Freshwater resources globally are facing various challenges as a result of direct and indirect human activities, highlighting the influence of land on aquatic resources. Activities such as urban expansion, agricultural runoff and recreational activities have led to point and non-point source pollution, spread of non native species and aquatic habitat degradation. Solutions to some of these threats and challenges can be found at the local government level in the form of land use planning and zoning, implementing best management practices, enforcement of policies and ordinances, having environmental capacity and participating in communication/outreach efforts. In order determine the diversity of planning, zoning and management strategies of local governments with regards to freshwater conservation, we surveyed local governments located in six large river watersheds located in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and drained into Lake Michigan. We obtained land use/cover data from the state of Michigan and socioeconomic data from the United States census bureau.Chapter 1 explored both the management strategies and policy supporting measures in place by local governments to protect freshwater resources in Michigan. Results show that while the issue of water pollution was found to be important, there was a disconnect between the stated importance of water pollution and local governments taking a proactive approach by implementing policies and supportive actions to minimize pollution and non-native species. While most governments had in place their own planning and zoning, there was limited policy and best management practices mandated or incentivized, less than 7% of responding governments addressed the issue of small wetlands, capacity and communication/outreach actions taken by local governments was found to be absent in some governments. Results from chapter 2 show evidence of a relationship between the type of policy, planning and zoning used by local governments with some land use/cover and socioeconomic factors. Results also show that the amount of water located within cities and townships is an important factor when it comes to determining which types of governments have implement strong water policy initiatives. Chapter 3 found evidence showing a relationship between the type of local government capacity, enforcement, outreach, education, watershed management plan participation with some land use/cover and socioeconomic factors. Percent of water and population size were two factors that were identified as being important when trying to predict what factors drive policy supporting measures. Local governments play an important part in managing land use in the state of Michigan. Results from this study indicate that water conservation practices are not uniform across the study area. Policy supportive actions such as policy enforcement, presence of environmental staff, and outreach/communication actions are limited in communities having smaller populations and less percentage of water. This research contributes to the understanding of what local governments are doing to protect water, and the factors that influence the presence of freshwater conservation planning, zoning, best management practices and policy supporting actions.
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