Conservation Resource Alliance Spring News 2018 we… · Kingsley, Michigan, in Wexford County....
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A New Trout Route on Soper Creek The former Soper Creek Trout Farm is located south of Kingsley, Michigan, in Wexford County. This area is part of the Manistee River Watershed, known for producing excellent conditions for fish reproduction and survival due to stable groundwater flow patterns and high water quality. The water- shed is known to hold over 80 species of fish, including lake sturgeon, pugnose shiner, walleye and brook trout. The headwaters of Soper Creek, a coldwater tributary to the Manistee River, shouldered a dilapidated trout farm that had been abandoned for decades. The deserted 48-acre brown and brook trout hatchery had approximately 21 low head dams (up to 8 feet in height) and 20 ponds. The impounded water warmed water temperatures to near lethal limits for trout, drastically reducing their abundance below the ponds and dams. The dams blocked the movement of fish and other aquatic organisms to critical spawning habitat and created genetically-isolated populations. With a transfer of ownership in 2013, a concerted effort to restore the property soon was underway. The new landowners, the Whitehouse family, contacted the Michigan DEQ for help. CRA was brought in to provide project management support including stream geomorphology expertise. The landowner’s investment was strengthened with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation – Sustain Our Great Lakes program and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Fish Passage Program along with CRA’s River Care™ program sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation. Old buildings and infrastructure were torn down; dams removed; ponds filled and regraded. Over two miles of existing creek were rehabilitated and nearly half a mile of new stream channel was created. An acre of floodplain was also reconnected – increasing this waterway’s resilience to extreme weather events. The total project cost was just under $120K not including in-kind labor and equipment services provided by the landowner. The property now feeds clear, cold water into the Manistee River Watershed. The restored section of stream also allows for the natural movement of woody debris, fish and other aquatic organisms. Efforts to rehabilitate the streambanks and upland areas around the tributary are ongoing. Seeding and tree planting will continue as the natural plant community is reestablished. Conservation Resource Alliance SPRING 2018 Big thanks to volunteers from the Traverse City and Cadillac offices of DTE Energy! With their help, we planted 3,000 seedlings at the former trout farm.
Transcript of Conservation Resource Alliance Spring News 2018 we… · Kingsley, Michigan, in Wexford County....
A New Trout Route on Soper Creek The former Soper Creek Trout Farm is located south of Kingsley, Michigan, in Wexford County. This area is part of the Manistee River Watershed, known for producing excellent conditions for fish reproduction and survival due to stable groundwater flow patterns and high water quality. The water-shed is known to hold over 80 species of fish, including lake sturgeon, pugnose shiner, walleye and brook trout.
The headwaters of Soper Creek, a coldwater tributary to the Manistee River, shouldered a dilapidated trout farm that had been abandoned for decades. The deserted 48-acre brown and brook trout hatchery had approximately 21 low head dams (up to 8 feet in height) and 20 ponds. The impounded water warmed water temperatures to near lethal limits for trout, drastically reducing their abundance below the ponds and dams. The dams blocked the movement of fish and other aquatic organisms to critical spawning habitat and created genetically-isolated populations.
With a transfer of ownership in 2013, a concerted effort to restore the property soon was underway. The new landowners, the Whitehouse family, contacted the Michigan DEQ for help. CRA was brought in to provide project management support including stream geomorphology expertise. The landowner’s investment was strengthened with funding from the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation – Sustain Our Great Lakes program and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Fish Passage Program along with CRA’s River Care™ program sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation.
Old buildings and infrastructure were torn down; dams removed; ponds filled and regraded. Over two miles of existing creek were rehabilitated and nearly half a mile of new stream channel was created. An acre of floodplain was also reconnected – increasing this waterway’s resilience to extreme weather events. The total project cost was just under $120K not including in-kind labor and equipment services provided by the landowner.
The property now feeds clear, cold water into the Manistee River Watershed. The restored section of stream also allows for the natural movement of woody debris, fish and other aquatic organisms. Efforts to rehabilitate the streambanks and upland areas around the tributary are ongoing. Seeding and tree planting will continue as the natural plant community is reestablished.
Conservation Resource Alliance
S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
Big thanks to volunteers from the Traverse City and Cadillac offices of DTE Energy! With their help, we planted 3,000 seedlings at the former trout farm.
Bon Voyage CaseyCasey Ressl, our very talented, gifted and well-loved Annual Gifts Coordinator since July of 2013, has moved on to a new position at TART Trails, Inc. as their Development Director. Casey worked passionately for CRA on countless events, campaigns, projects and publications. She was our “go-to gal” for all things communications and fundraising. Never fear, CRA will still be holding our seedling give-a-ways, and Boathouse Wild Game and Wine Dinners (her signature events). Even though Casey has
moved on to bigger and better things, she will always remain in CRA’s heart, as we hope to remain in hers. Please join us in wishing Casey and her family many blessings and well-wishes as they embark on their next chapter.
