Western Upper Peninsula Citizen Advisory Council DNR Division Reports

Western Upper Peninsula Citizen Advisory Council
DNR Division Reports
Date of Production: September 2015
This documentation is provided by Michigan DNR staff as a supplement to verbal reports that will be
distributed to the Western UPCAC at the September 14, 2015 meeting in Ontonagon, MI.
Upper Peninsula Regional Coordinator: Stacy Welling Haughey
DNR Public Meetings
September 16
September 17
September 21
September 22
September 25
October 1
October 6
October 6
October 8
October 13
October 15
October 15
October 20
October 27
Forestry Open House (Soo Mgmt Unit), Naubinway Field Office, 3-6pm
Forestry Open House (Soo Mgmt Unit), Kinross Township Hall, 3-6pm
Western UP Citizens Advisory Council Meeting, Porkies Chalet, 5:30pm EST
UP Sportsman Coalition Meeting, Soo (Chippewa Couty Shooting Assoc), 1:30pm
Forestry Compartment Review (Gwinn Mgmt Unit), Peter White Library, Marquette, 10:00am
Forestry Open House (Shingleton Mgmt Unit), Wyman Nursery, 4-7pm
Forestry Open House (Crystal Falls Mgmt Unit), MDOT Conference Room, Crystal Falls, 3-7pm CST
Forestry Compartment Review (Soo Mgmt Unit), Top of the Lakes Snowmobile Museum,
Naubinway, 9:00am
Natural Resources Commission Meeting (in the U.P.), Cedarville
Forestry Open House (Newberry Mgmt Unit), Newberry Field Office, 3-6pm
Eastern UP Citizens Advisory Council Meeting, Munising, 6:30pm
Forestry Compartment Review (Shingleton Mgmt Unit), DNR Shingleton Office, 9:00am
Forestry Compartment Review (Crystal Falls Mgmt Unit), Crystal Falls Township Hall, 8:00am CST
Forestry Compartment Review (Newberry Mgmt Unit), Newberry Correctional Facility Training
Room, 9:00am
U.P. State Park & State Sponsored Activities
September 18-20
September 19-20
September 19-26
September 19
September 20
September 25-26
September 25-26
September 25-27
September 26-27
September 26
September 26
October 1
October 2-3
October 3
October 3
October 3
October 10
Van Riper State Park - Harvest Festival
Bewabic State Park - Harvest Festival Weekend
Michigan Trails Week, September 19-26, 2015, www.michigan.gov/trailsweek
Little Presque Isle Cabins - 21st Annual Lake Superior Shore Run
Van Riper State Park - Michigan Trails Week Hike
Wells State Park - Spooktacular Weekend
Brimley State Park - Annual Harvest Festival Weekend
Van Riper State Park - Harvest Festival
Lake Superior Sportsman’s Club 6th Annual Trapping Workshop, Ontonagon
National Hunting & Fishing Day
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Hike Between Da Falls
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - Artist in Residence Presentation - Steve Thorpe
Brimley State Park - Annual Harvest Festival Weekend
Iron Ore and the Civil War, Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Negaunee
Fayette Historic State Park - Fayette Fall Fest
Straits State Park - Trek the Mighty Mac Mackinaw Bridge ATV Crossing
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Harvest Festival 2015
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Upcoming U.P. Recreation Events
September
September 26
September 26
October 2-3
For a host of events around the UP, go to www.uptravel.com
Sault International Marathon, Soo, 906-632-3301
Youth in the Outdoors, Seney National Wildlife Refuge, www.fws.gov/refuge/seney/yo.html
Trek the Mighty Mac Mackinac Bridge 1st Historical ATV Crossing, St. Ignace,
www.trekthemightymac.com (over 1,300 ATV’s registered to date!)
Recent DNR Press Releases
For full details, go to: www.michigan.gov/dnrpressroom
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Still time to enroll in hunter education classes before deer season (9/9/15)
Trapping workshop set for Sept. 26-27 in Ontonagon County (9/8/15)
Share ideas on state forest planning for Dickinson and Iron counties (9/8/15)
New boating access site at Lake Angeline, Marquette County, to open Friday (9/3/15)
DNR to host open house Sept. 12 on draft Drummond Island plan (9/3/15)
Share input on Algonquin Pathway, Ski Trail proposals at Sept. 14 meeting (9/3/15)
DNR sells surplus acreage to Marenisco Township in U.P. (8/31/15)
DNR to host meeting Sept. 3 on Ontonagon River walleye regulations (8/24/15)
DNR sends 17 firefighters to help battle blazes in 5 western states (8/19/15)
Gov. Snyder, Nature Conservancy and Michigan DNR commemorate 10-year anniversary of Big U.P. Deal in Luce
County (8/13/15)
 Partners help DNR stock more than 4 million walleye this year (8/12/15)
Grant Contacts
For other grant information, to go: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-58225---,00.html
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant
Recreation Passport Grant
Aquatic Habitat Grant
Michigan Invasive Species Grant
Wildlife Habitat Grant
U.P. Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Grant
Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, [email protected]
Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, [email protected]
Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, [email protected]
Kammy Frayre, 517-284-5970, [email protected]
Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, [email protected]
Bill Scullon, 906-563-9247, [email protected]
September 2015 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Agenda
& Stacy’s Informal Notes
NRC Work Session (Wednesday, September 9)
A work session was held to establish goals and a calendar of events/meeting focus for 2016:
Fisheries
 August 2020 Consent Decree discussions, the UP will be greatly involved
 Fish production: expanded walleye rearing
 Additional steelhead production (trial period)
 Lake Michigan Fisheries Management Plan (Michigan specific)
 Commercial fishing statute, which dates back to 1929
Wildlife
 Revision of the deer plan
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Results from the UP Habitat Workgroup
Partnership agreements
$950,000 from Dept. of Agriculture for the Northern Lower Peninsula
Co-op position with Autobahn Society
GEMS program may be expanded to turkey trails
Drummond Island Recreation Plan
Blue Ribbon Panel for state game areas
Parks & Recreation
 Prioritize trail inventory list
 Added 23 additional projects into ORV projects, $2.4 million
 Getting the snowmobile easement program up and running/implementation
 State park & harbor infrastructure needs, $313 million in projects identified
 Waterways- looking at the long term planning, $88 million dollars in project
identified
 Align the forest recreation lands working with Forest Resource Division by
implementing a dedicated plan
 ORV-trying to get to 4,000 miles of trails, we are at 2,000; we are concerned
about gaps, more than specifics
U.P. NRC Meeting
Thursday, October 8th
Clark Township
Community Center
133 E. M-134
Cedarville
Watch for more info!
