Huron River Report Published quarterly by the Huron River Watershed Council Fall 2013

feature story 200 Years of Michigan Fish

The final installment of a four-part series on Michigan’s fisheries Michigan boasts 11,000 lakes, 36,000 invasive species changed the Great miles of streams and rivers, and is Lakes fish community in the 1960s. surrounded by the largest freshwater This article revisits these topics from lakes on Earth. Over the past two a modern perspective to provide a hundred years European settlers and better understanding of current fish their descendants have done much management challenges and strategies. to alter these natural systems and the creatures that inhabit them. This The changing face of stream article is the last in a four-part series management that examines how humans have Modern stocking changed – and are still changing – fish From the 19th century, when brown Recent sampling indicates that the diversity and abundance in Michigan trout and rainbow trout were first beautiful lake trout may be making a through greed and stewardship, introduced, to the mid-20th century, comeback. credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service ignorance and intention. when the Coho and Chinook salmon The previous three issues were stocked to control alewives, ecosystem’s overall integrity. However, looked at how commercial and fish stocking has shaped and defined over the years there have been many recreational fishing changed the Michigan’s fisheries. Fisheries changes to what species and size Great Lakes region in the 1880s managers’ primary purpose in of fish are stocked in an attempt to and 1890s, how scientists began stocking fish has always been to meet meet these demands. The Michigan researching and managing fish commercial fishing and recreational Department of Natural Resources populations in the 1930s, and how fishing demands without altering the continued on page 4

A Paddler’s Journey• Ron Sell’s 2013 river expedition A little over 20 years ago, Joan Martin of the river from start to finish. The could see how close we have come to (HRWC Adopt-A-Stream emeritus) expedition was fun, enlightening and making a true water trail. We would had the wonderful idea of getting a a great experience for all – forming do it in 5 days without the fanfare or bunch of people together and pad- bonds and networks that continue agenda, just for fun and adventure. dling the whole length of the Huron today. For this trip, we were a small River. After a year of planning, getting It seemed like time to do the trip and select group of paddlers. Paul dozens of people involved and com- again, to see what has changed over and Joanne Lang from Ohio, Marty munities on board, Joan’s idea grew 20 years. Armed with HRWC’s new Cooperman from Cleveland, Steve into RIVERFEST, a nine day celebration Paddler’s Companion guide book, we continued on page 10

INSIDE: Upcoming events and workshops 2014 HRWC H2O Heroes Calendar Laura Honored by River Network | Portage Creek Project Making Progress | www.hrwc.org HRWC status and updates Laura’s Stream of Consciousness

iver Hero But this award and my15 year anniver- This year I was awarded sary have me looking back, and I can R the National River see that it does make a difference. It’s Hero award. This year also hap- definitely made a difference at HRWC. pens to be the 15 year anniversary of We have achieved great things includ- my tenure at HRWC. Early on, my son ing phosphorus reductions, the Dexter Abe came in to my office, saw me at Dam removal, land and natural area my desk and asked, “Mom, how do you protection, and strong community save the river through typing?” I have to engagement and stewardship! admit I didn’t have a great answer – all Buffman H. I wanted to do was run out and get on While I am so moved and proud of this the water immediately. honor, more than anything, this award is a reflection of OUR work. The work of We’ve all been there, right?…. HRWC staff and board, our local gov- Laura Rubin, Executive Director making flyers, monitoring for bugs or ernments, citizen scientists, enlightened Ultimately, you are reading this because flow, picking up the phone and mak- business leaders, planners and environ- you share a deep belief in clean water ing calls to decision makers, writing mental consultants, donors, recreational and a clean river, and we work really grants…it doesn’t always feel like it enthusiasts, and partner nonprofits. hard to make it happen! Thank you for makes a difference. Altogether, this award is an affirmation your hard work, confidence and friend- that OUR WORK WORKS! ship.

Stormwater, Asset infrastructure, in addition to setting spills, flooding, and sewer back-ups, Management, and Wastewater goals for future projects, it is important while also identifying future funding Program to start with an inventory of exist- sources. More information is at: http:// As you’ve read in past newsletters, ing natural features and other green www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135- Green Infrastructure is receiving infrastructure along with a strategy for 3307_3515_4143-294952--,00.html greater emphasis at all scales (site, com- maintaining it. munity, and landscape) of land use man- Stormdrain Art, June 2013 agement and planning. As with other To help communities spur this along, This summer, working to expand our the State of Michigan passed new adopt-a-stormdrain program, HRWC legislation establishing grants for asset partnered with the City of Ann Arbor’s management plan development, storm- Mayor’s Green Fair, along with local water plan development, sewage collec- artist David Zinn and the Ann Arbor tion and treatment plan development, Public Art Commission. Our stormd- and state-funded loans to construct rain chalk art event was exciting and projects identified in the asset manage- educational! Fair participants enjoyed ment plans. An asset management plan looking on while dozens of youth (in requires a local unit of government to age as well as in heart) decorated identify, map, and assess the condition downtown stormdrains. of the wastewater and stormwater sys- tems. This includes the level of service, Drawings and messages revolved criticality, maintenance strategies, and around the stormdrain’s direct connec- long-term funding. tion to Huron River. If you would like to get involved in this program, take HRWC encourages watershed local a look at www.hrwc.org/volunteer/ governments to apply for these unique, adoptastormdrain. one-time grant funds to conduct a – Laura Rubin thorough inventory of all infrastruc- ture and identify future threats and Local artists encouraged people to consider needs. This planning can avoid future their stormdrains. credit: J. Wolf Protection for Portage Creek Communities work to keep high-quality creek healthy

