Posts from the ‘News & Updates’ Category
History of the Civilian Conservation Corps to be Presented at Hartwick Pines Logging Museum March 7
CCC crew building wing deflector for spawning trout on the north branch of the Paint River, three miles north of Camp Paint Lake, 1934
“The Legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Grayling Area” will be the topic of a presentation at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 7, at the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum in Grayling. Department of Natural Resources and Environment historian Rob Burg will present the program that highlights the work the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) did in Grayling, Gaylord, Houghton Lake, Kalkaska, Mio and Roscommon.
The CCC planted more than 400 million trees in Michigan, fought thousands of forest fires across the country and developed some of America’s most beloved national parks. In the Grayling and surrounding areas alone, the CCC operated the Higgins Lake Nursery, built the Logging Museum at Hartwick Pines, the Conservation Training School (now the Ralph A. McMullan Center) at Higgins Lake, the Reedsburg Dam near Houghton Lake, operated the Grayling Fish Hatchery, and made improvements at the Grayling Winter Sports Park (Hanson Hills).
This hour-long program will highlight these and other accomplishments of the “CCC Boys” during the Great Depression, when the CCC not only put men to work, but also helped to heal the state from the results of the lumber practices and wildfires of an earlier period. Michigan-and the entire United States-benefited from the work that “Roosevelt’s Tree Army” performed from 1933-1942.
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum is part of the Michigan Historical Museum system. The Logging Museum is located at 4216 Ranger Rd. in Grayling. Admission to the event is free; however a motor vehicle permit is required for entry into the park. For more information about the museum, visit www.michigan.gov/loggingmuseum.
Refreshments will be served. If you have any questions about this program or any other events at Hartwick Pines, please contact Rob Burg at (989) 348-2537 or by email at burgr@michigan.gov.
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If DNR won’t plant ‘em big enough then we’ll plant our own!
That is the rallying cry of the Au Sable Big Water Preservation Association (ASBWPA) regarding trout stocking below Mio, the trophy section of the Au Sable River.
Big trout headed to the big water?
“Each year we hear about all those little trout piped in at Mio, Comins, McKinley and 4001 just in time for the Opener,” said Thomas Buhr, President of the ASBWPA. “People moan they are too small, the big trout eat ‘em, etc, etc. Thrown in for good measure is the usual banter that Mio isn’t as good a trophy fishery as it used to be. So we decided to take action.”
Buhr noted that getting back to the “Good Old Days” may not be possible, but a stocking of quality trout would produce immediate results. The ASBWPA is borrowing a page from other conservation associations such as the Escanaba River Association and stocking their own jumbo trout?
A public permit to stock the fish below Mio is possible because the stretch already receives stocked fish. The hard part? Stocking bigger trout costs a lot of money. The organization decided to go with 15 inch brown trout, immediate trophies for most folk. Every 100 15 inchers will cost about 800 dollars. They want to stock 200 trout in September of 2010
“Hey! They can’t grow ‘em overnight,” Buhr said.
The raffle is designed to raise the necessary $1600. Tickets will be on sale at the ASBWPA website (www.asbwpa.org), through your friendly ASBWPA Representative, at Cabelas in Dundee on February 13th or at the 2010 MFFC Fly Fishing Expo in Warren, the place where the winners will be drawn that Sunday. You don’t even have to be present to win!
They are going to give away two high quality fly rods. First Prize is a Winston LT5 5 pc. 5 wt. (8’9”). Second Prize is a Scott S4 6 wt. with fighting butt (9’).
“Those are good rods and can be used on the fish your money will help buy,” Buhr explained.
Tickers prices are $5 for 1, $20 for 5, $50 for 13 and $100 for 30.
If this project goes well then the ASBWPA will make it an annual event. They will either stock more 15 inchers, perhaps as many as 600, or look at the possibility of going to 18 inches. Those Big Boys will run about 14 bucks a pop.
“We’d only consider 18 inch browns if there was an extended season,” Buhr added.
DNRE Asks for Help From Public to Detect Presence of Wolves in the Lower Peninsula
Grey Wolf. Photo copyright 2007 by Hare Guizer.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today announced it will conduct a survey in the northern Lower Peninsula Feb. 16 through March 12 to detect the presence of gray wolves in this area of the state.
Survey teams will be searching areas where the public reports observing a wolf or wolf tracks during the survey period. Priority will be placed on the most recent reports and reports with potential wolf evidence.
“The purpose of the survey is to both verify the presence of wolves where we have previously confirmed animals and to detect new occurrences in other areas,” said DNRE Wildlife Biologist Jennifer Kleitch. “Given the low probability of observing a wolf or tracks in the Lower Peninsula it’s helpful to have as many eyes looking as possible. That’s why public reports are important.”
