THE RIVERWATCHTHE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF

THE ANGLERS OF THE AU SABLE

Winter 2007

Number 48

RUSTY GATES

WRITES A BOOK

- YOU CAN BE

PART OF THE

FIRST PRINTING!

MARVIN ROBERSON

ON INDUCTIVE

REASONING

KOLKE CREEK

CASE WILL

SET MAJOR

PRECEDENT

FOR FUTURE

OIL/NATURAL GAS

CLEAN-UPS

ANGLERS 20TH

ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION

COMING IN APRIL

SEASONS ON THE AU SABLE

2

FROM THE EDITOR

THE RIVERWATCH

The RIVERWATCH is a quarterly

publication of The Anglers of the

Au Sable, a non-profi t corporation

dedicated to the protection of the

Au Sable River, its watershed and

surrounding environs. Dues are

$25 per year. For membership

please contact:

The Anglers of the Au Sable

403 Black Bear Drive

Grayling, MI 49738

www.AuSableAnglers.org

DIRECTORS

President

Rusty Gates, Grayling, MI

Vice President

Wayne Blessing, Ann Arbor, MI

Treasurer

Pat Dwyer, Rochester, MI

Secretary

John Novak, Ypsilanti, MI

Directors

Tom Baird, Diamondale, MIRon Blaskovitz, Muskegon, MIThomas Buhr, Ann Arbor, MIDon Boyd, Wayland, MIDick Danne, Ann Arbor, MI (Emeritus)Mark Danne, Chelsea, MIJohn Dallas, Troy, MIAlan Diodore, Roscommon, MIDan Drislane, Emigrant, MTJay Gleason, Novi, MI (Emeritus)Bruce Johnson, Rochester, MIMike Krause, Ann Arbor, MIBill Kotowicz, Ann Arbor, MITerry Lyons, Perry, MIEd McGlinn, Farmington Hills, MI (Emeritus)Tess Nelkie, Tawas City, MIBruce Pregler, Rochester, MIDon Sawyer, Okemos, MIJim Shifl ett, Grand Ledge, MIDean Schmitt, Toledo, OHJim Schramm, Pentwater, MIJohn Wylie, Grayling, MILance Weyeneth, Gaylord, MI

ON MASON TRACT THIS

WINTER; THE WADING IS

THE HARDEST PARTI remember when Tom Petty was the new thing. Ouch! It hurts to be that old!

Petty and his Heartbreakers had many fi ne songs back in the Day - Ronald Rea-

gan was a fi rst-term Prez, Britain and Argentina fought over the Falklands (maybe

because of the trout fi shing), and Charles and Di were newlyweds. My favorite was

a song called “The Waiting.” It was a typical rock song about teenage angst and

romantic desire.

A different kind of angst and desire now infects my psyche – another sign of

age as well, no doubt. I long for a fi nal ruling on the South Branch oil drilling case.

Things have gone our way of late and I’m not foolish enough to believe a positive

outcome will end it once and for all, but, COME ON ALREADY! Part of this is the

natural drive for closure; this has been a stressful issue. Another part is the need to

move on and focus on other concerns; Kolke Creek, for example.

Then it was pointed out to me that time was on our side (Rolling Stones). While

the clock had stopped on the permit to drill in the contested area, the longer this

drags on the worse it is for the other side. A dry hole from a nearby exploratory well

last fall probably infl ates their angst as well. The oil and natural gas industry is like

so many others, it needs to keep the product fl owing and the cash registers Cha-Ch-

inging. Add some restless investors and one can see who is really hurting from the

waiting.

So I went fi shing. The early part of winter has been mild, unusually so. Temps

such as these produce some of the best trophy fi shing on the open sections of the

Au Sable in my opinion. It’s no trouble sharing that secret since so few people will

venture into the River of Sand after Columbus Day let alone Christmas.

There was only one hitch.

The water was high, really high at times. The mix of snow storms, warm-ups

and rain, lots of the latter, had swollen my beloved South Branch. It’s tough sled-

ding wading in 35 degree water to begin with, but when much of it is nearly chest

high instead of below the hips it’s time to watch football or CNN.

Ah, but when the water dropped enough to slip into some runs or I was able to

secure a fl oat down the coffee colored waters of this fi ne river, the fi shing was solid

and sometimes spectacular. Snaky browns still holding last fall’s courting colors

were jumping streamers like sailors on shore leave. Banker’s hours fi shing, noon to

three, home for dinner in front of the fi re.

Some of the best of it was in the heart of the Mason Tract not all that far from

the proposed drilling site. If approved Savoy would do their work in the winter

when, supposedly, no one would be around.

That’s just another reason to say “No.”

In the meantime, winter has returned so I keep an eye out warm-ups and check

the stream gauge on a regular basis. I can wait.

It’s the wading I’m worried about.

- THOMAS BUHR, EDITOR

3

EDITORIAL

In the most recent issue of

“Michigan Trout” Carl Hueter has

a column about inductive reason-

ing and some specifi c conservation

issues. In this column, Mr. Hueter

displays a clear misunderstanding

of both inductive reasoning and at

least some of these issues, as well as

a breathtaking intolerance of those

who have different views than he on

these issues.

Mr. Hueter describes inductive

reasoning as “taking all the facts in

an event, throwing out those that

do not support your conclusion and

advance a position solely based on

those facts.” On the other hand, the

Oxford Unabridged Dictionary de-

fi nes inductive reasoning as “reason-

ing from particular facts to general

principles.”

We all do, and in fact must, use

this kind of reasoning every day.

Here’s an example:

Many children who play with

matches get hurt - therefore, we

shouldn’t let children play with

matches.

Here’s another:

Very often, fi sh are caught near

structure, riffl e lines, etc. - therefore,

casting to those areas is more likely

to result in catching fi sh than cast-

ing to places which do not fi ll this

criteria.

Let’s contrast that to deductive

reasoning, which Mr. Hueter prefers.

Deductive reasoning requires logical

proof from known absolute princi-

ples to other provable truths. Here’s

an example:

Fish are only caught from areas

with riffl es, structure, etc. - there-

fore, I should only cast to these

areas.

If we use this logic, we run into

two problems. First, since there is no

absolute rule regarding where fi sh

are caught, if we wait for one, we

will never be able to cast. Second,

this logic precludes us from casting

to an other areas.

The difference is that inductive

logic allows us to use the preponder-

ance of evidence to make reasonable

decisions. This is the only way most

of us can make most of our deci-

sions.

Mr. Hueter also either misunder-

stands or mischaracterizes at least

some of the conservation issues he

describes (inductive reasoning leads

me to believe either is possible).

In the Ice Mountain case, he

describes the process used to select

a place to withdraw huge amounts

of Michigan groundwater for free,

without asking the question of

whether this is a good idea at all.

