Western Upper Peninsula Citizen Advisory Council DNR Division Reports Date of Production: July 2019

This documentation is provided by DNR staff as a supplement to verbal reports that will be distributed to the Western UPCAC at the July 18, 2019 meeting in Harris, MI.

Upper Peninsula Regional Coordinator Update – Stacy Haughey, UP Regional Coordinator

DNR Public Meetings July 9 UP Sportsperson Coalition Meeting, Raber Area Sportsmen’s Club-Goetzville, 6:30pm July 11 Natural Resources Commission Meeting, Lansing July 18 Western UP Citizens’ Advisory Council Meeting, Harris, 6:00pm Eastern August 8 Natural Resources Commission Meeting, Lansing August 15 UP Sportsperson Coalition Meeting, Wyman Nursery-Manistique, 6:00pm August 27 UP Sportsperson Coalition Meeting, DNR Crystal Falls Field Office, 6:00pm Central August 27 Eastern UP Citizens’ Advisory Council Meeting, Newberry, 6:00pm August 28 UP Sportsperson Coalition Meeting, Great Lakes Sportsman’s Club-Escanaba, 6:00pm August 28 State Forest Open House-Escanaba Unit, Stephenson Field Office, 3-6:00pm Central September 5 UP Sportsperson Coalition Meeting, DNR-Marquette Office, September 11 Annual Joint UP Citizens’ Advisory Council Meeting, Marquette, 3:00pm September 12 UP Natural Resources Commission Meeting, Marquette

U.P. & State Sponsored Activities August 12-18 DNR Pocket Park OPEN during UP State Fair – PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING! July 18 Indian Lake State Park-Throwback Thursday Centennial Celebration July 19 Muskallonge Lake State Park-Car Show and Cruise Night Centennial Celebration July 20 -Centennial Campfire Storytelling Project July 22 Indian Lake State Park-Magic Show with John Russell, Magician July 23 Indian Lake State Park-Annual Christmas in July Week July 25 Indian Lake State Park-Raptor Rehabilitation and Education July 25-26 -NWTF Intro to Turkey Hunting Clinic July 25 Indian Lake State Park-Indian Lake Honey Bees July 26 Fort Wilkins Historic State Park-Battery D Michigan Light Artillery Living History Civil War July 26 Indian Lake State Park-Crystal River Band Performance July 26 Van Riper State Park-Archery 101 July 26 Wells State Park-Christmas in July July 27 Palms Book State Park-Family Fun Day July 27 Fort Wilkins Historic State Park-Fort Wilkins 175th Anniversary Concert Centennial Event August 1 Indian Lake State Park-Throwback Thursday Centennial Celebration August 3 Indian Lake State Park-Bike Rodeo August 9 Indian Lake State Park-Bob Hausler, Musician August 10 Tahquamenon Falls State Park-Tahqua Trail Run Centennial Event

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Season Dates & Reminders July 15 May apply for an Antlerless Deer license (Can also apply for Reserved Deer Hunts; Youth 16 or younger may purchase one Junior Antlerless License, over the counter) July 15 Opener for Turtle seasons (snappers and softshells) July 16 Sturgeon opens on Lake St. Clair, St. Clair R, Detroit R, also Otsego Lake (Otsego) August 1 Crow season re-opens (open dates are 8/1 – 9/30 and 2/1 – 3/31) August 1 Deadline for Fall Turkey applications August 1 May apply for Reserved Waterfowl hunts August 1 Hunting and Trapping digests available at license agents August 1 Hook and lure size/weight restrictions begin on all streams (through 5/31, see p. 11) August 10 May place bear blinds in Zone 1 and may place bear baits in Zone 1 August 15 Deadline for Antlerless Deer applications (also Reserved Deer Hunts) August 19 Fall Turkey drawing results posted on website August 17 May place bear blinds in Zone 2 (see Bear Digest for baiting dates) August 26 Leftover Turkey licenses on sale (for unsuccessful applicants, others on 9/3) August 28 Deadline to apply for Reserved Waterfowl

Recent DNR Press Releases For full details, go to: www.michigan.gov/dnrpressroom

▪ $3.6 million in grants available to fight invasive species in Michigan (7/8/19) ▪ Meet Michigan’s new conservation officers (7/8/19) ▪ Iron Heritage bike tours, take an adult fishing, mammals week (7/3/19) ▪ Keep fire safety in mind this summer (7/3/19) ▪ Michigan continues early detection efforts for invasive carp (7/2/19) ▪ Showcasing the DNR: Water parks making a splash in state parks (6/27/19) ▪ Campfire storytelling, fall wildlife job opportunities, ‘monument men’ (6/25/19) ▪ Showcasing the DNR: Profiling two state park gems (6/21/19) ▪ Share your thoughts with the DNR at upcoming meetings (6/21/19) ▪ Hunting Access Program benefits, wetland opportunities (6/18/19) ▪ Deer Lake State Forest Campground in Iron County to temporarily close (6/17/19) ▪ Showcasing the DNR: The best Father’s Day gift (6/13/19)

2018 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Development Grant Approvals (Approved May 2019) ▪ Baraga County – Point Abbaye Natural Area Pathway & Picnic Improvements - $49,500: Development project at Baraga County's Point Abbaye Natural Area to create a barrier-free pathway from the existing parking area out to the point. Point Abbaye is a remote and rocky peninsula situated between Lake Superior and Keweenaw Bay. The project will develop four new picnic sites with tables and grills along the pathway. The site also features accessible and primitive tent camping opportunities. ▪ Delta County – Rapid River Falls ORV/ATV Campground - $85,000: Development of a 25-site semi- modern campground focused on serving ORV and ATV enthusiasts at Delta County's Rapid River Falls Park. The park will feature a beginner loop for families with youth that are just starting out in the sport. This ORV/ATV campground will be the first of its kind in the Upper Peninsula, attracting riders from throughout

