Thunder Bay River Watershed

Groups That Work in the Watershed | Projects Sub-Watersheds | Lakes Greater Than 20 Acres Surface Area of Lakes Greater Than 20 Acres Road/Stream Crossings

The Thunder Bay River Watershed drains 799,931.4 acres or 1,250 sq miles of land. The mainstem of the Thunder Bay River originates at McCormick Lake, northeast of Lewiston. From there the river flows northeast 75 miles to its confluence with Thunder Bay of Lake Huron.

The Thunder Bay River Watershed is a vast river system well known for its high water quality and aesthetically pleasing scenery. Year-round outdoor recreational opportunities within the watershed are seemingly endless and include canoeing, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, golfing, wildlife viewing, skiing, swimming and snowmobiling. The area is also unique in the fact that the western half of the watershed is host to the only elk herd population in Michigan.

Major portions of the headwater tributaries lie within the Mackinaw State Forest system, which provides the majority of public lands within the watershed. Many of the tributaries are designated as coldwater fisheries and support a viable trout population. Historically, the Thunder Bay River provided a natural corridor between inland fisheries and Lake Huron. The presence of dams throughout the watershed has limited fish passage; however species such as walleye, brown trout, and salmon can still be found in the lower reaches of the Thunder Bay River.

Even though the area is primarily rural, there has been a steady increase in second family and retirement homes. These homes are also being converted into year-round residences as retirees are establishing permanent residency in the area. The major population centers in the watershed are Atlanta, Hillman and Alpena. All three communities are located on the banks of the Thunder Bay River, creating certain development issues from a water quality perspective.

Groups That Work in the Watershed

• Alpena High School Environmental Science Classes
• Friends of Northeast Michigan Ecosystems
• Hubbard Lake Sportsman & Improvement Association
• Lake Avalon Property Owners Association/Facebook Page
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Montmorency County Conservation Club
• Montmorency County Conservation District
• Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative
• Twin Lakes Property Owners Association – Facebook
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Projects

• Alpena County Road Commission Lends a Hand
• Alcona Community High School Students Investigate Their Black River Watershed
• Black River Watershed Monitoring & Management Planning
• Fuller Creek Flow Returns to its Unobstructed and Naturally Cold State
• Huron Pines AmeriCorps serving with the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative
• Second Culvert Replacement is Complete for Webber Creek!
• Student Efforts to Protect Local Rare Bats
• The Stories They Tell - Macroinvertebrate Monitoring
• Thunder Bay Riverscape

Thunder Bay River Sub-Watersheds

Lakes Greater Than 20 Acres

Surface Area of Lakes Greater Than 20 Acres

24034 Acres

Source: Huron Pines, NEMCOG & EPA