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The connectivity and accessibility of our region's parks, trails, and water amenities play a crucial role in making the Greater Lansing area a competitive place to live and play. Learn more about Tri-County's plan for our regional trails system. A TRAILS PLAN for Greater Lansing LEARN MORE WHY ARE TRAILS IMPORTANT? HOW ARE WE PLANNING FOR TRAILS? THE VISION FOR REGIONAL TRAILS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS LOCAL PLANS & BEST PRACTICES GET INVOLVED! Learn More The 'Why' The connectivity and accessibility of our region's parks, trails, and water amenities for both residents and visitors play a crucial role in making the Greater Lansing area a competitive place to live, work, and play. While we have an impressive urban nonmotorized network, trails from outside our region abruptly stop as soon as they cross our borders, leaving a massive gap in mobility and connectivity and missed opportunities for health, tourism, and recreational activation. So, how do trails help our communities and residents? Trails are more than a recreational asset — they bring economic prosperity and other benefits to our communities and to those who walk and bike in our region. Benefits of Trails Project Phases The 'How' Tri-County is developing a vision, plan, and path forward for a regional trails system — one that works to improve the quality of life for our region's residents and take advantage of our region's central geographic location to bolster Mid-Michigan as a hub for local businesses, communities, and visitors. Explore the phases of our trails initiative below! WE ARE HERE! PHASE 1: VISIONING PHASE 2: PLANNING PHASE 3: ANALYSIS PHASE 4: EXECUTION PHASE 2: PLANNING FOR FUTURE FEASIBILITY The region needed a plan that looked at the feasibility of connecting our existing trail assets to the larger community and state to help fill the nonmotorized transportation gaps in our region, as illustrated in the below map. Tri-County initiated a trails feasibility connectivity study in 2021 to establish a conceptual blueprint for a prioritized, "tiered" regional trails system of over 75 miles of trails that form connections to the region’s core cycling, pedestrian, and recreational facilities. The Regional Trails Feasibility Plan was completed and adopted in July 2023. VIEW THE TRAILS PLAN VIEW THE TRAILS PLAN WATCH THE PRESENTATION WATCH THE PRESENTATION The plan explores the feasibility of developing three new trail routes between the existing Lansing River Trail network and major interregional trails that enter into the tri-county region, including the Clinton Ionia Shiawassee (CIS) Trail in northern Clinton County, the Paul Henry Trail in southwest Eaton County, and the Lakelands State Park Trail in southern Ingham County. Numerous potential routes were studied from a bird's-eye perspective to assess how best to connect our urban center and rural communities, and along the way, to regional assets like local parks and recreation amenities, employment centers, municipal assets, and other community spaces and destinations. Project Background Project Timeline Map of Trail Network Gaps Community Engagement PROJECT TIMELINE HOW WE INVOLVED THE PUBLIC & STAKEHOLDERS Trails connect our communities, provide a means to experience the outdoors, improve our health, enhance our economies, and so much more. We wanted to know what's most important to the public! Throughout the project, we engaged hundreds of stakeholders and members of the public to gather input. Navigate the slides below to learn more. ADOPTION OF THE TRAILS PLAN JULY 2023 Following public meetings throughout May 2023 and a comment period in July to gather insight into the community's trail needs and priorities, the project team incorporated feedback into the draft Regional Trails Feasibility Plan. The plan was presented to Tri-County’s Board of Commissioners and adopted on July 26, 2023. Press Release: Draft Plan and Comment Opportunity Interactive Comment Map of Proposed Trails View the Presentation HISTORY Since the initiation of visioning work in late 2019, Tri-County's long-range 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan , Moving Mid-Michigan , was adopted by the Board of Commissioners in December 2020. This plan identified "regional trails planning" as one of six key implementation priorities for the agency. Tri-County revived the project — this time with support from consulting firm OHM Advisors — after pausing due to the coronavirus pandemic in mid-2021. GOALS At its heart, this plan aims to improve the quality of life for our region's residents and take advantage of our central geographic location to bolster Mid-Michigan as a hub for local businesses, communities, and visitors. In addition to identifying trails that will enhance our region’s economy, transportation options, and attractiveness and expand the connectivity and accessibility to communities inside and outside the region, this plan was designed to make our region more competitive for future funding opportunities and better position local governments and nonprofits in their planning efforts. Since its completion in July 2023, it has set a path forward to prepare the region to secure future funding opportunities, enhance and expand our connectivity to communities both inside and outside the region, and identify strategies and partnerships to make the vision a reality. The project’s goals are to: MEET THE TECHNICAL TEAM PHASE 4: SECURING FUNDING & CONSTRUCTING As part of a Tri-County's $2.5 million TAP pilot project , trail route segments will be identified and prepared for grant application submission to acquire funding for construction. Updates regarding this work will be shared as they are available. PHASE 3: ANALYZING & REFINING ROUTES In late 2023, Tri-County initiated a $2.5 million pilot project to begin implementation of the Regional Trails Feasibility Plan by further analyzing and conducting Early Preliminary Engineering (EPE) to refine identified routes. Ultimately, the project aims to generate MDOT Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funding to connect three state-wide multi-use trails (Mike Levine Lakelands Trail – Ingham County, Fred Meijer Clinton Ionia Shiawassee Trail – Clinton County, and the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail – Eaton County) to the Lansing River Trail. This project will focus on filling these crucial corridor gaps and creating connections through the Tri-County region to the rest of the state. Project Background Project Timeline Project Area Map Community Engagement PROJECT TIMELINE THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP! Thank you to everyone who took part in our open houses and surveys across the region! Your input was essential in building community consensus and shaping this plan. All the feedback we received was valuable in finalizing the trail routes. Below, you can see summaries of the trail-specific feedback and overall community input. Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Rail Trail Paul Henry-Thornapple Trail Mike Levine Lakelands Trail MORE DETAILS Following completion of the Regional Trails Feasibility Plan in 2023, Tri-County was awarded $2 million by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) through their Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to complete a pilot project to support the development of regional trails. TAP is a competitive grant program that uses federal transportation funds designated by Congress for projects that enhance the intermodal transportation system and provide alternative transportation options. Tri-County will provide a match of $500,000. Completion of the pilot project is anticipated for the end of 2026. Several outcomes of this project will segue and overlap into Phase 4 of our regional trails planning initiative. Deliverables of the pilot project include: Early Preliminary Engineering (EPE) and segmentation of identified routes in the Feasibility Plan Documentation necessary to apply for TAP funding for each segment Playbook to guide communities on ways to develop trail projects suitable for TAP funding Tri-County has contracted with PEA Group with support from OHM Advisors to complete the project. PHASE 1: CREATING A VISION FOR THE PLAN At the foundation of any plan is a vision - one that betters our region and residents and guides plan development. In late 2019, Tri-County was awarded a technical assistance grant from the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) through their Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program. Tri-County subsequently held two workshops in partnership with NPS in early 2020 to create a vision for a trails plan and brainstorm network connections with stakeholders. Work groups of public, private, and nonprofit and advocacy organizations representing transportation, recreational, nonmotorized, and environmental interests collaborated to identify the community's key priorities for a future regional trails system and map out potential routes and amenity connections. Further efforts were halted at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic shortly following these workshops, until Tri-County revived the project in mid-2021 (Phase 2). ENGAGING STAKEHOLDERS REGIONAL TRAILS VISIONING WORKSHOP JANUARY 2020 Over 40 community organizations, transportation and trail advocates, and local parks departments came together at MSU's Henry Center for Executive Development to develop a project vision and explore preliminary ideas and connections for a regional trails system. Workshop Agenda & Presentation Final Vision for Regional Trails Get Involved Our Vision Create an interconnected, accessible, and cohesive trails network that safely connects communities and points of interest throughout the region, capitalizes on existing assets and infrastructure, and encourages strategic investment to enhance vibrant communities. Vision VIEW OUR EXISTING SYSTEM Virtual Trail Explorer RESOURCES & COMMUNITY PLANS View More PROJECT PHASES View Project Timelines FAQs What is the history of this project? Tri-County initiated this project in late 2019 with the support of a technical assistance award from the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) through their Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program. Tri-County held two workshops in partnership with NPS in early 2020 to create a vision for the plan and brainstorm trail connections with stakeholders. After efforts were paused at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Tri-County revived the project in mid-2021 – this time with assistance from consulting firm OHM Advisors – to explore the feasibility of developing three new trail routes between the existing Lansing River Trail network and major interregional trails that enter into the tri-county region, including the Clinton Ionia Shiawassee (CIS) Trail in northern Clinton County, the Paul Henry Trail in southwest Eaton County, and the Lakelands State Park Trail in southern Ingham County. Throughout 2022, six advisory committee meetings with representatives from Ingham County Parks, Clinton County Parks and Greenspace, Eaton County Parks, City of Lansing, Michigan Department of Transportation, U.S. National Park Service, and Tri-County Bicycling Association were held to guide development of the plan. Numerous potential routes were studied from a bird's-eye perspective to assess how best to connect our urban center and rural communities, and along the way, to regional assets like local parks and recreation amenities, employment centers, municipal assets, and other community spaces and destinations. Following discovery and corridor analysis, a series of seven local meetings was coordinated throughout the region with municipal staff in the summer and fall of 2022 to review preliminary trail routes and provide feedback, including insight on financial and location feasibility. A final stakeholder input session was held in late 2022 to finalize draft routes to present to the public. In May 2023, the community was invited to provide their input on the preliminary routes and conceptual trail designs at three public forums held in each county and via a survey and interactive comment map. Representatives from cycling advocacy and grassroots organizations, local governments, transportation agencies, and members of the public were asked to share their insight about local trail use, safety and design preferences, and priorities for trail connections. Collectively, over 100 attendees and responses were taken into consideration. The final Regional Trails Feasibility Plan, which created a conceptual blueprint for a prioritized, "tiered" regional trails system of over 75 miles of trails that form interregional connections to the region’s core cycling, pedestrian, and recreational facilities, was completed and adopted in July 2023. In late 2023, Tri-County announced a $2.5 million pilot project to foster the development of regional trails. This project, which is supported by a $2 million award from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) through their Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), will support initial implementation of the feasibility plan through the completion of several deliverables, including: Early Preliminary Engineering (EPE) and segmentation of identified routes in the Feasibility Plan Documentation necessary to apply for TAP funding for each segment Playbook to guide communities on ways to develop trail projects suitable for TAP funding Tri-County has recruited PEA Group, with support from OHM Advisors and The Greenway Collaborative, to complete this pilot project by the end of 2026. Currently, the project team is hosting several community open houses to gather feedback from the public. Additional updates will be shared as the project progresses. Why do we need a plan? At the heart of our region, we have a robust trails network - notably, the Lansing River Trail. However, we struggle to connect to major systems throughout the state and are less competitive for funding with an exclusively local approach. Nonmotorized