2016 AuSable Canoe Marathon Program Book

2016 Program Guide

AuSable River Canoe Marathon 69

th Annual

July 26-31, 2016

© 2016 Kim Diment

#HUPAN Program Book

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PORTAGE 1 MIO HYDRO CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF OPERATION (1916 – 2016)

W

ITH A CAPACITY of 4,900 kilowatts, the hydro was built between 1914 – 16 and is the company’s hydro furthest upstream (west) on the Au Sable River. Named after the nearby city, Mio was the first hydroelectric plant to use a conduit or under-sluice spillway. Before this, all dams had included a massive above-ground concrete spillway that typically included a system of gates to pass excess flows.

ConsumersEnergy.com/hydro

5562-E

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69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

IT ISN’T WINNING A MARATHON BUT IT’S CLOSE

By SCOTT NUNN publisher It isn’t winning a Marathon but it is close.

Being invited to stay on as the publisher of the 69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon Program Book was a great honor.

Late in 2014, in addition to producing The Guide, my father, Jerry Nunn and I approached the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Committee to publish the book.

Arrogant perhaps, but we had approached the committee with so many changes that they had to be written down, discussed and mulled over.

It was shortly after Christmas of 2014, that we learned the committee liked our ideas and they were willing to embark on an adventure as our partners, to deliver the public a package that was worthy to bear the name AuSable River Canoe Marathon.

Nearing its 70th year, the Marathon is more than just a race ¬– it is THE race. It is THE race that celebrates Northeast Michigan’s heritage, resources and people. It is THE race that once began as a local challenge and have evolved into a world-class competition. It is THE race that towns and communities can build festivals around.

This journey, that we and the committee began, meant large changes. We moved the book to a full color publication, asking supporters to provide us with higher quality images and join us as we think outside the box. We ripped apart the statistics, to deliver tables that are easier to read, and were meaningful beyond the organizers and racers. And we stuffed in content that went beyond patting the backs of the Marathon, but delivered the greater message that the AuSable River Basin and the communities around it are something to behold.

This Marathon means different things to different people.

Unlike myself, my father Jerry followed the marathon several times.

He loved to share the stories and the excitement to anyone who would listen.

As he would use his words to paint the

pictures in your mind, you would notice the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and your arms would light up with goosebumps.

He never oversold it. It was just that exciting.

As we began to publish the 2015 book, we learned that dad had terminal cancer.

Here I was left to take our dreams for the book, and make them a reality without my best friend by my side, as he was beginning his battle with that nasty disease.

His battle didn’t last long.

Quickly he went from perfectly healthy to bed-ridden, and not long after we lost him and Northeast Michigan lost its greatest voice.

Jerry Nunn passed away July 29, 2015, at the age of 55 years old, leaving behind his family, friends and his love for Northeast Michigan.

Before dad passed, he was able to see our dreams become a reality as he thumbed through the greatest Canoe Marathon book ever published. Although he was unable to speak, I knew exactly what he wanted to say as the tear ran down his cheek and he gave a thumbs up.

And while it doesn’t compare to competing in a world-renowned Canoe Marathon, words cannot describe how victorious I felt.

I hope you will agree, that this year’s book is better than the last and as you read this book and as you follow or paddle the race, I hope that you think of my dad and those in your own life who have passed.

Thank you, Scott Nunn To read more about Jerry Nunn visit: www.issuu.com/ infonortheast/docs/august_ september_15_guidesm or http://www.ogemawherald. com/stories/Nunn-better,102104

Program Book

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Table of Contents

A note from the publisher 2015 Marathon results Spectator Tips AuSable River Canoe Marathon Radio Network Iron Paddler Award Grayling Calendar of Events Winners list Anglers of the Au Sable Career Points Ranking - Top 50 Inaugural Rabaska Race Huron Pines: Paddling to successs The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Hall of Fame Meet the Six Dams Cleaning up the AuSable Exploring the History of The Rabaska The Bissonette Bros Award Funding Habitat Improvements Oscoda Calendar of Events Most Consecutive Finishes Guardians of the River AuSable River Canoe Marathon Map World Class Paddling Team Pride Da$h for Ca$h River Festival and AuSable River Canoe Marathon Schedule of Events Follow the Race LIVE Grueling, Intense and Emotional State Water Trail Blast from the Past The Triple Crown How to become a canoe marathoner The AuSable River Take Care of the AuSable Valley Forest Resources The Race Grayling Youth Paddling Club The Artic Clacier Mini Marathon Sweating for the Wedding Partners with the River The Final State of the Triple Crown

3 6-8 8 9 10 12-13 14 & 18 16 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30 32-33 36-37 38-39 41 42-43 44-45 46 48-49 50-51 52-53 54 56-57

Racing Statistics are located throughout the book.

59-60 61 64-65 67-68 68-69 70-71 72-73 74-76 80-82 84-85 86-87 88-89 90-91 93-95 97

69th AuSable River Canoe Marathon

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to organize and promote the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, generate public exposure to the communities in the AuSable River Valley and increase awareness of the unique natural resource, the AuSable River.

2016 Volunteer Race Committee Grayling Oscoda Cheryl Lucey Rod Matthews Phil Weiler Justin Griffith Suzanne Schlachter Lisa Denney James L-Bulley Sylvia Harmon-Curley Rich Kimmel Ryan Matthews Toni Stephan Sherry Kimsel Steve Southard Marie Matthews Joe Wakeley Sam Harmon John Lucey Chris Lovelace Ernie Balch Peggy English Mark Sloan Keith Wojahn Andy Moore Kathy Erickson Mary Luke Sarah McLeod Tim Weismiller Penny Wojahn Angie Ellis Justin Collier Dana Anderson Rebecca Collier Jack Richards Jessica Adkison Wayne Koppa Jordan Stephan

Michael Taggert sponsored the Point to Point records for 2015-2016.

Writers: Tom Baird, Thomas Buhr, Rob Burg, Bernie Eng, Emma Fojtik, Art Furtaw, Josh Greenburg, Calvin Hoogerhyde, Yvon Laplante, Dennis Mansfield, Scott Nunn, Lona O'Connor/Detroit Free Press, Steve Southard, Susan Theil, Susan Williams Photographers: Mark Bialek, Bissonette Family, Brian Connon, Scott Nunn, Cyrille Farre Editors: Scott Nunn Layout & Design: Scott Nunn Publisher: Scott Nunn (989) 245-7140 or snunn@infonortheast.com 4

AuSable Marathon Website ausablecanoemarathon.org

AuSable Marathon on Instagram @AuSableMarathon

AuSable Canoe Marathon on Snapchat

AuSable Marathon Facebook page facebook.com/ AuSableCanoeMarathon.org

AuSable Marathon on Twitter @AuSable Marathon

AuSable Marathon YouTube Channel YouTube.com/ AuSableCanoeMarathon

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS • NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY* When you need quick, convenient care for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries, Grayling Physician Network’s Walk-In Care services will have you feeling better faster than ever. With dedicated access to trained providers and staff, our Walk-In Care services include diagnosis and treatment of a full range of medical conditions including: infections, or irritations • Minor burns and cuts • Back strains • Minor trauma, such as an • Muscle aches and pains • Earaches or infections • Upset stomach • Fever or flu-like symptoms ankle sprain • Minor eye injuries, • Seasonal allergies • Mild allergic reactions

• Severe sore throats, cough and colds • Sprains and minor fractures

Walk-In Care services for minor injuries and illnesses.

GRAYLING

ROSCOMMON

Monday: 11 am - 7 pm Tuesday: 11 am - 7 pm Wednesday: 11 am - 7 pm Thursday: 11 am - 7 pm Friday: 11 am - 7 pm Saturday: NEW SUMMER 2016 HOURS! 8 AM - 12 PM FROM JULY 2 TO SEP. 3

Monday: 9 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 3 pm Tuesday: 9 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 3 pm Wednesday: 9 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 3 pm Thursday: 9 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 3 pm

PRUDENVILLE Saturday: 9 am - 3 pm *Patients are seen in the order of arrival, however priority care may be provided based on the severity of the complaint or injury. Talk to a staff member to learn more.

Gold Paddle Partner Program Book

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2015 AuSable River Canoe Marathon Results 1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

No. 01 66 98 13 08 20 02 22 80 97 68 55 30 14 89 39 64 44 85 94 11 07 57 28 72 40 88 36 34 06 15 60 76 33 45 31 50 43 84 96

Paddlers (Ages) Andrew Triebold (39) & Steve Lajoie (39) Mathieu Pellerin (25) & Guillaume Blais (29) Michael Schlimmer (29) & Ben Schlimmer (26) Nick Walton (42) & Christophe Proulx (20) Shane MacDowell (27) & Pete Mead (34) Tim Sheldon (50) & Tad Hill (37) Ken Kolonich (69) & Ryan Halstead (28) Richard Lauth (42) & Colin Hunter (34) Weston Willoughby (24) & Zach Mack (19) Kyle Mynar (30) & Logan Mynar (24) Jason Hatfield (37) & Patrick Armstrong (37) Mike Davis (24) & Rebecca Davis (25) Clark Kent (55) & Mike Bradford (50) Cameron McClain (32) & Bill Torongo (53) David Teddy (41) & Mandy Streib (34) Sean Casey (37) & Austin Weiler (23) Adam Gelinas (33) & Sarah Lessard (27) Flash Marsh (38) & Matt Gabriel, Jr. (31) Bruce Barton (58) & Gloria Wesley (55) Ted Smutek (47) & Holly Reynolds (35) Rick Joy (56) & Hailey McMahon (24) Wesley Dean (20) & Daniel Medina (21) Drew Compau (24) & Jon Webb (55) Eric Batway (52) & Chris Kucharek (37) Allen Limberg (57) & Barb Bradley (58) Fred Mills (61) & Tim McClure (57) Eric Dittenber (38) & Philip Millspaugh (30) Joe Leusby (31) & Michael Garon (57) Phil Trudgeon (55) & Carrie Montgomery (45) Don Brooks (46) & Mike Hale (31) Kevin Olson (28) & Rick Olson (59) Patrick Madden (35) & Roger Henry (73) Seth Miller (48) & Stephen Miller (50) Shawn Spallinger (38) & Joey Kimsel (34) Joseph Schlimmer (30) & Rebecca Sutter (46) Sylvie Nadeau (40) & Edith MacHattie (42) Joel Mack (42) & Kyle Stonehouse (21) Mike Hartman (39) & Brad Wilson (33) Neil Wiesner-Hanks (56) & Nate Winkler (43) Nathan Tate (29) & Eldon Barclay (24)

Continued on page 8

photos by Brian Connon

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69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Time 14:31:56 14:40:53 14:49:21 14:53:21 14:59:53 15:05:26 15:06:44 15:08:17 15:10:20 15:12:40 15:17:45 15:25:17 15:31:18 15:39:02 15:40:20 15:41:57 15:43:56 15:46:37 15:48:42 15:50:38 15:55:01 15:59:00 15:59:43 16:01:40 16:07:48 16:09:52 16:11:52 16:12:57 16:16:06 16:17:54 16:20:15 16:20:50 16:27:07 16:32:07 16:33:00 16:34:19 16:42:33 16:47:27 16:49:11 16:52:37

CARROLL BROADCASTING “YOU CAN HEAR THE DIFFERENCE”

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2015 AuSable River Canoe Marathon Results (continued) Place 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 8

No. 41 05 21 18 78 54 83 67 19 46 61 59 17 92 47 73 27 52 77 29 16 86 58 69 87 51 24 26 12 49 42 70 35 10 95 75 63 53 56 03 93 62 82 90

Paddlers (Ages) Mike Packard (51) & Melissa Swislosky (43) Pascal Lampron (21) & Simon-Pier Lacombe (25) Brandon Gerardy (35) & Stephen Leppard (40) Gary Aprea (72) & Peter Heed (65) Tyler Sika (28) & Rick Sika (52) Ryan Bennett (20) & Lynne Witte (61) Ray Bauer (58) & Tom Ackemyer (50) Todd Bennett (51) & Roy Sowersby (54) Sean Brabant (25) & Chris Hewitt (25) Joseph Somero (23) & John Lucey (51) Ross Teeple (24) & Chuck Hewitt (56) Fritz Hansen (74) & Jaya Elleson (55) André Gagné (65) & Yves Greffard (57) Joseph Seifert (63) & Gwen Hills (31) Jeff DeFeo (60) & Jo Hamlin (20) Levi Korneli (20) & Ty Jensen (20) Ann Armstrong (21) & Dwight Walker (61) Gary McLain (49) & Rusty McLain (56) Ray Wonders (54) & Hunter Wonders (16) Peggy English (56) & Rodney Matthews (60) Naomi Kolka (19) & Adrienne Gillespie (27) Chase Matthews (17) & Michael Matthews (35) David Dahl (66) & Greg Zophy (58) Ryan Harris (24) & Robert Smith (41) Kevin Murphy (52) & Scott Doederlein (44) Ed Lipinski (45) & Bill Mahaffy, Jr. (34) Kristi Treston (21) & Katie Treston (26) Andrew Weeks (51) & Paddi Thornburg (52) Bradley Thompson (25) & Erin Fluke (26) Lauren Fry (37) & Mark Rowe (41) Jon Thompson (58) & Ellen Thompson (58) Ted Cramer (61) & Tommy Cramer (36) Todd Kaems (44) & Jerry Killingbeck (46) Chris Scully (55) & Jeff Matthews (58) Rick Gillings (57) & Susan Williams (51) Jim Anderson (60) & Bernie Tuszynski (58) Tom Pellerin (27) & Jim Pellerin (23) Kris Kalbfleisch (31) & Matt Gonyea (24) Jason Ziegler (40) & Shane Barber (39) Mo Harwood, Jr. (36) & Matthew Ashton (36) Christopher Krey (24) & Katie Lange (22) Joe Pollock (56) & Dale Thompson (59) Deb Dehoff (41) & Aaron Mead (32) James Terry (38) & Katie Terry (37)

Time 16:54:21 16:55:01 16:57:27 16:59:30 16:59:36 17:03:58 17:05:08 17:05:28 17:08:46 17:10:55 17:13:14 17:13:16 17:13:44 17:15:00 17:15:05 17:16:43 17:19:18 17:27:09 17:31:02 17:35:36 17:38:14 17:50:43 17:58:59 18:03:03 18:20:35 18:23:27 18:24:34 18:26:52 18:29:20 18:29:50 18:32:49 Drop Drop Drop Drop Drop Drop DQ DQ Drop Drop Drop DQ DQ

spectator tips AuSable River Canoe Marathon

By DENNIS MANSFIELD

There is a reason that the AuSable River Marathon is billed as the toughest spectator sport in the world.

Here is some advice to make your spectator experience all the better.

GRAYLING – The AuSable River Canoe Marathon ranks as one of the more unusual sporting events in North America. Each year, teams of paddlers hoist their canoes to their shoulders at the starting line in downtown Grayling and run to the banks of the famous trout stream, then paddle 120 miles – mostly at night – to the finish line in Oscoda.

While extremely tough on competitors, it’s a rare sporting event that has a playing field spanning 120 miles and the Marathon is equally tough on the spectators.

Race fans who choose to follow the AuSable River Marathon, trying to get a glimpse of their favorite team at bridges, dams and feeding stops along the route, especially first-time spectators, would be well served to follow a bit of advice.

Trust me, I know.

I’ve followed the Marathon from start to finish, both for fun with friends and professionally for various publications. After traipsing river-side across four counties, I feel qualified to pass along a few tips to those traveling to Grayling for the 9 p.m. start of this year’s July 30 race, who plan to follow the racers to the Iosco County finish some 14 hours later.

Arrive earlY: Festivities begin along the riverbank and throughout downtown Grayling a few hours before the race and are well worth attending.

Prepare for anything: Weather can vary, so maybe have a spare outfit in a bag or backpack.

Include a sweatshirt and jeans, as well as rain gear. Throw in some bug dope and even sun block. And don’t forget to have a copy or two of the race program, which has a map of the river and possible sites to see the event.

Pack a cooler: Don’t load it just with snacks.

The race is long and you’ll want something more substantial than chips. So throw in some sandwiches and even fruit. Go easy on the adult beverages, too, and please have a designated driver. Not only is it illegal to drive under the influence, it’s dangerous, especially on Northeast Michigan’s country roads at night.

Set a limit: It’s silly to think you can hit every timing spot. That’s too much driving and parking, driving and parking.

Again, much of this is at night and you’re bound to get tired. The best way to both watch and enjoy the Marathon is to pick maybe five or six stops, out of the 15 timing stations, along the race. This not only allows

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

you to enjoy the moment without having to rush from stop to stop, but you can also fit in a cat nap or two along the way.

Some of my favorite stops are at Parmalee Bridge, Mio Dam and especially Alcona Dam, since it’s the first portage of the morning where there’s daylight as the sun peaks out about 5:30 a.m.

Joe Wakeley of Grayling, longtime race committee member, said the ponds before the dams allow spectators to get a longer view of their team, as they approach the dams. “Even at night, at the Mio Dam, you can see the lights taped to the canoes coming down the river,” says Wakeley.

Pass by Foote Dam: If you want to see the race-winning V paddlers cross the finish line, it’s probably best to skip the stop just p before that at Foote Dam. A Relax: N After the race is done, go to the n beaches along Lake Huron in Oscoda and enjoy some down time, w B lunch, maybe a nap. It’s a long T race, even for spectators. You’ve A completed it now. Kick back and C enjoy.

For complete details and schedules visit these websites:

1 www.AuSableCanoeMarathon.org www.GraylingChamber.com N www.OscodaChamber.com o

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon Volunteer Organizing Committee is pleased to announce the creation of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Radio Network (ARCM Radio Network). The radio network was developed in partnership with our Flagship Station, Black Diamond Broadcasting’s 98.5 UPS – The Station That Delivers, and in cooperation with the AuSable Marathon’s other Official Station, Carroll Broadcasting’s Hits-FM 94.9 & 103.3.

More than twenty (20) ARCM Radio Network affiliate stations around the state of Michigan will carry AuSable Canoe

Marathon race updates for 19-hours, from 6:00 p.m. Saturday night, July 30, through 1:00 p.m. Sunday, July 31. Black Diamond Broadcasting and Carroll Broadcasting stations, with signals covering all of northern and central Michigan, will continue to carry live race reports through Sunday’s 4:00 p.m. official conclusion of the AuSable Marathon.

Larry Roberts, the Hall of Fame 23-year “Voice of the Marathon”, will work with the volunteer organizing committee to cover the race for the network and, also on other audio and video promotional projects for the event.

“We are excited about being able to bring Program Book

coverage of the AuSable Marathon to folks across a much broader area of the State of Michigan," ARCM Vice-Chairman Phil Weiler said. "This will help to fulfill one of the Marathon’s missions – to create positive exposure of our region and to attract more visitors to the AuSable River Valley, boosting our year-round tourism economy.”

“We are excited and proud of our new partnership with the AuSable River Canoe Marathon," Mike Chires owner of BDBG said. "We’re looking forward to bringing coverage of one of the most exciting events in our state each year to fans throughout Michigan, other U.S. states and abroad”.

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reated by Hall of Fame Historian John B. Cook, the Iron Paddler Award is given to paddlers who have finished ten or more AuSable River Canoe Marathons in the Professional Division. To put ten finishes into perspective, it is 1,200 miles of intense hardcore paddling; it is a minimum of 500,000 relentless paddle strokes; it is a minimum of 140 hours of grueling canoe racing.

These paddlers are diehard and dedicated. These paddlers are iron-willed and incredible. These paddlers are the Toughest of the Tough!!

Iron Paddler Award Recipients “The Toughest of the Tough!”

No.