About CRA
Amy Beyer Director
Sue Antaya Accounting
Kimberly Balke Biologist
Kira Davis Program Director
Molly Flowers Administrative/Development Assistant
Paul Kogelschatz Watershed Coordinator
Chris Pierce Biologist
Matt Thomas Development Coordinator
Diane VanderVeen Contracted Chief Financial Officer
Nate Winkler Biologist
In 1968, Conservation Resource Alliance was
established with one goal – to preserve and
protect Northern Michigan’s waterways,
wildlife, and forests for future generations.
CRA is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3)
organization. Through our River Care™ and
Wild Link™ programs, we restore and protect
over 700 miles of rivers, 5,000 miles of
tributaries and diverse forests throughout 4
million acres in Northern Michigan.
We’ve been able to care for this region’s
natural resources because our partners and
supporters continue to be the backbone of
our organization. Thank you to all of our
donors for supporting hands-on feet-wet
conservation. If you haven’t donated, please
join us. Your commitment is critical to keep
this important work moving forward.
www.rivercare.org
CRA’s Very Own River HeroPlease help us congratulate Kira Davis on her recent River Hero award! The River Network created the River Heroes Award in 2001 to recognize and celebrate individuals whose efforts to protect and restore their local rivers and waters have been extraordinary in scope, scale, impact and heart. River Heroes are nominated annually by their peers, selected by peers and celebrated at River Rally.
River Rally, hosted by River Network, is a national conference for river and water champions that brings together hundreds of people from across the United States
and the world who care about rivers and water issues. Representing CRA in Olympic Valley, CA this year were Kimberly Balke and Kira Davis.
Big thanks to Kira for her ability to bring people together to solve water problems and going above and beyond the call of duty. The passion she brings each and every day to protect our water is truly extraordinary and an inspiration to us all.
Thank You Boathouse RestaurantWhat a night! CRA and friends shared an exquisite meal at the 5th annual Michigan Wild Game Wine Dinner at the Boathouse Restaurant. We filled the place with attendees eager to enjoy Chef Jim Morse’s outstanding cuisine and were able to boost the evening with generous auction donations from
Krenn Timber Bridge Co., The Boathouse Restaurant, True North Trout, Wanigas Rod Company, Iron Fish Distillery, Wayne Andersen and Glenn Hirt. Thanks to all who joined us and to owner Doug Kosch for his generosity.
NatureChange Features the BoardmanOur partners at NatureChange.org recently produced two pieces that discuss aspects of managing the Boardman River. Please visit The Fisheries Management Biologist to hear Michigan DNR Fisheries Biologist Heather Hettinger talk with writer and fisherman, Michael Delp. Be sure to check out The Fate of the Lower Boardman River as well to hear Delp’s conversation with Christine Crissman, Executive Director of the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay.
Sabin Dam (photo taken July 2017), the third dam to be removed on the Boardman River, is slated for removal this year. Miigwech to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians for their leadership throughout this landmark project.
See what we’ve been up to in northern Michigan’s Jordan River Watershed by visiting us on YouTube!
Now that spring has finally come to northern Michigan, partners are ready to get to work on what’s sure to be another big year for The Boardman: A River Reborn. The Au Sable Institute will soon be sampling macroinvertebrates at several locations in the Boardman River to assess the effects of the dam removal on their populations. Monitoring reports are available at theboardman.org.
Contractors will soon remobilize at the former Boardman Dam to continue restoration efforts. Once crews are onsite, the river will be closed downstream of the Lone Pine access. It is recommended river traffic take out at Beitner Road (Keystone Rapids) or Oleson Bridge during continued restoration efforts.
The river will be open from Cass Road to South Airport until the Sabin Dam removal project is underway.
A public bid opening for the Sabin Dam construction bid was conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on May 15. A contract award is expected in mid-June with mobilization shortly thereafter. As this phase of the project gets underway, the Boardman River will be closed from Cass Road Bridge downstream through the construction zone at Sabin Dam. The Grand Traverse Conservation District Nature Center will remain open during the dam removal. Please visit www.theboardman.org for the latest news!
Another Big Year for the Boardman River
We lost a friend and advocate for the rivers and lakes of northwestern Michigan when Tom Rozich passed away in early April. Tom was the longtime Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist in Cadillac until his retirement in the early 2000s. He provided leadership in the many watershed restoration partnerships such as the Pere Marquette, Little Manistee, and Pine River. Tom was also one of the first to recognize the opportunity to restore the Boardman River through the dam removal project.
