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MUDDLER T H E M E R S H O N
June 2007 Volume 11 Issue 2
A LOCAL CHAPTER OF
AMERICA’S LEADING NONPROFIT
COLDWATER FISHERIES
CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION
Newsletter of the William B. Mershon Chapter of Trout Unlimited
I f Henry David Thoreau was inspired by his beloved Walden Pond, I find it hard to believe that he could compose any of his work until he retreated to his cottage no longer distracted by the beauty and wonder
of nature a round him. In a similar fashion, I found that even with the best of intentions, it was impossible to get started on my Muddler article while sitting on the porch of our cabin listening to the sounds of water moving in the creek and watching the Hendricksons lift off and float up into the
cedars and pines above. So…it was back to Bay City and down to the basement to report on what is happening at the Mershon chapter and other news. First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who attended, helped out, or contributed to our Annual Spring Banquet. Just for the record, it was a very successful event netting almost $11,000.00 to be distributed to many worthwhile projects and activities next year. We also had an interesting presentation by Todd Fuller of Fuller’s North Branch Outing Club and wish to thank him for the excellent job. Our new venue at the Four Points by Sheraton was an experiment in an effort to make some changes to our banquet. We admittedly had some problems with the
food service and can assure you that those problems have been addressed and will not occur at our future banquets. Overall, it was one of the smoothest running events I have ever been associated with, and I would like to thank my wife Chrissy and the banquet committee for their dedication to detail and energy to produce a quality event. A schedule of our grant allocations for 2007 is included on page 5 of this edition. Please take a look at it and see where your contributions are being donated. The grant committee, headed up by Jo Neuhalfen, does a fine job of screening grant requests and making recommendations to the board for distributions. I was personally pleased that the board supported the efforts of the Anglers of the Au Sable in their unwavering effort to protect the headwaters and tributaries of the Au Sable River system. Next month, on June 23rd, the First Annual Big Fly Barbeque will be held at Canoe Harbor just off M-72 in the Mason Tract. Josh Butzin will
See Meanders page 14
Founded 1963, Chapter Number 020
1989, 1996 & 1997 RECIPIENT OF THE MICHIGAN COUNCIL TU CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Meanders A few thoughts from
the president
Robb Smith, chapter president
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everyone seemed to have a wonderful time—even the banquet committee! Most important, we raised over $10,000 to support the important river projects for which the Mershon chapter is known and respected statewide. Much of the credit goes to each of the members who donated prizes or gave cash donations. Donations are key to the bottom line success of any TU fundraiser. And, a huge thank you goes out to the members who attended, many of whom brought guests and deep pockets! I’d personally like to thank everyone who supported our efforts and volunteered their time before, during, and after the event. The dedication and energy each of the committee members gave throughout the year has not gone unnoticed. I’m confident that you will give our new banquet chairmen, Howard Johnson and Craig Bublitz, as much support as you have given me. Let’s start planning now to make next year’s banquet the biggest and best yet— I can hardly wait!
It’s a wrap! by Chrissy Smith, banquet coordinator
T his time last month, I was having trouble walking through one of our
bedrooms for all the boxes of prizes, tubes of fly rods, and bags of fishing vests. My computer table was covered with lists of these same prizes, packs of raffle tickets, silent auction sheets. My brain was on overdrive—I’d find myself awake at 3 a.m., rethinking the set-up of the prize tables. The TU banquet was taking over my life, and I could hardly wait for the anxiety to end and the banquet to be history. Instead, it’s like the day after Christmas. I already miss the preparations and the planning. The lists, the mailings, the spreadsheets. All the anticipation. (Not, however, the missed sleep.) It was well worth it. We had an evening filled with old and new friends, great prizes, lots of bidding, and a terrific program. There were a few glitches, as there invariably are when you make major changes as we did this year. The accommodations and the service weren’t what we’ve come to expect. But,
MERSHON BIG FLY BARBEQUE Saturday, June 23, 2007
Canoe Harbor, east of Grayling
MERSHON BOARD MEETINGS Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 Wednesday, November 7, 2007
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Gander Mountain, Saginaw
REED DRAPER ANGLING COLLECTION OPENING & RECEPTION Friday, June 8, 2007
7–8 p.m. Park Library Auditorium
Central Michigan University Campus
CONSUMERS ENERGY HYDRO DAM MEETING
Wednesday, June 6, 2007 6–7 p.m.
