Muskegon River Primary Productivity

This project is an add-on to the Muskegon River Initiative, an existing Great Lakes Fisheries Trust (GLFT) project. One of the major components is the "Mega Model" project. The data collected by AWRI will serve as additional input into the Mega Model.

The Mega Model project combines the considerable wealth of data, experience, and tools that already exist in Michigan through the ongoing efforts at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Grand Valley University, their partners in state government (MDEQ, MDNR), and watershed stakeholders. This collaborative effort is unique and draws upon the diverse talents of many different organizations. Building upon existing models, data, and management tools, a system-wide model will be produced and used to perform risk assessment in the Muskegon River Watershed. See the Muskegon Watershed Research Partnership (MWRP) website for links to other related projects.

AWRI has overlapping efforts dedicated to this project, including wetland ecology investigations by Dr. Uzarski and nutrient/contaminant investigations by Dr. Rediske.  Dr. Steinman and his research assistant Mary Ogdahl are working in conjunction with Dr. Stevenson and his research assistants at MSU. Together, they will measure algal and plant biomass, productivity, and species composition in habitats throughout the lower Muskegon Estuary system over the next 3 years.