MUDDLER T H E M E R S H O N

October 2006 Volume 10 Issue 3

A LOCAL CHAPTER OF

AMERICA’S LEADING NONPROFIT

COLDWATER FISHERIES

CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION

Newsletter of the William B. Mershon Chapter of Trout Unlimited

F all is upon us and the brook and brown trout will soon be on their spawning beds preparing just as we are for the next year. Thanks to a lot of effort by Mershon chapter members, trout will be more

successful in their quest to regenerate and sustain good populations. We support trout and our cold-water resources in a number of ways, including stream restoration, monetary contributions to worthy river projects,

angler- and river-user education, and being politically active in matters affecting our resource. There is more to do than any one of us can handle, and I invite all of you to become more involved in our efforts. We have a super core of people in the Mershon chapter, but like many organizations today, we tend to overload our leaders. We have had four activities this fall that were well planned and very rewarding to those who attended. A few new faces were involved in those events, and I hope those people are encouraged to attend future functions. Come to any of our events or board meetings, and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed, and you might even “get hooked on making a difference.” Please take a look at our calendar of upcoming events and meetings and make plans to join us.

Another subject I wanted to let you know about was the September 9th, 3006 annual river clean-up day on the Au Sable River. It was attended by a few die-hard Mershon members who--Yes, that is a typo on the date, but it does cause one to wonder what the state of our rivers will be in 50, 100, or 1000 years. Trout Unlimited has approached river systems for almost 50 years with a mission to conserve and protect our cold-water resources and fisheries, but after spending about 25 years of working on restoration projects and cleaning up other people’s messes, I feel that even more needs to be done to protect these assets. First, we need to educate all of the river users as well as fishermen about the irreplaceable gift that we, as conservationists, have been given the responsibility to keep in its natural condition. Like it or not, fishermen are going to share most of our cold-water rivers and streams with other users. We cannot just ignore this fact. We need to make efforts to educate everyone using the waterways that they have some basic responsibilities.

See Meanders page 5

Founded 1963, Chapter Number 020

1989, 1996 & 1997 RECIPIENT OF THE MICHIGAN COUNCIL TU CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Meanders A few thoughts from

the president

Robb Smith, chapter president

www.Mershon-TU.org

trees immediately redirected current flow away from the bank and created the longest, best looking logjam that I've ever seen. This spot is sure to be a prime area for all trout species in the Rifle very soon. Luckily, all that attended the event now have permission from the land owner to come fish the area anytime we please. By the time you have received this issue of the Muddler, we will have returned to that site to place two more rows of trees half-way up the high bank to stop any further erosion that may occur. Details for the location can be found on the Mershon website. Bill Bergeron, the land owner, created a great atmosphere for all of the workers involved in the project by arranging for a catered lunch for all, including BBQ chicken, pulled pork, all sorts of side dishes, and fantastic desserts. As usual, the project was a great time for all, and although it was a lot of hard work, it was very satisfying to see the fruits of our labor and to know that we are making a difference. I urge all members to take part in some or all of our projects throughout the year. They give us all an opportunity to meet great people, see some great fishing spots, and help conserve our rivers and cold-water habitat.

Volunteers enjoy good company, great food, and the gratification of improving the Rifle River habitat by Josh Butzin, chapter director

O n Saturday September 23rd, several hard working, dedicated

volunteers from the Mershon chapter, as well as some like-minded TU members from the Ann Arbor chapter, contributed a long, hard day to our cause of improvement of freshwater habitat for trout. The combined crew met at a property on the Rifle River just below M-55 and installed over 1,200 feet of tree revetment. The project consisted of placing two rows of bank-side pine trees along a 600-foot bend in the river below an extremely tall high-bank area. The erosion being caused by the current scraping the sandy banks at the river's edge was essentially having the effect of kicking the bank's feet out from under it. As the sand at the bottom of the high-bank was being washed away, the upper portions of the bank were losing support and then falling into the river, thus depositing large amounts of sand and silt into the river system. The result was increasing water temperatures and loss of valuable gravel streambed, which is vital to spawning for our beloved trout and salmon. The result of having the trees in the water was dramatic and very quickly evident. The

