“The news paper for people who love the north”

Late May 2014 Vol. 61, No. 12 $2.50 Digital Delivery

Michigan’s Conservation Sentinel Since 1953

Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, Michigan —North Woods Call photo

No Contest in Status of Straits Oil Bodies Found in Bid-Rigging Case Pipelines Sought Antrim County Tent Page 1 Page 3 Page 5

Josh Greenberg’s Feral Swine 2014 Michigan “Rivers of Sand” Ruling Challenged Election News Page 1 Page 3 Page 6

www.mynorthwoodscall.com Opening day and Josh Greenberg’s rivers... EDITOR’S NOTE: The follow - Grayling—has written a wonder - ing book review originally ap - ful new book, “River of Sand: peared online at the Northern Fly Fishing Michigan and The Michigan Conservation Network Great Lakes Region.” website. It holds particular in - Written in what seems to me terest for North Woods Call to be a conversational style, it is readers and is reprinted here by a book of stories about Josh’s permission. fishing trips—alone, with clients, or with friends. There are three By Dave Smethhurst things I really like about this The last Saturday in April is book that make it—along with always a special day to trout fish - “Spring Creek” by Nick Lyons— erman. It’s the Trout Opener. one of my all-time favorites, both Even though today it is more of a to be read and re-read. tradition that an event, with so Maybe more than any recent I’m a “seasoned” trout angler. many streams open—some opening days, I’m excited. I re - I usually catch fish, unless I’m under special regulations—I cently finished a new book that distracted by, oh, cedar think you can fish for trout some - got me thinking, smiling and opti - waxwings in a spinner fall of where every day of the year. mistic. Josh Greenburg, owner of mayflies, or a turtle inspecting Nonetheless, it is deep in our one of the iconic fishing lodges my boots as I sit on a log (a small trout bum brains that this is still a and shops in the country—Gates one, not a big snapper), or an special day. Au Sable Lodge outside of (Continued on Page 2)

Late May 2014 Vol. 61, No. 12 $2.50 Digital Delivery

Priming the Pump —North Woods Call photo The summer tourist season will soon be in full gear, pumping much- Michigan’s Conservation Sentinel Since 1953 needed tourist revenue into northern Michigan’s economy. Although we prefer less-crowded roadways and parks—such as this temporar - ily empty rest stop along M-37 in western Wexford County—we rec - Encana settles bid-rigging case for $5 million ognize that businesses in the north woods welcome the lucrative influx of visitors this time of year. All we ask is that those passing through Encana Oil and Gas USA has dence to proceed to trial. missal of the high court misde - respect our natural resources, enjoy their travels and drive safely. agreed to a $5 million civil settle - The civil settlement with En - meanor charge of antitrust viola - ment with the State of Michigan to cana was filed with Ingham tion relating to a contract or resolve allegations that the com - County Circuit Court and includes conspiracy. If Encana abides by pany conspired to avoid bidding the following key terms: the terms of the plea agreement, wars against a rival company dur - * The company will pay $5 mil - the criminal case will be dismissed ing oil and gas lease auctions. lion to the State of Michigan. $2.5 after 11 months. North Woods Notes On May 5, representatives of million will go to funds managed Public auctions of state-held oil the Delaware-based energy firm by the Department of Natural Re - and gas leases are held twice pleaded no contest before Judge sources and affected by Encana’s yearly—once in May and once in LIQUID PIPELINE: A recent report by Maude Barlow of the Maria Barton in Cheboygan Dis - actions, and the remaining $2.5 October—by the Michigan De - Council of Canadians describes efforts to establish the Great Lakes and trict Court to one count of crimi - million will fund the state’s anti- partment of Natural Resources the St. Lawrence River as a “carbon corridor” for the North American nal attempted antitrust violations, trust enforcement activities. (DNR). During the DNR's May energy industry. According to an online posting by Ted Schettler of the a misdemeanor. * The company will enter into 2010 auction, both Chesapeake Science and Environmental Health Network, Barlow’s report details The other company charged in a four-year “corporate integrity and Encana purchased natural gas plans to transport “dangerous new forms of energy”—as well as waste the bid-rigging case—Oklahoma- agreement” with the state as part leases in Michigan. from more traditional forms—around, under and on the water. It is also based Chesapeake Energy Corpo - of a consent judgment, providing In 2012, Reuters News Service a call to action to stop these plans before it is too late, Schettler said. ration—vowed to fight on. increased transparency of future uncovered a possible conspiracy WOLF PETITIONS: A second ballot proposal aimed at stopping Several witnesses had been called oil and gas lease bidding activity. between the two companies' exec - gray wolf hunting in the Upper Peninsula will appear on the Nov. 5 bal - during the preliminary hearing and State officials, in turn, agreed to utives, discussing an agreement lot. Election officials said enough valid signatures have been collected the judge was expected to decide an 11-month delayed sentence on following the May 2010 auction to to advance the proposal, which would repeal a law passed by the legis - whether there was enough evi - the attempt charge, and the dis - (Continued on Page 2) lature in 2012. A second proposal, which would repeal a different law authorizing the hunt, is already on the ballot. Yet a third petition is being circulated by hunting and conservation groups supporting the hunt. FREEWAYS VS. TOLL ROADS: Some federal and state officials reportedly would like to convert more interstate highways to toll roads. This, they say, would generate revenue and provide additional funding for road construction and repairs. Others point out that motorists al - ready pay significant fuel taxes to fund such activities and claim this is just another way for government to acquire more money from citizens, which then can be siphoned off for multiple other uses. We can expect more debate about this in the future. In the meantime, drivers continue to doge this year’s plethora of potholes on Michigan roadways. ICE SHEETS: As of late April, there was still a significant amount of ice on the Great Lakes—particularly Lake Superior. A full month into spring, huge sheets of ice were crashing into the shore. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration officials said that Gitchee Gumee was still more than 60 percent covered—compared to just 3.6 percent the previous year at the same time. WOLF SURVEY: Michigan’s 2014 wolf population survey showed no significant change in the estimated number of wolves in the Upper Peninsula, according to officials from the Department of Natural Re - sources Wildlife Division. It is estimated that there were 636 wolves in Michigan this winter, compared to 658 wolves the previous year, they Springtime on the Pine s a i d . T w e n t y - t w o w o l v e s w e r e t a k e n d u r i n g t he 2013 hunting season. The Pine River south of Mesick— EMERALD ASH BORER: The emerald ash borer—an invasive just upstream from Peterson species that targets ash trees —has been found at Aloha State Park near Bridge on M-37—is a popular Cheboygan. Ash trees once made up about 85 percent of the trees within destination for canoeists and the campground. Over the past six months, approximately 400 dead ash other outdoor enthusiasts. Users trees have been removed. of the large landing area near the TROUT REGS: Input is being sought from anglers to help evalu - bridge, too often prone to rowdy ate the Upper Peninsula’s experimental trout regulations. Just as in behavior and mischief, are 2013, anglers will have the opportunity to harvest 10 brook trout per greeted by a stern warning (left) day on five Upper Peninsula stream segments during the 2014 trout sea - from law enforcement officials. son. The 2014 Michigan Fishing Guide specifies where the 10 brook trout possession limit applies. For information, visit michigan.gov/dnr. —North Woods Call photos (Continued on Page 2) Page 2 Late May 2014 The NorTh Woods CaLL Decision awaited Our 61st Year: Looking Back to May 18, 1955 in Allegan lawsuit — Excerpts from The North Woods Call— At this writing, Allegan County Circuit Judge Margaret Bakker A hard lesson learned had not yet ruled whether a citizen By Marguerite Gahagan group’s lawsuit against the De - As the pines crashed in the north woods and the lumberjacks rode partment of Natural Resources the wanigans down the swift rivers, a new frontier was blazed in could continue. Michigan. Bakker previously warned she The north country opened to trade and travel, and towns sprang up was not out to make new law on and homesteaders cleared land for farms. They settled in a rich land behalf of Michigan Land Air of game and fish and timber, and as the lumber boom swept through Water Defense’s effort to cancel the land, the treasures of the land dwindled. state-issued oil and gas leases in Gone was the grayling, and gone was the pine marten and wolver - the Allegan State Game Area. ine. The little remaining virgin timber today stands in preserved parks If the group loses the case, and decaying stumps are evidence of the giants of the forests that fell members say there will not be any before the axe. meaningful review of the envi - Spring Visitor —Photo by Mark Karaba New frontiers are again opening in the north country today. A