Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizen Advisory Council DNR Division Reports

Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizen Advisory Council
DNR Division Reports
Date of Production: February 2015
This documentation is provided by Michigan DNR staff as supplemental information to the
Eastern UPCAC members via email on January 29, 2015.
Upper Peninsula Regional Coordinator: Stacy Welling Haughey
Public Meetings
February 12
March 16
March 19
Natural Resources Commission Meeting, Lansing
Joint U.P. Citizens Advisory Council Meeting – NMU, Marquette
Natural Resources Commission Meeting, RAM Center, Roscommon
U.P. State Park & State Sponsored Activities
February 7
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Guided Snowshoe Hike
February 7
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Lantern-lit Ski and Stroll
February 12
Tahquamenon Falls State Park--Dog Sled Rides
February 14
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Guided Snowshoe Hike
February 14
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Lantern-lit Ski and Stroll
February 19
Tahquamenon Falls State Park--Dog Sled Rides
February 21
Brimley State Park - 6th Annual Family Fun Day and Ski Race
February 21
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Lantern-lit Ski and Stroll
February 26
Tahquamenon Falls State Park--Dog Sled Rides
February 27
BOW Winter Workshop Weekend at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay
February 28
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Guided Snowshoe Hike
February 28
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Lantern-lit Ski and Stroll
Upcoming U.P. Recreation/Sporting Shows
February 5-8
Michigan ice Fest, Pictured Rocks-Munising, www.michiganicefest.com
February 7
23rd Annual Long Riders Relic Ride, Manistique, 906-573-2414
February 7
47th Annual International 500 Snowmobile Race, Soo, www.i-500.com
February 11
Superior Snowshoe Walks, Mines Park Trail-Ironwood, 906-932-3332
February 12-16
UP 200 & Midnight Run Sled Dog Races, Marquette to Grand Marais, www.up200.org
February 18
Superior Snowshoe Walks, Indianhead Mountain-Ironwood, 906-932-3332
February 20-22
76th Annual Pine Mountain Ski Jumping Tournament, Iron Mountain, www.kiwanisskiclub.com
February 20-22
10th Annual Antique Snowmobile Run for Fun, Copper Harbor, 906-369-0627
February 21
Downtown Showdown, Marquette, www.travelmarquettemichigan.com
February 21
Lil’ Jiggers Ice Fishing Derby & Frosty 5K Run, Manistique, www.cityofmanistique.org
February 21
Yooper-Beiner Snowshoe Race, Ironwood, http://wolverinenordic.com
February 27
5th Annual Copper Dog, Calumet, http://copperdog150.com
February 27-28
UP Ice Golf Scramble, St. Ignace, www.saintignace.org
February 28
Back Country Ski @ Redwyn’s Dunes, Calumet, www.michigannature.org
March 20-22
U.P. Boat, Sport & RV Show, Superior Dome, Marquette
May 1-2
Manistique Outdoor Expo, Little Bear West Arena, Manistique
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Upcoming February 12th Natural Resources Commission Meeting-Agenda
Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee
1. Presentation and Resolutions in Support of McLain and Straits State Parks General Management Plans
2. Oak Wilt Presentation
3. Parks and Recreation Updates
4. 2015 Priorities
NRC Marketing, Partnership, Youth and Outreach Advisory Committee
1. Structure of the Marketing, Partnership, Youth and Outreach Advisory Committee
NRC Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries
1. Fisheries Division Update
a. State Fish Hatcheries
2. Wildlife Division Update
a. Cooperator Coordinator Goals & Program
b. UP Habitat Workgroup Update
c. Wolf Management Plan Update
d. State Game Area Management Plans
NRC Committee of the Whole
1. Director’s Report
2. Legislative Report
Pure Michigan Hunt Winners Presentation
Public Appearances Before the NRC
Kathy English, Graymont
Bob Hansen, Graymont
Ray Karboske, Michigan Waterways Commission & Congressional Oversight
Jeff Henry, Michigan Waterways Commission & Congressional Oversight
Ed Spinazzola, Muzzle-Loading Zone 2
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION ACTION
1. Approval of Minutes: January 15, 2015 Natural Resources Commission meeting.
2. Falconry and Raptor Capture Regulations, Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment No. 1 of 2015
DIRECTOR’S ACTION
1. Land Transactions
a. Sale of Certain Department of Natural Resources-Managed Land and Minerals, Exchange of Other Lands, and
Sale of Option of Other Lands, Forest Resources Division, Graymont Sale and Exchange, Sault Ste. Marie and
Newberry Forest Management Units – Luce, Mackinac, and Chippewa Counties, Land Transaction Case
#20130281
b. State Forest Mineral Exchange, Sault Ste. Marie Management Unit – Chippewa and Mackinac Counties,
Graymont Exchange, Land Transaction Case #20140173
c. Wildlife Land Exchange, Martiny Lake Wildlife Game Area –Mecosta County, The Bettis Exchange, Land
Transaction Case #20140060
d. Conveyance of Surplus State-Owned Land, Holly State Recreation Area – Oakland County, Land Transaction Case
#20140074
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e. State Forest Land Acquisition, Atlanta Management Unit – Montmorency County, The Gombos Tract, Land
Transaction Case #20140054
f. State Forest Land Acquisition, Pigeon River Country Forest Management Unit – Otsego County, The Skiba Tract,
Land Transaction Case #20140203
g. Parks and Recreation Land Acquisition, Gaylord District – Cheboygan County, The Kuhn Tract, Land Transaction
Case #20140257
h. Parks and Recreation Land Acquisition, Gaylord District – Grand Traverse County, The Old Mooring Tract, Land
Transaction Case #20150005
January 15th Natural Resources Commission - Meeting Summary
By Ed Golder, Public Information Officer
The Natural Resources Commission met in Lansing on January 15th, 2015. Major actions and decisions:

Commissioner John Matonich of Davison, who has been on the NRC since 2010, assumed a new role as chair of
the commission. Outgoing chair J.R. Richardson, commissioner from Ontonagon, will remain on the commission
and serve as vice chairman of the body.

Director Keith Creagh received a revision of a land transaction application and a mineral exchange application
from Graymont, Inc. The company has proposed a limestone mining operation in the eastern Upper Peninsula.