His preferred deductive reasoning

could not lead to the conclusion that

it is. For that matter, neither would

time-tested inductive reasoning. He

then describes both sides (those in

favor of taking water out, and those

opposed to it) as promoting posi-

tions which would “cause harm to

the resource.” Neither deductive nor

inductive reasoning can support this.

Finally, he describes a groundwater

withdrawal bill which allows water

to be shipped out in small contain-

ers, but not large, regardless of the

amount of water shipped, as based

on “science.”

In the Savoy Energy case, he de-

scribes a proposed solution in which

Savoy could exercise their mineral

rights by drilling farther from the

river, consolidating well pads, and

causing no traffi c to the Mason Cha-

pel. He excoriates those who sued

the Forest Service for going to court

instead of doing “actual resource

work on the Au Sable.” What he

fails to mention is that the plain-

tiffs, the Sierra Club and Anglers

of the Au Sable, asked the Forest

Service for exactly this, but that the

Forest Service refused to consider

this option. Our suit is designed to

force the Forest Service to consider

exactly this option.

In the Hayes #22 clean-up

situation (commonly known as the

“Kolka Creek” case), Mr. Hueter

says that the proposed solution is

“already in use in hundreds of sites

without compromise to the adja-

cent resource” (do I detect a bit of

inductive reasoning here?) He fails

to mention that most of these situ-

ations do not involve directing the

treated water into another water-

shed (in this case, into the Au Sable

system through a small feeder creek,

Kolka). However, here is a case in

which inductive reasoning fails,

although not through the rejection of

facts, as Mr. Hueter describes induc-

tive reasoning. No, the real problem

with inductive reasoning is that bas-

ing decisions on past preponderance

of evidence does not always work.

Just because a similar (not identical)

solution has been effective in other

cases is not a guarantee that it will

be in all cases.

Mr. Hueter’s use of inductive

reasoning has caused him to propose

a poor solution.

The real message here is that

inductive reasoning is used by all of

us every day. It is a mostly effective

tool for making decisions, but one

which must be tempered with cau-

tion, and examined in specifi c situ-

ations, for failure to do so can lead

us down a disastrous path. Here’s an

example:

Information in Carl Hueter’s

column has been mostly accurate in

the past - therefore, I can probably

believe that this column accurately

presents the facts.

See what I mean?

- MARVIN ROBERSON, SIERRA CLUB

ROBERSON RESPONDS TO HUETER

4

REPORT

The best things in life are worth

waiting for and that certainly is the

case with the Kolke Creek clean-up.

There has been no fi nal decision on

this matter, nor has any waste water

found its way into this headwater of

the Au Sable.

The question involves a plan by

Merit Energy to pump treated water

from a contaminated well site into

Kolke Creek, a source of the Au

Sable River.

On its face, the plan to clean up

an oil leak is a good idea, but in this

case it is the process that is being

contested.

We support a method called

aerial dispersion. This is a very

common technique for cleaning up

industrial spills. It has been used in

water treatment centers for decades.

Many of you have consumed tap

water that has gone through this pro-

cedure. In this version it requires 40

acres of land. Four pipes are used to

spray the water in the air much like

a lawn sprinkler. The theory is that

the contact with air nurtures bacte-

ria that in turn neutralize harmful

toxins. This will be done in close

proximity of the Central Production

Facility. The treated water will be

allowed to naturally seep back into

the aquifer which will also serve

as a fi lter to remove any lingering

contaminants.

Central Production Facilities

(CPFs) are where the product of

a well, or usually several wells, is

treated for various conditions such

as the presence of paraffi n before it

is sent to a refi nery.

There are a number of problems

we have with the proposed course

of action at the Kolke Creek CPF

(a.k.a. Hayes #22).

First off, injecting the treated

water into an aquifer that serves

one of the country’s most cherished

coldwater rivers is probably not the

best solution. Furthermore, there are

questions about the wisdom of trans-

ferring water from one watershed

to another. The headwater of the

Manistee is very close by. From an

environmental standpoint, it is com-

mon sense to keep water within its

own system. This prevents the intro-

duction of any number of potential

problems, including the possibility

of inorganic contaminants and harm-

ful bacteria that were not removed in

the primary treatment process.

Additionally, this treated water

should be free of any nutrients that

are necessary for the productivity of

the Au Sable. Rivers need waters

with signifi cant levels of organic

nutrients in order to nurture the food

chain. The proposed process could

signifi cantly reduce this bio mass

and ultimately affect trout popula-

tions downstream.

The question of stream-fl ow

– a crucial component for ripar-

ian health - is also a factor in this

discussion. Kolke Creek is slow

moving stream, running, on average,

about 3 to 5 cubic feet per second

(CFS). Merit’s plan is to discharge

as much as 1.5 million gallons of

water each day. This will likely

increase the fl ow signifi cantly and

could charge the nature of Kolke’s

ecosystem.

As of the last RIVERWATCH,

Merit agreed not to discharge treated

water before a hearing on a prelimi-

nary injunction, which fi nally took

place in early November. One of

the outcomes of that meeting is that

Merit continues to honor that agree-

ment, although they have indicated

they will give 28 days notice if

they decide to discharge. In addi-

tion, they have submitted a letter to

MIDEQ stating that they intend to

begin discharge in June, 2007.

That was the good news from

the November Hearing. We also had

a motion for a summary disposition

on two counts; that the water dis-

charge will be an addition of artifi -

cially gathered surface water which

will alter the fl ow of Kolke Creek

and violate landowner’s rights below

the point of infl ow and that Merit

has no riparian rights on Kolke

Creek and thus has no right to use

the waters in their discharge effort.

Judge Murphy denied our motion

because he believed there were ques-

tions of facts as to water fl ow and

volume which were not appropriate

to decide before trial.

So we moved on to the deposi-

tion phase. Both sides have been

very busy at this activity. An on-site

visit with experts in December was

undertaken. MIDEQ had not spent

fi ve seconds on the ground since the

discharge was into private property

in order to determine what impacts

could result.

The preliminary injunction hear-

ing will continue in late February.

At present, the 26th to 29th are the

days assigned for this purpose. This

has allowed for an extended period

of discovery.

What about MIDEQ? The

remaining issues include whether

Merit should be allowed to discharge

water containing chloride, whether

or not the certifi cation properly ad-

dresses the clean up of oil well sites,

and if the decision making behind

the permit properly considered

reasonable and prudent alternatives

such as aerial dispersion.

So that should be it, right?

Rusty Gates doesn’t think so.

“We’ve said all along that this is

the tip of the iceberg,” Rusty wrote

on the Lodges’ Fishing Report Page.

“We now have some idea as to how

big that iceberg really is, which

makes our fi ght against DEQ even

more important.”

With Central Production Facili-

ties (CPFs) numbering over 800 in

northern Michigan alone, and 20%

of these having never been inspected

for BTEX, there exists the potential

for many other Kolke Creek scenar-

ios. Recently, eleven of these sites

were inspected and all of them had

levels of toxic BTEX, a documented

carcinogen. BTEX occurs when oil

THE BEAT GOES ON IN KOLKE CREEK CASE

5

REPORT

or vapor condensate from natural gas

comes in contact with the ground.

