News
Quilt Celebrating the Northwoods Gifted to Watersmeet Township
Watersmeet Township recently received a meaningful and artistic gift celebrating the land, wildlife and community spirit of the Northwoods.
Members of the Northwoods Quilters presented a handmade quilt to the township as a tribute to the region and it’s people. The quilt is now proudly displayed at the Watersmeet Township office for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The quilt was created as a celebration of the land, wildlife, and people who define the Northwoods. Its design reflects the meeting of rivers, the colors of the Upper Peninsula, and the creativity of the community.
Within the quilt’s design are images of animals commonly found in the region, including fish, deer, moose, bear, wolves and eagles. The piece evokes the haunting call of the loon, a familiar sound across Northwoods lakes.
The quilt also honors the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, (“LVD”) recognizing the tribe as the first stewards of the forests and waters in the area.
Inspiration for the quilt came from waterfalls, the northern lights and the waters of the Ottawa National Forest, creating a tribute to the place many residents proudly call home.
The quilt was made by members of the Northwoods Quilters: Aileen Williams, Cheryl Gorshe, Marti Wegner, Robert Yerks, Bonnie Peacock, Jean Erhart, Nancy Byrne, Sandy Hodgman, Cindy Tinker, Joan Cavanaugh, Regina Casey and Tammy Haluska.
LVD members Alina Shively and Lisa McGeshick guided the quilters in incorporating floral elements into the quilt that hold special significance to the Lac Vieux Desert tribe. The vintage tribal medallions were donated by Master Beader Tom Strobel.
The quilt stands as a lasting symbol of the natural beauty, cultural heritage and strong sense of community found in Watersmeet and throughout the Northwoods.
Seasonal Weight Restrictions – 2026
Effective at 8:00 a.m. CST on Friday, March 6, 2026, the Gogebic County Road Commission Spring Weight Restrictions will be in effect.
Local and Primary County Road System – Shall follow the Michigan Frost Laws that require a 35% reduction in axle loading.
All Season roads are exempt from restrictions. A list of those roads can be found on the GCRC website at www.gogebiccountyroadcornmlssion.org.
The Gogebic County Road Commission shall monitor the frost action on our roads for the remainder of the weight restricted season.
If you have any questions, please call (906) 667-0233.
Notice of Public Hearing for Watersmeet Township
- Meeting Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
- Meeting Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Meeting Location: Township Community Center
- Purpose of the Meeting: BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
The Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 4:30 PM during the regular board meeting. The hearing will be held at the Township Community Center, located at N4689 1st Street, Watersmeet, MI. The purpose of the hearing is to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget and support the Truth-in-Taxation process. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. The regular monthly Board of Trustees meeting will be held after the hearing with the budget approval as an agenda item.
Copies of the proposed budget will be available on the Watersmeet website and at the Township Offices, also located at N4689 1st Street, after March 16, 2026. Comments on the budget will be accepted at the hearing or can be submitted in writing to Laura Mans, Watersmeet Township Clerk, P.O. Box 306, Watersmeet, MI 49969.
Hearing assistance devices are available for all Watersmeet Township public meetings with a minimum 24-hour notice. To request this service, please contact Yvonne Clark, Township Supervisor, at 906.358.4501 or email supervisor@watersmeet.us.
EGLE Public Notices and Permits – Watersmeet Township
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Water Resources Division, issues permits for certain construction and land or water activities in the Watersmeet area under the authority of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.
Public notices and approved permits will be posted here as they are received by Watersmeet Township.
Please check this page regularly for the most recent postings.
Note that this list is not comprehensive—only information and documentation provided to the Township by EGLE will be included. For complete or up-to-date permit information, residents are encouraged to contact EGLE directly.
Permits:
WRP047004 v. 1
Site Name: 27-Mi-TRALE Trail 3-Watersmeet Twp
Date Issued: October 31, 2025
Expiration Date: October 31, 2030
WRP048001 v. 1
Site Name: 27-Cisco Lake Bridging Tie
Date Issued: February 12, 2026
Expiration Date: February 12, 2031
WRP048079 v.1
Site Name: 27 – U.S. – 2 at Cedar Creek
Date Issued: March 3, 2026
Expiration Date: March 3, 2031
Public Notices:
HQK-061K-TMZE8
MiEnviro Site Name: 27 – East Beatons Lake Road at tributary to Two Mile Creek
Date: February 12, 2026
Comments Due By: March 4, 2026
Water Quality Report – 2025
NOTICE
Watersmeet Township Water Customers
The annual “Consumer Confidence Report” for the year ending December 31, 2025, which summarizes the quality of drinking water from the Watersmeet Township Water System, is available for review at the Township Office, N4689 1st Street, Watersmeet, MI 49969, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Click Here to Read Report>
The report will not be mailed to Township residents.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Watersmeet Township Board of Review
PUBLIC NOTICE
Watersmeet Township
Board of Review
Organization Meeting:
Tuesday, March 3rd, 11:00 a.m.
First Meeting:
Wednesday, March 11th, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Second Meeting:
Thursday, March 12th, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Meetings take place at:
Watersmeet Township
Community Center
N4689 First Street, Watersmeet MI
Board of Trustees Meeting Dates for 2026
The Watersmeet Board of Trustees has set the meeting dates for 2026 to the 3rd Wednesday of each month (except March) at 4:30 p.m. in the Watersmeet Community Center.
- January 21, 2026
- February 18, 2026
- March 25, 2026
- April 15, 2026
- May 20, 2026
- June 17, 2026
- July 15, 2026
- August 19, 2026
- September 16, 2026
- October 21, 2026
- November 18, 2026
- December 16, 2026
Planning Commission Meeting Dates for 2026
The Watersmeet Planning Commission has set the meeting dates for 2026 to the 2nd Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Watersmeet Community Center.
- January 8, 2026
- February 12, 2026
- March 12, 2026
- April 9, 2026
- May 14, 2026
- June 11, 2026
- July 9, 2026
- August 13, 2026
- September 10, 2026
- October 8, 2026
- November 12, 2026
- December 10, 2026
Board of Trustees Seeking Candidates to Fill Planning Commission Vacancy
The Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees is currently seeking interested residents to fill a recent vacancy on the Watersmeet Township Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission plays an important role in advising the Township Board on land use, zoning matters, and long-range planning initiatives that help guide the future growth and development of the community. Members are expected to attend regular meetings, review proposals and ordinances, and provide input that reflects the best interests of the Township.
Interested individuals should be residents of Watersmeet Township and have an interest in community planning, development, or local government. Prior experience is helpful but not required.
Those interested in being considered for appointment should either send a letter of interest or complete the application form by February 5, 2026.
Mail To:
Watersmeet Township
Attn: Town Clerk
PO Box 306
Watersmeet, MI 49969
or
Email to: supervisor@watersmeet.us and townclerk@watersmeet.us
Draft 2026 Capital Improvement Plan
The Watersmeet Planning Commission has completed the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan. The Commission approved the plan and forwarded it to the Board of Trustees for consideration.
The Board will review and discuss the proposed plan at its January 21, 2026 meeting, with possible adoption at that time.