WELCOME TO THE SUPERIOR WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP

Protecting and restoring the watersheds of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron while serving the communities of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The SWP Mission: to protect and improve the natural resources of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on a watershed basis; by promoting responsible individual and community actions that ensure a sustainable environment, encourage a sustainable economy and help improve quality of life.

The Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) is an award winning Great Lakes non-profit organization that has set national records for pollution prevention and implements innovative, science-based programs that achieve documented environmental, economic and educational results.

The SWP staff includes biologists, planners, technicians and educators who provide creative, science-based solutions for a wide range of Great Lakes challenges facing communities and watersheds across the Upper Peninsula. Read More

- Marquette Beach Monitoring Information -

New Rain Barrel Rebate Program for City of Marquette Residents! Click here to Learn More

Addressing Climate Change in our National Parks through Community-wide Energy Conservation!

Alger Energy Savers is a unique, community-based climate change program between Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Superior Watershed Partnership. The program is designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change through the adoption of community-wide energy conservation measures. Learn more

DOCUMENTED, MEASURABLE RESULTS

Great Lakes Pollution Prevention:

The SWP staff provides innovative, effective solutions for addressing a variety of emerging Great Lakes issues:

40% Reduction in Mercury entering Lake Superior.
45 tons of Household Hazardous Waste collected in one day!
320 tons of electronic waste (e-waste) collected in one day!
2,000 pounds of old medications collected in one day!
Improved storm water quality and cleaner beaches!

Great Lakes Habitat Restoration:

The SWP is the regional leader in planning and implementing science-based habitat restoration projects:

70% increase in targeted fish populations!
3 priority dams removed/miles of trout streams restored
Hundreds of acres of invasive plant species eradicated.
Improved regional land use policies and model ordinances.
Thousands of tons of sediment prevented from entering local rivers.
12,000 trees planted across 15 counties

How We Make a Difference:

The SWP is a local organization working with local communities and local people:

Enhancing sustainable economic development in the UP through nature-based tourism
20 Citizen Advisory Watershed Councils
Assisting Local Units of Government and Communities
Earth Keeper Network (150 churches, 10 faiths)
Partnering with five Native American Tribes.
Great Lakes Cities Initiative and other partners.

SWP Youth Programs:

The SWP is committed to training the next generation of Great Lakes stewards:

K-12 School Programs and University Internships.
SWP Conservation Corps summer youth program.
Listening to the River Program watershed adventures.
Hands-on monitoring and research opportunities.
Music, art and the environment…unique programs for youth!

State of the Great Lakes 2010

A decades-long effort to help the threatened Coaster Brook Trout in the Salmon Trout River Watershed is proving successful, thanks in part to the efforts of the Superior Watershed Partnership.
Click here to read more about the Coaster Brook Trout

KEY AREAS

Great Lakes Pollution Prevention

Public Education Water Quality Monitoring E-Waste HHW Pharmaceuticals Mercury Recycling

Great Lakes Habitat Restoration

Coaster Brook Trout Dam Removals Native Plants

Watershed Planning and Water Quality

Watershed Plans Model Ordinances Realtor Guide

Invasive Species Earth Keepers Faith Based Programs

Overview HHW E-Waste Pharmaceuticals Energy Conservation Better Buildings for Michigan - Marquette

Climate Change/Energy Conservation

Alger Energy Savers Climate Change Adaptation Alternative Energy CFL Program Better Buildings for Michigan - Marquette Will Steger Great Waters

Sustainability

Sustainable Economic Development Marquette Sustainability Committee SWP Economic Impact

Land Conservation

SWP Land Trust Conservation Easement

Youth Programs

Youth Conservation K-12 Schools LTTR College Internships

Music and the Arts

EPS Video Paul Grant Print Baltic Sea Festival Concert for Lake Superior Partners

Research and Stream Monitoring

Salmon Trout Huron River Sail Boat/ERDA Volunteer

How We Work

Watershed Councils Communities Tribes GLSLCI Binational Program

The New Improved Great Lakes Shoreviewer!
The Superior Watershed Partnership is pleased to provide FREE high resolution color photography for every inch of Great Lakes coastline in the Upper Peninsula including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The Shoreviewer also provides multiple GIS maps layers to assist with local land use planning and protection efforts. The Shoreviewer is possible thanks to funding through the Michigan Coastal Management Program. Coming soon...the Shoreviewer phone app! Click Here: Great Lakes ShoreViewer

LIVE WEB CAMS

The view of Lake Superior from the SWP offices!

When you visit the SWP offices make sure you see the world's largest (28.2 ton) piece of glacial copper!

SWP CARBON COUNTER

37546970

Number of pounds of carbon reduced through SWP energy conservation and climate change programs to date.

VIDEO GALLERY

World renowned conductor, Esa Pekka Salonen introduces the Concert for Lake Superior.

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Cost Share Program

New Rain Barrel Rebate Program for City of Marquette Residents! Learn more

Expanded City of Marquette Beach Monitoring Program! Learn More

NEWS + EVENTS