WILLIAM B. MERSHON CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED

2006-2007 Bob Kren 810-762-3275 rmkren@umflint.edu Johnny Martinez, Jr. 643-0517 (H) johnny.martinez.jr@smithbarney.com Mike Meyer 892-9624 mikemeyertu@charter.net Dennis Thiel 792-1188 dfthiel@sbcglobal.net Pat Zaplitny 892-9317 pat.zaplitny@eds.com

Advisors Bo Brines 989-832-4100 (W) 989-832-9528 (H) bobrines@tm.net Craig Bublitz (810) 688-3963 bublitz@cardina.net Joe Bula 781-2047 (H) joenette@mybluelight.com David Cozad 684-7947 (H) Benthos1@aol.com David Fisher 781-4932 (H), 792-9641 (W) djfisher@smithbovill.com Jac Ford 781-0997 (H/FAX) canglers@aol.com Mel Gricar 652-9277 (H), 792-9618 (W) melgricar@aol.com

Carl Hubinger 642-5487 (H) bchubinger@msn.com Howard N. Johnson 753-6373 hnjohnson@aol.com Peter Jones 753-3984 (H) pjones@fphorak.com Risty Kalivas 790-8614 (H) ristydo@aol.com Dan Keane 642-8960 (H) keanedml@chartermi.net Harold Kleinert 684-4733 (H) hrkleinert@hotmail.com Judy McCann 652-9869 (H) jmccann113@aol.com Art C. Neumann 777-0484 (H) Bruce Scorsone 793-7200 bscorsone@aol.com Jake Shinners 781-3003 (H), 799-5000 (W) jshinners@shinnerscook.com Greg Stansbury 695-8080 (H/FAX) papertube@aol.com Newsletter Layout Teri Skidmore 781-0040 TeriSkidz@yahoo.com Website www.Mershon-TU.org

Officers President Robb Smith 989-893-3792 (h) 989-233-1922 (cell) rssmithsr@chartermi.net Vice-President Jo Neuhalfen 642-5946 jo@wolgastcorporation.com Treasurer Rich Kemerer 781-5220 richard.kemerer@cbcf-net.com Secretary Bob Spence 799-6617 (H) rsspe2@chartermi.net Past-President Christopher J. Radke 249-6420 (H) cradke@shinnerscook.com

Directors Bill Adams 652-8328 adamsbillchar@aol.com Josh Butzin 798-6263 jmbutzin@sbcglobal.net Dave Case 642-5286 dsbec53@chartermi.net Brian Frost 781-7731 abfrost@msn.com Steve Janson 964-0041 (H) sjanson@chartermi.net

The chapter’s involvement in the project will help restore native northern white-cedars to the riparian corridor, providing needed shade to maintain the cold-water fishery of the Au Sable River. The presence of the cedar sweepers at the water line provides protection for the fish, as well as provides for the preservation of the riverbank. If you would like to help with the planting next year, please contact chapter chairman Howard N. Johnson at 989-753-6373 or email hnjohnson@aol.com.

Mershon chapter members plant seedlings along the Au Sable River by Howard N. Johnson, chapter advisor

M ershon chapter members planted fifty cedar seedlings along

the South branch of the Au Sable River for the third consecutive year as part of the chapter’s five-year commitment to the Mason Tract “Cedars for the Au Sable” project. This year’s planting was completed with the help of fifteen chapter members on Saturday, September 30, 2006. Each northern white-cedar seedling was planted where indicated by Kathy Ryan of Huron Pines RC&D and Susan Thiel of MDNR; partners in the Mason Tract Cedar Restoration Project.