Paddler

1 Bernie Fowler 2 Steven Kolonich 3 Ralph Sawyer 4 Jack Kent 5 Al Widing, Sr. 6 Irvin “Buzz” Peterson 7 Jack Kolka 8 Jerry Kellogg 9 Verlen Kruger 10 John Baker 11 Bob Welsch 12 Butch Stockton 13 Brett Stockton 14 Tony Short 15 Rick Joy 16 Jeff Kellogg 17 Al Robinson 18 Dave Shepherd 19 Ken Kolonich 20 Serge Corbin 21 Lynne Witte 22 Jeff Kolka 23 Jim Harwood 24 Bill Torongo 25 Steve Kolonich 26 Randy Drake 27 Ted Kolka 28 Al Rudquist

Year

Age

1956 1961 1962 1965 1968 1971 1972 1977 1978 1980 1980 1983 1987 1987 1987 1989 1989 1991 1992 1993 1993 1994 1994 1996 1997 1997 1997 1998

30 41 25 34 43 47 38 33 56 38 38 34 24 23 28 44 46 35 46 36 39 35 30 34 25 43 31 38

29 Blaise St. Pierre 30 Bill DuBois 31 Robert Bradford 32 Clark Kent 33 Steve Landick 34 Bruce Barton 35 Carrie Montgomery 36 Michael Garon 37 Jon Webb 38 John Sullivan 39 Tom Trudgeon 40 Joe Shaw 41 Connie Cannon 42 Dwight Walker 43 Steve Krantz 44 Solomon Carrière 45 Joseph Seifert 46 Fred Mills 47 Ted Smutek 48 Frank Smutek 49 Mo Harwood, Jr. 50 Ray Bauer 51 Tom Cannon 52 Peter Heed 53 Ray Quick 54 Joe Johnson 55 Andrew Triebold 56 Steve Lajoie 57 Mike Bradford 58 Allen Limberg

2000 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 2004 2004 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2010 2010 2010 2010

60 44 59 43 50 46 33 47 44 36 47 51 45 52 53 51 56 53 40 74 30 52 53 59 54 59 34 34 45 52

59 Greg Nelson 60 Brian Royce 61 Chuck Hewitt 62 Colin Hunter 63 Tim Sheldon 64 David Teddy 65 Amy Solak 66 Sean Casey 67 Mike Hartman 68 Jeff DeFeo 69 Nate Winkler 70 Robert Smith 71 Jon Thompson 72 Don Brooks 73 Matt Streib 74 Pete Mead 75 Tad Hill 76 Rodney Matthews 77 Dick Kloss 78 Nick Walton 79 Gloria Wesley 80 Jason Hatfield 81 Flash Marsh 82 Joey Kimsel 83 Brad Wilson 84 Gary Aprea 85 Tom Ackemyer 86 Chris Hewitt 87 Ellen Thompson

2010 2010 2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015

53 38 51 30 46 37 46 33 35 56 39 38 55 43 49 32 35 58 71 41 54 37 38 34 33 72 50 25 58

Paddlers On the Cusp (9 Pro Finishes) Barb Bradley Don Burklund Ryan Halstead Fritz Hansen John Lucey Tim McClure Matt Meersman Doug Moggo photos by Brian Connon

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69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Michael Montgomery Mike Packard Russ Reker Matthew Rimer Tim Triebold Tim Valko Steve Watson

Program Book

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G rayling Calendar of Events Auto Repair

Your alternative for auto repair Foreign & Domestic

for Grayling and Crawford County July

Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

50 N. I-75 BL Grayling (989) 348-8123

2: Nature Discovery-Giant Silk Moths, Hartwick Pines State Park 3: Nature Discovery-Meet the Michigan Constrictors, Hartwick Pines State Park 4: Independence Day festivities 4: Hanson Hills Firecracker Run, Downtown Grayling 4: 4th of July Parade, Downtown Grayling 4: Grayling Main Street Paddle Battle, Downtown Grayling 7&21: Baby-to-Toddler Closet open, Michelson Memorial Church 8: Campground Christmas in July, Hartwick Pines State Park Campground 8: Swing Away for MDA Golf Scramble, Grayling Country Club 9: Relay for Life of Crawford. County, Grayling City Park 9: Grayling Rotary Black Bear GranFondo, Hanson Hills 14: Chicken BBQ, Grayling Senior Center 11-17: Michigan Mammals Week, Hartwick Pines State Park 16: Garden Tractor Pull, Wellington Farm Park 16-17: Wood Shaving Days, Hartwick Pines State Park 16-17: Quilt Show, Wellington Farm 23: Beaver, Beer, and Banjos, Lovells Township Historical Society 23-31: AuSable River Festival & Canoe Marathon See Full Events Schedule on page 58 30: Historic Canon Firing, Range 35 Camp Grayling

August

4&18: Baby-to-Toddler Closet open, Michelson Memorial Church 1-7: Invasive Species Week, Hartwick Pines State Park 6: Nature Discovery-Turtles in Trouble, Hartwick Pines State Park 6: Grayling Street Market 7: Nature Discovery- Seldom seen Herps, Hartwick Pines State Park 11: Hog Roast, Grayling Senior Center 12

11-14: Tractor Show, Wellington Farm Park 13: Forest Fest, Hartwick Pines State Park 12-14: Tractor Show, Wellington Farm 20: Lovells Bridge Walk and Log Drive all day 20: Garden Tractor Pull, Wellington Farm Park 25: Business After Hours ~ Diamond Broadcasting and Grayling Eagles, Grayling Eagles 27-28: Black Iron Days, Hartwick Pines State Park Hooverville Reenactment, Wellington Farm Park

September

1&15: Baby-to-Toddler Closet, Michelson Memorial Church 1&15: An Evening at the Logging Camp, Hartwick Pines State Park 8: Grandparents Day Dinner, Grayling Senior Center 10-11: Fall Fest, Wellington Farm 10-11: 12 & 24 Hours of Hanson Hills Mt.Bike Race, Hanson Hills 10: “You’ve Got a Friend” The music of Carole King & James Taylor, Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts 10&11: Artists, Authors, and Musicians, Wellington Farm Park 11: Concert TBA, Wellington Farm 10: 12 & 24 Hours of Hanson Hills Mt.Bike Race, Hanson Hills 17: Garden Tractor Pull, Wellington Farm Park 24: Funky Fish Brew HaHa, Downtown Grayling

October

1: GPA Arts & Crafts Show, Grayling Elementary 5: Acting up Theatre Co- Anti Bullying and Personal Empowerment, Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts 7: A Temptations Revue with Barrington “BO” Henderson, Kirtland Center for the Performing Arts 7&8: Forest of Fear, 1316 S. Stephan Bridge Rd. 8: Girls Night out, Downtown Grayling 6&20: Baby-to-Toddler Closet open, Michelson Memorial Church 13: Harvest Dinner, Grayling Senior Center 14&15: Forest of Fear, 1316 S. Stephan Bridge Rd. 15,16,22&23: Punkin’ Chunkin’, Wellington Farm 21&22: Forest of Fear, 1316 S. Stephan Bridge Rd. 27: Business after Hours, Tip’n the Mitten 28&29: Forest of Fear, 1316 S. Stephan Bridge Rd.

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Experience

Grayling

N

estled away in Northern Michigan’s Crawford County, Grayling offers a casual, friendly and relaxed lifestyle. Reminescent of the days past, it is still common to see residents wave at each other as they pass and stop to chat in the stores.

The Grayling area is a sanctuary for those who seek the great outdoors. When you’re here you enter “River Time Zone”, where time has no meaning.

Grayling’s Downtown District offers unique shopping opportunities, and numerous original restaurants and bars are located throughout the county. Two art galleries, souvenir shops and dining options are located in the heart of downtown. Dining in the Grayling area is casual with many options. From donuts to pizza, downhome cooking to locally-made craft beer, you will be sure to please your taste buds.

Visitors should spend some time at Hartwick Pines State Park. With its thousands of undeveloped acres and 49 acres of “Old Growth Forest”, The Pines is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life with a visitor’s center, rustic chapel, museums, hiking, mountain biking, and cross country ski trails, and a short, paved trail.

A variety of terrain and numerous scenic trails for the novice to expert rider are making Crawford County an increasingly popular mountain biker’s destination. Many visitors also enjoy walking and hiking. Trails range from a one-and-a-half-hour leisurely stroll on several paved pathways, to many miles of unpaved biking and hiking trails.

Birding is excellent throughout the county because of the heavy and varied forest growth and many bodies of water. Endangered Kirtland’s warbler tours are available during the spring for a limited time. During the early spring, morel mushrooming is a popular activity. Geocaching and disc golfing are growing in popularity. The golfing opportunities in the area have something to offer for any ability, from beginners to pros, with four courses available.

There are numerous lakes that offer a variety of freshwater fish, with many public access sites for swimming and boating. For ice fishing, many lakes have high quality ice. The AuSable and Manistee Rivers, premier, world-famous trout streams with their numerous tributaries, make Grayling famous. These rivers are favorites for fly fishers, canoeists and kayakers. Both rivers are fairly shallow with a sandy bottom, clear water, and a slow current. There are no rapids or whitewater in the Grayling area, so these rivers

are “user friendly” for even novices. The beauty and serenity that visitors find on both the AuSable and Manistee Rivers makes this area a unique vacation spot, and keeps them returning year after year.

With 70 percent of the county owned by the state and federal government and open to the public, the area is a hunter’s dream. Various types of terrain yield trophy sized bucks, snowshoe hares, squirrels, turkey, grouse, woodcock and waterfowl hunting.

When you’re on a motorcycle, half the fun of the trip is getting there! There are dozens of beautiful rides within two hours of your Grayling area home base. For off-roading, ride a scenic, wooded trail, perfect for the novice and intermediate ORV rider. Crawford County’s ORV trail system is approximately 26 miles long with many county road shoulders also open to ORV traffic. The contrasting evergreen and hardwood forests of Northern Michigan are spectacular in Autumn. Enjoy the scenery with a leisurely drive, cycling, or canoeing.

For those interested in history, Crawford County has several unique attractions— Wellington Farm, USA, a Depression Era working farm, and the Lovells Museums that feature the Lone Pine Schoolhouse and Trout Fishing History Museum. Also be sure to visit the Grayling Historical Society’s restored railroad depot, which offers a trip to the 19th and 20th centuries.

For visitors who love snowsports, Grayling is a popular vacation spot. With an annual average snowfall of over 100 inches, and a range in winter temperatures from below zero to the mid-thirties, there is usually plenty of the white stuff around with the cold temperatures that go along with it.

Snowmobiling is very popular in the Grayling area. There are well-groomed trails that connect to trails in other counties—literally hundreds and hundreds of miles to ride. Cross country (xc) skiing is the most popular winter “silent sport.”

There are several xc ski areas that are groomed, both for classic and skate-style skiing. Downhill and xc skiing and snow tubing at Hanson Hills Winter Sports Park are both family friendly and inexpensive. Snowshoeing and skiwalking are sports growing in popularity. Both need a minimal amount of equipment, and neither requires a

Program Book

lot of experience or training. The Grayling area offers miles of exceptionally well-groomed cross country ski trails for the novice to the expert, and ungroomed, pristine trails for snowshoeing or back-country skiing.

There are many events held annually— Maple Syrup Day at Hartwick Pines State Park in the Spring, mountain bike races at Hanson Hills, Dairy Days at Wellington Farm, USA, Christmas Walk in Downtown Grayling, and the world–famous AuSable River Festival and Canoe Marathon. Grayling hosts the AuSable River Festival leading up to the Marathon, held annually the last full weekend in July, which includes events such as a classic car show, arts & crafts show, food vendors, parade, 5k/10k, 1-mile fun run, and much more. During the Marathon, two-person canoe teams race in North America’s toughest, richest, non-stop canoe race. These teams paddle the fourteen to nineteen hour, 120mile race finishing in Oscoda at Lake Huron.

Considered to be the world’s toughest spectator sport, approximately 50,000 fans will cheer on the competitors at various points throughout the race.

Grayling houses Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, a premier, fullspectrum, four-season joint training center. Camp Grayling provides year-round, customer-focused training support and high quality facilities.

There are so many positive things going on in Grayling with the Industrial Park growing, Grayling Main Street Program thriving, and the local economy on the rise. Major new and exciting developments are on the horizon.

For more info: Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce (989) 348-2921 www.graylingchamber.com Grayling Visitors Bureau www.grayling-mi.com (800) 937-8837 Facebook – GraylingChamber or GraylingVisitorsBureau 13

AuSable River Canoe Marathon Official Winners List Year 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969

Winning Team Allen Carr & Delbert Case Frank Bissonette & Hugh Bissonette Frank Bissonette & Hugh Bissonette Jay Stephan, Sr. & Ted Engel Jay Stephan, Sr. & Ted Engel Jay Stephan, Sr. & Ted Engel Don Feldhauser & Bernie Fowler Don Feldhauser & Bernie Fowler Don Feldhauser & Bernie Fowler Ralph Sawyer & Tom Gildersleeve Ralph Sawyer & Jerry Wagner Steve Kolonich & Larry Kindell Ralph Sawyer & Jerry Wagner Ed Wojahn & Sanford McGuire Victor Kindell & Larry Kindell Ralph Sawyer & Ron Hohman Ron Hohman & Irvin Peterson Ralph Sawyer & Irvin Peterson Ralph Sawyer & Irvin Peterson Ron Hohman & Gerald Lauwers Ralph Sawyer & Stan Hall Ralph Sawyer & Stan Hall

Time 21:03:00 19:58:00 18:57:00 18:32:00 17:36:55 17:48:00 17:33:00 17:33:00 17:38:30 16:58:00 17:19:45 16:41:00 16:56:00 16:11:55 9:49:25* 15:25:17** 15:09:04** 15:06:05** 16:11:54 16:00:49 15:40:29** 15:31:43**

Margin of Second Place Team Victory Jack Davis 24:00 & Jay Stephan, Sr. Ted Engel 13:00 & Jay Stephan, Sr. Gerald DeFour 28:00 & Claude Gobiel Frank Bissonette 20:00 & Hugh Bissonette Robert Fullerton 42:00 & Hugh Bissonette Don Feldhauser 6:00 & Bernie Fowler Ralph W. Sawyer 38:00 & Eugene Roy Steve Kolonich 39:00 & Larry Kindell Steve Kolonich 15:00 & Larry Kindell Bernie Fowler 12:00 & John Stephan Irvin Peterson 14:00 & Tom Estes Ralph Sawyer 27:00 & Tom Gildersleeve Gary Kolonich 10:30 & Ed Wojahn Ralph Sawyer 10:30 & Irvin McGuire Ralph Sawyer 1:55 & Ed Wojahn Gerald Lauwers 17:08 & Stan Hall Gerald Lauwers 10:53 & Stan Hall Pat Widing 21:12 & Al Widing, Sr. Stan Hall 13:04 & Al Widing, Sr. LeRoy Widing 10:12 & Al Widing, Sr. Irvin Peterson 6:17 & Steve Peterson Norm Crerar 8:25 & Gib McEachron

NO RACE WAS HELD

Luc Robillard & John Baker 15:42:00 4:00 Claude Corbin & Jack Kolka Irvin Peterson & Jerry Kellogg 1971 15:36:40 3:20 Steve Peterson & Jack Kolka Jerry Kellogg & Luc John Baker 1972 15:20:50 32:34 Robillard & Jack Kolka Jerry Kellogg & Luc John Buckley 1973 14:56:20 31:19 Robillard & Stan Hall * Race was held from Camp Ten to Oscoda in 1961 ** Two day race in 1962-63-64-67-68 (Day 1: Grayling to Mio. Day 2: Mio to Oscoda) *** Race won as a result of a 10 minute penalty to Steve Landick & Solomon Carrière (14:37:28) 1970

14

AuSable River Canoe Marathon Official Winners List

Margin of Second Place Team Victory Jerry Kellogg & Jeff Claude Corbin 1974 14:40:09 35:08 Kellogg & Serge Corbin Jerry Kellogg & Jeff Jay Stephan, Jr. 1975 14:59:07 6:59 Kellogg & Bob Welsch John Baker & John 15:14:10 Terry Jackman 1976 13:10 Schwartz & Ken Brown Claude Corbin & Jerry Kellogg 1977 15:17:42 5:00 Serge Corbin & Jeff Kellogg John Baker & Jay Claude Corbin 1978 15:06:26 10:55 Stephan, Jr. & Serge Corbin Claude Corbin & John Baker 1979 14:40:29 0:06 Serge Corbin & Ken Brown John Baker & Ron Terry Jackman 1980 14:48:31 20:23 Williams & Ken Brown John Baker & Ken Al Rudquist 1981 14:29:01 21:14 Brown & Brett Stockton Butch Stockton & John Baker 1982 14:38:27 5:01 Brett Stockton & Tony Short Butch Stockton & John Baker 1983 14:38:36 23:23 Brett Stockton & Tony Short Butch Stockton & Tony Short 1984 14:20:40 16:11 Solomon Carrière & Brett Stockton Butch Stockton & Tony Short 1985 14:35:53 7:23 Brett Stockton & Steve Peterson Butch Stockton & Randy Drake 1986 14:30:38 5:12 Brett Stockton & Eric McNett Serge Corbin & Brett Tony Short 1987 14:34:32 9:03 Stockton & Eric McNett Serge Corbin & Brett Randy Drake 1988 14:20:00 4:01 Stockton & Tim Triebold Randy Drake & Al Jeff Kolka 1989 14:38:18*** 3:09 Rudquist & Bill Torongo Serge Corbin & Brett Bruce Barton 1990 14:43:35 1:31 Stockton & Solomon Carrière Serge Corbin & Brett Jeff Kolka 1991 14:33:30 1:33 Stockton & Bill Torongo Serge Corbin & Brett Bruce Barton 1992 14:51:46 1:24 Stockton & Tim Triebold Serge Corbin & Jeff Kolka 1993 14:23:03 1:50 Solomon Carrière & Bill Torongo Serge Corbin & Jeff Kolka 1994 13:58:08 9:52 Solomon Carrière & Bill Torongo Patrick Lynch & Jim Jeff Kolka 1995 14:20:40 4:02 Harwood & Bruce Barton Jeff Kolka & Serge Patrick Lynch 1996 14:04:05 37:34 Corbin & Jim Harwood Jeff Kolka & Serge Al Rudquist & Mike 1997 14:19:36 6:18 Corbin Vincent Jeff Kolka & Serge Patrick Lynch & Denis 1998 14:15:47 35:27 Corbin Marcouiller Jeff Kolka & Serge Ken Kolonich & Steve 1999 14:08:18 18:00 Corbin Kolonich Jeff Kolka & Serge John Sullivan & Louis 2000 14:48:00 14:32 Corbin Berthiaume * Race was held from Camp Ten to Oscoda in 1961 ** Two day race in 1962-63-64-67-68 (Day 1: Grayling to Mio. Day 2: Mio to Oscoda) *** Race won as a result of a 10 minute penalty to Steve Landick & Solomon Carrière (14:37:28) Year

Winning Team

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Time

Continues on page 18

PORTAGE 2 ALCONA HYDRO

C

APABLE OF PRODUCING 8,000 kilowatts, the hydro was originally named for a nearby road called Bamfield. Work began on Bamfield Dam in 1917, but the project stalled due to unstable sand and World War I. Construction resumed in 1923, and Alcona Hydro, named after the county where it is located, began commercial operation in 1924.

ConsumersEnergy.com/hydro

5562-E

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15

r w

S W fl A a fi m d f f a a b

9 l o a

a a r o M W a s W h M p d i C t m

a s c o v w fi 16

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

BY TOM BAIRD, ANGLERS OF THE AU SABLE PRESIDENT

ANGLERS OF THE AU SABLE: Serving the River Community

T

he Anglers of the Au Sable has been a fixture in the community for almost 30 years. It has served the river and surrounding area in a number of ways, and 2016 will be a banner year.

We were formed on the banks of the Au Sable River in 1987, in the heart of the Holy Waters, known world wide as the premier fly fishing destination east of the Mississippi.

At the time, we felt the river needed a strong advocate for sound, science based habitat and fisheries management. The river had seen many destructive events, including habitat destruction from the timber era, pollution from waste water and industrial sources, fragmentation and degradation from dams, and heavy pressure from fishing, canoeing and related uses. Progress was being made, but more needed to be done.

So “the Anglers” was formed. With almost 900 members and contributors, it is the largest affiliate of the International Federation of Fly Fishers in the world. A few of our activities are described here.

Usually the Anglers most ambitious activities revolve around habitat restoration and related work. This year we will be restoring fish habitat on the North Branch of the Au Sable, as well as partnering with MGFCTU on the West Branch of Big Creek.

We will also be cooperating with the DNR and Forestry Service to repair an access site and replace some signage on the “Big Water” below Mio. For over 20 years, we have been the driving force behind the Michigan Hydro Relicensing coalition, which participated in relicensing of the hydropower dams on the river, and continues to monitor implementation of the agreements with Consumer Energy regarding operation of those dams to maximize the fishery and minimize degradation of the environment.

We are also heavily involved in educational activities. These include two collegiate scholarships at LSSC and MSU, an essay contest for local students, and a variety of on stream learning activities, including the very popular Kids One Fly (Box) “Contest”, which provides instruction in fly fishing and a fishing experience on the river.

Our conservation work has required us to

deal with numerous governmental agencies, including the DNR fisheries and forestry divisions; the Department of Environmental Quality water permit personnel, as well as the oil and gas division; and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s aquaculture programs. At the federal level, we work with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Forestry Service, especially down river below Mio. The organization carries on a number of advocacy activities related to the river.

These involve oil and gas drilling, water withdrawals, pollution and related clean up problems, land use issues, fishing regulations, license fees, and a variety of practices deemed dangerous to the river.

Oil and gas issues have been of special concern lately, particularly due to the advent of high volume horizontal fracturing, or “fracking,” which has been focused in the area. The issues involve massive water withdrawals, pollution, and state mineral leases. The Anglers of the Au Sable was successful in keeping surface development leases from being granted by the DNR in the Holy Waters section of the river a few years ago. And a flow study we commissioned through MSU was used to prove that due to massive water withdrawals for fracking, Encana had essentially dried up a section of the North Branch of the Au Sable for a time in 2011.

Recently, the conversion of the old Grayling fish hatchery to an industrial type fish farm has resulted in a question of whether the permit issued to the operator to

Program Book

pollute the waters of the Au Sable River is sufficient to protect the river, the fishery, and the economic activity they support. That matter is in litigation as this article is written.

We are pleased to be working with canoe liveries and racers to help make sure that the river remains available for everyone. The liveries have been most helpful in teaching their patrons about river stewardship. Our annual river cleanup after labor day continues to collect less and less trash every year. And we have started a special cleanup after the race for kids doing public service, where they have an opportunity to contribute by picking up trash, receive some education about river conservation, get a fly fishing lesson, and receive a complimentary beginners fly fishing kit.

We wish everyone the best for the race.

Good luck to the racers. Please have a fun, be safe, and keep the river clean.

www.AuSableAnglers.org 17

AuSable River Canoe Marathon Official Winners List

Margin of Second Place Team Victory Jeff Kolka & Serge Tony Short & Denis 2001 15:06:48 8:58 Corbin Berthiaume Jeff Kolka & Serge Mo Harwood, Jr. & 2002 15:04:56 5:26 Corbin Matthew Rimer Jeff Kolka & Serge Andrew Triebold & 2003 14:55:03 1:48 Corbin Steve Lajoie Andrew Triebold & Jeff Kolka 2004 14:59:46 0:13 Steve Lajoie & Serge Corbin Jeff Kolka & Serge Matthew Rimer & 2005 14:56:11 0:01 Corbin Andrew Triebold Jim Harwood & Allen Rodney Halstead & 2006 14:33:50 14:35 Limberg Ryan Halstead Andrew Triebold & Matt Streib & Steve 2007 14:48:55 0:38 Matthew Rimer Corlew Andrew Triebold & Matt Streib & Steve 2008 14:09:06 23:25 Steve Lajoie Kolonich Andrew Triebold & Matt Streib & Steve 2009 14:17:42 11:36 Steve Lajoie Corlew Andrew Triebold & Steve Corlew & Bill 2010 14:17:29 14:08 Steve Lajoie Torongo Andrew Triebold & Rodney Halstead & 2011 14:41:00 17:32 Steve Lajoie Ryan Halstead Andrew Triebold & Josh Sheldon & Ryan 2012 14:42:43 15:53 Steve Lajoie Halstead Andrew Triebold & Nick Walton & 2013 14:20:24 12:08 Steve Lajoie Christophe Proulx Andrew Triebold & Nick Walton & 2014 14:36:18 8:06 Steve Lajoie Christophe Proulx Andrew Triebold & Mathieu Pellerin & 14:31.56 8.57 2015 Steve Lajoie Guillaume Blais * Race was held from Camp Ten to Oscoda in 1961 ** Two day race in 1962-63-64-67-68 (Day 1: Grayling to Mio. Day 2: Mio to Oscoda) *** Race won as a result of a 10 minute penalty to Steve Landick & Solomon Carrière (14:37:28) Year

Winning Team

Time

?

Did you Know

Talk about dedication

Jim Harwood holds the most attempts before victory record at 13.

Frank Smutek holds the longest paddling career at 62 years.

18

North America’s Richest Canoe Marathon Race!

Over $50,000 CASH & PRIZES!

Cash Purse: 1.

$5,000

21. $550

2.

$3,500

22. $530

3.

$2,500

23. $500

4.

$2,000

24. $480

5.

$1,500

25. $450

6.

$1,400

26. $430

7.

$1,300

27. $400

8.

$1,200

28. $380

9.