Education Campaign HRWC will also direct an education campaign to residents who live along Portage Creek and the creekshed’s tributaries and lakeshores. Materials will promote river- friendly home practices, teaching homeowners to minimize stormwater runoff, prevent erosion, maintain healthy lawns and gardens, and use natural shorelines or streambank buffers to protect water quality. To inform the effort, HRWC surveyed those residents earlier this summer seeking their opinions about the creekshed’s water Thanks to funding from MDEQ design workshops. HRWC has resources and what they might do under the Clean Water Act, HRWC submitted a related plan and map to to help. The survey results will shape has begun work with communities both townships describing the extent the educational campaign. Near within the Portage Creek watershed and value of their green infrastructure completion of the project, HRWC will survey residents again to measure the (see map) to implement parts of – the forests, wetlands, lakes, streams the Portage Creek Watershed and other open areas that clean the impacts of the campaign in changing Management Plan adopted two years air, filter polluted runoff, replenish attitudes and behaviors. ago. This work will address two major drinking water supplies, provide The Portage Creek Watershed objectives of the plan: habitat for fish and wildlife, and Plan is the only one in the Huron maintain quality of life. These materials watershed that the MDEQ designated as one focusing on protection l Improve local ordinances and lay out options for planning for “ ” policies in order to accommodate development in concert with, not in – preventing future impacts from degrading a high quality, mostly development and protect the creek’s opposition to, that vital infrastructure. health Similar green infrastructure natural creekshed – as opposed to mitigation cleaning up waters l Launch an education campaign workshops will occur this fall in “ ” – to increase awareness about the Stockbridge Village and Unadilla already impacted from agricultural creek and promote water-friendly Township. HRWC is talking with and development practices. Its residential practices Dexter and Lyndon Townships about communities and residents recognize improving ordinance language to help their unique situation and want to keep Portage Creek beautiful and Local Planning protect the creek as development occurs. healthy while avoiding the high cost of Dexter and Lyndon townships have remediation in the future. already held Green Infrastructure – Kris Olsson

PAGE 3 200 Years of Michigan Fish continued from page 1 (DNR) once stocked trout as fry the structures. to provide an organized long-term (1875-1920), then as fingerlings (1920- Over time, DNR attitudes reference for agencies and citizens. 1950), and then as legal-sized (large towards stream improvement projects enough to keep while fishing) adults changed. In a 1989 memo that marked The struggling Great Lakes (1950-1960). Currently, the DNR a shift in stream improvement theory, Invasive species everywhere stocks fingerlings or very close to Dave Borgeson Sr., former Assistant In the past two hundred years, more legal size, depending on the situation. Chief of the DNR Fisheries Division, than 140 new non-native species Brook trout were once stocked placed a moratorium on any new have colonized the Great Lakes very extensively (about 16 million Division involvement with “traditional and its tributaries. These include fry per year from 1910-1920), but instream habitat improvement work.” fish (round goby, tubenose goby), in 2012, only 100,000 brook trout He believed that these structures crustaceans (spiny water flea, rusty were stocked. On the other hand, were expensive to build, expensive crayfish), mollusks (zebra mussel, rainbow trout were stocked more to maintain and oftentimes, not quagga mussel), plants (eurasian extensively in 2012 than any other maintained at all. In addition, Borgeson water milfoil, phragmites, purple time in Michigan’s history with about stated, “Their benefits are rarely loosestrife), and even a virus (Viral 3.2 million near-legals planted. The demonstrated.” Instead of stream Hemorrhagic Septicemia- VHS). Some stocking of other game fish species improvement work, Borgeson urged new species seem to have had little similarly has fluctuated over time the division to address broader effect, but many have interfered with as determined by fisheries science, watershed concerns, such as road the ecosystem’s normal processes management needs, and the current crossings, culverts, ORV trails, and through fast growth and rapid values of the DNR and other farming practices. “We can accomplish reproduction (e.g. phragmites), high stakeholder groups. more in the long run by using our dispersal ability (e.g. zebra mussel), In the past, stocking was seen knowledge of the resource and our competitive ability (e.g. round goby), as a panacea. It is now used more analysis of what it needs than we can and outright fish death (e.g.VHS). judiciously, and usually in cases where by work projects.” aquatic habitat supports growth Under this perspective of stream and survival of a desired species, improvement, the Fisheries Division but for some reason reproduction adopted a more cooperative approach is insufficient to maintain desired focusing on working with private abundance. Fisheries scientists are landowners, conservation districts, also now concerned more with and non-governmental organizations. survival of stocked fish rather than Currently, the Division often uses how many they can stock. its expertise in helping these groups plan projects and acts in a support Stream improvement and watershed position in implementing them, but it management will not take the lead in paying for or In the 1930s, the DNR founded the building these projects. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Institute of Fisheries Research in Ann Instead, the Fisheries Division is a dangerous fish disease that originated in northern Canada and Arbor. Institute researchers created began to focus on a watershed traveled to the Great Lakes Region in a diverse range of fish sampling and approach. The first watershed 2005. While this gizzard shad shows fishery management techniques level report, which focused on the outward symptoms, not all infected including “stream improvement”, Huron River watershed, was issued fish do.credit: M. Faisal, Michigan State University which involved building structures in 1995. The Division has completed in the stream to enhance fish 18 watershed assessments since VHS is a recent threat. It populations. The success of these then, covering most of the major appeared in the Great Lakes basin projects was often mixed, when watersheds across the state. The in 2005 and is believed to have they were assessed at all. Fish often purpose of the assessments is to originated from the maritime region used the artificial stream habitat, describe the characteristics of the of Canada. VHS causes hemorrhaging but it was difficult to determine watersheds and their biological in fishes’ liver, swim bladder, spleen, if the habitat improvements were community, to identify and solve and intestines, and the fish eventually increasing fish populations or simply problems within the aquatic system concentrating the existing fish around and fisheries of the watersheds, and continued on next page