East UPCAC Meeting
after NRC Meeting same day/same
place!
Law Enforcement
 2016 will be the first year of LED Strategic plan, it will be provided at the
November NRC meeting
 Plan to hire, train and have 20 new officers after the January academy
 Increase investigative unit
 Training and education with partner agencies to prevent the spread of
invasive
 Increase on-line trainings courses (can do from home)
 Hold the Youth Conservation Academy in urban areas
 Roll out additional modules to increase technology in the field
 40 officers could retire at any time, succession planning (234 total, including all levels)
Finance and Operations
 Shooting ranges were added to their division, $3 million was added in Pittman-Robertson funding
 Hosier Valley & Rose Lake site work
Forest Resources
 Timber sales, fire suppression
 Good Neighbor Authority
 Forest health initiative-spruce budworm & others
 Increased marketing of forest products industry & did it pay off?
 Technology improvements to vegetation management system
 Mobile work force
Marketing and Outreach
 Investment in time, research and technology (the RSS system is over half of the budget)
 Continue to work with trail inventory (pilot project in Marquette)
 Continue to work with Pure Michigan
 Continue to assist other divisions
 Economics of natural resource use
 Invasive education (include reaching out to millennials with video)
 Commissioner Schlaybaugh would like a presentation on organization of the division (budget, etc.)
 Possible presentation of how the division is structured and funded
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Minerals Management
 Environment management & stewardship of the lands we own (need a dedicated person to oversee)
 Example-production pipelines, where are they? Need an inventory
 Purchased property-what is on it, before we accept it
 14,000 active leases, need to step up the monitoring and ensure compliance
 Geologic survey and data collection has not been done in approximately 30 years
 Chairman Matonich-structure oil and gas sales around the market?
Other
Summary of Pittman-Robertson & Dingell Johnson funding
October: Possible aquaculture update
DRAFT/TENTATIVE 2016 Calendar of Events
 January (Detroit): Joint meeting with Travel Commission, Pure Michigan update, calendar year license sales report
 February: UP Habitat Workgroup update, Good Neighbor Authority update, budget update
 March (Holland): Lake Michigan fish plan, Minerals Management section overview, waterfowl regulations
 April: Waters & wetlands, deer season survey updates
 May: Turkey trails, furbearer regulations, OAC update
 June (Gaylord): Possible forestry issues, budget update
 July: Pheasant restoration initiative, joint meeting with Agriculture Commission, hunter access and private lands,
forest health, agriculture topics
 August: Invasive Overview
 September (Ironwood): Trails update, camping report, Copper Peak, Retail Sale System update, efforts of UP habitat,
Western UPCAC update
 October: Fish production, forest health update (Timber Summit also held at Kellogg Center)
 November: Statewide trail plan
 December: TBD
NRC Meeting (Thursday, September 10)
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Overview of DNR K-12 Education Programs and Goals
DNR Visitor Centers and their Impact
Lessons Learned from the Bald Eagle; The Value of Partnerships
A Look at Salmon in the Classroom from a Teacher’s Perspective
DNR Teacher Training: Project WILD and Learning Tree
The Impact of ANR in the Classroom
Additional DNR Education Programs
Questions for the Panel of K-12 Presenters
NRC Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries
1. Fisheries Division Update
a. Fishing Regulations
2. Wildlife Division Update
a. Wildlife Action Plan and Strategic Plan Update
 Updating the GPS (Guiding Principles and Strategies)
 Chief Mason Update
- Blue Ribbon Panel-September 29
- Hunter Access Grant $950,000
- Update on agricultural damage issues in the Northern Lower Peninsula-the process is working
- Disease Update-All good news (721 animals tested, under 50 positive)
b. Coyote Management
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NRC Committee of the Whole
1. Director’s Report
a. Climate Effects on Michigan Fisheries
b. Parks and Trails Update
c. Shooting Range Update: USFWS Shooting Range Development Grant (improve existing, new ranges, expanding
services, provide public ranges). Gaining input, sound testing, environmental assessments, local and regional
partnerships, public input, mirco-range design template, additional NRA $25,000 grants, construction,
maintenance and improvement
d. Oil and Gas Lease Auction Update
e. Fire Update: Cooperative wildlife effort-since the 70's, over 1,000 DNR employees have assisted; it provides
much needed assistance and training for our team. In 2015, there were 328 wildfires, 2890 acres, and 135
prescribed burns.
f. Proposed Drummond Island Management Plan
 57% is state owned-recreational destination and natural resource based economy
 Management plan needed to organize multiple uses and keep in balance with the natural resources
 Conflict existed due to past use of public land and new trends
 Public issue scoping meeting June 2011
 Public meeting September 12, 2015
 Would need Directors approval and then implementation
 "For the island, by the island"
 Charge: provide recommendation regarding the future management
 The following goals were the focus:
- 1-Forest Management
- 2-Wildlife Management
- 3-Fisheries Management
- 4-Public Recreation
- 5- Partnership in Management
 Public comments will be accepted until October 16th
 Steve Sutton (Real Estate Division) upon realization that some of the lands had shifted from their original
intended uses. We worked with the USFWS to alter 8,000 acres of property.
2. Legislative Report (see below)
3. 40-Year Hunter Safety Awards: James Russell and Edward Becker
4. Committee Reports
a. NRC Marketing, Partnership, Youth and Outreach Advisory Committee
b. NRC Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries
Partners in Conservation Awards: Meridian Township
Public Appearances Before the NRC
FOR INFORMATION ONLY – NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
1. Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters Regulations, Fisheries Order 205.16: Extend harvest protection on Lake
Sturgeon upstream from the Hattie Stream Dam in the Menominee River. Beginning in the spring of 2015, adult Lake
Sturgeon exceeding 60 inches were transported upstream pas the Park Mill Dam via a fish elevator at the Hattie
Street Dam.
2. Special Fishing Regulations for Warmwater Species on Select Waters, Fisheries Order 206.15A: This order covers
special fishing regulations for warmwater species on select waters. Eleven new waters are recommended to be
added and one water reference is proposed for removal from the waters. UP Specific:
 Modification of the minimum size limit for Walleye on Lake Gogebic in Gogebic County to allow the possession of
two (2) Walleye from 13-15 inches as part of the daily possession limit of five Walleye.
 Modification to the minimum size limit for muskellunge in the Tahquamenon River and Tributaries (upstream from
Upper Falls) in Luce County from 42 inches to a 38 inch minimum size regulation on Muskellunge.