Pictured left to right front row: Dave Dunn, Scott Kelly, William Fowler, Keith Scharf, and Doug Markillie. Left to right back row: Robb Smith, Harry Stuart, Greg Stansbury, Tracey Sprague, Rae Ann Karlsen, Jim Comment, and Chris Radke, Dan Baudoux.

Chapter member Scott Kelly plants one of fifty cedar seedlings along the south branch.

O ur quarterly meeting was held at the YMCA, Camp Algonquin, in Hastings,

Michigan, on September 23, 2006. It was an eventful meeting, to say the least, but I'll keep it short and to the point. We have new officers and they are: Chair: Pat Kochanny Vice-Chair: Kimberly Clark Secretary: Kurt Brauer Treasurer: Chris Radke NLC Rep: Carl Hueter

MCTU officers elected at quarterly meeting

Carl Hueter presented Rich Bowman with an antique map of the Caribbean Sea and a gift certificate to Borders. as Rich is leaving TU to take a position with the Nature Conservatory. After the presentation, Mr. Bowman was recognized and honored with a standing ovation. We also had an open discussion with DEQ Deputy Director Skip Pruss and DNR Fisheries Chief Kelley Smith.

more sting operations to spot littering and monitor a few prime locations? It doesn’t take long for the word to get out to the RP’s that an area is being watched. They will either straighten up their act or move on. When most of the rivers are monitored, maybe a little respect will be earned. Canoe liveries, loading sites, and even fly shops could have posted notices concerning littering. The RP’s might ignore them, but they couldn’t deny knowledge of the rules and fines. Chrissy and I also talked about writing to our state senators and congressmen to demand answers as to why littering and abuse are allowed on our rivers. What kind of reaction do you think you would get if you were to take a politician on a Saturday afternoon canoe trip in mid-July from Mio to Comins Flats? He or she would be in shock before they left the loading ramp! We think this is such a good idea that we are going to challenge Matthew Gillard (the 106th district state representative) to make just such a trip. I could go on and on concerning this subject, but it boils down to another area in which I feel Trout Unlimited must become involved. We either get involved or lose our rivers, can by can . . . everyone needs to RESPECT our rivers! Your president, Robb Smith

Second, if by educating people they learn to respect the resource, it would be wonderful, but if this doesn’t work, I think people need to learn “the hard way.” That is, you have to pay for abusing, littering, and fouling our rivers and waterways. The more time you spend working on the resource, the more frustrated you get as you pick up after what I am going to politely call “river pigs.” (Henceforth, known as RP’s) It is extremely frustrating to stand by and watch something as beautiful as a woodland river be littered and disrespected. While my wife, Chrissy, and I were walking the river bank at the last Au Sable River clean-up (which really was on September 9th, 2006), we thought of a few ways to help our rivers. Some of the things we talked about aren’t going to be popular, and, frankly, we aren’t trying to win any elections. We are trying to save rivers for the future! How hard would it be for the canoe liveries to provide a plastic garbage bag tied into the canoe for users to throw their litter into? How hard would it be to print some clever wording on the bags to encourage their use and make users feel they are doing the right thing? How hard would it be to print the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 451 of 1994 littering law (one sentence) on the back of canoe rental agreements so users know that they can be fined for littering?

Meanders, continued from page 1

How hard would it be to place a few no littering signs with fines listed at loading sites? Did you know there is an $800 fine for littering on public or private property and water? When is the last time you have seen a littering law enforced? Our rivers deserve, at a minimum, the respect of all users. The waterways are amazingly durable, but I’m not sure they can survive another century with an aluminum bottom and a Dixie Cup shoreline. Back to respect. What does it take to earn respect? Following the rules and suffering the consequences for inappropriate behavior is the way most of us have been brought up. Today, it seems that a lot of people think that because they are on the river “up north” anything goes. As I see it now, there is no priority to encourage any respect toward our rivers, and it will take a coalition effort if our rivers are going to survive as we have known them in 1000, 100, or even 50 more years. Some of the other things that Chrissy and I thought about were to solicit grants (money) from the beer companies for help to fund and enforce river littering laws and encourage stewardship. Incidentally, Bud-Light is easily the favorite beer can jettisoned into the river, closely followed by the small plastic cups from which vodka jello sliders are sucked. Another thing that might help would be bottle deposits on all beverages. Empty water and juice bottles make prominent appearances in and on the rivers. In the age of cell phones and digital cameras, what would it take to set up a few