Ferris State University-West Campus Community Center
Calendar of Events
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WILLIAM B. MERSHON CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED
1ST ANNUAL BIG FLY BARBEQUE
Saturday, June 23, 2007, starting at 2 p.m.
Canoe Harbor, east of Grayling at the Mason Tract, just off M-72
~ Hot dogs and burgers supplied ~ ~ Bring something to pass ~
~ B.Y.O.B. ~
Come and enjoy a fun afternoon of eating, swapping fish stories, and just generally having a good time
hanging out with the best people around—trout fishermen and women.
We'll eat, drink, and probably fish a bit. If we're lucky, the Hex will be out
and there will be great night fishing for all to enjoy.
Meet new people, fish new waters, and maybe learn a few new techniques.
Canoe Harbor is conveniently located near the Holy Waters,
the South Branch, and not too far from the fabled North Branch and Mio.
Camping is available at Canoe Harbor.
There will be NO WORK or projects involved with this event—
just good times and camaraderie.
For RSVP's or more information, contact Josh Butzin at 989-798-6263
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prudent decision regarding the significant financial investment we would make in developing the site, we must be confident that the outcomes of scientific studies, and the amount of water we would likely propose to use, support our decision.” Had the project proceeded through a more extensive hydrogeological and environmental assessment phase this summer, the company could have then applied for permits under Michigan’s recently enacted water withdrawal law and public drinking water supply law. An on-going environmental monitoring program installed at the site would measure groundwater, surface waters and the environment to ensure long-term sustainability of the water resource, and provide a tool for protection of local ecosystems. The monitoring system would also provide information for reporting to state regulators. The project would have generated a new source of tax revenues for Monroe Township and the State, supported potential job growth by Ice Mountain in the coming years and expanded support for community organizations in the area. “We appreciate the opportunity to assess this site, and the willingness of the community to learn more about our proposed project and the scientific process we use in developing a source,” said Fox.
Nestle Waters to discontinue assessment of Newaygo County site as potential spring water source for Ice Mountain
S TANWOOD, Mich.— Nestlé Waters North America announced it
would not move forward with investigating a site in (Monroe Township) northeastern Newaygo County, Michigan for the possible installation of a spring-water well. Information gathered during an initial phase of scientific assessments indicates it would not meet Nestle’s criteria for development. “Sites must meet our comprehensive and diverse set
of internal and external criteria before we determine whether they are appropriate for developing as sources of natural spring water for our brands,” said Greg Fox, Nestlé Waters’ Midwest Natural Resource Manager. “While there is good quality spring water on the site, water drawn from our test well did not meet our criteria for consistency with the current Ice Mountain brand.” In this case, water samples analyzed from the company’s test well at the site contain a different mineral composition than spring water currently bottled as Ice Mountain. “In selecting an additional source of spring water for Ice Mountain, we are looking for water consistent with the mineral composition and taste that consumers of Ice Mountain expect and appreciate.” “We undertake a rigorous process to bring any one of our spring water sources on line, and select only those that meet our criteria,” said Fox. “To make a
WILLIAM B. MERSHON CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING SCHEDULE
All Board meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month (unless noted) at 5:30 p.m. at Gander Mountain, 2270 Tittabawassee Road, Saginaw, Michigan.
