About Us - A little bit of background, mission and vision.

History

In 2008, forums were held titled “Finding a Voice for the Black and Paw Paw River Watersheds.” The intent of these forums was to gain community input and involvement in the creation of a sustainable watershed organization to carry out further implementation of the Black and Paw Paw River Watershed Management Plans. After further follow-up “Transition Team” meetings, Two Rivers Coalition, Inc. was officially incorporated in the state of Michigan on May 13, 2009.

Link to page about grant that begin TRC: Wetland Protection and Restoration 2009

 

Mission

Two Rivers Coalition (TRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit citizen-based group working to protect the health of the Black River and Paw Paw River watersheds through conservation, education, and advocacy.

Its purpose is to promote and/or improve and study the ecology, water quality and cleanliness, shorelines, beaches, wildlife, plant life, recreational use and any other matters related to the health of the Black River and Paw Paw River watersheds in Southwest Michigan through conservation, education and scientific means carried on in the public interest.

This will include instruction and education to the public through the conduct of public discussion groups, forums workshops, panels, lectures, and other similar programs along with written materials. Scientific information gathered will be published in articles, pamphlets, treatises, brochures or in any other form that is available to the interested public.

 

Vision

Clean, healthy waterways that support rich biodiversity and add to the quality of life in Southwest Michigan.

 

Water is essential to human life and to the health of the environment. Our streams, rivers and lakes are an important part of the landscape.

 

Groundwater is an important water resource that serves as a source of drinking water for the more than 100,000 persons living in and sharing the resources of our local watersheds.

 

Water provides ecosystem habitats, is used for farming, fishing, and industrial process, and contributes to recreation and tourism.

 

Our water resources are of major environmental, social, and economic value; if water quality becomes degraded this resource will lose its value.  

 

In short, water quality and quality of life are inseparable.  Land use and land cover largely determine whether water quality will be sustained for us and for future generations. 

It behooves us all to take great care.

Dave Foerster, TRC President (2009-2013)