$1,100

29. $350

10. $1,000

30. $330

11. $950

31. $320

12. $900

32. $310

13. $850

33. $300

14. $800

34. $290

15. $750

35. $280

16. $700

36. $270

17. $650

37. $260

18. $630

38. $250

19. $600

39. $240

20. $580

40. $230

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

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WOODHAVENLOG.COM Program Book

19

Mixed Division Split Time Records

Master Division Split Time Records Checkpoints

Year

Time

Team (Ages)

Checkpoints

Year

Time

Burton's Landing

1999

0:42:41

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Burton's Landing

2014

0:45:59

Rebecca Davis (24) & Mike Davis (23)

Stephan Bridge

1999

1:14:53

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Stephan Bridge

1994

1:20:45

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

Wakeley Bridge

1999

1:43:20

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Wakeley Bridge

1994

1:51:04

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

McMasters Bridge

1999

2:39:04

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

McMasters Bridge

1994

2:50:38

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

Parmalee Bridge

1999

3:42:22

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Camp Ten Bridge

1999

4:47:10

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Mio Dam

1999

5:11:14

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

McKinley

1999

6:55:10

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

4001 Bridge

1999

7:45:49

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Alcona Dam

1999

8:22:12

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

1999 10:11:47

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Five Channels Dam 1999 10:35:44

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Loud Dam Cooke Dam

1999 11:36:10

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Foote Dam

1999 12:47:57

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Oscoda

1999 14:08:18

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

2nd Half

1999

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

7:13:08

Team (Ages)

Parmalee Bridge

1994

3:56:07

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

Camp Ten Bridge

1994

5:03:26

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

Mio Dam

1994

5:30:11

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

McKinley

1994

7:21:08

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

4001 Bridge

1994

8:15:22

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

Alcona Dam

1994

8:57:10

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

2014 10:55:37

Rebecca Davis (24) & Mike Davis (23)

Loud Dam

Five Channels Dam 1988 11:23:08

Lynne Witte (34) & Jim Myers (26)

Cooke Dam

1988 12:26:25

Lynne Witte (34) & Jim Myers (26)

Foote Dam

1988 13:43:15

Lynne Witte (34) & Jim Myers (26)

Oscoda

1988 15:05:26

Lynne Witte (34) & Jim Myers (26)

2nd Half

2009

7:26:08

Connie Cannon (48) & Bruce Barton (52)

?

Did you Know

The smallest margin of victory was 1 second: Jeff Kolka and Serge Corbin narrowly beat Matthew Rimer and Andrew Triebold in 2005.

Master Division Point-to-Point Time Records Checkpoints

Year

Time

Team (Ages)

Burton's Landing

1999

0:42:41

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Stephan Bridge

1999

0:32:12

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Wakeley Bridge

1999

0:28:27

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

McMasters Bridge

1999

0:55:44

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Parmalee Bridge

1999

1:03:18

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Camp Ten Bridge

1999

1:04:48

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Mio Dam

1999

0:24:04

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

McKinley

1999

1:43:56

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

4001 Bridge

1999

0:50:39

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Alcona Dam

1999

0:36:23

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Loud Dam

1990

1:49:13

John Baker (48) & Jeff Kellogg (45)

Five Channels Dam 1999

0:23:57

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Cooke Dam

1999

1:00:26

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Foote Dam

1999

1:11:47

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Oscoda

2009

1:18:21

Bruce Barton (52) & Connie Cannon (48)

20

Mixed Division Point-to-Point Records

Checkpoints

Year

Time

Team (Ages)

Burton's Landing

2014 0:45:59

Rebecca Davis (24) & Mike Davis (23)

Stephan Bridge

1994 0:34:14

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

Wakeley Bridge

1994 0:30:19

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

McMasters Bridge

1994 0:59:34

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

Parmalee Bridge

1994 1:05:29

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

Camp Ten Bridge

1994 1:07:19

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

Mio Dam

2014 0:25:15

Rebecca Davis (24) & Mike Davis (23)

McKinley

1994 1:50:57

Lynne Witte (40) & Scott McKenzie (36)

4001 Bridge

1993 0:53:27

Connie Cannon (32) & Tom Cannon (37)

Alcona Dam

2009 0:37:36

Connie Cannon (48) & Bruce Barton (52)

Loud Dam

1988 1:51:21

Lynne Witte (34) & Jim Myers (26)

Five Channels Dam 2015 0:25:17

Rebecca Davis (25) & Mike Davis (24)

Cooke Dam

2009 1:00:33

Holly Reynolds (29) & Jeff Rankinen (45)

Foote Dam

2009 1:12:07

Holly Reynolds (29) & Jeff Rankinen (45)

Oscoda

2009 1:18:21

Connie Cannon (48) & Bruce Barton (52)

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

PORTAGE 3 LOUD HYDRO

C

APABLE OF PRODUCING 4,000 kilowatts, the hydro was completed in 1913.

It is named for Edward Loud, who had done extensive lumber business along the Au Sable and bought up most of the cut over Au Sable lands between 1900-06, then later worked with company founder William Foote and others to build the Au Sable hydros.

ConsumersEnergy.com/hydro 5562-E

Program Book

21

WEYERHAEUSER IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 69TH AUSABLE RIVER CANOE MARATHON FOR POSITION TIME TRIALS.

22

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Official Marathon Career Points Ranking - Top 50 Rank

Name

Points

Best Finish

Last Year of Points

1 2 3 4(t) 4(t) 6(t) 6(t) 8 9(t) 9(t) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20(t) 20(t) 20(t) 20(t) 24 25(t) 25(t) 27 28 29 30 31 32 33(t) 33(t) 33(t) 36 37 38

Serge Corbin Jeff Kolka Rick Joy Ralph Sawyer Andrew Triebold Bill Torongo Steve Lajoie Brett Stockton John Baker Jim Harwood Tony Short Jerry Kellogg Ken Kolonich Jack Kolka Butch Stockton Steve Kolonich Irvin Peterson Bernie Fowler Al Widing, Sr. Steven Kolonich Jack Kent Jeff Kellogg Randy Drake Solomon Carrière Dave Shepherd Al Rudquist Ted Kolka Bruce Barton John Sullivan Bob Welsch Stan Hall Matthew Rimer Jay Stephan, Sr. Matt Streib Ryan Halstead Larry Kindell Tim Triebold Steve Krantz

2150 1810 1620 1290 1290 1260 1260 1230 1220 1220 1150 1120 1050 1030 1010 1000 890 810 770 740 740 740 740 700 690 690 660 650 640 630 620 600 550 550 550 540 530 520

1st 1st 3rd 1st 1st 2nd 1st 1st 1st 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 2nd 1st 2nd 1st 1st 2nd 1st 3rd 1st 1st 1st 3rd 1st 3rd 2nd 2nd 2nd 1st 1st 1st 2nd 2nd 1st 2nd 3rd

2005 2005 2008 1968 2015 2012 2015 1992 1990 2006 2009 1982 2015 1981 1987 2011 1971 1956 1988 1965 1968 1990 1998 2000 1992 1998 2007 2007 2007 1981 1973 2010 1957 2014 2015 1961 1999 1990

39 40 41 42 43(t) 43(t) 45(t) 45(t) 47 48(t) 48(t) 48(t) 48(t)

Luc Robillard Nick Walton Mo Harwood, Jr. Claude Corbin Don Feldhauser Louis Berthiaume Hugh Bissonette Ken Brown Verlen Kruger Ron Hohman Jay Stephan, Jr. Terry Jackman Al Robinson

510 500 490 480 470 470 440 440 420 410 410 410 410

1st 2nd 2nd 1st 1st 2nd 1st 1st 4th 1st 1st 2nd 3rd

1978 2015 2010 1979 1955 2004 1951 1981 1980 1966 1978 1981 1988

Active Paddlers With More Than 100 Career Points Name Steve Corlew Josh Sheldon Matt Rudnitsky Rodney Halstead Steve Landick Michael Schlimmer Josh Taylor Benedict Schlimmer Brian Krantz Clark Kent Christophe Proulx Lynne Witte Matt Meersman Tad Hill Steve Watson Pete Mead Allen Limberg Marc Gillespie Mike Vincent Tim Sheldon Mike Bradford Shane MacDowell Brad Bauer Tim Sheldon Mathieu St. Pierre Patrick Armstrong Samuel Frigon

Program Book

Points 390 380 360 350 330 320 300 300 290 250 250 230 230 210 190 190 180 170 170 170 160 130 120 120 110 110 100

Best Finish 2nd 2nd 4th 2nd 4th 3rd 4th 3rd 3rd 5th 2nd 4th 4th 5th 6th 5th 1st 4th 2nd 5th 6th 4th 5th 5th 4th 4th 5th

Last Year of Points 2012 2013 2013 2011 2003 2015 2011 2015 1992 2012 2015 1992 2014 2015 2005 2015 2006 2011 2014 2015 2013 2015 2008 2014 2014 2014 2013 23

INAUGURAL RABASKA / R-9 RACE AT THE AUSABLE CANOE MARATHON Alcona & Iosco Counties...

World Class Birding Destinations www.TawasBirdFest.com www.AuSableValleyAudubon.org

24

By Steve Southard

Voyager canoes, known in Quebec as Rabaska, are very large “freighter canoes” generally about 25 feet long, originally utilized in the upper Great Lakes region by traders and settlers as early as the 1600’s. Another article in this program book – Exploring the History of the Rabaska – recounts the history of these dramatically impressive canoes.

Beginning more than 30 years ago, Rabaska racing has become a fixture on the St-Maurice River in Quebec, the setting for la Classique Internationale de canots de la Mauricie – The Classic – the third stage of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing. In the early 1990’s, Rabaska racing was integrated into the festivities of la Classique, which is staged over the three-day Labor Day weekend in September. The Rabaska races have been an integral part of the weekendlong celebration and a fan favorite ever since.

This year, Rabaska racing is making its debut at the AuSable River Canoe Marathon! Rabaska competitors from Quebec are travelling to Michigan with their big canoes for the Inaugural Rabaska Race at the AuSable Canoe Marathon. For 2016, the AuSable Marathon Rabaska Race is being staged as a “demonstration project”, an opportunity for Marathon fans to learn about Rabaska racing and for the competitors to learn about the AuSable River. The race is being organized in partnership with Association des coureurs en rabaska du Québec (ACRQ), the Rabaska marathon canoe racing association in Quebec.

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

The Rabaska Race will start at 6:30 a.m., Sunday morning, July 31, at Consumers Energy’s Five Channels Dam (south of Glennie on M-65). Following the start, in the Five Channels dam pond, the big canoes will paddle one long buoy-turn loop in the pond before portaging the dam and heading downstream to Oscoda. Fans will also have excellent viewing opportunities at Consumer Energy’s Cooke and Foote Dams and at the Oscoda Finish Line, where the Rabaskas are expected to arrive at approximately 11:00 a.m. Sunday.

The Rabaska race can also be followed and tracked on the GPS online mapping that is being utilized for the AuSable Canoe Marathon, which can be accessed on the Marathon website at www.ausablecanoemarathon.org/2016-gpstracking-map For more information about Rabaska racing: • ACRQ (Association des coureurs en rabaska du Québec) • Website - www.acrq.ca/acrq.html • Facebook - www.facebook.com/Rabaska

shopfamilyfare.com

Crawford County

2016 Au Sable River Canoe Marathon and the

From the Crawford County Elected Officials: Joe Wakeley

County Treasurer

Sandra Moore Clerk/Register

Kirk Wakefield County Sheriff

Everett “Trey” Ayers Prosecuting Attorney

Janet Allen

Circuit Court Judge

George Mertz

Circuit Court Judge

Monte Burmeister Judge of Probate

Program Book

David Stephenson County Commissioner

Shelly Pinkelman

County Commissioner

Rick Anderson

County Commissioner

Jamie McClain

County Commissioner

Sharon Priebe

County Commissioner

Laurie Jamison

County Commissioner

Phil Lewis

County Commissioner

25

Paddling to Success

By Emma Fojtik Huron Pines AmeriCorps Member GRAYLING, MI—Exhaustion, fatigue, weariness, and a searing consumption of every bit of energy you have. The Au Sable River Canoe Marathon encompasses all of those characteristics and much more for the participating teams. Beginning in 1947, the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon has become more than just a race to the community and teams that participate. With 120 miles from start to finish, many different factors must come together seamlessly to enable the success of each participant in the Marathon.

The Marathon is a time for community to come together in appreciation of the amazing Great Lakes natural resources that connect us all together. It is a time to celebrate the coldwater river systems that shape our identity here in Northeast Michigan.

A landscape of natural history presents itself around every turn on the Au Sable—from the rocks and stones that settled in 10,000 years ago, to the Kirtland’s Warbler singing its alluring song, “chipchip-che-way-o”.

Although the river itself may be the center of attention during the Marathon’s 24 hours of action, it is important to remember that activities on the land in the Au Sable River Watershed are directly tied to the river’s health. Huron Pines is a nonprofit organization working to conserve the forests, lakes and streams of Northeast Michigan. Located in the center of our planet’s most iconic freshwater chain, Huron Pines brings people together to shape strong naturebased communities, conserve our treasured lands teeming with wildlife and protect the Great Lakes—Earth’s most important source of fresh water.

One of the most important aspects of the Marathon is the feed teams or support teams that keep a close watch of their paddlers. Feed teams not only provide nourishment 26

and encouragement to their teams, they also inspire and strengthen community ties to the Marathon.

Just as feed teams are an integral part of the paddler’s success, Huron Pines can be considered the feed team of natural resource restoration and conservation success in Northeast Michigan.

At Huron Pines, we use a sciencebased approach and strong long-term planning to identify local needs and challenges, allowing us to prioritize projects that will most benefit the health of our amazing forests, lakes and streams.

When a paddler’s needs must be met, the feed team is there to help by providing supplies and encouragement. The feed teams are ambassadors for paddlers and the event itself. Working with local landowners and businesses, feed teams are responsible for the many community partnerships made between teams and the public.

Similarly, Huron Pines actively connects with community leaders, public and private landowners, volunteers and community members to keep a pulse on the health of our water and land resources.

The Marathon’s teams and Huron Pines share values that drive us to protect water, wildlife and communities of Northeast Michigan. To ensure that the wild places we know and love continue to be healthy, productive systems, we complete a huge amount of onthe-ground work across the region each year.

One example is our work to reconnect river systems by improving road/stream crossing infrastructure. Projects like the new timber bridge at West Karen Lake Road improve the overall quality of the river which in turn improves the health of the Great Lakes. West Karen Lake Road crosses the East Branch Au Sable River and scored as a high priority site during inventories because of its extreme impacts to the river channel.

Excessive erosion, the risk of flooding during high water events

and fragmentation of the stream led Huron Pines to seek a solution for this poorly designed crossing.

In 2015, the old culverts at West Karen Lake Road were removed and replaced with a single-span timber bridge. This project reconnected 16 miles of river and will prevent 3.33 tons of sediment from entering the river annually. Restoring river connectivity through projects like this opens up important river habitat for fish and other wildlife.

Not only do projects like this benefit wildlife, they also improve quality of life in our communities by improving our public infrastructure. This means healthier rivers, better roads and bridges at stream crossings, and safer public crossings for residents and visitors to access and enjoy the rivers.

The success of events like the Marathon can be measured by watching the organizers, participants, visitors, community leaders, businesses, volunteers and residents come together to complete a task. The Marathon creates a cycle of community engagement that uses the river as a platform for strong stewardship of our treasured natural resources.

Similarly, Huron Pines’ projects would not be possible without active community involvement and strong partnerships with natural resource professionals at the local,

Before and after photo of road/ stream crossing located at West Karen Lake Road over East Branch Au Sable River. The before photo shows the risk of flooding and washout because of the undersized culvert and road crossing. The after photo shows the timber bridge built to replace the culvert and the river returning to a more natural flow.

state and federal level.

As exhaustion comes over the racing teams, they continue to plunge their paddles into the Au Sable throughout the night with class and sportsmanship. As each team rounds the bend, they are counting on their feeder teams to be waiting, equipped and at the ready. Feed teams are at the right place at the right time because they have done the legwork necessary to understand the river and its conditions. They have upheld their commitment to the team and to the landowners that have allowed their presence. They have provided the nourishment and positive energy necessary for the paddler’s success and the success of the Marathon as a whole. Inspired by the dedicated paddlers and feed teams of the Marathon, Huron Pines will continue to fulfil our mission to conserve the forests, lakes and streams of Northeast Michigan. In doing so we will keep Northeast Michigan’s communities paddling toward success.

Huron Pines is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and an equal opportunity provider with a mission to conserve the forests, lakes and streams of Northeast Michigan. Huron Pines believes that through active leadership and coordination of conservation projects, we make the region a better place to live, work, and enjoy.

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

PORTAGE 4 FIVE CHANNELS HYDRO

C

APABLE OF PRODUCING 6,000 kilowatts, the hydro was completed in 1912.

This hydro is named for the nearby location on the Au Sable River where there were once five distinct river channels. The site of the workers’ camp built to support construction of the dam was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 13, 2002.

ConsumersEnergy.com/hydro 5562-E

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The Good, The Bad and the Ugly The good news? No one died.

The bad? I could have.

The 2016 General Clinton 70-Miler started off well and we headed out toward the official turn pontoon boat in Lake Otsego. As we got there we had plenty of room to go around it and make our turn back to shore. What happened next is a mystery.

All I know is that the pontoon boat moved and the next thing I hear is the horrible crunching sound carbon fiber makes when it breaks.

I see the pointy metal part of the pontoon spear our canoe dead on the center right side, tear a huge hole in it, tear all the rear ribs from the right side of the boat, and slice the side clear down into the foam core under the canoe.

After that, things went black for a moment.

When I opened my eyes, it was dark and wet. I was under water, I couldn’t breathe, and I couldn’t see anything. I reached my hands up and felt metal. I instantly knew I was under the pontoon boat and I had no idea how to get out.

Still under the water, I literally clawed my way along the bottom of the boat, increasingly feeling very desperate to be able to breathe.

I saw light, and reached my hand toward it.

Now I know why they call it the “Hand of God” rescue. When I reached my hand into the light, I felt someone take hold of it and pull hard. I came up to the surface gasping and coughing. I had swallowed a lot of water. I was thankful to see my partner, Justin Griffith of Harrisville, Michigan, hanging onto the pontoon. I coughed and sputtered and asked “Are you ok?” I was relieved when he said yes.

Several men grabbed me and pulled me onto the pontoon boat.

Oddly, I didn’t feel cold, even though 28

I know the water was cold. I didn’t feel much of anything but shock, I was still coughing and feeling like I was going to throw up the water I had swallowed.

The men on the pontoon boat pulled my canoe up. I quickly looked at the damage. All I could think was, no, we trained for this, I’m not quitting 5 minutes into the race, bring on the duct tape.

The pontoon boat slowly brought us to shore. Cliff Roach, our pit crew, was waiting there. We yelled for duct tape, he went running to the car.

Cliff took his shirt and dried the boat as best he could. Carol Rabuck was also there offering help. One of the men from the pontoon boat helped too. We took piece after piece of duct tape and covered the hull and sides as best we could. All I could think of was how long this was taking. We had wanted to do an under 10-hour race.

Once we taped all that we could tape, we got back on the water and began our race again. We agreed we would go as far as we could go, as far as the duct tape would allow us to go.

We came to the first portage, a mile into the race, and found that we had a cheering section. Enough time had passed that people already knew what happened and were cheering for us.

Into the “Swamp” we go. It’s twisty and has it share of hazards and swift current. On the first turn we instinctually leaned the canoe to make the turn. “Don’t lean! Don’t lean!” I screamed, “The boat is torqueing, it’s twisting!”

Unable to lean, fearing the boat would fully break in half, we went to plan B, and hoped that draw strokes, sweeps, and rudders would get us through.

The creaking and cracking was loud. When Justin spoke, I could not

hear him because of the noise the boat was making. I now had time to more fully assess the damage. I realized that the center thwart was no longer connected

The canoe was no match against the mighty pontoon boat, fortunately the racers were.

to the gunnel. This is because the gunnel was broken in 4 places, and two sections were fully removed from the boat. I watched the duct tape through the big hole in the deck cover. It was stretched as far as it could stretch. The damage was more extensive than I thought, and the bow and stern were hanging down low. It felt like the boat would fold in half.

I was a bit spooked and was fearful of hitting the right side of the boat on anything knowing there was no way we could sustain another hit and stay afloat. I said to Justin, “If we finish this it will be because of the greatest teamwork ever and we’ll have an awesome story to tell.”

Carol, Dick Leone, and Cliff were waiting for us at Index. They looked at the damage again, also realized the extent of it, and seemed surprised that we wanted to continue. Creaking and cracking, on we went.

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Things were loud, but as uneventful as things could be with a canoe held together by duct tape, rainbows, and unicorns.

Goodyear portage was our next challenge.

We were playing tag with a Schlimmer team, Teresa and Francis. We first saw them under the Milford Bridge, on shore. We were surprised to see them and asked if they were ok. They said yes. At Portlandville they passed us, we watched them run like gazelles over Goodyear Dam. The portage is steep, rocky, and a bit long when you’re carrying a canoe that flexes every time you move. I didn’t want the tape to dislodge, given the swift water that awaited us after the portage.

At Emmons I commented that we were half way there. We were surprised and excited that we made it this far. A few more challenges were ahead. The turn with the concrete block before Oneonta Dam, Oneonta Dam portage with the boat flexing even more this time, then the 205 ledge.

The Oteogo suckwaters only served to exacerbate the sound of the boat straining not to come apart

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With the odds suddenly stacked against them, Susan Williams and her partner Justin Griffith narrowly finish the 70-mile General Clinton Regatta.

with each stroke. The sound seemed to echo down the river. We were still playing tag with the Schlimmer canoe. We drafted each other for several miles and chatted each time one passed the other. It helped to pass the time for all of us.

Each set of riffles, each rocky ledge, each shallow area, they all had us concerned with whether or not the boat would hold together. The closer we got to the finish, the more we wanted the finish.

“It’s the concrete steps,” I said, “about 18 miles to go!” We took a pit stop at Wells Bridge and flipped the boat over to empty out the water. This began a series of stops to empty the boat. The break was getting worse, and we were taking on water. We alternated running with the bailer open as much as possible and stopping to turn the boat over to empty it. The rain that was now pouring down in buckets wasn’t helping the bailing situation either.

Each time I’d get back in, I was reminded just how fragile the canoe was and how precarious our situation was. We decided at Sydney that if we had to carry the boat in pieces and walk down the riverbed, we were going to finish.

All along the river, many people

seemed to know us and know of the situation. They cheered us loudly as we went by. This gave us a boost each time.

I was curious as to what time it was. I wondered if we’d make it in less than 11 or 12 hours. I was sure we didn’t make our 10-hour goal.

Rounding the corner to the finish line, we heard our names on the loudspeaker. The announcer was telling everyone our story, telling people how much duct tape was on the boat, and we heard him say how remarkable it was that we finished.

He asked everyone to applaud us and they did! We were very excited to hear the cheers and clapping.

Our total time? 10:14:43. But ... our moving time ... 9:44. Despite being in a canoe that should have been sponsored by the good people at 3M Duct Tape, our moving time was below our 10-hour goal!