No meetings during the summer months.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007 Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
We welcome you to attend any of the board meetings. Your input is an invaluable resource in our efforts to serve the resources we enjoy.
www.Mershon-TU.org
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www.Mershon-TU.org
Tom Rozich, MDNR Fisheries Unit Manager and long time TU member, “Bryan is a highly confident scientist that brings a high level of motivation to TU.” Todd Wills, MDNR Fisheries Research Biologist, “Bryan bring tons of technical knowledge and is really, really, dedicated to conservation.” Ken Sprankle, Fishery Biologist, US Fisheries and Wildlife, “Having known Bryan since his high school days, he is a great conservationist and dedicated to making management decisions based on science.” Mark Tonello, MDNR Fisheries Habitat Biologist, “Bryan has done an excellent job at making the connection between science and fishing, he understands the goals in management. It is a great day for Trout Unlimited in the hiring of Bryan.”
Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited has new Executive Director Contact: Patrick Kochanny, Chairman, MCTU 231-775-9717
T raverse City— The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited (MCTU)
is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Bryan Burroughs as its new Executive Director. Dr. Burroughs comes to the MCTU with excellent credentials and experience working in natural resources throughout the nation. Dr. Burroughs possesses a PhD in Fisheries Science from Michigan State University with areas of expertise in fish management, fluvial geomorphology, stream ecology, aquatic entomology and dam removal. Dr. Burroughs is a recognized expert in dam removal and many other conservation fields. Dr. Burroughs comes highly recommended from fisheries managers throughout the nation. Dr. Burroughs’ work on dam removal has been extensive. He has designed, organized and implemented studies intended to document the effects of dam removals on fluvial
geomorphology and fish communities. He is an expert in this field and brings a wealth of technical expertise to MCTU. Dr. Burroughs looks forward working with the over 23 chapters of Trout Unlimited here in Michigan. “This is a great opportunity for me to make a difference in natural resources here in Michigan,” stated Dr. Burroughs. Pat Kochanny, Chairman of MCTU, stated, “Bryan brings a strong conservation background and a wealth of knowledge of our natural resources, no longer will MCTU need to find answers to conservation issues, we will have the expertise on staff.” Dr. Burroughs has a strong commitment to and history with TU. He received 2 scholarships from Michigan Chapters (Schrems West Michigan and Paul Young) while a student at MSU. “MCTU is pleased to have Dr. Burroughs. He is a long time member and supporter of Trout Unlimited, and we look forward to having him on our staff,” said Kochanny. What people are saying about Dr. Burroughs: Dr. Howard Tanner, Retired Director of Michigan DNR, “Bryan is a wonderful person and his character is 100%. He is very thorough and will do great things for TU.”
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WILLIAM B. MERSHON CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED
2007-2008 Paul Morand 989-893-7132 [email protected] Bob Spence 799-6617 (H) [email protected] Dennis Thiel 792-1188 [email protected] Pat Zaplitny 892-9317 [email protected]
Advisors Bo Brines 989-832-4100 (W) 989-832-9528 (H) [email protected] Craig Bublitz (810) 688-3963 [email protected] Joe Bula 781-2047 (H) [email protected] David Cozad 684-7947 (H) [email protected] David Fisher 781-4932 (H), 792-9641 (W) [email protected] Mel Gricar 652-9277 (H), 792-9618 (W) [email protected] Carl Hubinger 642-5487 (H) [email protected] Howard N. Johnson 753-6373 [email protected]
Peter Jones 753-3984 (H) [email protected] Risty Kalivas 790-8614 (H) [email protected] Dan Keane 642-8960 (H) [email protected] Harold Kleinert 684-4733 (H) [email protected] Judy McCann 652-9869 (H) [email protected] Mike Meyer 892-9624 [email protected] Art C. Neumann 777-0484 (H) Bruce Scorsone 793-7200 [email protected] Jake Shinners 781-3003 (H), 799-5000 (W) [email protected] Greg Stansbury 695-8080 (H/FAX) [email protected] Newsletter Layout Teri Skidmore 781-0040 [email protected] Website www.Mershon-TU.org
Officers President Robb Smith 989-893-3792 (h) 989-233-1922 (cell) [email protected] Vice-President Josh Butzin 798-6263 [email protected] Treasurer Rich Kemerer 781-5220 [email protected] Secretary Jo Neuhalfen 642-5946 [email protected] Past-President Christopher J. Radke 249-6420 (H) [email protected]