transportation, commonly referred to as bicycle and pedestrian travel, encompasses everything from bike lanes and marked shared lanes to sidewalks and paved shoulders. Trails, a nonmotorized transportation facility that is often associated with shared use paths, center on the user experience and connectivity to statewide trails, existing nonmotorized infrastructure, and other amenities. Trails planning focuses on prioritizing off-road paths that can be used recreationally by both pedestrians and bicyclists alike and contribute to interregional mobility and a seamless network. Trails have notable benefits to the community, including improving the local economy through tourism and property values, recreational options, health, transportation options, environmental conservation and stewardship, and general quality of life of residents. The plan looks to capitalize on these benefits and establish a conceptual blueprint for over 75 miles of trails that can form interregional connections to the region’s core cycling, pedestrian, and recreational facilities. It primarily explores the feasibility of developing three new trails that provide a connection between the existing Lansing River Trail network with major trails in the state that enter the tri-county region, including the Clinton Ionia Shiawassee (CIS) Trail in northern Clinton County, the Paul Henry Trail in southwest Eaton County, and the Lakelands State Park Trail in southern Ingham County. We need a plan that looks at the feasibility of connecting our existing assets to the larger community and state to help fill the gap in our region, as illustrated in the below map. In addition to identifying trails that will enhance our region’s economy, transportation options, and attractiveness and expand the connectivity and accessibility to communities inside and outside the region, this plan will make our region more competitive for future funding opportunities and better position local governments and nonprofits in their planning efforts. The project’s goals are to: Who is leading this project? Following the initiation of the project in late 2019 in partnership with the National Park Service, Tri-County developed the Greater Lansing region’s long-range 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Moving Mid-Michigan. This plan was adopted by Tri-County’s Board of Commissioners in December 2020 and identifies "regional trails planning" as one of six key implementation priorities for the agency. Since then, Tri-County has led multiple initiatives to plan a regional trails network that will connect Lansing and Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. In 2023, Tri-County completed a trails connectivity feasibility study and conceptual plan with professional assistance from OHM Advisors and guidance from an advisory committee comprised of representatives from Ingham County Parks, Clinton County Parks and Greenspace, Eaton County Parks, City of Lansing, Michigan Department of Transportation, U.S. National Park Service, and Tri-County Bicycling Association. Local government staff, including the three counties and cities of Lansing, East Lansing, and Charlotte, also contributed their technical review. In 2024, Tri-County initiated a multi-million dollar pilot project to further refine proposed routes that will connect the region’s existing Lansing River Trail system to other statewide trails and prepare them for future grant applications. Tri-County’s team of planners has procured assistance from PEA Group, with support from OHM Advisors and The Greenway Collaborative, to complete this project by the end of 2026, which is currently ongoing. Questions regarding this work may be directed to info@mitcrpc.org. What are the benefits of trails? Trails are more than a recreational asset - they bring economic prosperity and other benefits to our communities and to those who walk and bike in our region. Trails: provide low-cost recreational opportunities for families and other users boost spending at local businesses and improve tourism make communities more attractive places to live and increase property values serve as amenities to attract and retain top talent connect users to community assets and public spaces encourage exercise and other healthy outdoor activities offer an alternative means of transportation and connect our broader multimodal system promote conservation, revitalization, and purposeful development of outdoor assets and spaces The connectivity and accessibility of a community’s parks, trails, and water amenities can play a crucial role in making the region a competitive place to live and play. They also can impact our economy – from home values to retail spending trends. Who is the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission? The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is a public planning agency established in 1956, serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties in Mid-Michigan. Tri-County makes our region a more prosperous community by planning for a strong economy, reliable transportation, and sustainable infrastructure and natural resources. We connect local organizations and governments to funding, technical assistance, data resources, and opportunities to discuss trends and challenges affecting the Greater Lansing area. Learn more about Tri-County’s current projects at mitcrpc.org/currentprojects. Frequently Asked Questions Resources Resources & Existing Plans County Plans CLINTON COUNTY 2020-2024 Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan 2016 Comprehensive Plan 2015 Non-Motorized Facilities Plan EATON COUNTY 2016-2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2011 Master Plan INGHAM COUNTY 2018-2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan City, Township, and Village Plans CLINTON COUNTY BATH CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Plan 2019 Main Street Plan 2018-2022 Parks and Recreation Plan 2014 Master Plan BENGAL TOWNSHIP 2019 Master Plan CITY OF DEWITT 2010-2020 Master Plan DEWITT TOWNSHIP 2019 Non-Motorized Transportation Plan 2005 Comprehensive Development Plan 2012 Comprehensive Development Plan Update CITY OF SAINT JOHNS 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Plan 2016-2020 Five-Year Recreation Plan VILLIAGE OF FOWLER 2013 Comprehensive Development Plan WATERTOWN CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Plan 2016 Master Plan 2009 Non-motorized Circulation Plan VILLIAGE OF WESTPHALIA 2014-2018 Five-Year Parks and Recreation Plan EATON COUNTY DELTA CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2018-2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2018 Non-Motorized Transportation Plan 2013 Comprehensive Plan for Land Use CITY OF GRAND LEDGE 2018 Master Plan 2017-2022 Capital Improvements Plan INGHAM COUNTY DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2020-2025 Capital Improvement Program 2016 Non-Motorized Transportation Plan 2016 Realize Cedar Plan 2013 Master Plan CITY OF EAST LANSING 2020 Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenways Plan 2018 Master Plan 2011 