The department put out a press release earlier this week announcing the revised proposals, giving some of the
details and linking to recommendations on each. A public meeting has been set for Jan. 28 in Newberry. A
decision by the director on those proposals could come as soon as the Feb. 12 NRC meeting.

The director announced that he has approved a discount of just over 10 percent for non-resident annual fishing
licenses for 2015. The cost of the non-resident annual fishing license will go from $76 to $68 starting March 1,
2015. As you all know, Michigan’s fishing and hunting licenses were restructured March 1, 2014. Since then
feedback from customers, local businesses and others suggested there was merit in discounting the annual
fishing license fee charged to non-residents to draw more buyers.

In addition, the director approved four land transactions.
The day began with a meeting of the Policy Committee on Finance and Administration. Erik Eklund from the Finance and
Operations Division reviewed the revenue results of the first fiscal year of the new hunting and fishing license structure.
The department had estimated $11.8 million in additional revenue would be generated in the first partial fiscal year of
its implementation. Instead, the department saw an additional $7.8 million.
The DNR honored its commitments with those additional dollars by putting out habitat improvement grants and using
the money for other work that directly benefits natural resources. The Fisheries Division, for instance, increased creel
surveys on inland lakes, increased communication on inland fishing and added to hatchery maintenance. Wildlife
Division developed seven GEMS (Grouse Enhanced Management Systems) to improve habitat for grouse and other
species and improve access for hunters. Forestry Division increased acres of state forests receiving wildlife habitat
management or maintenance.
The reasons the department did not receive the expected revenue are varied, including weather that made it tougher
for anglers to get on the water when they had hoped. But several significant changes in buying patterns drove the
variance. The first was a reduction in antlerless deer tags that resulted in a reduction in deer license sales. Second, nonresidents did not purchase the base license in the numbers expected. Third, the seven-day non-resident small game
license did not sell at expected levels, either.
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Based on this first year of buying experience, the department has adjusted its expectations for additional revenue in the
current fiscal year. The department estimates it will collect $13.1 million in added revenue in Fiscal Year 2015. The initial
projection for the first full year of revenue was $18.1 million.
The department continues to review the first year of data from the new license structure to determine whether
adjustments are needed. Important to remember, Erik said: The department has more revenue than before because of
the new license structure. Simply stated, our estimates of the amount of license revenue were somewhat high. Still, the
department has been able to add capacity and use grants to improve natural resource as a result of the license
restructuring.
Next came a joint meeting of the Marketing, Partnership, Youth and Outreach Advisory Committee with the Michigan
Travel Commission. The meeting heard from the DNR on customer data, our partnership with Pure Michigan and an
update of the Tourism Strategic Plan for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This was a great opportunity
to explore the connection between tourism and natural resources. Members of the Travel Commission showed keen
interest in what the DNR does and in the economic benefits of natural resources.
During the Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries, the committee heard a broad report from the DNR and partners
on water in Michigan. Bill Creal from the Department of Environmental Quality talked about the state's water
withdrawal assessment process. Since 2009 the state has had a water withdrawal assessment tool to screen and
expedite authorization of low-risk, large-quantity water withdrawals and to flag potentially risky withdrawals. Since
2009, the tool has screened 3,151 proposed withdrawals. Of those, 2,172 passed the tool, 979 required staff review, and
15 were denied. More than 90 percent of the requests were made for purposes of irrigation. David Hyndman of
Michigan State University reviewed studies of stream flow in the Upper Manistee and Au Sable watersheds. Brian
Burroughs from Trout Unlimited spoke about the effects of water withdrawals and climate change on streams and fish
habitat. Brian raised concerns that some trends could diminish the quality of fisheries, decrease angler use and
economic benefit, and increase reliance on stocking.
Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter updated the committee on Family Friendly Fishing Waters. The department has created 239
locations for this program, which have seen 27,000 unique visitors. Jim talked, too, about a review of walleye
management in the western Upper Peninsula. Among other things, the review found reason to be very cautious about
supplemental stocking and suggested need for further study to estimate populations, evaluate recruitment and
determine stocking needs. Jim also reviewed proposed new bass regulations for the department. There is strong support
in angler surveys for a year-round catch-and-immediate release bass season statewide. There is less support for added
harvest of bass. Fisheries Division is working toward a recommendation on changing bass regulations in the state.
Wildlife Chief Russ Mason reported that two shooting locations have been closed at the Middleville State Game Area by
order of the director because of safety concerns. Chad Stewart, the department's new deer management specialist,
reviewed this year's elk season. This season, 89 elk were legally harvested and three were illegally harvested. The
department had set a license quota of 100 for harvest, a reduction from previous years. Karen Cleveland from Wildlife
reviewed proposed regulations for falconry and rapture capture.
During the director's report at the Committee of the Whole, Ron Olson gave an update on Parks. Trail program staffing is
being reviewed to insure the most effective structure will be established, Ron said. Ron also reported that a public
meeting was held Jan. 12 on proposed ways to improve safety and customer service for ORV use at Silver Lake State
Park. That issue was removed from today's NRC agenda for further discussion. In addition, Ron talked about a meeting
last month with the Belle Park Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to define a strategic plan for the park. Finally,
Ron reported that the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit received the Midwest's Best Project of the Year Award from
the Engineering News-Record for renovation of that 100-year-old building. The award was presented in November in
Chicago.
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Forestry Chief Bill O'Neill introduced new FRD Assistant Chief Deb Begalle, a long-time DNR/FRD employee with
considerable experience in Forestry and excellent communication skills. Next, he covered the Michigan Forest Products
Marketing Analysis that is currently underway. Bill also discussed DNR/FRD fire and prescribed burn knowledge and
expertise. He reported on current Webinars on Phragmites and prescribed fire being led by FRD employee fire specialist
Lee Osterland for the Lake States Fire Science Consortium.
Tammy Newcomb from the Executive Division reported on Asian carp, the Chicago Area Waterways and ongoing actions
that were discussed last year with Michigan's congressional members and the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service in Washington, D.C. Several actions are underway, including an Army Corp of Engineers feasibility study to add
barrier defenses at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, a critical choke point for Asian carp. Another trip to Washington,
D.C., is planned for this spring to reinforce the urgency of the issue of developing this barrier and to support continuing
actions to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.