with a check made out to ‘Mershon Chapter, Trout Unlimited,’ remitting $2.50 for each new member, to Mershon Chapter Trout Unlimited, P. O. Box 1555, Saginaw, MI 48605-1555. Remember that this is for NEW members only. We’ll send a letter to each of these new members, telling them that you have given them this gift and opportunity. Many thanks, and Merry Christmas!

Jingle all the way! by Bob Kren, chapter director

S tores have begun to put out Christmas decorations, and we’re feeling the urge

to think about gifts for family and friends. What better gift than to give a membership in Trout Unlimited? For only two dollars and fifty cents, you can give a new member a one-year experience associating with the world’s strongest advocate for

cold-water fisheries. Know somebody who fishes for steelhead, or lake trout, or drowns a worm catching brookies? What about a friend, business associate, client, or customer, who you know fishes for trout or salmon? Make up a list of these friends and acquaintances who do not yet benefit from membership in TU, download and fill out the form you’ll find online at www.mershon-tu.org, or make copies of the one below and fill them out, and send them, along

Yes! I want a friend to join Trout Unlimited!

Please begin a one-year introductory membership in Trout Unlimited,

for the new member shown below.

This new membership entitles the recipient of my gift to all regular membership benefits, including a TU decal, membership card and quarterly issues of Trout

(PLEASE PRINT) Name Address City State Zip Day Phone Chapter 020 Mershon

Sponsor Michigan Council – Code 5449

My information (purchaser) (PLEASE PRINT) Name Address City State Zip Day Phone

Please send $2.50 for each gift membership to:

Mershon Chapter Trout Unlimited

P. O. Box 1555 Saginaw, MI 48605-1555

Casting For Recovery retreat relaxing for participants and river helpers by Judy McCann, chapter advisor

O n a beautiful weekend, September 8-10, 14 women and 8 staff

descended on Ranch Rudolf for the Casting for Recovery Retreat. Friday night, everyone got acquainted, learned about the program, and bonded around a campfire. Saturday morning, we were all up bright and early for a full day learning about the equipment, how to tie knots, beginning fly casting, and more beginning fly casting. After all that, we were treated to a wonderful hay ride, the evening circle, and a camp fire with s'mores. It was off to bed early for the highly anticipated fishing on the river Sunday morning. True to Michigan, there was a heavy frost and rather chilly conditions but high enthusiasm for the day ahead. Around 8:30 a.m., the 14 breast cancer survivors met their river helper, and by 9:00 a.m., all 28 were in the Boardman River under sunny conditions both outside and inside. Our president Robb was a river helper for the first time, and as luck would have it, he and his partner were the only

ones to catch a fish. We all had lunch together, and the river helpers were all given a tee shirt from our new sponsor, The Hartford Company. It was a great weekend. Next year we hope to engage more of our members to become river helpers—talk to Robb, he had a great time. If you would like information on being a river helper, contact me at the number or e mail address below. The 2007 Retreat is scheduled for Sept. 7–9. Judy McCann, Co-Leader Casting for Recovery 989-652-9869 jmccann113@aol.com

MERSHON BOARD MEETINGS Wednesday, November 1, 2006 Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Wednesday, January 10, 2007

5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Gander Mountain, Saginaw

FLY-TYING & FLY-FISHING CLASSES Beginning January 2007 Swan Valley High School

Contact Jac Ford for more information.

2007 SPRING BANQUET Wednesday, April 25, 2007 Location to be determined

WALLEYE DINNERS Monday, January 15, 2007 &

Monday, March 5, 2007 5 p.m.

