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The natural
Features, Ecosystem and more |
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A watershed is the
geographic area of the land where
precipitation drains (or sheds) to a lake,
stream or wetland. |
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The Jordan River Watershed Natural
Features |
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The
Jordan River Watershed embodies some
of Michigan's most outstanding
natural treasures. Widely known as
the "Jordan Valley" its unbroken
forests, free-flowing streams, and
wilderness setting have provided
countless generations with
unparalleled natural splendor. The
watershed possesses a full range of
ecologic components. The native
plant and animal communities are
rich and diverse. Scores of plant
and animal species flourish in this
125 square mile premier watershed
ecosystem. Conifer swamps along the
streambanks and its vast wetland
habitat give way to the majestic
upland hardwood forests and
meadowlands. These contiguous
habitats provide vital "greenways"
and "ecological corridors" enhancing
the interwoven webs of biologic
diversity and sustainability.
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The Jordan River Watershed Ecosystem |
- Is widely recognized as one of Michigan's
premier watershed ecosystems.
- Is approximately 125 square miles (100,000
acres), traversing from the rolling hills of its headwaters
(elevation 1,190 feet) to the shores of Lake Charlevoix
(elevation 590 feet). It contains over 94 linear miles of
rivers and streams and the Jordan Valley State Forest
(25,000 acres of undeveloped forest lands).
- Is renowned for the Jordan River - the
first river in Michigan to be designated wild and scenic
under the state's Natural Rivers Act in 1972.
- Possesses a full range of ecological
components resulting in a high degree of biodiversity and
biologic integrity, including forested land; unfragmented
headwaters; intact, integrated riparian zones; continuous
greenbelts and ecologic corridors.
- Has a long and successful tradition of
conservation, preservation, and collaboration between local,
state, and federal agencies; including the work and support
of surrounding communities who collectively have contributed
to the protection of the Jordan River watershed.
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