Ausable River Association

The mission of the Ausable River Association (AsRA) is to help communities protect our streams and lakes. We envision a community of watershed residents and visitors enjoying the Ausable River, its lakes and tributaries, and protecting its clean waters, healthy free-flowing streams, and the diverse habitats that sustain its native plants and wildlife. This engaged community supports and works in partnership with AsRA to inspire future generations to cherish and protect our watershed. Our goals are: Clean Water Streams, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers capable of supporting a full complement of human and ecosystem needs Healthy Streams Shaded, cool waters, with ample floodplains and self-regulating flows sustaining ecological diversity and thriving communities Biodiverse Habitats Habitats and ecosystems fostering native plant and animal species in and alongside streams, lakes, and wetlands Public Enjoyment Responsible, low-impact recreational opportunities protective of Ausable waterways and adjacent lands Engaged Communities Informed residents and visitors caring for the health of the watershed where they live, work, and play A Voice for the River A strong, sustainable Ausable River Association working in partnership to achieve shared goals We are a community-supported organization that formed as a result of the first watershed-wide scientific study of the Ausable River, conducted in 1994 by the National Park Service. Since 1998, AsRA has been working cooperatively with landowners, municipalities, and government agencies to conserve the valued resources of the Ausable watershed. Originally, AsRA comprised representatives from each of the seven watershed towns and its work was largely funded by county and state agencies. AsRA has since evolved into a non-profit organization of concerned citizens who live, work, and play in the watershed. It is supported primarily by public and private project-based grants and by private donations from members and supporters.