It could have been a disaster, but instead it was a good day.

This story is a personal narrative of Susan Williams. The damages that Susan and Justin’s canoe sustained are one of the many dangers that paddlers face when racing an event.

2316 S. I-75 BL, Grayling (989) 915-8170 scottlongendyke@gmail.com www.MiMobileStore.com Program Book

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2006 Marilyn Wagner & Jay Stephan, Sr. 2007 Hugh Bissonette & Bernie Fowler

AuSable River Canoe Marathon

2008 Butch Stockton & Harry Curley 2009 Ralph Sawyer & Al Widing, Sr. 2010 Frank and Peggy Smutek & Oscoda/AuSable Fire Dept. Water Rescue 2011 Stan Hall & John B. Cook 2012 John Baker & Ed Wojahn 2013 Serge Corbin & Bruce Myles 2014 Lynne Witte & Jack Kolka 2015 Larry Kindell & Larry Roberts

GOOD LUCK PADDLERS! Oscoda Press 311 S. State St., Oscoda (989) 739-2054 Fax 739-3201

Iosco County News-Herald 110 W. State, East Tawas (989) 362-3456 Fax 362-6601

www.oscodapress.com www.iosconews.com

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S

Canoe Statistics

ince 2014, the canoe manufacturer and canoe model of each canoe raced in the Marathon has been recorded. These tables show the tallies of the canoe data that was collected. For a more detailed view of the information, please visit the Stats & Records section of the Marathon website; www.ausablecanoemarathon.org

Manufacturer Corbin Crozier Gillies Rimer Savage River We-no-nah Unknown

Total 28 30 1 11 81 12 3

2014 17 16 1 6 37 4 1

2015 11 14 0 5 44 8 2

Model Corbin Corbin 1995 Corbin 2010 Gillies Hassel JD Pro JD Pro 2 V-1 V-1A V-1M

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Total 32 1 3 12 9 29 37 33 3 7

2014 12 0 3 7 4 15 18 18 1 4

2015 20 1 0 5 5 14 19 15 2 3

CHALLENGE WEEKEND

ANNUALLY IN MARCH EVENTS INCLUDE CANOE/KAYAK & RUN/WALK

Oscoda, Michigan Sponsored By:

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31

M-72 East

Bridgestone

ULTGRAYLING.COM

AUTO • TRUCK • INDUSTRIAL

Road Service

Firestone

(800)358-6908 (989) 348-2887

Good Luck Paddlers!

Meet the Six Dams That Help Form the Character of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Consumers Energy river hydro dams have been integral to each AuSable River Canoe Marathon the last 69 years. In fact the oldest dam along the race course began providing renewable, water-generated electricity to Michigan residents 36 years before the first Marathon champions crossed the finish line.

To AuSable River Canoe Marathon fans, the dams provide convenient locations along the river to view the action and cheer on the competitors.

To the competitors, the dams equal destinations to mark their progress, stretch their legs and accept much-needed snacks and drinks from friendly volunteers. Top racers also recognize each dam has unique characteristics that influence their paddling strategies that can make or break their finishing times.

Mio Dam

With the downhill sprint and splashy launch of their canoes in Grayling during daylight a fading memory that has given way to a cadence of powerful paddle strokes and eyes accustomed to darkness, Canoe Marathoners are relieved to reach Mio Dam. At this first portage, they get the welcomed opportunity to walk, run, stretch their legs and get energized to continue their trek from the roaring greetings from appreciative fans. Mio Dam recreation sites located on both sides of the river immediately downstream of the dam provide spectators multiple locations to view the race.

Mio Dam construction was completed in 1916 and has a 4 megawatt capacity. The plant, recognized as a State Historical Site, was the first dam to utilize a conduit, or under sluice spillway. Race teams begin arriving at the site at approximately 2:15 a.m.

Alcona Dam

Forest Products, LP

Good Luck Paddlers!

Serving the Great Lakes since 1974

4440 W. 4 Mile Rd, Grayling, MI (989) 348-5412

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Race teams begin arriving at Alcona Dam, the second portage along the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, about 5:30 a.m. The reservoir behind Alcona Dam is known for its thick fog, and the sun rising about the time the racers reach this destination is a welcome sight to them, as it begins burning off the fog and it signals the end of a long night of paddling. The Alcona Tailwater or left side recreation site provides spectators the best opportunity to view the race as well as park safely.

Alcona Dam construction was completed in 1924 and has an 8 megawatt capacity. The plant was originally named Bamfield Dam after a nearby road.

Loud Dam

Loud Dam is the third portage along the Marathon route. Race teams begin arriving at this site about 7:20 a.m. The river hydro plant is named after Ed Loud, a local lumber baron who owned much of the land along the AuSable River from Grayling to Oscoda. Consumers Energy purchased the property directly from Mr. Loud. Entry to Loud Dam and parking is limited to team feeders and race officials who have official Marathon parking passes at Loud Dam. Fans should look to utilize the Five Channels Dam site which is located a short distance downriver, where highway M-65 crosses over the AuSable River.

Loud Dam construction was completed in 1913 and has a 4 megawatt capacity.

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Five Channels

Not far below Loud Dam is the fourth portage on the route of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, Five Channels – so named because the AuSable River contained five distinct channels where the dam was built. Race teams begin arriving at this site about 7:45 a.m. Five Channels is listed on the National Register of Historical Places because the camp used by workers building the facility served as a model for worker camps during construction of the Panama Canal. Five Channels provides significant race viewing opportunities either at the canoe portage or the old M-65 bridge. Parking and standing on the new M-65 bridge is not allowed. Parking for spectators is possible on both the south side and north side of the river and a little walking may be required. This is also where the Rabaska (R-9) race will start this year at approximately 6:30 a.m.

Five Channels Dam construction was completed in 1912 and has a 6 megawatt capacity.

GOOD LUCK PADDLERS!!!

Cooke Dam

Cooke Dam is listed on the National Register of Historical Places for holding the world record at the time for voltage and distance transmission, as it transmitted 140,000 volts for 125 miles to Flint, Mich. Named for the banker who assisted in financing the project, Andrew Cooke, it is the fifth of six portages along the Marathon route. Race teams begin arriving at this site about 8:45 a.m. Cooke Dam provides ample race viewing opportunities either at the various upstream recreation sites or at the downstream recreation site.

Cooke Dam construction was completed in 1911 and has a 6 megawatt capacity.

Foote Dam

Savvy paddlers aiming for a strong finish at the AuSable River Canoe Marathon incorporate strategies to deal with stiff winds and waves that are often encountered in the water behind Foote Dam, the sixth and final portage along the Marathon route. This project is named for William A. Foote, founder of present day Consumers Energy. Race teams begin arriving at this site about 10 a.m. Foote Dam provides spectators a great opportunity to view the race from the recently renovated Foote Tailwater recreation site.

Spectators are not allowed access to the dam and retaining wall.

Foote Dam construction was completed in 1918 and has a 9 megawatt capacity.

Fastest Times In 1996, Jeff Kolka and Serge Corbin set the record for fastest times to five of the six dams along the Marathon. They reached Mio Dam in 5 hours, six minutes, 31 seconds; Alcona Dam in 8 hours, 17 minutes, 21 seconds; Loud Dam in 10 hours, six minutes, 47 seconds; Five Channels in 10 hours, 30 minutes, 37 seconds; and Cooke Dam in 11 hours, 31 minutes, 7 seconds.

The fastest time to Foote Dam was recorded in 1994 by the team of Serge Corbin and Solomon Carriere. Their time: 12 hours, 41 minutes, 2 seconds.

OSCODA SEPTIC · PORTA POTTIES · LINE AUGERING · DRAIN FIELD WE WOULD LOVE TO SUCK UP YOUR BUSINESS (989) 739-0000 OR (989) 739-9631 Contributing Sponsor Program Book

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Women's Division Split Time Records

Senior Division Split Time Records

Checkpoints

Year

Time

Team (Ages)

Checkpoints

Year

Time

Team (Ages)

Burton's Landing

1994

0:48:24

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Burton's Landing

2014

0:48:30

Ken Kolonich (68) & Tom Trudgeon (55)

Stephan Bridge

1994

1:24:51

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Wakeley Bridge

Stephan Bridge

2013

1:24:22

Tom Trudgeon (54) & Doug Gillin (54)

1994

1:57:38

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

McMasters Bridge

1994

2:58:36

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Parmalee Bridge

1994

4:04:40

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Camp Ten Bridge

1994

5:12:24

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Mio Dam

1994

5:39:18

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

McKinley

1994

7:31:30

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

4001 Bridge

1994

8:25:29

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Alcona Dam

1994

9:05:48

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

1994 11:02:15

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Five Channels Dam 1994 11:29:33

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Loud Dam Cooke Dam

1994 12:36:41

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Foote Dam

1994 13:58:00

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Oscoda

1994 15:26:14

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

2nd Half

2013

7:43:48

Holly Reynolds (33) & Gloria Wesley (53)

?

...holds 8 records! Mixed Record (4th Place), Most Consecutive Marathons Entered (35), Professional Consecutive Entries (31) & Finishes (18), Highest Finish by a Woman (4th) & Most Professional Finishes by a woman (30) & Most total Pro & Am finishes by any paddler (34) & Most Marathon Partners (28) Women’s Division Point-to-Point Records Team (Ages)

Burton's Landing

1994 0:48:24 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Stephan Bridge

1994 0:36:27 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Wakeley Bridge

1994 0:32:47 Connie Cannon (33)& Carrie Trudgeon (24)

McMasters Bridge

1994 1:00:58 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Parmalee Bridge

1994 1:06:04 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Camp Ten Bridge

1994 1:07:44 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Mio Dam

2013 0:26:35

McKinley

1994 1:52:12 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Holly Reynolds (33) & Gloria Wesley (53)

4001 Bridge

2013 0:53:29

Holly Reynolds (33) & Gloria Wesley (53)

Alcona Dam

2011 0:39:08

Holly Reynolds (31) & Gloria Wesley (51)

Loud Dam

1994 1:56:27 Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24)

Five Channels Dam 2013 0:26:54

Jennifer Parke (31) & Judy-Ann Parke (34)

Cooke Dam

2013 1:03:00

Holly Reynolds (33) & Gloria Wesley (53)

Foote Dam

2013 1:17:10

Jennifer Parke (31) & Judy-Ann Parke (34)

Oscoda

2013 1:25:28

Holly Reynolds (33) & Gloria Wesley (53)

34

1:56:42

Clark Kent (55) & Mike Bradford (50)

2015

2:57:59

Clark Kent (55) & Mike Bradford (50)

Parmalee Bridge

2015

4:05:42

Clark Kent (55) & Mike Bradford (50)

Camp Ten Bridge

2015

5:15:34

Clark Kent (55) & Mike Bradford (50)

Mio Dam

2015

5:40:50

Clark Kent (55) & Mike Bradford (50)

McKinley

1999

7:32:40

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

4001 Bridge

1999

8:25:48

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

Alcona Dam

1999

9:04:51

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

1999 11:02:22

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

Five Channels Dam 1999 11:30:40

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

Loud Dam Cooke Dam

1999 12:37:04

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

Foote Dam

1999 13:55:01

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

Oscoda

1999 15:21:22

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

2nd Half

2010

Tom Trudgeon (51) & Phil Trudgeon (50)

7:42:43

Did you Know

Lynne Witte:

Year Time

2015

?

Did you Know

Checkpoints

Wakeley Bridge McMasters Bridge

The oldest winners of the Marathon were: Serge Corbin in 2005 & Allen Limberg in 2006. Both at 48 years old.

Senior Division Point-to-Point Records Checkpoints

Year

Time

Team (Ages)

Burton's Landing

2014 0:48:30

Ken Kolonich (68) & Tom Trudgeon (55)

Stephan Bridge

2013 0:35:40

Tom Trudgeon (54) & Doug Gillin (54)

Wakeley Bridge

2015 0:31:38

Clark Kent (55) & Mike Bradford (50)

McMasters Bridge

1999 1:01:14

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

Parmalee Bridge

1999 1:06:52

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

Camp Ten Bridge

2010 1:08:44 2010

Ray Bauer (53) & Nick Bauer (50) Fred Mills (56) & Tim McClure (52)

Mio Dam

1997 0:25:53 Blaise St. Pierre (57) & Serge Rouleau (52)

McKinley

1999 1:50:55

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

4001 Bridge

1999 0:53:08

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74)

Alcona Dam

2000 0:38:36 Blaise St. Pierre (60) & Pierre LaPointe (58)

Loud Dam

2013 1:55:40

Tom Trudgeon (54) & Doug Gillin (54)

Five Channels Dam 2015 0:26:01

Clark Kent (55) & Mike Bradford (50)

Cooke Dam

2013 1:03:50

Tom Trudgeon (54) & Doug Gillin (54)

Foote Dam

2009 1:14:33

Michael Garon (51) & Doug Gillin (50)

Oscoda

2010 1:23:12

Tom Trudgeon (51) & Phil Trudgeon (50)

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

A place for iends to meet & families to gather where the food is as great as the AuSable is beautiful; the service is as strong as the river is long!

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35

Cleaning the AuSable River

T

he Anglers of the Au Sable will conduct their annual AuSable River Cleanup on Saturday, September 10. The cleanup typically draws over 200 volunteers from across the Midwest and beyond, and is one of the hallmark events on Northern Michigan’s conservation calendar.

The purpose of the cleanup is implicit: to remove as much trash from the many miles of the AuSable as possible. To do this, volunteers grab poking sticks and trash bags, and head to the river to assigned beats.

Teams spot cars and wade from one point to the next.

“The cleanup goes back to the beginning of the Anglers of the Au Sable, and is symbolic of our commitment to the river,” said Tom Baird, president of Anglers of the Au Sable. “It has evolved from a few anglers cleaning up trash to a huge event, now including the Mainstream, North Branch, South Branch and in recent years the Big Water area below Mio.” The AuSable River Cleanup is held at Gates AuSable Lodge. Folks meet and form into teams typically consisting of four to six people, allowing them to clean the high water mark as well as the main channel. Most of the trash comes from the sweepers for which the AuSable is famous. The AuSable consists of three very popular branches of river with many miles to cover.

36

On the same day, another set of volunteers meet in Mio, Michigan to clean the lower river, popularly known as the Big Water Cleanup. This heavily trafficked section is a popular destination for trout anglers and canoeists alike. It is a larger river, often requiring volunteers to use watercraft to effectively clean the river. The Big Water Cleanup started out of necessity by the AuSable Big Water Preservation Association and has since been adopted by the Anglers of the Au Sable.

Many cubic yards of junk are gathered on these Saturdays, and volunteers are needed to make these events work.

To learn more: AuSable River Cleanup and Big Water Cleanup: Josh@GatesLodge.com Manistee River Cleanup: Andy@OldAuSable.com

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

PORTAGE 5 COOKE HYDRO

P

LACED ON THE National Register of Historic Places on Aug. 2, 1996, the honor recognizes the hydro’s transmission of 140,000 volts, 125 miles to Flint, establishing a world record. Cooke Hydro is also part of the River Road Scenic Byway and listed in the National Scenic Byways Program.

Lumberman’s Monument, a 14-foot bronze statue dedicated to Michigan lumbermen, is the centerpiece of a major Forest service visitor Center located on the Cooke Hydro pond.

ConsumersEnergy.com/hydro

5445-E

5562-E

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Exploring the history of

the

Rabaska

By Calvin Hoogerhyde Voyager/ Rabaska canoes date back well into the early 1600s when French traders and British settlers first started to make their way across the Canadian Provinces and the Great Lakes here in Michigan and Upper Michigan.

Even though these were very This birch bark voyager canoe hangs large canoes that were typically made of birch bark in the Visitor's Center at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. and tended to be very heavy they were ideal for the trappers and settlers heading west, or youth camps after 1967. In going to out post such as Fort Mackinac in Quebec, the sport evolved the lower peninsula. Voyager canoes were used until late 1800s by fur traders taking their as a social sport with 11 paddlers in the Rabaskas. Identical voyageur/ hides to trading posts throughout Canada Rabaska molds are still being used today, the and Michigan. Voyager canoes were used traditional shape of the canoes didn’t evolve in the St. Lawrence seaway also for same purposes and as far west as Montreal, Canada since then, except the part that is outside the water in the front and in the back of the to transport cargo and people to outposts throughout the Canadian Provinces and North Rabaskas.

Towards 1984, Rabaskas have started America.

A new mold was created to build ten to be used on the St-Maurice river at the 25-feet voyageur canoes to race over 3,330 Classique internationale de canots de la miles around Canada to celebrate the 100th Mauricie. Brave paddlers were taking up the anniversary of the country in 1967. The challenge into those big boats, like in the C2 competitors, representing eight provinces and pro race. Outside the Classique, unofficial two territories, were tracing a route through races were organised. rushing rivers, along windswept lakes and In the begining of the 90’s, there was the across gruelling portages. It was a way of first official timed race at the Classique. Big paying homage to the fur-trading voyageurs industries and some schools were sponsors of and explorers who opened up the country. the teams. A lot of money was involved at that The race stopped in about 90 towns and cities time, but there was not a lot teams. during 104 days. Hundreds of spectators The Rabaska Canoe Racing Association watched the race. At that time, there were (ACRA) in Quebec in 1967, now known as The six paddlers into the canoe and nine to 10 Quebec Rabaska Racing Association (ACRQ). paddlers in the team. Six-paddler voyageur There were still 11 paddlers into the Rabaska canoes were (and still are) the norm in the canoes at that time. The sport was present other provinces of Canada. only in the Mauricie region, except for one Voyageur/Rabaska canoes became team in Montreal area. There has been up to popular in the recreational centers and 12 teams towards 2009. Then, the number of 38

teams dropped to 7 in 2013.

The association took the decision of having only one mixed category, in 2012. It helped the sport to stabilise and to have more teams racing against each other. Two new teams by year joined the association since 2013.

In 2015, the ACRQ took another important decision which was to reduce the number of paddlers to nine by Rabaska to help create more teams and the term R9 was born. In the begining of 2016, there are 13 official Rabaska teams and there are a few other teams that are building up.

Rabaska is great for people who want to be part of a team, while practicing an exterior sport and pushing their limits. Now, the goal of the ACRQ is to continue gaining two new teams by year, without losing any.The executive of the ACRQ is also looking to make the sport grow outside Quebec. This is why a first demo race will occur on July 31st at the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, the second stage of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing.

Quebec Rabaska racers are looking forward for this race and are very thrilled about coming to Michigan for this prestigious race.

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

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40

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Bissonette Bros Award Highest Finishing All-Michigan Team

Year 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 G TIN BRA RS E L C E Y EA

80

Time 14:41:27 14:46:32 14:35:03 14:58:03 14:24:53 14:08:00 14:24:42 14:55:48 14:32:16 14:57:01 14:26:18 15:07:10 15:22:54 15:10:22 15:13:16 15:33:44 14:56:12 14:48:25 14:48:55 14:41:58 14:35:12 14:31:37 14:58:32 14:58:36 14:36:56 15:02:35 15:05:26

Finish 2nd 3rd 2nd 4th 2nd 2nd 2nd 5th 3rd 4th 2nd 3rd 5th 2nd 4th 5th 2nd 2nd 1st 3rd 3rd 2nd 2nd 2nd 3rd 5th 6th

Paddlers (Ages) Jeff Kolka (30) & Bill Torongo (27) Jeff Kolka (31) & Bill Torongo (28) Jeff Kolka (32) & Bill Torongo (29) Ken Kolonich (46) & Steve Kolonich (20) Jeff Kolka (34) & Bill Torongo (31) Jeff Kolka (35) & Bill Torongo (32) Jeff Kolka (36) & Bruce Barton (38) Rick Joy (37) & Ted Kolka (30) Ken Kolonich (51) & Steve Kolonich (25) Rick Joy (39) & Jim Harwood (34) Ken Kolonich (53) & Steve Kolonich (27) Ken Kolonich (54) & Steve Kolonich (28) Ken Kolonich (55) & Steve Kolonich (29) Mo Harwood, Jr. (23) & Matthew Rimer (18) Rick Joy (44) & Ted Kolka (37) Mo Harwood, Jr. (25) & Matthew Rimer (20) Andrew Triebold (29) & Matthew Rimer (21) Rodney Halstead (21) & Ryan Halstead (19) Andrew Triebold (31) & Matthew Rimer (23) Rodney Halstead (23) & Ryan Halstead (21) Mo Harwood, Jr. (30) & Matthew Ashton (30) Steve Corlew (29) & Bill Torongo (48) Rodney Halstead (26) & Ryan Halstead (24) Josh Sheldon (31) & Ryan Halstead (25) Josh Sheldon (32) & Matt Streib (49) Tim Sheldon (49) & Tad Hill (36) Tim Sheldon (50) & Tad Hill (37)

(989) 926-3161 WWW .P ERMA L OG . NET

F REE E STIMATES Program Book

41

Consumers Energy Funds

Financial Security Is Not A Sprint Habitat Improvement It’s A Marathon!

Project to Enhance Five Miles of Northern Michigan Trout Stream

Good Luck Paddlers!

505 Clyde Street Grayling, MI (989) 910-5135 www.ncacu.org

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR

403 N. State St. Oscoda (989) 739-8559 42

Four Additional Michigan Projects Also Begin in 2016 GRAYLING — Work begins in earnest this week on a Consumers Energy-funded project to enhance five miles of an Au Sable River tributary to improve trout habitat.

The Mason-Griffith Founders Chapter of Trout Unlimited received a two-year $165,085 grant from the Habitat Improvement Account that is funded by Consumers Energy and administered by Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources.

The local Trout Unlimited chapter is using the funds to improve the fish habitat on five miles of the West Branch of Big Creek, a brook trout stream and Au Sable River tributary. Mainly college students will spend about 13 weeks during the summer doing the work, which will include adding in-stream structures such as log jams along the banks and clearing or moving instream obstructions.

“It’s gratifying to see how responsibly the funds are applied and to experience how they are used for improving the environment and increasing recreational opportunities for Michigan residents and visitors to our Great Lakes State,” said William Schoenlein, Consumers Energy’s manager of hydro and renewable generation.

“The funds from Consumers Energy have helped organizations like ours do a lot to improve Michigan’s rivers,” said Karen Harrison, president of the Mason-Griffith Founders Chapter of Trout Unlimited. “We’re confident this project on the West Branch of Big Creek will significantly increase the ability for trout to thrive in the improved stretch of water.”

“We’re getting busy with the ‘waders-in-the-water’ effort today after the work crews spent last week in safety training and getting familiar with their equipment and the stream,” Harrison said.

Kyle Kruger, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist, said the MDNR fisheries division management team reviews the proposals to determine the positive impact a proposed project may produce when deciding which initiatives to fund through the Habitat Improvement Account. Consumers Energy provides that funding as part of its license agreement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to operate its 11 hydro generating facilities on the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon rivers.