PAGE 4 200 Years of Michigan Fish continued from previous page die from organ failure. cause of the decline is Large fish kills have 2012 - MDNR FISH STOCKING NUMBERS zebra mussels and quagga occurred in freshwater Average mussels sequestering energy drum, muskellunge, and Species Number Size (inches) and nutrients that used to yellow perch. Smallmouth support fish. However, other bass, crappie, and bluegill Walleye 10.0 million 2.5* scientists believe that while kills have also been Rainbow trout 3.2 million 7.8 these mussels do play a role, confirmed. To date, Chinook salmon 2.6 million 3.5 other factors such as poor removing the virus once Brown trout 2.0 million 6.1 reproduction, increased it has spread has been Coho salmon 1.7 million 5.4 predation by salmon, and impossible. Limiting the Lake Trout 450,000 11.7 alterations to fish habitat are transfer of fish between Splake 215,000 8.0 a bigger concern. water bodies and Fathead minnow 130,000 1.7 Round gobies are also teaching anglers to clean Brook trout 100,000 8.0 causing problems for forage boating equipment will Atlantic salmon 90,000 6.6 fish, in particular along the reduce VHS spread. This Muskellunge 28,000 10.2 Great Lakes coastline. Round is an issue that affects the Channel catfish 13,000 9.0 gobies first appeared in the Great Lakes and inland Bluegill 9,000 4.8 Great Lakes basin in 1997, lakes. VHS has even been Black crappie 6,000 5.6 and in that time are believed found in the Huron River Lake sturgeon 6,000 5.3 to have largely eliminated watershed – in Baseline Pumpkinseed 5,000 3.4 mottled sculpin and Johnny Lake in 2009. Redear sunfish 3,000 4.0 darter from near-shore areas What invasive species Yellow perch 2,000 6.4 due to egg predation and lie around the corner? Hybrid sunfish 2,000 6.7 aggressive behavior. Round Scientists, governments, Northern pike 800 12.3 gobies also eat sturgeon eggs and the public alike are and therefore have had a well aware of the threat * Walleye do not grow well in hatcheries and smaller negative impact on sturgeon posed by several species fish are planted than other species. restoration attempts. of Asian carp that are Recent evidence shows encroaching on the that predators (in particular Great Lakes through fish, the alewife and rainbow smelt, burbot and smallmouth bass) the Mississippi River system. Yet are close to record lows. All of these continued on page 6 the political will is lacking to make species are extremely important food a permanent barrier by closing the sources for the larger Chicago canal, which connects Lake Great Lake predators. Michigan to the Mississippi River An analysis from system. This disagreement over 2002-2004 showed how to manage a known invasive that the energy species is a strong indicator of future content of alewife regulatory conflicts that Great Lakes’ was 23% lower than communities may face as even newer in 1979-1981, meaning invasive species enter the Lakes’ that each individual ecosystem. fish is less nutritious for predators. Record low populations of forage fish What is the cause The Great Lakes fisheries are for this major decline not doing well. Native forage fish in these species? populations are currently near record As in all science, lows, including cisco, bloater, mottled causation is difficult sculpin, Johnny darter (in near-shore to show, but some Some scientists suspect that zebra and quagga mussels are the primary reason for the current collapse of areas), and yellow perch. Even the scientists theorize populations of two non-native forage that the major Great Lakes fish populations. credit: US Fish and Wildlife

PAGE 5 credit: 200 Years of Michigan Fish continued from page 5 are learning to eat round goby, which sea lamprey control is still ongoing. the 19th century. Nearly 20 million is promising. If predators consistently Michael Wagner from Michigan State pounds of whitefish were harvested recognize gobies as good food, then University recently published a paper from the Great Lakes every year from the worst effects of the round goby on how scents from dead lampreys 1830 -1890. The populations have will be alleviated. actively repel live lamprey. Such long since dwindled, but a commercial pheromones could be used to create fishery still exists for whitefish today. Low predator populations “chemical dams” that would block the Harvest reached a modern peak of Chinook salmon were at record low lamprey from Great Lakes tributaries. production in 1993, with 7 million body weights in 2003, followed by Lake trout has been reintroduced pounds of whitefish caught. In 2004, poor growth recorded in 2004; this into all of the Great Lakes. Up until the fishery hit a modern low in 2004, was certainly related to the reduction the last couple of years, management at 4 million pounds of whitefish. in forage fish. In recent years, stocking efforts to establish populations of lake Catches since have averaged around 5 of Coho and Chinook has been trout have proved futile. However, million pounds. greatly scaled back in order to strike scientists have recently reported Just like the other species a better balance with the underlying, that spawning is occurring in parts mentioned above, invasive species depleted food web. In 2012, the of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron have likely stressed whitefish amount of Chinook and Coho and that the wild lake trout fry are populations by depleting the base stocked was about half the amount surviving and maturing to reproducing of the food web. Invasive species stocked in 1980. adults. Scientists have theorized that also have made whitefish harder to Lake trout have never fully alewife predation on lake trout fry catch, as filamentous algae and zebra recovered from the sea lamprey; has been a major impediment on and quagga mussels foul and tangle they had disappeared from all of the lake trout reproduction, and it is fishing gear. In addition, an increase Great Lakes except for Lake Superior. possible that the record low alewife of water clarity due to zebra mussels However, good lamprey controls populations have allowed for lake has forced the whitefish to deeper are in place, keeping the populations trout rehabilitation. waters, outside the reach of fisheries down and making it possible for The Great Lakes originally that use trap-nets. managers to work on helping the contained a vast resource of lake lake trout achieve self-sustaining whitefish, which were severely The lake sturgeon recovery populations. Research on improving exploited by commercial fishing in Sturgeon have several known remnant populations and reports have indicated that the population is increasing but far from re-established. The sturgeon is still listed as “very rare,” “endangered,” or “threatened” depending on the exact wording used by various state and federal agencies. There is strong interest in restoring lake sturgeon and many actions are underway. Substantial portions of the sturgeon’s historical spawning habitats have been blocked by dams; passage specially designed for sturgeon has been put in on the Manistique River and Menominee River. In the St. Clair River, managers have installed artificial rock reefs to provide spawning habitat and refuge areas. Sturgeon are beginning to use these, and harvest restrictions are now providing This steelhead plunged into the Red Cedar River during a stocking protection for long-lived adults event in April of 2013 at Michigan State University. credit: MSU Today continued on next page