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3. Statewide Warmwater Regulations for Bass, Pike, Catfish, Yellow Perch, Sunfishes, and White Bass, Fisheries Order
215.15A
 Requiring the registration of all bass tournaments
 Instituting a new Catch and Delayed Release bass fishing season on 12 waters for registered bass tournaments
only (none in the UP)
 Expanding Walleye fishing opportunities while reducing Yellow Perch possession in Saginaw Bay and River
 Restructuring the combined daily possession limit set on Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Flathead Catfish
 Increasing the protection of large Walleye in Little Bay de Noc
 Increasing the daily possession limit of Northern Pike in St Claire River, Lake St. Clair and Detroit River
 Modification of Lake Erie Walleye information process
 Removal of duplicate regulation and consolidate FO-208 into this order
4. Regulations on the Take of Freshwater Mollusks, Fisheries Order 228.15: This order governs regulations placed on
freshwater Mollusks. Native freshwater mussels are protected from harvest (including the shell or parts) as they are
considered to be one of the most imperiled groups of animals in America.
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION ACTION
1. Approval of Minutes: August 13, 2015 Natural Resources Commission meeting
2. Cornish State Game Area: Designation and Additional Rules, Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment No. 10 of 2015
3. Spawning Closures, Fisheries Order No. 204.16: Governs spawning closures placed on specific locations to protect
vulnerable fishery resources. One provision in Benzie County would be removed from the previous order. This
includes waters in the Upper Peninsula is Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Mackinac, Marquette, and Ontonagon.
4. Designated Trout Streams for Michigan, Fisheries Order No. 210.16: Changes to this order only occurred in the
Lower Peninsula
FOR INFORMATION ONLY – DIRECTOR
1. Comprehensive Resource Management Plan for Drummond Island
2. Re-designation of the Management Requirements on State-Managed Land, Drummond Island – Chippewa County,
Land Transaction Case #20150120
DIRECTOR’S ACTION
1. Proposed October 28, 2015 Oil and Gas Lease Auction
2. State-Licensed Commercial Fishing, Fisheries Order 243.15A: This amendment addresses an administrative issue
impacting management of the state-licensed commercial fishery. It addresses ambiguities in the legislation using the
authority providing to the Director, to clarify commercial fishing law for the better protection, preservation,
maintenance and harvesting of the fish.
3. Order to Regulate Use of Cornish State Game Area, Van Buren County, Land Use Order of the Director Amendment
No. 6 of 2015: This order relates to Van Buren County and land use orders to prohibit several activities on all
managed state game areas and wildlife areas. One recommendation is no watercraft with motors, except those
using electric motors to be used on Grass Lake due to its shallow and highly vegetated make up.
4. Land Transactions (U.P. Specific Listed Here)
a. Sale of Surplus DNR-Managed Land, Sault Ste. Marie Management Unit – Mackinac County, Land Transaction
Case #20140072: One acre sale of surplus land to Robert Blevins in Garfield Township.
b. Conveyance of DNR-Managed Land for Public Use, Sault Ste. Marie Management Unit – Mackinac County, Land
Transaction Case #20130165: Conveyance of DNR managed land for public use by Hendricks Township, 16 acres,
Strouble Lake in Central Mackinac County.
c. State Trail Easement Acquisitions, State Line Trail – Gogebic County, Land Transaction Case #20150051, State
Line Trail, 1.40 miles of permanent trail rights purchased by the trust fund. This is being purchased from 7
families.
d. State Trail Acquisition, Keweenaw Trail – Houghton County, The Evans Tract, Land Transaction Case #20150013
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September NRC Meeting Summary by Ed Golder
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission met on September 10th in Lansing. Among the major actions taken:
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The Commission approved rules for the Cornish State Game Area in VanBuren County that establish non-toxic shot
restrictions because of the area’s proximity to the Kinney Waterfowl Production Area. This regulation protects
waterfowl nesting and brooding habitat from lead-related hazards.
 The Commission lifted a spawning closure on the Betsie River in Benzie County. In 2012 the closure was put in
place when the Betsie experienced historically low water levels that left fish stranded and created opportunity
for illegal harvest of fish. Water levels have improved and closure is no longer necessary.
 The Commission approved an order modifying two sections of designated trout streams and removing one
stream from the designated list.
 Director Keith Creagh approved an Oct. 28 Oil and Gas Lease Auction. The auction will offer approximately
22,000 acres of leasing rights in 20 counties.
 Director Creagh approved an order regarding state-licensed commercial fishing. The order clarifies regulations
on wholesale reporting, conflicting Lake Whitefish closures and catfish and suckers.
 The director approved an order to regulate certain uses in the Cornish State Game Area in VanBuren County.
The order prohibits the use of watercraft with motors, except for electric motors, in Grass Lake within the game
area because of the damage that could be done to vegetation in the lake. In addition, the order restricts parking
to designated areas because of safety concerns.
 The director approved seven land transactions. You can find information about these land transactions through
the online meeting agenda.
The day began with a meeting of the Marketing, Partnership, Youth and Outreach Advisory Committee. Marketing and
Outreach Division Chief Kristin Phillips introduced a presentation on the department's extensive educational efforts. The
goals of these programs is to impart knowledge to people about natural and cultural resources, instill an understanding
of the public trust and get people involved in outdoor recreation. The hope is to develop more natural resource
stewards. Jon Spieles from Marketing told the committee about DNR visitor centers around the state. DNR Interpreters
at these centers not only teach youngsters and the public about natural resources generally, but help people understand
critical natural resource issues in Michigan, such as invasive species. Michelle Bruneau from the Department of Health
and Human Services talked about her department's partnership efforts in educating youngsters about safe fish
consumption.
Josh Nichols from Stockbridge Public Schools talked about the DNR's Salmon in the Classroom program that teaches
youngsters about the life cycle of salmon. Josh said the program provides his students opportunities for learning in other
arenas, such as robotics. The program, managed by Natalie Elkins in the Marketing Division, began in the mid-1990s and
today about 200 schools are involved. Natalie also talked about ProjectWILD, a wildlife-focused K-12 conservation
education program, and Project Learning Tree, a K-12 environmental education program. Both programs are for
teachers and students. This year the DNR trained nearly 700 educators through ProjectWILD alone. These educators
work with 30-150 students each, which gives you a sense of the scope and reach of the program. Last November the
DNR's efforts went international, when Natalie traveled to Japan and taught educators there about the program. Kevin
Frailey of Marketing then spoke about the Academy of Natural Resources, an intensive program the department runs for
teachers during the summer months. This year, 60 teachers went through the Academy, which is held at the Ralph A.