The DNRE is asking the public to report wolf sightings that occur during the survey period to the Gaylord Operations Service Center at 989-732-3541, ext. 5901. Observation reports can also be submitted online year-round at www.michigan.gov/wolves. The Web site also contains identification information for wolves.
“It’s imperative that observations are reported in a timely manner so we can work with fresh evidence. If the public finds what appear to be wolf tracks, they should preserve the physical evidence and disturb it as little as possible or take a photo of the tracks with a ruler,” Kleitch said. “If someone has a photo or video of a wolf in the Lower Peninsula, we’re interested in that as well.”
Wolves began naturally returning to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula via Canada and Wisconsin in the early 1990s. Since that time populations have increased and continue to expand their range. Evidence of range expansion into the Lower Peninsula came when a gray wolf was accidentally killed in Presque Isle County in 2004. More recently, the DNRE verified two wolf observations in 2009 in the northern Lower Peninsula as a result of a video and trail camera photo taken by Michigan citizens.
The DNRE is partnering in this survey effort with USDA Wildlife Services, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and Central Michigan University.
The past two months have been filled with ever-changing news and information on the threat of Asian Carp to the Great Lakes as federal and state officials wrestle over the best solutions. Most of the debate has centered on immediate closure of navigational locks in the Chicago River system (aka “The Chicago Carp Canal”), which are considered the last obstacle separating Asian Carp from the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. With the exception of Illinois, Great Lakes states and the Canadian Province of Ontario have been fighting to close the locks until a long-term solution can be established. Major resistance on this solution has come from the White House, Illinois, and the Chicago shipping industry.
Asian Carp. Photo by Kate Gardiner, Copyright 2009.
On Monday of this week, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm attended a White House “Carp Summit,” which was scheduled to open dialogue between Great Lakes governors and Obama administration officials. The result however revealed only that the federal government is willing to spend $78 million on studies, flood control, and expansion of status quo preventative measures. Instead of blocking off Lake Michigan from the Chicago River system, the White House revealed plans that would close the locks for three to four days per week. Unless $78 million is being spent on research to train Asian Carp when to swim upstream, this plan reveals that the federal government is content with throwing money at the problem in an attempt to passify political upheaval without making the right decision.
Aside from the disappointing solutions proposed by the executive branch of the federal government, Congress also took a look at the Asian Carp issue this week. The Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee to the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing on February 9 on the issue, which we’re hopeful will lead to tougher Congressional action. MUCC submitted testimony along with fellow Michigan sporting and conservation groups urging the Subcommittee to take action on immediate and long term preventative measures, including the CARP ACT legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Dave Camp and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. Watch the recorded hearing online.
On the legal side, last week, Attorney General Mike Cox announced the filing of a renewed motion with the U.S. Supreme Court that seeks to close the Chicago locks. The Supreme Court already denied the original motion in January, but issued its ruling a few hours before new evidence revealed that Asian Carp eDNA was discovered in Lake Michigan. Michigan also has a petition pending in front of the Court to re-open the 1929 “Water Diversion Case” of Wisconsin v. Illinois, which seeks the appointment of a “special master” to oversee implementation of a long-term solution to the Asian Carp Problem. Illinois and the Obama administration have until February 19th to submit briefs on this petition.
Last, but not least, MUCC has been busy gearing up for the annual “Great Lakes Days” in Washington, D.C. on February 23-24, where we’ll talk to members of Congress about the Asian Carp issue as well as other funding and legislative items that could benefit the Great Lakes and its $7 billion sportfishery.
Visit an Asian Carp public meeting near you!
International Joint Commission Public Meeting on Asian Carp
The meeting also will be available via live web stream at: http://epa.gov/greatlakes/live. Those who cannot attend the meeting in person can submit questions on the Web site. When available, the framework and a transcript of the meeting will be posted on http://www.asiancarp.org/regionalcoordination. Comments on the framework may also be submitted online at the above website.
What
To discuss plans and get recommendations on Asian carp control efforts.
Who
Senior Representatives from the International Joint Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, Great Lakes states, provinces, municipalities and tribes (invited), White House Council on Environmental Quality, and Scientific experts.
When
3:00 – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17.
Where
Marriott Ann Arbor Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Other
Town Hall Meetings hosted by Attorney General Mike Cox and Michigan Members of Congress.
- Traverse City: Feb. 17, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy
- St. Joseph: Feb. 18, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph Public Library
- Grand Rapids: Feb. 22, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Gerald Ford Museum Auditorium
As we get the 2010 fly angling season underway (looks like an early spring is on the way this year!), keep in mind that it is banquet-and-show season throughout the watershed. Here are some important upcoming events to get your mind back on trout and flies:
Photo Copyright 2004 by Chris Campbell.