PAGE 6 200 Years of Michigan Fish continued from previous page so they may spawn repeatedly for spectacular results. A reconnected Sources: decades without risk of capture. wetland within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Erie provided Bunnell, D. [ed.]. 2012. The state of Lake Improving Great Lakes management new habitat for millions of fish that Michigan in 2011. Great Lakes Fisheries Lake management plans have been moved in and out of the habitat each Commission Spec. Pub. 12-01. developed by the federal and state week. Gorman, O. 2011. Great Lakes prey fish governments to address pollutants populations: A cross-basin overview of status and stressors on each of the Great Conclusions The fish in the lake and river and trends from bottom trawl surveys, 1978- Lakes. The focus of these plans is on 2011. USGS Great Lakes Science Center ecosystems in Michigan and using a holistic ecosystem approach Report. and meeting the concerns of all throughout the Great Lakes basin involved stakeholders. Priority goals are feeling the stress that has come Hay-Chmielewski, E. M., P. W. Seelbach, G. E. include restoration and protection from 200 years of management and Whelan, and D. B. Jester, Jr. 1995. Huron of fish health and habitat. In addition, mismanagement. From overfishing River assessment. Michigan Department of th the Great Lakes Restoration in the 19 century, to intentional Natural Resources Fisheries Division Special Report. Initiative, started in 2010, is the species introductions and relocations in the 20th century, to the dominance largest investment in the Great Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lakes in twenty years and involves of invasive exotic species at the beginning of the 21st century, there Centennial Report, 1873-1973. Michigan eleven federal agencies. One of the Department of Natural Resources Fisheries has certainly been a long history of major priorities of this initiative is Division, Lansing, Michigan. to prevent the introduction of new “fishy” social and scientific problems. invasive species. The current situation in the Michigan Sea Grant Fact Sheet, 2012. Viral Although populations are far from Great Lakes is dim, but a myriad of Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in the Great historic peak levels, good management intelligent people from universities, Lakes. non-profits, environmental businesses, has created a sustainable fishery Sharp, E. Taking stock of salmon in Lake in the Great Lakes for commercial and all varieties of federal and state agencies are working on the Michigan, Detroit Free Press, August 19, fisheries. Certainly commercial fishery 2012. management has improved over time problems. Certainly there is hope with better fish population models that wise management can turn things US EPA. 2009. State of the Great Lakes, Lake and more realistic goals. around. Good data collection and Trout, Indicator #93. Dredging, ditching, and draining scientific analysis, pro-active policies Wagner, M, et al. A deathly odor suggests a has reduced coastal wetlands and laws, and better public awareness are all important components in new sustainable tool for controlling a costly on the lower four Great Lakes invasive species. Canadian Journal of Fisheries reaching this goal! by approximately 75% from pre- – Paul Steen and Aquatic Sciences, 2011. European settlement. These wetlands are extremely important for young- Special thanks: Jeff Schaeffer from the USGS of-the-year fish growth. Wetlands are Great Lakes Science Center and Kevin Wehrly also heavily affected by phragmites from the DNR Fisheries Division provided and purple loosestrife, which are many useful suggestions. known to affect natural hydrologic cycles in wetlands. However, in The DNR’s Huron River Watershed 2000, the Great Lakes Wetlands Assessment is available for download at Consortium was started to monitor www.hrwc.org/the-watershed/. The primary wetland health and restore wetland challenges to the Huron River as described habitat. This group provides scientific in this report are fragmentation from dams, degradation from non-point pollution, and support for monitoring and finds urban sprawl. funding for a variety of management projects. Progress is also occurring on reducing phragmites in Great Lakes wetlands, and projects to reconnect many isolated wetlands to the Great Lakes are enjoying

PAGE 7 Founded in 1965, the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) is south- east Michigan’s oldest environmental The Huron River Watershed organization dedicated to river protec- tion. HRWC works to inspire attitudes, behaviors, and economies to protect, rehabilitate, and sustain the Huron River system.

HRWC coordinates programs and volunteer efforts that include pollution prevention, hands-on river monitoring, wetland and floodplain protection, public outreach and education, and natural resources planning.

Individuals, local businesses and more than 40 communities support HRWC’s work through voluntary membership.

1100 North Main Street, Suite 210 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 (734) 769-5123 • www.hrwc.org

facebook.com/huronriver

twitter.com/hrwc

The Huron River Report is published quarterly. Its content is prepared by HRWC staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of board members. New HRR layout: S&J Design Studio

Graphics: Laughing Goat Arts

Huron River Report © 2013 The Huron River Watershed Buffman H.

