The Sturgeon River watershed (HUC 04020104) covers an area of approximately 1,300 square miles in northern Michigan. The watershed is characterized by a mix of forested uplands and wetlands, with numerous small streams and lakes that feed into the Sturgeon River. The hydrology of the watershed is heavily influenced by snowmelt and precipitation, which contribute to high water levels in the spring and early summer. The area receives an average of 100 inches of snow per year, and snowpack can remain on the ground well into April. Surface water in the Sturgeon River watershed is generally of high quality, although some areas are impacted by agricultural runoff and other sources of pollution. The watershed also includes several reservoirs, including the Burt Lake Reservoir, which is used for hydroelectric power generation. In recent years, the Sturgeon River watershed has experienced a warming trend, with average temperatures increasing by approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit over the past century. This has led to changes in the timing and amount of snowmelt, as well as changes in the timing and duration of the growing season for plants and trees in the area.