Presque Isle County and Alpena County share a unique groundwater resource, a karst aquifer. A karst is formed from limestone, dolomite or gypsum dissolving in solution, and is characterized by closed depressions or sinkholes, caves and underground drainage. Through these open channelways water can move very rapidly from the surface to the groundwater, creating an extremely high aquifer recharge rate. This unusual feature makes drinking water more highly susceptible to contamination from surface activities. Since much of the 284,000-acre sensitive area relies on private wells that are drilled directly into the karst, any contamination of the water will cause serious environmental health risks.

The Karst Aquifer Protection Project was the first in the state to include protection of groundwater as a key element of nonpoint source pollution prevention through the federal Clean Water Act Section 319 program. The program previously funded only surface water pollution projects.

The Presque Isle County Soil Conservation District Office, with support from the Department of Environmental Quality, initiated the Project, whose goal was to protect the area's drinking water source by improving public awareness of connections between land use practices and the groundwater.

The area covered by the Project - which includes all of Presque Isle County and most of Alpena County, including Long Rapids Township, Maple Ridge Township and most of Alpena Township - is largely rural and historically skeptical of government. Property owners are concerned that the program may lead to regulation, or that program representatives entering their property may identify alleged environmental violations or other problems which could lead to enforcement actions.

In addition, the area includes many farms that have been passed down through the generations, and some are against changing farming practices that have been used during that time. Increased research and communication efforts are necessary to help persuade landowners of the benefits they as well as the community will accrue if changes are made.

To address concerns about government intrusion, local leaders, including elected and appointed officials, were required to take the lead in advancing the program. The creation of a Steering Committee in April 1995 assisted in gaining community acceptance. Membership on the Committee included community volunteers and recruits, representatives of local, state and federal government, and members of the Michigan Karst Conservancy. The Committee continues to meet periodically to review the program's progress.

Former Project Coordinator Faith Sousa of the Conservation District said participation by community members has been instrumental in the Project's success. Resistance to the Project is based in part on a widespread belief that groundwater resources have served the community without a problem for over 100 years, and also on concerns that government authority may expand because of the project.

"You have to repeat the message over and over again before people hear it and believe it," says Sousa. "The key to acceptance is participation by members of the community who can spread the word to people they know."

The Project opened with a geological information survey to identify possible sources of groundwater contamination and sensitive areas. The Committee and Soil Conservation District launched an awareness program to promote community understanding of the project's purpose and value. In 1996, findings were then summarized in a report with recommendations.

The Project targets farmers and landowners in the designated "sensitive area" and asks them to participate in a voluntary program to implement resource management initiatives. The Conservation District provides funding; farmers are funded up to 75% of the costs to implement conservation practices, while other landowners receive 50% of their costs. As of October 1998, the Project had installed two cost-share projects, filter strips to protect sinkhole features, and had plans for three more. It has also partially funded installation of two private water supplies to replace contaminated supplies. These are funded by $37,000 in annual implementation monies from the federal government, passed through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).