Non-motorized Transportation Plan CITY OF LANSING 2020-2025 Capital Improvements Program 2015-2020 Five-Year Recreation Plan 2012 Design Lansing Comprehensive Plan 2011 Walk and Bike Lansing Plan LANSING TOWNSHIP 2018-2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2014 Master Plan Update CITY OF MASON 2020-2024 Parks, Recreation, and Non-motorized Transportation Plan 2014 Master Plan MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP 2017 Master Plan 2017-2021 Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2004 Greenspace Plan STOCKBRIDGE VILLAGE 2014 Master Plan 2012-2016 Recreation Plan 2010 Walkable Community Trail and Sidewalk System Master Plan VEVAY TOWNSHIP 2017 Master Plan CITY OF WILLIAMSTON 2019-2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2015 Master Plan Other Resources City of Lansing River Trail Facilities City of Lansing River Trail Map 2018 Shaping the Avenue PowerPoint CIS Trail Map and Information Clinton County Proposed Non-Motorized Circulation Route Map City of Dewitt Conceptual Master Plan: Bicycle Pedestrian Pathway System Proposed Eaton County Non-Motorized Trail & Planning Recommendations Michigan Trails & Greenway Alliance: Ingham County Trails Project Michigan Trails & Greenway Alliance: Trail Toolkit Safe Routes to School Handbook Federal & State Resources CONTACT INFORMATION 3135 Pine Tree Rd. | Suite 2C | Lansing, MI 48911 | Directions P: (517) 393-0342 | F: (517) 393-4424 | Email Us Visit our staff page for questions about specific programs. CONNECT WITH US STAY IN TOUCH SUBSCRIBE THINKING AHEAD. MOVING FORWARD. © 2018 by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. All rights reserved. Disclaimer | Accessibility | FOIA | Sitemap Top of Page Learn More Project Phases Get Involved FAQs

Visit our resources page for a deeper dive into the importance of groundwater, or check out our educational resources section for activities (and printable fact sheets) designed to educate groundwater guardians of all ages!​ Learn More About Groundwater Visit the following websites for a deeper dive into the importance of groundwater, or check out our educational resources section for activities (and printable fact sheets) designed to educate groundwater guardians of all ages! American Groundwater Trust Definitions and Explanations An Important Rural Resource, Understanding Groundwater Groundwater Foundation – What is Groundwater? NGWA - Groundwater Fundamentals Well & Septic Maintenance Because drinking wells are a direct link to our groundwater, it’s important to keep in mind what materials and objects we bring into close proximity to them. Many common and necessary household chemicals can impact the safety of your well water, and it’s especially important to consider the location of your septic system if you have one. Refer to this helpful well-siting diagram based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations and check out our resources section for more information! Anchor 1 WATER QUALITY TESTING This is a great place to tell your story and give people more insight into who you are, what you do, and why it’s all about you. WATER QUALITY TESTING WELL INSPECTION This is a great place to tell your story and give people more insight into who you are, what you do, and why it’s all about you. WELL INSPECTION SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION This is a great place to tell your story and give people more insight into who you are, what you do, and why it’s all about you. SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION SEPTIC SYSTEM PUMPING This is a great place to tell your story and give people more insight into who you are, what you do, and why it’s all about you. SEPTIC SYSTEM PUMPING More Resources for... Events | Meeting Materials | Resources for Residents & Public Officials | News Updates Learn More About Groundwater Groundwater Management Board ABOUT RESOURCES HOT TOPICS GET INVOLVED Learn More About Groundwater Visit the following websites for a deeper dive into the importance of groundwater, or check out our educational resources section for activities (and printable fact sheets) designed to educate groundwater guardians of all ages! American Groundwater Trust Definitions and Explanations An Important Rural Resource, Understanding Groundwater The Groundwater Foundation USGS : What is Groundwater? Groundwater Glossary National Ground Water Association - Groundwater Fundamentals American Water Works Association American Water Works Association Michigan Section Michigan Groundwater: The Basics Well & Septic Maintenance Well & Septic Maintenance Because drinking wells are a direct link to our groundwater, it’s important to keep in mind what materials and objects we bring into close proximity to them. Many common and necessary household chemicals can impact the safety of your well water, and it’s especially important to consider the location of your septic system if you have one. Refer to this helpful well-siting diagram based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations and check out our resources section for more information! WATER QUALITY TESTING Test your water quality once every spring! LEARN MORE WELL INSPECTION Have your well inspected annually! LEARN MORE SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION Inspect your septic system every 3 years! LEARN MORE Have your septic tank pumped every 3-5 years! LEARN MORE SEPTIC SYSTEM PUMPING Resources More Resources for... Rural Communities & Private Well Owners Like many other household appliances, owning a private drinking well on your property requires regular maintenance and care. Though government standards regulate public water suppliers, a homeowner with a private well is responsible for their water and the upkeep of the infrastructure that goes along with it. This means keeping up with regular maintenance of your drinking well components and monitoring your water quality. Check out this video to learn more about how wells work, and navigate the links below for helpful information and assistance in maintaining your well year-round. What to Know About Private Wells Michigan Well Records System: Wellogic NGWA Well Owners Guide Water Systems Council – Well Diagram Enroll in a Private Well Class CDC Drinking Water – Private Wells Wellhead Protection Viewer Testing Private Wells and Water Quality Be Well Informed Tool: Understanding Your Water Testing Results NebGuide Drinking Water – Testing for Quality EGLE Drinking Water Testing Water Research Center – Private Well Owner Online Water Quality & Drinking Water Problems EGLE Drinking Water Concern System Eaton County Conservation District Testing Form Private Well Financing and Construction Well Financing Private Well Assistance & Low Interest Loans EGLE Well Construction Contractors Directory Abandoned Wells EGLE Abandoned Well FAQ Michigan Abandoned Water Well Plugging Manual Caring for Your Septic System Septic systems are an important part of your household water system and require specific maintenance and consideration. Ensuring your septic system is well-maintained allows