Directors Bill Adams 652-8328 [email protected] Dave Case 642-5286 [email protected] Jac Ford 781-0997 (H/FAX) [email protected] Steve Janson 964-0041 (H) [email protected] Bob Kren 810 659-8470 [email protected]
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MCTU opposes Kennecott’s Eagle Mine April 4, 2007 Mr. Steven Chester, Director Michigan Department of Environmental Quality 525 W. Allegan St. P.O. Box 30473 Lansing, MI 48909 Dear Mr. Chester: On behalf of Trout Unlimited, Inc. (TU) and the Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited (MCTU), we are writing to express our strong opposition to Kennecott’s proposed Eagle Mine and urge the Michigan Department of Environmental
Quality (MDEQ) to deny their request for a permit. Trout Unlimited was founded 48 years ago by Michigan anglers concerned about the management and protection of coldwater resources. Today we remain true to that vision and our 150,000 members nationwide, including 7,000 in Michigan, are passionate advocates for the conservation, protection, and restoration of trout and salmon and their watersheds. The proposed Eagle Mine would be located directly beneath the headwaters of the Salmon Trout River, which contains critical spawning habitat in the southern range of the Lake Superior Coaster Brook Trout. The inherent risks associated with a mining project of this size and nature are too great to
gamble with the future of this unique fish population and the health of the Salmon Trout River. To date, TU and MCTU have invested considerable staff, volunteer, and financial resources evaluating the technical merits of Kennecott’s proposed Eagle Mine. We previously submitted comments regarding the technical adequacy of the project, and in particular the negative impact that the mine could have on the Salmon Trout River. We continue to have serious concerns that the proposed project will cause significant harm to the Salmon Trout River and the viability of the Coaster Brook Trout that depend on it. In addition, the information recently released by the MDEQ from the Itasca Consulting Group raises new and
D epartment of Natural Resources officials urged anglers to consider
buying $2 youth fishing licenses as a way to help the department draw down more federal funding. The youth fishing license is a voluntary license purchase. Youths 17 and older are required to purchase a regular fishing license, but anglers under the age of 17 are not required to purchase a license. "The $2 voluntary youth fishing license is a great investment for anglers in our state because for every license we sell, we get back $8.18 in federal funding under the Dingell-Johnson Act," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "Also, purchasing a
Voluntary Youth Fishing License Purchase Can Help DNR Increase Funding Contact: Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014 Agency: Natural Resources
license for a youth angler helps teach children the importance of supporting conservation." For every fishing license sold in Michigan, the DNR receives $8.18 from the Dingell-Johnson Act, also known as the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act. Passed by Congress in 1950, the program is funded by revenues collected from the manufacturers of fishing rods, reels, creels, lures, flies and artificial baits, who pay an excise tax on these items to the U.S. Treasury. The funds are then distributed to the state fish and wildlife agencies based the number of licensed anglers and the amount of land and water area in the state.
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industry best-practices of the hydrologic stability of the crown pillar, including the hydraulic connection of existing sub-vertical faults as well as stress fractures that would arise as a result of the mining operation. A worst-case scenario should be included that postulates vertical fractures from the ore body to the Salmon Trout River directly above the deposit.
3. MDEQ should require Kennecott to follow additional assessment and monitoring regimes, including quarterly monitoring of aquatic macroinvertebrates, sampling in the truck wash area, onsite storage of overburden, and the discharge of process or wash water, to ensure there will not be any short- or long-term water quality issues.
4. MDEQ and Kennecott should provide specific plans and assurances that if problems arose, anticipated or unanticipated, they would respond in a timely fashion. We have this concern based on the past performance of the mining industry in general, and are particularly worried about delays in responding to issues during critical times, such as brook trout spawning season.