Almost 150 sites remain to be

inspected as of this writing. If there

is a spill or leak it must be reported.

The next move is to determine how

to clean it up. Some are fairly easy,

the area is dug out and the con-

taminated soil removed. Others are

much more complicated.

A recent spill in the Pigeon

River Valley required a solution

similar to aerial dispersion. In that

case the plume of pollution was con-

tained by a layer of clay, a fortunate

break. It was also near the surface

so several holes were drilled into the

area and oxygen was pumped into

it. The high concentration of oxygen

aided bacteria that, in effect, ate the

BTEX.

The plume at Kolke is one of

the biggest ever reported. It is also

much deeper in the ground.

Some of these are near homes,

cottages and, of course, trout

streams. A witch’s brew of tox-

ins and cancer-causing agents is

never welcome. We cannot allow

our trout streams to become dump-

ing grounds. There is going to be

a major clean up effort by the oil

and gas industry in the very near

future. That is a certainty. While it

is heartening to know there will be

a clean up, method matters! Not all

remedial activities are equal. Some

can do almost as much, if not more,

damage to the environment. We

need to see this through because the

Kolke Creek case will set a prec-

edent that will translate throughout

Northern Michigan as other polluted

sites are addressed.

We have to stop the industry

from cleaning up on the cheap other-

wise no trout stream is safe.

As we all know by now, the

legal process is a slow one. Please

check our website for breaking

news.

Rusty is optimistic:

“We’re totally on the mark with this

stance, because it’s not a matter of if

it’ll happen again, but how soon and

where. There is a bigger picture here

folks. If the water is no good, than

all the habitat improvement in the

world won’t make a difference. You

have to fi rst protect the source.”

We now know the fi xed levels of

Perry Lake but, beyond that, not much

else.

Last fall, Judge Ronald Bergeron

set the legal water level for Perry

Lake at 1091.5 feet above sea level.

The winter level will be 1090.5 feet.

The ruling somewhat favors those

who would like to see the lake as high

as possible. That group wanted a

legal level of 1093 feet. This would

allow for full access to docks, boat

ramps and more latitude in using

power boats on the lake. Some claim

it would improve property values.

On the other side of the question

was a group of property owners who

wanted a level of 1088 feet (original

claims went as low as 1086 feet).

This would be closer to the historic

level of the lake, much of which is

wetland. The higher water levels

have threatened shorelines and septic

tanks for some.

Oscoda County proposed a level

of 1090.47 feet and this may have

been the guiding force in the Judge’s

decision. This was also the position

of MIDEQ.

Surprising, MIDEQ and Anglers

are pretty much in concert on this

matter. Ideally, we would like to see

the lake at historic levels because

this would be best for Perry Creek,

a major tributary to the Au Sable

below Mio. The stream helps cool the

“Big Water” during the hot summer

months.

Next is the question of culvert

reconstruction. The current culvert

has been sabotaged and manipulated

in the past for the purpose of keep-

ing the lake level artifi cially and

now illegally high. It is now beyond

repair. MIDEQ is on record support-

ing a control structure that provides a

year-round minimum fl ow into Perry

Creek. This is also supported by

Anglers.

A source who spoke off the

record (because no formal plans have

been constructed) said any new struc-

ture would likely have a bottom draw.

This would mean the coolest water in

the lake would be fl owing into Perry

Creek. A dam or culvert of this type

is certainly favored by Anglers.

Then there is the question of the

road, Weimer Road, under which the

existing culvert is located. It really

is a levee and tops out at 1093.2 feet.

The wet fall of 2006 raised lake levels

and threatened to breach it. Some

believe it is only a matter of time until

the road will be washed out. This

will put a volume of lake water into

Perry Creek and could cause all sorts

of damage before it makes its way to

the Au Sable. Erosion and sedimenta-

tion would be the major problems,

but pollution from runoff could also

be an issue. Keep in mind that Perry

Creek winds for about seven miles,

through farmland, backyards, and

under several roads such as M 33-72,

before it empties into the river. What

will be introduced if the levee breaks?

No one knows for sure.

At press nothing has been decided

about the new culvert. MDOT and

the Oscoda County Road Commission

have yet to weigh in on the possibil-

ity of damage to the highways if the

levee is compromised and what they

believe should be done to prevent it.

“There’s a lot to be settled in this

case,” explained Board Member Alan

JUDGE RULES IN PERRY LAKE CASE,

BUT MUCH REMAINS TO BE DECIDED

Kolke Creek Continued...

6

REPORTS

Diodore. He has been representing

Anglers on this issue. “Even the win-

ter level of the lake may be changed

since the evidence for that is in ques-

tion – stay tuned.”

Diodore, who is also a member

of the Au Sable-Manistee Action

Committee, contacted the USDA

– Forest Service last fall since the last

mile and a half of Perry Creek fl ows

through the Huron-Manistee National

Forest for assistance in this matter.

“I have not received a reply.”

Perry Creek was once considered

a top brook trout stream and part of

it is still classifi ed as a Designated

Trout Stream. Unfortunately, it has

degraded over the years for several

reasons including beaver dams,

private dams and lack of water fl ow

from Perry Lake. The existing cul-

vert was designed to provide water at

a consistent rate, but the tampering

has thwarted this intent.

This brook needs a great deal

of tender loving care order to bring

it back to anything approaching a

pristine condition. A year-round

minimum fl ow from a bottom draw

control structure would be a good fi rst

step.

Discontent with Governor Jen-nifer Granholm and strengthened resolve to stop a project that threat-ens the Upper Peninsula have been expressed throughout Michigan since January 9, when state regulators announced a preliminary approval to a sulfi de mine on the Yellow Dog Plains.

Despite a seriously fl awed permit application and the wishes of thousands of residents, the DEQ granted preliminary approval to the Kennecott Minerals Co. plan to drill into sulfi de rock in northwest-ern Marquette County.

The DEQ will now continue its technical review and, by law, will make a fi nal decision follow-ing another public hearing and comment period, slated to begin with hearings March 6-8. The is-suance or fi nal denial of the permit will determine whether the project moves forward and is expected to be announced in May.

Concerns about the proposed mine are numerous and have been vocalized by citizen groups, conservationists, and environ-mental leaders for the past year. For starters, they include concern about jeopardizing water resources and human health via the threat of acid mine drainage, the closure of state-owned public lands for private use, and the endangerment of the coaster brook trout, which can be found in the Salmon Trout River – directly above the pro-

posed mine.Anglers, hunters, and other

outdoor recreational enthusiasts are sharply opposed to the state land lease proposal, which would allow Kennecott Minerals to fence off 120 acres of public, state-owned land for 40 years. Many worry this would set a dangerous precedent, negatively impacting taxpayers who enjoy these

lands and other public lands for decades.