MacMullen Conference Center in Roscommon. Tom Kelly from Grandville Public Schools, a graduate of the Academy of
Natural Resources, told the committee about how what he learned there has enriched his work as a teacher. Hannah
Schauer of the Wildlife Division talked about Wildlife's work in K-12 education, including a program that educates
youngsters about the life cycle of the black bear.
Mark Harvey of the Michigan Historical Center talked about how Historical Center employees interact with the tens of
thousands of K-12 students who go through the center each year. Just one creative example is the Governor's Decision
Room, a program geared toward high school students. The program lets youngsters imagine themselves as a governor or
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cabinet member during critical moments in Michigan history, and helps them appreciate what decision-makers of those
times faced.
During the Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries, Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter updated commissioners on the finding
of two new invasive species in Michigan waters: Didymo (also known by the colloquially charming name "rock snot"),
discovered in the St. Mary's River; and the New Zealand Mudsnail, discovered in the Pere Marquette River near Baldwin.
Fisheries is working to make people aware and enlist anglers in helping the DNR prevent the spread of the species. Todd
Grischke from Fisheries talked about walleye and yellow perch on Saginaw Bay. The growth rate of walleye is declining
and yellow perch populations are at a very low level in the bay. The department is considering a number of management
actions on Saginaw Bay, developed in consultation with the public. The department is recommending changing walleye
regulations to a 13-inch size limit, with an 8-fish daily bag limit. For yellow perch, the department is recommending
reducing the daily bag limit from 50 to 25. Nick Popoff from Fisheries informed the committee of proposed regulations
for the Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters and for warmwater species. He also talked about proposed statewide
coolwater regulations, and proposed regulations for take of freshwater mollusks.
Wildlife Chief Russ Mason updated the committee on the Blue Ribbon Panel on State Game Areas, which is holding its
next meeting Sept. 29. Among other things, the panel will talk about the importance of these areas to the business
community. The department has received a new hunter access grant for $950,000 from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture to expand access for the hunting public. An experimental program in the northwest Lower Peninsula to
address agricultural damage from deer is going well, Russ said, and the department is making refinements to the
process. Russ said no further cases of Chronic Wasting Disease have been found in Ingham County or the surrounding
area besides the three cases already discovered, in spite of ongoing surveillance efforts. Amy Derosier of Wildlife
updated the committee on the Wildlife Division's Guiding Principles and Strategies, its strategic plan. Amy also informed
the committee about an update to Michigan's Wildlife Action Plan. The update is required every 10 years in order for the
state to be eligible for State Wildlife Grants, the largest source of funding the agency has for nongame species. Amy
highlighted the broad benefits of managing non-game species for natural resources in Michigan and told the committee
about some of the priorities of the updated plan.
Adam Bump from Wildlife talked about coyote management in the state. Michigan has permissive regulations to
manage nuisance coyotes, a long hunting season for the species, and multiple methods of take. Harvest of coyote has
been increasing since the 1990s. Adam presented four options for increasing take of coyote, noting that these options
were unlikely to result in a measurable impact on coyote populations or on nuisance coyotes.
During Director Creagh's report to the Committee of the Whole, Chelsea Maupin of Gud Marketing presented the results
of the baseline survey her company conducted for the Michigan Wildlife Council. As I mentioned in my note on the
recent DNR Management Team meeting, this information will be used to help shape a statewide information campaign
on the critical role hunting, fishing and trapping play in conservation. In broad terms, the survey results showed stronger
support for hunting and fishing in Michigan than exists nationally. There is much, much more data in the Gud results that
can help us better understand general public attitudes about these recreational activities.
Jason Fleming of Parks and Recreation told commissioners about recent increases in Recreation Passport sales,
increased campground use during this Labor Day weekend (there were 1,400 more campsites used this year than last
year), and continued high customer satisfaction in state parks. Law Enforcement Chief Gary Hagler told the Commission
about the success of the recent Youth Conservation Academy, held in Detroit. Dan Lord from the Finance and
Operations Division updated the commission on shooting ranges. The Department manages 13 designated ranges. There
are an additional 70-plus locations on state-managed public lands where there is a history of shooting. The DNR plans to
embrace the shooting sports, assure access to shooting ranges and address issues of noise and safety where they occur.
Mark Sweatman of the Office of Mineral Management briefed the commission on the upcoming Oil and Gas Lease
Auction, scheduled for Oct. 28.
Forestry Chief Bill O'Neill informed the Commission about the assistance the department has given other states to fight
wildfires. So far this year the department has dispatched 56 people to fires in other states to help with what was a very
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tough fire season elsewhere. In Michigan our department this year has suppressed 328 wildfires on 2,890 acres and has
conducted over 135 prescribed burns on nearly 9,258 acres.
Terry Minzey of Wildlife and Steve Sutton of Real Estate gave commissioners an overview of the Drummond Island
Resource Management Plan. Some 57 percent of Drummond Island is state-managed public land. A management plan
was needed to organize multiple uses and maintain balance with natural resources. Public comment on the plan, which
was developed through a public engagement effort, is being accepted until Oct. 16.
Legislative Liaison Trevor VanDyke updated the commission on legislation affecting the department.
Next Chief Hagler recognized two Hunter Education volunteer instructors. Edward Becker, a Navy veteran, began
teaching hunter education through the City of Dearborn. He was recognized for teaching at least two hunter education
classes a year for the past 40 years. James Russell began teaching hunter education through Novi Community Education
in 1974. He, too, has taught a minimum of two hunter education classes a year for the past 40 years.
Officials from Meridian Township were recognized with a Partners in Conservation Award for the support they have
offered the department in managing the outbreak of Chronic Wasting Disease in their township. Safari Club
International presented a gun and a bow to two hunters who participated in DNR hunter surveys. The gear was given to
the hunters, who were selected randomly among survey respondents, as thanks for providing valuable information to
DNR biologists.
That's the news from Lansing. Please let me know if you have any questions. -Ed Golder, Public Information Officer
September 2015 Legislative Update - Trevor VanDyke , Director, Legislative & Legal Affairs Office
HB 4824 – Allows Individuals with Developmental Disabilities to Obtain a Free All-Species Fishing
License– Rep. Hovey-Wright
This bill seeks to amend section 43537 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow
individuals with developmental disabilities to obtain a free all-species fishing license.
• This bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.
If you would like to learn more about these and other bills, you can access the Michigan Legislature website at
www.legislature.mi.gov.