5. MDEQ should consult with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and ask for a response from Kennecott concerning the mine at Flambeau. There continues to be lingering issues with water quality contamination, all the while Kennecott is seeking a Certificate of Completion from the WDNR.
grave concerns that Kennecott did not follow industry best-practices when evaluating the potential structural stability of the crown pillar. Equally as alarming, the technical report reveals that Kennecott did not conduct an analysis of the hydrologic stability of the crown pillar and the potential increase in hydraulic connectivity as a result of stress-induced deformation from the mining process. Finally, we are seriously concerned that MDEQ’s analysis and review of the permit application may not have been conducted properly. The sensitivity of this site leaves no margin for error. We strongly oppose this project, and believe that it is in the best interest of the State of Michigan and the Salmon Trout River to deny Kennecott's application at this time. If, however, the MDEQ should decide to move forward and further evaluate Kennecott's application after the conclusion of the internal investigation, we believe that MDEQ and Kennecott must satisfactorily address the following issues before any defensible decision can be made regarding the existing project proposal. 1. MDEQ should require
Kennecott to conduct further analysis following industry best-practices of the strength and structural integrity of the Crown Pillar;
2. MDEQ should require Kennecott to conduct a complete analysis following
6. We are concerned that if a problem is identified during mining or after reclamation and Kennecott states that “it is working on the problem” that the MDEQ will not aggressively enforce the terms and conditions of the applicable permit(s) to ensure water quality in the Salmon Trout River.
The MDEQ is responsible to the people of the State of Michigan and must conduct an honest evaluation of all of the permit application materials and any other materials that are necessary to ensure the protection of the environment. No more, no less. Simply stated, we believe the Salmon Trout River watershed is critically important to coldwater resources and much too valuable to the State of Michigan to have unanswered questions at this late date. Further, it leaves too much margin for catastrophic errors to occur. Again, we strongly urge the MDEQ to deny this permit. Thank you for the opportunity to share our comments with you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to discuss these concerns further. Pat Kochanny may be reached by phone at 231-775-9717 or email: [email protected]. Laura Hewitt may be reached at 608-250-3534 or [email protected]. Sincerely, Patrick Kochanny Chairman, Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited
Laura Hewitt Midwest Conservation Director Trout Unlimited
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C lare County Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials today
confirmed the presence of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in an inland lake in Michigan. Budd Lake, a 175-acre lake in central Clare County, experienced a very large die-off of fish beginning April 30 that included black crappie, bluegill and muskellunge. DNR biologists responded quickly to the lake to determine the cause of the die-off. Potential natural and human-induced causes for the die-off were evaluated. Fish collected from Budd Lake were taken to Michigan State University for testing. Because of the nature of the testing process for VHS, several weeks are required to obtain results. The DNR learned this week that the fish from Budd Lake were positive for VHS. Although the exact cause of the fish die-off is yet to be determined, this is the first time that the virus has been found in inland waters in Michigan. "We are disappointed that the disease has spread to Budd Lake, and clearly we are very concerned
Fish Disease Discovered in Budd Lake CONTACT: Tammy Newcomb 517-373-3960, Gary Whelan 517-373-6948 or Richard Morscheck 517-373-9265 May 17, 2007
about protecting our inland waters from further spread of this virus," said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Kelley Smith. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia is known to cause large-scale mortalities in fish populations over short periods of time. Infected fish may exhibit hemorrhaging in the skin including large red patches, small pin-point spots of minor external hemorrhaging or no external signs at all. Sick fish often will appear listless, swim in circles or hang just below the surface. VHS likely was introduced into the Great Lakes around 2002 via ships that entered the Great Lakes and discharged ballast water that contained the virus. The virus is now known to be distributed in Michigan's waters of the Great Lakes from northern Lake Huron to Lake Erie. Widespread mortalities in muskellunge and gizzard shad in Michigan waters of Lake St. Clair were observed in 2006 along with significant mortalities of yellow perch, white bass, freshwater drum and round gobies in lakes Erie and Ontario.