ronmental impact of oil and gas This image of a rose-breasted grosbeak was captured recently at a growing realization of the value of the woods, the wetlands, water - development on any public land birch tree feeder in the Grayling area. Many colorful songbirds—as sheds and stream improvement is bringing back the richness of the in the state. The state says its cur - well as raptors, ducks and other varieties—have been returning to state’s great north. rent process is adequate. Michigan with the warmer weather. Soil conservation and reforestation practiced jointly by state agen - cies on state land, and by farmers and small land owners on private Encana settles bid-rigging case for $5 million acres, are now visible—pointing the way to a richer land as the old (Continued from Page 1) May 2010 to less than $40 an acre one count each of antitrust viola - blaze marks on the pines once marked the trails pushing north to a split up Michigan counties where at the October 2010 auction. tions relating to a contract or con - new frontier. each company would be an exclu - In light of these findings re - spiracy in restraint of commerce, From the Cedar to the Au Sable, stream improvement is bringing sive bidder for both public and vealed through an investigation a high court misdemeanor punish - back the historic rivers that yearly beckon more thousands of fisher - private leases. by the Michigan attorney gen - able by a $1 million fine for a cor - men to partake in a million-dollar sport. In the five-month period fol - eral’s office, Encana and Chesa - poration; as well as one count Game management has become a source of increasing interest— lowing the state's May 2010 auc - peake were each criminally each of attempted antitrust viola - not just to Conservation Department workers, but to the year-round tion, this alleged conspiracy may charged for their alleged bid-rig - tions, a misdemeanor punishable citizen of the north country and the cabin owner who on brief week - have been a key driver behind the ging collaboration on March 5, by a $1,000 fine. ends comes to the woods to see the deer, the imported and guarded state-held lease price in Michigan 2014 in Cheboygan District Both companies have said they sharptail grouse, and the wild turkeys carefully protected in an at - dropping from $1,510 per acre in Court. They were charged with conducted internal investigations tempt to bring them back to their old homeland. and found no collusion. They Throughout the north woods, mankind sees in the wildlife, the said their earlier discussions were newly planted trees, the developing ski hills, a new frontier in the related to a joint business venture modern way of life. Recreation and sport loom ever larger in the av - that never came to fruition. erage Michigander’s manner of living. North Woods Notes Closing briefs in the case By recognizing the need to safeguard and improve the land, the against Chesapeake were to be forests, the fish and the game, and by investing their money in such filed by the attorney general’s of - improvement work—be it a ski slope or an acre planted in trees— fice on May 16 and by Chesa - Michigan’s citizens mark their new frontier as one pointing to a bet - (Continued from Page 1) peake on May 23. The judge will ter world offering more pleasant hours to all people. APRIL NRC MEETING: The June 12 meeting of the Michigan issue her opinion after that. Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will be held at the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center, 4125 Beaumont Road, in Lansing. Opening day and Josh Greenberg’s rivers... The Sept. 11 and Nov. 6 meetings will also be held at that same location, tences and paragraphs that take while the Oct. 9 meeting will be at the Ralph A. MacMullan Confer - (Continued from Page 1) me to the best of writing about ence Center, 104 Conservation Drive, on Higgins Lake near Roscom - emerging Hexagenia mayfly in the out-of-doors. mon. Other NRC meetings during 2014 will be July 10 at the Outdoor the silt behind the log. But when This paragraph is about fish - Adventure and Discovery Center, 1801 Atwater Street in Detroit; Aug. I do fish, I usually know what to ing with small streamers in the 14 at the American Legion, 610 W. Munising Avenue in Munising; and do. fall for brook trout: “This is pure Dec. 11 at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Avenue in Lansing. As I read “Rivers of Sand,” I streamer fishing. For many, it is CONSERVANCY EVENTS: The Little Traverse Conservancy will found myself saying, “Yeah, a wood-rod game. And while I be hosting three notable events this summer. The 3rd Annual Wau - that’s how I do it too.” And then, don’t know if there’s a connec - goshance Trail Marathon and Half Marathon is scheduled for July 12 in on the next page, I find another tion, a lot of these classic northern Emmet County (see www.greatlakesendurance.com). Mean - fly fishing tip in the story and a streamer anglers are upland bird while, the 25th Annual Save the Trees Land Protection Benefit will be “Duh, why didn’t I think of hunters, who consider catching held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 30 at the Walstrom Marine Garage (Call that?” I’ve rationalized that well brook trout with streamers in the 231-347-0991 for information) and the Conservancy’s 42nd annual in my mind by saying to myself, afternoon to be a fine comple - meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 5, 2014, at North “I’m just a part-time angler and ment to hunting grouse with bird Central Michigan College in Petoskey (Call 231-347-0991 to register). Josh is a full-time pro.” That dogs in the morning.” GREENWOOD EASEMENT: An additional 330 acres of land makes me feel better about my - Josh Greenberg Or, after hunkering down fol - were recently added to the Cheboygan County Greenwood Conservation self. You too, will find “duh,” could be boiling over a sub - lowing a squall, with thunder and Easement. The newly protected land includes 1,800 feet on MacAn - moments and learn. merged log, or lapping against a lightning passed, Josh writes, drews Lake and 6,150 feet on the Little Pigeon River. It also lies adja - Josh—a full time conserva - cut bank.” Can you sense stand - “Then it was over—as if I’d cent to another 1,390 acres protected in 2008. tionist, as well—writes beauti - ing in a trout stream from Josh’s awoken suddenly. I stood as the ELK & BEAR LICENSES: Hunters have until June 1 to apply for fully about what he sees and words? I can. sun blasted through the trees and 100 elk and 7,831 bear licenses available for the 2014 season. Only feels along our trout streams. In By the way, Robert Traver a few leaves spun down quietly. Michigan residents are eligible to apply for elk licenses, while bear li - my twenties, I read Robert (a.k.a. by his real name, John The forest glowed. The river cences are available to both residents and non-residents. No more than Traver’s “Testament of a Fisher - Voelker) is the third in my trio of was calm. The west sky was two percent of bear licenses may be issued to non-residents, however. man.” favorite angling writers, but it is clear. It was, I thought, an amaz - Apply online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings, at any authorized li - “I fish because I love to,” his collection of books—rather ing front. The kind of squall that cense agenda, or at a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Cus - Traver wrote, “because I love the than one book—that makes the re- resembled a short, intense ill - tomer Service Center. environs where trout are found, read list. I worry that many of the ness. When it was over, it took FREE FISHING: Michigan’s 2014 Summer Free Fishing Weekend which are invariably beauti - younger trout anglers have not the previous day with it, and I will be held June 7 & 8. All fishing license fees for both residents and ful…” read Traver, or Lyons, and others had the sense that I was fishing non-residents will be waived during these two days. Communities That touched my brain, and like Marinaro, Flick, McGuane, in the river of tomorrow.” across the state are organizing activities to encourage involvement. The Josh feels and conveys that same Hemingway,Haig-Brown, There are more—but find them state offers some of the finest freshwater fishing in the world, with more emotion. Josh writes about what Scwiebert, or Gierach. Fly fish - for yourself. Stop at Gates Lodge than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, more than 11,000 inland I call river music: “All this talk ing has such great literature, as and buy one. Josh will sign it. If lakes and many thousands of miles of rivers and stream. of rising fish, the endless vari - well as how-to-do-it books. you’ve never been there, you are FARM PONDS: Michigan farm officials are reportedly fighting an eties of gurgles, burping sounds, Greenberg, of course, is on the in for a treat, and great food, too. attempt by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate small splashes, sips … these are all above list. He has a degree and Get to know Josh, in person and bodies of water. According to the Great Lakes Echo , they say that a trout noises. ... Then there is the time at Oxford to prove he is an through his books. Yeah, I said new permit process would make construction and farming more expen - sound of the river itself. The expert with the English language. books – plural. He just has to sive and time-consuming. river has a multitude of gurgles His words share knowledge so write another, and another. Great ASIAN CARP: A summary of public comments on the Great and bloops caused by nothing easily, but there are classic sen - writer. Good