Besides being a top notch fisheries biologist, Tom was a first rate woodsman and naturalist. He was a mentor to many younger biologists in the MDNR as well as those from the various organizations that worked with the MDNR. One always came away with a little more interesting knowledge after spending a day in the field with him.
Finally, Tom was a great public servant, always willing to listen and help out those in the angling community who wanted his assistance. He was fond of saying “that’s who I work for.” He will be missed but the legacy of his contributions for the betterment of the waters of northwestern Michigan will endure for generations.
Tom Rozich during his early years with the Michigan DNR (Rozich family photo).
If you happen to run across Syers Creek, tucked away in Lake County, you’ll find a high quality coldwater stream with great habitat for brook trout and mottled sculpin. Follow this Little Manistee River tributary far enough upstream and you’ll find Syers Lake Dam. Created to provide vehicle access to adjacent private lands, the 120’ long and 6’ high berm restricts movement of aquatic life, increases sedimentation, causes the stream to go dry and elevates water temperatures.
Our project team has completed a preliminary design to replace the current structure with an appropriately sized culvert that accommodates a more natural stream flow and provides a safe crossing for vehicles. This undertaking is estimated to cost $120,000 with 90% of the funding currently committed. The next steps include permitting and compliance this summer with the bidding process slated to start in July for an anticipated August construction launch.
Removal of this barrier will not only return the natural flow to the creek, but wetland areas will also be reclaimed. As we experience more severe weather events, these wetlands are critical buffers that help manage additional runoff.
Syers Lake Dam Removal
Remembering Tom Rozich By Bob Stuber
The Tribal Stream and Michigan “Fruitbelt” Collaborative, funded by the 2014 Farm Bill’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, is a five-year commitment to streamline Farm Bill Programs with the goal of intertwining land and water conservation. In an area known for orchards and vineyards as well as its dependency on eco-tourism, protection of the pristine waters and lands that sustain Michigan’s “fruitbelt” are of vital importance.
The partnership is led by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Leelanau Conservancy and CRA. This diverse group of partners understands the connection between protecting traditional
tribal lifeways, conserving farmland and restoring rivers in these critical and globally rare watersheds.
Support for this collaborative provides approximately $6 million for land protection
and $2 million for river restoration implementation with an additional $8 million provided as match from partners. CRA projects supported by the Tribal Stream and Michigan Fruitbelt Collaborative include the Brutus Road
timber bridge on the Maple River and road/stream crossing improvements on Hinton
Creek, a tributary to the Manistee River. Stay tuned for more great projects supported by this
innovative partnership.
Master artist Jerry Gates has spent his life studying the texture, shape, and composition of natural surroundings. Nature, which is the core of and inspiration for his work, is presented in highly realistic images of his favorite rivers and fields. Nature is also portrayed as a study of fine details in abstract form. Gates’s work remains fresh and exciting, as he accepts the challenge of change, and pushes his creativity in different directions.
Gates, a lead artist in the Twisted Fish Gallery since its inception 17 years ago, is also a major donor to Conservation Resource Alliance. Caring for northern Michigan’s rivers and other natural treasures for 50 years, the CRA is proud to join with Twisted Fish to honor Jerry Gates through the exhibit, “Earth, Wind, Water,” which will showcase his artistry.
The exhibit runs from June 1 to June 24 at the Twisted Fish Gallery in Elk Rapids with an opening reception to honor Gates and his work held June 1st. Ten percent of all art sales from this exhibit will be donated to CRA. Make plans to take in this show and help support local art and conservation. For more information contact CRA or the gallery at: www.twistedfishgallery.com.
Earth, Wind, Water - Changeable Images and Times
The Maple River is going through a dramatic evolution this year. CRA and partners are looking forward to the rebirth of nearly a mile of river with the removal of the Lake Kathleen Dam. Plans are also underway to replace the Woodland Road crossing with a free-span timber bridge as well as replace a private two-track crossing on the East Branch with a small free-span bridge.
The contractor has been selected and we are anticipating a kick-off for construction as soon as permits are in hand. The total project cost for the dam and timber bridge is currently estimated at $2.7 million and we are closing the funding gap of $500,000 in the meantime. This is an all-hands-on-deck effort – every dollar counts! Please help us reach our Free Span the Maple River dream by joining us today.
Changing Landscape on the Maple River
Land & Water Conservation in Michigan’s Fruitbelt
THANK YOU for Your Recent SupportAuthentic Lawn & Tree Svc. Inc., Cliff Both
Backcountry North
Baiardi Family Foundation, Inc.