“To my knowledge, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has never before entertained a proposal where private enterprise blocks public use of this much state land for such a lengthy period of time,” said Michelle Halley, National Wildlife Federation attorney. “It is unprecedented and

inappropriate.”For individuals who pay

for state licenses to enjoy their hobbies – like anglers, hunters, and those who snowmobile – the restrictions will be particularly disturbing. Michigan residents pay taxes to support these public lands and, additionally, sports men and women pay additional fees to pursue their hobbies, only to see a multi-billion dollar private enterprise construct fenc-ing and prevent access.

State land restriction, however, is just one of the many reasons why opponents say the proposed mine would be detrimental to the region. With a poor track record throughout the world, mines that disturb sulfi de ores have left a path of pollution and destruction.

Disappointment in Gra-nholm was expressed far and wide by those who believe this will be the fi rst of many new mines in the U.P.

“The Governor’s rhetoric is visionary, but this decision is

GRANHOLM, DEQ DECISION

CONDEMNED BY U.P.

An aerial view of Salmond-Trout River

(Photo: Chauncy Moran)

Perry Lake Case Continued...

7

REPORT

regressive,” said Brian Beauchamp of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “If this is the ‘Next Michi-gan’ of which she preaches, it looks an awful lot like the old Michigan – a handful of temporary jobs from a 19th Century industry at the expense of natural resources that support 21st Century growth and economics.”

In addition, concerns persist about the mining application itself, especially considering the fact that the DEQ itself pointed out 91 informa-tion gaps in the document and Ken-necott failed to address nearly half of those items. Areas that have been of concern to nearby residents, like what will happen along transportation routes, have not been addressed by the company or regulators.

“The DEQ and Governor Gra-nholm have made a grave error in judgement with this proposed deci-sion,” added Halley. “This application is defi cient and the operation would undeniably cause pollution. DEQ must step up their technical review and see this project for what it is: a sure polluter. Even the company has admitted that it will exceed Drinking Water standards.”

Cynthia Pryor, executive direc-tor of the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve and outspoken advocate on behalf of the region, voiced disagree-ment with the proposed decision.

“One of the biggest defi ciencies in Kennecott’s application is the total disregard of community impacts. They refuse to develop an impact assessment of the transportation of highly reactive sulfi de ores from the proposed mine site to a railhead, across upper Michigan, across the railway bridge to Canada and on to Sudbury for smelting. This disregard to citizen health and safety is indica-tive of their lack of regard for our state’s waters, lands and citizens,” Pryor said.

Paul Townsend, member and im-mediate past president of the Huron Mountain Club, also disagreed with the proposed decision. “Michigan’s new law requires that the applicant for a mining permit has the burden of establishing that the mining operation will not pollute, impair or destroy the air, water or other natural resources.

MIDEQ’s proposed decision cannot withstand scrutiny under that test.”

Statements by these organization-al leaders mirror public sentiments throughout the Upper Peninsula, where hundreds have attended public hearings and voiced concerns about the region’s future.

An organized petition drive last fall garnered more than 10,000 signa-tures in opposition to the mine. Those petitions have since been presented to Governor Jennifer Granholm. Organizers are hoping that those who eagerly signed petitions will attend and express their opposition at the upcoming hearings.

Dick Huey, co-founder of a local grassroots group called Save the Wild UP, echoed those sentiments.

“While we are frustrated by the MDEQ’s inability to recognize the incredible risk represented by the proposed mine, we remind everyone that this is only a proposed accep-tance. Together we must continue to send a message to Lansing that a few short-lived jobs aren’t worth the risk to human health, our beautiful recre-ation areas, and the tourism industry so many have worked hard to build,” he said.

While groups like Save the Wild UP continue to rally against the proposed mine, they also continue to educate property owners in regards to mineral rights and the question of how much control an individual actu-ally has over the property upon which the family camp is situated. Surface rights may belong to the property owner, but mineral rights in the Upper Peninsula are increasingly owned by non-Michigan, even non-US, com-panies interested solely in exporting profi ts. Startling is the best word to describe the mineral rights map, which shows an inordinate number of parcels with mineral rights leased or owned by Kennecott Minerals Co.

Those who love the U.P. and its quiet, natural places are urged to get involved by contacting legislators or the Governor’s offi ce. All are urged to attend public hearings March 6-8 in Marquette from 1-10pm daily. A solidarity rally is being planned for the fi rst night of the hearings, March 6. For more details about the hearing schedule, rally, and the proposed mine, visit our website at SaveTheWildUP.org

- SAVE THE WILD UP

Concerned UP citizens delivered 10,000 petition signatures to

Governor Jennifer Granholm in early January, urging the Governor

to deny the mining permit for the proposed sulfi de mine

(Photo: Hugh McDiarmid, Michigan Environmental Council)

Granholm Decision Continued...

8

Rusty Gates, how often have

you wanted to tap this man’s

brain? Now he has decided to

take his 40 plus years of fl y fi sh-

ing experience and write a book.

A limited group of individuals

can be part of the Publishers

Edition First Printing.

“The book is called ‘Seasons

on the Au Sable.’ Each chapter

is a month. We start in April

and go around the calendar. It

is a compilation of fi shing re-

cords and personal experience,”

Rusty explained. “For any week

throughout the year someone

will be fi shing on the Au Sable.

This book will give them a better

understanding of what to expect

regarding hatches and trout be-

havior. There’s a bunch of great

fi shing stories in there as well.”

All proceeds from book sales

will go to the Anglers of the Au

Sable. A limited Publisher’s Edi-

tion, complete with a page iden-

tifying the publishing partners

and signed by Rusty, is currently

in the works. The opportunity

to sponsor the Publisher’s Edi-

tion will run through the 1st of

March. The price will be $100.

A standard version of the book

will retail for $24.95.

This is a huge opportunity

to help out the Au Sable and get

some useful info for fi shing the

river.

For more information,

go to the website or contact

Alan Diodore (989) 344-0312.

GATOR PUTS YEARS OF

OBSERVATIONS TO PRINTED PAGELIMITED EDITION AVAILABLE TO THOSE

WHO WISH TO BE PUBLISHING PARTNERS

REPORT

HEADWATERS LAND

CONSERVANCY

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

As we turn the corner on another

new year, the staff of the Headwaters

Land Conservancy welcomes the

opportunity to update the readers of

The RIVERWATCH.

Our organization is entering a

critical era for property preservation

projects. One of these projects will

have very positive results on trout and

fl y fi shers. We’re referring to the Au

Sable River Stewardship Program;

a program that has already made a

signifi cant impact on more than two

miles of blue-ribbon trout water.

Au Sable River property owners

have recognized long-term benefi ts to

the river and its adjoining ecological

system while protecting their beloved

properties for generations to come.

The vehicle for protecting these valu-

able and sensitive properties is called

a conservation easement or agreement.