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Since being implemented into the hydro project licenses in 1994, Consumers Energy has contributed more than $8.5 million to the account.

In 2015, funds supported $278,000 for fisheries research, habitat improvement and stream restoration. Other projects are: • $20,000 to the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly to continue inventory of its dams and road crossings over the Muskegon River and its tributaries.

• $13,295 to the Upper Manistee River Restoration Committee for fishing access improvements on the upper Manistee River.

• $47,520 over two years for the Buhl Dam removal project on the Pine River, a tributary of the lower Au Sable River, as the dam no longer functions and limits fish passage.

• $32,100 to Old Orchard Park/Oscoda Township for boat launch upgrades.

Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Media Contacts: Terry DeDoes, 517-374-2159, or Brian Wheeler, 517-788-2394 For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy. com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media

Catch a Pancake for the Crawford County Commission on Aging…AND EAT IT TOO!

C is Chris Cakes

oof Michigan

Date: Time:

Saturday, July 30th 7am - 11am

Where: Lawn of Michelson

Memorial United Methodist Church 400 E. Michigan Ave.

Cost: $7.00 All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes - Served w/Sausage, Orange Drink & Coffee

Proceeds go to the Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center

VISIT YOUR LOCAL STORE OR ONE OF OUR MIXPERIENCE ROOMS: Au Gres, Harrisville or West Branch

Contributing Sponsor Program Book

43

335 S. State St. Oscoda, MI

New Name.

All the Same Faces You’ve Come to Know and Trust.

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PACK IT IN - PACK IT OUT! 44

Oscoda Area Calendar of Events July 4th Independence Day Parade, Community Picnic & Fireworks Show Downtown Oscoda Chamber of Commerce email director@ oscodachamber.com July 7th Rotary Concert Series, recurring each Thursday evening through August Oscoda Beach Park Band Shell Oscoda Rotary Club email jimkent@umich.edu July 8-10th Independence Day Parade, Community Picnic & Fireworks Show Oscoda, Wurtsmith Airport Museum Rose Mary Nentwig phone 989-820-9747 July 23th Reunion of Oscoda High All-Class Dinner Oscoda American Legion Hall Jan Johnson phone 989-739-2516 July 26th Dash for Cash Canoe Race, Racing begins at 5:30 p.m.

July 27th H.U.P (Hurry Up & Paddle) Race Oscoda Canoe Rental Chamber of Commerce email director@ oscodachamber.com July 28th “BLIND”folded Canoe Race & Kayak Raffle Oscoda Canoe Rental Chamber of Commerce email director@ oscodachamber.com August 21th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing Red Hawk Golf Club Chamber of Commerce email director@ oscodachamber.com August 13-14th Wurtsmith Air Museum Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast Oscoda, Wurtsmith Air Museum Wurtsmith Air Museum email visit@ wurtsmithairmuseum.org September 23-25th Annual Paul Bunyan Festival & Carnival Downtown Oscoda, Furtaw Field Chamber of Commerce email director@ oscodachamber.com

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Adventure awaits you in Oscoda Michigan

Great adventures begin when the sun rises over Lake Huron onto Oscoda’s unspoiled natural surroundings.

It shines on the area’s yearround opportunities for exciting outdoor activities, artistic pleasures and educational adventures.

Area trails inspire and challenge in every season.

Proposed trails promise to expand the array of options.

The Oscoda-AuSable Chamber is launching a geocache trail, capturing the popularity of Iosco County’s existing 380 geocaches.

A planned 37-mile segment of the 774-mile statewide Iron Belle bike trail will run through Oscoda, AuSable, Wilber and Plainfield Townships. The 10-footwide paved pathway will traverse Huron National Forest and follow scenic River Road. This $8.5 million connector is expected to spawn economic benefits for area communities as the Iron Belle grows in national standing as a biking attraction. Oscoda County’s 1.3 mile Phase One is slated for completion in 2017.

The 2015 dedication of the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail heightened Oscoda’s reputation as a premier birdwatching destination. The 145-mile trail follows U.S. 23 from the mouth of the AuSable River at Shoreline Park to Mackinaw City. It encompasses 27 inland, coastal and woodland birding sites for observing common, threatened and endangered species.

Compelling birding experiences have long attracted people from far and wide to AuSable River Valley marshes, coasts and woodlands. The nationallyrecognized birders paradise sits along a vital bird migration flyway

that attracts 300 species each spring. Every May, the four-day Tawas Point Birding Festival, a Michigan Audubon signature event, celebrates the migration.

Area birding hot spots include the AuSable River corridor, Clark’s Marsh and the 5,000-acre Tuttle Marsh National Wildlife Area.

The popular groomed Corsair Trails and Highbanks Trail provide space for hiking, biking, crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing.

Snowmobilers enjoy 94 miles of groomed trails and connections to a statewide trail network, while Huron ORV trails unleash wheeled adventures.

Oscoda’s waterways offer unparalleled recreation options.

The annual AuSable International Canoe Marathon, a Michigan summer classic, draws 50,000 spectators to witness the 120-mile competition along the AuSable River from Grayling to the finish line in Oscoda. Oscoda Beach Park spans more than 1,000 feet of prime Lake Huron shoreline.

It’s a community hub for outdoor play and is connected to the central business district by a lighted boardwalk. A 300-squarefoot splash pad with seven water features was unveiled at the park in the summer of 2015, thanks to a funding partnership between Oscoda Township and Oscoda Lion’s Club. The skateboard park at the beach was also enhanced with new steel ramps.

Enjoying the artistic beauty.

Oscoda’s pristine natural beauty inspires an active art and cultural scene.

For more than 30 years, Oscoda Beach Park has hosted Art on the Beach, showcasing the work of more than 150 artisans.

Oscoda-AuSable is a proud member of ARTown, the U.S. 23 Heritage Route trail linking

Canoer's Memorial, located along the River Road National Scenic Byway, memorializes the canoe racers from 1953 forward. It was dedicated in 1968, initially honoring Jerry Curley, Henry Feldhauser, Arthur Furtaw Jr. and Jerry Lauwers. The original monument, at it's original location, was detroyed following an automobile accident and was later rebuilt at it's current location.

more than 80 Sunrise Coast organizations and artists from Standish to Mackinaw City.

Since 1997, professional dancers Scott Heinrich and Giuseppe Canale have trained dancers at their Northeast Academy of Dance in Oscoda, a premier academy attracting dancers from around the world.

Innovative grassroots events fuel artistic passions. They Program Book

include Oscoda Art Drop where artists hide original works across the community. Participants follow clues to the concealed locations—and its finders keepers.

Travel back in time, witness nature at its best and dive into local culture along the 22-mile U.S. 23 River Road National Scenic Byway. The byway follows Continued on page 46 45

Continued from page 45 the AuSable River showcasing top sightseeing spots, including Iargo Springs, the Canoer’s Memorial, Lumberman’s Monument, Foote Pond, Wurtsmith Airport and the restaurants and shops of downtown Oscoda.

Each Wednesday from May through October, growers from a five-county region bring the cream of the crop to Northeast Michigan Regional Farm Market. As many as 2,500 shoppers and 20 vendors participate. Stalls overflow with heirloom varieties and organics, herbs, flowers, honey, eggs, free-range meats and a growing array of home-baked goods. Master Gardeners are on hand each week to offer information and aid home gardeners. The effort is supported by SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) where users may purchase Michigan-grown produce and take home twice as much wholesome food with eligibility in the Double Up Food Bucks program.

Learning together. A visible synergy between the Oscoda-AuSable community, businesses and schools builds a strong and vibrant future.

Oscoda Area Schools educate 1,250 pre-K-12 students. The district’s aggressive technology initiative expanded in 2015-16 with computers for each student and Wi-Fi service in all buildings. All student textbooks were purchased within the last five years providing vital up-to-date resources.

For two consecutive years, the State of Michigan has identified Oscoda Schools as Reward Schools for outperforming schools with similar risk factors and demographic makeup.

From education to recreation to inspiration the Sunrise Coast’s future has never been brighter, opportunities more exciting or life more promising.

Reel experiences Oscoda’s rivers, inland lakes and Lake Huron provide exciting year-round sport fishing experiences. From casting for walleye in the rivers in springtime to reeling in a catch over a frozen lake in the thick of winter, there’s a great fish tale waiting.

There are 29 inland lakes and 58 streams in Iosco County. The AuSable River, a designated Blue Ribbon trout stream, offers prime angling opportunities. Inland waters and the Lake Huron fisheries produce perch, walleye, pike, bluegill, steelhead, salmon and lake trout. Local charter excursions lead anglers into the big waters for the best catch of the day. They provide gear and offer know-how and fishcleaning service. Area river guides share flyfishing expertise amidst some of the best brown trout fisheries east of the Rockies.

?

Did you Know

1994

Most Consecutive Finishes Paddler

Lynne Witte Michael Garon Al Widing, Sr. Serge Corbin Rick Joy Lynne Witte Ken Kolonich Steve Kolonich Jack Kolka Jeff Kolka Andrew Triebold Nate Winkler Colin Hunter Jon Thompson Rodney Matthews Brett Stockton Nick Walton Bernie Fowler Ralph Sawyer Tony Short Rick Joy Brian Royce Joe Shaw Ray Bauer Ted Smutek Ellen Thompson Jason Hatfield

Consec.

18 17 16 16 16 14 14 14 13 13 13 13 12 12 12 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

* Includes Four Amateur Finishes + No Race In 1969

46

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Years

1995-2012 1999-2015 1988-2003 1990-2005 1991-2006 1980-1993* 1988-2001 1988-2001 1964-1977+ 1993-2005 2003-2015 2003-2015 1996-2007* 2004-2015 2004-2015 1978-1988 2005-2015 1947-1956 1953-1962 1978-1987 1980-1989 2001-2010 2001-2010 2001-2010 2004-2013 2006-2015 2006-2015

Top Mixed Team Pro Records Thru 2015 (One female and one male paddler)

15:05:26 1988

4th Place

15:07:39 2009 13th Place 15:12:58 2009 15th Place 15:15:14 2014

9th Place

15:15:32 2010 14th Place 15:18:48 1993 10th Place 15:19:31 1992

9th Place

15:23:32 1996 12th Place 15:25:17 2015 12th Place 15:25:30 1984 5th Place

Lynne Witte (34) & Jim Myers (26) Connie Cannon (48) & Bruce Barton (52) Holly Reynolds (29) & Jeff Rankinen (45) Rebecca Barton Davis (24) & Mike Davis (23) Connie Cannon (49) & Tom Cannon (54) Connie Cannon (32) & Tom Cannon (37) Lynne Witte (38) & Solomon Carrière (35) Lynn Capen (41) & Steve Landick (43) Rebecca Davis (25) & Mike Davis (24) Lynne Witte (30) & Steve Landick (31)

Top Seniors Pro Records Thru 2015 (Both paddlers 50 or more years old) 15:21:22 15:22:04 15:26:37 15:28:16 15:31:18 15:32:48 15:36:28 15:38:26 15:40:19 15:41:07

1999 2010 2010 2013 2015 2008 2010 2014 1997 2010

Thru 2015

(Two female paddlers)

15:37:07 2013 17th Place 15:58:10 2013 27th Place 16:01:44 2008 28th Place 16:03:05 2009 38th Place 16:03:54 16:04:59 16:09:52 16:11:32 16:12:58

2010 1991 2006 2011 2014

34th Place 15th Place 30th Place 20th Place 28th Place

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon Montgomery (24) Holly Reynolds (33) & Gloria Wesley (53) Hailey McMahon (22) & Rebecca Barton Davis (23) Connie Cannon (47) & Lynne Witte (54) Emily Peterson (29) & Carrie Trudgeon Montgomery (39) Christina Wilson (41) & Kate Ellis (54) Connie Cannon (30) & Lynne Witte (37) Connie Cannon (45) & Lynne Witte (52) Holly Reynolds (31) & Gloria Wesley (51) Holly Reynolds (34) & Amy Solak (49)

Top Masters Pro Records Thru 2015 (Both paddlers 40 or more years old)

14:08:18 14:33:50 14:46:52 14:48:00 14:48:18 14:55:03 14:56:11 14:59:59 15:01:37 15:01:57

1999 2006 2009 2000 2014 2003 2005 2004 2013 1999

1st Place 1st Place 7th Place 1st Place 3rd Place 1st Place 1st Place 2nd Place 9th Place 8th Place

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42) Jim Harwood (42) & Allen Limberg (48) Tony Short (45) & Brad Gross (40) Jeff Kolka (41) & Serge Corbin (43) Ivan English (40) & Mike Vincent (49) Jeff Kolka (44) & Serge Corbin (46) Jeff Kolka (46) & Serge Corbin (48) Jeff Kolka (45) & Serge Corbin (47) Russ Reker (49) & Mike Bradford (48) Daniel Klinkhamer (48) & Bill DuBois (41)

Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74) Tom Trudgeon (51) & Phil Trudgeon (50) Allen Limberg (52) & Barbara Bradley (53) Tom Trudgeon (54) & Doug Gillin (54) Clark Kent (55) & Mike Bradford (50) Allen Limberg (50) & Barbara Bradley (51) Fred Mills (56) & Tim McClure (52) Marc Gillespie (61) & Dale Persons (50) Robert Bradford (54) & John Nemeth (55) Ray Bauer (53) & Nick Bauer (50)

Top 25 Fastest Marathons

Top Women’s Team Pro Records Thru 2015 15:26:14 1994 17th Place

15th Place 16th Place 18th Place 13th Place 13th Place 16th Place 22nd Place 14th Place 13th Place 23rd Place

13:58:08 14:04:05 14:08:00 14:08:18 14:09:06 14:10:25 14:12:03 14:15:47 14:17:29 14:17:42 14:19:36 14:20:00 14:20:24 14:20:40 14:20:40 14:23:03 14:24:01 14:24:42 14:24:53 14:25:04 14:25:54 14:26:11 14:26:18 14:29:01 14:29:01

1994 1996 1994 1999 2008 1994 1994 1998 2010 2009 1997 1988 2013 1984 1995 1993 1988 1995 1993 1994 1997 1994 1999 1981 1994

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1st Place 1st Place 2nd Place 1st Place 1st Place 3rd Place 4th Place 1st Place 1st Place 1st Place 1st Place 1st Place 1st Place 1st Place 1st Place 1st Place 2nd Place 2nd Place 2nd Place 5th Place 2nd Place 6th Place 2nd Place 1st Place 7th Place

Serge Corbin & Solomon Carrière Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin Jeff Kolka & Bill Torongo Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin Andrew Triebold & Steve Lajoie Rick Joy & John Hollands Patrick Lynch & Jim Harwood Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin Andrew Triebold & Steve Lajoie Andrew Triebold & Steve Lajoie Jeff Kolka & Serge Corbin Serge Corbin & Brett Stockton Andrew Triebold & Steve Lajoie Butch Stockton & Solomon Carrière Patrick Lynch & Jim Harwood Serge Corbin & Solomon Carrière Randy Drake & Tim Triebold Jeff Kolka & Bruce Barton Jeff Kolka & Bill Torongo Randy Drake & Al Rudquist Al Rudquist & Mike Vincent Corey VanLoon & Denis Marcouiller Ken Kolonich & Steve Kolonich John Baker & Ken Brown Tony Short & John Sullivan 47

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July 16th & 17th

Proudly Presented By:

Saturday July 16 - C-2 race from Cooke Dam to the finish line of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, at the AuSable Inn. Registration begins at 7:00am at Cooke Dam, with the race starting at 9:00 a.m. The winning time is about 2.5 hrs.

There is a MCRA picnic following the C-2 race at the American Legion Pavilion. Donation proceeds go to benefit the MCRA Canoers Memorial on River Rd. Eating begins around 12:30 p.m. with awards following.

Sunday July 17 - C-1 Race. Registration at Childrens Park in AuSable starts at 8:00 a.m. The race starts at 10:00 a.m. at Childrens Park. The Race Course: Paddlers will race 2 laps from Childrens Park to round a buoy just downstream of the railroad trestle bridge and back. Winning time is about 1 hr.

Curley Family Contributing Sponsors:

Adam Curley 48

Brandon Curley 69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Tim Kellstrom

Guardians of the Rivers S

ince the inception of Trout Unlimited on the banks of the Au Sable River in 1959, Mason-Griffith Founders Chapter of Trout Unlimited has been a proud contributing member of the Au Sable and Manistee River communities. During the past three years MGFTU volunteers have contributed nearly 9,000 volunteer hours and has raised over $400,000 in grants, contributions, and donations to improve our treasured Au Sable and Manistee Rivers and to better the Grayling Community.

Here are just few of the accomplishments of Mason-Griffith Founders Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

• Refurbished and constructed over 1,200 fish habitat improvement structures on the mainstream of the Au Sable.

• Taken the initiative and assisted other river groups, including the DNR, in the repair and maintenance of over a dozen access sites on the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers.

• Conducted or assisted with the habitat mapping of over 10 miles of the North Branch Au Sable and mainstream Au Sable Rivers.

• Conducted spring and fall Mi Corp benthic macro invertebrate studies on two locations of the headwaters of the Au Sable River, and two locations on the West Branch of Big Creek.

• Conducted fall trout spawning surveys (REDD surveys) on the headwaters, mainstream and South Branch of the Au Sable River.

• Conducted and assisted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fish Division with fish population survey on the mainstream of the Au Sable River.

• Monitored water temperatures in the headwaters, mainstream, South and East Branches of the Au Sable, and their tributaries for multiple years.

• Monitored water quality on the East Branch of the Au Sable River.

• Participated in the control of the invasive species purple loosestrife.

• Participated in the Cedars for the Au Sable program by building cages and planting cedar trees in the Deward Tract on the Upper Manistee River. Also, nurtured previously planted cedar trees at five Au

Sable River access sites: Burton’s Landing, Louie’s Landing, Keystone, Thendara, and Townline road ends.

• Sponsored and participated in youth programs including the Trout in the Classroom project at the Grayling Middle School. Held an eight-week middle school fly tying class and assisted with the Middle School Fishing Club. MGFTU sent two youth to the Michigan TU Youth Camp, and along with partners sent a youth to Trout Unlimited Youth Summit in NC. • Participated in the MITU and Illinois Youth Trout Camps, and provided an opportunity for the youth to learn about a river restoration project and obtain hands on experience. MGFTU members volunteered riverboat trips for the youth.

• Conducted an eight-week fly tying class attended by community members. The instructor and all assistants were MGFTU BOD members. Also conducted two free fly fishing schools at Gates Lodge in Grayling.

• Worked with wounded veterans through Bamboo Bend. Bamboo Bend brings six veterans identified through Project Healing Waters to Grayling in May. They build a bamboo fly rod and are able to share experiences, whether making a rod, fishing, or just swapping stories. There are members of MGFTU that serve as instructors for this class. Other MGFTU members would stop for an hour or two just to meet these veterans and make them feel welcome.

These veterans were afforded opportunities to fish out of an Au Sable riverboat or a drift boat, and many of the volunteers for these fishing opportunities were MGFTU members.

At the end of the week of building a bamboo rod, fishing and enjoying Northern Michigan, there was a celebration that was attended by both members of MGFTU and others from

Program Book

the fly fishing community.

A few of the grants received from the MDNR Habitat Improvement Account for stream restoration projects on the Au Sable River system are: • Williams Tract Fisheries Habitat Improvement Project (2013-2014) • Pollack Bridge Fisheries Habitat Improvement Project (2015-2016) • Mainstream Fisheries Habitat Structure Repair (2013-2015) • West Branch of Big Creek – Lovells Fisheries Habitat Improvement Project (2016) MGFTU has partnered with many organizations in this project including: the Upper Manistee River Association; Au Sable River Property Owners Association; the Au Sable North Branch Area Foundation; Michigan Trout Unlimited; Michigan DNR; Au Sable River Watershed Committee; Gahagan Nature Preserve; Anglers of the Au Sable; Headwaters Chapter of TU; the Great Lakes Council of IFFF; PerrinLansing Chapter of TU; and Friends of the Mason Tract.

Partnerships and involvement are essential to preserving the resources we have in Northeast Michigan.

If you would like to volunteer or donate to these and future efforts visit our website: www.MasonGriffithTU.org

49

Course Map - Grayling to Oscoda Follow LIVE Results during race night at www.AuSableCanoeMarathon.org

Consumers Energy has requested that NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES be allowed on their property. Also, no loitering will be allowed when crossing dams. These implementations are due to strict Homeland Security Procedures.

Please be respectful of the people that are enforcing these rules and procedures.

Crawford County-Stephan, Wakeley and McMasters Bridges will be closed to all vehicle traffic during the race. Spectator vehicles will not be allowed to cross the river at these bridges.

Oscoda County-Parmalee Bridge will be closed to spectators but passable for vehicles. No portable lighting will be available. If you are viewing the race from here, there are good sites along the campground on the north side or at the public access site on the south.

Mio Dam-Spectators are not allowed on the spillway. There is a walkway from the MDOT parking area, south of M-72, under the bridge to the dam. You will not have to walk across the highway to get to the dam. Spectators must stay clear of the pathway and the put-in areas as the teams portage Mio Dam. 4001 Bridge-The U.S. Forest Service may issue tickets for parking in the lot at the boat launch site without the valid parking pass.

Alcona Dam-Only feeders and officials will be allowed into the dam parking lot. Spectators should park in the field on the north side of the river and walk across the bridge to the portage area.

Loud Dam-There will only be parking for feeders on one side of the road leading to the dam.

Only feeders and officials will be allowed into the dam parking lot.

Five Channels-Pedestrians and vehicles will not be permitted on the new bridge, but spectators are allowed on the old bridge. Parking in the dam parking lot is for feeders only. Spectators can park in a large field at the top of the hill on the south side of the river.

Whirlpool near Oscoda-Everyone must park in the parking lot-not at the boat launch. The U.S. Forest Service will issue tickets at this area.

Foote Dam-The dam will be closed to spectators but you can view the race from the new fishing platforms across the river.

Leader’s Arrival Time* Map Location 1. Burton’s Landing 9:40 p.m.

2. Stephan Bridge 10:15 p.m.

3. Wakeley Bridge 10:45 p.m.

4. McMasters Bridge 11:45 p.m.

5. Parmalee Bridge 12:45 a.m.

6. Camp 10 Bridge 1:55 a.m.

7. Mio Dam 2:15 a.m.

8. McKinley Bridge 4:00 a.m.

9. 4001 Bridge 5:00 a.m.