the used or soiled water from your home to be filtered and returned to its original groundwater source, maintaining the quality of drinking water for the entire community. Follow the links below for quick tips, county-specific guidance, and helpful maintenance information on homeowner septic systems. Clinton County – Mid Michigan DHD Well and Septic Eaton County DHHS Environmental Health Ingham County ARPA Well and Septic Program Ingham County DHHS Well and Septic Michigan Saves - Find Your Contractor Michigan Septic Replacement Loan Program Rural Septic System Checklist Septic Care Explore the Do's and Don'ts of Septic Systems Urban Communities: Find Your Local Provider Major Public Water Providers Lansing Board of Water and Light East Lansing Meridian Township Water and Sewer Authority Michigan State University Infrastructure Planning & Facilities West Side Water City of Williamston Delta Township Village of Webberville GMB Water Quality Report Public Water Recommendations & Information Drinking Water by the Numbers EGLE Drinking Water Concern System CDC Community Water Treatment Understanding Your Water Quality Report Michigan Water Infrastructure Funding and Finance Dashboard Public Officials & Community Leaders The following resources offer specific information regarding several groundwater-related topics that may be relevant for local leaders and policymakers to consider when making choices or recommendations for their communities. Contact us with any questions, concerns, or inquires about additional topics that may be of interest to our regional municipalities. Managing Water for Health in a Changing Climate Michigan PFAS Action Response Team MI Water Navigator – Water Infrastructure Helpdesk MPART Sampling Guidance Smart Salting for Property Management Manual Statewide chloride resources | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Sampling Zoning Amendments and Program for Groundwater Protection Community Members Be Well Informed Clean Sweep Program: Old Pesticides and Herbicides Drop-Off Cleaning Your Aerators Department of Health & Human Services Resources GMB Branded Materials Sign Out Sheet Groundwater Surveying in Michigan Capital Region Home Water Treatment Ingham County Point of Sale Brochure What is an Abandoned Well? Rural & Private Well Owner Resources Caring for Your Septic System Urban Water: Find Your Provider Resources for Public Officials Resources for Community Members Educational Resources Educational Resources Educating residents, community leaders, and future groundwater guardians means that we can ALL enjoy clean drinking water for years to come. Check out these resources for fun and engaging activities, lesson plans, and fact sheets. Aquifer in a Cup Build a Three-Pump Shared Aquifer Model EGLE Classroom: Community Water Supply EGLE Classroom: Resource Lending Station Incredible Journey - Water Cycle Activity Lansing Wellhead Protection StoryMap Memory Mayhem: A Groundwater Puzzle Game The Aquifer Game The Groundwater Game Wellhead Wonders The Groundwater Management Board has a wide variety of display items and outreach materials for communities to use for community events or everyday use. Please fill out a GMB Branded Materials Sign Out Sheet and email it to migroundwater@mitcrpc.org . The Groundwater Management Board is supported and managed by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission CONTACT INFORMATION 3135 Pine Tree Rd. | Suite 2C | Lansing, MI 48911 | Directions P: (517) 999-8912 | Email Us CONNECT WITH US STAY IN TOUCH SUBSCRIBE © 2020 by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. All rights reserved. Disclaimer | Accessibility | FOIA | Sitemap

The CCC is comprised of community leaders representing public, private, and nonprofit organizations in the region. The Committee provides an opportunity for community partners to discuss and provide feedback on regionally significant projects, planning initiatives, and developments. Back to Committees Community Coordinating Committee The Community Coordinating Committee (CCC) was formed by the TCRPC Board of Commissioners in May 2018 to obtain more diversified input during the planning process and stimulate conversation among community organizations. The CCC is comprised of community leaders representing public, private, and nonprofit organizations in the region. The Committee provides an opportunity for community partners to discuss and provide feedback on regionally significant projects, planning initiatives, and developments. The CCC does not set policy, supervise staff, or lobby any legislative body. The Board may consider recommendations and comments from the CCC. The CCC will meet quarterly and/or as needed. Meetings will be posted on the calendar as they are determined. Members Agendas & Minutes

HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > TRANSPORTATION > PLANNING AREAS > REGIONAL TRAVEL All Program Planning Areas Future Considerations Transportation Pavement Condition Transportation Improvement Program Safety & Operations Non-Motorized Traffic Congestion Public Transit Freight Regional Travel Future Considerations Long-Range Planning Tri-County is currently in the early stages of planning for passenger air travel. As a regional international airport, the Capital Region International Airport (LAN) provides direct access to many of the nation’s major hub airports on a daily basis. We are studying improved access for both passengers and freight into and out of the airport. The results of the airport access study efforts will be included in the 2045 MTP. The 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan will continue long-standing efforts to provide access to passenger rail opportunities in the region. Currently, passenger rail is provided by AMTRAK via the Bluewater line. Passengers have daily access to trains servicing Chicago to Port Huron. Two additional daily trips are available via bus connector to the Wolverine line serving the Detroit – Chicago corridor. Multimodal Gateway Passenger Air & Rail; Private Bussing Michigan Coast-to-Coast Rail Study Midwest Regional Rail Initiative PASSENGER RAIL This is a great place to tell your story and give people more Learn More PASSENGER AIR This is a great place to tell your story and give people more Learn More BUS SERVICES This is a great place to tell your story and give people more Learn More

