Michigan Trout - Fall/Winter 2022

Servicing all of Michigan's Prime Trout Rivers

Welcome to winter! It's time to cozy up next to the fire with your vice or a Gray's Sporting Journal and your favorite scotch as we dream of rising trouth next spring. The election is over and interest rates appear to be stabilizing. Despite some uneasy months, our issue remains limited inventory. While a number of buyers have paused their search, there remain many more interested parties than available properties. If you've been unable to make regular use of your northern property, we'd sure love to have a chat about the possibility of selling and getting it into the hands of someone that's been dreaming of their own home waters. Now is a great time to prepare your property and put everything in place for a spring sale. Enjoy the holidays and Happy New Year to you and yours! We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Muskegon River Legacy Property

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In the state where Trout Unlimited was founded, Michigan TU will work to ensure clean, healthy streams and rivers supporting thriving populations of wild trout and salmon for future generations to enjoy.

CONTENTS

MICHIGAN TROUT MAGAZINE

P.O. Box 442 Dewitt, Michigan 48820-8820 (517) 599-5238 bryanburroughs@michigantu.org

EDITOR Joe Barker (586) 206-1414 jbarker@michigantu.org

PUBLISHER/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ron Peckens

Fisheye Internet Solutions & Hosting LLC (248) 909-2916 www.fisheyeinternet.com

ADVERTISING

Gregory Walz (231) 409-3345 advertising@michigantu.org

MICHIGAN TROUT UNLIMITED

Chairman: Tom Mundt Vice Chairman: Gabe Schneider Treasurer: Robb Smith Sr. Secretary: Mike Lagowski

Executive Director: Dr. Bryan Burroughs Aquatic Biologist: Kristin Thomas

Past Chairman: Gregory Walz NLC Representative: Gregory Walz Development: Jim Cantril Operations & Finance: Tom Mundt Education: Greg Potter Chapter Assistance: Jason Davis Communications: Ron Peckens Conservation: Al Woody

MICHIGAN TROUT is the official publication of Michigan Trout Unlimited. Copyright 2022.

Issues are mailed to all members of Trout Unlimited Chapters throughout Michigan.

Send all editorial correspondence to the editor.

Advertising rate card is available at the following address https://bit.ly/3kPLoCf Michigan Trout and Michigan Trout Unlimited reserves the right to accept or reject proposed advertisements at their sole discretion. Cover photo: Upper Manistee River tree drop.

Chairman’s Report

Fall foliage is on full display, and your favorite trout streams are closed, indicating it’s autumn in Michigan. However, many rivers remain open, enticing anglers to ply the waters for salmon returning to their natal rivers with steelhead and trout feasting on eggs behind the redds. I have heard reports that this year’s salmon are large and feisty and that the browns and rainbows munching on eggs are strong – all signs of a healthy coldwater ecosystem.

Unfortunately, threats are challenging the health of our trout streams, including expanding human activities, aging dams, an ever-changing climate, and a growing list of invasive species. Michigan TU’s mission is focused on mitigating these threats. With that in mind, Michigan TU is engaged in projects that will improve the long-term health of our coldwater resources.

During the summer fieldwork season, Aquatic Ecologist Kristin Thomas led a small army operating earthmoving equipment, piloting jet boats, and using a helicopter to place over 150 whole trees in the Upper Manistee River, reshaping an overly-wide, shallow, and sandy section within the 2.5 mile stretch between the Yellow Trees Landing and Roger’s Landings. These new woody structures not only create fish cover and promote aquatic insect growth but also improve the river’s health allowing it to transport sediments efficiently despite major flow changes. More information about these and other conservation projects is contained in this issue of Michigan Trout

Partnering with the Anglers of the Au Sable, Michigan TU received approval to improve fish passage around the Grayling Fish Hatchery. The team is working to secure funding and anticipates executing this plan next season. The Mason/Griffiths/Founders Chapter is also pursuing actions to improve the hatchery and plans to add an angler’s walkway with handicapped access to the site. Finally, the Michigan TU team removed a dam on Hunt Creek, a Big Creek tributary, improving fish passage and lowering the creek’s temperature.

On the policy and legislative front, Dr. Bryan Burroughs and Michigan TU issued a statement opposing the proposed expansion of Camp Grayling until the environmental impact on the Au Sable and Manistee watersheds is understood.

We also published information on how to limit the spread of invasive species such as New Zealand mudsnails and Didymo. The team is currently assessing Consumers Energy’s recent announcement that it is evaluating the long-term viability of 13 hydroelectric dams they own in the state. The public comment period ended October 21, but Michigan TU will provide input through the year’s end.

As a grassroots organization, Michigan TU derives its strength from our members, who work on habitat projects and volunteer to serve in leadership positions. We have approximately 7,100 members in 19 chapters ─ 17 in the Lower and two in the Upper Peninsula. Last fiscal year, this team invested over 36,500 hours in supporting TU activities ─ a 43% increase from the 25,500 hours reported the prior fiscal year.

I thank every project volunteer and chapter leader for their dedication to protecting Michigan’s coldwater resources. I also want to welcome Jason Davis, past president of the Clinton Valley Chapter, who recently volunteered to become Michigan TU’s Chapter Development Chair. This is Jason’s second tour of duty in this role, and he is already employing his skills to assist chapters to grow even stronger. Welcome back, Jason.

The Michigan TU team sends a big thank you to Mike Lagowski, who is leaving the state council after two decades of service. During his tenure, Mike, a member of the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter, served as council treasurer and secretary, a role he has held for the past six years. Mike has been a great volunteer. He is dedicated to the resource, stepped up when needed, and focused on getting the job done. On behalf of the team, thank you, Mike. The council is better because of your efforts. We wish you and Jeanette good health, tight lines, and great luck in whatever the future brings. I am also pleased that Paul Tulgetske, past president of the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter, volunteered and was elected secretary and will be joining the council officially on April I, 2023. Welcome aboard, Paul.

While our volunteers do not get involved with Michigan TU to receive recognition, we acknowledge their selfless contributions each year at our annual meeting. The 2021 awards were presented at a ceremony during our October council meeting. The accomplishments of this year’s class are inspiring and are summarized later in this magazine. Congratulations to each winner and their families.

In closing, taking care of Michigan’s more than 35,000 miles of cold water is a daunting but not impossible task. We are making progress, but there is still much to do. Therefore, please get involved with your local TU chapter. Participation will ensure that your children and grandchildren enjoy an even healthier coldwater ecosystem than we do today. Happy Holidays and enjoy this issue of Michigan Trout.

by Tom Mundt

Photo credit: Kevin Feenstra

Fall/Winter 2022

The Upper Manistee Gets Decades of Trees

by

This past September, the Upper Manistee River finally got a lot of love. Michigan TU worked with the Upper Manistee River Collaborative, Kanouse Outdoor Restoration, CHI Aviation, and Trout Unlimited to make significant improvements. One hundred fifty whole trees were added to a section of the river that had become wide and shallow and lacked wood cover. The purpose was to add the large wood material in ways that would allow the river to recover its shape and help fisheries, a process that, left to its own devices, might not have occurred in the rest of our lifetimes. Many reading this might have seen the photos and videos of the project, but here’s more to the story.

The place to start is the formation of the Upper Manistee River Collaborative. This group has been discussed in several past articles so the back story will be brief. The Collaborative was born from the desire to improve the fishery in the Upper Manistee in a meaningful way. Local river guide Chuck Hawkins brought an individual donor, Dick Audi, to Michigan TU. Dick was interested in donating the seed money necessary to identify limiting factors and priority projects. His generosity was the catalyst for this project.

Existing information about the system must be compiled and assessed to identify limiting factors. The only way to figure out what might limit a fishery is to learn what is currently there. After looking at available data and collecting more, the Collaborative decided that the area most in need was between Yellow Trees Landing and CCC Bridge, emphasizing the upper three miles from Yellow Trees Landing to Roger’s Landing.

This river stretch has many wide, sandy, shallow areas with limited habitat diversity. The river is not functioning well in these places, which are overly wide, leading to low water velocity and allowing sand to drop out and deposit. The data and the stakeholders pointed to this problem as a high priority. It has been an increasing issue for some time, but it is a challenging area for a project. There is little access, and the river is relatively large, so heavy equipment can’t get to most places, and handwork from the water isn’t enough to move the needle in many cases. So we knew the logistics of taking on this project would be challenging, but the whole point of the Upper Manistee Collaborative is to take on the hard work. Whether simple or complicated, the work that will make a difference focuses on what the resource needs.

The Upper Manistee River is a very low-gradient system. That is to say, the slope or pitch of the river is very low, almost flat in many cases. A river’s primary jobs are to move water and sediment. Every river has a natural and functional sediment load. The slower the water flows, the smaller the size of particle that can be carried. Water moving very fast can move bigger particles. A languid river can only carry sand and fine organic material; eventually, even that begins to drop out as water slows.