10. Alcona Dam 5:30 a.m.

11. Loud Dam 7:20 a.m.

12. Five Channels Dam 7:45 a.m.

13. Cooke Dam 8:45 a.m.

14. Foote Dam 10:00 a.m.

15. Oscoda (finish) 11:15 a.m. *All tmes are approximate

EMERGENCY NUMBERS - DIAL 911 CRAWFORD COUNTY SHERIFF OSCODA COUNTY SHERIFF ALCONA COUNTY SHERIFF

photos by Brian Connon & Mark Bialek

(989) 348-6341 (989) 826-3214 (989) 724-6271

HALE AREA POLICE IOSCO COUNTY SHERIFF OSCODA AREA POLICE

(989) 469-8241 (989) 362-6164 (989) 739-9111

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO CONSUMERS ENERGY FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIPS, COOPERATION & USE OF THEIR FACILITIES.

Consumers Energy

Providing more than energy

World Class Paddling and More Available for Outdoor Enthusiasts at Consumers Energy River Hydro Properties Across Michigan Twelve Thousand Acres Open for Public Recreation The athletes competing in the 69th annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon highlight the world-class paddling opportunities available along Consumers Energy property on one of the most beautiful, renowned rivers in the country.

In addition, outdoor enthusiasts can find fun activities at Consumers Energy river hydro properties yearround. The energy company owns and operates 13 river hydro facilities, with about 12,000 acres open to the public in popular recreational areas in Michigan along the Muskegon, AuSable, Kalamazoo, and Manistee Rivers.

This August, Marathon fans can help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Mio Dam, the first portage along the Marathon and popular location to cheer on the competitors. Mio Dam began operating in 1916 and featured a spillway that was invented to reduce tailwater erosion during spill operation by a Consumers Energy civil engineer and vice president.

A centennial celebration is planned for the last weekend of August, and will include a public tour of the historic dam 52

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

on Saturday, August 27.

The entire river stretch of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, from downtown Grayling to Lake Huron in Oscoda, offers rewarding paddling experiences for canoers and kayakers of all skill levels. There are plenty of access points along the way to experience different stretches of water without having to paddle the entire 120 miles that make up the Marathon. There’s no need to limit paddling on the AuSable River, however. Quality paddling can be found along all the rivers where Consumers Energy has hydro property, with many points to access the water including at Consumers Energy hydro dams.

While the weather is warm, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy pursuing water sports in the reservoirs behind dams such as fishing for walleye, bass and panfish. There is also plenty of tacking space on the reservoirs for those who sail, and room for motor boaters to roam and explore secluded coves.

Hodenpyl and Tippy dams on the Manistee River have available nearby boat rentals and launches. Trout anglers

enjoy success drawing strikes from rainbows, brookies and brown trout in pools, riffles and eddies below dams on the Muskegon, AuSable and Manistee Rivers.

Camping is an option at Consumers Energy hydro facilities. More than 2,800 campsites are associated with Foote, Alcona, Mio, Hardy, Tippy and Hodenpyl dams, including the AuSable River campgrounds: Oscoda County Park, Alcona Campground, and Old Orchard Campground.

Hiking and bird watching are also attractions. Numerous trails are established at hydro properties, most of which have been recognized by the Wildlife Habitat Council. These properties’ secluded, picturesque landscapes f attract bald eagles, numerous waterfowl, and many birders’ life list species such as pileated woodpeckers. yExperienced birders Trail, and the Edge To find out more about these come to Loud, Foote Trail near Croton Dam. year-round outdoor activities at and Cooke ponds on Along the Manistee Consumers Energy hydro facilities the AuSable River River, try the MDOT in Michigan, including locations of for one of the best M-37 Roadside Park campgrounds and other amenities, chances in Michigan and the MDOT M-55 download a free brochure called to view rare, native Roadside Park.

“Getting Close to Nature” at trumpeter swans where Hard-fighting www.ConsumersEnergy.com/hydro.

Consumers Energy king salmon enter re-established them Michigan’s rivers from in the late 1990s. The on Consumers Energy hydro the Great Lakes in the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail property. Along the AuSable fall and provide rod-bending includes Foote Dam especially River, make stops at the Mio action. Steelhead begin their because of the prospect it Scenic Overlook, the USFS upriver migration in late fall and offers for viewing the graceful Westgate Scenic Overlook, hardy anglers cast for them swans.

USFS Iargo Springs, USFS through the winter and spring.

As the temperature drops Lumberman’s Monument, the Tippy, Foote, Croton and in Autumn, a great way to USFS Foote Pond Overlook, Calkins Bridge dams provide experience Michigan’s fall and the AuSable River Queen world-class fishing opportunities color is to hike through the Excursions. On the Muskegon for these large, visiting salmon brilliantly colorful landscape River, walk the Hardy Rustic and steelhead.

Program Book

GOOD LUCK PADDLERS!

GOOD LUCK

CANOERS! 5707 US 23 • OSCODA (989) 569-6500 2697 I-75 BL • WEST BRANCH (989) 345-8690 1850 US 23 • EAST TAWAS (989) 362-7520 53

Team Pride Imagine this:

Crowds of spectators, organizers and team members.

You have to tend to your racer day and night.

How do you make yourself stand out in the crowd?

Show a little team pride.

Here is a selection of some shirts from past Marathons.

First Federal of Northern Michigan Welcome to Banking with a Personal Approach

• Mortgage Loans • Checking Accounts • Savings Accounts • Online Banking Alpena-Main 100 S. Second Ave. Alpena-Ripley 468 N. RIpley Ave. Alanson 6232 River St. Cheboygan 350 Main St.

• Personal Loans • Business Banking • Construction Loans • Local Lending & Service

Gaylord 1000 Wisconsin Ave. Lewiston 2885 S. County Rd. 489 Mio 308 N. Morenci St. Oscoda 201 N. State St.

www.first-federal.com CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR 54

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Most Top Ten Finishes Paddler

Wins

Top 3's

Rick Joy Serge Corbin Ken Kolonich Jeff Kolka Jim Harwood Tony Short Bill Torongo Steve Kolonich Jack Kolka John Baker Ted Kolka Ralph Sawyer Jerry Kellogg Andrew Triebold Steve Lajoie Steven Kolonich Butch Stockton Brett Stockton

0 18 0 9 2 0 0 0 0 4 0 8 4 10 9 1 5 9

7 22 3 18 5 8 9 5 5 12 1 12 8 13 10 5 8 12

Top 5's 19 22 9 20 14 11 14 9 11 13 6 14 13 13 14 8 11 13

Top 10's 26 22 21 20 19 19 19 18 16 15 15 14 14 14 14 13 13 13

Last 2008 2005 2015 2005 2006 2009 2012 2011 1981 1990 2007 1968 1982 2015 2015 1965 1987 1992

Paddler

Wins

Top 3's

Jack Kent Bob Welsch Al Widing, Sr. Jeff Kellogg Randy Drake Bruce Barton John Sullivan Bernie Fowler Irvin Peterson Verlen Kruger Dave Shepherd

0 0 0 2 1 0 0 3 4 0 0

3 3 5 4 4 3 3 6 9 0 5

Top 5's 8 6 9 7 7 7 7 9 10 3 9

Top 10's 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10

Last 1968 1981 1988 1990 1998 2007 2007 1956 1971 1980 1992

?

Did you Know Record Finish

In 1994, Serge Corbin and Solomon Carriere at 37 years old, set the record time for the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Professional Division with a time of 13:58:08.

Program Book

55

JULY 26, 2016

Registration starts at 3:00 p.m.

Race starts at 5:30 p.m.

The Da$h for Ca$h is a 64 team bracket style, single elimination event.

Teams will compete for a part of the $5,000+ prize pool.

56

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

2015 Results

Place

JULY 26, 2016

Paddlers Fastest Time Registration starts at 3:00 p.m.Time Rank JULY 26, 2016

Race starts at 5:30 p.m. starts at 3:00 p.m.

1st Registration Nick Walton & Christophe Proulx 1:10.88 1 Race starts at 5:30 p.m.

2nd Mathieu Pellerin & Guillaume 1:10.90 The Da$h Blais for Ca$h is a 64 team 2 The Da$h for Ca$h is a 64 team bracket single elimination event.

3rd Cameron McClain &style, Bill Torongo 1:13.04 4 bracket style, single elimination event.

Teams will compete for a 4th Teams Pascal will Lampron & Simon-Pier Lacombe 1:17.44 9 compete a partprize offor the $5,000+ prize pool. part of the $5,000+ pool.

5th Weston Willoughby & Matt Meersman 1:13.88 5 6th Adam Gelinas & Sarah Lessard 1:16.00 7 7th Gloria Wesley & Zach Thiem 1:16.77 8 8th Seth Miller & Stephen Miller 1:23.19 22 9th Tom Pellerin & Jim Pellerin 1:11.53 3 10th Ted Smutek & Colin Hunter 1:15.82 6 11th Drew Compau & Jon Webb 1:17.66 10 12th Todd Kaems & Jerry Killingbeck 1:17.68 11 13th Dan Gary & Shawn Spallinger 1:20.44 14 14th Tim Sheldon & Sylvie Nadeau 1:20.79 15 15th Fred Mills & Tim McClure 1:24.57 23 16th Jeff DeFeo & Jo Hamlin 1:25.65 24 17th Patrick Madden & Roger Henry 1:18.71 12 18th Eric Dittenber & Phil Millspaugh 1:20.11 13 19th Kevin Olson & Rick Olson 1:21.00 16 20th Carrie Montgomery & Neil Wiesner-Hanks 1:22.34 17 21st Ted Cramer & Tommy Cramer 1:22.35 18 22nd Mary Schlimmer & Holly Reynolds 1:22.82 19 23rd Michael Matthews & Chase Matthews 1:22.94 20 24th Matt Gonyea & Buddy Landrum 1:23.15 21 25th John Lucey & Joe Somero 1:26.54 25 26th Rusty McLain & Gary McLain 1:27.26 26 27th Peggy English & Rod Matthews 1:27.28 27 28th Gary Aprea & Peter Heed 1:27.33 28 29th Jaya Elleson & Jim Braig 1:29.29 29 30th Andrew Weeks & Paddi Thornburg 1:29.67 30 31st Rick Gillings & Susan Williams 1:33.42 31 32nd ~BYE~ -

Program Book

57

2016 AuSable River Festival & Canoe Marathon Schedule July 23 – 31, 2016 in Grayling Saturday, July 23rd Sprints for C-2 Race in Grayling City Park, 9:00 a.m.

Meet the Artists Day at Main Branch Gallery, 10:00 a.m.-4:00p.m.

AuSable Dance Boosters Duck Race in Grayling City Park, approximately 1:30p.m. (following sprints) AuSable Dance Boosters Concessions under City Park Pavilion during Sprints/ Duck Race Kid’s Mentor Race in Grayling City Park, 2:00 p.m.

Start of C-2 Youth Race at Joe Wakeley’s House (going to Burton’s Landing), 5:30 p.m.

Start of C-1 Race at Joe Wakeley’s House (going to Burton’s Landing), 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 24th Spike’s Challenge Race at Old AuSable Fly Shop, 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, July 26th Kid’s Day in Grayling City Park, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Rock & Rest at Grayling Nature Center (City Park), 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Da$h for Ca$h Sprints in Oscoda, 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 27th Time Trials for AuSable River Canoe Marathon at Penrod’s Canoe Livery, 3:00–6:00 p.m.

H.U.P. (“Hurry Up & Paddle”) Race in Grayling City Park, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 28th Marathon Coffee Break at FirstMerit Bank, 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Time Trials for AuSable River Canoe Marathon at Penrod’s Canoe Livery, 3:00–8:00 p.m.

Business Relay Races at Penrod’s Canoe Livery, 4:30–8:00 p.m.

AuSable River C-1 Express Race at Penrod’s Canoe Livery (goes to Burton’s Landing), 7:15 p.m.

Friday, July 29th Arts & Crafts Show in Grayling City Park, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Rock & Rest at Grayling Nature Center (City Park), 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Grayling Eagles #3465 Steak Out (4-7 p.m.), Live Music (7 p.m.), and Beer Tent (11 a.m.-Close) at Grayling Eagles’ Club Time Trials for AuSable River Canoe Marathon at Penrod’s Canoe Livery, 2:00–4:30 p.m.

Special Olympics’ Canoe Races at Penrod’s Canoe Livery, 2:45 p.m.

6th Annual Cruise Night at Northstar Auto Wash, 6:30 p.m.

Paddler’s Pre-Race Briefing at R a.m.ada Inn of Grayling, 5:30 p.m.

Paddler’s Dinner at R a.m.ada Inn of Grayling (OPEN TO PUBLIC), immediately following the briefing (approx 7 p.m.)

58

Saturday, July 30th Chris Cakes F a.m.ous Flapjack Breakfast at Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church, 7:00-11:00 a.m.

31st Annual Classic Car Show on Michigan Ave, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Registration 6–8 a.m., Trophies 2 p.m.)

GRA’s 5K, 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run–starts at Hanson Hills Recreation Area (new location during construction), 9:00 a.m. (Registration 7:30–8:30 a.m.)

Arts & Crafts Show at Grayling City Park, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Food Court on Michigan Avenue, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Q100.3 Michigan Music Uncovered Showcase, Michigan Avenue (in front of Shoppenagons), Noon–6:00 p.m.

Grayling Eagles Horseshoe Tourn a.m.ent (10 a.m.), Breakfast Burritos/Burgers/ Dogs (11 a.m.-6 p.m.), Beer Tent/Music (11 a.m.–Close) at Eagles’ Club Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church’s Ice Cre a.m. Social, Noon–4:00 p.m.

Beer Tent & Food at Grayling a.m.erican Legion, Noon–10:00 p.m.

AuSable River Festival Parade, 3:00 p.m. (NEW ROUTE–Attendees line up along Lake St. - Visit www.q100-fm.com for new parade route) 4th Annual Arctic Glacier Mini-Marathon Youth Canoe Race at Old AuSable Fly Shop, 4:00 p.m.

Pre-Race Progr a.m. at Old AuSable Fly Shop, 6:00 p.m.

Introduction of Paddlers at Old AuSable Fly Shop, 7:00 p.m.

Posting of the Colors at Old AuSable Fly Shop, 7:45 p.m.

Start of the 69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon at the Old AuSable Fly Shop, 9:00 p.m. (paddling from Grayling to Oscoda) Sunday, July 31st End of 69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon (ends on the shores of Lake Huron in Oscoda Leaders 11:30 a.m. to Finishers 4:00 p.m.)

For details, visit www.graylingchamber.com or call 989-348-2921

?

Did you Know

The most consecutive entered & won record stands at 8 races.

Serge Corbin 1979, 87-88,90-94 & 96-03 Jeff Kolka 1996-03 Andrew Triebold 2007-15 Keep an eye out to see if Triebold pulls off #10 this year!

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

WELCOME TO THE WORLD FAMOUS AUSABLE CANOE MARATHON. GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE PADDLERS AND THEIR SUPPORT TEAMS. RAMADA INN 2650 I-75 BUSINESS LOOP. GRAYLING MI 49738 CALL FOR RESERVATION 989-348-7611 OR VISIT US AT WYNDHAM HOTELS Program Book

59

Fastest Mixed Division Sprints (1989-2015) Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Paddlers (Ages) Todd Ellison (45) & Kate Ellis (50) Mike Davis (23) & Rebecca Davis (24) Mike Davis (24) & Rebecca Davis (25) Scott McKenzie (36) & Lynne Witte (40) Tom Cannon (37) & Connie Cannon (32) Solomon Carrière (35) & Lynne Witte (38) Matt Streib (40) & Mandy Trudgeon (23) Todd Ellison (44) & Kate Ellis (49) Adam Gelinas (33) & Sarah Lessard (27) Steve Landick (43) & Lynn Capen (41) Blaine Toni (38) & Lynne Witte (39) Adam Gelinas (32) & Sarah Lessard (26) Ray Yehl (41) & Deborah Graham (33) Dwayne Barnes (41) & Amy Solak (38) Tom Cannon (41) & Connie Cannon (36)

4:22

2010

6:55.17

2:34

4:21

2014

6:58.11

2:31

4:27

1993

6:59.59

2:40

4:20

2012

7:02.34

2:34

4:28

2005

7:03.06

2:41

4:22

2:19

3:38

11

2014

5:58.49

2:20

3:38

12

2015

6:01.00

2:18

3:43

13

1994

6:02.19

2:24

3:38

14

1993

6:06.43

2:23

3:43

15

1992

6:06.46

n/a

n/a

2004

6:07.98

2:28

3:40

Fastest Masters Division Sprints (1989-2015)

2005

6:09.70

2:26

3:44

2015

6:10.25

2:18

3:52

1996

6:13.40

2:28

3:45

1993

6:13.43

2:25

3:48

2014

6:13.87

2:22

3:52

1993

6:14.18

2:30

3:44

2003

6:15.93

n/a

n/a

1997

6:16.11

2:26

3:50

Rank

Paddlers (Ages)

1

Jeff Kolka (45) & Serge Corbin (47) Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42) Jeff Kolka (44) & Serge Corbin (46) Jeff Kolka (46) & Serge Corbin (48) Calvin Hassel (43) & Bill Torongo (45) Allen Limberg (48) & Jim Harwood (42) Jeff Kolka (43) & Serge Corbin (45) Jeff Kolka (42) & Serge Corbin (44) Tom Cannon (50) & Matt Streib (42) Rick Joy (47) & Bill Torongo (44) Bruce Barton (41) & Tim Triebold (45) Rick Joy (46) & Bill Torongo (43) Allen Limberg (47) & Jim Harwood (41) Bruce Barton (46) & Bill Torongo (41) Steve Krantz (40) & Brian Krantz (43)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1

Connie Cannon (33) & Carrie Trudgeon (24) Roxanne Barton (38) & Carrie Trudgeon (25) Roxanne Barton (39) & Carrie Trudgeon (26) Lynne Witte (37) & Connie Cannon (30) Sylvie Nadeau (40) & Edith MacHattie (42) Hailey McMahon (22) & Rebecca Barton (23) Holly Reynolds (31) & Gloria Wesley (51) Holly Reynolds (33) & Gloria Wesley (53)

1994

6:16.00

2:29

3:47

11

1995

6:29.06

2:32

3:57

12

1996

6:36.00

2:36

4:00

13

1991

6:41.72

n/a

n/a

14

2015

6:45.01

2:35

4:10

15

2013

6:47.58

2:34

4:14

2011

6:47.60

2:34

4:14

2013

6:50.04

2:32

4:18

60

2:33

5:56.59

Power Phase

8

6:55.09

2006

Speed Phase

7

2006

10

Sprint Time

6

4:21

Power Phase

Year

5

2:33

Speed Phase

Paddlers (Ages)

4

6:53.94

Sprint Time

Rank

3

2014

Year

Fastest Women’s Division Sprints (1989-2015)

2

Holly Reynolds (34) & Amy Solak (49) Lynne Witte (52) & Connie Cannon (45) Christina Wilson (41) & Kate Ellis (54) Mary Schlimmer (23) & Theresa Schlimmer (22) Brenda Carlson (32) & Carrie Trudgeon (23) Mary Schlimmer (21) & Theresa Schlimmer (20) Amy Solak (40) & Connie Cannon (44)

9

?

Did you Know

Year

Sprint Time

Speed Power Phase Phase

2004

5:29.57

2:14

3:16

1999

5:31.23

2:16

3:15

2003

5:34.04

n/a

n/a

2005

5:37.52

2:13

3:25

2007

5:37.53

2:19

3:19

2006

5:37.79

2:12

3:26

2002

5:40.59

n/a

n/a

2001

5:41.17

2:23

3:18

2006

5:44.64

2:16

3:29

2006

5:46.47

2:25

3:21

1998

5:49.99

2:24

3:26

2005

5:50.28

2:15

3:35

2005

5:50.60

2:15

3:36

2003

5:50.61

n/a

n/a

1995

5:51.10

n/a

n/a

Jeff Kolka... holds the record for the most professional Marathons entered without a Did Not Finish at 21 races!

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

GPS MAP

Program Book

61

Fastest Seniors Division Sprints (1989-2015) Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

62

Paddlers (Ages) Clark Kent (55) & Mike Bradford (50) Tom Trudgeon (54) & Doug Gillin (54) Ken Kolonich (68) & Tom Trudgeon (55) Robert Bradford (54) & John Nemeth (55) Marc Gillespie (61) & Dale Persons (50) Robert Bradford (56) & Al Widing, Sr. (74) Tom Trudgeon (51) & Phil Trudgeon (50) Allen Limberg (50) & Barb Bradley (51) Fred Mills (51) & Joseph Seifert (53) Bruce Barton (58) & Gloria Wesley (55) Michael Garon (51) & Doug Gillin (50) Jim Anderson (60) & Bernie Tuszynski (58) Kevin Ornatowski (53) & Steve Krantz (56) Fred Mills (54) & Joseph Seifert (56) Michael Fairchild (60) & Peter Heed (61)

Year

Sprint Time

Speed Phase

Power Phase

2015

6:05.00

2:17

3:48

2013

6:14.13

2:24

3:50

2014

6:15.89

2:25

3:51

1997

6:19.14

2:31

3:48

2014

6:21.74

2:27

3:55

1999

6:21.79

2:31

3:51

2010

6:21.81

2:23

3:59

2008

6:23.16

2:30

3:53

2005

6:26.45

2:28

3:58

2015

6:26.45

2:30

3:56

2009

6:26.79

2:29

3:58

2015

6:29.21

2:25

4:04

2011

6:30.48

2:32

3:58

2008

6:32.31

2:30

4:02

2011

6:32.37

2:28

4:04

AuSable Marathon Website ausablecanoemarathon.org

AuSable Marathon on Instagram @AuSableMarathon

AuSable Canoe Marathon on Snapchat

AuSable Marathon Facebook page facebook.com/ AuSableCanoeMarathon.org

AuSable Marathon on Twitter @AuSable Marathon

AuSable Marathon YouTube Channel YouTube.com/ AuSableCanoeMarathon

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Fastest Professional Division Sprints (1989-2015) Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Paddlers (Ages) Andrew Triebold (30) & Matthew Rimer (22) Andrew Triebold (39) & Steve Lajoie (39) Andrew Triebold (29) & Matthew Rimer (21) Serge Corbin (37) & Solomon Carrière (37) Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39) Mo Harwood, Jr. (25) & Matthew Rimer (20) Andrew Triebold (31) & Matthew Rimer (23) Mathieu Pellerin (25) & Guillaume Blais (29) Andrew Triebold (38) & Steve Lajoie (38) Andrew Triebold (37) & Steve Lajoie (37) Rodney Halstead (21) & Ryan Halstead (19) Andrew Triebold (32) & Steve Lajoie (32) Patrick Lynch (30) & Jim Harwood (30) Andrew Triebold (36) & Steve Lajoie (36) Jeff Kolka (39) & Serge Corbin (41) Jeff Kolka (45) & Serge Corbin (47) Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42) Jeff Kolka (38) & Serge Corbin (40) Andrew Triebold (28) & Steve Lajoie (28) Mathieu St. Pierre (25) & Ryan Halstead (26) Andrew Triebold (21) & Tim Triebold (44) Andrew Triebold (35) & Steve Lajoie (35) Mathieu St. Pierre (26) & Ryan Halstead (27) Patrick Lynch (35) & Bill Torongo (37) Tim Triebold (43) & Al Rudquist (36)

Year

Sprint Time

Speed Phase

Power Phase

2006

5:22.17

2:06

3:16

2015

5:23.04

2:08

3:15

2005

5:24.41

2:09

3:15

1994

5:24.55

2:14

3:11

1996

5:24.98

2:15

3:10

2004

5:25.44

2:11

3:14

2007

5:26.24

2:19

3:07

2015

5:26.93

2:09

3:18

2014

5:28.10

2:11

3:17

2013

5:28.34

2:10

3:18

2006

5:28.41

2:09

3:19

2008

5:28.67

2:11

3:18

1994

5:28.85

2:15

3:14

2012

5:29.15

2:16

3:13

1998

5:29.50

2:16

3:14

2004

5:29.57

2:14

3:16

1999

5:31.23

2:16

3:15

1997

5:31.49

2:17

3:14

2004

5:31.74

2:14

3:18

2013

5:31.86

2:08

3:24

1997

5:31.95

2:14

3:18

2011

5:32.04

2:16

3:16

2014

5:32.40

2:08

3:24

1999

5:32.42

2:12

3:20

1996

5:32.77

2:16

3:17

Hinchman Acres

AuSable River Canoe Rental 702 N. Morenci (M33), Mio (989) 826-3267 www.Hinchman.com

on The Majestic AuSable River

Kayaks - Canoes Tubes - Rafts & Cabins Overnight Canoe Trips are available! (overnight parking is available)

FEENY - (989) 348-3242 QTA- (989) 745-6127 208 S. JAMES ST., GRAYLING www.Feeny.com

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR Program Book

63

grueling, adj.–extremely tiring and demanding intense, adj.–of extreme force, degree, or strength emotional, adj.-characterized by intense feeling

P

addling 120 miles, mostly at night, the emotions run high leading up to, during and following the AuSable River Canoe Marathon for the competitors, their crews and their friends and family.