American Legion Post 5190 Weiss St. in Saginaw

Calendar of Events

Dear Members of Mershon Chapter of TU, My name is Sean Adams and I would like to thank the chapter for sponsoring me and making it possible for me to attend the TU fly fishing youth camp this year. I had fun learning to tie flies to use on the rivers and fishing all day long. We learned about soft

Thank You

hackles and entomology. I also liked canoeing on the Au Sable and fishing for bass and bluegill at Big Creek Lodge. It was a great learning experience and fun outdoor adventure. I also appreciate all of the other sponsors and contributors that made it possible for me to go.

—Sean Adams

O n July 9th, another great youth fly fishing and conservation camp

opened at the Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center at Higgins Lake, in the heart of Northern Michigan. The five-day camp is designed to educate our 12- to 16-year-old boys and girls that will become a generation of conservation leaders about the importance of protecting our cold-water resources. We had discussions on stream restoration, and together we completed a stream improvement project. Students discovered what trout need to survive, where they hide, and how to catch a trout. In the evening, students got to test their new skills on the famous Au Sable and Manistee Rivers.

Camp teaches youth about protecting our cold-water resources by Bill Adams, chapter director

This camp is possible through the effort of Trout Unlimited chapters and volunteers, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, Ray’s Canoe Livery (Steve Southhard), and many others. This year’s camp consisted of 17 students, including two lady anglers. Out-of-state students included two from Arizona, one each from Ohio, Florida, Illinois, and Texas. Our Mershon chapter sponsored two campers, Clair Arndt and Sean Adams. It was a great experience for me to participate as an adult volunteer. It was a great camp and a great group of young people.

Students learn to tie flies alongside veteran fly fishermen. Student Sean Adams is pictured here with Ron Barch.

Student Sean Adams receives one-on-one casting instructions from Ron Barch.

Instructor Tim Jacobs demonstrates casting to students at this year’s fly fishing and conservation camp.

Financial Director Christopher Radke stated “Rich will be hard to replace, but we can build off the strengths that Rich had and find a person to carry on MCTU’s mission of conserving, protecting, and restoring Michigan’s coldwater resources.” MCTU looks forward to continuing its working relationship with Rich and the Nature Conservancy. Comments from Resource Leaders in Michigan about Rich as Executive Director of MCTU. “Trout Unlimited has gained credibility with the legislators in Lansing and helped push forward for the protection of coldwater species under the direction of Rich Bowman.” Tom Rozich, MDNR Fisheries Biologist “Rich Bowman has increased the effectiveness of the Michigan Council, and has taken Trout Unlimited to be the ‘go to’ conservation organization in Lansing when coldwater issues are at stake.” Sen. Patti Birkholz “MCTU has accomplished so much in the past three years with the groundwater legislation and new mining laws that Michigan has, so many accomplishments for MCTU with Rich as the Executive Director.” Mike Slater, National Board of Directors, Trout Unlimited

Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited Executive Director has accepted a new position with the Nature Conservancy by Patrick Kochanny, MCTU Vice-Chairman

R ich Bowman, who has served for seven years as the Executive Director of

the Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited (MCTU), has accepted a position with the Nature Conservancy as Director of Government Relations for Michigan. MCTU has proven to be a leading advocate for conservation issues, particularly coldwater resources, and much of its success can be attributed to the excellent work that Rich did as its Executive Director. With Rich’s help and guidance, MCTU has tackled many issues over the past seven years, such as small dam removal legislation, non-ferrous mining law regulation, groundwater withdrawal legislation and natural river designation. Many individuals were surprised at the announcement that Rich was leaving, however not everyone was surprised. MCTU Chairman Carl O. Hueter said “Rich excelled at his job....other organizations have taken notice of