Fisheries Division: George Madison, Western Lake Superior Management Unit
The following are the Western UP Fisheries Division highlights for the period of July 15–September 20, 2015.
Baraga Operations Service Center
• Reviewed new public land acquisition at Silver Lake Basin (Marquette County) for plans for site management.
• Test netted Kandy’s Pond (formerly named Amber II pond but now named for JR Richardson’s wife) for bluegill rearing
results. Found good survival and production of pure-strain bluegills.
• A public meeting was held to discuss walleye regulations for Lake Gogebic with over 100 citizens in attendance. As a
result of that meeting, Fisheries Order 206.15 was submitted as information on September 10 to the NRC, for action
by the NRC at their November session. This regulation proposal is as follows:
- A modification to the minimum size limit for walleye on Lake Gogebic in Gogebic/Ontonagon County to allow the
possession of two (2) walleye from 13-15 inches as part of the daily possession limit of five (5) walleye.
- If enacted, this change is recommended for immediate effect.
• Reviewed Lake Bancroft (Ishpeming) remediation project.
• Attended Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s Lake Superior Technical Committee meeting in Duluth.
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• Surveyed Hoist Basin (Marquette) for shoreline habitat dynamics.
• With Director Creagh, met with
Houghton County
Commissioners to discuss the
Otter Lake Dam, and met with
Governor Snyder at Michigan
Technological University to
review the Great Lakes
Research Center.
• Assisted with staffing the
Pocket Park at the U.P. State
Fair.
• Participated with a Bond Falls
Flowage shoreline erosion study
conducted by UPPCO.
• A public meeting was held in
Ontonagon to discuss a request
for a special size limit for
allowing the take of only one
walleye per boat over a certain
size (23 inches, 25 inches, 27
inches). Eighteen people
attended this meeting.
Discussion between DNR staff
and NRC are ongoing at this
point.
• Stream temperature loggers
were retrieved from western UP
rivers.
• Lake Superior Basin Team
meeting was held in Marquette.
Escanaba Field Office
• Worked on a dam removal
project on Thompson Creek
(Schoolcraft County)
• Updated Senator Casperson’s
office on Schwartz Creek
(Marquette County) culvert
replacement proposal
• Met with property owners of
Little Lake and Mehl Lake (Gwinn area)
• Met with property owners of Brevoort Lake
• Participated in a Garden Peninsula shoreline phragmites survey
• Met with property owners of Lake Michigamme
• Participated in training for the new Menominee dam sturgeon lift
• Met with Swan Lake Association
• Conducted walleye recruitment study at the Bays de Noc
• Particpated with a lake sturgeon survey on the Menominee River
Crystal Falls Field Operations Shop
• Middle Branch Ontonagon stream shocking
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School Lake – general survey
Night shocking runs on Squaw Lake, Groveland Mine Ponds, Teal Lake
Paint River stream shocking
Dyke, dam, work on Boston pond, Black River Impoundment, Genes pond, and rearing pond work at Warren pond and
Grasshopper pond
• Limnological water sampling: Teal Lake, Squaw Lake, Witch Lake, Sawyer Lake, Groveland Mine Ponds, Ottawa Lake,
Emily, and Antione
• New creel clerk hired for Lake Gogebic – Zachary Painter
• Pathogen testing of inland donor lake fish for 2016 wild fish transfers
Marquette and Thompson Fish Hatcheries (Jan VanAmberg, Manager)
Marquette Hatchery
• 200,000 yearling lake trout destined for the Great lakes in 2016 were clipped and tagged by USFWS using the mass
marking trailer
• Broodstock lake trout health vaccinations completed
• Yearling lake trout, brook trout and splake inventories are on schedule to meet spring stocking assignments
• Hatchery Fisheries Technicians provided labor for equipment repair, field crews, and spawning preparations
• Final phase of enclosing the outside raceway building gable ends with security fencing to be completed this fall
Thompson Hatchery
• Thompson Creek and Williams Creek dam removals and stream restoration project completed in July with help from
Parks and Recreation Equipment crew, Habitat Manage Unit (FISH) and Northern Lake Michigan Fisheries
Management Unit and volunteers from Schoolcraft County Sport Fish Association
• Steelhead fingerlings for stocking in 2016 are growing very well with sufficient inventory to meet stocking assignments
in 2016
• Hired a new Fisheries Technician, Kevin Duby (former Lake Gogebic creel clerk)
• Losing a Fisheries Technician (Dan Operhall) by a transfer to Platte River State Fish Hatchery
• Prepping for Chinook salmon egg take in early October
• Large construction project to enclose the outside raceway buildings gable ends on-track to be completed this fall
Marquette Fisheries Research Station
Surveys
• Lake trout survey work was completed on 9/3, captains are now working on maintenance of research vessel Char,
including finishing up hydraulics upgrade and generator auto-start fix
• Survey work in nearshore Lake Superior waters (Keweenaw and Huron bays) was completed in August and survey
effort is now directed at northern Lake Michigan nearshore waters from Cedar River to Naubinway as part of
walleye/perch project
• Commercial whitefish sampling continues for Lake Superior and northern Lake Michigan ports
• Upper Peninsula sturgeon rearing trailers were successful and 819 lake sturgeon were stocked in Ontonagon River,
970 were stocked in Cedar River and 470 were stocked in Whitefish River. Some fish remain in trailers on Cedar and
Whitefish rivers and will be tagged and stocked in mid to late September
• Research work continues at the Black River field site
• Stream electrofishing was completed in July as analysis of 10 brook trout daily bag limit regulation continues
• Fall electrofishing work will begin in late September as part of 20” minimum coaster regulations evaluation project
Meetings Attended
• Shawn Sitar attended the American Fisheries Society meeting in Portland and gave an invited presentation on lake
trout reproduction in Lake Superior
Office/Lab/Workshop/Building Activities
• Staff continues to work on net building/repair, equipment maintenance, etc. in between field efforts
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Forest Resources Division: Don Mankee, WUP District Supervisor (prepared by John Hamel, Inventory
Planning Specialist)
 The 2017 Year of Entry (YOE) inventory is nearing completion. Open house and compartment review schedules are
posted online, along with other state forest inventory information at www.michigan.gov/forestry. The last open
houses in the WUP will be in the Crystal Falls FMU on October 6th at the Crystal Falls Field Office.
 Brenda Owen has been hired as Forest Marketing and Utilization Specialist, covering the northern LP and UP and is
currently based at the Newberry CSC. Brenda will be involved in assisting in the collection and reviews of the
primary mill and producer surveys, staying closely connected with the market conditions in the private sector, and
hosting trainings to improve utilization from the woods to the mills.