In low-gradient sandy Michigan rivers, wood is the natural mechanism to support sediment transport and deposition. Because Michigan doesn’t have many steep sections of stream, wood changes the speed and direction of flow to create diverse habitats, producing places where sediment is scoured, and sediment can settle. Without ample wood, flow is monotonous, and sediment drops out, resulting in very slow, wide, sandy, shallow areas. Wood helps restore that diversity and create a functional river. When rivers have a low slope and are wide and shallow, water velocities are low, and more sediment accumulates. Adding wood is like putting a thumb at the end of a garden hose of flowing water; it speeds up the velocity. For a deeper dive into this topic, see the Michigan Trout article, “The Critical Role of Wood in Michigan Rivers: Taking Action on the Manistee,” published in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue. But why is there a lack of wood in the Upper Manistee? The answer is two-fold; humans and an incredibly stable flow regime. Humans have disrupted the natural wood recruitment cycle. Clear cutting of Northern Michigan forests greatly changed the age structure. Instead of having a mixture of old and young trees, all the trees were young. This meant a disruption in the cycle of trees getting old and falling into the river naturally as the forest aged. This disruption lasted for years as trees grew, creating a significant gap in wood recruitment. In addition, humans have taken wood out of the river (fortunately, less so recently!), resulting in an overall decrease.

The second factor in the Upper Manistee is the stable flow regime. The Manistee is one of the world’s most stable rivers, meaning it rarely floods, and even when it does, the water elevation does not change very much. This means wood is not carried into the river from the forest during flood events. The water does not get high enough to recruit wood from the riparian area. Additionally, the stable flow regime and associated lack of flooding mean the river can’t clear sand on its own. There isn’t enough power.

Added

Kristin Thomas, Michigan TU Aquatic Ecologist

The combination of these factors means the Upper Manistee has artificially low wood levels in many locations. This observation was further supported through pre-project data collection. The large woody debris index (a quantitative measure of wood in rivers) in identified work areas was markedly lower than in “reference” areas with ample wood. The values in work areas were also lower than the statewide level for a functioning river. This provided clear support for adding large wood habitat.

A project can’t grow and mature without funding. The Collaborative agreed to have Michigan TU lead the effort to acquire the financing for adding woody habitat between Yellow Trees and CCC Bridge. Michigan TU would also act as the project manager for funded work. Armed with the evaluation of habitat, fish, and temperature data, a convincing picture was painted to illustrate the need for habitat improvement.

Funding was acquired from the Michigan DNR Fisheries Habitat Grant Program, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Sustain Our Great Lakes Program, and several generous individuals. The method of installation was not specified in the grant applications. The Collaborative decided to work through ideal designs and figure out how to build them. Again, this project was about making strides toward a better fishery by creating better habitat and a more functional river. Cost and logistics were secondary concerns, still essential, but functional design was foremost.

As designs began to unfold, it became clear that the most challenging part of the project would be river access. There is minimal vehicle access between Yellow Trees Landing and CCC Bridge, especially between Yellow Trees Landing and Roger’s Landing, which was the primary area of focus. The use of heavy equipment to place wood from shore was not ideal. The geographic scope of work would have been significantly decreased because of the lack of access. New temporary access sites would need to be created. No one was excited about this option because of the disruption to the riparian area, and temporary access points have a way of becoming permanent. In addition, we wanted to ensure the protection of many threatened and endangered species that call wetlands in this area home. So, if not excavators, then what? This question is where a collaborative group shines; diverse thoughts and ideas come up with creative solutions.

After much discussion and careful thought, the group decided the best techniques were hinge-cutting of riparian trees and helicopter placement of whole trees (trees knocked down with an excavator, roots and all). These two techniques are at opposite ends of the cost spectrum. Hinge cuts are inexpensive and logistically easy. Work can be done by hand from the river. Helicopters are expensive and not at all easy logistically. Therefore, part of this project evaluated these two techniques regarding the benefit to the river and return on investment.

Phase one would be hinge-cutting 135 trees between Yellow Trees Landing and CCC Bridge. Phase two would be placing 150 whole trees in the river between Yellow Trees

Landing and Roger’s Landing via helicopter. Phase one was completed in 2021; 135 riparian trees were partially cut and pulled into the river to increase fish habitat and create a diversity of flow. Phase two was completed in 2022; 150 whole trees were placed in the river via helicopter also to create fish habitat and increase habitat diversity. Many of the entire trees were placed in locations where no riparian trees were available for hinge-cutting.

The helicopter work took one long day of flying, and the planning and site preparation for the helicopter work took months. Michigan TU did much of the applying for the required EGLE and DNR Natural Rivers permits. There needed to be a location for trees to be staged and picked up. Ideally, that location would be the same as the tree harvest location. We had to have a site for the helicopter to land and refuel throughout the day. A State Land Use permit was required for these sites and tree harvest. The flight path to each work site also needed to be clear of cabins and people.

Jet boats were necessary to traverse the river and guide the placement of the trees, with ground crews to hook trees to the helicopter and ensure the roads and river stayed closed in the work area. A water-based team was needed to communicate with the pilot about placement, and another water crew to pull cables and bring them back to the staging area.

This was a lot of logistical preparation; a lot. But great preparation means great success on the work day. Although the weather was cold and rainy, the work went off without a hitch (so many thanks to Kanouse Outdoor Restoration for their incredible prep work), and the sun even came out for the last couple of trees.

The helicopter crew was amazing, and so was the actual helicopter named Rhonda. The pilots love precision

Helicopter delivering a whole tree.

Dams, Dams, Dams

Fall/Winter 2022

You may have lately noticed that Michigan Trout Unlimited talks a lot about dams and dam removal. It’s true, and it won’t likely change any time soon. We are focusing heavily on dams and removals because of the significance of their impacts on streams and coldwater fisheries and how powerful removal can be in enhancing and preserving coldwater fisheries for the future.

From the earliest times of the United States, people noticed that when dams were erected on streams, the loss of fisheries resulted soon after. Where citizens had benefitted from an annual run of shad or herring up a river, once the local saw or grist mill dam was built, there was a demise of those fish. Yet, for hundreds of years, the benefits of dams won the political balancing act against their detriments. So many dams we built across the country that it’s believed there are now over 75,000 larger dams and at least 2,500 dams in Michigan.

Rivers are, by definition, flowing water. Dams, by definition, are structures that impede flowing water. Dams lead to two basic impacts on rivers and streams: 1). They fragment rivers by preventing the movements of organisms throughout watersheds, and 2). They alter river habitats by changing the underlying processes of how water, sediments, and nutrients are supposed to work, which leads to drastically different conditions.

In Michigan, this creates lake-like habitat within rivers and usually results in warmer water temperatures downstream of dams. In many cases, warming water temperatures can seriously affect coldwater fisheries. Sometimes, an individual dam can warm water temperature by just a degree, while in other situations, a dam can warm water temperatures significantly. We’ve seen several that raised temperatures by 4-12 degrees F. Even slight warming can be enough on a marginal temperature river to make it unsuitable for coldwater fish. In other places, there are enough dams sequentially that the cumulative impacts add up to make rivers unsuitable for coldwater fisheries.

Given the number of dams and their negative impact, this poses an opportunity to improve river systems immediately if we can remove them. Dam removal can immediately improve fisheries, reset water temperatures to significantly colder conditions to offset future warming,

and open-up passage so fish can access the full diversity of critical habitats fish need to flourish and survive in the future. That’s an incredibly powerful tool for coldwater fish conservation, and it’s why Michigan TU remains focused on dam removals.

In this issue of Michigan Trout, you’ll see articles on two dam removal projects, one focused on resolving water temperature problems and one driven by reconnecting 23 miles of a tributary system with the main stem of the Au Sable River. Michigan TU has many more of these projects under development, and by next year we expect to help with dam removal in a record number of places all over the state. But working on dam removals is only one of the approaches.

Michigan TU was involved in the Michigan Dam Safety Taskforce, which reviewed state and federal dam regulations and made recommendations to the governor and legislature for improvements in dam management to get our state system of management of this aging infrastructure problem under better control. Some proposals have been worked on by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy already. The Michigan legislature introduced a package of bills to address other recommendations about a year ago, but it did not hold hearings and move them to votes this session. We will be pushing for the reintroduction and development of the bills next session.

One of the recommendations of the taskforce was to develop a database to hold information about all dams in Michigan. Also, there is a need to plan what information is most critical and useful about these dams and develop an inventory process. Each dam will vary in complexity, constraints, costs, impacts, and value in removal. Without an inventory of these considerations, it’s difficult to identify and prioritize future efforts that will be most valuable and cost-effective. We will be working to support this need in 2023.

Michigan TU remains heavily involved in dam relicensing through the Michigan Hydro Relicensing Coalition. This group participates in the relicensing processes for electricity-generating dams. There are currently several dams in various stages of the relicensing

by Dr. Bryan Burroughs, Michigan TU Executive Director

process, including on the Boyne, Black, and Au Train Rivers. Michigan TU works with its MHRC partners, which include Anglers of the Au Sable, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Fly Fishers International, and the Michigan Salmon & Steelhead Association.

