Our Mission, Vision, Goals

The clean, clear water, healthy streams, and rich habitats of the Ausable River, its tributaries and its lakes are essential to the communities – human and wild – that call the watershed home. While its headwaters and significant sections of the East and West Branches benefit from various protections at the state level, the river, nonetheless, faces challenges. Many of the threats to water quality, stream stability, and native wildlife have roots in past industrial practices, others are the result of present day development and management practices.

None of these challenges, however, are insurmountable. Thanks to the creation of the Ausable River Association (AsRA) in 1998, the health of the river has been a topic of conversation, study, and action among residents, business owners, and visitors to the region. AsRA’s staff expansion beginning in 2014 has increased the application of up-to-date scientific and technical knowledge to advance watershed issues, improved access to public funding resources, and created rising public enthusiasm and engagement to protect and restore the river, it’s lakes, streams, and wetlands.

With careful planning, the scientific collection and assessment of data, and working side-by-side with landowners, local, state, and federal government, NGOs, researchers, residents and other stakeholders, AsRA’s programs identify and address many of the key threats. We protect the clean waters, natural hydrology, diverse ecology, and scenic beauty of the Ausable, and we inspire and provide knowledge for others to cherish and protect our watershed.

Mission

Helping communities protect our streams and lakes.

Vision

We envision a community of watershed residents and visitors enjoying the Ausable River, its lakes and tributaries and working to protect its clean waters, healthy free-flowing streams, and the diverse habitats that sustain its native plants and wildlife. This community supports and works in partnership with AsRA to inspire future generations to cherish and protect our watershed.

Goals

Clean Water:

Streams, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers capable of supporting a full complement of human and ecosystem needs

Healthy Streams:

Shaded, cool waters, with ample floodplains and self-regulating flows sustaining ecological diversity and thriving communities

Biodiverse Habitats:

Habitats and ecosystems fostering native plant and animal species in and alongside streams, lakes, and wetlands

Public Enjoyment:

Responsible, low-impact recreational opportunities protective of Ausable waterways and adjacent lands

Engaged Communities:

Informed residents and visitors caring for the health of the watershed where they live, work, and play

A Voice for the River:

A strong, sustainable Ausable River Association working in partnership to achieve shared goals