 Hardwood lumber mills across the US are seeing price drops on all green hardwood lumber with hard (sugar) maple
lower than normal. Compared to one year ago, the green price index has dropped 25% and the kiln-dried index has
dropped 22%. The Hardwood Market Report/Hardwood Review predicts that the “hardwood supply and demand
will come back into balance in late fall and early winter and gradually stabilize by year-end”. Despite reductions in
green lumber production, markets are still oversupplied and prices are expected to soften further until late fall.
 As of August 12th, there were 274 open timber sale contracts in the WUP. This represents 30,500 acres of timber
valued at approximately $26.3 million.
 There are approximately 33 active timber sales in the WUP totaling about 4,100 acres.
 Bid opening in the WUP are seeing good interest, but there are indication of softening prices in the softwood pulp
market. The Crystal Falls Unit reports that the LP mill in Sagola has stopped receiving any spruce or balsam, because
their wood-yard is full. They expect to begin accepting spruce on Sept. 15th and more fir on the 30th.
 The Gwinn unit had been working on road maintenance projects on the Haywire Lake Road filling and grading large
holes in this road that have developed over time. This road is an active through road from Shag Lake to Pike Lake in
the Gwinn area.
 CFM Foresters have been busy inspecting new Commercial Forest enrollment applications. There are approx. 2,700
acres of new CF enrollment applications in the WUP. The deadline for the grace period for switching from CF to QFP
ended September 1. A number of CF landowners took the opportunity to switch primary to stop public hunting
access.
 Since the last report there have been 8 forest fires in the WUP totaling 83.5 acres. The Largest of these was the
“601 fire” that burned about 80 acres in the Gwinn unit.
 Fall Fire outlook: Some drought codes in the Baraga area are slightly elevated for this time of year. The current 90
outlook by the Climate Prediction Center has the WUP with normal temperatures and slightly below precipitation
potential for the next 3 months.
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/seasonal.php?lead=1
 Four fire fighters from the WUP are currently on fires in Montana, Washington and Oregon. Four others have
recently returned from assisting in Manitoba, Alaska and California.
 FRD continues to detect and remove oak wilt from state lands in the Shakey Lakes Area of Menominee County.
Twenty five sites totaling 31 acres will be isolated via root-graft barriers. Approximately 18,000 feet of root-graft
barriers will be plowed using a Ditch Witch Vibratory plow fitted with a 5-foot blade. Once root-grafts are broken,
the oak within the epicenters will be removed via timber sales. Trees that died from oak wilt this year will be
processed prior to next April 15 to prevent spore production which contributes to overland spread of oak wilt to
wounds the following year. All other oaks in the sale are safe to move and use. These treatments effectively remove
oak wilt from the site. Oak wilt is an obligate parasite which requires a living host to survive. The goal is to remove
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oak wilt from all state lands in the Upper Peninsula, and to assist the County Conservation Districts in removing oak
wilt from private lands. Teaching people not to wound oaks from April 15 to July 15, and not to move oak firewood
unless seasoned is an important part of this effort.
 Over the last year approximately 2,600 acres of timber in the western UP have been salvaged due to the current
outbreak of Spruce Budworm. Budworm is a native insect that feeds on white spruce and balsam fir. Outbreaks of
this insect occur every 20 to 30 years and can last many years. The last outbreak ended in the early 80’S.
Law Enforcement Division (LED): Lt. Pete Wright, District 1 Law Supervisor
District 1 has had some personnel changes since the last CAC meeting. CO Jared Ferguson transferred into Dickinson
County from neighboring Delta County and is a welcome addition to the district. CO Grant Emery out of Gogebic County
has promoted to Sergeant and is now the Area Law Supervisor for Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon and Keweenaw
Counties. 3 of the new officers out of Recruit School #6 have been assigned to District 1 and you can expect them to be
in place right around the beginning of November. 2 have been assigned to the now vacant Gogebic County and 1 is
going to Ontonagon County.
Most recently CO Marvin Gerlach out of Menominee County promoted to Corporal and transferred to our Commercial
Fish Section as a specialist. Secondly, CO Dave Painter out of Iron County promoted to Corporal to our Recreational
Safety Section. He will be the new Upper Peninsula Hunter Education Coordinator which has been a position we’ve
wanted and needed to fill for quite some time.
The following are a few examples of the field work conservation officers have been doing recently. Keeping people safe,
education, fish, marine, ORV, and hunting enforcement is the name of the game in the summer/ fall seasons for a
Michigan conservation officer.
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CO Brett DeLonge worked with the staff from Wells State Park to give a presentation to a large audience about the
job functions and responsibilities are of a Michigan Conservation Officer. CO DeLonge displayed a large fur kit and
answered many questions regarding wildlife in Michigan, how to become a conservation office, new law changes,
and the different types of patrols officer’s conduct. The presentation went well and planning has begun for
presentations in the park for next year.
CO Mark Leadman and CO Mark Zitnik found three truckloads of litter dumped at a privately owned gravel pit. CO
Mark Leadman and CO Mark Zitnik contacted the individual whose name was found in the garbage. Enforcement
action is pending.
CO Mark Leadman and CO Mark Zitnik were working waterfowl hunters on the James Jeske Flooding. While making
contact with two hunters returning to the launch site, one of them was caught trying to unload his firearm. The
firearm was fully loaded in the watercraft while underway. The other subject was found to have lead shot in his
possession. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Jason Wicklund and PCO Isaac Tyson were first on scene to an ORV accident in Houghton County. The operator
of the ORV was riding with a passenger illegally and failed to negotiate a sharp curve on a gravel road. The ORV left
the roadway, struck a hill and the riders were ejected. Both riders suffered serious injuries and were taken from the
scene via ambulance. Enforcement action was taken for speed, and riding double on an ORV (not designed).
CO Jason Wicklund and PCO Isaac Tyson were heading to a remote northern Iron County lake for a late night fishing
patrol when they observed a side by side ORV heading towards them with an equipment violation. A traffic stop
was made and both occupants had open intoxicants in the ORV. Sobriety tests determined the driver of the ORV
was over twice the legal limit to drive. The driver also had three prior drunk driving arrests. The driver was arrested
and lodged in the Iron County Jail on felony operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
CO Doug Hermanson worked the opening day for early Teal season at Arnheim waterfowl area. When checking a
group of hunters they told CO Hermanson that they had just called in a RAP complaint about another group of
hunters who started shooting before hunting hours and were shooting at mallards and wood ducks. CO Hermanson
found the second group of waterfowl hunters and watched as they attempted to locate the birds they shot. During
this time a wounded mallard that they had shot flew away. Upon making contact with the suspects CO Hermanson
retrieved two wood ducks that they had also shot. Enforcement action was taken for taking Wood ducks during the
closed season and hunting before legal hunting hours.