2 of 17 Michigan and beyond. This campground will act as a trailhead for regional DNR trail routes with connectivity to miles of riding opportunities across the U.P. The park also features a day-use picnic area overlooking scenic Rapid River Falls. ▪ Delta County – City of Escanaba, North City Limits Non-Motorized Pathway - $300,000: Development project in the City of Escanaba to construct a non-motorized pathway along US-2 at the north end of town which will help connect Escanaba to the adjacent communities of Wells, Escanaba Township and the City of Gladstone. The North City Limits Pathway will also connect Bay College, MTech Center, Bayside Soccer, Hannahville Ice and Turf Complex, U.P. State Fairgrounds and numerous businesses. The North City Limits Pathway will enable pedestrians to safely traverse the city. The project is also supported by a Transportation Alternatives Program Grant through the Michigan Department of Transportation. ▪ Delta County – DNR, Fayette Historic State Park - Visitor Center Accessibility - $50,000: The A. Gene Gazlay Visitor Center at Fayette Historic State Park is popular for park visitors that come for the Fayette historic townsite. The visitor center provides interpretation and tells the story of the abandoned iron smelting town. The visitor center is accessed by an existing concrete pathway from the parking lot, which has exceeded its useful life and is in need of ADA compliant accessibility enhancements. This project will replace the existing pathway, install an accessible ramp and striping at the parking lot and also improve the landing immediately adjacent to the visitor center entrance to eliminate existing trip hazards. ▪ Gogebic County – Bessemer to Ramsay Iron Belle Trail Project - $299,900: Development of a three-mile long 10-foot-wide paved recreational trail from Bessemer to Ramsay in Gogebic County as part of the Iron Belle Trail. The trail will be located primarily on an existing railroad grade as well as an abandoned roadway and through a wooded property. This trail project will extend a previously constructed 6.7-mile segment from the western terminus in Ironwood to Bessemer. The bike trail will link Ramsay to Bessemer, Ironwood, and Hurley to the west which will increase the region's tourism attraction due to the additional recreational opportunities. The project is also supported by a Transportation Alternatives Program grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation. ▪ Gogebic County – City of Ironwood, Miners Memorial Heritage Park Mountain Bike Trail System - $280,000: Development of a new mountain biking trail system in Ironwood's Miners Memorial Heritage Park. The 167-acre park, located in the center of the city, was once the location of numerous historical mining operations. The new network of mountain biking trails will provide opportunities for cyclists of all levels - from beginner to advanced. The project will include development of several trailheads around the park as well as a link and trailhead on the Iron Belle Trail north of the site. The park also features a network of walking, cross-country and snowshoe trails and hosts community activities such as the Candle Light Snowshoe Hike and the SISU Skifest, a popular cross-country ski race in Ironwood. ▪ Iron County – Bates Township, Paint River Access Site Improvements - $58,800: Development of a new accessible launch site on the Bates-Crystal Falls Township Paint River Water Trail. The project includes accessible parking, vault toilets, an accessible paddle craft launch, an accessible camp site, and other improvements to the waterfront area to enhance access to the river. Development of three additional rustic campsites, including a vault toilet, are also planned upstream of the accessible launch. ▪ Keweenaw County – Grant Township, Keweenaw Point Trail - High Rock to Montreal River - $297,000: Development of 15.6 miles of a 30-mile bike-optimized, looped multi-use non-motorized trail through rugged and remote terrain paralleling Lake Superior at Keweenaw Point near Copper Harbor on state land. The single-track trail will be open to both cyclists and hikers. This project is a joint effort of Grant Township, the Copper Harbor Trails Club and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. This project is the final phase of an effort to provide a unique remote, non-motorized back-country trail experience. The project expands non-motorized trail access to unique and scenic geography acquired with funding

3 of 17 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and will help sustain and expand recreational tourism in the region. ▪ Schoolcraft County – DNR, Palms Book State Park - Raft Canopy Replacement - $50,000: Palms Book State Park is home to one of Michigan's most alluring natural attractions - Kitch-itikipi. Two hundred feet across and 40-feet deep, Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan's largest freshwater spring. More than 10,000 gallons per minute gush from fissures in the underlying limestone at a constant 45 degrees Fahrenheit. A self- guided raft experience allows guests to view the spring's crystal-clear waters and resident fish species. Several rafts have serviced Kitch-iti-kipi over the years. The current raft was installed in 2004 with funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The shade canopy on the raft is comprised of canvas material over an aluminum frame and is in need of replacement. This project will replace the canopy to ensure a quality experience for visitors to this extremely popular tourist destination.

2018 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Acquisition Grant Approvals (Approved May 2019) ▪ Luce County – DNR, Access Purchase - $300,000: Acquisition of 157.5 acres adjacent to Tahquamenon Falls State Park to provide a public water access site on the Tahquamenon River, filling a gap within this 33-mile-long stretch of the river. The property contains an existing boat launch and frontage on M-123 and provides consolidation of ownership within Tahquamenon Falls State Park and state forest land. The property also provides numerous forestland recreation opportunities northwest of M-123. If acquired, the land will be managed as part of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. ▪ Mackinac County – Clark Township, Lake Huron Access and Trailhead Acquisition - $41,900: Acquisition of an approximately two-acre parcel on M-134 to be developed for parking to serve multiple recreational venues including the nearby Hessel Harbor and Launch, as a trailhead for regional snowmobile trails, and the adjoining 40-acre Michigan Nature Association Beaver Dam Nature Sanctuary to the east. Additionally, the Little Traverse Conservancy's Mackinac Bay Nature Preserve is located immediately across the highway. ▪ Marquette County – DNR, Iron Belle Trail Easements-West U.P. - $200,000: Acquisition of 10.44 miles of 30-foot-wide hiking trail easement in Marquette and Ontonagon Counties. The purpose of this project will be to secure permanent trail easement rights for the hiking portion of the Iron Belle Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail. ▪ Marquette County – Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority, Negaunee Trailhead Acquisition - $29,600: Acquisition of three acres of property in Negaunee along the 47-mile Iron Ore Heritage Trail for the development of a trailhead that will support a variety of trail users including walkers, bikers, ORVs and snowmobiles. The parcel of property is at the highly visible and easily accessible corner of CR 492 and M35. The future trailhead will include parking and restrooms that will be open 24/7 year-round. The new trailhead will provide a much-needed access point for users of the Marquette to Negaunee segment, a distance of 14 miles.

Grant Contacts For grant information, to go: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-58225---,00.html

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, [email protected] Recreation Passport Grant Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, [email protected] Aquatic Habitat Grant Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, [email protected] Michigan Invasive Species Grant Kammy Frayre, 517-284-5970, [email protected] Wildlife Habitat Grant Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, [email protected] U.P. Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Grant Bill Scullon, 906-563-9247, [email protected]

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Eastern UPCAC Update

The Eastern UP Citizen’s Advisory Council Meeting met on June 10th in Wetmore. Old Business included a continued update on CWD and the UP CWD Taskforce, as well as an update on Public Act 680 of 2018 (Changes to the Michigan ATV/UTV Law). New Business included a spring eastern UP trail update, merging of the Michigan Snowmobile Assn organizations, Senate Bill 31 (Expansion of Recreational Passport Requirement) and activities planned in the UP for the 100th Celebration of State Parks this summer. Subcommittee reports were also provided. The next EUPCAC meeting will be held on August 27th in Newberry.