man. Lakes/Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS) can be viewed at more than the current itself. It http://glmris.anl.gov/. The report outlines eight potential plans within the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) to address the transfer of Tell your conservation friends about The North Woods Call aquatic nuisance species, such as Asian carp, between the two basins. The NorTh Woods CaLL Late May 2014 Page 3 State officials seek status of Straits oil pipelines Deer habitat Michigan Attorney General practice good stewardship of the ing for assurance that Enbridge is as any anticipated replacement grants given Bill Schuette and Michigan De - Great Lakes, the crown jewels of monitoring and maintaining its in - plans. Nine Upper Peninsula con - partment of Environmental Qual - Michigan’s ecology and econ - frastructure. Michigan does not Pipeline Use: Existing and servation organizations have ity Director Dan Wyant have omy,” said Schuette. “The unique need another pipeline break. Our potential uses for the pipelines in been selected to receive 2014 requested detailed information on location of these pipelines, in the vast, vital natural resources must the future. Deer Habitat Improvement the current status of two Enbridge Straits, means failure is not an op - be protected.” Preventive Maintenance and Partnership Initiative (DHIPI) oil pipelines laid in the Mackinac tion. This request is part of a An April 29 letter signed by Leak Prevention: Pipeline in - grants from the Department of Straits more than 60 years ago. comprehensive approach to en - Schuette and Wyant requests the spection processes and mecha - Natural Resources’ Wildlife Di - The formal request to Enbridge sure we work aggressively to min - information about the Enbridge nisms for leak prevention, vision. Inc. and Enbridge Pipelines Inc. imize risks and protect the lakes pipelines within 60 days, includ - detection and control. The grants, totaling nearly asks for detailed information to at every turn.” ing: Spill Response Plans: Com - $65,000, will fund deer habitat ensure the Great Lakes are pro - “This administration has worked Pipeline Life Expectancy: pany response plans in the event improvement projects in Alger, tected from a catastrophic spill in hard to protect the environment Details on the construction, mod - of a leak or spill. the event of a pipeline failure. and support the industries we reg - ification, and estimated life ex - Chippewa, Dickinson, Iron, “We have a responsibility to ulate," added Wyant. "We are ask - pectancy of the pipelines, as well Mackinac, Marquette, Menomi - nee and Ontonagon counties. The DHIPI grant program is Counting Hawks designed to attract and support Migrating hawks crossing the proposals from non-government Straits of Mackinac were near - organizations and citizen groups ing their peak numbers in late interested in improving white- April when these photographs tailed deer habitat in the Upper were snapped. Nearly 5,200 Peninsula. The competitive red-tailed hawks had been tal - grant program, funded by the lied so far—the largest number state’s Deer Range Improve - of birds. The total count was ment Fund (DRIP), requires that approaching 9,000 individual the projects be located on non- birds of 16 species, all flying state-managed land, including north from winter homes in di - private property and Commer - verse locations ranging from cial Forest Act-enrolled land. the southern United States to Grants will go to the follow - Central and South America. ing organizations: The watch for hawks and other The Dickinson Conservation migrating birds—including District ($9,250); U.P. White - eastern bluebirds, and chipping, tails, in partnership with The savanna and vesper sparrows— Forestland Group LLC was expected to continue until ($10,000); Wildlife Unlimited May 31. The public is invited to of Iron County ($7,500); Mar - observe. Just follow the hawk quette County Conservation signs posted on West Central District ($6,410); the Onton - —Red-tailed hawk (above) by Steve Baker. Photo (below) of Kathy Bricker, Tom Graham and Ed Pike by Jim Bricker. Avenue in downtown Mackinaw agon chapter of Whitetails Un - City. For additional informa - limited ($7,710); Grand Marias tion, visit www.MackinacRap - Sportsmen’s Club and the Alger torWatch.org. Conservation District ($4,800); Drummond Island Sportsmen’s Club and Stoney Creek Timber LLC ($10,000); a landowner on Drummond Island in Chippewa County ($7,500; and the Alger County Chapter of UP White - tails ($1,600). Created by legislation in 1971, the DRIP fund is supported by a $1.50 allocation from each deer license sold (except for senior licenses), which equals $2.2 million to $2.8 million in annual funding. This restricted funding is for the enhancement, mainte - nance and acquisition of deer habitat statewide. For additional information, call Bill Scullon at (906) 563- 9247.

MUCC and others challenge feral swine ruling Environmental compliance meeting The Michigan United Conser - “… If it stands, this ruling will pseudorabies and bovine tubercu - If you are responsible for making sure an organization is in com - vation Clubs (MUCC)—along put Michigan’s agriculture sector losis, as well as harmful bacteria, pliance with Michigan’s environmental regulations, you won’t want with other agricultural and con - at risk of devastating economic such as brucellosis, that can seri - to miss the 2014 Environmental Compliance Conference. servation leaders across the losses. It will also create serious ously sicken human beings. Registration is now open for the event, which is designed to help state—were urging state officials problems for our natural re - “The DNR invasive species businesses and environmental professionals comply with environ - to appeal a March court ruling sources and wildlife and put the order is critical to protecting mental standards. which overturned an order that health and property of Michigan Michigan’s natural resources and The conference, hosted by the Michigan Department of Environ - declared wild hogs to be an inva - residents in danger. economy from a species that mental Quality, will be offered in three locations—Traverse City sive species. “The DNR invasive species causes serious harm to our land (May 29), Grand Rapids (June 5) and Livonia (June 10). The order and declatory ruling order targets non-native species and water, as well to our agricul - The registration fee of $130 includes breakfast, lunch, all confer - by the Michigan Department of such as the Eurasian and Russian ture industry. ence materials and a copy of the “Michigan Guide to Environmental, Natural Resources (DNR)—to wild boar, and crosses produced “Just as we work tooth and nail Health and Safety Regulations.” clarify how the DNR would de - from these breeds. These non-na - to stop Asian carp and zebra mus - The event qualifies for six continuing education hours for profes - termine which pigs were inva - tive hogs are fast-breeding, vora - sels from entering our lakes and sional engineers. Certified municipal wastewater operators can re - sive—were nixed by the cious and destructive animals rivers, we should stop invasive ceive 0.5 CECs in the “managerial” category for attending the Marquette Circuit Court, which with no natural predators in swine from causing further dam - wastewater track only. Environmental consultants, state and local said they were capricious, illegal Michigan. They destroy impor - age to our land and economy. officials and anyone else interested in learning about the subject are and outside of constitutional stan - tant crops, endanger livestock, “Furthermore, allowing this also welcome to attend. dards. The judge ordered a stay of threaten our wildlife and natural ruling to stand could have lasting For more information and to register, contact Alana Berthold at the ruling, expecting the state to resources, and cause billions of implications on the ability of the [email protected], or (517) 284-6854. file an appeal. dollars in damages to property. DNR to regulate invasive species Here is an excerpt from a letter “They also carry diseases that in the future.” reportedly sent to Gov. Rick Sny - can wipe out livestock and our Ask your local librarian to order der by the MUCC: natural wildlife, such as The North Woods Call Page 4 Late May 2014 The NorTh Woods CaLL Simplify, simplify: Living well with less stuff Opinion Once upon a time, I went to a local electronics store to make a simple purchase North Woods Journal Quote Box A friend had given me an old By Mike VanBuren “One cannot but reflect what a sucked orange the earth will be in outdoor television antenna. I the course of a few more centuries. Our civilization is terribly ex - needed a hundred feet of wire and pensive to all its natural resources. One hundred years of modern a rotor kit to hook it up. realize it. We're constantly forag - money, stress, possessions, com - life doubtless exhausts its stores more than a millennium of life of I had never previously owned ing for the latest gadgets, newest petition and isolation. antiquity.” an outdoor antenna. For years, I'd cars and biggest homes. Never It has nothing to do with de - —John Burroughs been content with fuzzy-looking mind that such desires usually priving ourselves, or living in broadcast channels. I'd grown bring more headaches than they're poverty. It has everything to do used to unfocused double images worth. with being content with what we Citizen action is important of network news anchors. But Even after foreign terrorists have, finding joy in less and re - hats off to the many citizens who took their concerns about now I had a chance to bring a lit - flew commercial airliners into the connecting