Peter Manning from the Michigan Attorney General's office reviewed the recent ruling from a U.S. District Court in
Washington, D.C., that put wolves back on the endangered species list in Michigan. The court ruled that Congress didn't
authorize the establishment of a distinct population segment when it listed the wolf as an endangered species. On that
basis, the court said the wolf should go back on the endangered species list. This action severely restricts department
management tools and options for individual citizens who are experiencing conflict with wolves. No decision has been
made on whether the state will appeal that decision.
Earl Flegler from the Wildlife Division briefed the commission on a proposed land exchange on Saginaw Bay. That
exchange was among the land transactions approved today by the director.
Director Creagh reviewed 2014 for commissioners. It was an impressive list. We'll talk about this more at the upcoming
all-employee meetings, which begin in a little more than a week in Marquette.
January 2015 Legislative Update - Trevor VanDyke , Director, Legislative & Legal Affairs Office
PA 407 of 2014 (HB 5226) – Expands Crop Damage Permits to Include Bear– Rep. McBroom: This new
act amends Section 40114 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to include bear as a
species for which a crop damage permit can be issued. The new act establishes specific deadlines for
responding to a request for a permit and also requires that only a person with a valid bear hunting license shall be
allowed to shoot the nuisance bear.
SB 78 – Prohibits the Designation of Biodiversity Areas – Sen. Casperson: This bill seeks to amend the
Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to prohibit the DNR and the NRC from promulgating or
enforcing a rule or order that designates or classifies an area of land, specifically for the purpose of achieving or
maintain biological diversity. The bill also eliminates the conservation of biological diversity from the DNR’s
duties regarding forest management, and requires the DNR to balance its management activities with economic
values.
• This bill has been presented to the Governor for consideration.
SB’s 795-797 & 799-800 – Increases Penalties for Prohibited Species Violations and Adds Additional
Prohibited Species – Sen’s. Kowall, Meekhof, Pavlov, Green, Casperson, Walker, Moolenaar, and
Hansen: These bills seek to amend various sections of the Michigan Complied Laws to increase penalties for
violations of introduction of prohibited, restricted, genetically engineered or nonnative aquatic species and also
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includes “insect” and “aquatic plant” in the prohibited list. To include additional criminal penalties; forfeiture of
property; suspension or revocation of licenses or permits.
• These bills have been presented to the Governor for consideration.
SBs 926 & 927 – Prohibits the Use of Aerial Drones for the Taking of Game – Sen’s. Casperson and
Pavlov: These bills seek to amend Sections 40102, 40111c, and 40112 of the Natural Resources and
Environmental Protection Act to prohibit the use of drones for the taking of game or to interfere with or harass
another individual who is hunting.
• While SB 927 was passed by both chambers and presented to the Governor for consideration, the
amendments to the House substitute of SB 926 were re-returned from the Senate and not voted on by the
House and therefore did not pass the House. Given that SB 926 and SB 927 were tie barred, SB 927 will not
be able to be signed into law.
HB 5141 – Provides for a Transfer of State-Owned Property to Kent County – Rep. Peter MacGregor:
This bill seeks to authorize the Department of Natural Resources to convey property located in
Plainfield Township to Kent County.
• This bill has been presented to the Governor for consideration.
HB 5563 – Creates a Disposal Process for Abandoned Vessels, ORVs and Snowmobiles – Rep.
LaFontaine:
This bill seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to create a process for the
disposal of abandoned vessels, ORVs and snowmobiles.
• This bill has been presented to the Governor for consideration.
HB 5952 – Removes the Use Restriction on Property Conveyed to Commerce Township – Rep. Kesto:
This bill seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to authorize the Department
to receive and then convey property in Commerce Township for the development of a township library.
• This bill has been presented to the Governor for consideration.
If you would like to learn more about these and other bills, you can access the Michigan Legislature website at
www.legislature.mi.gov.
Finance & Operations: Christina Hammill, Eastern UP
Dates to Remember
2/1 – Deadline for spring turkey license applications
2/1 – Bobcat hunting closes in Unit D, also close of U.P. bobcat trapping (units A & B)
2/1 – Early crow season opens
2/14-15 – Free fishing weekend
3/1 – New year licenses go on sale (most licenses expire 3/31)
3/1 – Apply for the 2016 Pure Michigan Hunt!
3/1 – Hand netting opens (smelt, suckers, bowfin, carp, gar, shad, goldfish)
3/1 – Squirrel and fox season close, also fox, coyote, muskat, mink trapping close
3/1 – Bobcat hunting closes (units A, B, C) and badger trapping closes in Zone 3
3/1 – Tree stands and ladders much be removed from all public lands
3/1 – Pike and walleye closes on the “boundary waters”
3/2 – Drawing results posted for spring turkey hunts
3/9 – Leftover turkey and hunt 234 on sale (unsuccessful applicants, rest on 3/16)
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3/11 – Last day to register bobcats taken by hunting (units A, B, C)
3/15 – Walleye, pike, muskie seasons close (inland waters)
3/20 – Dip netting opens (smelt, suckers, bowfin, carp, gar, shad, goldfish)
3/31 – Hunt, fish, and ORV licenses expire (also watercraft registrations)
3/31 – Last day for ice shanties in the U.P.
3/31 – Early crow and rabbit/hare season close, also beaver/otter trapping (unit C)
EUP Wildlife Division: Terry Minzey, Wildlife Supervisor (Prepared by David Jentoft, Wildlife Biologist)
Winter Conditions
• Wildlife Division staff measure snow depths weekly at 15 stations across the U.P.,
7 stations are located in the eastern U.P. A total accumulated snow (TAS) index is calculated from these
measurements
• The TAS index for the U.P. was above average as of the week of Jan. 19th.
• The U.P. TAS is tracking close to that of the 2014 winter
• The TAS for east U.P. stations began high, but has come closer to the average since 2005 in recent weeks
• The monitoring period will continue until the end of April; Jan. 19th was almost half way through the monitoring
period
Deer Camp Survey
• The U.P. deer camp survey is a cooperative effort between hunters and the DNR to obtain and report sighting and
harvest information as well as hunter opinions about the firearm season
• Survey materials were sent to approximately 680 contacts prior to firearm season
• Over 2,000 hunters from nearly 500 camps participated in 2014
• Staff are analyzing the data provided by these camps and hunters, and a report of the results is expected to be
available in February
• Hunter participation decreased in 2014, likely as a result of the snow conditions
• Some of the results may be impacted by the snow conditions and early migration
Habitat Management Planning
• Management plans are being developed for three GEMS in the eastern U.P.