Front row: Laura, Jennifer, Huron River Rebecca Esselman, Elizabeth, Margaret and Kris. Back row: Watershed Ric, Pam, Jason and Paul. Council Staff Not pictured: Rebecca Foster, (734) 769-5123 Debi Weiker. Rebecca Esselman x 611 Watershed Planner [email protected] Jennifer Fike x 604 Finance Manager [email protected] Rebecca Foster x 610 Development Associate [email protected] Jason Frenzel x 600 Stewardship Coordinator [email protected] Pam Labadie x 602 Marketing Director [email protected] Ric Lawson x 609 Watershed Planner [email protected] Kris Olsson x 607 Watershed Ecologist [email protected] Elizabeth Riggs x 608 Deputy Director [email protected] Laura Rubin x 606 Executive Director [email protected] Margaret M. Smith x 605 Director of Development [email protected] Paul Steen x 601 Watershed Ecologist [email protected] Debi Weiker Lake Erie Watershed Program Associate [email protected] A Paddler’s Journey continued from page 1 Gilzow of Saline, and Paul Seelbach of Line Lake. We stop for second lunch at sterns on the rock on the last drop. Chelsea made up our merry band. the University of Michigan Sailing Club. Past the UM Hospital, through Paul explains how we are leaving the the Arboretum and an easy run across Day 1: Proud Lake to Island first phase of the river – upland wetland Gallup Pond and quick portage over the Lake Canoe Camp woodland – and entering the section that Geddes Dam put us in Superior Pond. We 14.63 mi works its way through the rocky, gravelly discuss the history of this forgotten and 4 hrs 29 min paddling glacial moraines. peaceful stretch of river and end the day 2 portages Mink, muskrat, great blue heron, at a secret campsite we’ve nicknamed Beautiful weather, lots of birds and fishes. orioles, catbirds, kingfishers, killdeer, “Superior Bluffs – a gated community”. Light tail wind makes the 3 mile crossing cygnets riding on the back of a swan, owl Laura Rubin joins us for a few hours. of Kent Lake a breeze. Two easy portages, (barred?), pileated woodpecker. Signs of We have a lively and very informative nice clean water after the Kent Lake beaver below Base Line Lake. The eagle discussion on a wide variety of topics, all Dam. Canoe camp is very pleasant and that has been hanging out around Bell river-related. Peaceful night, no bugs. secluded. Peaceful camping overnight, but Road was absent today. no drinking water available on site. Many carp splashing, suckers along Day 4: Superior Pond to Lower the bottom and small mouth bass. A Huron Metropark Day 2: Island Lake Camp to fisherman at the rapids at Hudson Mills 16 miles Hudson Mills reported catching (and releasing) 27 this 4.5 hours paddling 22.75 mi day. 3 portages 6.5 hrs paddling Up early again and on the water by 8am, 1 portage Day 3: Hudson Mills to Superior a short paddle to our first portage– 8am start on the water through one of Pond Peninsula Dam. This portage is pretty the nicest stretches of the river. A very 22.7 miles straight-forward and fairly easy, but lack pleasant paddle, dodging fallen trees. 6.5 hrs paddling of maintenance has led to deterioration First, lunch at Huron Meadows, then on 4 portages of the landings, making it harder than it to the lakes. On the water before 8am. Up close and should be. Back on the water and a fairly Good paddling karma gives us light personal look at the tornado damage fast ride through Ypsilanti. We all remark breezes across Strawberry, Whitewood from March 15, 2012. Some impressive on the waterfront potential of this town and Gallagher Lakes and gets us to Base “tornado art” just above Mill Creek. and can envision an active vibrant face to Great blue herons escorting us all the the river with the restaurants, shops and The Huron River Water Trail boardwalks. Paddler’s Companion way down the river. Several of us elect is available On to Ford Lake, our weather karma for $10 at www.hrwc.org. to run Delhi Rapids; the rest choose to portage. continues with cool temps, overcast I forget how nice the stretch below skies and no wind – perfect paddling Delhi is to paddle. Often overlooked, this conditions. Here we leave the second stretch is mostly natural, high banks on phase of the river, leaving behind the the south and strong, steady current. The glacial moraine features and enter the drop at the old Osborn Mills site adds glacial lake bottom evidenced by the some excitement. high clay or gravel banks that the river Our good paddling karma continues has cut through on its way to present with a tailwind across Barton Pond; two day Lake Erie. Portaging the Ford Lake egrets and an osprey inspire us on. Quick Dam takes some effort and teamwork of stop at the NEW Center to salute the the group but we are soon back on the Huron River Watershed Council staff, water headed for Belleville, stopping for then on to lunch at the Argo Livery lunch at Van Buren Park where Willow before tackling the Cascades. Be sure to Run enters the river. stop and enjoy the Ned Sharples bench We eventually arrive at French in front of the livery–he inspired many of Landing, tired but not beat. The portage us to paddle, enjoy and protect the river. here is difficult, if not impossible, so we We run the Cascades with empty boats use the backup plan – Kay is called Detailed color maps for all 104 miles without incident but all dragged our continued on next page