a wonderful first experience with fly fishing, tying flies, and wading down the rivers and streams. I had a lot of fun during the camp and a great journey through the wilderness. Thank you again, Claire A. Arndt
T his past summer I had the unique opportunity to attend “Trout Camp
2006.” This was all because of the Mershon chapter of TU. I would like to say thank you for making it possible for me to attend. I felt honored being sponsored by your chapter. I had
Dear Members of Mershon Chapter of TU,
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The Fish Disease Control Order identifies restrictions on the use of baitfish and fish eggs for different disease management areas. These regulations are necessary to protect the aquatic resources of the state, minimize the spread of disease to uninfected waters and protect the DNR's hatchery system. "It is unfortunate that we have to take the steps required under the order, but those steps are similar to what other Great Lakes States and the Province of Ontario are enacting in an attempt to slow the spread of VHS in the Great Lakes Basin," Smith said. "The order, however, will not prevent anglers from fishing as usual anywhere in the state this summer."
Internationally, VHS is a fish disease of concern and is a required reportable disease to the International Organization of Animal Health. In October 2006, the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service imposed interstate and international restrictions on the movement of fish to prevent the spread of VHS in the U.S. As a result of this finding in Budd Lake, the DNR is modifying regulations proposed in the Fish Disease Control Order that was presented for information to the Natural Resources Commission May 10.
Major changes to the order include an expanded certification process for facilities that maintain baitfish or other live fish that are known to be susceptible to VHS, as well as additional restrictions on the use of baitfish or eggs by anglers when fishing. DNR Director Rebecca Humphries is expected to take action on the order at the June 7 meeting of the Natural Resources Commission. The order can be reviewed online at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing. The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.
stream restoration and stream improvement projects. During last year’s youth camp, chapter director Bill Adams volunteered his services as an instructor. Bill has spearheaded the involvement of the Mershon chapter in this very worthwhile project. Harold Kleinert, longtime Mershon chapter leader, was instrumental in identifying Anthony and Devin as two boys who are eager to attend this year’s camp. The Youth River Conservation and Fishing Camp is a great experience for the boys and girls and an investment in the future of T.U. and river conservation.
T he William B. Mershon chapter will again this summer be sponsoring
two young people who will attend the Trout Unlimited Youth River Conservation and Fishing Camp. The camp is sponsored by various TU chapters and is open to boys and girls 12–16 years of age. It will be held again at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center at Higgins Lake from July 8–12. Anthony Jeffreys, 14, and Devin Hill, 12, both from Bay City, will participate through sponsorship from our chapter. The youth campers will receive casting and fly fishing instructions and learn about
Youth River Conservation and Fishing Camp set for July 8–12
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access to the site. The $45,000 project will be funded through a mix of public and private funds. The Claybanks area, known by many local anglers as Cranky’s Corner, in honor of a long-time occupant of the area during nighttime hatches, is also a favorite stopping point for many of the thousands of canoeists and others who float the Mio section of the Au Sable each year. Their activities contribute to, and exacerbate, the erosion as they climb the bluff, dig in the clay, and even slide down the bank in canoes, kayaks, and tubes. In the process, native vegetation holding soil in place is destroyed and an area already prone to erosion is worsened due to human-induced erosion. After significant rainfall, a plume of cappuccino-colored sediment can be seen extending along the bank for hundreds of yards downstream. Once settled, the sediment load blankets areas of spawning gravel and suffocates aquatic invertebrate life. Stabilization and rehabilitation of the Clay Banks represents a significant milestone in the preservation of the nationally recognized wild and scenic Au Sable River. Patrick Ertel, project manager and Huron Pines representative, states that there are two factors that
Trophy Waters section of Au Sable River receiving facelift by Paul Morand
A major environmental eyesore and contributor to heavy
stream sediment load will soon be receiving a significant facelift. The area in need of substantial restoration is located in the Trophy Waters section of the Au Sable River, approximately five river miles downstream from Mio access. In a collaborative effort between the Huron Pines organization, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the United States Forest Service (USFS), private landowners, and volunteer groups, approximately 1200 feet of the 50 feet high “Claybanks” area will be stabilized through a combination of in-stream and bank-side structures. Initial work was begun in the fall of 2006, when large woody debris were dropped by helicopter and anchored along the bank to prevent river
need to be addressed to reduce the erosion of the Claybanks site. “First, further human access to the site needs to be curtailed to prevent the root cause of the soil losing stability. Second, since the topsoil has all been eroded and deposited in the adjacent stretch of river, there will have to be a concerted effort to add soil back to the site to nourish plantings during the stabilization project.” With respect to these goals, preliminary plans call for the use of biologs at the water’s edge to provide a “backstop” for the added soil. The soil will be used to reshape the bank and reduce the grade of the slope. Native vegetation will be planted and mulch fabric added to stabilize the area until the plantings are established. It is hoped that as plants grow on the site it will become unnoticeable that any erosion control work was done in the area. Noted author and guide Bob Linsenman comments, “the Claybanks site is the most severely eroded area from the headwaters of the Au Sable to Alcona Dam and in the past few years the deterioration has rapidly worsened. Repair of this area is an important step in rectifying years of neglect and abuse.