We communicated with TU members via email this fall about the new developments concerning the 13 hydroelectric dams owned and operated by Consumers Energy. CE had announced a process whereby they will review the long-term future of their hydroelectric dams. They conducted local town hall meetings near each dam and opened their website for public comments. This process is partly due to the CE planning process and partly to a requirement from the Michigan Public Service Commission for setting depreciation rates for the hydro projects, which determine customer rates.

Michigan TU is researching critical information relevant to the future of these dams and will be involved in this process through the CE public comment period and beyond in other relevant comment processes. Many of these dams violate state water quality standards and Clean Water Act provisions of their FERC licenses by warming water temperatures and affecting coldwater fisheries, including Croton, Tippy, Hodenpyle, Mio, Foote, and Alcona Dams. These 13 hydro-dams now produce roughly 50 MW, representing approximately 1% of CE’s electricity portfolio. The value of the electricity produced exceeds their annual basic operations/maintenance costs by only $300,000 per year.

These dams are now in need of major capital

investments. Hardy Dam alone is projected to require $400 million over the next three years. The capital investments needed for these dams are reported to make up around 50% of all capital investments by CE annually. The cost of wind and solar electricity has dropped. In contrast, hydro dams have increased, resulting in 1 MW of hydroelectricity now costing about 31 times as much as 1 MW of wind electricity. Together, many of these dams impair coldwater fisheries but are not economically cost-efficient for the small amount of electricity they produce.

CE will work in 2023 to decide on the long-term fate of its dams. However, as a publicly regulated utility, the costs required to maintain these dams must be approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. The MPSC is dutybound to review these financial decisions in considering what is reasonable and fair to electricity ratepayers. Michigan TU believes that the MPSC also needs to decide the future of these dams. We will stay involved in this process and communicate the impact of these dams on coldwater fisheries. This will no doubt take many years.

Dams and dam removals are critical in our fight for the future of Michigan’s coldwater fisheries. Water temperature and watershed connectivity are fundamental to having healthy and resilient coldwater fisheries to pass to future generations. The number of dams and their negative impact is a current impairment and threat but provides valuable opportunities to improve cold waters for the future. That’s why you’re hearing so much from Michigan TU about the issue and will continue to well into the future.

Legacy of a River is

amazing

Fall/Winter 2022

Michigan TU Youth Conservation and Trout Camp

by Jonathan Chizmadia, Kalamazoo Valley Chapter Youth Camp Committee

After a two-year break, the 2022 Michigan TU Youth Conservation and Trout Camp is officially in the books. The camp was once again hosted at the Ralph A. MacMullan (RAM) Center on Higgins Lake. This year’s 16 campers from 13-18 years of age represented the Adams, Kalamazoo Valley, Frank “Bob” Perrin-Lansing, Schrems West Michigan, Challenge, Paul H. Young, Mershon-Neumann Heritage, and Headwaters Chapters of TU. The Anglers of the Au Sable also sponsored a camper.

Trout Camp teaches campers about coldwater conservation and promotes the mission of TU to future generations. Campers are given a full tutorial in trout fishing techniques, both fly and conventional, and leave camp with the tools and confidence to become leaders within their respective chapters.

After arriving at the RAM center and saying goodbye to relatives, Sunday started with a lesson in fly casting from FFF-certified casting instructor Tim Jacobs. Students also had a chance to learn basic knots as well as spinner building with legendary spinner expert Jim Bedford. Sunday afternoon, students were hosted by the Anglers of the Au Sable for a tour of the Grayling Fish Hatchery. They learned the history of the facility and how a potential ecological nightmare was transformed into a tool for conservation. Campers honed their fly-casting skills on the hatchery’s bluegill pond, where the campers’ spider imitations fooled several fish. On Sunday evening, campers discussed the day’s activities and did a little ice-breaking over s’mores and a campfire.

Monday morning came early, and after a quick breakfast at the RAM center, John Sheets of Gates Au Sable Lodge instructed on tying several proven patterns for Grayling area streams. Students then learned about different types of flies and how to fish them. After a quick trip to Gates fly shop, campers hit the river for the evening, where several campers could connect. Some even managed to catch their first wild Michigan trout!

Day three started with more fly tying with legendary Mershon-Neumann Heritage Chapter tyer Don Meyer, followed by Michigan DNR presentations from Neil Godby and Patrick Ertel. In Neil’s discussion of “What Makes a Trout Stream,’’ campers learned about geology and the importance of groundwater to maintain cold stream temperatures. During Patrick’s hands-on stream table simulations, campers could see how streams can be altered for better or worse. Stream tables are a valuable tool used more frequently to simulate the field conditions of a stream.

This new knowledge was quickly put into play on a local Mason/Griffith/Founders Chapter project located on the East Branch of the Au Sable River. Campers provided sweat equity by clearing brush and installing half logs to increase flow and expose much-needed trout spawning gravel under the supervision of former DNR biologist Steve Sendek and Chapter President Karen Harrison.

Following the project, campers visited the Lovells Historical Museum, where they learned even more about the history of TU and how the organization started in

Campers clearing brush and installing half logs on the East Branch.

Grayling. Unfortunately, the warm weather did not provide optimum fishing conditions for the nearby North Branch, so campers returned to the mainstream, where they spent the evening fishing the cooler stretches of the Holy Waters. This was a perfect opportunity to practice what students learned about stream temperature and its effect on trout.

Cooler weather greeted campers on a busy Wednesday morning. Again, after a quick breakfast, campers were shuttled to the South Branch, where they spent the morning fishing under the supervision of their assigned counselors. Michigan TU Aquatic Ecologist Kristin Thomas and her team met the campers for lunch at Chase Bridge following the morning fishing. Kristin and her team demonstrated stream shocking and macroinvertebrate collection and identification.

Campers took a break in the afternoon to unwind and have some fun floating the South Branch with the Paddle Brave Canoe Livery. Following dinner, Howard Johnson (Cedars for the AuSable) and his team of boat captains arranged the highlight float trip through the Holy Waters on traditional Au Sable River boats.

Thursday was a bittersweet day as parents arrived for the awards ceremony. Campers packed up to return home, but the time spent and memories made at the 2022 Michigan Trout Camp won’t soon be forgotten.

Passing the torch to future generations of anglers to create our next conservationists is one of the most important things TU can do to ensure the sustainability of coldwater fisheries. The Trout Camp was a program designed 25 years ago that embodies this idea. Originated and administered by members of the Kalamazoo Chapter, counselors throughout Michigan and beyond spend countless volunteer hours planning and operating the camp, including members from Clinton Valley, Ann Arbor, Schrems West Michigan, Mershon-Neumann Heritage, Frank “Bob” Perrin-Lansing, Mason/Griffith/Founder, Adams, and Kalamazoo Valley Chapters.

Planning is underway for the 2023 camp, which will again be held at the RAM Center June 18-22, 2023. The 2023 curriculum will be tailored for campers 13-16 years of age. No prior fishing experience is necessary. Campers are encouraged to bring a good attitude and an open mind. Applications will be available in January 2023, requiring some basic information and a short letter explaining why the camper would like to attend the camp. The camp is limited to 20 campers, who can only participate once.

If you would like to help contribute to the 2023 TU Michigan Youth Conservation and Trout Camp, you can do so this fall by purchasing a donor pin. Designed by extremely talented artist and 2022 alumni Emma Grace Ridley (Gracie), proceeds from the pins will fund campers. By purchasing a pin, you can show your support of the coldwater fisheries’ heritage and have a very nice, hard enamel pin that can be proudly worn on your hat or vest or kept as a collector’s item. In addition, several very nice prizes will be drawn randomly for those who purchase a pin. As always, donations are greatly appreciated and accepted. Pins can be purchased here go.tulocalevents. org/a8ea6e/Campaign/Details.

For information on Michigan TU’s Trout Camp visit michigantucamp.org, or contact Andrew Pokorski from the Clinton Valley Chapter at andrewpokorski@ michigantucamp.org or Jon Chizmadia from the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter at jonchizmadia@michigantucamp.org.

Michigan TU Chapter Updates

Fall/Winter 2022

Adams Chapter

The Adams Chapter kicked off the mid-year with a membership event with guest speakers’ brothers Jake and Chris Smith, who are internationally recognized local authors and artists. Three young fishers were awarded full tuition to the Michigan TU Youth Conservation and Trout Camp and were gifted with fly fishing equipment.

The latter part of the summer ushered in a new event; a Women Only Fly Fishing 101 class for a group of eager and skilled anglers (shown in the photo above). This firstof-its-kind event for ACTU was a huge success, and further gatherings have been requested. This past spring, the chapter’s conservation efforts saw members help complete work on restoring an abandoned sand trap along the North Branch of the Boardman-Ottaway River that involved planting several thousand native trees and shrubs. Chapter members also staffed a booth at the annual Adams Fly Festival in the Village of Kingsley and tended the trout pond for the 85th Annual Trout Festival, where Chapter President Liz McKellar was the grand marshal.

