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

  • Rich Russell

    CHAIR

  • John Virga

    CO-VICE CHAIR

  • Mike Genther

    CO-VICE CHAIR

  • Karen Powers

    TREASURER

  • Michelle Swanson

    SECRETARY

Management Team

  • Tyler Dula

  • Austin Thompson

  • Cory Brown

  • Alex Ontkos

Advisory Team

  • Bob Yates

  • Karen Powers

  • Chuck Eminger

 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.