64

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

photos by Mark Bialek

Contributing Sponsor & Oicial C-1 Race Title Sponsor

2669 Industrial St., Grayling, MI

Leading Supplier of Window Blinds & Shutters

Good Luck Paddlers!

SpringsWindowFashions.com Program Book

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Thank you to all the racers, spectators, supporters and volunteers!

Without you, none of this would be possible.

• Custom Framing • Custom Maaing • Art Gallery nd more!

Good Luck Paddlers!

a 116 N. State St., Oscoda, MI (989) 739-7060 sharon@tysigns.com

Professional Division Point-to-Point Records

Checkpoints Burton’s Landing

Year

Time

2014 0:41:26

Andrew Triebold (38) & Steve Lajoie (38)

Stephan Bridge 1994 0:31:27

Serge Corbin (37) & Solomon Carrière (37)

Wakeley Bridge 1993 0:28:21

Tony Short (29) & Scott McKenzie (35)

McMasters Bridge

1999 0:55:44

Jeff Kolka (40) & Serge Corbin (42)

Parmalee Bridge

1996 1:01:43

Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39)

Camp Ten Bridge

1996 1:02:55

Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39)

McKinley

1996

6:50:13

Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39)

4001 Bridge

1996

7:40:49

Alcona Dam

1996

8:17:21

m f i Mio Dam 1975 0:22:05 Jerry Kellogg (31) & Jeff Kellogg (30) p McKinley 1996 1:43:42 Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39) t 4001 Bridge 2014 0:48:55 Andrew Triebold (38) & Steve Lajoie (38) u Alcona Dam 1984 0:35:37 Butch Stockton (35) & Solomon Carrière (27) t a Loud Dam 1987 1:43:10 Serge Corbin (30) & Brett Stockton (24) n Five Channels 2010 0:23:06 Josh Taylor (31) & Matt Meersman (33) e Dam p Cooke Dam 1986 0:57:13 Randy Drake (32) & Eric McNett (31) i Foote Dam 1987 1:08:11 Serge Corbin (30) & Brett Stockton (24) s Oscoda 1991 1:15:32 Serge Corbin (34) & Brett Stockton (28) a p t s Professional Division Split Time Records a Checkpoints Year Time Team (Ages) a Burton's 2014 0:41:26 Andrew Triebold (38) & Steve Lajoie (38) p Landing a Stephan Bridge 1993 1:12:56 Jeff Kolka (34) & Bill Torongo (31) i A Wakeley Bridge 1993 1:41:29 Jeff Kolka (34) & Bill Torongo (31) r McMasters 1996 2:38:17 Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39) o Bridge p Parmalee 1996 3:40:00 Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39) k Bridge o Camp Ten 1996 4:42:55 Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39) s Bridge a Mio Dam 1996 5:06:31 Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39) h

Loud Dam

1996 10:06:47

Five Channels Dam

1996 10:30:37

Cooke Dam

1996 11:31:07

Foote Dam

1994 12:41:02

Oscoda

1994 13:58:08

2nd Half

1994

7:01:54

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR 66

Team (Ages)

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

D R Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39) t Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39) w Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39) a P Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39) l Serge Corbin (37) & Solomon Carrière (37) w Serge Corbin (37) & Solomon Carrière (37) o Serge Corbin (37) & Solomon Carrière (37) t w c Jeff Kolka (37) & Serge Corbin (39)

State Water Trail Michigan has over 10,000 miles of shoreline varying from on the Great Lakes, inland lakes and rivers providing ample opportunities to canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard. Water trails feature well-developed access and launch points; are near significant historical, environmental or cultural points of interest; and often include nearby amenities such as restaurants, hotels and campgrounds. They can present great opportunities to grow local economies, strengthen regional identity, attract out-of-state tourists and knowledge workers, promote healthy lifestyles and showcase Michigan’s incredible water resources.

A water trail is a designated route along a lake, river, canal or bay specifically designed for people using small boats like kayaks, canoes, single sailboats or rowboats. The trails, sometimes called “blueways,” are the aquatic equivalent of a hiking trail or “greenway”.

In July 2015 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources invited residents to vote for their favorite water trails via social media and online voting contest.

Participants were provided a list of 10 already designated water trails with the option of providing a write-in water trail. The Au Sable River won first place as a write-in candidate for the water trails.

The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, DNRManaged Public Land Strategy (Land Strategy), the Comprehensive Trail Plan (Trail Plan), and the Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan all call for the establishment of a statewide system of designated water trails. Much of the framework for such a system already exists. For example, there is significant infrastructure in place to support a water trail system, including many access sites, harbors of refuge, waterside campsites, paddling guides and boat liveries. What is missing is an accepted statewide criterion for designating a trail so that a water trail user can know what to expect on a trail, including level of difficulty, distance between access sites and trail amenities such as campgrounds, restaurants, or restrooms.

The goal of the State Water Trail designation program is to develop and maintain a geographically dispersed, locally supported, sustainable system of water trails that offer a diversity of experiences, including lengths, scenery, heritage exploration, paddler challenges (or difficulty levels) and amenities that become a catalyst for improved recreational opportunity, healthy lifestyles and local prosperity.

The key component of considering a river to become a designated water trail are to providing a quality experience for users that will reduce conflict, one that is supported by the public, and most of all, permission from the land owners for utilizing their access points.

The Department of Natural Resources is working on developing a comprehensive plan for establishing water trails program within the DNR, supported by partners in the public and private sectors. There will likely be different levels of water trail designations from novice to advance paddlers. The next step for the Au Sable River would be to connect with a citizen participation usually in the form of a “local planning group.”

Mt. Hope

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905 I-75 Business Loop • Grayling (989) 348-5921

Proudly Presents: “Open Air Praise” with

David Paul Britton during the

AuSable River Festival Saturda Saturday, July 30 in

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Our conference rooms offer seating from 6 to 250. Conveniently attached to the Quality Inn, with an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, 3 whirlpool suites, a family suite, 80 guest rooms, banquet, meeting and reception services, golf packages, group and corporate rates for guests. The up-north theme of this venue makes it the perfect place to hold a wedding your guests will not forget.

2980 Cook Rd. West Branch, Michigan 989 345 3503 www.VisitTheLumberjack.com Contributing Sponsor

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67

Blast from the

Past

Here is a small selection of photos from previous AuSable River Canoe Marathons.

68

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

F

ick & Sons, Inc. has been providing the Grayling area with home heating fuel delivery service since 1958. Over the course of those 58 years, it has become a Fick & Sons tradition to be a proud contributing sponsor of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon either through direct donations to the ARCM, its competitors or the radio stations broadcasting the race coverage.

Just as the AuSable River Canoe Marathon has

grown by leaps and bounds through the years, so has Fick & Sons. From it’s humble beginnings delivering fuel oil to primarily Crawford County residents, Fick & Sons has expanded their fuel oil and propane delivery routes to include homes and businesses from Grayling to Oscoda, and beyond.

In 1995, Charlie Fick’s vision of providing a conveniently located travel center off of I-75 at Exit 251, for passenger vehicles and commercial semi-

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trucks alike, came to life when Charlie’s Country Corner Travel Center opened for business just south of Grayling.

In 2013, Charlie and Marilyn Fick retired and sold their family business to seven employee partners who are equally motivated to continue the tradition of supporting the ARCM and its amazing competitors.

Congratulations to ARCM for 69 years of paddling excitement!

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The Triple Crown

Kohler’s Flowers For Any Occasion

T

he Triple Crown of Canoe Racing - la Triple Couronne de Canots Long Parcours - was established in 1992 & recognizes the top performances by marathon canoe racers who compete at all three of North America's most prestigious marathon canoe races: The General Clinton Canoe Regatta Staged Memorial Day on New York's Susquehanna River.

A one-day, non-stop 70 mile race from Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, to Bainbridge, New York. www.canoeregatta.org

5137 N. US-23 Oscoda (989) 739-7242

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon The granddaddy of U.S. marathon canoe racing one of toughest canoe races in North America. A 120 mile non-stop overnight race from Grayling to Oscoda on Northern Michigan's fabled AuSable River during the last weekend of July. www.ausablecanoemarathon.org La Classique Internationale de Canots de la Mauricie The Classic, the granddaddy of North American marathon canoe racing. Staged Labor Day weekend on central Quebec's majestic St. Maurice River - a three-day, three-stage race from La-Tuque to TroisRivieres, Quebec. www.classiquedecanots.com Contributing Sponsor 70

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Marathon canoe racing on the grand scale of the Triple Crown races is an action-packed spectator favorite, with the competitors maintaining a torrid pace of 50 to 80 paddle strokes per minute and featuring pitched competition, frenzied running portages and spills, which all take their toll on the contestants.

These world-class canoe racing events generate national and international media interest and exposure. Triple Crown news reports have been carried worldwide by cable and satellite TV sports and news services. National print media have recognized the unique interest and appeal of these canoe racing spectacles.

For more information about the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing: www.facebook.com/ TripleCrownOfCanoeRacing

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71

SO HOW DO Good Luck Paddlers!

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR

72

YOU BECOME A CANOE MARATHONER?

By Bernie Eng It’s perhaps easier now than ever before to join the ranks of those hearty souls making their way down the AuSable River on the last full weekend in July. The challenges on race day haven’t changed much in recent years since carbon fiber and Kevlar boats and paddles made the scene. And most certainly the physical fitness requirements to make the 120-mile journey are just as tough today as when the race started almost 70 years ago.

But most new marathoners will tell you how important it is to talk to other paddlers about their experiences with the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon. And the evolution of social media now puts such information right at your fingertips.

In fact, Stephen Skillman makes that his top advice for new racers. Skillman, 59, completed the race for his 50th birthday in 2007, and will partner with first-timer Paul Seibert for this year’s race. Skillman maintains new racers should suck up all the experience and knowledge they can from other paddlers. Skillman and his partner rely on ARCM veterans Chuck Hewitt and Chris Hewitt for support and initial learning.

“Having that can save you a whole lot of pain and anguish along the way,” he said.

During his 2007 race, Skillman said he and his partner tipped over five times before

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Stephan’s Bridge. So his next advice is to keep an optimistic, open mind. “Tell yourself that no matter what, you’ll never quit,” he said. “Don’t allow yourself to get into a mental state to allow the quit to come in.” Skillman said he didn’t want to let his teammate down, and looked out for him as much as for himself.

Nowadays, paddlers can hook up for practice, chat with other like-minded racers, find folks to train with and view videos of past ARCM events right from their living room or smartphone.

So your first stop on the information river should be the official — and newly redesigned — Au Sable River Canoe Marathon website, www. ausablecanoemarathon.org.

There, paddlers can find everything from the Marathon rules to paddler etiquette to spectator tips for the “toughest spectator sport”. The site shows previous race results and links to a plethora of canoe racingrelated web pages, including the ARCM Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ AuSableCanoeMarathon.org, that is updated frequently with the latest racing news.

And while you’re on Facebook, after you “Like” that page, the next logical step is to search out other paddlers from your area. Seek out and join online groups like the “Michigan marathon canoe training plans” group on Facebook. Daily posts there announce training trips,

needs for paddling partners and general racing-related conversation.

Then join the Michigan Canoe Racing Association. Find it online at http://www.miracing. com/. You’ll find the annual statewide race schedule there, as well as valuable local racing information — race rules, the handbook of racing and more handy links.

Of course, all this knowledge you are gaining will lead you to make two key purchases for the race — your boat and paddles.

Those racing links on the ARCM website will lead you to brand new merchandise made by experienced and helpful equipment manufacturers.

But there is at least one more Facebook page that will help save a little cash. It’s a group called “Marathon Canoe Racing For Sale.” Join it for some lowerpriced used options to get you started in the sport, and perhaps hooked for a lifetime.

There’s another newbie thing to know about the 69th ARCM: While you are cheering on Stephen Skillman and his partner, Paul Seibert, remember the Bay City/Saginaw/Midland area is home to at least three other teams with rookie paddlers this year: --Race veteran Chuck Hewitt teamed up with first-timer Robert Bash.

--Erin and Brad Thompson

are giving it a go for the second time – this time as wife and husband.

--Matthew Smith and Brad Doane are teaming up to raise funds for the Fallen & Wounded Soldiers Fund. It’s their first race.

Hope to see you out there giving a shout of encouragement as they try to keep the smooth side down and the dry side (relatively) dry.

How to become a Marathoner: • Michigan Canoe Racing Association • Website: www.miracing.com • Facebook: www.facebook.com/Michigan-CanoeRacing-Association-163919537755 • Training Tips on the AuSable River Canoe Marathon Website: www.ausablecanoemarathon.org/articlestips • Great book to buy: Canoe Racing: The Competitor's Guide to Marathon and Downriver Canoe Racing (PB),

by Peter Heed & Dick Mansfield

Canoes • Kayaks Paddle Boards Bikes • Clothing Footwear • Accessories Make Northbound Outfitters your Adventure Headquarters!

6041 W. M-72, Grayling • (989) 348-8558 • www.NorthboundOutfittersMI.com Program Book

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The AuSable River A World-Class Trout Destination Northeast Michigan is home to one of North America’s most famous trout waters, the AuSable River. The AuSable was home to the Michigan grayling before logging and overfishing brought it to extinction at the end of the nineteenth century.

It was then that brook, brown, and rainbow trout were planted and it became the blue-ribbon trout stream in Michigan.

The AuSable begins a few miles north of Frederic, where Kolka and Bradford Creeks form the headwaters. It flows south to Grayling where it turns east, adding the water of the East Branch of the AuSable, and further downstream the South Branch of the AuSable and the North Branch of the AuSable.

The river then flows through Oscoda County, passing Mio and McKinley, Alcona County, and Iosco County, all where several tributary streams add their water. The river then enters Lake Huron at Oscoda.

At the turn of the twentieth century, fly fishing was a popular sport with the elite. Many took the train to Grayling and hired local fishing guides, such as the Stephan and Wakely families, Rube Babbitt, and maybe the most famous of them all, David Shoppenagon, a chief of the Saginaw Ojibway who lived in Grayling. These men would pole the locally built AuSable River Boat to take the fishermen down river. Grayling has always been the center of the AuSable fly fishing, but Lovells on the North Branch, and Roscommon on the South Branch, would also be destinations.

Many of the fishermen built or purchased their own fishing lodges.

One of the grandest, Wa-Wa-Sum, was built by the Stranahan family of Toledo. The Stranahan’s owned 74

Champion Spark Plug Company.

They were just one of several auto families to fish the AuSable. Charles Nash, of GM and Nash automobile fame, built “Nash Camp” on the North Branch below Lovells. On the South Branch, George Mason of American Motors had his lodge.

Mason bought out his neighbors, including Cliff Durant, son of GM founder William Durant, and gave his land, “the Mason Tract”, to the State of Michigan. It was an undeveloped section of river between Chase Bridge and M-72. Other automobile giants who fished the AuSable included Henry and Edsel Ford, who were members of the “Dam Four Club” on the North Branch, John and Horace Dodge, Walter Chrysler, Harvey Firestone, and Frank Sieberling, founder of Goodyear Tire.

By Rob Burg Director of the Lovells Historical Museums

David Shoppenagon (marked with an ‘x’) and other fishing

For many, the guides and fishermen on the AuSable River.

Douglas Hotel PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DEVEREAUX MEMORIAL LIBRARY, and North GRAYLING. Branch Outing Club in Lovells would be their headquarters while water fisheries, and to the birth of fishing the AuSable.

Trout Unlimited.

Besides these auto barons, others George Griffith hosted a meeting fished the AuSable waters, including of interested people at his home one of the great names in Michigan “the Barbless Hook” on the Holy conservation, William B. Mershon.

Waters between Stephan Bridge A Saginaw lumberman, Mershon and Wakely Bridge in 1959 to create began fishing the North Branch of an organization that would protect the AuSable in the 1890s before Michigan’s trout waters. It was the disappearance of the grayling. this meeting that launched Trout Mershon was an early advocate for Unlimited, now the best known the protection of the grayling, and trout and cold water conservation became a member of the Michigan organization in the world.

Conservation Commission. It was Others have followed as leaders the voices of such men as William in the fishing and conservation Mershon and George Mason that led communities. Grayling has been to the protection of Michigan’s cold

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Continued on page 76

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The AuSable River continued from page 74

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Wa-Wa-Sum, the fishing lodge owned by the Stranahan family of Toledo, Ohio; now owned by Michigan State University as a research and conference center.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DEVEREAUX MEMORIAL LIBRARY, GRAYLING.

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ZUBEK MOTOR SALES OSCODA, MI (989) 739-3261

The Tradition Continues 30 M-55 Tawas City (989) 362-4449

Here’s to all the teams having a safe trip!

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR 76

the home of popular fly tyers and guides Ernie Borcher, Earl Madsen, Clarence Roberts, and Bob Smock, Sr. Jay Stephan, Sr. continued his family history of constructing the AuSable River Boat. Calvin “Rusty” Gates took up the mantle of conservation with the Anglers of the AuSable, by fighting the Michigan National Guard, the oil and gas industry, and other opponents to protect the AuSable.

Trout fishing remains popular on the AuSable, though not just for the elite. But challenges remain, such as the concern of water pollution. Trout Unlimited, the Anglers of the AuSable, and other organizations and agencies continue to fight for the health of the AuSable River. Thanks to them, the AuSable remains one of the great trout rivers in the country.

The history of trout fishing on the AuSable River is preserved and presented at the Lovells Historical Museums. In 1991 the Lone Pine School was moved to the grounds of the Lovells Township Hall, restored, and opened as a local history museum by the Lovells Township Historical Society. In 2001 the Lovells Museum of Trout Fishing History was added. This is Michigan’s ONLY museum dedicated to trout fishing, and has exhibits on the history of trout fishing along the AuSable River and throughout Michigan.

This year’s annual exhibit is “Anatomy of a Fisherman: John Voelker—Lawyer, Author, Fisherman.” The museums are open from April 30 to September 30, Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and on holiday weekend Sundays and Mondays. You can learn more about the museums at lovellsmuseum. com or find us on Facebook under Lovells Township Historical Society.

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

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77

Anchored Trees Highlight Another Year on the Big Water

A

typical summer on the Au Sable River between Mio Dam and Alcona Pond features everything from big trout to quiet contemplation, but this year there’s another welcome attraction.

Trees, Wonderful, Trees!

The Forest Service, through a Habitat Improvement Grant (HIA) from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), has endeavored on a ten-year project to place Large Woody Debris (LWD) on this nationally known stretch of trout water.

“The first leg of the LWD project will be finished late fall, east of Louds Rest Stop Overlook,” explained Eric O’Neil, the Forest Service coordinator for the activity. “We have NEPA’d the river all the way to McKinley for LWD placement.”

This is not the first time trees have been planted below Mio. A major effort was conducted in the late 1990s, and other smaller attempts have occurred since then. When properly placed the wood provides cover for trout, especially juveniles, and offers thermal refuge during times of warm water – a chronic summer problem in this section (see www.70degreepledge.org for more information).

The biggest concern involving tree placement has always been the major spring crests common to this stretch. The river often raises two or three feet above its banks, and the powerful force of the current displaces the LWD sending it on a journey toward Alcona Pond.

“Some of those logs find new homes on another bank for a season or two before ending up smallmouth structures in the pond,” said Art Thomas, a fisher and conservationist who focuses on the river below Mio. While it is natural for woody debris to lodge in spots and then move along the river from bank to flat to bank 78

during high water, ideally, some trees or branches should become established.

In other words, these pieces of LWD stay in place for years or decades. A big problem on the Mio stretch is a lack of this type of structure, especially in-stream where they can do the most good for the fish.

The old Au Sable Big Water Preservation Association (ASBWPA), absorbed

by Anglers of the Au Sable in 2014, advocated for years to Water Temperature Woes: Come the end of June, anchor LWD, and put or sometimes sooner, the water temperatures make some structure well off catch-and-release fishing problematic below Mio. The the riverbank where www.70degreepledge.org site – sponsored by Anglers of the Au Sable – explains the problem, provides USGS links it would still be in the for real time water temperatures, and offers alternatives. water during periods of low water.

Under the direction or placed it so well myself, a great job of District Ranger so far,” he said.

Steve Goldman, Fishery Biologist Bob Paul Morand, a longtime Mio angler Stuber (since retired), and Hydrologist who has a cabin in the Evergreen Club, Rich Corner, the Forest Service listened, is also pleased with effort: conducted a 22-mile tour of the river, “I believe the Forest Service is moving and then went thru all the necessary in the right direction to improve the river preliminary steps required by the habitat by placing and anchoring LWD. National Environmental Policy Act Hopefully this is the first of many steps to (NEPA) before securing HIA funding. ensure the health and vitality of the Au They are trying to make sure a large Sable watershed.” percentage of the LWD remains place.