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modeling efforts, field tests for water temperature and dissolved oxygen enhancements, and future enhancement plans and timelines for the hydro dams. Representatives of the Michigan Department of Natural Resource, the US Forest Service, the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Michigan Hydro Relicensing Coalition, who have participated in reviewing and making recommendations for the water quality program, will also be in attendance. The public is invited to attend.
C onsumers Energy will host a June 6, 2007, meeting at the Ferris
State University - West Campus Community Center from 6:00 to 7:30 PM to discuss their Hydro Dam Water Quality Enhancement Program. The meeting will provide an overview of efforts and progress made toward the enhancement of water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels in the outflow at Consumers' Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon River hydropower dams. The meeting will include a discussion of water quality
Consumers Energy hydro dam meeting set for Wednesday, June 6
Mershon chapter president Robb Smith presents the Rev. Bruce Hatch Resource Professional Award to Tom Buhr in recognition for his work in the field of natural resources conservation. “I am very honored and humbled to receive the Rev. Bruce Hatch Resource Professional Award from the William B. Mershon Chapter of TU. Everybody who knows the difference between a Hennie and a Hex is aware that the Mershon Chapter sets the standard for conservation and stewardship in our state. The best way to show my deep appreciation for this recognition is to redouble my efforts to keep our lakes, streams and wetlands healthy. I look forward to working with Mershon in this endeavor.”
Also presented was the Howard Woolever Extended Service Award, awarded to Peter Jones for his many years of service to the chapter, and the Harold Kleinert Volunteer of the Year Award, given to Dave Case for his outstanding service to the chapter during the last year. Congratulations, gentlemen, and thank you for your service to our chapter and the cold-water resources we enjoy.
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Salmon Trout River has brought traction back to the grassroots efforts of Trout Unlimited. MCTU is also in the process of hiring a new executive director, which may occur at any time and hopefully will be announced at the summer meeting in Cadillac on June 23rd. MCTU chairman Pat Kochanny has been very supportive and attentive to the activities of the Mershon chapter. His knowledge of “the system” is proving to be an invaluable asset in our efforts to communicate effectively with the DNR. It seems that many of the hottest conservation issues are, to coin a phrase, “moving at the speed of law.” Court cases involving the Mason Tract and Kolke Creek seem to be unending. Thankfully, the first hole drilled at the Mason Tract site was dry and has slowed the drilling efforts in this area. The trial on Kolke Creek continues, as does the spread of the gas plume that’s clean-up method is the basis of the issue. Thankfully, the Anglers of the Au Sable and others are presenting a strong case to divert the “cleansed water” back into the ground and away from the direct channel to the Au Sable River through Lynn Lake and Kolke Creek. This has been a controversial and costly court case for the plaintiffs, but in my opinion, there can be no value assigned to the protection of the headwaters of the Au Sable River system. Art Neumann reminded me that the angling book collection of the late Reed Draper is being featured at Central Michigan University’s Clarke Historical Library in Mt.