- North Luce County GEM – 15-20 miles north of Newberry along M-123
- Garden Grade – near US-2 on the northern end of the Garden Peninsula
- Mint Farm – north of Manistique
• A management plan, or master plan, is being updated for the Munuscong Bay State Wildlife Management Area. This
is one of several high priority management areas in the U.P. for which a master plan will be updated in 2015. Many
of these areas will be part of the Wetland Wonders statewide program.
• All management plans will be reviewed and approved in the state forest management planning process in the
respective forest unit, and will be available for review at the forest unit’s open house later this year.
• Staff are planning and preparing for spring and summer projects that include oak tree planting, mechanical openings
maintenance, and prescribed burns to enhance wildlife habitat. Bids are currently being solicited for oak trees.
Strategic Planning
• Staff from the U.P. are involved in the process of updating the Wildlife Division strategic plan for 2016-2021. The
Division has operated under the GPS since 2010.
• The plan will update goals, and guide Division priorities and activities for 2016-2021
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Forest Resources Division: Jeff Stampfly, Acting Eastern UP Supervisor (provided by Kristen Matson)
 The 2017 Year of Entry (YOE) inventory is underway with staff gathering field information. Open house and
compartment review schedules will be posted online when they are finalized, along with other state forest inventory
information at: Michigan.Gov/Forestry. The open house schedule should be posted by the time of this meeting.
 As our old forest inventory system used outdated technology that was no longer supported, we have switched to a
new inventory data collection system called MiFI (Michigan Forest Inventory). MiFi will be used as a tool in future
forest planning operations. Staff are currently being trained in this new system.
 The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) completed a Surveillance Audit of
Michigan State Forest lands in early October 2014. In the EUP, both the Newberry and Shingleton FMU’s were
visited by the external auditors. The surveillance audit report has been posted online. It can be found online, along
with other information on Michigan’s Forest Certification Program at: Michigan.gov/ForestCertification.
 The EUP district supervisor position has been permanently filled by Jeff Stampfly. He will continue to cover the WUP
district supervisor position until it’s filled. Shingleton has 2 new staff members – one forest technician and one
temporary Fire Officer. The interviews for a forester at Naubinway occurred at the end of January.
 As of January 7th, we have 276 open timber sale contracts in the EUP. This represents 36,048 acres of timber valued
at approximately $22.0 million. Approximately 30 of these sales are currently active.
 Current harvesting activity is mostly in the lowland timber types. The cold temperatures and deeper snow depths
have enabled loggers to harvest timber in these areas. The Petrel Deeryard Sale is active but there are very few deer
(4) utilizing the yard.
 Forestry staff have been busy this winter preparing timber sales to be bid. There are several upcoming timber sale
bid dates in January and February where timber sales will be offered (5 in Newberry, 4 in Sault, and 8 in Shingleton).
Shingleton recently sold 2 sales, but had 1 no bid sale in December. The Sault FMU sold 7 sales in January with
heavy bidding.
 Jack pine regeneration is starting to show two and a half years after the Duck Lake fire. This spring three students
will cover the area looking for little seedlings. They will be establishing over 2500 plots to systemically survey the
fire area. The results will help us decide where to continue our regeneration efforts.
 The Emergency Forest Restoration Program, which offered cost assistance to private landowners who suffered
damage at the Duck Lake Fire, is complete as of December 1, 2014. Completed restoration projects include 117
acres that were planted to trees.
 FRD fire staff has been busy throughout the winter preparing equipment and making plans for the upcoming fire
season. The S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior fire training was held in December (FRD and WLD folks) and
S-390 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations fire training was held in January for the entire state (FRD
folks). Several EUP staff attended these trainings to enhance their qualifications and knowledge.
 DNR Staff have been working with the PRD and the clubs to ensure safety as well as assisting on operational issues.
In December FRD staff assisted the Michigan State Police in the investigation of a snowmobile accident which
resulted in a fatality on Trail #9 in north Luce County. The Sault has been working with PRD and Hiawatha National
Forest on a water/beaver issue that forced closure on snowmobile trail #480, and also met with PRD staff and the
Les Cheneaux Snowmobile Club to get engineering plan for new snowmobile bridge in the Hessel area.
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 Several event permits were recently issued, including:
• The annual Tahquamenon County Sled Dog Race (TCSDR) that occurred on January 10th, 2015. The race was
held primarily on State Land in north Luce County with the start/finish line being at Muskallonge State Park.
The race was once again a success. The TCSDR committee as well as those involved in coordinating the
event did a fine organizing the event.
• A use permit to Safe Trails Association, Inc. (Natures Kennel) to use state land north of McMillan to offer
winter activities such as sled dog rides as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing opportunities.
• An event Permit for the annual Seney Snowmobile Association Veteran Ride. The event will occur on March
8th and will occur along portions of DNR designated snowmobile trails in Luce and Schoolcraft Counties.
 FRD and WLD are working this winter on plans for the GEM (Grouse Enhanced Management Area) that is located in
North Luce County. The GEM will be open to hunters by the upcoming 2015 grouse season.
 Volunteers have been grooming the Canada Lakes Ski Trail as well as the Paradise Pathways Ski Trail. This winter has
been turning out to be favorable for skiing.
 The Shingleton UM gave a Rotary Presentation recently in Manistique where the EUP CAC was discussed, and
participants were encouraged to participate, as only 1 out of 20 members are from Schoolcraft County.
 After last meeting’s question regarding earthworms I asked Dr. Robert Heyd, the Department’s forest entomologist
about earthworms. Below is some of the information he provided me:
 The information on earthworm impacts on forest health is largely anecdotal. Apparently we have no native
earthworms. There is lots of variation in observations and no real data. Common statements include:
o When earthworms invade the herbaceous cover decreases
o Earthworms alter the soil nutrient availability (carbon and manganese)
o Worms remove duff, expose roots and impact microbial communities vital to forest floor health.
o Forests that have high earthworm numbers and high deer numbers are in trouble.
 Some studies report earthworm invasions following road systems, and other report invasions along water
courses/lakes. In my experience, impacts on the duff and seedling layers coincide with high deer populations,
which could alone explain the disruption. So, we are not ready to suggest any actions in terms of public
education or management, nor has there been any real understanding or support of actions that would
influence the distribution and abundance of earthworms populations.