July 2019 NRC Meeting Summary – Ed Golder, Public Information Officer

The Natural Resources Commission met today in Lansing. The commission’s primary business was to set regulations aimed at reducing the spread of chronic wasting disease for the fall deer seasons. Highlights of those regulations, which include amendments to the above-linked order:

Baiting and feeding

• Continue a ban on baiting and feeding in the entire Lower Peninsula that took effect at the end of January 2019. There is an exception to this ban for hunters with disabilities during the Liberty and Independence hunts. Qualifying hunters are allowed to use 2 gallons at a time of single-bite baits during deer seasons. • Allow baiting and feeding in the Upper Peninsula except for a ban, effective immediately, in the Core CWD Surveillance Area. This core area comprises some 660 square miles, defined by major roadways within portions of Menominee, Delta and Dickinson counties around the single case of a CWD-positive deer found last year in the Upper Peninsula. Consistent with regulations in the Lower Peninsula, there is an exception to the baiting ban in the U.P. Core Area for hunters with disabilities during the Liberty and Independence hunts. Other regulations

• Move the Liberty Hunt to the second weekend in September. Based on this change, the 2019 Liberty Hunt will be held Sept. 14-15 instead of Sept. 21-22 as it was previously scheduled. The early antlerless season – held on private land in select counties – will continue to be held the third weekend in September (Sept. 21-22). • Change the deer baiting start date for hunters with disabilities who meet specific requirements. Baiting for these individuals can occur five days before and during the second Saturday in September.

5 of 17 • Require that scents placed to entice deer, whether composed of natural or synthetic materials, be placed so that they are inaccessible for consumption by deer and placed in such a manner to prohibit any physical contact with deer. • In the Upper Peninsula, reinstate the antlerless option during archery deer season for hunters hunting on the Deer License or Deer Combo License in areas open to antlerless licenses. • Also in the Upper Peninsula, eliminate antler point restrictions in the Core CWD Surveillance Area, and allow the use of crossbows in the late archery season in the Core Area. • In the Lower Peninsula, add Barry, Lenawee and Midland counties to the CWD Management Zone, where additional regulations will apply. • Also in the Lower Peninsula, implement a 4-point antler point restriction across all Deer and Deer Combo licenses for Mecosta, Montcalm and Ionia counties. This is part of an experimental APR to determine the impacts of APRs on deer populations in an area of known CWD occurrence. • Require that established department goals for management of antlerless deer be achieved, if this experimental APR is to continue. • Require that deer collected with a salvage permit as a result of collision with a motor vehicle may not be removed from the county where the animal was killed to prevent potential spread of CWD.

In addition, Director Dan Eichinger approved:

• A land use order closing the Hoosier Valley Shooting Range in Grand Traverse County and establishing the Supply Road Range as an alternative to this site. This concludes a process meant to resolve conflicts with neighbors at the Hoosier Valley location.

• A land use order that makes a technical change to rules governing designated campsites along water trails in the Wildlife Research Area on Beaver Island.

• Three land transactions. The director held over for further consideration a transfer of jurisdiction at . Details of the three approved transactions can be found in the NRC agenda online.

The Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries met first today. Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter brought attention to Bassmaster Magazine’s annual list of the top 100 bass lakes in the United States. Lake St. Clair continues to be listed among the top ten bass fisheries in the nation. Also on the top 100 list: Burt/Mullet Lakes, Bays de Noc, Saginaw Bay, Lake Charlevoix and Grand Traverse Bays. The department recently participated in a stream habitat workshop sponsored by the Michigan chapter of the American Fisheries Society, with assistance from Trout Unlimited and the Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes and the Environment. The one-day session aimed to teach people the science of habitats. Recent surveys for Environmental DNA in Michigan in the Kalamazoo River, Spring Lake and Lake Macatawa turned up no evidence of Asian carp in the three water bodies. The annual surveys are an important tool for monitoring Michigan’s waters for this dangerous invader.

Wildlife Chief Russ Mason discussed the expected reintroduction of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in Congress. The bipartisan legislation promises to provide about $1.4 billion annually for conservation across the nation. Michigan stands to see an additional $27 million annually from that funding. The funding would help Michigan keep commons wildlife and fish species common, prevent the extinction of fish and wildlife currently listed as threatened or endangered and implement a strategic approach for priority conservation actions.

6 of 17 Dan O’Brien of the Wildlife Division offered the committee information regarding baiting and feeding bans as a way to decrease the transmission of chronic wasting disease in the state’s deer herd. Management focus needs to be on prevention, Dan said, emphasizing a proactive approach instead of a reactive approach. It is expected that eliminating baiting may reduce hunter success and increase deer density. The commission asked Dan to answer the question of whether a possible increase in deer density would be worse in terms of disease transmission than what would occur if baiting were to continue. There is no good evidence that suggests that once CWD is established, deer density reduction would help significantly with disease control. By contrast, eliminating baiting and feeding does help reduce disease transmission, Dan said.

During the Committee of the Whole, Steve Wyckoff of Greenville received the Partners in Conservation Award. Steve has had an active role in conservation of the state’s natural resources for over 40 years, including as the state policy chairman for Michigan Ducks Unlimited for the past 10 years. He has also spent time as a volunteer with Michigan United Conservation Clubs, participated on the Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committee, served on the Board of the Montcalm County Conservation District, the Greenville Public School Board, the Michigan Conservation Coalition and the Michigan Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Advisory Council.

Also during the Committee of the Whole, Chief Mason and Chad Stewart of the Wildlife Division gave a presentation that offered the department’s view of 11 amendments to the proposed deer regulations that were before the commission today. The commission debated each amendment individually as part of its deliberations.

July 2019 Legislative Updates – Legislative & Legal Affairs Office

HB 4331 Allow an Individual to Possess a Loaded Firearm in or on a Vehicle when on Private Property – Rep. LaFave This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow an individual to possess or transport a loaded firearm in or upon a vehicle, including an ATV or UTV, if the individual owns the private land or is accompanied by or has permission of the owner or lessee of the private land. • This bill passed the House of Representatives on May 24, 2019 and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations. • The Administration is opposed to this legislation.

HB 4332 – Allow Pneumatic Airbows During Certain Seasons – Rep. LaFave This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow an individual with a disability or physical limitation to use a pneumatic gun during any season in which a bow may be used for the taking of game. • This bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation and one hearing has occurred. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

HB 4463 Exempt Certain Vehicles from State Recreation Passport – Rep. LaFave This legislation amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by exempting from the state recreation passport any motor vehicle operated to transport passengers for hire, if the vehicle is only parked to pick up or drop off passengers within a state park, or for a vehicle parked at a state operated public boating access site on a free fishing day. • This bill was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and one hearing has occurred. • The Administration is opposed to this legislation.

7 of 17 HB 4567, 4568, 4569 Update Commercial Fishing Statute – Reps. O’Malley, Wendzel, Lilly The legislative package will update the commercial fishing statute. The bills include language that establishes/updates fees and penalties, clarifies authority regarding the commercial fishing industry, updates reporting requirements and codifies several existing practices under administrative rules or Director’s Orders. • The bills were referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation and multiple hearings have been held. • The Administration is in support of this legislation.

