The Michigan Outdoor Writers Association (MOWA), in partnership with Enbridge, has selected the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network as its recipient of the MOWA Clean Waterways Award for 2023.

The Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) was created to enhance the quality of life in the Saginaw Bay Watershed by creating regional networks of on-the-ground projects that demonstrate sustainability. These projects link economic, environmental and community goals.

The Saginaw Bay watershed is one of Michigan’s most diverse and rich areas – supporting agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, outdoor recreation, and a vast variety of wildlife. It’s also Michigan’s largest watershed and includes all or part of 22 counties and America’s largest contiguous freshwater coastal wetland system. This wetland extends along the shores of Saginaw Bay and provides habitat for large populations of waterfowl, birds, and more than 90 fish species. The watershed also features more than 175 inland lakes, about 7,000 miles of rivers and streams, and drains approximately 15 percent of the state.

Mike Kelly, representing WIN, was presented with a plaque and $500 at the MOWA annual conference held at Garland Lodge & Golf Resort in Lewiston, MI. In accepting the award, he cited the importance of partnerships – from local community organizers to the broader ecosystem of media, government, and businesses – to balance the region’s economic, environmental, and social goals.

Threats to Michigan’s waterways are on the rise and it’s more important than ever to protect Michigan’s most vital and treasured assets. While stewardship of our waterways is everyone’s responsibility, MOWA is specifically seeking to reward local or regional organizations operating within the state of Michigan for their voluntary stewardship efforts.