the fantastic job he has been doing and they capitalized...it’s a credit to the great accomplishments of Rich and MCTU that Rich was selected to join the Nature Conservancy, which is the world’s largest conservation organization.” Rich worked closely with Michigan’s resource leaders from both the MDNR and MDEQ. As a testament to MCTU’s credibility on resource issues, the Department of Natural Resources awarded MCTU the Outstanding Partnership Award in 2004. Rich was always willing to listen to what the resource agencies had to say, but always put the issues of Trout Unlimited upfront and was prepared to make them accountable for their actions on issues concerning coldwater resources. Tammy Newcomb, MDNR Lake Huron Basin Coordinator, said “Fisheries Division has benefited greatly from Rich Bowman's leadership for Trout Unlimited on issues so very important to coldwater resource management. His ability to bring together stakeholders, lawmakers, and state resource agencies on controversial issues has benefited both Trout Unlimited as well as anyone who enjoys aquatic resources in the State.” Trout Unlimited National Leadership Council Representative Kurt Brauer stated “I wish the best to Rich and hope that the Nature Conservancy realizes what an asset they have in Rich.” While many TU leaders are sorry to see Rich leave, they look forward to the challenge of finding a replacement. MCTU

T his proposed constitutional amendment would establish the Conservation

and Recreation Legacy Fund, the Game and Fish Protection Trust Fund and the Nongame Fish and WildlifeTrust Fund within the Michigan Constitution. A “Yes” vote supports placing specific requirements in the state constitution regarding these restricted Department of Natural Resources (DNR) funds. A “No” vote opposes adding this language. The proposal was placed on the ballot when two-thirds of the members in both houses of the legislature approved House Joint Resolution Z in late 2004.

Background The Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (P.A. 451 of 1994)

Michigan Ballot Proposal 06-1 Natural Resources Funds This November, Michigan voters will head to the polls to decide the fate of several statewide ballot proposals, including a proposal that all Mershon members should be aware of. To assist you in understanding this proposal, we are reprinting with permission an MSU Extension bulletin describing the proposal and giving the official language, the background, and a policy discussion, including the differing viewpoints on each issue.

established many funds and programs to deal with specific issues and interests. These include the Game and Fish Protection Fund, the Recreational Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund, the State Park Improvement Fund, the Michigan State Waterways Fund, the Michigan Harbor Development Fund, the Marine Safety Fund, the Forest Recreation Fund and others. Such programs are funded by a combination of state and federal funds, user fees, permits and licenses. The funds are earmarked for specific uses, but the legislature has transferred monies into the state’s general fund to deal with budget deficits. Michigan voters approved constitutional inclusion for the Natural Resources Trust Fund in 1984, the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund in 1994 and the Recreation Land Acquisition Trust Fund in 2002. The Proposal The joint resolution, adding Sections 40-42 to Article IX of the state constitution, would establish the legacy fund and two trust funds and incorporate language from the current law to specify revenue sources and allowable expenditures. • The Michigan Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund (Sec. 40) would be made up of several specific funds. The amendment details the sources of revenue and specifies how the monies are to be spent, using language from current law. It also states that colleges and universities may receive grants to implement these programs. The state treasurer would direct the investment of

Official ballot language:

A PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE THAT MONEY HELD IN CONSERVATION AND RECREATION FUNDS CAN ONLY BE USED FOR THEIR INTENDED PURPOSES. The proposed constitutional amendment would: • Create a Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund within the Constitution and establish existing conservation and recreation accounts as components of the fund. • Use current funding sources such as state park entrance and camping fees; snowmobile, ORV and boating registration fees; hunting and fishing license fees; taxes and other revenues to fund accounts. • Establish the current Game and Fish Protection Fund and the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund within the Constitution. • Provide that money held in Funds can only be used for specific purposes related to conservation and recreation and cannot be used for any purpose other than those intended.