HB 4589 Eastern Wild Turkey as State Game Bird – Rep. Howell The legislation would name the Eastern Wild Turkey as the state’s official game bird. • The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation and one hearing has occurred. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

HB 4659 Require Tick Signage – Rep. Kennedy This legislation amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require that all state park entrances, state park and state forest campgrounds and access points to state trails have uniform signs alerting that ticks may be found in the area and that bites may result in Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases. • The bill was referred to the House Committee on Health Policy and one hearing has occurred. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

HB 4693 – Authorizes State Park Rangers to Enforce Marijuana Related Offenses – Rep. Mueller This legislation amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by authorizing state park rangers to have the ability to enforce marijuana related offenses within state parks, state recreation areas, state forest campgrounds and at boating access sites. • The bill was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary and one hearing has occurred. • The Administration is in support of this legislation.

HB 4735, 4736 – Prohibit Certain Activities with Information Obtained under Freedom of Information Act – Reps. VanSingel, Cherry This legislation amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by preventing an individual from using information listing the location of game obtained under the Freedom of Information Act to take game. The individual would be required to sign an affidavit stating that the data would not be used to take game or assist others in taking game. • The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

HB 4740 – Designate Dr. T.K. Lawless Park as a Dark Sky Preserve – Rep. Miller This legislation amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by including the Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Porter and Newberg Townships, Cass County as a Dark Sky Preserve. • The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

8 of 17 HB 4775, 4776 – State Recreation Passport Opt-out – Reps. Howell, Warren This legislation amends the Michigan Vehicle Code requiring that an individual need to elect not to pay for the state recreation passport during the issuance or renewal of a motor vehicle registration. The legislation also modifies how revenue will be distributed from the state recreation passport fee. The bills are tie-barred to HB 4486. • This bill was referred to the House Committee on Transportation. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

HB 4790 - Update Commercial Fishing Statute – Rep. Cambensy The legislative package will update the commercial fishing statute. The bills include language that establishes/updates fees and penalties, clarifies authority regarding the commercial fishing industry, updates reporting requirements and codifies several existing practices under administrative rules or Director’s Orders. The bill is identical to SB 389. • The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation. • The Administration has not taken a position on the legislation.

HB 4791 – Allow Individuals to Hunt from a Vehicle on Private Property – Rep. LaFave This legislation amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow an individual to carry a loaded firearm, bow, or crossbow in or upon a vehicle and will allow the individual to discharge the weapon to take game from a vehicle if the individual is on private property. • The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

SB 35 –Youth Hunt Requirements – Sen. VanderWall This bill seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require a minor that is participating in the youth hunt weekend to take an antlerless deer before they can take an antlered deer. • This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and one hearing has occurred. • The Administration is in opposition to this legislation.

SB 366 and 367 - Create a Qualified Nonresident License for Reduced Fee – Sens. McBroom, VanderWall The legislation amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to create a new license category for qualified nonresidents. The new license would be a 50% reduction from other nonresident licenses. Individuals would be considered a qualified nonresident if they meet any of the following; the individual owns land in Michigan, signs an affidavit that the individual previously lived in the state, or if the individual has ever previously possessed a resident hunting license or has completed a hunter safety training in Michigan. • The legislation was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and one hearing has occurred. • The Administration is in opposition to this legislation.

SB 389 - Update Commercial Fishing Statute – Sen. Daley The legislative package will update the commercial fishing statute. The bills include language that establishes/updates fees and penalties, clarifies authority regarding the commercial fishing industry, updates reporting requirements and codifies several existing practices under administrative rules or Director’s Orders. This bill is identical to HB 4790. • The legislation was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration has not taken a position on the legislation.

9 of 17 If you would like to learn more about these and other bills, you can access the Michigan Legislature website at www.legislature.mi.gov.

Division Updates

Fisheries Division: George Madison, Western Lake Superior Management Unit The following are the western Upper Peninsula fisheries division highlights for the period through July 17, 2019.

Escanaba Field Office (Darren Kramer) ▪ Technicians completed various discretionary surveys and Status and Trends surveys on lakes. ▪ Staff participated in the Iron Mountain Schools FISH Project Base Learning Lake Antoine Education/Outreach program. ▪ Jennifer worked with the Michigan Mussel Group on the development of an online survey to help inform needs for the Michigan Mussel Management Plan and also participated in Enbridge Line 5 freshwater mussel surveys in various streams. ▪ All lake sturgeon in the streamside rearing facilities (Cedar River and Whitefish River) have hatched out and are growing well. ▪ Spring operations at the lake sturgeon trap and transfer program at the Menominee Dam was wrapped up in May. A total of 60 adult lake sturgeon were passed upstream this spring. ▪ Several staff attended the Stream Habitat Assessment Workshop training in Gaylord. ▪ Spring fingerling walleye harvest was completed during the weeks of June 24th and July 1st. ▪ Met with EGLE staff for dam inspections at Gene’s Pond and Warren Pond.

Baraga Customer Service Center (George Madison) ▪ Adult pure-strain bluegill (10,000) were stocked into Marquette County’s Silver Lake Basin. Michigan DNR-Fisheries is working to develop an attractive bluegill fishery for this portion of the UP. Similarly, the Marquette Board of Light and Power also stocked adult pure-strain bluegill (3,000) into the Tourist Park Impoundment. ▪ Stamp sand dredging has begun at the Traverse River trough adjacent to the Lake Superior Buffalo Reef. This project will halt the migration of the Gay stamp sands onto this lake trout and whitefish spawning reef. ▪ Hosted a meeting with internal staff on processes for reviewing and commenting on metallic mineral lease and exploration proposals. ▪ Attended an annual meeting with Michigan DNR-Fisheries and Wisconsin DNR-Fisheries to discuss common management themes. ▪ Walleye rearing ponds are being harvested.

State Fish Hatcheries (Jan VanAmberg, Hatchery Manager) Thompson State Fish Hatchery Fish Culture ▪ Steelhead, Chinook and walleye fry distribution complete with all requests met. Eye up rates on walleye were high this year leading to 1.2 million surpluses even after providing almost one million eggs to CORA. ▪ Several large end-of-year school group tours provided in May/June.

Maintenance ▪ Capital Outlay Update. Construction of new walleye rearing ponds has begun. Excavating contractor has grubbed the area for the coolwater building and started building the road into the site from M-149. ▪ Long employed technician retired effective May 31st. Interview selection committee working on setting up interviews for three trades helper positions.

Marquette State Fish Hatchery Fish Culture ▪ Several large (80+ students) school group tours visited the hatchery to complete their Salmon in the Classroom experience.