We strive to protect and enhance our environment's built and natural resources, including ground and surface water, water and sewer infrastructure, and the quality of our air. Our environmental programming focuses on planning for the future and ensuring our region has access to clean water and clean transportation. Environment & Natural Resources Planning Areas Water Resources Water Trails Infrastructure Resilience Air Quality Green Infrastructure Energy Quick Links & Resources Tri-County RPC Environmental Planning Projects Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management (GLRC) Groundwater Management Board (GMB) Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW) Institute of Water Research Red Cedar River Watershed Friends of the Looking Glass River Watershed Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council Ingham Conservation District Eaton Conservation District Clinton Conservation District Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Michigan Department of Natural Resources EGLE Energy Services Alternative Fuels Corridors About Our Environmental Program The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is designated by the state as the region's areawide water quality management planning agency under the Clean Water Act. Tri-County strives to protect and enhance our environment's built and natural resources, including ground and surface water, water and sewer infrastructure, and the quality of our air. Our environmental programming focuses on planning for the future and ensuring our region has access to unpolluted surface water, sustainable groundwater resources, healthy and safe drinking water, and an environmentally sustainable transportation system. Tri-County staff manages several technical groups, initiatives, and organizations that work to achieve these goals. We support and guide the region’s vision for sustainability by providing technical assistance to local governments, educating the public and local leaders, hosting forums for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and connecting people and places to resources that promote the shared stewardship of our built and natural resources. Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management Guiding communities through the MS4 program. Learn More Water Trails Water trails are a great way to travel in the region and appreciate our natural resources. Check out more information on projects involving the Grand River! Learn More Groundwater Management Board Protecting and preserving our drinking water at its source through research, policy recommendations, and education. Learn More Plans & Documents View plans, projects, tools, technical studies, and operational documents for our environmental programming. Learn More

To help better understand our groundwater system, the Ingham County Health Department launched a survey of our regional aquifer in the early 1980s. This original survey sampled over 300 wells and analyzed the groundwater quality of all 16 townships, laying the groundwork for the follow-up 2015-2020 survey. HOME > PROJECTS & DOCUMENTS > ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES > GROUNDWATER SURVEY Document Library Groundwater Surveying in Michigan’s Capital Region The tri-county region relies on groundwater for the vast majority of our drinking water resources, whether it’s delivered to consumers’ homes through public water suppliers or individual private wells. Relying on this underground and out-of-sight resource requires an innovative approach to properly manage its consumption and ensure its safety for all. To better understand our groundwater system, the Ingham County Health Department participated in the Southwest Michigan Groundwater and Monitoring Program, better known as the Michigan Groundwater Survey (MGS). This was a project started in 1983 by Western Michigan University with financial support from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. As one of 18 communities in Michigan to participate in MGS, the county sampled over 300 wells and analyzed the groundwater quality of all 16 of its townships. This original survey, published as the "Report on the Aquifer of Ingham County," identified local concerns associated with activities - such as road salting - and levels of arsenic, nitrate, boron, and fluoride above drinking water standards and recommendations. The identification of these issues has been used by Ingham County to initiate programs to help protect our groundwater resources. At the time the MGS was conducted, the plan was to survey groundwater quality every 10 to 20 years to monitor any general changes; however, the original wells included in the MGS program have not be resampled since the 1983 study was completed in 1987. Recently, there has been interest in resampling these wells to compare current results with past analysis and to monitor overall groundwater quality across the entire tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. Changes in Groundwater Quality in Tri-county Lansing Area from 1980 to 2023 Ingham County Surveying In 2015, the Ingham County Groundwater Survey project began as a follow-up to the original 1980s report in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey. The goal of the survey was to re-sample as many of the same wells as possible to identify any changes in the composition of the county’s groundwater. This also provided an excellent opportunity to educate well owners on well protection, determine future strategies for groundwater protection, and provide a framework to expand the project into Eaton and Clinton counties. Thanks to countless hours of work from volunteers, support from the Groundwater Management Board and Tri-County Regional Planning Commission , and a wide range of partnerships across the county, the project completed well sampling in all of Ingham County's 16 townships in the summer of 2020. A comprehensive county-wide report was published in 2021 and the results were shared with each corresponding community to help educate public officials on effectively managing our groundwater. The county-wide report and each of the individual township reports may be viewed in the gallery at the bottom of the page. Clinton County Surveying In partnership with the Lansing Board of Water & Light, the Groundwater Management Board kicked off a pilot study in DeWitt Charter and Bath Charter townships to create an approach for sampling wells in communities that were not part of the initial MGS program and may not have data available for comparison to the data collected in the 1980s. Well sampling and the individual township reports for this pilot project were completed in 2021. Discussions regarding increasing efforts to expand analysis of the ratio between chloride and bromide, which can be an indicator of potential impacts from increased road salting or septic system discharge, are ongoing. Expanding the project into Clinton County has continued with the sampling of Watertown Charter Township. The individual township reports may be viewed in the gallery at the bottom of the page. Eaton County Surveying During the summer of 2022, the groundwater survey expanded to Eaton County with the sampling of Delta Charter Township. Reports for both Delta and Windsor townships are now available with additional efforts looking into furthering the expansion of this project in the near future. Partners, including the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, supported the project by providing public education materials that were shared with homeowners as well sampling was conducted. These packages included information on potential contamination sources of groundwater, proper maintenance of private drinking water wells, and background on groundwater and the Groundwater Management Board .