PAGE 10 A Paddler’s Journey continued from previous page in and helps us with a car shuttle into we move our gear to the bank below the Lower Huron Metropark. low dam by the covered bridge and enjoy A short paddle brings us to the our well-deserved lunch. Ten miles to go. canoe camp. We are all excited by a The current helps us along for the visitor, an all-white bird that flits and next few miles and the woods gradually perches around the campground, causing give way to more open marsh and much speculation. We determine it wetlands. A few more houses along is a white phase (leucistic) kingbird, the banks with some impressive metal something none of us has ever seen. breakwalls, and soon the Jefferson St bridge is in view. We pause to collect the Day two of our journey down the Huron. credit: D. Wolter group and marvel at the remains of the Day 5: Lower Huron Metropark portage trails remain few and far circa 1800 plank road built from the War to Lake Erie between. A notable exception is the of 1812, known as Hull’s Trace, visible 27 miles Superior Dam portage, a well-designed along the shoreline, and ready ourselves 6.5 hrs paddling trail that is a huge improvement over for the last push across the river mouth 1 portage the jungle that used to be there. Yet the to Pt. Mouillée. Kay, Klaus and Aileen are After another quiet and peaceful night Peninsular Portage has deteriorated there to greet us with our shuttle vehicles camping, we’re up early for an 8 am badly, French Landing can’t be portaged awaiting in the parking lot. start. Mike George arrives to accompany safely, and you still have to make us as far as Oakwoods Metropark, and special arrangements to get around Jim Pershing, Superintendent for the Park, Epilogue Flat Rock. Landings at well-used sites shows up to bid us a Bon Voyage. Total river miles: 101.8 such as the Kent Lake Dam, Island This next stretch is perhaps the Total hours paddling: 28 Lake, Hudson Mills, and Ford Lake are best kept secret of the whole river. It’s Total portages: 11 either haphazard riprap or muddy surprisingly remote and mostly natural What a great adventure. I couldn’t have eroded banks. Campsites are few and with few houses or intrusions; the only asked for better paddling companions far between-- currently there are five negative is the constant noise of jet and our shore support was wonderful. riverside campgrounds and none at traffic overhead (choose a day with Thanks to all who made this adventure some strategic distances making a trip of north winds if you can when paddling truly special: Laura Rubin and Elizabeth more than a few days difficult. this stretch, as the jets will be taking Riggs for help with logistics, Klaus Wolter Would I recommend paddling the off in the other direction). Herons, who helped shuttle cars, and especially entire length of the Huron? Of course kingfishers and orioles escort us along Kay Stremler who fed us a feast at the – there is a special thrill of paddling a the banks. Sycamores, catalpas and end of Day 2, shuttled cars and provided river from a small trout stream all the redbuds provide the greenery. Future the motorized portage to Lower Huron. way to open water. But I suggest that Water Trail mile markers and sign posts We started this trip asking what the less adventurous break the trip up will be a welcome addition as landmarks has changed along the river since we over two weekends – first, Proud Lake are few and far between. Highway and last paddled the length with the 1993 to Ypsilanti; and then the Lower Huron railroad bridges are soon passed and Riverfest. to Lake Erie – which would avoid many we enter the backwaters of the Flat First, the good news – not much of the present pitfalls and encounters Rock impoundment and Oakwoods has changed. No big developments, with motorboats. Of course, the river Metropark, a wonderful stretch of no horrible intrusions. Parklands that can be experienced through a series oxbows and bayous. dominate the shorelines are intact and of daytrips, as well. The new HRWC Our weather karma wanes a little, mostly natural. Water quality appeared Paddler’s Companion and ongoing work as the east wind gets funneled down the to be good and a wide variety of wildlife to build a Water Trail will only make the lake giving us a stiff headwind for the greeted us along the banks. Many experience better in the future. What a crossing. Mike George waves goodbye people were enjoying the water, whether great resource we have right in our own and heads for the Nature Center, and we paddling, rowing, walking or biking along backyard. set our sights on the right end of the Flat trails, bank fishing or just relaxing. Rock Dam anticipating the portage and Now the bad news – not much To paraphrase our State Motto: If you seek a pleasant river, look about you... lunch stop ahead. Flat Rock Metals has has changed. Although there are graciously left the gate unlocked so the adequate access sites up and down the portage is surprisingly quick and easy; river, usable, safe landings and proper – Ron Sell, Guest Author, Paddler and Owner of Unadilla Boatworks

PAGE 11 calendar HRWC Events and Workshops of events September • october • november • 2013 Suds on the River Thursday September 12 l 6 - 9pm Join us and celebrate our watershed community and great brewers who make the most of our clean water! This event, hosted by Mary and Bill Kinley at their home on the river in Dexter, raises much needed funds to do the necessary work to keep our Huron River clean for future generations. Tickets available at www.hrwc.org/events/suds/

Paddle Trip Saturday, September 21 l 10am put-in time Join us for our last trip of the year as we say farewell to summer. Experience the quiet waters and fall foliage of the lower Huron River with expert paddlers Ron Sell, Barry Lonik and HRWC staff. Participate in discussions regarding the river’s ecology, history, and unique features. Info & Registration: www.hrwc.org/events/summer-events-2013

River Roundup Saturday, October 12 l 9am and 10:30am start times Join a small team with your friends and family for a unique activity. Collect a sample of bugs and other creatures (benthic macroinvertebrates) that live in our streams. Like canaries in a coal mine, these creatures tell us about the health of the river. Trained volunteer collectors take you to two stream sites, where you help them search through stones, leaves, and sediment. You won’t get wet, but dress to be in the field for a couple hours. Volunteers meet in Ann Arbor and each team surveys two sites. Time commitment is approximately 5-6 hours. Children are welcome to attend with their own adult! Info & Registration: www.hrwc.org/volunteer/roundup

ID Day Sunday, October 20 l noon and 2pm start times Discover what kinds of bugs were found at the River Roundup. Separate them into look-alike groups and then an expert will identify them with you. You record the data and compare the results to previous years. It takes about two hours. Youth are encouraged to attend. Children under age 16 must bring an adult. Info & Registration: www.hrwc.org/volunteer/id-day

