In 1996, the PAC set up a public forum on the creek, with the result that a Ruddinon Creek Task Force was formed to prioritize projects and work with local officials to solve the on-going and historical pollution problems. The Water's Edge Landscaping Award Program was developed by the Muskegon Lake PAC to establish demonstration sites within the Muskegon Lake watershed for improving water quality and wildlife habitat through near-shore management changes. Six planting sites were established through the program. Applicants chosen by the PAC Habitat Committee received monetary incentives and information about native plants and water's edge landscaping. Public tours followed the 1995 and 1996 program.
Most sites are on private property.
One site is at Muskegon Community College along Four-Mile Creek. Education and public outreach activities have been ongoing regularly since the Muskegon Lake RAP Update and the White Lake 1995 RAP Update . A 1996 U.S. EPA grant to MCD will further involve the public in erosion inventories and native plant greenbelt establishment along Muskegon Lake's Ryerson Creek. The MCD and Natural Resources Conservation Service supports the Muskegon Lake PAC by providing project, staff, educational, and technical support to coordinate and implement the RAPs for Muskegon Lake and White Lake AOCs. A public meeting was held in November 1994 to discuss the RAP Update and solicit comments.