The Mid-Michigan tri-county region includes 75 cities, townships, and villages. We serve these jurisdictions through the three counties of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham. HOME > ABOUT > JURISDICTIONS Jurisdictions The tri-county region includes 75 cities, townships, and villages. We serve these jurisdictions through the three counties of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham. Alaiedon Township Aurelius Township Bath Charter Township Bellevue Township Bellevue, Village of Bengal Township Benton Township Bingham Township Brookfield Township Bunker Hill Township Carmel Township Charlotte, City of Chester Township Clinton County Dallas Township Dansville, Village of Delhi Charter Township Delta Charter Township DeWitt Charter Township DeWitt, City of Dimondale, Village of Duplain Township Eagle Township Eagle, Village of East Lansing, City of Eaton County Eaton Rapids, City of Eaton Rapids Township Eaton Township Elsie, Village of Essex Township Fowler, Village of Grand Ledge, City of Greenbush Township Hamlin Township Hubbardston, Village of Ingham County Ingham Township Kalamo Township Lansing Charter Township Lansing, City of Lebanon Township Leroy Township Leslie, City of Leslie Township Locke Township Maple Rapids, Village of Mason, City of Meridian Charter Township Mulliken, Village of Olive Township Olivet, City of Oneida Charter Township Onondaga Township Ovid Township Ovid, City of Potterville, City of Riley Township Roxand Township St. Johns, City of Stockbridge Township Stockbridge, Village of Sunfield Township Sunfield, Village of Vermontville Township Vermontville, Village of Vevay Township Victor Township Walton Township Watertown Charter Township Webberville, Village of Westphalia Township Westphalia, Village of Wheatfield Township White Oak Township Williamston, City of Williamstown Township Windsor Charter Township

The Guide is a unique effort that, for the first time, brought together experts in groundwater, drinking water, land use, surface water, and wastewater from Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties to examine in depth how well they are working together to protect mid-Michigan's water resources. HOME > PROJECTS & DOCUMENTS > ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES > WATER POLICIES & PROGRAMS Document Library Tri-County Water Policies & Programs Guide The Tri-County Water Policies & Programs Guide is a unique effort that, for the first time, brought together experts in groundwater, drinking water, land use, surface water, and wastewater from Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties to examine in depth how well they are working together to protect mid-Michigan's water resources. These experts reviewed everything from agriculture to wetlands and considered how each system and program is interconnected and interdependent. The Guide is intended to be an informational tool and guidance document for decision makers and the citizens of the Tri-County region. Each chapter contains a narrative that provides a topic overview, main programming components, an outline of gaps and concerns and key resources. Each chapter also includes a correlating table that identifies central programs/activities. The table outlines standards, resources, actions, funding, evaluation, coordinating agencies and timelines for each identified program/activity. For ease of reference, each chapter is color coded.

Calling all planners, community leaders, government officials, and anyone interested in our mission - check out these opportunities to get involved in the planning process, learn about our region, and be active in your communities! HOME > GET INVOLVED > EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES Calling all planners, community leaders, government officials, and anyone interested in our mission - check out these opportunities to get involved in the planning process, learn about our region, and be active in your communities! We are committed to open and accessible events. Requests for interpretation, accommodations for persons with disabilities, and assistance with additional needs should be made five business days in advance of the meeting date. Contact info@mitcrpc.org for additional information. No events at the moment PAST EVENTS GMB Annual Breakfast 2025 Wed, Feb 11 Lansing Community College Share Details Virtual Town Hall: Draft 2050 MTP Tue, Dec 09 Zoom Join us for a virtual town hall to comment on the draft 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan! Share Details Stakeholder Input Session: Draft 2050 MTP Tue, Dec 09 Zoom Join us for a virtual input session to comment on the draft 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan! Share Details Smart Salting: Parking Lots & Sidewalks Certification Training Wed, Oct 29 AgroLiquid Learn best management practices to reduce salt use while maintaining safety and minimizing environmental and infrastructure impacts. Share Details DEIB Learning in the Workplace Thu, Sep 04 Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Join the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce to explore the design, implementation, and evaluation process used for MSUFCU’s DEIB Learning Journey. Share Details Wellhead Protection Training Session Tue, Aug 26 Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Tri-County is hosting a training session with the Groundwater Management Board on their recently updated Wellhead Protection Viewer. Share Details 2050 MTP Draft Project List Virtual Town Hall Wed, Jul 16 Zoom Join us for a virtual town hall to comment on the Draft Project List for the 2050 MTP! Share Details DEI Hiring: Out of Sight, Out of Mind Thu, Jun 12 Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Join the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce to learn how HR departments, hiring managers, interviewers, and candidates can make impactful moves to improve their DEI hiring initiatives. Share Details 2025 Federal Certification Public Meeting Tue, May 06 bit.ly/CARTSZoom Help us ensure we meet federal planning requirements and provide feedback during a public meeting on Tuesday, May 6th, at 8:30 a.m. Share Details Public Meeting for the Draft FY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program Tue, May 06 bit.ly/CARTSZoom Help us plan the future of transportation in the Greater Lansing region! Tri-County staff will guide residents through the Transportation Improvement Program development process and provide an overview of the draft document during the public meeting on Tuesday, May 6th, at 8:30 a.m. Share Details Trails Open House Wed, Apr 30 DeWitt Charter Township Hall Attend our open house to help shape the future of trail connections and strengthen the community’s assets! Share Details Trails Open House Mon, Apr 28 Vevay Township Hall Attend our open house to help shape the future of trail connections and strengthen the community’s assets! Share