Fall brought a return to a beloved annual event, the WaWa Sum weekend, with 13 new attendees and a trip to the North Branch Outing Club. The chapter made a renewed commitment to Project Healing Waters, and a fall membership meeting hosted guest speaker Aquatic Biologist Joel Betts. The Annual Banquet Committee is ramping up for April 2023, and the final meeting for board elections and plans for a year-end potluck are rounding out the year.

Clinton Valley Chapter

The Clinton Valley Chapter has had a busy year. Since the future of fly fishing depends on introducing others to the sport, the chapter purchased Orvis Encounter rod packages as teaching rods. They were heavily used, beginning with their Women’s 101 event and youth events at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. CVTU also happily loaned out the rods to local watershed council events to encourage people to spend time on the water.

The chapter supported stonefly counts, city requests, river cleanup events, bank restorations, and woody debris cleanups. Member Matt Niemec did amazing work on the projects and was named Volunteer of the Year for the Clinton Valley Watershed Council. CVTU also supported three STREAM Girls weekends, helping girls earn their badges and an appreciation of fly fishing. The chapter relied on member Tom Losiowski, his wife, and his daughter for

Compiled by Joe Barker

instruction at these events. The girls liked seeing women teaching.

Members Andy Pokorski and Tyler Keaton led the Michigan TU Youth Camp this year and are already making plans for next year. Additionally, the chapter partnered with the Mayfly Project and stands ready to launch a Detroit program in 2023. However, it wasn’t all work, as weekends at WaWaSum and Salmon Camp allowed members to have fun and reconnect after the pandemic.

This year, the chapter’s holiday fundraiser will support the great work done by the Vanguard Chapter and their stewardship of Paint Creek. Their woody habitat installation of vanes and in-stream logs has been dramatically successful.

Pine River Chapter

The past two years have challenged many organizations, and PRATU is no exception. The chapter announced that its Annual Conservation Fundraiser Banquet will take place on May 6, 2023. Flyers and information will soon be available on their website www.pineriverareatu.org.

The chapter also revisited a work project started in 2021 on Cole Creek, planting seedlings for the shading of the creek. Special thanks went out to students from Wexford/Missaukee Agriscience and Natural Resources class, who again helped this spring to expand seedlings planting and replant some that didn’t survive the first planting. Mark Johnson, the instructor and VP of the PRATU board, facilitated and organized the effort.

Of special note is the establishment of a $2,000 scholarship in memory of Denny Douglas and Ron Hamilton, who had a combined contribution of 38 years on the PRATU Board. The scholarship was awarded to Gwen Phillips of Cadillac. Gwen is a student at Lake Superior State and plans to pursue a career working in fisheries with a double minor in GIS and freshwater and marine sciences. It seemed a natural fit, given the time and leadership Denny and Ron had given to area young people and coldwater conservation.

The Silver Creek/Pine River Restoration project, completed last year, will be visited on-site in the upcoming weeks with many of the contributors and biologists involved. Future bank restoration plans will be discussed at that time.

Vanguard Chapter

The past several months have been an active time for the Vanguard Chapter as a sense of normalcy finally returned after the challenges presented by the pandemic the prior two years. In late June, the chapter worked cooperatively with the Clinton Valley Chapter in removing a large logjam that had formed across Paint Creek. In mid-July, the chapter held its annual picnic and casting clinic with support from instructor Katie Thurman. This event is always well attended by chapter members, and this year was no different, as the weather was ideal.

Before the summer concluded, the chapter engaged in community outreach by having a display booth at the Metro Detroit Veterans Community Resource Expo and the Paint Creek Trail Labor Day Bridge Walk. Additionally, the chapter supported a DNR electro-shocking fish survey on Paint Creek, performed ongoing sediment monitoring on the creek, and did maintenance work on the in-stream vanes that were installed in previous years on Paint Creek. Members also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the chapter with a banquet that acknowledged the legacy of prior chapter leaders and highlighted the conservation activities planned for 2023.

Finally, the Vanguard Chapter was honored to have the opportunity to present at the Michigan TU state council meeting in October to share best practices associated with the ongoing Paint Creek Habitat Improvement Project.

Challenge Chapter

The Challenge Chapter started 50 years ago with seven members. The chapter name “Challenge” was chosen on the premise: “…as a continual reminder or challenge to protect, preserve and restore cold water fisheries for Michigan.” To that end, the chapter has been providing the “Trout Angler Guides” dedicated to saving anglers time and providing valuable information in searching Michigan’s most popular streams. The current guide titles are:

• Pigeon River Country (3 rivers)

• Au Sable Holy Waters (Burton’s Landing to Wakeley Bridge)

• Lower Au Sable Trophy Waters (McMaster’s Bridge to Oscoda)

• Pere Marquette River

• Boardman and Jordan Rivers

• Manistee River

• Steelheader’s Guide (5 rivers)

Each guidebook includes a history of the area, specific directions to access sites within a tenth of a mile, stream depth, bottom, width, current flow, trout cover, detailed maps, and a schedule of crucial fly hatches. The chapter promises that anglers are sure to save more than the price

of the guide in gas by using them to help find a place on the river that provides maximum angling pleasure. “When it’s time to head north for the opener, just grab the guide and go,” said Roger Beukema of the Oakland Press. The guides make excellent holiday gifts, are reasonably priced, and can be found at a local fly shop or the chapter’s website – www. Challengechapter.org.

Paul H. Young Chapter

In September, the Paul H. Young TU group held their semi-annual stop at Wa Wa Sum in Grayling. Some members volunteered for Bob Thorsen’s bug surveys at five sites on the Upper Manistee River, which proved to be a bountiful harvest for the study despite the weather. Afterward, and back at camp, retired DNR Fisheries Biologist Steve Sendek gave a speech covering the efforts to determine why a fish population crashed on the North Branch of the Au Sable River. The mystery remains unresolved. One clear message is that private efforts are needed at this point. Steve’s passion for preserving and restoring fishing habitats is infectious!

Looking forward to the new year, the chapter plans some exciting events for members and their families. They will once again host the International Fly-Fishing Film Festival online and hopefully in person. This collection of curated short films stirs a sense of adventure and helps get anglers through the cold winter months.

Some new events are also being planned. PHYTU is aware of the need to connect with members closer to where they live – the chapter’s footprint is enormous. A picnic cohosted with another conservation organization in Northville is taking shape. Another event will be a virtual Race for Conservation, similar to online marathons. Stay tuned for details. Finally, the chapter has spent a fair amount of time rebuilding its mail, email, website, and social media capabilities with the intent of building benefits for members.

Vanguard display at Labor Day Bridge Walk - 2022.

A Small Dam Removal Project with a Big Impact

by Kristin Thomas, Michigan TU Aquatic Ecologist

Murray Dam was a small dam on Hunt Creek in the Au Sable watershed. Hunt Creek flows into West Branch Big Creek near Luzerne. Both are coldwater streams, and Hunt Creek is known primarily as a brook trout system. The removal of Murray Dam was a small project with big rewards. The before (shown above) and after (shown below) photos tell the story perfectly. It was one of those rare projects that provided immediate, immense satisfaction. The benefits are apparent almost instantly and continue to increase over time, reaching far beyond aesthetics. This is only one aspect that made this an incredibly fun and rewarding project. The thoughtful involvement of the landowners, the benefits to the watershed and fishery, and the unique beauty of the site all combined to make this a favorite project for the Michigan TU staff, a project that makes one so grateful for their job.

The dam on Hunt Creek was located upstream of where the stream flows into West Branch. Landowners had long valued the dam and reservoir for recreation and beauty because they had been there since they purchased the property. Traditions passed down from generation to generation are so special. The presence of the pond was one of those traditions that was hard to let go of. The family members had fly-fished the pond and caught some fine trout in the past, and they enjoyed all the wildlife the pond supported.

The landowners are an incredible family committed to protecting and improving their beautiful property. So, upon noticing the pond was filling in with sediment, they knew they needed to think about what would come next. While seeing changes in their ability to use the pond as it filled in, they were also worried about the impacts the dam and impoundment may have on Hunt Creek and West Branch. They reached out to Michigan TU for help identifying effects and evaluating dam removal or modification options.

The first step in the evaluation process was to collect temperature data around the dam to document if there were impacts to Hunt Creek or West Branch. In 2018, continuous temperature loggers were placed about a mile upstream of the dam at a road crossing, immediately downstream of the

dam, and West Branch upstream and downstream of Hunt Creek.

The recorded temperatures left little doubt about the dam and the successional reservoir’s impact on water temperature. The mean July temperature upstream of the dam was 63°F, while immediately downstream in Hunt Creek, it was 68°F. However, the temperature data was more alarming on a daily basis. The average daily jump in temperature from upstream to downstream was 10°F with a maximum point of 26°F. That’s a huge jump in temperature.

The temperature impact was also evident in the West Branch, with an average daily increase in temperature downstream of Hunt Creek of 3°F and a maximum point increase of 14°F. The temperature increases created stressful conditions for coldwater fish because Hunt Creek should function as a coldwater refuge during temperature stress. The landowners and funders alike were convinced that the dam’s thermal impacts were severe and that action should be taken.

