Posts by Kirsten

The Gogebic Conservation District (GDC) is currently conducting a conservation needs assessment survey. The survey is on the GCD website, or paper copies can be picked up at the GCD office located at 500 N. Moore Street – Bessemer, MI 49911

Information gathered from this will be used to guide what areas they will focus on in the next 5 years.

The GCD is requesting that all interested individuals take a moment to complete this survey.

For more information you may contact the Gogebic Conservation District at (906) 663-4512​ or soil@gogebiccountymi.gov

Effective April 1, 2022 the Watersmeet Township staffing assignments for Building, Zoning and Land Divisions have been changed as follows:

Zoning Administrator/Land Divisions – Mark Erhart
zoningadmin@watersmeet.us
906-358-4501 or 906-358-0504
Office Hours: Monday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m
Drop-ins are accepted, appointments are encouraged

Building Inspector – Dan Kline
buildinginspector@watersmeet.us
906-358-4501 (office)
906-366-0261 (cell)
Office Hours: None set, drop-ins are accepted, appointments are encouraged

The installation of high-speed internet in Watersmeet is likely delayed until 2023.

On February 16, 2022, Bruce Moore, CEO of Highline, appeared before the Township Board to provide an update of the installation of the high-speed internet in Watersmeet. Bruce explained that there have been unforeseen delays in the installation in the first two counties Highline serviced that is causing the delay to the installation process in Watersmeet. The Board asked Bruce how we can help move the process along. The Board volunteered to set up connections between Highline and the County Road Commission to start the permit process early. Bruce appreciated the contact information.

Stay tuned to the Watersmeet Township website for further updates.

Visit Rockford Map Publishers to order

A 4’x3′ Watersmeet wall map is also available for $165.00 + shipping
This is a custom map and is not available on the online order page
To order this wall map call 1.800.321.1627

Gogebic County has funding available for improvements to Watersmeet secondary roads, which requires a 60% funding match from the township.

At the special meeting held on June 25, 2021, the Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees approved an increase in property taxes in the amount of ½ mil which will become effective in 2022. These funds will be utilized to provide match funds with Gogebic County for secondary roadway improvements within the township.  This property tax increase will generate approximately $90,000 per year, which will allow for the township to receive approximately $60,000 from the County.  Additional monies are allocated to the township from gas tax and registration fees revenue.  The total annual budget for secondary roadway improvements is estimated to be $185,000 for the next fiscal year.

The Board also approved the creation of the Watersmeet Township Roadway Commission.  This commission will be tasked with creating policies outlining allowed improvements, on-site inspecting of the secondary roadways within the township boundaries, proposing specific improvements, prioritizing construction schedules, and allocating funding.

Submissions were accepted from residents/property owners who were interested in being a member this commission and at the December 15, 2021, Board of Trustees meeting, the following individuals were appointed:

• Alan Ison
• Joe LoMastro
• Harvey Shovers
• Chris Wegner
• Robert Wheeler

More Roadway Commission information will be posted as it becomes available.

While processing fire sign orders it has become evident that a road audit needs to be completed within Watersmeet Township.  

 Instead of delaying the program, the Board has determined the best course of action is to order the signs with the address number only and remove the road name. 

 Additionally, the cost of the signs have changed; $27 for flag signs and $38 for range signs, and a faster turn-around time of 2-3 weeks. 

 If you have already placed an order, you will receive a refund at the time you pick up your signs. 

 Read More> 

The Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees approved the purchase of six sets of headphones for hearing impaired individuals.

The headphones will be available at all Board of Trustees, Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings.

Please notify the moderator prior to the start of the meeting to be issued a pair for use.

A message from Ottawa National Forest:

Dear Friend of the Forest:

The Ottawa National Forest is seeking candidates to serve on our Resource Advisory Committee (RAC).

Through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act (SRS), the federal government provides funds to counties which contain National Forest System lands to reimburse them for the potential loss of revenue from property taxes.  Resource Advisory Committees are established as a provision of the SRS Act and are responsible for reviewing and recommending projects for implementation under Title II of the Act.  Title II funds cannot be expended until the RAC is formed and makes recommendations on how to utilize the available funds.

Each RAC has nine to 15 representatives of varied interests and areas of expertise. They work collaboratively to improve working relationships among community members and national forest employees.  The Committee is formed from different interest groups to ensure that a broad spectrum of the community’s interests are represented in the allocation process of the Title II funds. Three broad categories with five subgroups form the spectrum of interests to be represented on the RAC. These three categories are:

1. Labor, business, commercial interests
2. Environmental, conservation, dispersed recreation interests
3. Tribal, state, and local governments

While serving on the RAC you will have an opportunity to review projects; recommend to the federal official which projects receive funding; to participate openly and meaningfully in project development; to monitor projects approved under the Act; to advise on the progress of monitoring; and to make recommendations for any appropriate changes or adjustments to projects being monitored.

We are excited about this opportunity to work with a broad range of interest groups and utilize these funds to improve natural resources conditions and infrastructure within the Ottawa National Forest.  Previous projects that our RACs have approved, funded and implemented include:

• Cisco Chain of Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Control Program
• Hunter Access Improvement
• Plains Road Bridge Improvements
• Black River Harbor Pavilion Renovation
• Bluff Creek Bank Stabilization

If you are interested in becoming a RAC member, please fill out the enclosed nomination forms and return to the address provided.  Forms can also be downloaded from our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ottawa/workingtogether/advisorycommittees and emailed to sm.fs.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov.

Advisory Committee or Research and Promotion Background Information

Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee Membership Interest

If you have questions please feel free to give me a call at the number below.  Thank you,

Lisa Klaus
Public & Administrative Affairs
Forest Service
Ottawa National Forest

cell: 414-208-6547
fax: 906-932-0122
lklaus@fs.fed.us

E6248 US Hwy 2
Ironwood, MI 49938
www.fs.fed.us

Caring for the land and serving people

The Watersmeet Fire Department would like to thank all of those who participated in the first annual Firetrucks and Treats!  The event was a huge success with over 60 children trick-or-treating.  We look forward to expanding the event in the future.  See you next year!