10 of 17 ▪ Outside production area raceways are drained of water while undergoing cleaning and disinfection.

Maintenance ▪ In process of selecting candidates to interview for Thompson, Platte River and Marquette Hatchery Trades Helper. ▪ Assisting with spring grounds and equipment clean-up.

Wildlife Division: Terry Minzey, Wildlife Supervisor (prepared by Brian Roell, Wildlife Biologist) ▪ Planting Events: This year the Gwinn Wildlife unit held a volunteer planting event (Ruffed Grouse Society, and MUCC) in southern Marquette County. Despite a few trucks getting stuck in the mud the group planted 72 crabapple and 8 apple trees. With the combination of volunteers, contract planters and DNR staff the Gwinn wildlife unit planted 410 trees.

▪ Large Carnivore Position: The Wildlife Division is pleased to announce that Cody Norton has accepted the Large Carnivore Specialist (bears, wolves and cougars) position. Cody was formerly working as a wildlife biologist out of the Shingleton office in the UP. Cody will start in his new position June 30, 2019 and he will be housed in the Marquette Customer Service Center.

▪ Peregrine Falcons: UP DNR staff recently banded 10 peregrine falcon chicks (4 - Houghton (lift bridge) 3 - Sault Ste. Marie (International bridge) and 3 on Isle Royal). With the closing of the Wisconsin Electric power plant in Marquette the nesting box has been made unusable. However, DNR staff is looking for alternative locations for nesting box sites with the hope birds will return to Marquette.

Peregrines are considered endangered in Michigan, though they are no longer federally endangered. During the 1960s, the peregrine falcon population declined steeply. The shells of peregrine falcon eggs became extremely fragile because adult birds had accumulated DDT, a pesticide that interfered with calcium metabolism. By 1968, the entire United States peregrine falcon population east of the Mississippi was gone. Today, Michigan is home to roughly 46 nest sites in the entire state and 38 of them are on artificial structures.

▪ Upper Peninsula Deer Hunting Regulations: On July 11th, the Michigan NRC will be taking action on multiple regulations pertaining to deer hunting. • Redefine bait to include consumption. This would not include food scents – whether composed of natural or synthetic materials – made inaccessible for consumption by deer. • Moving the Liberty Hunt to the 2nd weekend in September. • Baiting and feeding ban in the Core CWD Surveillance Area – Effective Immediately o Exception for hunters with disabilities during the liberty and independence hunts – limited to 2 gallons of single bite bait. • Reinstate the antlerless option during archery deer season for hunters hunting on the Deer License or Deer Combination License in areas open to antlerless licenses.

▪ Wolf Delisting Update: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposed rule this past March to remove the gray wolf from the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act. The Wildlife Service hosted a public hearing to take oral comments on the proposal on June 25th in Minnesota and are accepting written comments until midnight on July 15th. A decision on the delisting rule will likely occur early next year. If wolves are delisted they would join 33 other species of animals and plants in the U.S. states, territories and waters that have been saved from possible extinction.

▪ Predator Prey Project: During the continuing research project looking at the role of predators, winter weather and habitat on white-tail deer in the U.P. Research staff and students were able to capture and radio-collar 48 fawns (26 male, 20 females, 2 unknown sex) from mid-March through mid-June. During this same timeframe they also collected 7 collared fawn mortalities have been detected (2 coyote predations, 2 bear predations, 1 wolf predation, 1 unidentified predation, and 1 non-predation natural causes (pending lab necropsy). They have observed 10 dead radio-collared adult female deer mortalities which were attributed to 2 starvations, 7 wolf predations, and 1 unknown cause. They have also collected 6,662 adult female GPS and radiolocations and are continuing to radio- monitored fawns for daily survival.

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On the predator side they have captured and collared 12 wolves (4 male, 8 female), 3 coyotes (2 male, 1 female), 1 bobcat (male), and 5 black bears (3 male, 2 female). Since March they have conducted investigations at 230 carnivore cluster sites to identify carnivore prey sources.

For more information and quarterly reports see: Website: https://campfirewildlife.com/projects/predator-prey/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/campfirewildlife/

▪ Bear License Drawing: Results of the 2019 drawing were posted on June 24th, with over 50,000 hunters seeking a bear tag statewide. To be assured of obtaining a 1st period tag, resident hunters needed to have 4 or more preference points in the Bergland and Baraga units; 6 or more points in the Carney and Gwinn units; 5 or more in the Newberry unit; and for the most popular bear unit in the UP you will need 8 or more points in the Amasa unit.

▪ Canine Distemper: Since June 6th the DNR diagnostic wildlife lab has examined and diagnosed in canine distemper in 21 susceptible species from across the state. This year most of the cases have been found in the Lower Peninsula with only one case being found in the Upper Peninsula (1 wolf – Schoolcraft County). The disease has been diagnosed in: Raccoon, Gray Fox, Red Fox, Striped Skunk and Coyote.

Law Enforcement Division (LED): Lt. Ryan Aho, District 1 Law Supervisor ▪ District 1 has received 3 new Conservation Officers. Dickinson, Iron and Ontonagon Counties each received one new officer. Dickinson received Ariel Corr. Iron received Anna Viau and Ontonagon received Byron Parks. ▪ COs Brett DeLonge Jeremy Sergey, Jen Hansen, and Josh Boudreaux instructed boating safety and hunters’ education at “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” (BOW) at Bay Cliff Health camp in Big Bay. The attendees also participated in many outdoor actives taught by other DNR divisions staff during the annual BOW retreat. ▪ CO Zach Painter attended the Ontonagon 911 Day and taught Ontonagon and Ewen – Trout Creek 5th graders about what a Conservation Officer does. CO Painter also taught them a brief segment on ORV safety and the regulations that go with operating an ORV. ▪ COs Josh Boudreaux and Jennifer Hanson spent several days at the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) event in Marquette County at the Bay Cliff Health Camp. The COs spent time with women of all ages from all parts of the country teaching them the basics of firearms. Firearm safety and proper handling techniques were taught before the participants were able to get their first exposure to shooting several types of firearms. Many participants were very nervous and unsure of themselves until the end of the class when smiles and enthusiasm were seen on each participant’s face as they turned clay pigeons into dust. ▪ COs Brett DeLonge and Jeremy Sergey taught several Marine Safety Education classes at the BOW class at the Bay Cliff Health Camp in Marquette County. Numerous women were taught basic marine safety skills as each person got the opportunity to operate a motorized boat on Lake Independence as well as the opportunity to work on trailering and boat launching exercises. The class was well attended with the participants feeling very confident about their future boating experiences. ▪ Sgt. Brian Bacon and COs Jared Ferguson, Ariel Corr, Anna Viau, and other DNR staff members from Fire, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Forestry participated in a DNR field day for local 3rd grade students. The students had an opportunity to learn about the responsibilities of several different divisions of the DNR. The officers discussed the day-to-day duties of a conservation officer and several important recreation safety topics for ORVs and boats. Around 140 students participated in the field day. ▪ CO Anna Viau gave a presentation about aquatic invasive species to the Iron County Lakes and Streams Partnership. Included in her presentation were discussions about current and potential invasive species in Upper Peninsula waters. Many of the attendees live on local waterways and were excited to share the information they gathered with their neighbors. ▪ While patrolling one of the many trout streams in Marquette County, CO Josh Boudreaux came upon a freshly burned pile of garbage including items such as a car stereo and other household items. Sifting through the ashes, CO Boudreaux was able to locate some information that pointed to a suspect in the city of Marquette. With assistance from CO Jeremy Sergey, a confession was obtained from the suspect. A litter ticket was issued, and the individual drove out to the site to clean up the mess they left behind.