The landowners decided as a family that pursuing dam removal was the right thing to do. We can’t stress enough how applaudable that decision was. The family had to balance lifetimes of wonderful memories tied to the dam

and reservoir with knowledge of its impacts and longterm prospects of continued maintenance of the dam and confront change to the property that is dear to them. The decision to pursue removal was not reached lightly. The prospect of losing the pond where the family learned to fly fish and trumpeter swans nested during a triumphant recovery story was overwhelming and scary. The family worried that losing the pond would degrade the quality of the property both in terms of economics and natural resources.

The Murray family has incredible gratitude for the role Michigan TU Executive Director Dr. Bryan Burroughs played in this decision process: “Without Bryan carefully and thoughtfully explaining to our family what was happening to the pond, the process of dam removal, and how removal would support the fishery, we as a family would not have come together to support dam removal. We are also grateful for the partnership we had with Michigan TU, and the funding agencies, which patiently helped guide us through the process and made the project as easy as possible.”

That type of hard decision will play out so many times in the coming years across the thousands of dams in Michigan. Nonetheless, the Murray family showed courage, foresight, and conservation ethic in making the proactive decision to remove their dam. They also put their trust in Michigan TU to ensure it would be done well and for the better. With their blessing, Michigan TU began seeking funding for dam removal. Grantors saw value in this project; funds were awarded from the Michigan DNR Fisheries Habitat Grant Program and the USFWS Fish Passage Program. Once funding was acquired, the fun work could begin!

The process for removal included the pond’s drawdown through the removal of 2.5 feet of flashboards, then the dam’s elimination, and the associated 1.5 feet of underlying concrete. The drawdown of the impoundment occurred in 2021, laying the groundwork for dam removal in 2022. The landowners removed the flashboards in a controlled manner to ensure excessive sediment was not sent downstream. Due to the deposit amount, the stream had already started channeling in the pond before the drawdown. Consequently, after the drawdown, a channel quickly appeared, and vegetation of the old bottomlands began.

While the aesthetics changed in the transition from pond to stream, the beauty was not lost. The valley Hunt Creek flows through is indescribably beautiful. An incredible example of northern Michigan beauty is a meandering stream in a valley flanked with pines and tamaracks. It is awe-inspiring at all times, but the beauty is unmatched in the fall with golden tamaracks. The Murray family expressed this change well. “We were fearful that losing the pond would lead to a loss in the beauty and natural wonder of the property when in fact, it seems to have added value creating a new type of beauty and habitat for a new set of birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Value has been added, not lost.”

Dam removal was completed in June 2022. The concrete was removed, the stream channel was widened through the old dam site, and a footbridge was built to maintain access to the entire property. The removal process went well, and Hunt Creek began to adjust to the change in elevation that came with removing the final 1.5 feet of concrete. Minutes after the last pieces of bottom concrete were taken out, a brook trout swam through the

dam site, directly underneath the still overhanging shovel of the excavator. Talk about immediate satisfaction—one of the coolest things any of us on site have experienced! While the elevation of the stream did immediately begin to adjust with dam removal, the process quickly slowed as the flowing water struggled to move or erode through the sticky peat found in the new stream channel from decades of plant decomposition in the pond.

There is still work to be done in the new channel in 2023. The substrate in the old pond is a very sticky peat that does not yield easily to the water flow. It is amazing how well it sticks together in the face of flowing water; nature never ceases to amaze. What this means for the river is that the 1.5 feet of the head from the dam has yet to spread as far upstream through the channel as ideal. There is still a bit of disruption to grade moving upstream through the old impoundment. Dam removal’s primary objective is to restore gradient or stream slope with more mobile substrate grade is restored quickly.

This winter, a plan will be developed to restore the channel fully. That will include adding woody habitat, as there is not much currently, and distributing the gradient upstream to truly reconnect the stream. Temperature loggers will also be placed in 2023 to document changes in the temperature regime of the system. We expect to see more consistent temperatures throughout. While there is still some work to be done, the current benefits to both Hunt Creek and West Branch cannot be overstated.

Another aspect of this project that makes it outstanding is its cost-effectiveness or its return on investment (ROI). We know that many hundreds of dam removals are needed in coming years, and funds to accomplish this work are finite. Michigan TU thinks about the ROI of projects to ensure that limited resources achieve the most good, and many projects need to get done. The return for this project includes four miles of stream open and accessible to fish, ten degrees colder summer water temperatures in Hunt Creek, and three degrees colder water for West Branch. That creates significant thermal refugia for hotter summers and moves West Branch from marginal to more ideal conditions. When completed, this project will likely cost less than $50,000. That’s an incredible amount of value for the investment. While this project was brought to our attention by the owners, it is up to us to find more projects. That work has started and will continue.

This project cannot be discussed without expressing incredible gratitude to the property’s family. They have consistently put the natural resources first throughout the project and have been a joy to work with. Thank you, Murray family, for the generous and selfless way you have prioritized the restoration of Hunt Creek. Thanks, also, to those who funded this work; the Michigan DNR Fisheries Habitat Grant Program and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Fish Passage Program. Without their financial assistance, this project would not have happened. Both entities immediately recognized the value of this project and awarded the funds to implement it, allowing Michigan TU to put more time into making it happen.

In case you, your family, or a friend own a dam in a coldwater watershed, please do not hesitate to contact Michigan TU for help evaluating options and considering dam removal. Trout might be waiting for the next big success story.

Reconnecting the Au Sable Watershed at the Grayling Hatchery

by Kristin Thomas, Michigan TU Aquatic Ecologist

Much has been written about the old fish hatchery in the City of Grayling, Michigan. This writing isn’t about any of that. Instead, the focus is on an aspect that has not been covered much and has everything to do with the future, not the past.

The hatchery is located on the East Branch Au Sable River, less than a half-mile upstream from where it joins the mainstem of the Au Sable. Upstream of the hatchery, the East Branch contains about 23 miles of river. The site of the hatchery has changed dramatically over the last hundred years, having experienced several different periods of manipulations to the site and the waters of the East Branch.

In its current configuration, water can leave the river and enter the hatchery water inlet immediately downstream of North Downriver Road. In another 40 yards, a dam structure elevates the water upstream at the hatchery inlet. This dam is approximately 2.5 feet in height and incidentally blocks fish passage between the East Branch and the mainstem. Downstream of the dam, the East Branch flows are forced through a narrow channel that used to be an old raceway. Within that channel, several old concrete abutments and structures no longer serve any purpose that constricts the flow further and result in velocity barriers to fish at different times.

Crawford County owns the hatchery and leases it to Anglers of the Au Sable. An affiliated but independent non-profit organization, Grayling Hatchery Inc., currently runs the dayto-day operations at the hatchery. The Grayling community greatly values the hatchery as a place for families to learn and enjoy trout, nature, and fishing. The county and community want to retain the hatchery as it is a valued part of the community.

Anglers of the Au Sable and Michigan Trout Unlimited began working

together several years ago to assess whether there was a feasible and effective means to allow fish passage past the hatchery site in a manner that would maintain current hatchery operations. Preliminary surveying and assessment by the partners identified a general approach to accomplish both goals. This preliminary but feasible approach was presented to the Crawford County Board of Commissioners last year. Anglers of the Au Sable and Michigan TU asked for the commission’s blessing to apply for grant funding to conduct a complete engineering and design assessment for the project, which the county granted. Funding for the engineering and design project was awarded by the Michigan DNR Fisheries Habitat Grant program, which had the site listed as a grant-priority project.

Throughout 2022, the project partners contracted the services of Spicer Engineering and Streamside Ecological Services to help the project team accomplish full site surveying, evaluate numerous alternatives, and develop a complete design for the best option.

The hatchery site has many constraints and considerations beyond maintaining hatchery operations. The current dam has about 2.5 feet of vertical drop blocking fish passage. The dam also provides vehicle

Photo credit: Sam Bosworth

passage to the west side of the property. A historic building is on the west side of the property, and vehicle access must be maintained. In the past, there were many more raceways than currently. The raceways were abandoned as they filled with sediment, but the concrete was not removed.

There are four additional narrow crossings downstream of the dam as the East Branch flows through the property. They constrict flow and create velocity barriers. However, at least one footbridge must be maintained to keep the circular walking path around the property. Also, some contaminated sediment is on the west side of the river downstream of the dam.

What do all of these constraints mean for project design? Well, there is little use in designing a project that can’t be built. Therefore, construction constraints needed to be considered. Concrete from old raceways makes excavation difficult and expensive in some areas. The current bridges can be removed, but at least one needs to be replaced. No one wants to disturb contaminated sediment, so digging on the west side of the river downstream of the dam needs to be avoided. In addition to these site constraints, there are a lot of stakeholders with varied interests in the hatchery, thus creating a project with complexity that extends far beyond the question of fish passage. The project team made a great effort to understand the priorities of stakeholders and the county commission to create a design with broad support while also achieving fish passage.