with other people and fracking on public lands to the allegan County Courthouse in tle clarity to my life. And I was World Trade Center, Pentagon the natural world that sustains us. april. determined to do so. and a field in rural Pennsylva - Now I'm as guilty as the next It was a full house in the courtroom when Circuit Judge Mar - At the electronics store, the nia—when we probably should person when it comes to ignoring garet Bakker heard arguments in a lawsuit filed by Michigan Land twenty-something clerk looked at have been called to sacrifice and this advice. I struggle each day air Water defense against the department of Natural resources me like, "You can't be serious." to conserve resources for a larger against the impulse to buy things (dNr) (see related story on Page 2). He couldn't grasp the fact that I war effort—President George W. that I think will add happiness and While at this writing the judge was yet to issue a ruling on the didn't have cable TV. He offered Bush told us to go shopping. value to my life. They seldom do. dNr’s request to dismiss the lawsuit involving some 12,000 to fill this void by selling me a What was that all about? It's usually the simple things acres of land in the allegan state Game and recreation area, we satellite dish system. For a few I think Henry David Thoreau that can't be purchased in any agree with the plaintiffs that more needs to be done to protect dollars a month, he said, I could had it right when he called upon store which mean the most. property set aside under the public trust doctrine. get hundreds of channels. us to "simplify, simplify." After Things like more time for family The dNr says it is doing just that via the state’s standard re - But I didn't want hundreds of all, the essence of our lives is not and community. Less worry view and approval process, but it wouldn’t hurt to also do what cit - channels. I was quite satisfied found in material things and tech - about possessions. And greater izens are asking—a thorough environmental assessment before knowing that I'd be getting better nology—no matter how revolu - freedom—to live and grow and property is leased for oil and gas development. TV reception than ever before— tionary they are. True spiritual love without constraint. It still troubles us that citizen action is so often required to com - and almost for free. But the clerk growth and contentment rise from It has been said that there are pel public servants and agencies to take extra care and precau - didn't see it that way. In his eyes, uncluttered lives. two ways to get enough—accu - tion when managing public resources, but we’re glad such my lack of passion for personal I've been reading lately about mulate more, or desire less. Less, individuals are willing to stand up and be counted. improvement was a serious prob - a movement known as "voluntary it seems, is truly more. lem. simplicity." This involves living And that's probably the clear - Growling environmentalists That's the trouble with "con - —and actually having more— est signal I'll ever get from the We know it’s impossible to please everyone all of the time. But sumer" cultures. Most of us have with less. More time, joy, peace, battered old television antenna we wish agenda-driven conservationists would be quicker to give more than we need and don't even satisfaction and meaning with less that still towers over my house. each other the benefit of the doubt. We recently published a letter in which an individual inaccu - Trout time finally arrives on Augusta Creek rately criticized an environmental group for being anti-hunting. a Finally. The yard has maybe member of that environmental group responded with a somewhat two full wheelbarrows of snow curtly written denial of those charges. left. The Phoebe Flycatchers are at about the same time that the second letter arrived in our All Outdoors here. So are the Woodcock. mailbox, the original letter-writer discovered that he may have After some work in the yard, it By Mark Karaba been a little to fast on the draw with his criticism and wrote an - is time to "field test" some of the other letter of apology for jumping the gun. flies I have tied on and off all win - It might have ended there, except that we ran the denial and ter. So, with the jeep loaded with apology side-by-side in the same edition, believing that the two the typical kind of story telling lie stream illegally. That, by the way, my gear, I head to one of my fa - related pieces of correspondence appropriately went together. that fishermen are prone to, but a from a trout stream deemed “mar - vorite local streams to once again This, however, further annoyed the member of the environmen - deep run or hole that a trout would ginal” by the DNR. feel the current against my legs tal group, who then accused us of giving the first letter-writer an “lay” in. A lie. The email was accompanied and let Augusta creek wash away unfair opportunity to elaborate on his original comments in sup - The water is unusually clear by a photo of the trout—all 42 of the winter blues. port of Michigan wolf hunts. for this time of year and the them—lined up on the tailgate of This is the true sign of spring While we understand how it could have appeared this way, we amount of snow cover we had. the officer’s truck. A few of them for a trout fisherman. Hydro ther - weren’t trying to support one side of the debate over another. and I’m surprised that I have not were larger than I had ever known apy, if you will. we were a bit surprised to find ourselves in the line of fire. moved any fish after an hour or to exist in this creek. It is the kind of day that a But we appreciate the passion displayed by dedicated envi - so. This is indeed unusual. I am How could I have forgotten month earlier you wondered if ronmental advocates and recognize that various opinions about not even seeing any trout darting such a profoundly disturbing you would ever see again—65 de - contentious issues will always be strong. around when I wade through piece of information such as this? grees and not a cloud in the sky. Nevertheless, we encourage natural allies in the conservation some deep holes. I am getting older. I do forget The kind of day you might, in a movement to spend less time growling at each other and more Though I am not disappointed things . typical year, see in late March. time taking aim at those who are actually assaulting our natural in not catching fish, I am con - Maybe I didn't want to remem - Not this year, of course, but it is resources for personal profit and gain. cerned. I know this stream well ber. Maybe I had blocked that in - here at last—a 30-mile drive with and, at this time of year, I should formation out. Or maybe I just Sweet deception: Bait & shoot the windows down and a slightly have at least had a few “takes” on didn't care. giddy look on my face. my fly. After all, it is only a marginal We recently saw a professionally produced video that featured The familiar routine of string - Then I remember an email a trout stream. the killing of a black bear that was tempted by assorted goodies ing up the fly rod and pulling on friend sent to me last fall. It was placed in a woodland bait barrel. waders is done as smoothly as about Augusta Creek. Some The North Woods Call From what we could tell, the barrel contained such things as should be expected. As I walk to "sportsmen" were apprehended by donuts, sweet rolls and honey—all aimed at attracting the unwary Michigan’s Conservation Sentinel the bridge and stand over the a conservation officer with a bag animal into range, where a camouflaged hunter armed with a Since 1953 water, I smile. Hello to an old full of trout. A BAG FULL! sighted crossbow could release an arrow into the unwary prey friend. It seems that they had devised Published regularly by: and bag a trophy mount for the taxidermist. Newshound Productions LLC This stream and I go back 30 a clever way of "driving" the trout It was pretty disturbing, to say the least, and seemed quite un - 5411 east de avenue years or so, and when you get to into a waiting net of some sort. A Kalamazoo, Michigan 49004. fair to the foraging bear. know a body of water as well as I fisherman who apparently wit - In our estimation, hunting should involve more than cynical de - Telephone: (269) 342-8724 know this one, you begin wading nessed this called the Department ception and the high-tech advantage of people over animals. It E-mail: [email protected] with a sense of confidence. I no - of Natural Resources hotline and, should be more about woodland skill, tracking ability and the bat - tice a few changes in the first hun - after the officer arrived, they were Website: mynorthwoodscall.com tle of wits, rather than simply finding any means necessary to col - dred yards or so—in the form of still at it. lect another impressive display for the hunter’s den. Online subscription: $35 per year some downed trees. Some are When the damage was assessed, some hunters obviously don’t see it that way, but we are much and $60 for two years. across the stream and create some there were 42 trout in that bag. more aligned with those who do. Print subscription: $55 per year new cover for the trout. Lies. Not Forty-two trout taken out of a and $95 for two years