 There are differing opinions found on the internet.
Parks & Recreation Division: Tom Paquin, Eastern Supervisor
 Muskallonge Lake: Staff is working on remodeling showers at the west toilet/shower building. Work includes new
lighting and tile. There is currently a vacant Ranger position. The Park hosted the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog
Race on January 10th. The event went very well with over 60 teams participating.
 Newberry Field Office: Staff is working on vault toilet construction and assisting Muskallonge Lake with demolition
preparations for the Headquarters facilities. Interviews were conducted for a Ranger A (Lead Worker) position. A
recommendation has been made and it is in the approval process.
 Brimley State Park: The Algonquin Fundraising event will be held February 21, 2015. The Algonquin Pathway cross
country ski trail has attendance of 250 to 300 skiers per week. Brimley State Park is working on a Lake
Superior/E.U.P water trail with Lake Superior Land Conservancy and E.U.P planning and development to identify
“put-in/take-out locations”. Brimley State Park, E.U.P Rec. specialist as well as the E.U.P District Supervisor has met
with City of Sault Ste. Marie to identify a route that would connect the Soo to Raco grade with LSSU campus as well
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as the downtown area of Sault Saint Marie. A route has been identified, we are moving forward to designate the
route. The park has accepted a volunteer application submitted by the Lions Club of Rudyard to groom Pine Bowl
Pathway in Kinross for use as a cross country ski trail. The Lions Club is grooming 7 miles of trail weekly with their
equipment.
 Indian Lake/Palms Book: Phase one of the shoreline erosion project at Indian Lake State Park is scheduled to begin
this spring. The first phase of the project will be bid & contracted out. The bids for our new toilet building at Palms
Book are in & the contract has been awarded. Construction will begin in the spring 2015 with a completion date of
early June.
 Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Working on renovating the other former park manager’s residence into a second
lodge. Jake Slosson was recently hired as a Ranger E-6. He replaces Mike Selbee, who retired in November. Free
snowshoe rental, guided Snowshoe hikes, & lantern lit cross-country skiing is being held every Saturday in February.
Maple Sugaring Day will be held on March 28th, Noon -4pm at the Upper Falls. We have 18 reservations for the
Lower Falls campground for this weekend (Jan.23-25th). Passport compliance has been lower than normal at the
upper falls. Staff have added additional signage to help the issue. Other items include:
1. New Paradise Trails Group: Tahquamenon Country Pathways Association is a non-profit volunteer group with a
mission of improving non-motorized trails is the Tahquamenon Area. This group’s website is http://tcpa.club/.
2. The Tahquamenon Scenic Byway non-motorized trail feasibility study is near completion. This study looked at
development of a bike/hike path from Newberry to Eckerman. This will be submitted to MDOT in February. To
look at this study, go to: http://eup-planning.org/current-projects/trail-study.
3. Tahquamenon Falls State Park was selected as one of the “Top Ten State Parks” in the nation by Family Fun
Magazine. We are currently working on marketing, and this should come out in Family Fun’s spring magazine!
4. Explore M123: A series of videos were shot, funded by a grant received by the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway
Committee. These videos raise awareness of the businesses and recreational opportunities on the
Tahquamenon Scenic Byway. To view these videos go to explore M123: http://www.explorem123.com/
 Straits State Park: The two new lower campground toilet buildings had their phase 500 90% review completed.
Bids were advertised to obtain a contractor for the demolition/construction of them in September 2015. Bids are
due February 25. Quotes are being gathered for 4 new steel shower doors in the North #2 toilet building. Quotes
are coming in for new bathroom sink counters in the North #1 toilet building. The new skid pier was delivered to the
access site on the Pine River. The park staff held a Stomp in the Park to coincide with National Trails Day on January
10. We had a lantern lit trail and a bonfire with s’mores for about 40 guests. Mike Sutton has been meeting with
the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce about several more events at the park this winter. We have about 4-6 inches
of snow in the park and 800 people a week walk or snowshoe on the park roads. The park staff had several
telephone conferences this past quarter, including the Management Team planning process and Harbormasters
meeting. The District safety meeting was also held at the Straits State Park.
Eastern UP Fisheries Division: Steve Scott, Eastern UP Field Units Supervisor
 Field Units (Steve Scott, Unit Manager): Staff have been busy entering collected information in our computers and
analyzing the information for summary. Fish scales are also being prepared and read to determine age and growth
rates of those fish collected. Equipment and net repairs continue also. The lakes have good ice conditions and many
anglers are enjoying fishing opportunities this winter. Moderate to good catches have been reported. Staff have
participated in the Lake Superior Technical Committee, Basin Team meeting, Forest Certification meeting, and
Department wide meeting.
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 Marquette and Thompson Fish Hatcheries (Jan VanAmberg, Manager): No report
 Marquette Research Station (Ed Baker, Manager): No report
Marketing & Outreach Division: Jon Spieles, Education Services Section
 Since the end of October, Education Services staff has completed 133 school programs, 85 public program and 55
outreach programs for about 7,000 participants. These include ice fishing clinics, snowshoe-building classes and
winter hikes, fishing rod building classes, winter survival courses, lantern ski events, owl prowls and many other
activities and events that round out the winter programming at our nine facilities around the state.
 Recently completed construction of a fishing pier at the Oden State Fish Hatchery where we intend to begin regular
introductory fishing programs in the spring. The pier is located on a spring pond that will support rainbow trout
raised at the same facility.
 Design and construction has also been started on a similar project at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan.
The project, like the one just finished at Oden, will facilitate introductory fishing programs and remove barriers for
participants with disabilities.
 Design and construction has begun on the educational exhibits at the newly renovated Ludington Beach House. The
facility was built in the 1930’s and will now house exhibits that help visitors to this popular park understand the
ecology and risks to the Great Lakes. Exhibits including live salmon and lamprey, ballast water, watershed health and
more will be in place by mid-summer 2015.
 Exhibit construction is underway at the Outdoor Adventure Center in downtown Detroit. U.P. staff is currently
working on the project by providing message, goals and background to the consultant working on the project. The
center will be open to the public by mid-summer this year.