Photo Workshop Saturday, October 19 l 2 - 6pm Sunday, October 20 l 8am - noon Develop the nature photography skills you’ve always wanted, and turn your artistic vision of the scenic Huron River into reality. Local professional photographers Michael Seabrook and Marc Akemann lead the classes. World-renowned photographer and Ann Arbor resident Howard Bond will speak at the Sunday workshop. Come prepared to get hands-on experience in the field, and learn basic techniques for taking great nature photos. Info & Registration: www.hrwc.org/events/summer-events-2013 Data Presentation Wednesday, November 20 l 6:30 - 8pm Join us to review the data collected and lessons learned from HRWC’s 2013 field season. Which creeks are improving from our work and which are losing ground? Which are degrading and why? Presentations by HRWC’s Paul Steen, Ric Lawson, and Kris Olsson - with cameos by many of your other favorite HRWC staff and volunteers. Hope to see you there!! Please RSVP to Jason: [email protected]

PAGE 12 HRWC Events and Workshops Laura Rubin, River Hero! River Network recognizes her inspirational leadership Laura Rubin, Executive Director and its watershed. HRWC is known of HRWC, has been recognized for its outstanding citizen scientist as a 2013 River Hero by the River programs like Adopt-A-Stream and Network, a national association of the Bioreserve Project, its stormwater watershed protection groups. and pollution management services for The award celebrates rivers and regulated communities, and programs watersheds, recognizes victories, that address natural areas protection, and honors those who provide climate resiliency and water efficiency. leadership that inspires the work of Laura and four others were others and uses innovative strategies named River Heroes at River and techniques to achieve significant Network’s River Rally in May. Long- results. time colleague and friend Matt Naud, Laura, who recently celebrated Environmental Coordinator for the 15 years at HRWC’s helm, has been City of Ann Arbor, traveled to St. Louis instrumental in establishing HRWC’s to introduce Laura at the presentation reputation as a regional and national of the symbolic River Hero paddle. leader in river protection work. “[Laura] has enthusiastically led our Laura’s leadership has helped communities to the river . . . and we shape HRWC into an organization are better for it,” he said. that provides a framework for local governments, individuals, non-profits, Congratulations, Laura! Laura seining for fish during a recent industries and regulators to partner HRWC staff outing. credit: S. Kinnard for the benefit of the Huron River

Get your H2O Hero on! Make A Lasting Difference The 2014 Calendar features inspiring scenes from Leave your legacy for the Huron River the watershed by local photographers and helpful tips, Imagine a gift that outlives you, touches future generations, and ensures that all for FREE from HRWC and others will experience and enjoy the beauty of the Huron River. You can join participating communities. a special group of friends who have included HRWC in their estate plans, whether by will, trust, or life insurance arrangements. Planned gifts to HRWC ensure the continuation of programs designed to accelerate and measure improved water quality throughout the watershed, preserving the health of the Huron River into the future.

We invite you to join HRWC’s planned giving program and create your own legacy. Start by getting organized so you can outline your objectives. Initial steps include determining the value of your property, estimating debts, and preparing a list of family members and other beneficiaries. There are a number M. Akemann of questions you should ask yourself, such as: Do I need to make special provisions? How can I pass on my property in the most tax efficient manner? Would a trust best provide for my spouse and/or children?

Planned gifts are popular because of the financial flexibility and tax benefits they provide. Financial and legal experts working with HRWC are available to talk through your questions and concerns. For more information please contact Margaret M. Smith at [email protected] or 734-769-5123 ext. 605. Create your Go to www.hrwc.org legacy on behalf our most valued natural asset, the Huron River. for more information!

PAGE 13 HRWC would like to extend our gratitude to everyone that helped protect the Huron River by giving of their time, talent, in-kind contributions and financial resources. Thank you to our generous supporters• May through July, 2013

