The Marble–Coldwater Clean Water Partnership (MCCWP) is a collaborative nonprofit organization of volunteers bringing together local lake associations, township leaders, residents, businesses, and regional conservation partners to protect and improve the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes watershed in Branch County, Michigan.
Our mission is to preserve clean water through science-based monitoring, community education, volunteer engagement, and watershed stewardship. We are currently leading the development of a comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the entire Marble–Coldwater watershed—the critical first step toward identifying pollution sources, establishing long-term restoration priorities, and securing future state and federal funding for water quality improvement projects.
By working together today, we are helping ensure healthy lakes, abundant wildlife, strong local economies, and outstanding recreational opportunities for generations to come.
Our mission is to preserve clean water through science-based monitoring, community education, volunteer engagement, and watershed stewardship. We are currently leading the development of a comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the entire Marble–Coldwater watershed—the critical first step toward identifying pollution sources, establishing long-term restoration priorities, and securing future state and federal funding for water quality improvement projects.
By working together today, we are helping ensure healthy lakes, abundant wildlife, strong local economies, and outstanding recreational opportunities for generations to come.
Marble–Coldwater Clean Water Partnership Receives 501(c)(3) Status
We are excited to announce that the Marble–Coldwater Clean Water Partnership has officially been recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity.
We were told the approval process could take up to 10 months, so receiving our determination in less than one month was an unexpected and welcome surprise. We believe this was possible because of the extensive research and meticulous preparation that went into our application. Every requirement was carefully reviewed, every supporting document carefully prepared, and every detail completed before submission.
That same commitment to excellence is what our volunteers bring to every aspect of our organization. It is the foundation of our science-based monitoring programs, our community outreach, and our grant applications. We are confident that this attention to detail will make us a strong competitor for future grant funding.
However, successful grant applications require more than well-prepared proposals—they require local community support. Before September, we must raise a minimum of $25,000 in local matching funds to qualify for an EGLE Watershed Management Planning Grant. The more local support we demonstrate, the stronger our application becomes and the better positioned we are to secure significant funding for watershed planning and future restoration projects.
Every donation helps build the required local match and demonstrates that our community is committed to protecting the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes. Together, we can unlock the resources needed to improve water quality, restore habitat, and preserve these lakes for future generations.
We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Friends of the St. Joe River Association for serving as our fiscal sponsor while our 501(c)(3) application was pending. Their support allowed us to begin fundraising immediately, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in protecting the St. Joseph River watershed.
We were told the approval process could take up to 10 months, so receiving our determination in less than one month was an unexpected and welcome surprise. We believe this was possible because of the extensive research and meticulous preparation that went into our application. Every requirement was carefully reviewed, every supporting document carefully prepared, and every detail completed before submission.
That same commitment to excellence is what our volunteers bring to every aspect of our organization. It is the foundation of our science-based monitoring programs, our community outreach, and our grant applications. We are confident that this attention to detail will make us a strong competitor for future grant funding.
However, successful grant applications require more than well-prepared proposals—they require local community support. Before September, we must raise a minimum of $25,000 in local matching funds to qualify for an EGLE Watershed Management Planning Grant. The more local support we demonstrate, the stronger our application becomes and the better positioned we are to secure significant funding for watershed planning and future restoration projects.
Every donation helps build the required local match and demonstrates that our community is committed to protecting the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes. Together, we can unlock the resources needed to improve water quality, restore habitat, and preserve these lakes for future generations.
We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Friends of the St. Joe River Association for serving as our fiscal sponsor while our 501(c)(3) application was pending. Their support allowed us to begin fundraising immediately, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in protecting the St. Joseph River watershed.
Mission StatementThe Marble–Coldwater Clean Water Partnership works collaboratively with government agencies and regional partners to protect and improve water quality across the Marble–Coldwater watershed through science-based monitoring, data-driven planning, education and awareness, and community engagement. Our mission is to keep our chain of lakes healthy and accessible for recreation, while balancing the interests of property owners, local government and the broader community, now and into the future
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Protecting our lakes doesn’t happen on its own.
