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.

by Tom Mundt

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.