An owner donates the development

rights to Headwaters Land Con-

servancy while retaining complete

ownership of their property. This

donation does not allow public access

or diminish ownership standards in

any way. While the public doesn’t

gain any access rights through a con-

servation easement, the Conservancy

oversees the terms of the conservation

easement and monitors the property

through an annual visit.

A number of fi nancial benefi ts

can be associated with the easement

donation and some owners have been

able to transfer property to heirs or

limit real estate costs. The condi-

tions included within the conserva-

tion donation often include limited

future development or land divisions;

factors that typically denigrate cold-

water rivers which provide refuge for

salmon and trout. Terry Warrington,

former president of the Mason-Griffi th

Chapter of Trout Unlimited explains it

this way; “The Natural Rivers Act has

done good in protecting the Au Sable

from over development but we have

seen it minimized by local politics.

Therefore conservation easements

are essential if the Au Sable is to be

protected from over development.”

Conservation easements have

grown in popularity as a means of

protecting sensitive habitat or histori-

cally signifi cant landscapes. The most

recent census information published

by Land Trust Alliance (www.lta.org)

indicates more than 37 million acres

have now been preserved through-

9

REPORT

out these United States. This amount

tripled in fi ve years while the number

of land trusts grew by 32%.

The Headwaters Land Conservan-

cy (www.HeadwatersConservancy.org)

has also experienced signifi cant growth

since its inception in 1993. This

501-(c)-3 has protected more than

5,200 acres over an 11 county coverage

area in northeast lower Michigan,

ranking it third in Michigan for re-

gional conservancies.

FINANCIAL CHANGE

AND TAXES

Recent federal law and Michigan

legislation have helped paint a healthy

future for families and property owners

who hold a deep sense of stewardship

over their current properties.

The new Federal incentives allow

an easement donor to take 50% of their

gross income for the next 15 years

versus 30% over 5 years. The second

Federal change allows donations from

an individual who has reached age

70 ½ to donate up to $100,000 from

their IRA without paying income tax

on those donated funds. Both of these

provisions are limited to tax year 2007

as of publication time. An example of

the 50% A.G.I. - 15 year carry forward;

donating $1,000,000 easement while

earning $50,000 annually, one would

enjoy $25,000 over 15 years for a

total deduction of $400,000 versus the

prior rule where 30% of their income

would produce an annual deduction

of $15,000 times the ascribed 5 years

totaling $90,000. This is an incredible

savings of more than $300,000 for the

same conservation easement!

A second example, a donation of

$200,000 in future development rights

on river-front property from an owner

earning $26,666 annually would enjoy

$13,333 times 15 years. Under the prior

law the same donation would have

resulted in $7999 times 5 years. This

would have left $140,000 in unclaimed

donations!

Meanwhile, the State of Michi-

gan got into the act last year with the

passage of Senate Bill 1004, and PA

446. Simply put; properties that have

conservation easements in place prior

to their sale or transfer will have their

property taxes remain “capped” by cur-

rent assessment rates. A caveat within

the Act allows local taxing authorities

to increase the improvements or dwell-

ings found on the property but leaves

the land capped at 5% or the amount of

increase found in the Consumers Price

Index, whichever is less.

That same river-front owner can

now show future owners signifi cant

real estate tax savings compared to

other competing properties without a

conservation agreement!

These fi nancial advantages have

certainly brought more attention to

organizations like the Headwaters Land

Conservancy; but the primary reason

for all the excitement is the benefi t that

the land and future generations derive

from this donation.

STEWARDSHIP

HAS A PURPOSE

The Headwaters Land Conservan-

cy protects the environs that are home

to some of the best known rivers in

Michigan. These include fabled streams

like the Black, Manistee, Muskegon,

Ocqueoc, Pigeon, Rifl e, Sturgeon and

Thunder Bay. It also includes one of

the country’s best known trout streams,

the Au Sable River.

Since several properties have been

protected, the Au Sable River Steward-

ship Program has identifi ed more than

40 properties on its main stream and

the North Branch. These include more

than 9000 acres and cover more than

25 miles of undeveloped river front-

age. Rusty Gates echoes our sentiments

when he says, “I’ll feel a lot better two

years from now when two-thirds of the

Au Sable has a conservation easement

on it.”

The organization has redoubled

its effort to capitalize on these tax and

fi nancial changes for 2007 and dramati-

cally increase the number of properties

in the Au Sable program. Its successful

efforts should help leave the landscape

forever protected and pave the way for

other rivers in its conservation district.

Individuals or organizations that

would like additional information about

the Headwaters Land Conservancy

or conservation easements and their

potential values can contact us in the

following ways:

Headwaters Land Conservancy

110 Elm Street

Gaylord, MI 49735

989.731.0573

mailto:Headwaters@gtlakes.com

- LANCE G. WEYENETH, BOARD MEMBER

Headwaters Land Conservancy Stewardship Update Continued

10

ANGLERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

ANGLERS 20TH IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

There’s more to look forward to this April than just Opening Day. Anglers of the

Au Sable will offi cially celebrate their 20th Anniversary on Saturday April 28, 2007- the

night of the Trout Opener.

After two decades, from the Mason Tract to our various headwaters, it is clear that

the organization is now a force for conservation and preservation of the Au Sable and

Manistee riversheds.

“We needed a vehicle in order to stay in touch with the many fi shers who use

these watersheds,” explained Rusty Gates. “Initially it was the issue of catch and

release but now it is so much more.”

The question of expansion throughout the National Guard base came

next for Anglers and other challenges have followed. Ongoing oil and gas exploration

makes clear that a healthy Au Sable requires eternal vigilance.

For one night it will be time for good food, great friends and a chance to celebrate

the Anglers’ accomplishments. There will also be ample opportunity to buy several items,

from vacation packages to bamboo rods, the proceeds of which will go to the Organization

to continue its conservation efforts. “We have some huge trips,” Rusty said. “And the

rods are fantastic!”

The event will be held at the Otsego Club, east of Gaylord, Michigan, beginning on

Saturday evening at 5:30 pm with a hosted reception.

This celebration is a once-per-decade event. It also refl ects the Organization’s com-

mitment to the protection of local watersheds and our willingness to advocate on their

behalf. Unique gifts including one-of-a-kind rods from four regional rods makers, desti-

nation vacations throughout North America and artwork by current masters. A number

of local guides have stepped up to offer their services through donated trips making

this celebration one to remember!

The 20th Anniversary Celebration is also an opportunity to raise

awareness of the club’s past success and highlight its continuing need for growth

and member support. It’s here that all trout enthusiasts can help

make a difference.

Details are posted on the Anglers web-site: www.AuSableAnglers.org

You’ll also fi nd weekly updates at www.GatesLodge.com/fi shing.htm

Printed information is available at Bob Linsenman’s

Au Sable Angler in Mio or Gates Au Sable Lodge near Grayling.