Law Enforcement Division (LED): Lt. Skip Hagy, District 2
It may be the middle of winter, but the activity across the District has not slowed down for our CO’s. Great snow and ice
conditions have found us with an abundance of snowmobilers, fisherman and predator hunters. Law Division’s latest
Recruit School which began on January 4th is also underway at this time. The school began with 44 recruits and as of this
writing we are at 42, upon graduation in June some of the new officers will join the ranks in the District. Below are some
of the activities our District offices have been involved in since the last CAC.
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CO Rob Freeborn contacted a man setting up to fish. He had driven his ORV onto the ice carrying 2 passengers,
with no helmets and no ORV license. His permanent ice shack also had no name and address on it.
Enforcement action was taken.
CO Robert Crisp was working a trail head in the AuTrain area when he encountered a snowmobile with an
expired registration. The rider stated that the sled was registered in his home state. After checking LEIN and
several other things, CO Crisp could not locate valid registration for the snowmobile and advised the rider of
this. The rider finally admitted that the sled was titled to his business and not currently registered.
Enforcement action was taken.
CO Mike Evink and Acting Sgt Jerrold Fitzgibbon investigated a complaint of a shot being fired in a residential
neighborhood the previous night. A short interview with the suspect led to a doe hanging in a garage that had
been shot without a doe tag, in an area without doe tags. It was shot at night from the kitchen window. The
deer and firearm used were seized and the subject was issued a ticket for taking an illegal deer.
CO Mike Evink and Acting Sgt Jerrold Fitzgibbon contacted a group in the Thompson Plains that was just
concluding a deer drive. After checking the hunters at the end of the drive, the officers followed the group
around to pick up the “post” hunter. Unfortunately he wasn’t wearing any hunter orange clothing. A ticket was
issued for the violation.
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While on patrol CO Rob Freeborn located a hunter sitting on the ground under a tree with no hunters orange.
When asked if the hunter had any orange with him the hunter stated that he did not. Enforcement action was
taken.
While on patrol CO Rob Freeborn stopped to talk to a camp that was packing up. While at the camp, Officer
Freeborn observed 4 buck heads hanging from the buck pole. Upon further investigation it was determined that
one of the bucks had been tagged with a base license. When questioning the hunter about the license, the
hunter stated that he just got caught up in the excitement and forgot to put the right tag on and that he had the
single tag still in his wallet. Officer Freeborn then explained that if the tag would have been validated like it was
supposed to there would be no confusing a base license from a deer tag. Officer Freeborn watched the hunter
validate his correct license and tag the deer accordingly. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Rob Freeborn located a group of ice fisherman fishing a remote section of the Manistique River. When
checking fishing licenses one of the fishermen stated that he left his at home. Upon further investigation the
subject had not purchased a fishing license yet this year. Enforcement action was taken.
COs Jared Ferguson and Rob Freeborn were checking early fisherman on Indian Lake located in Schoolcraft
County. Upon contact CO Ferguson observed 7 fishing lines in direct sight. CO Ferguson was attempting to
count the lines the sportsman had out when CO Freeborn located another 5 lines. When asked, the fisherman
stated “didn’t expect to see you this early". 9 lines over! Tickets resulted.
CO Jared Ferguson while patrolling on a Forest Service road came upon an elderly couple that was incapacitated
with their motor vehicle. CO Ferguson was able to assist with removal of the vehicle from the embankment and
send them on their way. The elderly gentleman’s departing words were "We need more young men like you ".
CO Jared Ferguson participated in the Christmas time children’s program "SHOP WITH A COP ", which is always
very popular with the kids in the community.
CO Jeff Panich received a complaint of a hunter shooting deer after the firearm season had concluded. CO
Panich was made aware that the suspect has illegally shot several deer in the past and has bragged about never
being caught. CO Panich contacted CO Publiski who happened to be in the area, and the two CO’s responded to
the scene where it was immediately evident a deer had been shot. The two CO’s went to the suspect’s residence
and told him they were there for the deer, the suspect dropped his head and lead the CO’s to a shed behind the
house where a fresh whitetail doe was hanging. Upon the suspect’s confession to shooting the doe, the CO’s
also observed two other deer hides in the shed. The investigation revealed that the suspect had also poached
another doe and buck. CO Panich seized the deer and hides as well as the firearm used in the crime.
Enforcement action for the three illegal deer was taken.
CO Jeff Panich was working with DNR Forester Jeff Wise on Drummond Island locating illegal deer blinds on
State lands. They checked two hunters near an illegal blind. The hunters were not wearing any hunter orange
and had no kill tags in their possession. Upon inspecting one of the shotguns, CO Panich detected the smell of
marijuana on the gun. After a few questions, the hunter came clean and gave CO Panich the marijuana he had
on him as well as a case with more marijuana and paraphernalia. The illicit drugs were seized and enforcement
action was taken.
Conservation Officers Mike Hammill and Kevin Postma made contact with a couple deer hunters in a remote
area in Chippewa County. The hunters had several violations including loaded rifles on ORV’s. Action was taken.
While working a remote section of Chippewa County, CO Mike Hammill came across several sets of ORV tracks in
a prohibited area. The tracks led the officer to several bait sites where the hunters had cut many trees to
establish shooting lanes. Along with the illegal cutting, illegal bait and illegal blinds the hunters were equipped
to hunt throughout the night. CO Hammill waited well past hunting hours to check the individuals whom were
still in possession of loaded firearms. Multiple citations were issued.
Area officers conducted an investigation into another wolf poaching. Progress has been made and the
investigation continues.
CO Brett Gustafson received trail cam photos from a local hunter that shows a large cat that appears to be a
Mountain Lion. Photo has not been verified as of yet. Another hunter provided photographs of tracks that
appear to be from the same animal.
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CO Jon Busken received a complaint that an ORV was being operated in a closed area on state lands. The CO
located fresh ORV tracks and followed them on foot around several rock barricades. After following the tracks
for over 2 miles contact was made with the operator. The subject said he thought the rocks were put there to
lower the number of people who could enter. A ticket was issued for operating an ORV in a prohibited area on
public lands.
CO Kevin Postma contacted a hunter that he had checked the previous year for excess bait and an illegal blind
on state land. CO Postma chose to be extremely lenient and did not issue a citation for either of the violations
the previous year. This year however, it was decided that a citation would be necessary for the 200 lbs. of corn
and bale of hay as well as the blind that he was warned about last year. The individual was also arrested on an
outstanding warrant.