Great Lakes governors and the premiers of On - including the sharing of staff and expertise. Editor & Publisher: Mike VanBuren Great Lakes tario and Quebec have announced a “mutual aid The agreement—announced recently at the Coun - agreement” that will empower states and provinces cil of Great Lakes Governors annual meeting in Publishers Emeritus: Marguerite Gahagan Governors agree to act collaboratively in the event of a “serious” re - Chicago—follows up on a resolution approved during Glen and Mary Lou sheppard gional threat from aquatic invasive species. the group’s 2013 meeting on Mackinac Island, which to Asian carp The agreement is designed to prevent the intro - called for specific actions to address the issue. advertising rates upon request duction and spread of invasive species, foster mutual Michigan, for its part, will include all of the “least aid among states and provinces to respond to such wanted” species on its prohibited and restricted collaboration A Newshound Publication threats and encourage further cooperative actions— species list by July 2014. The NorTh Woods CaLL Late May 2014 Page 5 Viewpoint Proposed fracking rules come up short Viewpoint By Katie Sulau during the fracking process before which it was drawn. With so Energy savings and home costs Last week, the Michigan De - a well is in use. This is critical much uncertainty about the im - EDITOR’S NOTE: This op-ed munities that employs skilled partment of Environmental Qual - public health and safety informa - pacts of fracking on our natural piece originally appeared in the workers locally and keeps pollu - ity (DEQ) proposed updates to tion for people living near wells, resources, operators should be Grand Haven Tribune. tion out of our air and water. rules to regulate fracking in and it is not too much to ask that held to the highest standards of Unfortunately, the public in - Michigan, and they came up Michiganders are properly in - ensuring the quality and quantity By Nicholas Occhipinti terest in this case is being seri - short. formed of our freshwater is not detrimen - If I told you that the State of ously challenged by powerful Instead of meaningful regula - The suggested rules do not re - tally impacted. Michigan could save residents lobbyists and special interest tory reform, the rule changes were quire all fluids used in fracking to The DEQ is falling short on building new homes a net aver - groups working for the perceived minor mark-ups and language be stored in a secure tank, nor do setting those standards age of $478 every single year, or short-term benefit of a few. In - changes that skirted main points they require details and disclosure We’re continuing to parse $10,000 on average, you would credibly, some want go even fur - of concern for Michigan LCV and about fracking operations to be through the details. Stay tuned for probably think that would be a ther than rejecting the 2012 many Michiganders across the tracked and displayed on the more information about a public relatively easy public policy de - update; they intend to roll back state. Michigan DEQ’s website. comment period. cision to make. energy-efficiency measures al - In particular, the proposed rules Fracking wells use millions of Unfortunately, it’s not—and ready embedded in Michigan’s do not require companies to pub - gallons of Michigan’s freshwater, Katie Sulau is communications this is a real opportunity that is in code—improvements that are licly disclose the contents of which is unable to be returned to manager at the Michigan jeopardy of not being pursued. currently saving Michiganders chemicals that are added to water the lakes, rivers and streams from League of Conservation Voters. What’s at issue here is the energy and money. adoption or rejection of the Even if it were a good idea to Letter to the editor Bodies found in United States Department of En - reject the 2012 code to benefit a ergy-supported 2012 new home narrow range of special interests Gore vs. Bush: A tale of Antrim Co. tent construction energy code update. in the building sector (it is not), Investigators were hoping to Gov. Rick Snyder and his direc - those winners would come at the more than two houses identify two men whose bodies tor of the Department of Licens - expense of other Michigan busi - The “Tale of Two Houses” published in The Call in the early May were found April 30 in a tent near ing and Regulatory Affairs have ness losers. edition is a recycling of something that circulated back in 2007. Mancelona in Antrim County’s the authority to adopt these cost- Our state is home to large and While largely true, it ignores several relevant facts. Custer Township. saving code improvements, sav - small manufacturers of energy- [Former Vice President Al] Gore has since made a number of en - At this writing, authorities were ing hundreds of dollars annually efficient building products and ergy saving improvements to the home. waiting for the results of forensic for occupants of newly con - services. Building energy-effi - [Former President George W.] Bush has since purchased a $3 mil - autopsies and DNA tests, which structed homes. cient homes is good for business lion, 8,500-square-foot home in North Dallas near the site of his pres - would help make positive identi - Full adoption of the 2012 and good for the economy, but idential library. It does not appear that this new home—while modest fications, according to Antrim codes will save money in both the you don’t need to take an envi - in comparison to the other homes in the neighborhood—is a model of County Sheriff Dan Bean. short and long term. Homes built ronmental group’s word for it. environmental design. The ranch house in Crawford functions as a People searching for shedded under the new standard will have The world’s largest business or - second home. deer antlers discovered the bodies average energy costs 30.9 percent ganization, the U.S. Chamber of Yes, people are complicated. Our public figures are inconsistent in a rural area near Doerr Road. less than homes built to Michi - Commerce, advocates the same. in personal choices they make. But let's not use that as an excuse for There were no obvious signs of gan’s Uniform Energy Code The chamber’s national policy taking the lazy way out and concluding that Gore's message about the foul play, or any other indication (2009 standard). platform calls for “legislation to importance of climate change is not true. how the men died, Bean said. Because most new homes are boost private-sector investment Climate change is the most important environmental issue of our The tent didn’t contain any financed, the DOE finds, “After in building efficiency upgrades, time. And yet many people and news organizations are more inter - firearms, or hunting equipment, accounting for up-front costs and help manufacturers reduce en - ested in the foibles and flaws of celebrities and public figures. he said, and there were no signs additional costs financed in the ergy use, update lighting and ap - Go figure. that the men may have died from mortgage, homeowners should pliance standards, and strengthen carbon monoxide poisoning. It see net positive cash flows (i.e., building codes.” The U.S. Cham - Jay Copeland also didn’t immediately appear cumulative savings exceeding ber of Commerce supports na - Concord, Massachusetts that foul play was involved. cumulative cash outlays) in one tional model building energy Their clothing was tattered and year for the 2012 IECC.” More codes. decomposing after the cold and simply, less money will be going Both single and multifamily “Atmosphere of crisis” needed snowy winter, and it is believed to pay for your mortgage and en - homes built to the new 2012 en - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, co-chair of the recent Council of Great the men had been there since last ergy costs in the first year, and all ergy code standards will save en - Lakes Governors meeting in Chicago, said an “atmosphere of crisis” is fall. the energy upgrades will com - ergy and money—lots of it. If needed to bring about faster action on the Asian carp threat to the Great Antrim County didn’t have any pletely pay for themselves in 3.5 Michigan updates its building Lakes. missing persons reported during years. codes, the state will save nearly During an interview with the Great Lakes Echo , Snyder reportedly the preceding six to eight months, Full adoption of the code $230 million annually by 2030. said there isn’t enough urgent concern over the issue. The region, he Bean said. would encourage energy-effi - In December 2013, Gov. Snyder said, needs to find common ground and act more quickly than it has so Anyone with any information ciency improvements that are laid out his vision for a “no re - far to solve the looming problem. should call (231) 533-8627. longer-lasting and much more ef - grets” energy future. Wisely, the fective than changing out light governor called for an emphasis bulbs and [installing] low-flow on “eliminating energy waste” Here’s one final 2013 deer hunting story showerheads. The codes would and has made that goal a founda - include permanent improvements tion of his energy plan. Speaking By John Gunnell on hands and knees, we discovered a thin blood trail to a building’s shell, including on energy and the environment, This deer story from November 2013 has been telling us the deer was hit. better windows and stronger in - the governor has said, “There are bouncing around in my head ever since I became pre - Anyone who ever trailed a wounded deer knows sulation. The walls and shell of a things we can do today that ben - occupied with ice fishing. The reader must realize that detecting and trailing blood without snow can be home would be made tighter and efit us right now and pay divi - that my psyche—once acclimated to a bluegill men - tough sledding. Deer meander when wounded, con - have less duct and HVAC leak - dends tomorrow, no matter what tality—has difficulty shifting back and re-living an suming time and territory. age. Hot water pipes would have the future holds.” event that was, as it turned out, a once-in-a-hunting- The clock told us it was already