- LANCE G. WEYENETH, COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

ANGLERS 20TH CELEBRATION

11

ANGLERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - TRIPS

CLUB THUNDERBIRD

This historic mainstream lodge is located in the heart of the Holy Water. It’s one of the oldest private fi shing camps on the river. Many of you are familiar with the Lower TU access site. This is the lodge upstream that donated their land to make it happen.

This is an exclusive four night stay, in rustic log buildings with all the amenities. Relax on the massive screened-in porch overlooking the river, or shoot a game of pool in the bar room. Full kitchen facilities, din-ing area and fi eld stone fi replace in the great room are included. It’s just steps from the river.

Main lodge will accommodate eight while the bunkhouse will sleep another four. Perfect for a fi shing gathering with all the boys or a fall grouse hunting weekend.

Lodge availability to be mutually agreed upon with the owner.

We’d like to thank the owners for their generous donation to make our 20th Anniversary Celebration a success.

LONG KEY TWO BEDROOM

CONDOMINIUM

Outside your front door lies an exclusive stretch of beautiful white beach. Imagine yourself at this two bedroom condo just a double-haul from the turquoise water of the Florida Keys. The fl at out front will harbor monster bonefi sh of double digit size. Or walk the beach to the Long Key State Park a mile away, scanning the water for the ghost of the fl ats.

This is historic and hallowed ground. The condo sits on the site of the former Long Key Fishing Club. In the years 1910 to 1935 this massive 75-room guest hotel, along with thirty some cottages, was a serious fi shing destination for some of the wealthiest families in America. The guest list included Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Andrew Mellon, William

Hearst, Charles Kettering, and other notables. The unnamed Labor Day Storm of 1935 destroyed the lodge.

Its fi rst president was Zane Grey. It was here that he wrote many of his best novels. A dentist turned cow-boy, hence the western novels, he also wrote many fi shing books. The “Bonefi sh Brigade,” which described his fi shing companions at the Long Key Fishing Club, may be the rarest of his fi shing books, and a copy of it recently sold for over $2,200 dollars on eBay.

This condo is fi rst class. Three separate balconies with beautiful views of the ocean, plus a large great room, living area, and combined kitchen. Two bedrooms, king size master suite, and two queens in the spare room, both with their own bathroom facilities are also part of the package. There are also tennis courts, a freshwater pool, and a nice dock if one were to rent a boat - which is a great option for anglers wishing to ad-venture out. It is conveniently located between Islamorada and Marathon, two historic bonefi sh towns.

NORTH BRANCH RIVER

BLUFF RETREAT

This vacation home is located on the lower North Branch, between the Red Dog Club and Flashlight Bend.

This is a part of the river where a canoe is seldom seen, and you have the ability to wade and fl y fi sh in private water.

A generous full weeks stay is included. This modern three bedroom log home would make an awesome family vacation site.

It has a full kitchen, grill, two complete baths, great room and screened in porch and is just steps from the river’s edge.

Availability will be mutu-ally agreed upon with the owner, but almost any time period will be an

option.

NORTH BRANCH

WHISPERING PINES

This is a piece of history located half way between Lovells and Dam 4 on the North Branch. You’ll step back in time at this guest cottage at Whispering Pines Lodge. A weekend getaway will provide seclusion and solitude on this fabled portion of the Au Sable’s North Branch.

Relax and refl ect on all the Au Sable has to offer amidst the com-forts of home. Amenities include two bedrooms, combined living area with wood stove, complete kitchen and enclosed porch; all just steps from the rivers edge.

Imagine early June during the famous drake hatches or a mid-July dawn while rising trout sip on blan-kets of Trico spinners. You’ll be wad-ing with the ghosts of the turn of the

century Chicago fi shers.

SHUPAC LAKE BED &

BREAKFAST WEEKEND

This B&B, on the banks of beautiful Shupac Lake, is located just north of the historic town of Lovells and close to the North Branch of the Au Sable. This private home on the water’s edge is perfect for a summer or fall weekend get away for up to three guys or two couples.

Glen and Martha Eberly are the gracious hosts for this special pack-age. They are a couple of the nicest folks on the globe, always a smile on their faces. Included is breakfast both days, plus a cocktail pontoon boat cruise on the lake. And get this! Glen will provide a guided wade trip on the North Branch for some spectacular Au Sable fi shing.

There also is an opportunity to fi sh for monster rainbows in Shupac Lake, just out your front door! Rumor has it the best drop off is right out front of this place. Sorry, no smok-ing or pets. This would make for an awesome summer weekend trip, or spectacular fall color outing.

DONATED VACATION DESTINATIONS

12

ANGLERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - TRIPS

There may not be a better spot in

North America for inshore saltwater

fi shing! It’s all there, from snapper to

tarpon, snook to sea trout. Marco Island

is the scene for “Moon Over Marco”

each May – an annual madness centered

on the pursuit of the Silver King and his

backcountry cousin, ol’ Mr. Linesides.

Backcountry fi shing is what it’s all about

with Chokoloskee and the 10,000 Islands to

the south and the endless grass-fl ats of Char-

lotte Harbor to the north. The immediate

neighborhood ain’t all bad either with Rook-

ery, Addison and Gullivan Bays as well as the

legendary Indian Key Pass.

Saltwater angling is about catching a variety of

fi sh, maybe a dozen different species in a single trip.

It’s also about big surprises; a double-digit snook

coming out of a twist of mangroves, a 100 pound

tarpon striking as you lift your fl y out of the water,

a bull red smoking your backing in another of the

many passes.

This week long stay comes from a hard core Au

Sable veteran and founding member of the Anglers

of the Au Sable, Mike Phelps. During the 70’s, Mike

would take off fi shing from the Lodge downstream.

He might wade all the way to Shaw Park, about four

miles of river, then turn around and fi sh his way

back home! For years, Rusty fl oated Mike during his

annual spring visits to the Au Sable. Salt or sweet-

water, he’s a hard-core fi sherman.

This is a typical two-bedroom condo with all

the amenities. Swimming pools, tennis courts and

fi fteen hundred feet of boardwalk under the lights,

which means tarpon and snook at night! Anyone

that has never fi shed saltwater, and has it on the

agenda, this is the trip for you!

MARCO ISLAND

There are plenty of redfi sh swimming the

waters around your Marco Island retreat.

SUNSET BREEZEYOUR COTTAGE IN LONG ISLAND BAHAMAS

Ya, Bruddah! Or Sistah! This

trip to the Bahamas is a chance to

double your pleasure and double

your fun! It’s actually two separate

one-week vacation packages on

Long Island, Bahamas.

The island house is located on

secluded “Deals Beach” and can

accommodate four persons – a great

spot to take the family! This is a

fully furnished house; complete with

state of the art kitchen, spacious

living room with TV and surround

sound stereo system, two bedrooms,

and a large deck with outdoor grill

- talk about the pure pleasures of

island living with all the comforts of

home!