CO’s Bobby Watson and Jon Busken were conducting a joint ice fishing patrol when contact was made with two
ice fisherman in western Mackinac County. The ice fisherman had walked out from their lakeshore cabin to raise
their permanent shanty off the ice to prevent it from freezing in. During the contact it was discovered that there
were multiple tip ups placed between the fisherman’s cabin and their shanty. The fisherman claimed they had
been watching the tip ups from inside the cabin throughout the day. A license check revealed that only one of
the fishermen possessed a valid fishing license. A ticket was issued to the unlicensed subject.
CO’s Bobby Watson and Mike Hammill made contact with a group at a hunting camp after it was observed that
the hunters had not yet returned and it was long past legal hunting hours. While at the hunters cabin a full
round bale of hay and a large pile of sugar beets were located under a light. Upon contact it was discovered that
the hunters were not late hunting, but rather at the bar. The illegal over baiting was address and citations were
issued.
CO’s Bobby Watson, Jon Busken, and Rob Freeborn were conducting a joint ice fishing patrol when contact was
made with two fishermen in a permanent ice fishing shanty. One of the fishermen quickly exited the shanty
holding a rag covered in blood due to an ice auger incident that had happened earlier in the day. During the
contact, it was discovered that the ice fishing shanty had only been marked with the fisherman’s partial name
and lacked an address or any contact information. The fishermen’s four wheeler also lacked valid registration
and no helmets were present. Enforcement action was taken.
CO’s Mike Hammill and Bobby Watson working the last days of Muzzleloader season made contact with one
hunter leaving the woods that had a untagged doe in the bed of his pickup truck. While interviewing the hunter
it was apparent to the officers that the hunter was attempting to cover up something else. CO Hammill asked to
go back to the blind to make sure there wasn’t a crossbow locked inside. With a bit of hesitation the hunter
confessed to illegally shooting the doe with a crossbow. Action was taken.
CO Kevin Postma received the disposition on a court case involving a fail to prevent spread of fire case which
resulted in the destruction of three mobile homes, a garage and several vehicles. The guilty party was
sentenced to 90 days in jail and ordered to pay over $63,000.00 in fines and restitution.
CO’s Kevin Postma and Jeff Panich contacted a good number of snowmobilers in the Paradise area due to a lack
of snow across the Lower Peninsula. On several occasions the CO’s assisted with pulling sleds out of wet
swampy areas that had not yet froze over causing the sleds to be submerged in roughly 2 to 3 feet of slush and
water. Overall trail conditions were decent with roughly 2 feet of snow on the ground.
CO Jon Busken was checking ice fishermen in Mackinac County when he came across an ice shanty with three tip
ups outside. CO Busken contacted the shanty occupant who denied fishing inside the shack. CO Busken noted a
fishing pole in the shack with water droplets coming off and freezing on the line. When confronted the angler
said that even though there was a lure on the line he was not actually fishing with four lines but only using the
pole and lure to get his line depth and was getting ready to pull his third tip up when the CO contacted him.
Enforcement action was taken.
CO Jon Busken was patrolling Milakokia Lake when he observed an angler tending way more than three lines.
Contact was made with the individual who was fishing with seven tip ups. The angler claimed that his children
were fishing with the lines but they were doing so from their cabin. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Jon Busken was patrolling the Curtis area when he observed a snowmobile traveling down the road without
a registration or trail permit. The snowmobile was stopped and the operator produced a trail permit and valid
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registration. The operator claimed he had forgotten to attach stickers but was intending on doing so. CO Busken
contacted dispatch and found that the registration sticker belonged to a different snowmobile. Enforcement
action was taken.
CO John Wenzel worked with CPL Steve Martin making a Public Service Announcement video for Law Division.
The PSA’s will be featured on the DNR’s web page and will provide the public with information on various topics.
Acting Sgt. Jerrold Fitzgibbon contacted a fisherman checking one of his 2 tip ups. Fishing was slow which may
explain why he was trying to catch a fish with 2 more lines down in his shack. A ticket was issued for fishing too
many lines.
CO Mike Evink received a complaint of a Beagle that was caught in a body gripping trap and had died. Officer
Evink met with the complainant and was able to remove the trap from the dog and return it to its owner.
Officer Evink located the trap box that accompanied the trap. It has been determined the trap was illegally set.
The investigation continues.
Conservation Officer Michael Evink conducted a patrol on Indian Lake there was a high volume of activity on the
lake. Officer Evink had well over fifty contacts. The compliance level was good. A few warnings were issued for
minor violations.
CO Robert Crisp assisted MSP with a suicidal subject in the AuTrain area. The subject was supposedly on heroin
and other drugs and going through a rough patch in life. The subject was taken to the hospital for further help.
CO Robert Crisp was checking snowmobiles in the Kingston Lake area when he encountered three sleds without
registration. The sleds had been purchased at auction and never registered. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Rob Freeborn assisted Michigan State Police and Homeland Security in serving a search warrant on the home
of a felon who was in possession of firearms. Close to a dozen firearms were seized from the residence.
Acting Sgt Jerrold Fitzgibbon, CO Rob Freeborn, and CO Jared Ferguson patrolled on snowmobile those areas
north of Shingleton after receiving complaints of hunters using snowmobiles to “road hunt” for deer on the
snowmobile trail. A few snowmobile violations were dealt with by the officers but no hunting violations were
found.
While on patrol on Indian Lake, CO Rob Freeborn contacted a group of ice fisherman with several poles and tip
ups out. CO Freeborn was immediately confronted by one of the fisherman who stated, “I know you. You gave
me a ticket during deer season! When CO Freeborn asked how many lines he had out, the fisherman hung his
head and said 8. After further investigation with the rest of the group it was determined that they had an
undersized walleye as well as no ORV license. Enforcement action was taken.
CO’s John Busken, Bobby Watson and Rob Freeborn conducted a group patrol on the Manistique lakes in Curtis
as well as Indian lake. CO Freeborn located a subject who was fishing and did not have his license on his person
but stated he thought he bought one. After checking the fisherman’s license status through dispatch it was
determined the fisherman had not purchased a license this year. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Robert Crisp was the first responder to an injury snowmobile accident in the Munising area. CO Crisp
provided first aid for the rider and directed EMS into the scene. The rider had taken an unexpected jump while
off trail riding and broke his femur.
