The Environmental Services division is responsible for implementing and managing mandated water quality programs to protect our watershed and managing projects of special interests to our Township residents that may have a potential impact on the environment. In addition, it provides plan reviews and technical support for new developments and capital improvement projects in the Township.
News You Can Use
DTE Performing Maintenance Tree Trimming WorkÂ
Contractors on behalf of DTE are performing maintenance tree trimming in Bloomfield Township. Please use the link below to see if you live in one of the affected areas. For more information please visit DTE Tree Program. Other areas are subject to DTE work for various reasons that may not be reflected in the maps. Questions on this program should be directed to DTE Arborist Facilitator Dan Phillips at 810-280-6433.Â
2021 Tree Maintenance Area
New Invasive Species Alert
Two new invasive species have been found in the Rouge River Watershed for the first time and pose a big threat. Please be on the alert for them and report any sightings immediately.
Red Swamp Crayfish: Also known as Louisiana crayfish, these were discovered in a pond in Novi on July 14 and reported to the DNR by Philip Kukulski who also provided the photo. Since then the DNR has removed 857 red swamp crayfish in 11 days from one retention pond. They have bright red bumps on their claws and body unlike our local brown crayfish. They dig enormous burrows that can cause erosion and pose a threat to fish and benthic macroinvertebrates that they devour and outcompete. If you find one, record the location, photograph, remove and freeze and report to the State of Michigan. Friends of the Rouge may be organizing some volunteer days to look for them, Email if interested in helping.
Support the E.L. Johnson Nature Center by Becoming a Friend!
Join the Friends of the Johnson Nature Center! The Friends group was recently established to support the E. L. Johnson Nature Center, owned by the Bloomfield Hills School District. The Friends group will provide learning opportunities through exhibits and programs for visitors to the Nature Center and for members. They will serve as docents in the Visitors Center and to help maintain the grounds of the Nature Center, as well as provide funding for exhibits and other needs of the Nature Center. For more information, visit the website.
Clean Water and Pet Waste
Some important tips for keeping our water clean...Remember, you’re not just walking the dog!
Did you know that pet waste contains bacteria that make our lakes and rivers unsafe for swimming and other recreational activities?
Did you also know? There are over 53 million dogs in the United States, which produce 6.3 billion pounds of waste and bacteria per year! Residential lawns and streets are among the highest contributors of bacteria in storm water, which drains directly to our lakes and rivers.
Southeast Michigan loves dogs, too! Nearly one-third of the region's households have at least one dog. This statistic is evident here in Bloomfield Township, where over a thousand dog licenses are issued each year to Township residents.
Most of us pick up after our pets to be good neighbors and keep our yards clean. But there’s another important reason to clean up after our pets. Leaving pet waste on the sidewalk or in the yard means that harmful bacteria can get washed into storm drains and roadside ditches and then flow directly into our lakes and rivers untreated.
What can you do? Simple! No matter where you are, clean up after your pet and dispose of your pet’s waste promptly by throwing it in the trash or toilet.
For more easy steps on protecting our lakes and rivers, visit the "Ours to Protect".