12 of 17 ▪ CO Josh Boudreaux responded to a fatal ORV accident in Wells Township, Marquette County after midnight on the Memorial Day weekend. The elderly male operator was travelling at a high rate of speed and lost control of his ORV, causing it to roll. CO Boudreaux assisted the MSP and Forsyth Township Police Department on-scene. Speed and alcohol were both believed to be factors in the crash. ▪ CO Jeremy Sergey responded to a capsized vessel in the below the first dam. There were two individuals who went into the water. The Marinette Fire Department (FD) pulled one individual out of the water, but the second individual was not located. CO Sergey conducted search patterns along the river with Menominee City Police Officer Mitch McRae. The next day CO Jared Ferguson and PCO Anna Viau joined the search. Several other local and state agencies were also involved in the search as well as the U.S. Coast Guard. ▪ COs Josh Boudreaux and John Kamps assisted with the search for a missing male subject in Forsyth Township. The subject had not returned to camp and was without his necessary medical supplies. Multiple resources from across the area assisted with the search. The individual was discovered deceased several days later by a group of kayakers on the Escanaba River. ▪ CO Josh Boudreaux assisted with the search for an individual who was suicidal and reportedly shot himself in his truck somewhere in Marquette County. CO Boudreaux and a Marquette County Sheriff deputy responded to his residence where they talked to family members and tried to gather information regarding locations he might visit. A cell phone ping got the officers moving in the right direction toward Champion. The officers were able to track down the vehicle, that was driving erratically at high rates of speed, and conducted a traffic stop. After removing the driver from the vehicle, he was treated for a self-inflicted gunshot wound and transported to the hospital in Marquette. ▪ CO Josh Boudreaux worked a complaint of numerous subjects from a camp taking an over-limit of bluegill on a lake in Marquette County. CO Boudreaux patrolled the lake in a kayak observing fishermen around the lake. After observing all suspected parties involved, CO Boudreaux contacted the first boat. The two anglers were very surprised to see a conservation officer on the lake and had multiple violations including no fishing licenses, an unregistered boat, and no PDFs. They returned to their camp to retrieve identification and PFDs with CO Boudreaux. Once at the camp, the subjects were questioned about the number of fish in their possession. The fishermen directed CO Boudreaux to a large cooler that contained 35 bags of fish fillets totaling over 300 bluegill. CO Boudreaux and the pair of anglers went back onto the lake and rounded up the rest of the fishing party. Each group contacted had additional violations including no fishing licenses and unregistered boats. More bluegill were located in each vessel as they continued catching the large bluegill off their spawning beds. When all parties were rounded up and all fish were counted, a total of 372 bluegill were in their possession. Additional bluegill had already been consumed. Only three of the eight anglers had fishing licenses, two of the boats were unregistered, three subjects did not have PFDs and the group was well over the limit of bluegill for licensed anglers. The fish were seized, and tickets were issued for taking an over-limit of bluegill. The fish were photographed and donated to various families in the county. The group stated they would not soon forget this fishing trip as it was a huge wake-up call for all of them.

Forest Resources Division: Tom Seablom, Western UP District Supervisor ▪ Units are finishing work on 2021 Year of Entry (YOE) Inventory. Open House and Compartment Review schedules are posted online, along with other state forest inventory information at www.michigan.gov/forestinput. The next West UP (WUP) Open Houses are for the Escanaba and Gwinn Units on August 28th and September 18th respectively.

▪ As of July 9th, 324 timber sale contracts are open WUP Wide. This represents 734,599 cords of timber on 436,699 acres, valued at approximately $35.9 million.

▪ 3 out of 4 WUP units report 18 active timber sales totaling about 1,328 acres. Units report low demand for sales on winter ground. Units are continuing to see “no bid” sales.

▪ Forest protection staff report having responded to 34 wildfires for 82 acres burned UP wide this year. They have conducted 9 Prescribed burns for a total of 1,228 acre treated year to date. Fire activity is expected to follow the average year, although the western UP has begun to show signs of a drying trend. With normal fire activity expected our fire personnel will continue to support out-of-state assignments. These types of assignments provide

13 of 17 advanced training opportunities as well as maintain an expected experience currency for our firefighters while providing needed work force to national and international wildfire suppression efforts. Currently we have 8 people on out-of-state assignments. Two people are currently assigned to Washington, one in Alaska, and a small hand crew of 5 in Ontario.

▪ Spring tree planting has concluded. A total of about half a million trees have been planted over the spring months. To date, 100 acres have been scarified for natural regeneration.

▪ The WUP district is welcoming two new staff members. Nick Urich is a new Forest Technician in the Escanaba Unit. He is a recent graduate of UW Stevens Point with a BS in Forestry. He is from Lacrescent, MN. Kristen Matson will be taking up the Gwinn Unit Manager position. Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree in Forestry from MSU and a master’s degree in Business from Lake Superior State University. She has been with Forest Resources Division for 25 years, working in the roles of Forest Technician, Forester, East UP Inventory and Planning Specialist, as well as several acting roles statewide and at the District level. Outside of working for the DNR, Kristen has worked for Kimberly Clark, the USFS, and has served her country as a member of the Michigan Army National Guard.

▪ The Forest Health staff reports: • A late spring has delayed some of the pest damage this year. So far, forest health issues have been relatively quiet based on recent reports from the west UP. • Oak wilt symptoms are expected to show up soon in Dickinson, Menominee and Iron counties. The DNR forest health program plans to survey public land in these counties for oak wilt and continue treatment of oak wilt pockets with vibratory plow lines this fall. • Aerial survey activities will begin later in July to map significant areas of forest pest damage across the U.P.

Parks & Recreation Division: Doug Rich, WUP District Supervisor

State Park/Recreation Area/Scenic Site/Forest Rec Units ▪ : Two events were held, Kayaking 101 on Memorial Day weekend which was cut short due to high winds on Lake Superior, but still had good attendance prior to the high winds. The park had a free fishing pond on Free Fishing Weekend, which had 250 kids and 100 adults. King Lake and Big Erick’s Bridge State Forest Campgrounds have been busy.