Every contribution helps protect and improve our lakes. |
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Working Along Side Our Lake Associations
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Two key community partners in this effort are:
If you are not already a member of one of these associations, we encourage you to visit their websites and consider joining:
- Coldwater Lake Association
- Marble Chain Improvement Association
- Educational programming
- Community events
- Volunteer engagement
- Water quality awareness initiatives
- Collaboration with local government
If you are not already a member of one of these associations, we encourage you to visit their websites and consider joining:
- Coldwater Lake Association: https://www.coldwaterlakeassociation.com/
- Marble Chain Improvement Association: https://marblechainoflakes.org/
Clean Water 💧Starts Here
Big things are happening across the Marble–Coldwater Chain of Lakes — and they’re powered by people who love lake life as much as you do.
The Marble–Coldwater Clean Water Partnership is launching a science-based Watershed Management Plan to protect our lakes today and preserve them for generations to come. Think of it as a blueprint for keeping our water clear, healthy, and thriving.
Why It Matters
Clean water is the heart of lake life. It means:
🚤 Better boating
🎣 Stronger fisheries
🏊 Safe swimming
🦆 Healthy wildlife
🏡 Protected property values
Protecting all of that takes more than hope — it takes a plan backed by real data and real community input.
Powered by Volunteers. Funded by Neighbors.
This effort is led entirely by volunteers who are donating their time and expertise. But professional water testing, watershed studies, and technical analysis require funding.
Your donation helps cover:
Your Voice Belongs in the Plan
Before the science is finalized, we want to hear from you.
The Community Survey will help:
✔ Identify concerns
✔ Set priorities
✔ Strengthen grant competitiveness
✔ Shape the final Watershed Management Plan
It takes just a few minutes — and it ensures the plan reflects the people who live, boat, fish, and swim here.
👉 Take the survey here
📅 Survey Deadline: August 10, 2026
Let’s Protect What We Love
The future of our lakes isn’t something to leave to chance. It’s something we can shape — together.
Donate what you can — every dollar moves the plan forward.
Take the survey - your voice matters.
Join the crew — you choose the time, we’ll make it count.
Spread the word — post, share, and tell your neighbors.
Because clean water doesn’t just happen. We make it happen.
The Marble–Coldwater Clean Water Partnership is launching a science-based Watershed Management Plan to protect our lakes today and preserve them for generations to come. Think of it as a blueprint for keeping our water clear, healthy, and thriving.
Why It Matters
Clean water is the heart of lake life. It means:
🚤 Better boating
🎣 Stronger fisheries
🏊 Safe swimming
🦆 Healthy wildlife
🏡 Protected property values
Protecting all of that takes more than hope — it takes a plan backed by real data and real community input.
Powered by Volunteers. Funded by Neighbors.
This effort is led entirely by volunteers who are donating their time and expertise. But professional water testing, watershed studies, and technical analysis require funding.
Your donation helps cover:
- Scientific monitoring and data collection
- Watershed and land-use analysis
- Community education and outreach
- Grant coordination
- Essential administrative support
Your Voice Belongs in the Plan
Before the science is finalized, we want to hear from you.
The Community Survey will help:
✔ Identify concerns
✔ Set priorities
✔ Strengthen grant competitiveness
✔ Shape the final Watershed Management Plan
It takes just a few minutes — and it ensures the plan reflects the people who live, boat, fish, and swim here.
👉 Take the survey here
📅 Survey Deadline: August 10, 2026
Let’s Protect What We Love
The future of our lakes isn’t something to leave to chance. It’s something we can shape — together.
Donate what you can — every dollar moves the plan forward.
Take the survey - your voice matters.
Join the crew — you choose the time, we’ll make it count.
Spread the word — post, share, and tell your neighbors.
Because clean water doesn’t just happen. We make it happen.
KEEP OUR LAKES ALIVE AND SCAN ALL FIVE
Now Accepting Tax Deductible Donations. Donations fund the creation of our Watershed Management Plan—the critical step that makes our lakes eligible for state and federal grants and turns community concern into funded, on-the-ground action.
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All Eyes on the Water is a simple reporting app that allows residents and visitors to quickly document and share observations about lake conditions—such as algae, pollution, wildlife concerns, or unusual water changes—so they can be documented and addressed promptly.
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Our volunteer app makes it easy to sign up for outreach or monitoring—and even one hour of your time helps protect our lakes and strengthen our community effort.
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Your survey response helps shape our Watershed Management Plan and ensures your voice guides how we protect our lakes.
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Follow us on Facebook and be sure to click Follow. Following ensures you receive important updates about lake conditions, events, and ways to get involved.
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