WILLIAM B. MERSHON CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING SCHEDULE

Note: All Board of Directors meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month (unless noted) at

5:30 p.m. at Gander Mountain, 2270 Tittibawassee Road, Saginaw, Michigan.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006 Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Wednesday, January 10, 2007

We welcome you to attend any of the board meetings. Your input is an invaluable resource in our efforts to serve the resources we enjoy.

proposed constitutional amendment if the ballot question is approved by voters.

Policy Discussion A bipartisan coalition of legislators placed this measure on the ballot to prevent future policy-makers from diverting the monies in these restricted DNR funds into the state’s general fund to address budget deficits. Supporters noted that $7.8 million was taken from the Waterways Fund to help deal with the 2002-03 budget deficit. They feel that constitutional protection is needed to ensure that the monies are used for the intended purposes. The policy debate primarily focuses on whether issues normally dealt with in state law should be placed in the constitution. Proposal 06-1 would add considerable statutory detail to the constitution. People expressing concern for such

funds and the allocation of resources. The Legacy Fund includes the forest recreation account, the game and fish protection account, the off-road vehicle account, the recreation improvement account, the snowmobile account and the waterways account. • The Michigan Game and Fish Protection Fund (Sec. 41) and the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund (Sec. 42) would be established by incorporating Part 437 and Part 439 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act into the constitution. These sections specify the sources of revenue and the uses for the monies. The legislature also adopted Public Act 587 of 2004 to implement the

action mention the difficulty in amending the constitution to address possible changes in the structure of these funds. They also feel that the legislature and the governor need flexibility to deal with current budget situations.

Interest Groups The coalition in favor of this proposal is Citizens Supporting Proposal 06-1 (www.mucc.org). No opposition group is known at this time.

Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited 2006 Conservation Agenda

Approved June 17, 2006

This version of MCTU’s Conservation Agenda replaces and supersedes all previous Conservation Agendas or Policies.

Conservation Committee: Oversee/coordinate updating the Council’s Conservation Agenda, coordinate Legislative Day with the Executive Director and review/make

recommendations to the Council on advocacy/legal positions relating to natural resource issues. MCTU Bylaws (as revised September 17, 2005), V.II.B.

MCTU POLICY POSITIONS

The policy positions set forth herein are those approved by the Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited, and are to be implemented pursuant to the methods approved by, and in the order of priority established by, the Council to ensure adequate clean, clear, cold water for fisheries. These policy positions will be implemented primarily through seeking appropriate legislation, regulations, management priorities and enforcement. The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited recognizes that there are coldwater resources within the State of Michigan that are so unique and precious that any level of development, resource use or water withdrawal is inappropriate. WATER USE POLICY

Interbasin Transfer of Water: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited is opposed to the bulk transport of water from the Great Lakes Basin to locations outside the basin. MCTU opposes any withdrawal or diversion of ground or surface water that will adversely impact the flow or temperature regime of any coldwater lake or stream in Michigan. Water Withdrawal: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports the ongoing review and modification of Michigan’s statutory regime for the regulation of water withdrawals to ensure the continued protection and improvement of coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. DAMS, IMPOUNDMENTS AND BARRIERS

Dam Removal and Modification: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports the removal or modification of dams on Michigan’s coldwater watersheds that will improve hydrologic or thermal regimes and coldwater habitat. However, on those rivers where the dams act as barriers to migratory salmonid or nuisance aquatic invasive species, we will weigh scientific and social concerns before supporting or opposing dam removal or modification or fish passage. Hydropower Dam Relicensing: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports the ongoing efforts of the Michigan Hydro-Relicensing Coalition to gain recognition and accommodation of coldwater fisheries needs in the negotiation of licenses for dams in Michigan regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and monitoring the implementation of those licenses when granted. Attention will be paid to improving flow regimes, water quality, temperature regimes and fish passage at federally regulated and other dams.