▪ : All of our district parks small projects and history division funded projects were completed. We got our fuel tank, hazard tree removal in day use, tuck pointing the entrance wall, and new gutters for both HQ and Campground office were installed. FRD cut down approximately 55 hazard trees at Bewabic in May. ▪ Scenic Site: Becoming very busy and is now fully staffed. ▪ Craig Lake State Park: Road into the Keewaydin BAS site and yurt has been temporarily fixed by the Baraga construction crew. More repairs can be planned later as needed. ▪ Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: Slow start in May, cold weather. June was much nicer, camping attendance was similar to last year. ▪ : Camping has been good. The new kayak and canoe rental program began and is popular. $3,150 awarded in GI funding for lighting retrofitting in park buildings and outdoor lighting. The unit was sponsored by Arborjet to treat ash trees against Emerald Ash Borer and sponsor their treatment for the next 10 years, a value $7500 and filmed a mini documentary. ▪ McLain State Park: MJO has continued to work on phase 2 and the park is in design phase in phase 3. May day use numbers 4562 people. Camp nights 491, Mini Cabin nights 74, Rustic cabin nights 3. June day use numbers 13653 people, Camp nights 1271, Mini Cabin Nights 192, Rustic Cabin Nights 23. ▪ Menominee State Recreation Area: Busy with day use visitors. ▪ : Spring campground use and cabin use has been steady. Porkies staff working on remodeling the apartment-bunk house building for NCCC crew. The Baraga Field Office crew completed a drainage project in the Union Bay campground. Working on ordering supplies and materials to build a tiny house. Staff has been using flail mower to cut back ditches and widen roadways. Staff is preparing to update interior of the newly acquired Cotton Cabin. ▪ Twin Lakes State Park: Camping this spring has been slow, cold and wet early weather contributed to the start. SFC has been slow, weather and now with buggy conditions are not helping. We send campers out to SFC and they come back saying too buggy to stay. Construction of new entrance and mud room at the Twin Lakes Lodge is well under way, sanding and painting will start after the 4th of July holiday. Hope to have completion of inside work by mid-August.

14 of 17 ▪ Van Riper State Park: Storytelling vetting was held in Marquette as part of the Centennial celebrations. Unfortunately, staff did not receive any participation from the public; however, they were able to compile a list of potential people to reach out to that may want to participate. Staff participated in Family Fun Night at Aspen Ridge. This is an event for the public hosted by one of the local schools where the public can get out and participate in free events and activities for children. This event usually sees between 300-400 children and families. Concessionaires of Water Warrior Island had the divers put the aquapark in and opened in the beginning of June. Waiting a little longer this season allowed for the water temperatures to warm a little prior to letting visitors in the icy water. With the warm weather at the end of June the aquapark has been busy. Archery programs were held toward the end of June. The programs are always well received and had a total of 26 participants for the two programs. ▪ Wells State Park: High rain levels and the high-water table this year has influenced an extreme amount of campground site closure at Wells Park. ▪ Baraga Field Office: Moved Pump Track at Van Riper, Twin Lakes Lodge Renovation Porkies campground drainage project, Hauled Topsoil to McLain. ▪ Escanaba Field Office: Unit State Forest Campground attendance is on average with past years, and the beginning of the season was successful. With one ranger vacancy, SFCG improvement projects are slow.

Boating Reports (BAS = Boating Access Sites) ▪ Bewabic State Park: Eddy Lake is closed due to flooding, has been closed all of May and June. ▪ Twin Lakes State Park: BAS sites have been slow, except for Misery bay with the beach being used a lot this summer. ▪ Van Riper State Park: Baraga and Escanaba construction crews assisted in revamping the reroute needed for the culvert failure. They are planning to start on the culvert replacement in early July. Baraga's crew graded several our boating access sites, pathways and other various locations within the unit. FRD also graded some at Blueberry Ridge, Little Presque Isle and are planning to get started on hazard tree cutting around the cabins at Little Presque Isle. ▪ Wells State Park: The BAS Menominee Railroad dock has experienced 3 shut down events due to high water and wave action along the shore. For these events, we called upon Escanaba Field Office and the City of Menominee to help with debris removal from the site using heavy equipment. ▪ Baraga Field Office: Swapped refurbished skid piers at Lily Pond, Big Iron, Deer Lake, and Lake Michigamme, graded boating sites, fixed county road going to boat launch at Van Riper, cleared trees at Net River Dam ▪ Cedar River State Harbor: May was above average boating attendance month at the Cedar River Harbor (Cabela’s Fishing Tournament). Higher than normal water levels at all our BAS sites and Harbor. ▪ Copper Harbor State Harbor Copper Harbor Binwall Phase 100 complete, moving to phase 500 Eagle Harbor Site restoration planning phase began (site boring for feasibility July 7-12). ▪ Escanaba Field Office: Field Office staff has responded to multiple access sites to repair damage due to weather and rising water levels. These sites include Menominee railroad dock, Rapid River, and Ford River. Unit staff have improved roads to multiple boating sites within the unit including Trout Lake, Ford River, Pike Lake, and Dam 3. Personnel News, Vacancies/Hires, Recognition ▪ Baraga State Park: Finally got all STW positions filled in mid-June. Our commissioned officer position is vacant due to transferring to one of the DOC positions at the Porkies. ▪ Bewabic State Park: 1600-hour ranger position is still currently vacant, although interviews were held, and the process is moving forward. Unit doesn't have much for STW staff, so when projects come up, staff is doing some extra scrambling to get things completed. ▪ Lake Gogebic State Park: Hiring of DOC to DNR staff began. The two rangers for the traveling crew started in June. Interviews and selection of the Accounting Assistant are completed, awaiting start of the employee. Supervisor position has been posted and is closed. Tools, equipment and supplies have been procured. All STW positions are filled. ▪ Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Ranger Michael Grzenia began as the interior lead ranger on 6/17/19. Nicole Pepin and Aaron Schneider began as interior rangers on 6/17/19. ▪ Twin Lakes State Park: This year’s MRS crew is doing a fine job at the park this year, without the added help from this crew we would be a lot farther behind with our maintenance. Wonderful program and hope it will continue over the next few years. Helping mold young people into working adults is great to see. ▪ Van Riper State Park: STW staff was hired for the season and went through annual STW orientation. We are very short staffed and the quality of applicants is becoming harder to find, as is personnel that wants to work full-time. Van Riper is currently operating with a couple of full-time staff members and mostly part timers. Van Riper held interviews for the 1600-hour ranger positions and the Lead Ranger position posting just closed at the end of the month. Staff attended a variety of trainings during the past two months including; CPR/AED training, Genie Lift Training, EGLE Compliance Conference for drinking water and wastewater. ▪ Wells State Park: We have a few vacant positions for summer staff (STW's). It has been a continuous struggle to get seasonal employees for the last few years. ▪ Escanaba Field Office: Unit supervisor returned to work after 6-week medical leave.