approaching 10 to have better insulation to allow Adopting the 2012 energy lifetime occurrence. p.m. when we paused to listen to an eerie sound off in hot water distribution to be more code is smart policy that moves It was the second Tuesday of our hunt in the Upper the distance. The sound was not that of one coyote, efficient. These measures are Michigan toward a “no regrets” Peninsula. Son David and I were the last two re - but of several. Unlike the distant swoon of a male most cost-effective at initial con - energy future. We should not maining hunters in camp. We planned that day to coyote sending out his calling card to females, the struction. miss this opportunity. hunt early, about three miles from camp. We decided coyotes we heard sounded like the gnashing of teeth, Energy efficiency is the cheap - Gov. Snyder and LARA to return to camp about noon. After some lunch and as if to be in a fierce battle. est, cleanest and most quickly de - should fend off challenges to cur - a brief siesta, we returned to hunt our own land until What we were being prepared for is what we dis - ployed source of energy available rent efficiency standards and dark. I ventured down to a stand we call Hattie’s— covered. The coyotes—at least three—had inter - to Michiganders. Why do I and adopt the full 2012 code this year. named after the original owner of our camp—while sected the deer’s blood trail and literally field-dressed other environmentalists love en - David held sway off a couple hundred yards near a him before we arrived. ergy efficiency so much? Be - Nicholas Occhipinti is policy stand we call Gregg’s. Getting back to camp about midnight with an cause it allows us to be a direct and community activism direc - All was quiet until dark, when I heard a single shot eight-point buck (minus one hind quarter and one advocate for the consumer and tor at the West Michigan Envi - ring out from the direction where David was hunting. shoulder) capped off our day. Interestingly, the coy - family budgets now. It’s a direct ronmental Action Council. With only one shot, I assumed we would soon be otes never sank a tooth into the back straps, indicat - and local investment in our com - dragging. ing that they were saving the best for last. As darkness settled in, I began to make my way I’ve chatted with different hunters who have had back to our camp. When I arrived—and after making this experience with coyotes. David informed me Share your thoughts and ideas a Bloody Mary—I heard the rustle of footsteps on the that, when he had the deer processed, he got thirty- The North Woods Call welcomes letters and viewpoint front porch. David came in with news that it was he five pounds of venison. articles. Please write tightly and include you name and who shot, but he had either missed or wounded a I now revert back to my winter ice fishing focus contact information. (Ideally, Viewpoint articles will be 700 young eight-point buck. We decided to make use of with no further interruptions until I take up the music words or less). the little daylight left and look for the buck. Finally, of the trout season. Page 6 Late May 2014 The NorTh Woods CaLL

River Reflections By Betsy Hayhow Hemming

Congratulations! It’s a trout! The cryptic email arrived mid-morning: “Fish arriving early. Be in Mio by noon.” We brushed our teeth and raced out the door; this rare opportunity to watch the Au Sable welcome 13,000 new members to its river fam - ily was something we didn’t want to miss. We arrived at 11:52 a.m., and the Michigan Department of Natu - ral Resources crew was already there, parked on the loading ramp. The sophisticated truck—branded appropriately enough as “Fish for the Future”—sported a sizeable oxygen tank to keep those little rain - bow trout alive and kicking until they were somewhat abruptly ejected into their new river home. A quick check of the water temperature showed six degrees Cel - sius—about 43 degrees. The hatchery keeper nodded his head. “It was nine at the hatchery—that’s good,” he said. I shook my head. It sounded darn chilly to me. I had never been to a river birthing before. A long metal pipe was put together, then attached to one of four portals to tanks holding the fish. The other end was submerged in the river near the shore, and fish started spurting out in a hurry. Cannery Row —North Woods Call Photo Now I don’t know how many brain cells baby trout have, but that This restored structure on the beach at Glen Haven is a reminder of an early northern Michigan indus - had to have been a physical and emotional transition. Used to the con - try—not to mention writer John Steinbeck’s classic novel “Cannery Row,” which was set far from Michi - crete raceways at the hatchery, with a roof keeping out most of the gan on the shores of California’s Monterey Bay. While Monterey has the world-class Monterey Bay sunlight, these little wonders probably found the sandy bottom of the Aquarium anchoring the famous location of Steinbeck’s story, Glen Haven has the legendary Sleeping river and the bright sun above somewhat disconcerting. Most hov - Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which each year attracts visitors from all over the United States and ered right next to the pipe, catching their collective breath, while oth - abroad. Rather than processing sardines—a staple of the Monterey canneries—the local business canned ers darted into the shadows. A few decided that this great big mother cherries and other fruit, then shipped it from the Glen Haven dock. Ah, sweet history. river was just too much and tried to return to the shore, but we gently persuaded them otherwise. The eastern box turtle: A herald of springtime Within a half hour, most of the trout had headed out to explore— As we get into warmer weather, or hide. We wondered how many will make it in this great big river we will be outdoors—hiking, —how many will thrive and grow really, really big; how many will hunting turkey, collecting mush - The Natural World find special little river holes and hunker down for years; how many rooms, fishing and just enjoying By Richard Schinkel will make an angler’s heart sing. the spring ephemeral wildflowers. The hatchery keeper’s wife, a lovely person who has watched over Traveling in the woods, we trout for 13 years, was amazed at the size difference among the many often come across turtles, espe - fish, even though they were all the same age. Just like people, we cially the eastern box turtle. This mused. is our only true terrestrial turtle. I felt like a fish mom as I kept an eye out for stragglers, trying to Before we talk about this very make sure they successfully commenced their next phase of their life special reptile, we should remind journey. ourselves that Michigan law pro - Soon the truck was on its way back to the hatchery, where it would tects all turtles—except snapping be loaded again tomorrow for another delivery. Three trucks deliver turtles—from commercial har - three loads of fish three days a week for several weeks each spring. vest, and the wood, spotted, east - That’s a lot of fish, my friends. Fish for the future. ern box and Blanding’s turtles are completely protected. It is very tempting to pick up 2014 election is shaping up these slow turtles and try to make Conservation and natural re - bent congressmen, U.S. Rep. pets of them. This doesn’t work sources issues are expected to face Justin Amash (R—Cascade Twp.) out well in most cases. a tough battle this fall in out - and U.S. Rep. Kerry Bentivolio Primarily found only in the weighing Common Core state ed - (R—Milford), will face primary Lower Peninsula, they are un - A male eastern box turtle —Wikipedia photo ucation standards and Medicaid challenges from Grand Rapids common to rare in most areas. expansion as wedge issues during businessman Brian Ellis (running This is due to habitat loss and re - hatched extremely late in the sea - counting the rings, as in a tree, but Michigan’s 2014 election. against Amash) and Birmingham moving them from the environ - son the young will remain below we have had problems doing that The filing deadline for candi - attorney David Trott (running ment for pets. Their main habitat ground until the next spring. at the nature center. Most often dates has passed. against Bentivolio). is open woodland, adjacent fields, The eastern box turtle is found when counting the rings—if the According to the League of In the 4th congressional dis - swamps and thickets near streams. in a group of “hinge” shelled tur - turtle is of any size—we almost Michigan Conservation Voters, no trict, home to U.S. Rep. Dave As with most turtles, they are tles. The upper shell—called the always end up with 16, so we be - surprise names showed up at the Camp (R—Midland), who will be quite slow and populations have carapace—is dark, with a pattern lieve by experience that this tech - last minute, but 2014 will be a retiring, a three-way Republican been dramatically hurt by road of orange and yellow. The lower nique is not at all reliable. year for Republican candidates, primary between current state Sen. traffic. shell—called the plastron—is Eastern box turtles are omni - incumbents and new faces alike to John Moolenaar (R – Midland), Since their home range usually colored yellow and has a flexible vores and feed on all types of duke it out for seats in the state Paul Mitchell and Peter Konetchy doesn’t exceed five acres, it is not hinge which allows the shell to plant and animal material. Some capitol. is heating up. a good idea to remove them. If close totally at the front. This is maintain that the younger turtles A total of 44 Republican pri - In the 8th congressional dis - they are taken temporarily, please needed to