Portage Lake Watershed Forever works with community partners to keep our streams, wetlands, and lake clean and healthy so they can be enjoyed for years to come. We are a Michigan nonprofit corporation formed in 2006 to protect the waters in and around Portage Lake through scientific study and community involvement.
Since 2006, PLWF has worked closely with the Manistee County Community Foundation (MCCF), which has an endowment fund dedicated to implementing the Portage Lake Watershed Management Plan. PLWF has coordinated the preparation and implementation of two 10-year watershed management plans, one approved in 2008 and an updated plan approved in 2020. In 2021, PLWF applied for and received tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
Portage Lake Watershed Forever is governed by a board of directors of between 9 and 12 members who serve 3-year terms. There are three standing committees that carry out the work of PLWF: the Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring Committee, the Education, Communication and Publicity Committee, and the Finance and Fundraising Committee. Standing committees include both PLWF board members and interested members of the public.