Details Trails Open House Thu, Apr 24 Clinton County Road Commission Attend our open house to help shape the future of trail connections and strengthen the community’s assets! Share Details Trails Open House Mon, Apr 21 Dimondale Presbyterian Church Attend our open house to help shape the future of trail connections and strengthen the community’s assets! Share Details Trails Open House Thu, Apr 10 Stockbridge Township Hall Attend our open house to help shape the future of trail connections and strengthen the community’s assets! Share Details Trails Open House Tue, Apr 08 AL!IVE Attend our open house to help shape the future of trail connections and strengthen the community’s assets! Share Details Freeway Access Study Open House Tue, Mar 25 Hawk Hollow Help us improve freeway access in the East Lansing and Clinton County area and discuss current and future mobility conditions, challenges, and opportunities! Share Details Water Sector - Cybersecurity Training Session Thu, Mar 20 Cooley Law School Join us for an in-person tabletop training scenario with Michigan's CISA representative to learn how to respond in real time to cybersecurity threats to your local drinking water system. Share Details Load More

Tri-County works to ensure the economic vitality and meaningful development of the region's urban and rural communities through inclusive, comprehensive, and strategic planning. We collaborate and exchange resources with a variety of regional stakeholders from public, private, and nonprofit industries. Economic Growth & Quality of Life Planning Areas Talent & Workforce Development Placemaking & the Arts Urban & Rural Development Housing Recreational Access & Greenspace Hazard Mitigation (Disaster Preparedness) Economic Resiliency Quick Links & Resources Tri-County RPC Community Development Planning Projects MI Capital Region Data Dashboard Greater Lansing Regional Prosperity Initiative (GLRPI) Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) Michigan Small Business Development Center MSU Center for Regional Economic Innovation Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Capital Area Michigan Works! U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Teach. Talent. Thrive. (T3) Lansing 5:01 Arts Council of Greater Lansing Largest Employers in the Region Greater Lansing Michigan Convention & Visitors Bureau Pure Michigan About Our Community Development Program The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission works to ensure the economic vitality and meaningful development of the region's urban and rural communities through inclusive, comprehensive, and strategic planning. We collaborate and exchange resources with a variety of regional stakeholders from public, private, and nonprofit industries to enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and play throughout the Greater Lansing area. Tri-County takes a different approach to planning for our economy and community development, connecting partners in transit, land use, environment, local government, talent and workforce development, and the arts to bring new ideas to the table and build a regional blueprint that will create prosperous, resilient, and sustainable communities. Since 1986, Tri-County has been designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). This designation allows Tri-County to receive planning grant dollars from EDA and provides every municipality within the three-county region eligibility for EDA's different investment programs : Public Works and Economic Development Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Research and National Technical Assistance Local Technical Assistance Planning Program University Center Economic Development, and Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms MI Capital Region Data Dashboard Your hub for the latest demographic, economic, and workforce data for Michigan's capital region. Learn More Regional Housing Plan & Data Learn how we're assessing our regional housing trends and working with partners to address our needs! Learn More Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy We are updating our 5-year strategy for the region's economic prosperity! View our current plan now. Learn More Plans & Documents View plans, projects, tools, technical studies, and operational documents for our economic and land use programming. Learn More

We operate a variety of committees to discuss transportation, environmental, and community development trends and challenges affecting the Greater Lansing area. Join us for a meeting! COMMITTEES Learn More Executive Committee Leadership team of the Board of Commissioners. Coming Soon! Community Coordinating Committee Discusses regionally significant developments and projects. Learn More Board of Commissioners 19 Commissioners representing the region's communities. Learn More Capital Area Regional Transportation Study Planning for our regional transportation needs. Learn More GLRC on Stormwater Management Working with municipalities to keep our surface waters clean. Learn More Rural Task Force Addressing our region's rural transportation needs. Learn More Groundwater Management Board Protecting and preserving our region's drinking water. Learn More Regional Economic Collaborative Community leaders discussing regional economic growth. Learn More Mid-Michigan Water Authority Improving our regional public water supply systems.

GMB provides a forum for the coordination of groundwater matters in the tri-county region, and reviews and comments on land use and/or water development projects that may have a potential impact on groundwater management. Back to Committees Groundwater Management Board The Groundwater Management Board (GMB) provides a forum for the coordination of groundwater matters in the tri-county region, and reviews and comments on land use and/or water development projects that may have a potential impact on groundwater management. It is composed of representatives from Michigan State University and governmental units from Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties, and was designated by the State of Michigan as the local Large Water Users Group. Should there be a water use dispute, the GMB acts as the organizing body for discussion and mediation. The Groundwater Technical Advisory Council (GTAC) is an advisory council of the Groundwater Management Board. It is comprised of groundwater specialists from local government, local health departments, state agencies, and other organizations that play a direct role in groundwater protection. The GTAC advises the GMB on technical matters related to groundwater management. View past projects , the Tri-County Water Policies & Programs Guide , and the Lansing Metropolitan Area Groundwater Management Plan to learn more about the GMB’s activities to protect our region’s drinking water resources. Check the calendar for upcoming meetings of GMB and GTAC. Delegates Agendas & Minutes Meetings Calendar Bylaws