37TH ANNUAL OUTDOORAMA: Feb. 25th to 28th at Rock Financial Showplace in Novi. More than 150 booths will feature fishing boats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks deck boats, runabouts and ski and wakeboard boats. MUCC’s “Big Buck Night,” “Wildlife Encounters,” a daily Fish Fry, Trout Pond for kids, and Milt Wilcox’s “Ultimate Air Dogs” are among many features. Hours: 2-9:30 p.m. Feb. 25-26; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 27; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 28. Admission: $10, $4 for 6-14, free for 5-and-younger. Information: www.Outdoorama.com or (800) 328-6550.
RED CEDAR FLY FISHERS ANNUAL BANQUET: Feb. 26th at the Brookshire Inn and Country Club, 205 W. Church St. in Williamston. Chuck Hawkins of Hawkins Outfitters will speak on “Big Trout Fishing in Michigan.” Cocktails start at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7. Admission is $30. The event will also feature a general raffle, bucket raffles, card raffles and door prizes. Tickets are available at Nomad Anglers in Okemos. For information, call Brad Reynolds at 333-9258.
2ND ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF FLY TYING: Feb. 27th; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 5830 Clyde Park Ave. SW in Grand Rapids. Presentations from some of the best tiers in the Midwest. Demonstrations and instruction, with lunch and snacks available. $10 for adults, $5 for youth aged 12 to 17, and admission free for those under 12. For more information contact Dennis Potter at ausable1@gmail.com at (616) 363-4966.
MIDWEST FLYFISHING EXPO: Dave Hughes, Joe Humphreys, Bob Jacklin and Jeff “Bear” Andrews headline this year’s Expo, scheduled for March 13th and 14th at the Macomb Community College Sports and Expo Center in Warren. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 13; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 14. Admission: $10, free for 16-and-younger: www.mffc.org.
65TH ANNUAL ULTIMATE SPORT SHOW: March 18th to the 21st at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW in Grand Rapids. Hours: 3-9:30 p.m. March 18, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. March 19, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. March 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 21. Admission: $9, $4 6-14, free for 5-and-younger. Information: www.GRFish.com or (800) 328-6550.
NOTE: If you would like True North Trout to Spread the Love about your upcoming fly fishing, fly tying, or conservation event, drop us a line!
Five new state record fish – highlighted by a world record brown trout – were among 1,433 fish entered in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment’s Master Angler Program in 2009.
State records were also broken for pumpkinseed (twice), redear sunfish and Great Lakes muskellunge.
A 41.45-pound brown trout, caught by Thomas Healy of Rockford on the Manistee River on Sept. 9, has been certified as a world record by the International Game Fish Association.
Overall anglers entered 503 fish in the catch-and-keep category and 930 fish in the catch-and-release category, up from 430 and 871, respectively, in 2008.
The Master Angler Program recognizes anglers who catch fish that weigh more (catch and keep) or measure longer (catch and release) than established standards.
“Fishing was excellent in 2009 as evidenced by the large number of quality fish entered into our Master Angler Program,” said DNRE Fisheries Divisions Chief Kelley Smith. “This only reaffirms what we’ve long known – there’s world-class fishing in Michigan.”
For complete lists of Master Angler fish submitted in 2009, visit the DNRE Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing, and click on Angler Information. Anglers who think they may have a record fish may contact Barbara Dilts in the DNRE Fisheries Division at 517-373-2966.
Image copyright 2010 by Andy Ward
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds everyone that Winter Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Feb 13-14. On that weekend, everyone – residents and non-residents alike – can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations apply.
Michigan has been celebrating Winter Free Fishing Weekend annually since 2000 as a way to promote natural resources awareness. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 36,000 miles of river and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan and fishing are a natural match.
“Fishing is a great way to connect with our natural resources,” said DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries. “It’s a perfect way for families to spend time together while celebrating the bounty of Michigan’s wonderfully diverse outdoor heritage.”
A number of activities at state parks and state fish hatcheries have been scheduled to coincide with the weekend, while clubs and conservation organizations stage events, too. Many provide free equipment and bait. The events often include experienced anglers willing to introduce novices into the joy of fishing.
For a list of Free Fishing Events scheduled across the state, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing.
The Traverse City Chamber of Commerce Weighs-In on the Threat of Asian Carp in the Great Lakes
I was pleased to get the following from Doug Luciani, of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce. It is good to see the business community get behind this issue, as they absolutely should:
- Imagine a trip to the Manitou Islands while dodging 50-pound flying fish.
- Imagine your favorite fishing hole as a barren, fish-free dead zone.
- Imagine the elimination of thousands of fishery jobs and the evaporation of a $7 billion industry in a time when Michigan cannot afford further attrition.
- Sign the online petition to close the locks at www.stopasiancarp.com.
- Attend rallies, such as the one being held at the Traverse City Fish Ladder on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. to encourage Federal action to close the locks in Chicago to prevent the destruction of the Great Lakes ecology and $7 billion fishery economy.