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CO Denny Gast also worked the Portage waterway over the Labor Day holiday weekend. CO Gast made contact with
several individuals for marine violations ranging from towing a tuber without an observer and kayakers and canoes
operating without personal floatation devices on board. Enforcement action was taken.
CO Brian Lasanen while working the Misery Bay area in Ontonagon County observed a vehicle lose control. The car
left the roadway, entered the ditch, hit an embankment and ended up against a tree. CO Lasanen made contact with
the driver as he was in severe head, neck and back pain. CO Lasanen rendered first aid to the driver and held Cspine until medical personal arrived. The driver was transported to Portage Health and is expected to make a full
recovery.
CO Matt Eberly and CO Doug Hermanson worked the Portage waterway over the Labor Day weekend. One marine
check in Dollar Bay resulted in finding two anglers were fishing without licenses (which they had not purchased one
in years), the boat hadn't been registered, and they had no PFDs or other safety equipment aboard their vessel. Law
enforcement action was taken.
Wildlife Division: Terry Minzey, Wildlife Supervisor (prepared by Monica Joseph, Wildlife Biologist-Crystal
Falls)
 2015 Grouse and Woodcock Season: A worthwhile upland bird season is anticipated, across the west UP, where
grouse numbers appear to be higher than expected at this point in their 10 year cycle. Early indicators of a
promising season were observed during spring drumming surveys, when trends slightly increased over the last
couple of years. Late summer field observations of good-sized grouse coveys also suggests that good nesting
conditions existed last spring followed by excellent chick survival.
 Grouse Enhanced Management Sites (GEMS): Several new GEMS will be added to the statewide system this year,
bringing the number of grouse management sites to 10 across the UP. The Goldmine GEM, developed on Plum
Creek Timber land under the coordinated efforts of Plum Creek Timber, Wildlife Unlimited of Iron County, Wildlife
Management Institute and Michigan DNR, will dedicated on September 24th, 2015.
 Black Bear Hunting Season: The black bear season opened on September 10th. Bear harvest permits were slightly
reduced for the 2015 season in an effort to allow the black bear numbers to increase in some bear management
units across the UP region.
 Deer Archery Season: Archery season will begin October 1 with a UP-wide regulation change that prohibits the
harvest of an antlerless deer with archery equipment. This was implemented to allow the deer herd to begin to
recover from a series of difficult winters. The Deer Management Plan is currently under revision. Two Deer Plan
Review Meetings were held across the UP in an effort to incorporate public input on the plan.
 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, elk, mule deer
and moose. There is currently no treatment for CWD; it is fatal in all cases to the members of the cervid family that
it infects. CWD transmission can be minimized by limiting contact between infected and non-infected animals.
Feeding and baiting bans are one of the only practical ways to limit that contact. In May, the disease was detected in
a free-ranging deer, near Lansing. Michigan implemented its Surveillance and Response Plan for CWD. Based on
that plan, DNR and MDARD will take the following steps:
- Completing a population survey in the area where the CWD-positive deer was found.
- Establishing a Core CWD Area consisting of Lansing, Meridian, Williamstown, Delhi, Alaiedon and Wheatfield
townships in Ingham County; DeWitt and Bath townships in Clinton County; and Woodhull Township in
Shiawassee County. Mandatory checking of deer will be required in this area during hunting seasons and
restrictions will apply to the movement of carcasses and parts of deer taken in this area.
- Creating a CWD Management Zone, which will include Clinton, Shiawassee and Ingham Counties.
- Implementing a deer and elk feeding and baiting ban, which includes the Core CWD Area and the larger threecounty CWD Management Zone.
- Prohibiting the possession or salvage of deer killed by collision with a motor vehicle within the Core CWD Area.
As a result, 536 deer were tested and an additional 2 deer tested positive for CWD. It has been determined that all 3
deer are part of an extended family group and they were located within a mile of one another.
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 Avian Influenza (AI): Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N2 was confirmed in 3 free-ranging Canada geese
from Macomb County. Michigan is the 21st state to report a case of HPAI since December of 2014. Michigan has
implemented its HPAI plan which involves disease surveillance including testing suspicious dead animals and hunter
harvested waterfowl and banding ducks and geese for monitoring.
 Waterfowl Banding: The Wildlife Division has identified waterfowl banding as a top priority. The banding goals set
for the UP Region included 300 geese, 100 mallards and 100 wood ducks. Just over 300 geese, 138 mallards, 278
wood ducks and a black duck were banding by the end of August.
 Predator – Prey Research Project: Phase 2 of the Predator-Prey Project is winding down in the medium snowfall
zone, the study area located near Crystal Falls. This study is a cooperative effort between DNR and Mississippi State
University. The Predator-Prey Research Team is investigating the role of winter weather, habitat and predation on
white-tailed deer fawn survival. In order to effectively manage white-tailed deer, it is important to understand deer
survival and all of the factors that have an impact on it. Winter severity varies across the 3 major snowfall zones in
the Upper Peninsula and the project will study its effects in each of these zones. The project is now moving to the
third and final phase of the project in the high snowfall zone, centered on South Houghton County. Funding for this
project has been provided by Safari Club International (SCI Foundation, Michigan Involvement Committee, and
Northwoods Chapter), and Federal Aid in Restoration Act under Pittman Robertson project W-147-R. Phase 1 also
was funded with contributions by Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County, and Menominee County Chapter of U.P.
Whitetails Association.
Finance and Operations Division: Tim Melko, Administrative Area Manager
 No report.
Parks & Recreation Division: William Doan, WUP District Supervisor
 Employee News/Recognition
 There were numerous staffing changes throughout the WUP this past summer. Three new Seasonal Ranger
positions were filled within the district (Kari Diffenderfer, Menominee River Rec; Brian Krease, Van Riper State
Park (Little Presque Isle Unit); and Zack Bishop transferred from Wells State Park to Escanaba Field Office) and
we backfilled vacancies at Bewabic State Park (Steve Negovan), Twin Lakes State Park (Kristin Brusso), and Wells
State Park (Ethan Green).
 Wayne Burnette transferred from Straits State Park to Fort Wilkins State Park after Rob Strittmatter took a
promotion to Mackinaw Historic State Park.