It is a great spot for swimming,

snorkeling, and fl y fi shing. Bone-

fi sh abound here in the turquoise

waters of the Caribbean. Several

fi ne restaurants as well as grocery

and liquor stores are only a few

miles away. Car, boat, kayak

and bike rentals are avail-

able along with fi shing

guides and snorkeling/div-

ing tours of the island.

Plenty of points of interest

to visit including Deans

Blue Hole, a 663’ blue hole

believe to be the deepest of

its type.

Sunset Breeze is located

halfway between Stella

Maris & Deadman’s Cay.

There will be two chances on

this trip, don’t let either one get by!

13

ANGLERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - RODS

In the summer of 1969 Lou

Berkhart stepped into the South

Branch of the Au Sable River for

the fi rst time. It’s been almost 40

years and he still fi shes the Mason

Tract, only now with a bamboo rod.

He started making bamboo rods in

1998 right here in Grayling with a

lot of help from Wayne Cattanach

– some of Wayne’s tapers are still

Lou’s favorites. Lou spent most of

his working life in the auto business,

including a tool & die apprentice-

ship at Ford and 25 years at Jeep En-

gineering (DaimlerChrysler) before

retiring last December to pursue

making rods and chasing trout full

time. When he’s not in Grayling on

the Au Sable, one can fi nd him at

home in Monroe, either working in

the shop or trying to keep his wife,

Margie and their two sons happy

(tall order). They try to visit West-

ern Montana a couple of times every

summer but like Dorothy said in The

Wizard of Oz – “There’s no place

like home.”

The rod Lou put together for the

Anglers 20th Anniversary Celebra-

tion is a 7’6” – 2 piece rod based

on a Cattanach taper. In Lou’s

opinion, this rod works best with

a W.F. 5 (specifi cally the Cortland

Clear Creek line), but some folks

use a D.T. 4. This rod feels a little

unusual at fi rst – it balances a little

tip heavy, especially compared to

a graphite rod, but if you give it

a chance you will fi nd it to be an

exceptionally smooth rod that just

keeps working down from the tip as

more line is cast. The fl amed bam-

boo, blued nickel silver ferrules and

reel seat hardware, maple burl fi ller

and bronze guides under Pearsall

Java Brown silk present a tradition-

al, classic appearance. The package

includes two matched tip sections,

rod bag and black powder coated

aluminum tube with a vent-seal cap.

Ron Barch is the editor and

publisher of The Planing Form,

an international newsletter for split

bamboo rod enthusiasts. Ron also

conducts rod making schools and sem-

inars, recently participating as lead

instructor at The Catskills Fly Fishing

Center. Ron has successfully instruct-

ed dozens of angler/craftsmen in the

art of split cane rod making. His list

of credits include: skilled woodwork-

er, rod maker, angler, author, publisher

and dedicated environmentalist.

Ron has designed and crafted split

bamboo fl y rods for Americans, Ca-

nadians, Europeans, as well as groups

such as Trout Unlimited and Reeling

& Healing. He understands what a

fl y rod should accomplish and how

to make one that meets the angler’s

expectations.

He currently lives with his wife,

Carole, in rural Hastings, Michigan.

When not in the shop or at his desk,

Ron chases trout, grouse and some-

times a golf ball.

Ron has decided to donate an

Alder Creek split bamboo rod, model

#84307. It is a 7ft, 2pc. 4wt. fl y rod

made especially for the 20th Anni-

versary Celebration of the Anglers of

the Au Sable. The rod includes two

matching tips, is fl amed in the style of

Paul H. Young, utilizes the Dickerson

node stagger pattern, and is tapered

in the classic Payne 98 design. The

rod comes with a hand rubbed walnut

hexagonal case and cloth sack. To

further celebrate and recognize the

contributions of The Anglers of the Au

Sable, pre-war Tonkin Cane was used

in the construction of this rod. Ron

calls his version of this classic dry fl y

design “The Kestrel.” Like its name

sake the sparrow hawk, it’s quick and

accurate, a perfect small stream rod

for the demanding angling situations

found on the Au Sable or Manistee

watersheds.

Winston Binney, 64, recently

retired from the recreational vehicle

business after 43 years. Father

of two and grandfather of eight,

Winston, along with his wife of 44

years, bought a small cabin in the

area in 2003 so they could enjoy the

fi shing and north woods atmosphere.

His goal is to spend much more time

“up north” this year, catching all the

good hatches.

Winston started assembling

fi berglass rods in the ‘60’s and

progressed to graphite while always

hoping someday to make a cane

rod. He made the jump to bamboo

in 1998 and has built about 25 rods

to date.

His fi rst love is trout fi shing, es-

pecially brookies, with smallmouth

as his second choice. Winston tries

to fi sh the Madison in Montana

every year and has really grown to

love that area.

He’s chosen to make and donate

a Paul Young Perfectionist taper

rod for the Anglers 20th Anniver-

sary Celebration. The cane will

be fl amed to a dark caramel color,

wrapped in antique gold silks, with a

smallish (6”) half wells grip. Win-

ston has not decided what reel seat

to use yet but is leaning towards

a cork fi ller with downlocking

black hardware. He dip fi nishes all

his rods using either Last ‘N Last

Marine and Spar varnish, or Pratt &

Lambert Varmor R-10 urethane.

THESE ARE THE ROD MAKERS AND THE RODS THAT THEY ARE DONATING TO OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.

14

ANGLERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - RODS

LET ‘EM KNOW HOW YOU FEELIn the last two issues of the

RIVERWATCH articles were pre-

sented urging some type of extended

season for the Big Water of the Au

Sable below Mio Dam. The idea

of an extended season is a fi ne one,

although some concerns such as

length of extension and enforcement

– pouching big browns off redds is

a major possibility - still need to be

worked out.

Now is the time to let those

in authority know what your posi-

tion is on this issue. Don’t stop at

the Big Water, however, because all

coldwater rivers are currently being

reviewed for classifi cations under the

2008 Inland Trout & Salmon Guide.

There is little threat to the current

regs on the upper Au Sable including

the Holy Water as well as the North

and South Branches. Below Mio it is

uncertain what will be done, but there

are no shortages of ideas, includ-

ing reclassifi cation under one of the

existing seven categories.

Currently, the stretch from just

below the MDOT Access at M-33

to the McKinley Bridge is under a

special regulation; fl ies and artifi cial

lures only, two trout limit, Browns

must be 15 inches and all other trout

12 inches.

“I can live with the current

regs,” said Thomas Buhr, an Anglers

Board Member who puts in about

100 days a season below Mio. “My

fear is that certain categories such as

1 through 4 which allow for fi ve trout

to be kept including three over 15

inches would just destroy the fi shery

down there. The Big Water can’t

handle that. Even category 6 would

let folks keep browns at 12 inches.

I’d like to see the water down there

managed for big browns because

it has all the elements in place to

produce true giants. Let the Frying

Pan Set keep one more rainbow and

one less brown. The browns are the

attraction down there.”