Beaver Island Association
Benzie Sportsman’s Club
Brauer Productions, Rich Brauer
City of Traverse City
Consumers Energy Foundation
DTE Energy Foundation
Dye Family Charitable Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, John & Elizabeth Dye
Elliott Donnelley Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Fischer Insurance Agency, Joe & Rachel Fischer
The George Fund
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
GTB NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program
Healing Our Waters
Irish Boat Shop
Inter-Fluve, Inc.
Iron Fish Distillery
ITC Holdings Corp.
Link Engineering Services, Brad Link
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
Manistee County Sport Fishing Association
Little Manistee Watershed Conservation Council
Michigan DNR Dams Management Grant Program & Aquatic Habitat Grant Program
Michigan Fly Fishing Club
Michigan Hydro Relicensing Coalition
Patagonia, Inc.
Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation
Rotary Charities
Speyrod Outfitters and Guide Services, Walter Grau
Urka Farms, John & Joy Urka
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Anonymous
Chris Allen & Linda Custis Allen
Allen & Margo Ammons
Edwin Anderson
John Avey
Tom Barnes
Chris & Mike Bates
Jim Bedford
Tom Bell
Tim Bergers
Martha Bornak & Paul Tata
James & Laura Bos
Robert Brammer
Wade & Mary Ellen Bridges
Richard & Bettie Buss
Stephen Calkins
Hugh & Dianne Campbell
Robert & Mary Campbell
Patricia Carlson
Dennis & Pamela Carney
Bob Carstens
Ray & Gloria Castle
Russell & Vivian Cecil
Robert & Diane Collier
Dave & Jan Cornelius
William & Barbara Cragg
Jonathan & Linda Damon
Kris & Monte Del Monte
Mark Delaney
James & Nancy Dorr
Arno & Judith Driedger
Dave Dykstra
Jane Ecclestone, The Perennial Gardener
Scot & Jilanne Egleston
Eric & Diana Ellis
Phil Ellis
Michael & Rhonda Estes Family
Bob Evans
William & Mary Lou Eyke
Robert & Rudean Fairman
Hugh & Betty Farber
Phil & Judy Feiger
Bob & Sandra Foote
Dick & Sue Ford
Joann Freethy
Jerry Gates
Jim & Molly Gillhespy
Robert & Joyce Gingras
Brad Graft
Jeff Graft
Fritz Grebe
Gary & Barbara Gritter
Jerry & Lisa Grooters
Stacy & Jason Haggard
Michael & Mary Haley
Dick Hansen
Sandra & Leon Hanson
Ed & Elaine Harris
Jack & Lori Haveman
Geoff & Mary Sue Heidbrink
Jerry & Barbea Heiman
Jill Henemyer
Tim & Pam Henry
Richard Hinterman
Jack & Dorie Hires
Glenn & Shari Hirt
Lotsie & Rick Holton
Robert & Suzette Hoxie
Carl Hueter
Mike & Abby Husband
David & Ann Irish
Glenn & Coral Jackson
Mark & Deb Jackson
Walt & Karyn Jakiela
Laura Jaquish & Cal Steinorth
Jeff & Carolyn Johnson
Lambert Johnson
Mark E. Johnson
William & Kima Johnson
Bill & Judy Jones
Jim & Becky Kalajian
John & Linda Kearns
Adam Kennedy & Sheri Rhoads
Joe & Karen Kimmell
Eileen & Charles King
Doug & Kathy Cool
Chuck Kopinski
Doug & Erin Kosch
Brian Kozminski
Current Works, Ted Kraimer
Bob Krenn
Ronald & Lois Krepps
John & Mary Lou Kuehn
George & Elizabeth Kuhn
Nicholas & Linda Kussy
Chuck & Kathy Lombardo
Greg & Suzanne Lonnee
Anne Magoun
Aaron & Lori Mansfield
Dirk & Mary Martin
Mike & Jan Matuszewski
Mike & Barbara McGath
Michael McGraw
Philip & Connie Micklin
Joseph & Heidi Moloney
Jim & Debi Morse
Peter D. & Susan C. Neithercut
Irv Nichols
Cheers to the Elliott Donnelly Chapter of Trout Unlimited
for 15 years of partnering to protect and preserve coldwater habitat including their most recent gift of $4,000 to CRA!
Thanks to all our donors who made the 2018 Seedling Give-A-Way a success! We gave away seven species of native trees totaling 3,100 seedlings this year. Thank you for investing in Northern Michigan’s water and wildlife!
