Since 2008, we have worked together to preserve and protect the Bear Lake Watershed.

Where is the Bear Lake Watershed?

The Bear Lake Watershed consists of Bear Lake and Bear Creek located primarily in Manistee County, Michigan, with portions extending into Benzie and Wexford counties. The watershed encompasses 204 square miles and extends across 13 townships and multiple municipalities including Bear Lake Village, Bear Lake Township, Pleasanton Township, Arcadia Township and Onekama Township.

The Bear Lake Watershed Alliance is organized exclusively for the educational and scientific purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. By-Laws.

Meet the Board

  • Jeff Sanborn

    President

  • Open

    Vice President

  • Karen Powers

    Treasurer

  • Phyllis Cowden

    Secretary

Committee Chairs

  • Jeff Sanborn & Jim Koning

    Water Testing

  • Rich Russell

    Long-term Planning

  • Jeff Sanborn

    Education

  • Kathy Sundbeck

    Membership

  • Kay & Bob Yates

    Social

  • Phil & Sue Kench

    FunRaiser

  • Open

    Grants

  • Brittany Genther

    Website

 Greater Bear Watershed Plan

  • Prepared for the Manistee County Community Foundation in July 2013. You can read the full-report (205 pages) here.

  • Prepared for the Manistee County Community Foundation in July 2013. You can read an Executive Summary (20 pages) here.

  • An interim report for the Greater Bear Watershed Plan was prepared in 2014.

  • Bear Lake and Bear Creek are part of the Greater Bear Subwatersheds.