allow the head, tail and are more carnivorous, because maries will take place for House trict, current home to U.S. Rep. put them back in the same area legs to be pulled under the shell they require more protein to grow. seats—the second most in the last Mike Rogers (R—Howell), who is where they are found. when confronted by a predator. At the nature center, we often decade. Democrats in the House also retiring, the primary will fea - The box turtle can live to be Their coloration mimics the dry see box turtles with either red or are facing fewer primaries than ture former state Senate Majority nearly a century old in the wild— leaf litter of the forest floor. Male purple faces, because they have normal, topping out at 37. Leader Mike Bishop and state much less in captivity, even under box turtles may have blue patches been feeding primarily on straw - Of the 44 Republican primaries Rep. Tom McMillin, a staunch tea good conditions. on the cheeks, throat and front berries and later blackberries. on the docket, an estimated 19 in - party voice from Rochester Hills. Since the population has been legs. The plastron of the male is Since these turtles eat about cumbent state legislators will face On the Democratic side, Deb - decimated and the home range so somewhat concave to aid in mat - anything, they often consume poi - primary challengers this year. bie Dingell is not facing any seri - small, mating may occur from ing. Males most often have red sonous mushrooms, which makes Michigan Information and Re - ous challengers in the 12th spring through fall as a mate is lo - eyes. them poisonous to eat. This search Service (MIRS) reports congressional district, which has cated. The female remains fertile The turtle’s shell is vital to its caused American Indians some that, since 2000, only one Repub - been held by her husband, U.S. for a few years after mating and survival. The shell of the box tur - problems, as they were an easy lican challenger has won against Rep. John Dingell (D—Dear - lays three to eight soft-shelled tle grows scale-like features called meal to catch. an incumbent legislator. born), for more than six decades. eggs in the ground during early scutes that continue to grow dur - Whatever you do, please leave On the federal level, following In the U.S. Senate race, former summer. The eggs take 75 to 90 ing the life of the turtle and has this rare turtle in the wild. a string of retirement announce - Michigan Secretary of State Terri days to hatch. Some believe, as growth rings. Some say that you ments from the Michigan delega - Lynn Land and current U.S. Rep. with snapping turtles, that if can tell the age of the box turtle by tion, there are now more open Gary Peters (D—Bloomfield U.S. House seats than Michigan Twp.) do not face primary chal - Thanks to all of you who have renewed your subscriptions has seen in 22 years. Two incum - lenges. The NorTh Woods CaLL Late May april 2014 Page 7 Conservation Officer Logs (3/13/14 through 3/31/14) Cattle litter, a “mountain man,” various outlaws & joining in a rap music video DISTRICT 1 (Marquette) perwork and an untagged turkey RAP complaint about a large footage would contain a scene CO Doug Hermanson inves - with a 10-inch beard that were amount of litter being dumped on where he is arrested by the police. tigated an incident involving the taken by the same subject. CO commercial forest property. CO A special emphasis would be dumping of livestock on CFA Ginn contacted the Ministry of Robinette was able to obtain a placed on the handcuffing scene lands. A complaint was reported Natural Resources of Ontario and name from items in the garbage. while being arrested. CO Payne that two cows had been dumped was provided detailed information An investigation led to the owner ran a file on all three individuals in the area of a logging job. CO on the black bear. CO Ginn con - of the garbage being ticketed for and found the rapper had a war - Hermanson was able to retrieve ducted a follow-up investigation littering and cleaning up the mess. rant for his arrest. Enforcement tag information from the animals with the subject and was able to action was taken. and locate the owners. Enforce - confirm a legally harvested bear DISTRICT 8 (Rose Lake) CO Jeff Goss received reports ment action was taken against the from Ontario. When CO Ginn in - While enroute to the wildlife of subjects taking overlimits of livestock owners for the litter. quired about the wild turkey, the lab, CO Rich Nickols was exiting panfish on Graham Lake. Upon CO Marvin Gerlach received subject lowered his head and ad - the freeway when he observed a checking the lake the next day, a complaint of several near-miss mitted to taking it out of season. large cloud of dust ahead and then CO Goss observed several anglers car/deer incidents near a residence The subject was ticketed and en - saw a vehicle bounce off a on the ice. While watching in Menominee County. It seems forcement action was also taken cated and evidence seized. Nu - guardrail. The vehicle continued through his spotting scope, CO with the long winter, the residents against the taxidermist for im - merous charges have been author - on and CO Nickols followed it a Goss recognized one of the an - of one house felt sorry for the proper record keeping. ized by prosecutors in three short distance before conducting glers as someone he had arrested local deer and decided to start put - Sgt. Michael Bomay and CO separate counties. a traffic stop. The driver said he several times in the past. A file ting out some feed for recreational Jeff Ginn were on patrol of the was looking down at his cell check revealed the subject had viewing. Unfortunately for the Muskegon River and observed a DISTRICT 6 (Bay City) phone and lost control of the ve - three warrants for his arrest. deer, they decided to place it next subject fishing from a vessel near CO Seth Rhodea received a hicle. The driver was also driving When CO Goss made contact it to their mailbox along a high-traf - the Croton Dam. As the patrol Report-All-Poaching (RAP) com - in violation of his restricted li - was discovered that he was 19 fic county road. CO Gerlach vessel became apparent to the plaint that involved subjects cense. A ticket was issued for fish over his limit. The subject talked to the “deer feeders,” ex - subject, he immediately set his shooting a goose and then leaving careless driving. was lodged on the warrants and plaining that although they were fishing pole down and looked it alive after it was injured from CO Damon Owens and Sgt. ticketed for the overlimit. not in violation of the recreational away from the COs’ boat as it ap - the gunshots. After several phone Troy Bahlau closed a waterfowl feeding rules, they were certainly proached. The subject acted sur - calls were made, a possible sus - case where the non-resident sub - DISTRICT 9 (Southfield) putting motorists and the deer in prised to see the COs out on the pect was identified. CO Rhodea ject was hunting without a small CO Mark Ennett responded harm’s way by locating the deer high water and instantly informed then contacted the suspect, who game license and state or federal to a RAP complaint regarding the feed so close to the road. The them, “You got me.” No fish agreed to meet with him. Upon stamp. The subject was found illegal shooting of a Canada goose subjects agreed that their activities were taken but the subject was is - meeting with the suspect, CO guilty on all violations and or - on a small private pond in Mon - were causing a hazard and de - sued a ticket for fishing without a Rhodea immediately received a dered to pay fines and costs total - roe County. After a few minutes cided to relocate the feed site to a license. A check of the retail sales confession from the hunter who ing $700. of speaking to the homeowner and safer location. system confirmed the subject had was then ticketed for taking a CO Shane Webster made a his guest, full confessions were CO Marvin Gerlach received also not purchased a fishing li - goose out of season. traffic stop of a vehicle for failing obtained and the goose carcass the disposition on an illegal turkey cense last year. CO Dan Lee and Sgt. Ron to stop at a stop sign while work - was retrieved. The guest used the case in Menominee County from CO Troy Mueller responded Kimmerly were patrolling Belle ing on Belle Isle. One of the pas - homeowner’s rifle with a scope to the fall of 2013. The subject pled to a complaint of a subject taking Isle when they observed a vehicle sengers had five outstanding shoot the goose from the house. guilty to the illegal turkey charge deer during the closed season, and that appeared to be avoiding them. warrants for his arrest. CO Web - The two had breasted the goose and paid $1,525 in restitution, at the residence located remains They located the vehicle a short ster arrested the subject and trans - out and were preparing to eat it for court costs and fines. He also lost of eight deer, three raccoons, a time later as it pulled into a park - ported him to jail. dinner that night. CO Ennett tick - all hunting privileges until 2016. squirrel and a wild turkey, all ing lot. The driver was suspended CO Todd Thorn issued one eted the shooter for killing a goose A second subject from the same taken during the closed season or with warrants out of Detroit. ticket to a man hunting small out-of-season, gave numerous complaint pled guilty to recre - with no licenses. During the in - After the subject was arrested, he game without a license. When warnings, and seized the rifle ational trespass and paid $375 in terview, the subject admitted to thanked the COs for the work they questioned, he stated he didn’t from the resident for