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be hosting this strictly “just for the fun of it” event. It starts at 2:00 p.m. and should be a chance to swap some lies and have an enjoyable time. Bring a dish to pass, and Mershon will supply the hot dogs and burgers. If you have any questions, please contact Josh Butzin, our new vice-president. His phone number and e-mail addresses are listed on the board roster. Let’s get out and support this “summer meeting.” The Mershon board is very vigilant to track the coming recommendation for the classification of the Mio Trophy Waters reach of the Au Sable River. The board has requested that the 13-mile stretch between Mio and McKinley be classified as a Type 7, which is catch and release. We are under the impression that no matter how this classification comes out from the DNR, there will need to be coordinated and consistent effort at the public hearings to support or oppose the DNR recommendation. Catch and release has worked for a better fishery in the upper Au Sable and can work in the Trophy Waters as well. Let’s not take no for an answer on this one. The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited (MCTU) has taken a firm stance to oppose the Eagle Project proposed by Kennecott Mining in the Upper Peninsula. Strong wording in a letter to the DNR questioning the licensing of a mining operation under the
Pleasant. Art also mentioned that he was involved in Draper’s acquisition of a substantial portion of the collection and believes it is one of the finest in the state. The viewing of the collection is free on weekdays and continues through October 22nd from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. There is also a collection of William B. Mershon materials including photos, letters and artifacts available for viewing at the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History in Saginaw. There is a $1.00 charge for the exhibit, and it is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. I wish to all of you the best of summer experiences and angling fortune. Your continued support of Trout Unlimited is appreciated very much. Remember to take that trash sack with you when you visit the streams and keep our rivers clean. See you in the fall! Your President, Robb Smith
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You’re invited to view the Clarke Historical Library’s latest exhibit featuring the Reed Draper Angling Collection. This exhibit celebrates sport fishing in Michigan and we’ve invited Jerry Dennis, author of such publications as A Place on the Water, The River Home and Canoeing Michigan Rivers to join us. He will be sharing his thoughts on the preservation of this highly valued sport through the written word. Immediately following the presentation we will be holding a reception in the adjoining Clarke Historical Library. We will be offering a complimentary bar with beer and wine as well as hors d’oeuvres. We hope you can join us for an enjoyable evening. The Clarke Historical Library proudly preserves one of Michigan’s largest collections of fishing related books. The collection was compiled by Mr. Reed Draper of Saginaw and was generously donated to the Clarke Library. The Reed Draper Collection totals more than 1,000 books many of which are related to Michigan fishing.
Friday, June 8th, 2007 Park Library Auditorium
Central Michigan University Campus 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public so feel free to invite other interested parties. We do we request that you RSVP to the Office of the Library Dean at
(989) 774-3500 or by contacting Sherry Cole via email at [email protected].
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APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
YES! Please begin my one-year introductory membership in Trout Unlimited at the rate I have checked at right. I understand my dues payment entitles me to all regular membership benefits, including a TU decal, personal membership card and quarterly issues of Trout magazine with Action Line. Name (please print) Address City State Zip Telephone
020 Mershon Chapter
Michigan Council - Code 5449 Sponsor
Please check membership category: New member membership ($17.50) Regular membership ($35) / 3 years
($90) Family membership ($50) / 3 years
($100) Sponsoring contributor ($100)* Conservator contributor (250)* Individual Life ($1,000) (No further dues)* Family Life ($1,100) (Husband and Wife)* Senior (62 and over) membership ($20) Full-time Student/Youth (under 18) ($20) Business membership ($200) Payment enclosed** Please bill me Visa # Exp. Date MasterCard Exp. Date Signature
All contributions over $12 are tax deductible. *Note: special benefits provided for these membership categories. **Make checks payable to: TROUT UNLIMITED Clip and mail this application to join TU today!
Mail to: TROUT UNLIMITED, PO BOX 7400, Woolly Bugger, WV 25438-7400
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(Please remember that board members can help you sign up new members at the membership rate of $17.50 and that all of this money comes back to the Mershon chapter if the membership application references our chapter #20.)