Buhr isn’t certain that any catch

and release/no kill can be enacted

on the Mio water because the locals

would fi ght it tooth and nail.

“Mio is a different place. It does

not have the fl y fi shing history of the

upper Au Sable so I don’t know if

enough support can be garnered to

overcome the local opposition,” he

explained. “In my opinion, we need

to keep the current regs with that

little adjustment for rainbows and

browns. If MIDNR is serious about

a No Kill section down there then

I’ll support it, but I’m skeptical right

now. I need more info on how the

extended season will be managed as

well.”

Here they are, please write them

with your suggestions:

KELLY SMITH

FISHERIES DIRECTOR

P.O. BOX 30446

LANSING, MI 48909

REBECCA HUMPHRIES

DIRECTOR, MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF

NATURAL RESOURCES

P.O BOX 30028

LANSING, MI 48909

- ART THOMAS,

BIG WATER CORRESPONDENT

Duane McKenzie of Keystone Rod Company retired three years ago from a major automotive supplier. His career in engineering started in 1965 as an apprentice de-tailer and concluded as a Regional Sales Manager in 2003. At retirement, Duane and his wife of 37 years, Beverley, moved to Grayling. Together they completely remodeled a cabin built in 1927, along with a well-stocked workshop in which to build bamboo fl y rods, and made their home on the banks of the Holy Waters of the Au Sable River. Duane and Beverley have two children, Scott and Jennifer. In his spare time when Duane is not building bamboo fl y rods he ties classic salmon fl ies, shoots trap and skeet at the Grayling Sportsman Club and plays a little golf. Duane and Bev also like to travel when they get the chance.

In 1998, under the tutelage of Ron Barch, Duanebuilt his fi rst bamboo fl y rod. From that point it’s history. Duane has designed and built all of his tooling and equip-ment that is required to build bamboo fl y rods. To date Duane has built 24 rods.

Duane is honored to build and contribute to the

Anglers of the Au Sable 20th

Anniversary Celebration a

7’9” 5/6 weight two piece-two

tip traditional blond rod using

Garrison’s 209E taper and node

spacing, light brown wraps

tipped in black, nickel silver

fi ttings and a down locking reel

seat, along with a cloth bag

and black powdered coated rod

tube. This rod would be ideal

for Drake, Hex and streamer

fi shing.

KEYSTONE ROD COMPANYDUANE MCKENZIE

15

ANGLERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - FINE ART

DAVID RUIMVELD

Almost every outdoor enthusiast has seen and admired a

David Ruimveld painting. Many own at least one print from

the scores of scenes of fl y fi shing and upland bird hunting this

talented artist has created over the years.

Dave is a native Michigander and his deep love of

the outdoors can be felt in every picture. Few artists have

supported conservation efforts to the extent that Dave

Ruimveld has over the years.

The Great Lakes Council (GLC) of the

Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) commissioned

David Ruimveld to do this painting in celebration

of the 25th Anniversary of the GLC.

The painting is titled “Federation for the

Future.” There are six fl ies in the painting

which are also mounted as part of

the framed painting.

The fl ies and tyers are:

Caddis Larvie by Dorothy Schramm

Royal Christmas by Julie Neilsen

Cross Dresser by Jeff Andrews

Grey Stone by Jerry Regan

Pearl Trude by Dennis Potter

Hexegena Nymph by Ray Schmidt.

LARRY CORYMr. Cory is one of Michigan’s most

prominent wildlife and commercial art-

ists. Almost everyone has seen his work

in one form or another. His love for the

outdoors is refl ected in his paintings and

many of his originals and limited editions

are found in collections throughout North

America. It is a great honor to have one of

his pictures as part of Anglers 20th Anniver-

sary Celebration.

Larry’s work has been featured on

several Trout and Salmon stamps including

1980, 1983, 1990 and 1996. It does not

stop there. His work was also selected for

the 1984 and 1991 Michigan Waterfowl

Hunting Stamps. New Mexico used a Larry

Cory creation for their 1981-82 trout stamp.

Other organizations have had Larry Cory

limited editions as part of their activities

including the Great Lakes Council of FFF and

the Trout Bums/Rodmakers of Greyrock. In

1983 he was selected as Sponsor Artist of the

Year by Michigan Ducks Unlimited.

His record in the commercial world is even

more impressive. Forty years as an illustrator has

produced a volume of work for several product

types including cars, aircraft, boats, toys, food and

animals. Detroit’s Big Three, plus foreign competi-

tors such as Ferrari and Mercedes Benz, Goodyear,

Bendix, Gulfstream, Crestliner, Minnkota, Purina and

Alpo are just some of the companies that Larry has

worked with during his career. His illustrations have been

in Michigan Out-of-Doors, Popular Science, In-Fisherman

and North American Hunter.

WORTH MORE THAN A 1000 WORDS!ANGLERS IS PRIVILEGED TO HAVE THESE TWO ARTISTS

CONTRIBUTING THEIR FINE WORK TO THIS EVENT.

PRST STD

US Postage Paid

Rose City, MI

Permit No. 2

Anglers of the Au Sable

403 Black Bear Drive

Grayling, MI 49738

Our organization is offi cially

affi liated with the Federation of Fly

Fishers (FFF). We strongly

encourage you to join the FFF.

Since 1965, FFF and its Councils

have been and continue to be the

only organized national and

regional advocates for fl y fi shing.

Five dollars of your FFF dues

are returned to the FFF Great

Lakes Council (GLC)

to be used for local efforts.

EDITORIAL OFFICESThe RIVERWATCHPO Box 300Luzerne, MI 48636Email: tombuhr@prodigy.net

EDITORIAL STAFFThomas Buhr, EditorOptimal Printing & Publishing, LLC2673 S. M-33, Rose City, MI 48654989-685-3847 oppllc@gmail.com

CALENDAR SPRING, 2007

MARCH 3, 2007Board Meeting,Gates Au Sable Lodge Board Room

MARCH 10 & 11, 2007Midwest Rod Show

APRIL 28, 2007Anglers of the Au Sable20th Anniversary Celebration, Otsego Club

JUNE 9, 2007Board Meeting,Gates Au Sable Lodge Board Room

SEPTEMBER 8, 2007River Clean Up, Gates Au Sable Lodge/Bob Linsenman’s Au Sable Angler

SEPTEMBER 9, 2007Annual Meeting & Board Meeting,Gates Au Sable Lodge Board Room

CONTRIBUTORS

Ron Barch, Member

Lou Berkhart, Member

Winston Binney, Member

Thomas Buhr, RIVERWATCH Editor

Larry Cory, Federation of Fly Fishers

Allen Diodore, Anglers Board Member

Rusty Gates, Anglers President

Duane McKenzie, Member

Marvin Roberson, Sierra Club

David Ruimveld, Federation of Fly Fishers

Save The Wild UP, www.savethewildup.org

Art Thomas, A fi gment of

Thomas Buhr’s Imagination

Lance Weyeneth, Anglers Board Member