In early fall 2022, the project team arrived at one clear, best alternative to accomplish the two main goals and optimize other desires while resulting in a doable, affordable, and realistic project. It presented a preliminary plan overview to the county and solicited feedback. About a month later, the team again presented the final design plan to the county. Upon the final presentation, the team sought approval and support from the county board for the project and their blessing to raise funds. The county approved.

So what’s in this design? Essentially, grade controls (rock or wood material embedded into the stream bottom at precise elevations) will be installed downstream of the hatchery inlet to ensure stream water elevations remain as they are for the hatchery inlet structure. From there, the stream will be “stepped down” sequentially as it moves downstream. This takes the one sharp drop of 2.5” created by the dam and replaces it with subtle smaller steps spread out spatially.

The bridge over the dam will be maintained to support vehicle access to the west side of the property. The lower part of the stream channel will be widened by 3-4 feet, and the obsolete concrete constrictions will be removed. Other old footbridges will be removed, and a new wooden footbridge will be built at the downstream property. Large rocks and wood will be placed between the grade controls and constructed riffles to provide places for fish to tuck in and rest at times of high flow.

The result will be a more natural-looking stream,

where vertical drops and high water velocity barriers are removed, so that fish of all species have ready passage through the site. The design won’t represent a truly natural stream channel, as is the aim for remote locations. This site has too many legacy and public infrastructure concerns to allow for that. But, the result will look more natural and aesthetically pleasing and function effectively by accomplishing fish passage goals and maintaining the current hatchery operations.

Anglers of the Au Sable and Michigan TU are excited about the approved design. Key stakeholders, including the county, DNR Fisheries, and Grayling Hatchery Inc., are supportive of the design, which means there is only one thing left to do; find the money. The team will be working hard to write grant applications this winter to raise the money for implementation. Ideally, the project will be fully funded by spring so that work can begin in 2023. Maybe 2024 is more realistic, but the team is reaching for 2023.

This is a really cool project; the sooner it is implemented, the better! Ensuring the long-term future of the Au Sable River’s fisheries requires reconnecting the watershed, thus allowing fish to find the habitats they need at different times. Reconnecting the East Branch with the mainstem is critical for the future, and this project is on track to accomplish that.

2021 Michigan Trout Unlimited Awards

by Jim Cantrill, Michigan TU Development Committee Chair

The Michigan TU Council recognizes outstanding individuals and groups each year, epitomizing the “One TU” vision. On October 15, 2022, the following awards were presented.

The Order of the Grayling recognizes the death of a Michigan conservationist whose impact was felt at a statewide or national level. To that end, Michigan TU recognized two individuals who, for a final time, have been laid to rest beside still waters. Dave Smethurst was a tireless supporter of Michigan TU and all things conservation-related. He was one of a group who banded together to form the Headwaters Chapter and went on to serve as chairman of Michigan TU. His efforts resulted in the creation of the Natural Resources Trust Fund, which utilized oil and gas royalties to fund conservation efforts and land acquisitions and promote outdoor recreation across the state. Gerry Lake was a record keeper of hatches and fish, read papers about what was happening to the rivers, and knew what had been done, including what should be done next. For example, it is very likely that redd surveys in Michigan and across the country will always have a component derived from Gerry’s thoughtful imagination.

The Order of the Hexagenia is an honorary group. Individuals recognized are inducted as lifetime members for their positive contribution to coldwater fisheries in Michigan in a non-TU capacity. Steve Sendek is a retired fisheries biologist who shares his passion for coldwater conservation with all those he engages. His knowledge of the river is not kept to himself. For example, one of the first projects he identified was the maintenance of the MDNR structures that were placed in the mainstream of the Au Sable River in the 1980s and early 1990s. These structures were repaired in the early 2000s. Volunteers evaluated a 15mile reach of the river as Steve assisted with permits and logistics, such as landowner easements, before a work crew from Northpoint Fisheries Management, Steve’s business dedicated to helping revitalize coldwater fisheries, was contracted.

The Order of the Caddis remains a “Hall of Fame” recognizing Michigan TU’s most active, effective, and valued member, either as a board of directors member or someone who has provided exemplary service statewide. Joe Barker has been the editor of Michigan Trout since the fall of 2015 and quietly leads and produces one spectacular issue after another. Michigan Trout and Joe’s team earned the prestigious Jean Bollinger – Distinguished Service Award for Communications from Trout Unlimited National in 2017.

His leadership qualities are admirable, quiet, and effective, leading from the front and never seeking the spotlight.

The Art Neumann Award is presented to any individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to the overall mission and vision of Michigan TU. For the past 25 years, the all-volunteer staff of the Michigan Youth Conservation & Trout Camp has introduced a watershed approach to trout stream management and angling skills to our next generation of conservationists and anglers. It has been the model for other camps around the country, including the national TU Youth Summit. Trout Camp is not just a fly-fishing camp; it doesn’t just teach kids how to fish. The camp has always been about building a community of TU members, conservation professionals, and the fishing industry.

Finally, the 2021 Chapter of the Year was awarded to the Fred Waara Chapter in the Upper Peninsula for continually providing waders-in-the-water conservation programs and new outreach and communications strategies to promote TU as a regional source of knowledge and consultation on coldwater fisheries issues. The chapter realized a 632% increase in revenue and a 36% increase in volunteer hours over the previous year, all of which was funneled back into a wide range of educational (eight Salmon in the Classroom sites), resource restoration (tree planting in the Yellow Dog River Watershed), and organizational outreach efforts (new social media platforms and email services). In addition, members of the Two Hearted Chapter were absorbed by the Fred Waara Chapter, adding Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, and Schoolcraft County watersheds, thereby increasing its geographic footprint and resulting in a current service area of 18,278 square miles. Chapter members work with several other conservation organizations on various coldwater restoration projects, including the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve and the Brook Trout Subcommittee of Partners for Watershed Restoration—a collaboration with federal, tribal, state, and local agencies—and continue to provide ongoing service to Michigan TU.

In the photo above, some of the award recipients are shown. From left to right, Laurie Seibert, Char Hammond, and Andy Pokorski accept the Art Neumann award, Brooke Smethurst, on behalf of her family, holds the Order of the Grayling, Jim Cantrill, as chapter representative, receives the Chapter of the Year plaque, and Joe Barker proudly displays the Order of the Caddis.

Showing Gratitude to Our Veterans

by Kevin Hagood, CVTU Veterans Outing Committee Co-chair (USMC Veteran)

A veteran is defined as an individual who honorably served within the ranks of our nation’s armed services. Whether a career officer or weathered enlisted man, the members of the Clinton Valley Chapter make it our goal to honor those men and women each day. Once a year, we have an opportunity to give them a chance to be free of the stresses of their past and the day-to-day experiences we all have. Preparation for this event had some new faces leading the charge with great success. Many phone calls, Zoom meetings, emails, and texts filled our lives during this time. But every moment spent planning is why this mission has been prosperous since 2020. We had many gracious sponsors this year and held a spectacular shooting event at Gilbert’s Sportsman’s Club. All the hard work led us to a fully-funded Veterans Outing and surplus funding to get 2023 started right.

2022’s event brought us to the second home of CVTU member Ed Roden, a quiet scene just minutes away from the heart of the Au Sable River. Volunteers anxiously awaited the arrival of our guests, and you could feel the excitement as the veterans trickled in. The place immediately felt like home as veterans conversed with pride and fought over the superior branch as they practiced with their new Orvis rod and reel combos. The dwelling was home to full bellies, drink, laughter, and the curiosity of catching fish on the fly.

The morning brought slight winds and an almost competitive atmosphere as the veterans prepared themselves for a long day of hook sets. We arrived at the Mio Dam access site for a little casting tutorial, as the idea of fly fishing was relatively new to all the veterans. Their disciplined nature, however, compelled them to be successful with the cast. Volunteers prepared a smoked chicken spread as our guests tossed flies along the river’s edge. Once chow was announced, they eagerly lined up because one thing was certain; these boys could eat. Then it was time to get these men to their guides for an epic experience. As the veterans were shuttled off, the volunteers made plans for an adventure of their own and gradually made their way downstream.

As the day neared its end, we made our way back to the cabin to prepare a meal fit enough for our honored guests. You can never go wrong with steak and potatoes. A thunderous comradery filled the cabin once the veterans arrived from the meandering banks of the Au Sable River. Each veteran had a satisfied grin and an even bigger urge

to share their experiences, and like any fisherman, the big one that got away. We found ourselves bonding over the day’s exploits around a fire or savoring a cigar out back. The laughter faded as the sky darkened and the embers flickered, the long day having filled us all with exhaustion and enlightened dreams.

Sunday left us eating a light breakfast and reminiscing about the prior day’s journey, fish still fresh in the minds of our beloved veterans. The cabin was cleaned up as if getting ready for inspection, and most of us slowly made our way south, bringing home a new chapter to this adventure created just a short time ago.