CO Robert Crisp responded to a complaint of a missing 13 year old at the Eben ice caves. CO Crisp was able to
locate the youth in the woods near the ice caves. The youth had gotten off the main trail and become
disoriented.
Acting Sgt. Jerrold Fitzgibbon and CO Robert Crisp observed fresh tracks around a fishing shack, but the
fisherman had left already, locking the door when he left. The officers were able to observe through a window
that a line had been left in the water. The officers followed the snowmobile tracks to a nearby residence with
no one home. Over 2 hours later the Officers checked back to find the man at home. He admitted that he had
left a line in with a sucker minnow on it in the water. He was escorted out to the shack to pull up the illegal line
and admitted to a second line in a nearby shack that also had his tracks at it. A ticket was issued for the
unattended lines.
CO Jared Ferguson and CO Rob Freeborn worked an OWI Snowmobile patrol in northern Schoolcraft County.
The officers contacted over 500 snowmobiles while riding over 100 miles on the trails between Seney and
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Shingleton. Compliance was good with only 1 ticket being issued for unregistered snowmobile. Many positive
comments were received from riders appreciating the COs being on the trails.
Acting Sgt. Jerrold Fitzgibbon, COs Rob Freeborn and Robert Crisp worked on snowmobiles in Alger County
checking area trails and lakes over the holiday weekend. The officers contacted several fishermen on Munising
Bay and AuTrain Lake, and a large number of snowmobiles on the trails. Compliance was good with only a few
violations being encountered.
While checking fishermen on Munising Bay, CO Robert Crisp observed a fisherman heading to his shack. He met
the individual before the lock could be taken off. Unfortunately for the fisherman the officer was able to
observe the set line that had been left to fish while the fisherman had gone home. A ticket for unattended line
was issued.
While checking fishermen on Munising Bay Acting Sgt. Jerrold Fitzgibbon contacted a fisherman who was
proudly displaying the 2 splake he had recently caught. When asked if he measured the fish the fisherman
responded of course he had. He uses the 5 gallon pail which is 15 inches in diameter to measure the fish “they
were just legal”. Officer Fitzgibbon loaned the fisherman a measuring tape which showed that his pail was only
12 inches in diameter. The fisherman was given a ticket for taking undersized splake.
CO Jared Ferguson received several complaints regarding ice track racing without a permit and loud noise.CO
Ferguson responded to the complaint and found no violations. All individuals were compliant with Michigan
Statue.
While on patrol CO Rob Freeborn observed 3 snowmobiles traveling at a high rate of speed down the middle of
M-28. CO Freeborn was able to get his patrol truck turned around and pursue the snowmobilers. CO Freeborn
was able to catch one snowmobiler several miles down M-28. When asked where the snowmobiler was going,
he stated that they were heading to Newberry and planned to take M-28 all the way there. CO Freeborn advised
the snowmobiler that he was not allowed to operate on the maintained portion of M-28. Enforcement action
was taken and the subject was advised to let his friends that were ahead of him know the rules.
CO Jon Busken was checking ice fishermen on Milakokia Lake when Mackinac Central Dispatch broadcast a
domestic battery in progress near the lake access site. A trooper was responding from nearly 45 minutes away.
CO Busken arrived on scene and found the complainant restraining his daughter who had assaulted his wife. CO
Busken interviewed suspects with MSP and placed the daughter under arrest for domestic battery. The suspect
was transported and lodged in Mackinac County Jail.
CO Jon Busken was patrolling Sault Ste Marie with Sgt. Gerald Thayer when they observed a snowmobile
operating on a public road with no trail permit or registration. Contact was made with the owner who claimed
he had just bought the snowmobile and produced a bill of sale. The bill of sale was dated more than three
months prior. The officers informed him that the title must be transferred within 15 days. Enforcement action
was taken.
CO Jon Busken was patrolling the Curtis area when he observed two snowmobiles being operated without trail
permits. Further investigation revealed that both snowmobiles had expired registrations. While contacting these
two individuals another member of the group arrived. He was operating a snowmobile with an expired
registration, no trail permit and was not wearing his helmet. Subjects were cited.
CO Jon Busken contacted an ice fisherman who indicated he had caught a walleye. CO Busken asked if the
walleye had any size to it to which the angler replied, “How big do walleye have to be?” The angler was found to
be in possession of an undersized walleye. The subject was cited for the short fish.
CO’s Jon Busken and Bobby Watson observed three tip ups frozen in the ice of South Manistique Lake. The
officers contacted the angler who CO Busken recognized as the suspect from a recreational trespass case he had
been investigating. Enforcement action was taken for recreational trespass and fishing with unattended lines.
CO Jon Busken contacted an individual who was operating a snowmobile without a helmet on Big Manistique
Lake. A file check revealed the suspect had a warrant for larceny from Florida. The issuing agency requested the
suspect be lodged in the Mackinac County Jail while deputies traveled from Florida to extradite him. CO Bobby
Watson assisted with transporting the individual to shore where he was lodged by an assisting trooper.
CO Kevin Postma contacted two fishermen on Brevort Lake fishing with 8 lines. One of the fishermen advised he
was a Tribal licensed fisherman and allowed to have 7 lines. The other advised he forgot his license in his
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vehicle. After follow up on both it was determined that neither of the individuals had valid licenses and
enforcement action was taken.
CO Kevin Postma contacted a fisherman in his fishing shanty and noticed he was using four lines. After a 5-10
minute “small talk” conversation CO Postma asked the fisherman how many lines he was using, to which he
advised three. CO Postma inquired about the fourth line that could clearly be seen descending into the water.
“Oh this one” the fisherman replied and lifted his jig pole revealing about 5 feet of line with a baited hook
attached. “I wasn’t using this one, I was just keeping my minnow alive, is that a problem”? The subject was
cited.
CO Jeff Panich was working a snowmobile patrol in Paradise when he stopped and spoke with a trail groomer.
The groomer told the CO that the town was having several issues with the large numbers of sleds on the
weekends. CO Panich spoke with several residents in town and was greeted with people asking him to sit by
their business/residences and work the snowmobiles that were operating in reckless manners. Many were
operating on roadways nearly causing collisions with vehicles then yelling at the drivers. Within only a few hours
CO Panich observed no helmets, illegal operation on a state highway, failing to stop at stop signs and several
unregistered machines. Numerous citations and warnings issued.
Remember the best lesson you can share with a new hunter or fisherman is leading by example when you do things
right!
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