water and healthy, diverse ecosystems and endeavor to adapt the latest scientific methods to fit our regional needs. We continue to evolve as leaders in conservation by advancing our expertise through investigation and discovery and sharing the lessons we’ve learned with others.
4) Provide access to all We provide opportunities for everyone to learn about, explore and protect the outdoors, by creating experiences that are accessible and inclusive to all. These experiences should be unique, fun, valuable and memorable for everyone involved. As more people enjoy our natural resources, the more important it becomes to practice care with the land so that we can protect our natural assets for the future.
5) Secure a sustainable future A sustainable environment requires that we also have a sustainable Huron Pines, which means sustainable finances and relationships. We ensure that we have the financial resources to support our work into the future as well as build strong relationships with businesses, organizations and individuals who can advance our mission and achieve shared goals. When we do this, we achieve the right results for conservation, for the organization and for the good of those we serve.
At Huron Pines, we know that everyone’s connection to the land and water surrounding us is personal and a little bit different. From more than four decades of serving Northeast Michigan, we also know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to natural resource management. That’s why Huron Pines focuses on providing training, tools and technical advice that can help you define and achieve your own land management goals. Because using a collaborative approach is at the heart of our mission, our role is to work with all people, organizations and companies who wish to invest in making our special Great Lakes waters, wildlife and communities healthier.