Making a Difference – The Michigan TU Aquifer Club

by Robb Smith, Michigan TU Treasurer

The Michigan TU Aquifer Club recently observed its eleventh anniversary at its annual membership outing held this year at Hank and Terri Milius’s wonderful home on the Au Sable River in Grayling. Covid had put a “hitch in our giddy-up,” but the club was back on track and continues to grow in members and funding. This year the Aquifer Club has over 60 members and has secured more than $158,000 of unrestricted funds.

We would like to share a few backend stories about the Aquifer Club and why it is so important to the mission of Michigan TU. From 2007 to 2009, Michigan TU made a bold move to employ a new executive director, Dr. Bryan Burroughs, and a new aquatic ecologist, Kristin Thomas. Soon, it became clear that to sustain the results of their outstanding work, Michigan TU would need to develop a much larger stream of incoming funds.

To meet these needs, an ad-hoc Development Committee was formed. Its main goal was to create a monetarily self-sustaining organization whereby Michigan TU could develop large amounts of unrestricted funds to support the essential coldwater conservation issues of the day not associated with normal restoration work. Some sound advice was given to our committee by one of our venerable past chairmen, the late David Smethurst: “Whatever you do, don’t indiscriminately chase grants. Study them carefully, as they may not lead you in a direction that implements our mission.”

With Dave’s words well in mind, we ventured forward. Unrestricted funds – those donated without a specific purpose – are hard to obtain, and our program of relying on chapter donations, annual appeals, membership rebates from TU National, and a few restricted-use grants, along with a shrinking nest egg, were not going to keep us going forever. Michigan TU needed an option for individual members who were willing to make more significant unrestricted donations on an annual basis. From this need, the Aquifer Club was conceived.

In 2011, Michigan TU’s Chairman David Smith, Bryan Burroughs, and several others developed the idea of a group of donors, each pledging a donation of $1,000 or more per year to Michigan TU. These dollars were to support the unrestricted salary needs of our staff. Bryan suggested the name “Aquifer Club” to the group. The title made sense as aquifers provide deep and sustained replenishment of water – it was a perfect analogy for

the new group’s name. With some word of mouth and selective advertising, the fledgling committee generated 14 members in the first year of the Aquifer Club in 2012. The charter members were Dick Augustine, Dick Barch, Peter Gustafson, Pat Kochanny, Jeff Lowe, John McCarthy, Rick Poston, Paul Rose, Jake Shinners, Ken Sink, Dave Smith, Hal Smith IV, Robb Smith, and James Wades.

The Aquifer Club membership grew to 19 members in 2013, and at that time, a goal of 30 or more members was set for the future. Good things happened, and almost ten years later, the club’s membership still includes nine charter members, has blossomed to over 60, and continues to grow.

By the numbers, the Aquifer Club has provided over $535,000 of unrestricted funding from 2012 to date. Along with individual giving appeals and donations from the membership of the Tributary Club, Michigan TU has raised a combined total of $832,000 in unrestricted funds since the modest start of the Aquifer Club. Our efforts have paid off and made our organization a leader in coldwater policy and advocacy regarding water withdrawal legislation, dam safety, recreational angling, commercial fishing, and invasive species. These are all critical topics that are almost impossible to fund through grants.

The Aquifer Club meets at an annual dinner outing usually held at an Aquifer Club member’s summer home on the third weekend in August. An informative program is presented by Bryan and Kristin, describing the year’s major work and accomplishments, as well as an outlook for the coming year and needs for the future. It is a very enjoyable evening with ample time for conversation with like-minded friends and acquaintances. Members are encouraged to bring their spouses and, of course, invite guests who may be interested in joining the Aquifer Club.

This grassroots development program works because of one major reason. Michigan TU, via the talented leadership of our staff, has been able to use unrestricted funds to advocate and give sound, unbiased advice concerning those topics most closely affecting coldwater resources. From water withdrawal to dam removal and stream restoration to invasive species control, our organization provides the best science-based answers possible. Thank you to all our donors who make this work possible.

As Kermit the Frog said, “It’s not easy being green!”

Pine River Area Chapter Remembers Lost Leaders

by Mark Johnson, Pine River Chapter Representative

The past two years have been a challenge for many organizations worldwide. The Pine River Area Chapter of Trout Unlimited is no exception. An annual spring banquet has been the chapter’s primary source of income for decades, and those banquets weren’t possible in 2020, 2021, and 2022 due to the pandemic. While the chapter continues to be in great shape financially, the ability to raise and spend funds during the pandemic has put projects on hold within the area the chapter serves.

“We have worked to do the things we could do, like planting projects and supporting larger efforts financially with partners, but the scope of work has certainly been reduced as a result of COVID restrictions,” says Chapter President Tim Birtles. “We are all looking forward to a more regular schedule of events in the coming months.”

On top of those challenges, the chapter lost two longtime board members during the same period. Ron Hamilton and Denny Douglas (shown in the photo above), both Cadillac residents, passed away after a combined 38 years of service to the Pine River Area Chapter. Those losses have hit the chapter hard.

Chapter Vice President Mark Johnson recognizes the loss to the group. “Leadership in any volunteer organization seems to be dwindling. I don’t think that is unique to TU. I see it in other groups I’m involved with as well. People are committed to other activities. Travel sports are so much bigger than when I was a kid, and nobody wants one more commitment on their calendars. That’s why as a board, we felt it was important to bring attention to the efforts of Denny and Ron and recognize their service to TU in a meaningful way.”

After considerable deliberation, the group decided to award a one-time scholarship in their honor to an area student studying natural resources. It seemed a natural fit, given the time and leadership Denny and Ron had given to area young people and coldwater conservation. An application was developed in their memory and distributed to local high school counselors.

After a two-month application period, an applicant was selected and awarded a $2,000 scholarship in memory of Denny and Ron. The recipient, Gwen Phillips of Cadillac, is studying Fisheries and Wildlife at Lake Superior State University and hopes to pursue a career working in fisheries. She also plans a double minor in GIS and Freshwater and Marine Sciences. As part of

the award, Gwen was also given a guided fishing trip on the Au Sable River in July with local guide Jamie Clous.

Ron and Denny had a love for trout and a passion for trout fishing. Their efforts on behalf of coldwater conservation and service to the board certainly weren’t without impact. The scholarship, the fishing trip, and the chapter are testaments to those efforts and won’t soon be forgotten by those who continue that work. Nor will they be forgotten by Gwen.

“This is huge for me. I’ve always known I wanted to work in this field, and this scholarship will help me achieve my goals in conservation and resource management,” says Gwen. “It’s rare to find folks that give that much time to volunteer efforts, and Denny and Ron are great examples of service.”

It takes effort to make positive changes. Denny and Ron believed those efforts were worth it. Special thanks to them, Jamie Clous, and the current board members, who helped make this award possible. For more information on the Pine River Area Chapter, contact President Tim Birtles at tbirt@charter.net or visit www.pineriverareatu.org.

Gwin shown holding a nice trout

Fall/Winter 2022

Interview with TU Upper Peninsula Stream Restoration Manager Sarah Topp

1. What is your position with TU, how long have you held the position, and how did you come to be hired?

I am the Upper Peninsula Stream Restoration Manager with Trout Unlimited as of September 27, 2021. My background in regional conservation program management, grant writing and administration, and experience collaborating with various agency and non-profit partner organizations lent a hand in landing this role.

2. What is your background in terms of education and experience?

I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Northern Michigan University in 2013. I have held various positions in conservation since then, including seasonal positions with the DNR in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, a trail crew in Colorado, and a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member, leading me to my first full-time position with Michigan United Conservation Clubs as the person leading their On the Ground volunteer wildlife habitat improvement program. After three years there, I went on to relocate to Northern Michigan and coordinate the AmeriCorps program with Huron Pines for a few years. Managing those statewide programs gave me a lot of experience in securing funds to support projects, collaborating with several other agencies and organizations throughout the state and aligning priorities. I’m very happy to be in roles where I can work on the behind-the-scenes planning as well as put in sweat equity in the forests and streams.

3. What was it that made you interested in working for TU?

I’ve worked for various non-profits and was very drawn to the regional collaborations I was seeing with TU and the obvious momentum towards restoration work in the Great Lakes region. Being located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was a major draw as well. The staff team dynamics are exactly as I’d hoped for in my career. It’s truly an honor to work with this passionate and talented group of professionals.

4. Describe your position and responsibilities.

As a stream restoration manager, I’m responsible for managing restoration projects within Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This includes establishing partnerships in the region, applying for and administering grants, planning project timelines, securing permits and contracts, and overseeing protection implementation. Field work, including site surveys, fish surveys, and habitat assessments, are a nice perk to see the sites before and after a restoration project. It takes a team effort, and I wouldn’t be successful in this work without the constant support of my colleagues and our regional partners.

5. What has been your involvement in restoration work in the Upper Peninsula Region?

In the past year of being in this role, I have been able to secure funding to support current and new projects, establish new and build existing partnerships, manage a seasonal staff crew that completed over 300 road-stream crossing inventory surveys across the UP, and oversee my first project implementation: a large wood placement project in three sites on the Ogontz River in Delta County. I’ve also been getting two projects ready for implementation next year in the Ottawa National Forest; one on Trout Creek and one on Spargo Creek.