CRA Director Amy Beyer with donor Jerry Inman
✁Please Help Support CRA and Practical Conservation
CRA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
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Mary Jo O’Connor
Doug Patulski
Sue Peters & Dave Murphy
Seth & Consie Pierrepont
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John & Mary Ragan
Mark Rapanos
Steven Rapanos
Ray Ravary
Dick & Leslie Redmond
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Tom Rozich
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Robert Warski & Laurel Vietzen
Christopher Watts and Linda Rhyne
Mark Weaver
Evangeline (Van) M. White
Charles & Kerry Wilson
Stephen & Jennifer Wilson
Dr. William Wooden & Susan Rosenow Wooden
Jay & Michal Youngflesh
Mark Zollner
Tom Zurfluh
New membersDavid Belknap
Chelsea Berg
Chris Christensen
Beverly J. Cuthbert
Brett & Molly Flowers
Garth Fort
James C. & Eveliyn N. Howell
Al & Darlene Whitehouse
Jeff & Kristin Gandy
David & Lisa Schimmel
Joyce Durdel
Robert Reider & Susan McCraven
Butch & Renee Rouwhorst
Jeanette Williams
Conservation SustainersTony & Susan Baynard
Chuck & Amy Beyer
Keith & Caroline Charters
Kira & Eric Davis
Mike Donahue & Jennifer Read Donahue
John Goeke
Colleen Grogan & Michael Grosse
Dan & Barb Hubbell
Shawn Kanouse
Paul Kogelschatz & Clare Wood
Kathy & Mark Primo
Amber Ressl & Corey Wentworth
Lee Schwocho
Nate Winkler & Jenna Scheub
Syers Lake Dam Removal SupportersCheryl & Mark Bronson
Scott & Elaine Dole
Tom & Carol Dole
Kay Garvey for the Frank & Marilyn Stankey Estate
Randall G. Higgins
Ross & Sandy Houdek
Ireneus & Katherine Marciniec
Darryl Pococke
Ronald & OkJung Stankey
Kathie Stedman
Tom Rozich MemorialAlicia Balmoja
Bob & Elizabeth Garner
Dell & Lorraine Siler
Don & Lyn Molitor
Edgar Huamantla
Fred & Sue Eyer
Georgio Kougentakis
James Grant
Leo & Marcia Mrozinski
Nature’s Reflections - Jim & Sarah Haveman
Rhonda Neverth
Stephen Frydrych
Michael & Judy Usitalo
Kellan Skrine
Manish Madhavani
Paula & Bruce Polso
Sam & Diane Federoff
The Harold E. Miller Family
Honorariums and MemorialsIn honor of Brethren Elementary Students from Michael & Chris Gravlin
In honor of Dave Peterson from Wayne Andersen & Cynthia Carrig
In Honor of Ed & Carol DeVilbiss from Rob DeVilbiss
In Honor of Marie Zornig Meilner from Donald & Linda Smith
In Honor of Reeling & Healing Midwest from Catherine Sero
In Memory of Aaron Hays from Doris Hays
In Memory of Bev Trumley from Allen Long
In Memory of Christopher Handke from Katherine & David Handke
In Memory of Gayle Breshears from Peggy & Graham Martin
In Memory of Jan Mebert from James Mebert
In Memory of Jean Belknap Taylor from Peggy & Graham Martin
In Memory of John & Dee Thomas from David Thomas
In Memory of Klementyna & Jan Jakiela from Mark Jakiela
In Memory of Rennie E. Hughes from Christine Hughes
In Memory of Robert Ehrhardt from Bethany & Brad Bucklew
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Stewardship Spotlight
Big thank you to Backcountry North
Backcountry North is a local, family-owned Michigan outdoor retailer dedicated to providing excellent customer experiences. Established in 1978, its first location was founded in downtown Traverse City, and this year - through the continued support of its community – they are proud to be celebrating their 40th anniversary. They outfit and inform both the novice and the well-traveled in their pursuit of memorable adventures on land and water.
The folks at Backcountry North are passionate about the outdoors, both locally and around the globe. They support Leave No Trace ethics, and promote the importance of preserving the great outdoors for future generations. They strive to be ambassadors for the outdoors, but especially within its community, working closely with various groups to protect and promote the outdoors through environmental protection, outreach, and education. Some of the organizations they have worked with in the past are the VASA Ski Club, Boardman River Clean Sweep, FLOW (For Love Of Water), The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, The Boardman River Conservation District, and the Conservation Resource Alliance.
The Backcountry North team lives vicariously through their customers, and often becomes as excited about customer adventures as they do their own. Their specialists work hard to ensure that every customer has a fun experience and leaves with even more excitement and drive for adventure than they had before.