Nuisance Species Barriers: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports the use of appropriate means to block aquatic nuisance species or other undesirable introduced species from impairing coldwater fisheries, their watersheds and the Great Lakes. WILD FISHERIES CONSERVATION

Recoverable Native Coldwater Species: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports both management efforts and funding from state and federal authorities to conduct research, undertake management programs, and issue special regulations to achieve the reintroduction or restoration of coldwater species native to Michigan. Game and Fish Protection Fund and Game and Fish Protection Trust Fund: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports modifications to the Game and Fish Protection Fund and the Game and Fish Protection Trust Fund, including changes to collect revenue from user groups who do not purchase hunting and fishing licenses, and modification of the Game and Fish Protection Trust Fund to utilize revenue and reserves to restore fish and game habitat. MCTU does not support diverting revenues from the Game and Fish Protection Trust Fund to pay MDNR operating expenses. Aquatic Nuisance Species: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports the goal of eliminating aquatic nuisance species that may impair coldwater resources in the State of Michigan and the Great Lakes region. In particular, it encourages the passage of legislation to prevent the importation of exotic species. Aquatic Species Conservation Act: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports passage of legislation that will further the scientific management of coldwater resources and allow the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to protect the public trust in coldwater resources. Any such legislation must provide for public input and oversight, rather than vesting the sole authority for such management in the Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Stocking Practices: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports the natural reproduction of coldwater species where feasible, and encourages the State of Michigan to limit the stocking of streams if and when sustainable natural reproduction is established. GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

Public Participation: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited believes public involvement in Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Michigan Department of Natural Resources decision-making processes is critical, and supports legislation that provides an opportunity for notice, comments and public hearings whenever a proposed use of land or natural resources may negatively affect coldwater fisheries. The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited believes that it is critical that the MDEQ and MDNR achieve more consistent interagency coordination and cooperation in regulation of coldwater resources. Treaty Rights and Resource Management: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports the efforts of the State of Michigan and the United States to negotiate for the protection of our state’s natural resources.

See Agenda page 14

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Coldwater Resource Regulations: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports the ongoing review and modification of Michigan’s regulations related to the scientific management of coldwater fisheries and resources to ensure their protection and restoration, and to ensure a broad range of recreational opportunities for the users of those resources. Coldwater Habitat Preservation and Restoration: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited will seek legislative and executive branch support for expanded coldwater habitat preservation and restoration programs in Michigan, including the appropriation of additional funds dedicated to habitat preservation, restoration and improvement. Land Use Planning: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports efforts at regional and watershed based land use planning efforts which result in the recognition of the role and function of coldwater systems and undertake efforts to protect those systems. Natural Rivers Act: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports the expansion of the Natural Rivers Program and designation of rivers under the program when such designation will contribute to coldwater habitat protection and restoration efforts. Fisheries Habitat Restoration Project Permit Fees: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports legislation that would recognize the significant contribution to Michigan’s communities and citizens made by non-profit organizations engaged in habitat restoration work, and which would create a new permit fee structure which would not place as large an administrative and financial burden on groups undertaking such projects for the public good. POLLUTION PREVENTION

Non-Point Source Pollution: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports the passage of legislation that reduces the impact that non-point source runoff has on coldwater resources. Drain Code: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited supports improvements to the Michigan Drain Code that will restrict the construction, alteration or channelization of drains where doing so would impair coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. MINERAL EXPLOITATION

Mining: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited opposes the permitting of surface or underground mining in all instances unless and until appropriate safeguards are in place to protect cold water fisheries from potential damage. Severed Mineral Rights: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited strongly encourages the State of Michigan and the United States Government to develop a mineral rights exchange program that will allow for the reunification of publicly held mineral rights and surface ownership within the same body of government. Gas and Oil Exploration: The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited opposes the exploration, development, production and remediation of contamination that could have a negative impact on coldwater fisheries and their watersheds unless and until appropriate safeguards are in place to protect those fisheries and their watersheds from potential damage.

Agenda, continued from page 13

"Time is but the stream I go

a-fishing in. Its thin current

slides away, but eternity

remains." —Thoreau

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