 Earlier this month Ron Yesney was promoted to the UP Trails Coordinator position. This leaves a vacancy for a
WUP Recreational Trails Specialist position which we will be posting and backfilling as soon as possible.
 Special Events
 Van Riper State Park sponsored a Touch The Truck event on August 29th. A huge thank-you to the Baraga and
Escanaba Construction Crews, as well as Brian Roell, Wildlife Biologist, and CO Elton Luce for joining in on this
great event. The weather was sunny and 80 degrees and we had 65 visitors for the event.
 Baraga State Park BSP was given an AED through a local grant and partnership with Bay Ambulance Service and
Baraga County Medical Control Authority.
 Enforcement/Incidents
 Little Presque Isle: A 5-year old and a 25-year old with disabilities were reported missing out at Little Presque
Isle. Ranger Brian Krease was quick to find them while being assisted by Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, MSP,
and Marquette County Search and Rescue.
 Van Riper State Park: A white pine tree was struck by lightning over the Labor Day weekend causing minor
damage to a camping unit and putting the power out for a short period of time. No injuries occurred.
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 Trespass and Acquisition
 Stateline Trail—Seven easement agreements have been signed by private landowners and those transactions
are on the agenda for the Director's approval at next month's NRC meeting. Still in communication with Union
Pacific Railroad for the acquisition of five parcels from them.
 Permanent easement acquisition is complete for the St. Louis Creek construction project and a temporary
easement is in place for the Lake Angeline BAS project.
 Trespass policy and procedure is being evaluated in order to possibly streamline the mitigation of these many
issues.
 Infrastructure (Planning)
 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
1. The Union Bay Campground T/S bldg. is 60% complete. Anticipated to be finished in November 2015.
2. The Union Bay Boating Access site improvements are anticipated to begin on by October 1, 2015 with
completion targeted prior to July 4, 2016.
3. A $175,000 investment in the interior trail system is 90% complete, improvements include:
a. 3 trail head parking lot improvements
b. 14 culvert replacements
c. 2 new pedestrian bridges
d. 22 miles of drainage improvements on the cross country ski & mountain biking trails
e. New trail signage for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking trails
f. Boardwalk walk repairs & hazard tree removals at Presque Isle
4. Design completed for a new roof, insulation & ventilation improvements for the ski chalet
 McLain State Park
1. The DNR major maintenance crews completed the installation of 530’ of sewer line replacement, and
construction of a new 230’ long exit drive to ensure McLain State Park remained functional for the 2015
camping season after Lake Superior wave erosion impacted the day use toilet building, sanitation station,
and 2 campground loop roadways.
2. Completed a new General Management Plan funded by a 2014 Coastal Zone Management Grant. The new
management plan establishes the objectives for planning, public use, and operation of McLain State Park for
future use.
3. Received a 2016 Coastal Zone Management Grant for development of a new Master Plan for Infrastructure
Relocation due to shoreline erosion.
 Eagle Harbor Life Saving Station – Historic Boathouse: Constructed a new roof on the historic structure. Cedar
shingle, stained red. Constructed by McGrath of Houghton.
 Other DNR Recreation (Trails, Boating Access Sites, and State Campgrounds)
 Boating Access Sites: Lake Angeline Boating Access Site was completed by PRD construction crew this past
week. This is a new boating access site in Marquette County and was constructed utilizing funds from the
Natural Resource Damage Funds.
 Rail-Trail Projects:
1. Menominee River Bridge: A $70,000 grant was attained through a RTP grant for engineering on the
Menominee River Bridge. Bids for engineering are going out this month. A DRAFT MOU with Florence
County for long term management has been developed. The goal is to put new decking and railing on the
bridge to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, ORV’s, etc.
2. Stateline Trail Connector – Kopela Road to Wakefield: We are purchasing 7 easements on the rail-trail
between Korpela Road and Wakefield. Our goal is to complete the Stateline rail-trail from Iron Mountain to
Ironwood. We still have several parcels to purchase before we’ll have a complete connection, but this is a
major step forward.
3. Washouts: We have had several washouts on our rail-trails this spring. The two most notable are:
a. Lake Linden: Involves about 100’ of missing trail. Repair is two faceted: a) rebuild the trail b)
remediate the damage to the stream bed
b. Ishpeming to Republic ORV route: 40’ of missing trail. Repair will involve a new box culvert, four cross
drainage culverts, and remediation.
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4. Bridge/Trestle Grants: A capital outlay list has been developed with priorities. Total costs associated with
rehabilitation of top 15 priority structures will be over 10 million dollars.
5. Felch Grade: Several trespass issues are being addressed. We are trying to work with landowners to relieve
their concerns with the trail while still maintaining a safe and well preserved recreation corridor.
6. Houghton to Chassell: There are several areas of concern along this corridor relating to landowner
encroachments. We are working with landowners to ensure that what they do with their property near the
rail-trail does not encroach upon the rail-trail or create an unsafe condition. Work is ongoing.
Snowmobile Trail Updates:
1. Snowmobile Easement Grant: A new grant program is now available to non-profits and local governments
to purchase permanent easements on snowmobile trails. A press release went out in August to announce
the new grant program. Deadline for grant applications is November 15th.
2. Trail 2 Between Wakefield and Bessemer is closed but reroute is being considered: A key land permit was
lost and the trail routing south of US-2 is no longer possible. The Gogebic Range Trail Authority and
Convention and Visitors Bureau are exploring a new route that would take the trail north of US-2 through
Indianhead and Blackjack. Cost estimates on the project are between 30,000 and 50,000 dollars.
3. Trail 11N between Wakefield/Bessemer and the Porkies is closed until Further Notice: A key land permit
has been lost. No reroute will be available for this winter.
4. Trail 8 Near Eben Junction: This trail was closed due to loss of key land permit. A reroute has been
identified that involves a new MDOT crossing, construction work, and permission to use Alger County Road.
Things are looking promising.
5. Trail 14 Crossing of US-41: Land control at the existing US-41 crossing site near Best Buy has been lost. We
are exploring new places to cross US-41 in this congested area. Marquette Township and MDOT have
approved a new crossing location. The cost to move the crossing will equate to approximately 30,000
dollars; funding is still in question.
Equestrian Trail Projects:
1. Thunderberry Trail Proposal: This is a proposed connector trail in Sands Township, Marquette County. One
of the key landowners necessary to make this happen has signed a land control permit. One more
permission is necessary and then a trail proposal can be submitted.
Pathway Projects:
1. Brochure: A new pathway and SFCG brochure is in the works. The last edition was from 2004 and this
update is greatly necessary.
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