– Thomas Buhr was the President “The trees are being anchored of the ASBWPA. In coordination with with oak posts that are jetted into the Anglers of the Au Sable, he will be substrate,” O’Neil said. “Some are holding a Big Water River Cleanup on hinge cut and pinned with the same Saturday September 10th at Comins post jet system.”

Flats, 9 AM. Please contact him at Thomas met some of the workers on the river in April, and has inspected the 989.745.4957 or tombuhr@prodigy. net for more information. work done to date.

“I couldn’t have picked better spots, 69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

e Paddlers!

2016 Au Sable River Canoe Marathon The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Au Sable River Realty welcome all participants race fans to the 2016 Sable River Canoe Mara

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79

Taking Care of the AuSable Valley Forest Resources

By Susan Thiel, Unit Manager, MI DNR Grayling Forest Management Unit

W

elcome to the AuSable Valley, a region known for the AuSable River, blueribbon trout fishing, its famous Canoe Marathon, and numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. While tracking the racers this year, look around as you travel from site to site. The AuSable River meanders through 300,000 acres of the AuSable State Forest, a working forest. This state forest land is actively

80

managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to provide wildlife and fisheries habitat, recreation opportunities, This view of Smith Bridge on the AuSable River today is a testament that nature healthy diverse ecosystems, is resilient. Our forests grew back after the extensive disturbances of the late protection of our 1800s and our rivers have healed. Today’s forest management practices protect waterways, and to provide these waterways while managing surrounding forests. wood supply to support Michigan’s forest products industry. management of our forests is and provide the resources for DNR foresters work to timber harvest. the wood products we rely conserve, protect and manage Harvests are regularly used on every day. Each harvest is the state’s natural and cultural to maintain the health of forest designed around the specific resources. A primary goal is to stands, regenerate Michigan’s needs and goals for each keep our state forests healthy aging forests, provide browse forest stand. Ecologically our and sustainable. An important and cover for wildlife, forests naturally regenerate tool in the sustainable encourage landscape diversity, after disturbances by Mother

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

N fl a d n

During the late 1800s, extensive logging and wildfires resulted in a barren landscape across the AuSable Valley.

Nature, such as windstorms, floods and fire. Many harvests are designed to simulate these disturbances to encourage natural regeneration while

utilizing the wood.

To ensure the DNR is making the right sustainable management decisions with on-the-ground forest practices,

foresters inventory the state forest and develop annual management plans that are reviewed by multiple resource managers with public input.

All management activities are audited regularly by two third-party organizations, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council. These audits are part of a forest certification system which provides public assurance that our resources are being sustainably managed and properly protected.

When driving through the AuSable Valley, you may see a recent timber harvest. A common question is: How can the ugly aftermath from harvesting be considered management and be healthy for our forests? In actuality, the “devastation� caused by logging provides needed disturbances to promote natural regeneration.

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For example, shade-intolerant aspen trees are clear-cut, which encourages root sprouting to allow the site to regenerate naturally. Cut oak stumps sprout new baby oak trees, providing for our future forests. Soil disturbance from logging creates seedbeds promoting natural seeding of our pine species. The DNR often facilitates more rapid and dense regeneration of pine species through planting of seedlings in freshly cut areas that are open with full sun.

As our forests age, the trees become more susceptible to disease, insect infestation and environmental stresses. To keep our forests healthy and sustainable, forest managers identify aging and unhealthy stands of timber that need to be regenerated. Clear-cuts or final harvests are often used to naturally regenerate Continued on page 82

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Taking Care of the AuSable Valley Forest Resources continued from page 81

The historic logging era did not recognize the need to protect our waterways like the AuSable River. Trees were harvested along river banks and rivers were used to float logs downstream. These practices caused erosion and allowed sedimentation of our streams and rivers.

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forest stands or prepare a site for replanting, particularly for species like aspen, oak and pine that dominate the forests in the AuSable Valley. For example, many of the oak forests in the area are more than 100 years old, originating from the historic logging-era disturbance. These oak trees on sandy soils typically live 100-120 years. These old oak stands are in decline with increasing mortality. Disturbance, such as harvesting, helps successfully regenerate this oak resource. Salvage of dead oak will not provide regeneration needed to maintain oak on our landscape.

While timber harvests’ immediate effects may be unpleasant to the eye, keep in mind that active management is a winning solution to keeping our forests healthy and sustainable for current and future generations, for our wildlife, and for our local economy.

Learn more about how the DNR is working to manage your forests at www.michigan.gov/forestry.

The DNR Forest Resources Division manages, protects and provides for the sustainable use of Michigan’s forest resources. Its vision is for vital, healthy and abundant forests that provide social, economic and ecological benefits.

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR 82

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Watch the race from your own campsite, rustic cabin or our newly constructed Yurts.

Reserve your site today at:

Good Luck Paddlers!

Old Orchard Park Campground (989) 739-7814

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83

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l N T t T j Y It’s an hour before and the anxiety is great; that is, it’s an hour A before your First Big Race. g It’s just minutes before and now you’re frightened. The river Y looks cold and yet it’s all enlightened. y The banks are lined; there is just an isle where the canoes T pass in single file. “ Fifteen seconds is all the gap that’s left between the narrow Y craft. t It’s the beginning of a long, hard fight; forty crafts shoot into Y the night. t You’ve started out on your long hard grind, and your only goal Y - THE FINISH LINE! h It’s this first hour you really hate, for no matter if you are in Y shape, a Your body aches and throbs with pain, and you know the S others feel the same. f You ride a wake a moment or so, they make a slip and there I you go. t You see their light drifting back, the other team that you’ve just O passed.

N The first bridge is far behind; the people there were most g sublime.

F You are now canoe number eight. Who’s the team that’s V setting the pace?

C You look back on Wakeley as you depart, then push on b through the endless dark.

Y Your hands are sore from burning skin, and your body aches b from deep within.

A You see the next bridge and people; your body is weak and t sort of feeble.

B You’re four hours gone, it’s started to rain; can you stand this d strenuous pain?

T The last bridge you went by - it was McMasters; your mind D keeps saying Faster---Faster!

Y Your jaw is set and your body strains; you’re still enduring this t biting rain.

A When you get to Mio, you’re almost halfway. How long can we b last? No one can say.

Y You haven’t spoke hardly at all, except for your switches, o which you must call.

Y You finally reach the lighted dam; you must stand up, if you j possibly can.

A You’ve eaten twice in the last six hours; you must eat again to a keep your power.

The river has taken quite a score, twenty at least, and maybe more.

Your first break, the rain has quit; again you’re thankful your

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69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

light is still lit.

Now McKinley is just behind; this is really a grueling grind.

The clouds are now taking shape; the endless night is about to break.

The land around you is now all lighted, and Alcona Dam has just been sighted.

You are now the fifth canoe; can you hold it? --- It’s up to you!

At the dam your legs are so cramped, you have to struggle to get on the ramp.

You’re in your boat; it was hard to cross. You want to stop, but you slowly shove off.

The sun has risen higher into the blue, you keep saying, “Come on, it’s up to you!”

Your partner and you are a tired pair; the pain is what’s hard to bear.

Your back is stiff from the night before; how can your body take any more?

You know that you must keep up the fight, and now Loud Dam has come in sight.

You see a boat, its color is RED; its number four, they’re just ahead!

Something tells you, push on harder, Oscoda is not much farther.

In front of the dam you are side by side; what have you done to the other team’s pride?

Over the dam and down below, the-other-team sees you go.

Now you are all alone in third place, this truly has been a great canoe race.

Five Channels Dam is next in line; you waited for this one, a Very Long Time.

Cooke Dam is the very next stop, from this to the last; it’s just but a hop.

You’ve gone through the night and also some showers, you’ve been on the river for about 12 hours.

As you cross Cooke, how the crowd cheers, it sounds like their yelling right in my ears!

But this is the greatest of all prizes won, by paddling in darkness and also the sun.

The next stop comes slower than ever before, and from Foote Dam to Oscoda is really a chore.

Your lips and your hands begin to swell, as you pass through the water you know so well.

As we round the last bend, we’re right in town; both of our bodies are about to set down.

You see the Big Fifty Thousand or more; you no longer think of the burden bore.

You finished in third place, that’s good enough, knowing your job was nothing but tough.

And then you have a wonderful sensation, after finishing such a Huge TRIBULATION! Words By: Art Furtaw (Canoe Marathoner in the 1960’s – Honored on the Canoer’s Memorial Monument in 1968)

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GRAYLING YOUTH PADDLING CLUB

This unique program was created in 2013 by the Grayling Recreation Authority and is available to boys or girls ages 7 to 18. At the time, Steve Corlew was the Programs Director for Grayling Recreation Authority and a professional paddler. Steve had a vision to build a program for the local youth that would give them the opportunity to learn to paddle or improve their paddling skills. With the support of GRA and the community, Grayling Youth Paddling Club was created. Steve encouraged local businesses and individuals to help start the program. They didn’t let him down! Several paddlers donated their old race boats and paddles.

Local businesses donated boats, paddles, PFD’s or cash. Local paddlers volunteered to help teach the class. Although Steve has since moved to Petoskey, GRA has continued the program. Today the program is coached by Jeff Kolka, with help from GRA Programs Director, Wendy Kelso and local volunteers.

The club will have 16 children

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

in the Learn to Paddle program and around the same for their Competitive Paddle program in 2016. Both programs are five weeks long. The course fee includes class instruction, boats, paddles, PFD’s and a Paddle Club t-shirt. The classes are held on Lake Margrethe inside Camp Grayling National Guard base. Like all of GRA programs we believe our students should have fun all the while they are learning new skills.

Once the students are comfortable with being on the water we will hold short races to encourage friendly competition between classmates.

The youth in the Competitive course also has the opportunity to race on several rivers in Michigan.

The Learn to Paddle Class is an introductory course for boys and girls 7 to 15 years old. The students learn basic strokes, water safety and overall basic boat knowledge. This is a great course for youth that want to find out if they like paddling sports or they are wanting to paddle in their own boat, but do not have the skills to do so yet. We have also

Courtesy Photos

found out that our course can help kids that are in the process of learning how to swim be more confident. Classes frequently have parents show up on the first day saying they are not sure if their child will participate because they are scared of the water. What we have found out that if you put a child in a boat that feels like it was made for them and give them the ability to become confident paddlers, it does not take long before they are loving every aspect of the water. Parents have been seen crying tears of joy when their child (who was scared of the water) purposely rolls out of his kayak and into the water face first. Then to ask if they can do it again and again.

The Competitive Course is geared towards students who are

interested in becoming competitive paddlers or are competitively paddling and want to improve their skills.

We have several Carbon fiber C2 boats that we use for this class.

The opportunity for youth paddlers to participate in C2 youth races has diminished over the years so with the help of sponsors and the paddle club, GRA created a local race called the Arctic Glacier Mini Marathon Youth Canoe Race. Recently the club has been working with the Michigan Canoe Racing Association to have more competitive C2 youth races.

Last year and again this year students have the opportunity to race at the Mini Marathon, 2 Mio’s Canoe Race, the Spikes Challenge Paddlers Tribute and on the Tahquamenon river. If you would like more information about these programs or other GRA programs contact Wendy Kelso at Hanson Hills Recreation Area, 989348-9266 Ext 10, Email- programs@ hansonhills.org or visit our web page www.HansonHills.org.

Recreation Area • Mountain Biking • Hiking • Terrain Park • Cross Country Skiing • Downhill Skiing • Disc Golf Course • Playground • Kids Programs • 3-D Archery Course • Facility Rental • Softball Field • Picnic Area

7601 Old Lake Rd. Grayling (989) 348-9266 www.HansonHills.org

GOTT’S LANDING Let us help plan your river, canoe or camping experience.

Ask about our group bus service from camp site to river.

Come Enjoy Our Community!

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The Arctic Glacier Mini Marathon

Youth Canoe Race

While carrying their C2 racing boat, youth paddlers will run 100 yards to the AuSable river. Once at the river, they will jump in their C2’s and race to Burtons Landing eight miles downstream.

This exciting race will be held on July 28, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. starting at the Old AuSable Fly Shop.

Call Wendy at 989-348-9266 Ext 10 for more information.

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69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon and The Special Olympics For nearly twenty years the Grayling Knights of Columbus has teamed up with the Marathon committee to conduct the Special Olympics race. In this heartwarming event, professional Marathon paddlers are paired up with area Special Olympians to paddle a short looped course upstream and back down in an aluminum canoe. It is not a long endurance race like the one held the next day, but to these 25 or so very special participants it is far more important. To them it is more than just a minute or two of fun; it is something they look forward to for a whole year. It is their time to be part of the action!

If you have never had the opportunity to watch Melinda Skagerberg soak Dwight Walker or see JP Ludwig drench Gary Aprea then you have missed out on a really neat experience. Sure they don’t run down Peninsular Avenue carrying their canoes, but I guarantee you they have a whole lot more fun.

Seeing their huge smiles when they cross the finish line or when they receive their participation medal makes this a great event.

This event has created many long lasting friendships. These include Jimmy Roman paddling with Bill Torongo along with Wendy Allison paddling with Jeff DeFeo. Each year these Marathon paddlers present their partner with a t-shirt recognizing their participation. Wendy Allison even attends the Marathon start and finish line to cheer on her partner, Jeff DeFeo. Although the friendships all might not be as strong as these few, you never go a few steps without seeing pictures being taken, stories being told and memories being made.

Each year the Marathon Committee donates a portion of the Marathon entry fees to Michigan Special Olympics. To date such donations have totaled close to $20,000. The check is presented during the awards ceremony held at Penrod’s. This ceremony consists of a small cookout allowing the Special Olympian a greater opportunity to interact with the other paddlers.

Family Dining • Cocktails

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Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Open Wednesday-Monday Year Round

1945 W. River Road Oscoda, MI (989) 739-7856

®

6593 W. M72 HWY, Grayling, MI

The Knights of Columbus Grayling Council #1982 Proudly Sponsors the Special Olympics canoe race.

Good Luck Paddlers!

Offering a full line of building materials and our rental center offers a wide variety of contractor equipment.

Phone: (989) 348-4831 • Rental: (989) 348-9000

www.DuBoisLumber.DoItBest.com Program Book

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Sweating for the Wedding

By Bernie Eng

It may have taken more than 18 hours to finish the 68th annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon, but husband-and-wife-to-be Erin Fluke and Brad Thompson finished.

Erin’s top tip for anyone crazy enough to attempt the “world’s toughest spectator race,” is just that: Your goal is to finish. It’s an intense race, she says, and anything can happen at night, especially.

If you haven’t seen it, canoers sprint through the streets of Grayling at 9 p.m. on race day, each team running with their boat, jumping into the trout stream and in turn into the tippy watercraft.

These aren’t your run-of-mill aluminum canoes, race boats are built for speed, not stability, and beginners may flip several times in the first dozen Sporting their “Sweating for the Wedding” team shirts, or so miles. They Erin Fluke and Brad Thompson walked the deck before head for Oscoda, the start of the marathon. paddling through the night on the twisting, Then everyone thought we were nuts turning and unforgiving AuSable because we weren’t married.”

River. Teams must cross the finish “Our wedding was a month after line by 4 p.m. the next day. the 2015 Marathon,” she said, “we “It’s an accomplishment just to figured if we make the marathon and finish,” Erin said. “Last year quite a haven’t killed each other yet, then few teams had to drop. Definitely in our marriage would be ok. ‘Sweating the night there are so many things in for the Wedding’ was the slogan on the river you don’t see.” our shirts.”

Ironically, the 27-year-old Erin Erin said she was surprised at watched this annual race while how fast the time went by. Taking growing up and said she, “always a half hour less than the 19-hour thought these people were nuts. cutoff to finish meant it was a really 90

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

   

FRED’S ROSCOMMON

Photos by Brian Connon

  

OF

A month before taking their vows, Erin and Brad cross the finish line of the 68th annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon 18 hours and 29 minutes after they began the day before.

long race for the husband-and-wifeto-be. But she said as the night went on, even a 2-hour stretch of paddling didn’t seem terrible.

Part of what helped is Erin’s Beginner Tip #2: Know the stretch from Graying to Mio. New paddlers should try to train in that stretch as much as possible. It’s the part that will get people in trouble. It’s “really twisty and turny,” she says.

Especially get to know the first section of the race — at least to where the North Branch comes in, Erin said. “We would be going along, and suddenly you hear people flipping, then we’d see lights in the river on the bottom. You never know what’s going to happen in the night.”

Make sure your flashlights are tied down.

After Mio the fog rolled in over the duo. In the pre-dawn darkness, they looked to the treetops silhouetted against the sky to navigate. That’s when they received a bit of eerie guidance.

Surrounded by fog in the dark, her bow man and husband-to-be Brad said, “I’m not sure where we go.”

“Suddenly there was a voice from a guy who said, ‘you are going right.’”

“Any time you see or hear someone on the side of the river in the middle of the night, you really

430 N. FIFTH ST. ROSCOMMON (989) 275-6565 FREDSOFROSCOMMON.COM

appreciate that because it’s kinda lonely in the dark,” Erin said.

In a race that demands so much of its competitors, what’s Erin’s Beginner Tip #3?

Make sure your feeders know where they are going, what they are doing and they have whatever it is you need.

They should be in contact with experienced feeders, she says. “We wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for Sue (Hewitt) feeding us last year.

She was my lifesaver.”

As the race wore on, Erin was getting cold. While not part of the support plan, Erin said, Sue knew it and was ready, dropping a sweatshirt in the paddler’s lap at just the right time.

This year Sue is coaching a contingent of supporters feeding a group of 10 racers led by her husband, Iron Paddler Chuck Hewitt. That Iron Paddler designation is earned after finishing at least 10 years of marathons.

As Erin’s experience proves, cast iron support like Sue’s is crucial to a good race.

On Sunday afternoon, after Sweating for the Wedding for 18 hours and 29 minutes, the Thompsons of Frankenmuth finished in 69th place — the perfect segue to 2016 as they train for the 69th AuSable River Canoe Marathon.

Judge 46 C C TH

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IRCUIT OURT

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69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

Copyright – The Detroit Free Press

Good Luck Paddlers! www.AuSableValleyTrailriders.com

Riverside Bed & Breakfast Day & Overnight River Trips

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Inc.

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758 Isenhauer Rd. Grayling, MI 49738 Phone: (989) 344-7662 Fax: (989) 344-7619 www.IMMMI.com 94

69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

s e l Eag

Annual Marathon Weekend Steak-Out & Horse Shoe Tournament July 29th & 30th Friday:

12 oz. Steak Dinner from 3-7 p.m. or GONE! with all the fixins only $10

Saturday: Horse Shoe Tournament, double elimination starts at 10 a.m. $10/person with CASH PRIZES Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Corn on the Cob and Breakfast Burritos at 9 a.m.

2-Person Horseshoe Tournament at 10 a.m. $5

Beer Tent all weekend Featuring $1 Drafts

* PUBLIC WELCOME * Grayling Eagles Aerie 3465 602 Huron Street • Turn at Burger King (east)

(989) 348-5287

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69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

By Yvon Laplante

La Mauricie? Classical!

La Classique Internationale de Canots de la Mauricie – The Final Stage of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing

E

ach year since 1934, La Classique Internationale de canots de la Mauricie (Québec, Canada) celebrates the stately Saint-Maurice River during Labor Day weekend. Over 200 paddlers (canoe, kayak and rabaska) take assault over the river through an indescribable 200 km course!

From La Tuque to Trois-Rives, from Trois-Rives to Shawinigan, and from Shawinigan to Trois-Rivières, the athletes from all over the world take on an exciting racing weekend. The oldest event of its kind is an extraordinary occasion to celebrate water sports, team spirit and personal accomplishment. Over the years, many paddlers were crowned “King of the Saint-Maurice.”

La Classique Internationale de canots de la Mauricie unites the communities from all over the Mauricie region. From year to year, from one edition of this great race to another, tourists from Quebec, Canada, and the United States follow the course to encourage the paddlers and share their passion through the multiple cultural activities that also take place during the

Bear Paw Cabins & Canoes

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Edelweiss Tavern weekend.

More than 150 volunteers take part in the event in a festive and community based ambiance.

La Classique Internationale de canots de la Mauricie is also an extraordinary platform to initiate the youngest athletes to marathon canoe racing. In fact, Ma Première Classique, a race created specifically for young people, gives the opportunity for kids to take up the paddle on a short run course. Finally, the Défi Réjean Huard gives the opportunity to young people dealing with intellectual disability to participate in a one km race on the river.

The 2016 edition will take place from September 2-5. On Friday, all paddlers Program Book

Good Luck Paddlers!

107 S. State St. Oscoda (989) 739-7796 97

Photos by Cyrille FarrĂŠ

Fog rises from the surface of the water as paddlers in the Classique Internationale race against the clock and each other.

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69th Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon

AUSABLE RIVER QUEEN

a beautiful 2 hour cruise on the mighty AuSable River.

Enjoy-featuring a liquor bar, snack bar, and gift shop

GOOD LUCK PADDLERS!!

Open Memorial Weekend thru the 3rd weekend in October

take part in a sprint competition in La Tuque, before the Grand Departure, the start of the race, on Saturday morning. The first stage is 75 km long, from La Tuque to Trois-Rives. On Sunday morning, the race goes from Trois-Rives to Shawinigan (70 km). And the last stage starts on Monday morning, from Shawinigan to TroisRivières (44km). At the finish line, the party overcomes the tiredness in a climax celebration of the sport!

La Classique Internationale de canots de la Mauricie is a major event in water sport international competition.

Traditionally focused on C2 course, the Classique has now integrated K2 and R9. On Sunday morning, more than 200 amateurs take over the river on a “friendly” dragon boat competition. Over the years, athletes, feeders, volunteers, spectators, and all the management teams combine their effort to celebrate the Saint-Maurice River.

For more than 84 years, la Mauricie has been a leader in water sport competition. For more than 84 years, la Mauricie is Classical!

Call for Reservations: 1775 E. River Rd, Oscoda - (989) 739-7351 www.AuSableRiverQueen.com

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR

Ausable Hardware 119 N. State St., Downtown Oscoda • (989) 739-3439

la Classique – Third stage of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing • Classique Intenationale de canots de la Mauricie • Website: www.classiquedecanots.com/en • Facebook: www.facebook.com/ laClassiqueDeCanots • Tourism in the Mauricie Region of Quebec • Tourism throughout the Mauricie region: www. mauricietourism.com/ • Tourism in the Shawinigan area of Quebec: www.tourismeshawinigan.com/home • La Mauricie National Park: pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ qc/mauricie/index.aspx

GOOD LUCK PADDLERS! SEE YOU AT THE FINISH! CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR Program Book

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PORTAGE 6 FOOTE HYDRO

W

ITH A CAPACITY of 9,000 kilowatts, the hydro was completed in 1918.

It is located nine miles upstream from Lake Huron and is named for William A. Foote, the founder of Consumers Power, which later became Consumers Energy.

ConsumersEnergy.com/hydro 5445-E

5562-E