15 of 17 Other Issues, Challenges or Items of Note ▪ All State Park Units: Hiring of seasonal summer staff is a constant struggle and recruitment efforts are ongoing. Units are shorthanded and completing the workload is struggle. ▪ Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Water line break at union bay campground loss of 10,000 gals per day. Found and fixed by staff. ▪ Twin Lakes State Park: Staffing is still one of our biggest problems, harder and harder to find full time workers especially with being able to make more money in town and not have to drive out here. ▪ Wells State Park: CAMIS has been working on our connectivity and it an ongoing issue. Speed is still very slow. ▪ Escanaba Field Office: Recreation Ranger position still vacant.

Multi-Use Trails ▪ Menominee State Recreation Area: Working with a trails group to formally establish an MTB trail at Piers Gorge in MRSRA. Rob Katona has the proposal and tells me he has submitted it. ▪ Twin Lakes State Park: Nicholls multi-trail is open but needs many trail spots fixed. We have many hazard conditions that need minor repairs, staff are working on repairs. ▪ Van Riper State Park: PRD Trails staff, Van Riper staff and members of the Friends of Harlow met and have discussed trail projects and funding needed and prioritizing where the funding should be used.

ORV Trails ▪ Baraga State Park: ORV use continues to climb and inquiries/use by ORV campers is almost daily. ▪ Lake Gogebic State Park: Working with MI-TRALE to get ORV access to park. ▪ Twin Lakes State Park: 2019 Sport ride was quite small this spring as many of our usual routes were closed with repair work needed. With help from the U.S. Forest Service, we were able to use two roads that are typically closed to ORV's and make a 90- mile loop from Twin Lakes State Park. Overall everyone enjoyed the ride, but conditions were quite dusty on that day. Trails in general are quite rough in the Twin lakes area, with a need of grading and with the steady increase in traffic and larger machines this will continue to be a problem.

Snowmobile Trails ▪ Twin Lakes State Park: Meeting with snowmobile club on a maintenance project in the Mass/Greenland area. Project will be a great improvement to Orv riders.

Equestrian Trails ▪ Twin Lakes State Park: Equestrian Mi-TRALE group have decided not to use the Pike Lake area for a riding area. Group likes the area but felt they did not have the time to start a big project. ▪ Van Riper State Park: Trails staff marked the new parts of the trails so the volunteer group can plan to get the trails opened.

Pathways ▪ Bewabic State Park: Inspected Merriman Pathway with Rob Katona. Trail system needs redesigning. ▪ Van Riper State Park: Friends of Tyoga is now officially a group. A meeting was held to discuss projects and process moving forward. ▪ Escanaba Field Office: Delta County Non-Motorized Trails group has continued making improvements to the Days river pathway in order to make grooming more efficient. DCNT Group has also continued improvements to increase drainage in low areas of the pathway, as well is implement erosion control methods to better the trail.

Planning Report ▪ Baraga State Park: The construction of the first half of the electrical upgrade in the North section of the campground was completed on 6/28. The upgrades were well received, and campers were flooding in. ▪ Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: Historic Fort masonry/brick replacement still ongoing, concluding shortly after 7/4. Fort Wilkins/Fayette Fire Suppression project kicked off. Fort Wilkins/Copper Harbor Light house restoration planning kicked off (pre bid meeting July 10). Fort Wilkins water and sewer replacement planning began (construction anticipated 2020). ▪ Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Planning meetings regarding M107 with the Ontonagon County Road Commission. ▪ Twin Lakes State Park: Upcoming project to put a new roof on toilet building during the fall season. Finishing the lodge project with the new steps and cement repair. ▪ Van Riper State Park: Progress meetings have been held to finish wrapping up the final construction of the Water Treatment Building upgrades, funded through capital outlay. The building is had its final inspections and is open for the season, providing potable drinking water to both visitors and staff. The Friends of Van Riper and Craig Lake State Parks installed the pump track

16 of 17 on May 3rd and 4th. Many planning meetings were held by members of the Friends group, all of Van Riper staff, Regional Field Planner Eric Cadeau, WUP District Supervisor Doug Rich, and volunteers from the area. Installation went almost flawlessly, completing the project by noon on Saturday. Grand opening is set for July 20th at 11am. Group is looking to purchase a few additional components to install a speed ring in addition to the existing track. The pavilion/shelter building at Van Riper had old siding and windows removed and new log siding installed, compliments of supplemental funding. The first edition of "Re- Imagine the mini cabin" was completed by staff. Mini cabin 1 received new siding and trim, new flooring, lighting upgrades and new furniture and appliances with monies coming from the marketing section. The cabin is gorgeous and needed an upgrade. In early May, a culvert failure was identified in the park along the road that connects the modern campground to the rustic campground, boat launch and Cully Gage camper cabin. The road has been temporarily closed and rerouted until the construction crews are able to get materials to make repairs. ▪ Escanaba Field Office: Field Office staff have been preparing for and planning to resurface over 4 miles of the State Line ORV route between Caspian and Iron River. Gravel spreading is planned to begin July 22nd. ▪ Bergland Boating Access Site: Parking lot, dock, and ADA site improvements completed August 1, 2016. Additional asphalt paving and site lighting improvements were proposed for fall of 2017 or spring/early summer of 2018. The project has been bid out. Payne and Dolan have been awarded a contract for construction. Construction began September 9, 2018 and the sight lighting improvements are complete. Asphalt paving improvements have been delayed until 2019 due to an operator’s engineer's labor dispute. ▪ Eagle Harbor State Harbor: Engineering, analysis, and design of improvements at the Harbor is proposed in ongoing. Improvements to the site utilities, mooring facility, and harbor master building are being considered. A design contract was awarded to Edgewater Resources. The data collection of existing site conditions is underway. The analysis of potential of design improvements is 90% complete, a public meeting will be scheduled for this summer. A total of $825,000 has been allocated for design and construction. ▪ Oman Creek Boating Access Site: Long range planning: $170,000.00 has been awarded for the design of a groin. The groin design will be informed by a littoral drift study. OHM Advisors has been awarded a contract for design. The analysis of coastal processes is underway. The analysis of proposed design improvements is 100% complete. Two groin alternatives were considered, a Public Input Session was held on July 24, 2018. The public input demonstrated support of investing in groin alternative #1. The DNR has selected Groin Alternative #1 and is proceeding with the development of plans and specifications for bidding. $1,000,000 has been allocated for construction of a groin. Design is proposed to be completed in the fall of 2019. Construction is proposed for 2020.

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