condemna - court costs and fines. shooting most of the deer out of are doing on the Island. have time to go get one. CO tion. season. A check with the retail CO Jeremy Payne worked Thorn then pointed out that his CO Dan Walzak observed a DISTRICT 2 (Newberry) sales system confirmed the sus - with the Michigan State Police hunting partner, whom he rode vehicle on Belle Isle traveling in CO Kevin Postma contacted pect had not purchased any hunt - (MSP) on a road hunting com - with, produced a small game li - excess of the speed limit. The ve - an ice angler at the mouth of ing licenses for several years. plaint in Isabella County, where cense purchased just that morn - hicle was pulled over and contact Pendills Creek. The subject ad - Enforcement action was taken, in - three suspects were driving ing. was made with the driver. The vised CO Postma that he didn’t cluding seizing the firearm for around Isabella and Montcalm CO Todd Thorn assisted MSP driver stated that he was merely have a license and had tried to buy condemnation. counties poaching squirrels, rab - and local deputies with a foot driving his girlfriend and her fa - one earlier in the day, but the In - bits and raccoons from a vehicle. chase of two men who fled from ther around the island for her ternet was down and in turn the li - DISTRICT 5 (Roscommon) The MSP located and stopped the a breaking-and-entering crime in birthday. A check of the occu - cense machine was also down. CO Mike Hearn observed a suspects, and found the driver to progress. A K-9 tracking dog was pants revealed that the father had CO Postma followed up and con - plume of thick black smoke sev - be highly intoxicated and in pos - dispatched to the area and fol - one felony warrant and six misde - firmed the angler’s story. In this eral miles away and located the session of an uncased loaded rifle. lowed the individuals for nearly meanor warrants for his arrest. case discretion was used and source on Twin Lake Rd near US There were also numerous CPL two hours. After a lengthy pur - The driver had 34 misdemeanor arrangements were made to make 131. Upon investigation, the CO violations. The subjects were ar - suit, the two men were located warrants for his arrest. A verbal sure the individual purchased a learned that the property owner rested and warrants are being re - and arrested by officers as they at - warning was given for the speed fishing license. was burning stumps in a large quested for recreational trespass, tempted to cross a road. The men and both subjects were lodged on open pit. Aside from the stumps, taking game during the closed had felony warrants, had fled with their respective warrants. The DISTRICT 3 (Gaylord) there were also several bags of season, possession of game with electronics from the residence, girlfriend, with no warrants and For several months CO Jon trash containing household rub - no license and 16 other game vio - and were also charged with flee possessing a valid driver’s li - Sklba has been attempting to con - bish, plastic children's toys, a lations. and elude and other offenses. cense, was released to finish her tact individuals responsible for the couch, stereo equipment, etc. The While working Belle Isle, COs birthday tour of the island by her - construction of a rough cabin built property owner was ordered to ex - DISTRICT 7 (Plainwell) Todd Thorn and Jeremy Payne self. on state land. Last week, CO tinguish the fire, and an arrest While patrolling Allegan were scanning a Detroit Police While assigned to Belle Isle, Sklba found the cabin had re - warrant is being sought for the un - County, CO Michael Mshar lo - frequency and heard a complaint CO Mike Drexler and a MSP ceived recent use. While leaving, lawful disposal of solid waste. cated a subject burning a mattress where a fast food restaurant was trooper responded to a call of a he observed a subject driving a COs Steve Lockwood and along with many other household about to be robbed. The com - suicide in progress. CO Drexler truck into the area with a snow - Jason McCullough conducted an objects. When contact was made, plaint indicated there were three and the trooper arrived on scene mobile in the bed. Considering investigation into a group of indi - the subject indicated he had ob - people located in the parking lot within minutes of receiving the the cabin as a potential meth lab, viduals they ticketed for shooting tained a burning permit. Enforce - with face masks on. The COs im - dispatch call and found a female CO Sklba returned with a local rabbits and grouse from a motor ment action was taken after an mediately responded to the area who had cut one of her wrists in deputy and contacted the subject. vehicle. The COs did multiple in - explanation was given that burn - and witnessed the subjects walk - an attempt to commit suicide. No evidence of narcotics was terviews and eventually obtained ing permits are only for yard ing across the road. The COs con - First aid was rendered until Emer - found and it turned out the young confessions and additional evi - waste. tacted the subjects, one of whom gency Medical Services personnel downstate man had built the cabin dence on numerous other animals CO Brad Brewer and Sgt. is a Detroit area rapper, who ex - arrived on scene. The female was to live like a “mountain man” off killed during the closed season. Zachary Doss followed up on in - plained to the COs that they were transported to the Detroit Receiv - and on. Enforcement action was The group of individuals had been formation about a deer without a filming a video and the video ing Hospital. taken, and he was ordered to tear shooting rabbits, deer, grouse and tag hanging at a residence. A down and remove the cabin. squirrels from inside a vehicle, as short investigation led to the sub - Why not become a well as during the closed season. ject admitting that the deer was a DISTRICT 4 (Cadillac) The group had killed six deer in road kill where the subject had not North Woods Call partner? CO Jeff Ginn was conducting one day in a section of remote obtained a permit. Enforcement Please send your news tips, story ideas and a taxidermy inspection when he state land during the month of action was taken. photos to: [email protected]. located a black bear missing pa - February. The kill sites were lo - CO Jeff Robinette received a “The newspaper for people who love the north.”

Published twice monthly (except one issue in January, april, July and october) by Newshound Productions LLC, 5411 east de avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49004. First-class postage paid at Kalama - zoo, Michigan, and additional mailing offices. online subscriptions $35 per year and $60 per two years. Print subscriptions $55 per year and $95 for two years. PosTMasTer: send address changes to The North Woods Call, 5411 east de avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49004. M DOT Code: 8021-0068 Page 8 Late May 2014 The NorTh Woods CaLL Fish egg collection completed The Michigan Department of hatcheries and rearing ponds,” Final Shot Natural Resources (DNR) has said DNR Lake Michigan basin completed its annual egg-take ef - coordinator Todd Kalish. “In a forts, despite extreme weather typical year, these egg-take efforts conditions this spring. occur over the course of a week to Each year the DNR collects and collect and process about 600 ma - fertilizes eggs from various fish ture walleye and 2,000 mature species, including wild walleye in steelhead.” the Muskegon River and wild This was not a typical year, steelhead migrating to the Little however, given the near record Manistee River. These fertilized water flows and flooding that has eggs are reared in hatcheries and occurred in many Michigan rearing ponds throughout the state rivers. On the Muskegon River, and eventually stocked to create access sites and bridges were and enhance fisheries in Michi - closed, while the Little Manistee gan’s waters. River weir facility was threatened Of all the walleye stocked in due to extreme erosion caused by Michigan, 80 percent comes from the high water levels. As a result the Muskegon River’s egg-take of these extreme conditions, Fish - efforts. Of the steelhead stocked eries Division staff implemented in Michigan, 100 percent comes emergency protocols and mobi - from the egg-take efforts at the lized diverse staff resources to Little Manistee River weir. The work unconditional hours and goal for 2014 was to collect days to assure egg-take quotas enough eggs during these efforts were met. to stock 16 million walleye and The DNR worked all day and more than 1 million steelhead most of the night on April 21 to later this year. meet the entire steelhead egg-take Beach Bums —North Woods Call photo “There is a very short window quota for 2014, and worked Easter A couple of sun worshippers relax on a beach in Leelanau County’s Glen Arbor Township. Scenes like this of opportunity Fisheries Division weekend in high-water conditions will become more common over the next few months as more people emerge from their cold-weather shel - staff has to collect walleye and to meet the Muskegon River wall - ters to take advantage of warmer days. steelhead eggs in order to opti - eye egg-take quota. mize survival and growth in our Sound off on The North Woods Call ! Clearance Sale! Your thoughts and ideas are important to us. Please take the time to respond to this brief survey by June 1, 2014. Be specific and use additional paper, if needed. You can also send an e-mail to [email protected] , or fill out the survey at www.mynorthwood - 50% Off ! scall.com . Thank you. North Woods Call What do you like about The North Woods Call ?______

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