6.

What have been some accomplishments, and what are the future plans?

I’d view having staff dedicated to the UP region as a major accomplishment for TU. Since my position has been added to focus on the region, we’ve also brought on a second Great Lakes Restoration Specialist to focus on design and engineering in Northern Wisconsin and the Western UP, as well as a Great Lakes Field Coordinator to focus on managing seasonal crews and fieldwork for the UP and Northern Wisconsin. This just goes to show how much traction we are gaining and the support that comes with it. Future plans include a focus on our Priority Waters in the region, which includes the Manistique watershed, parts of the Iron, Brule, Paint, and Ontonagon watersheds, and the Lake Superior shoreline and coastal tributaries. We are looking to focus on monitoring and inventory, especially of potential coaster brook trout habitat in that area.

7. Any other activities that you are involved in your position?

I have opportunities to help host community engagement events throughout the region and am involved with the Partners for Watershed Restoration (PWR) steering committee as well. It was a joy this year to get to partner with the USFS Ottawa National Forest and Learn 2 Fish With Us on their Youth Fishing event during the free fishing weekend to introduce kids of various ages to fishing. I look forward to focusing on providing more opportunities for volunteers to get involved in our projects moving forward.

8. Do you have a message for our TU members?

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more about projects in the UP region or connect with me. I’d love to hear about the places that are special to you or the work you’re happy to see us doing. I’d also love to share restored areas with folks and hear how the fishing is there!

The Upper Manistee

work and thought placing trees in a river was the best work day they could ask for. They often place air conditioners on top of buildings in cities, having to get the unit perfectly into a defined box. So, putting trees in a river was super fun for the pilots and well within their abilities. They did an exceptional job setting the trees where we wanted them, and they were so fast.

In locations closest to the tree harvesting site, work crews were pushed to relocate to the following area on the river before the helicopter was back with more trees. It was that fast. The helicopter crew had a man in the boat with us to talk to the pilots. He did an incredible job relaying our instructions to the pilots and making sure trees went where and how we wanted. Our EGLE permit limited us regarding how far into the stream structures could project.

During a lunch discussion with the pilot, I told him it was okay if he came out a little far; we could always trim the tips later. His response was, “No, I want it to be perfect. I don’t want you to have to do anything later. I want to do all the work for you.” That sums up the attitude of the helicopter crew.

The trees mainly were red pine primarily based on availability in the upland riparian area. A harvest site with ample edge was chosen to ensure red pines with as many branches as possible to increase habitat complexity. The whole trees placed by helicopter were positioned to increase habitat diversity and change the speed and direction of water, creating localized pockets of deep water and scouring sand. Trees were also placed to develop places for sand to settle out; “pitchers and catchers.” A variety of configurations were used for different purposes and locations. In most cases, trees were dropped with the roots on shore with trunks and branches angled upstream, usually in groups of two to three trees, to maximize habitat

complexity.

Monitoring hinge-cuts and whole tree structures will continue for several years to gauge how well objectives were accomplished. Each structure will be monitored with a rapid protocol. In addition, geomorphic monitoring of the shape of the river channel will be done at three sites, as will a quantitative wood index. Pre-data were collected at these sites so changes could be documented.

Monitoring is a critically important piece of this project. Without monitoring data, there is no way to know which techniques are most successful. A larger goal of this project is to collect the data needed to identify some of the most effective methods for using wood to create habitat diversity in sandy, low-gradient streams in Northern Michigan. Ideally, monitoring data will reveal structure types with the most favorable results, and that information can be used for project design in similar streams.

These efforts are just one part of the continuing work of the Upper Manistee Collaborative, but it is the biggest to date. We are committed to making a difference in this river system. If that requires arduous work, so be it. We hope this project inspires others to do big aggressive projects to help our fisheries. We do not have to accept slow progressive losses. Where there is a will, there is a way. We are just getting started.

If you wish to help us continue to improve the Upper Manistee, donations can be made to Michigan TU or the Upper Manistee River Association. The funds can be earmarked for the Upper Manistee. Anyone interested in making more significant donations can reach out to Executive Director Dr. Bryan Burroughs.

More photos and videos of the helicopter work can be found on the Michigan TU website, https://michigantu.org/ index.php/core-activities/restore/manistee-river-largewood-habitat-structures.

Helicopter placing a whole tree.

Fall/Winter 2022

Michigan Trout Unlimited is taking this opportunity to thank all of its generous donors. During fiscal year 2022 (10-1-2021 to 9-30-2022), your gifts have made this year tremendously successful and allowed us to continue our mission to protect and conserve coldwater resources in the state of Michigan. In these times that test our resolve, it is important to know that Michigan Trout Unlimited has the best interests of our environment as our number one priority! Thank you once again for your tremendous support!

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Fall/Winter 2022

Book Review: Outside in Shorts

by Glen Blackwood, Great Lakes Fly Fishing Co.

The past few weeks, I have been looking over my shoulder into the past more than focusing on the present, let alone the future. This trip down memory lane, while nostalgic as it has been, was anything but productive, with the exception of contemplating the importance of family, faith, friends, and natural spaces.

Crossing creeks I fished as a boy, riding past farm fields being harvested where I hunted pheasants and ducks, drinking longneck Budweiser’s with Chris, my boyhood best friend, seeing that the elementary school that I attended from kindergarten to 8th grade had been demolished, and not to mention the Methodist church where Chris and I met and attended is now a Tim Horton’s coffee shop—all of this instilled a rollercoaster of emotions. The time spent outside allowing my hounds to romp is where I found the most solace, preparing for my mother’s funeral.

As family and friends, who had to come to pay respects to my mother’s life on a bright, beautiful October morn, the outdoors was a common theme. Whether it was her gardening, trail-cam photos of buckeye bucks, cell phone images of a big bass, 5 pounds 12 ounces landed the day before, soybean yields, or a grandchild’s blue ribbon pumpkin and sunflower—it could be agricultural or sporting; the context didn’t matter. Being outside and the importance of being outside were shared.

In the Amazon-printed book Outside in Shorts by Michigan author Allen Crater, he writes, “And moments like these, spent on the water with friends, provide both the tinder and seasoned logs I need.”

Writing like this is not uncommon in Crater’s first sporting book, Outside in Shorts. Sentences that provoke imagery and contemplation while addressing a broader subject, escaping to the outside. The author, an advertising agency principal in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has written 29 short stories spanning 40 years of outdoor experiences. Some of these essays have been published as magazine articles in Backcountry Journal, Solace, Fly Fusion, and Strung

The author candidly admits that he came to fly fishing for trout late in life. His involvement developed through his son’s interest in wanting to fly fish. Readers should appreciate the author’s prior conventional angling experiences, gifted by family and friends. The passages of pitching Johnson silver minnows in Canada for northern pike reminded me of boyhood adventures casting the same lure on a fiberglass Fenwick Lunker Stik for chain pickerel, largemouth bass, and the rumored muskie in Pennsylvania; only mine was tipped with an Uncle Josh’s frogcolored pork rind.

Thus, this book’s content is not 100 percent fly fishing for trout. Although the majority of the book’s text is focused on this

topic, conventional fishing and big game hunting tales are also shared. The locations of these essays are mainly based both in Michigan and the Rocky Mountains, and the author captures the spirit of both regions.

“The tarter-sauced-smeared walleye sandwich, deep-fried tater tots and tall Two Hearted hit all the right notes- more than the guy wearing the Hawaiian shirt belting out ‘80s covers from the back of the bar. It’s the Friday before the Michigan trout opener, and I am in Dingman’s…”

Or

“Trudging over the last little rise, the view opened into a stunningly clear lake dotted with rising trout. Imposing mountains loomed in every direction.”

While these quotes paint two drastically different scenes, they demonstrate the author’s awareness of locational details. This attention to small points allows the book to develop and grow into the overriding theme of the importance of escaping outside and sharing these outdoor adventures with family and friends.

Jon Osborn, the author of the Fly Fisher’s Guide to Michigan, wrote the book’s forward, describing Mr. Crater in the following manner.

“He’s constantly on the move, a restless spirit more comfortable outdoors than in.”

The book’s writings confirm this description; whether backpacking in the Sawtooth Mountains or arriving at a secluded bay via boat, these stories are moving in both pace and sentiment. The author carries the reader across land, rivers, and still waters, sharing not only the wilds encountered but the comfort found in sharing the outside with others.

Each of us finds comfort in an individual fashion. I recently have found it in the words of scripture, chords of an old-time hymn, the melody of flowing water, the robust camaraderie of a hunting camp, and the stillness of a morning’s first light; each of these elements bringing a sense of ease. And like the stories of Allen Crater, the times outside with family and friends are the most meaningful.

Outside in Shorts

ISBN: 979-8-407-54834-8

Paperback

Retail Price: $12.95

Author: Allen Crater

Publisher: Amazon

h f d d fi h f d d k k f

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