City of Ann Arbor Peter Cokinos Laurie Goetz Dennis and Leslie Lampron Ann Arbor State Bank Jared J. Collins and Sue M. Ransom Edward and Mona Goldman Alesia Lapinsky Ann Arbor Township Melinda and Wayne Colquitt Jesse E. and Anitra Gordon Timothy W. and Charlotte A. Larsen Anonymous Commerce Township Lee Gorman and Mark Ritz Ric Lawson and Kathryn A. Stocking Deaver Daves Armstrong Conservation Design Forum Dino Grassi Elizabeth Leissner Ken Arthurs Cooper Design, Inc. Danielle Gray Becky Lentz Bruce E. Artz and Martha Claus Barbara J. Cope Daniel and Norma Green Graham E. Lewis Association of Outdoor Recreation Richard D. Corpron Green Oak Township Ray Allen Lewis and Education Douglas R. Coskey Dunrie A. Greiling and David B. Higbie Eloise Liddicoat and Dawson Bell ASTI Environmental Paul and Patricia Cousins Sally L. Greve Peggy Liggit Timothy Athan D. Ross and Ada P. Cowan Robert and Pamela Guenzel Livingston County Brian T. Athey and Deborah Walker Eric S. and Kathryn A. Dahlberg Hamburg Township Eric Lochner Lorraine Austin James C. D’Amour Lindsay Hanna Lennart H. and Betty Lofstrom Axe & Ecklund P.C. Karen Danzeisen John Hansen Marjory S. Luther Mary and Bill Bajcz Dave Darling Sherry E. Hansen and Lee H. Rome David and Louise Lutton Gerraldine Barr and Tom Egel Martha Darling and Gil Omenn Kristen C. Hansen Emma Maack Barton Hills Village Sarah Clark Davis and Lane Davis Joanne J. Hansen Bruce and Joanne S. Manny Strayer Bartoshesky Thomas Dayss Peter J. Hansen Stacy F. and David C. Markel Foundation Beth and Lisa Bashert Kim Deitz John and Sandra Hansen Maureen Martin and Mike Penskar Brad and Lydia Bates Michael Deneen Georgette and Keith M. Hansen Jill McDonough Graham and Alison Battersby Village of Dexter Dave and Anne Harrell Patrick McMahon Elizabeth C. and Arthur A. Beaudoin Dexter Township Rebecca Head and David Stead Eric Mencarelli City of Belleville John Donley Judith E. Heady Metro Consulting Associates LLC Ronald Bender Jillian Downey Norman G . and Deborah S. Herbert Milford Township Andrew H. Berry Gretchen Driskell Sean Hickey and Rita Combest Village of Milford Joan A. Binkow David Drouillard Joel Hickey Cheryl M. and Josef F. Miller Luther D. and Melissa M. Blackburn Elizabeth Duell William Hillegas and Kathleen Ray Miller Michele Blinder Allen Duncan Branson-Hillegas Daniel W. Minock Rosanne and Tom Bloomer Ryan Dunkelberger Peter Hinman and Elizabeth Young Dallas Moore and Judith Lehman Douglas Blue Earth Share of Michigan Cynthia Hodges Mike Mouradian Janis Ann Bobrin and Michael Allemang ECT Inc. Robert A. and Melony K. Hollen Stephen and Sarah Hess Musko Duane J. and Ann C. Bonvallet Bruce and Cheryl Elliott Kathryn Holmes Eric Nelson Books By Chance Sally Elmiger Rebecca S. Horvath Jan and Haskell Newman Charles and Linda Borgsdorf Eric Engel Dria S. Howlett Northfield Township George Brach Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Dohn and Sally Hoyle Oakland County Andrew and Karen E. Brenner Foundation Elizabeth Hudson Diane O’Connell and James R. Miller City of Brighton Gene Farber James Michael Hughes Casey O’Gara David and Sharon Brooks Margaret and John Faulkner Craig A. Hupy and Marie C. Lemmer Jennifer Olk Jane Bugden Janet Fenech Huron Charter Township Michael R. and Katherine Ann O’Rear Ellen Bunting Jennifer Fike and Jon Cioffi Jack Jarrell Kelly A. and Jeffrey S. Orringer Eunice Burns Sally C. Fink and Stephen G. Josephson Scott and Mimi Joling James Ottaviani and Katrina Hagedorn Tamara Burns and Dennis McGowan City of Flat Rock Virginia E. Jones Zach Ousley Cardno JFNew Pamela Flick and Kevin Guthrie Judy Judd Gary Oxender Carlisle Wortman Associates, Inc. Karen L. and Fidel M. Flores Carol Rose Kahn Ronald and Mary Jo Paler Roberta Carr Neal Foster and Meredith Spencer Foster Deborah E. Kanter Diana and John Anthony Paterno Thomas Carrington Belinda Friis Rachel and Stephen Kaplan Joey Pawyl Susan Carter Jerrold A. and Nancy Frost Kayak Corral Joyce Peck Plummer Jennifer Casler Jerome and Mary Fulton Ray Kelley Mandi Phillips Karen V. and Paul D. Chalmer Mario Garza Vix Kennedy Margaret Phillips Evan K. Chambers Florence Y. Gasdick Larry W. Kerber Kathleen Phillips Dan Chapman Kim and Diane Gasior David and Marsha Kershaw Phoenix Contractors, Inc. City of Chelsea Alice Gaujanian William and Mary Kinley John W. and Armella A. Pierce Chelsea State Bank Genoa Township Andrea Kline and Paul Evanoff Village of Pinckney Carol and W.P. Cherry Leonore Gerstein John R. Knott and Anne Percy Knott Joseph Piontek James and Barbara Chesney Bruce and Sara Gibb Yen Kong Raymond Pittman Judy Chizmadia Bob Gill Paul J. Kress and Suzanne C. Collins Pittsfield Charter Township Mary S. Christianson Dennis and Judith Gillis Cynthia Krueger Henry and Lana Pollack Edward and Rebecca Chudacoff John and Kathy Giszczak Susan A. Lackey and Steve Daut Ethel K. Potts Karen Clary Ann and Thomas Gladwin Matthew LaFleur continued on next page

PAGE 14 Supporters continued... Thank you Karen Prochnow and Mark Donna and Stuart Snyder Thomas and Mary Wakefield to our volunteers Stranahan Village of South Rockwood Martha Walker and Mark F. Hauptschein • May through July, 2013 • Lisa Prosser Mary Spence Lester Wallace Putnam Township Spicer Group Richard Wallace and Kameshwari S. Daniel Allen Gwen Lindsay Virgil M. and Carolyn Ramey Kathleen Spillane Pothukuchi Norman Andresen Judi Lintott Paul G. and Julie A. Reaume Mary C. Stadel City of Walled Lake Kate Bailey Rachel Long REI Michael B. Staebler and Jennifer Kari and Kyle Walworth Daniel Bair Emma Maack Frederick and Anne Remley R. Poteat Dane and Donna Ward Noemi Barabas Ed McCarter Kathleen Reus Stantec Consulting Michigan Inc. County of Washtenaw Graham Battersby Patti McCall McGuire Ruth M. Reynolds Michael Stanton Wayne County Alison Battersby Amy Mcloughlin John Ridderbos Ann Steiner Webster Township Christopher Benedict Karim Motawi Sophia Ridha Gary Stelzer and Nancy Frushour Hermann F. Weiss Stephanie Bentley Sophie Motawi John M. and Marilyn A. Rintamaki John W. and Beryl Stimson Earl E. Werner Luther Blackburn Toni Nigg Raymond Rion Philip A. Stoffregen and Leslie R. West Bloomfield Township Howard Borden Linda Novitski Bob Robertson Desmond Howard White and Barbara Brown Doug Bradley Elsie Orb City of Rockwood Carol Strahler White Lake Township Susan Brander Christine Pellarkosbar Phil Roos Kay E. Stremler and Ron Sell Robert F. and Marina V. N. Whitman Bill Brander Ted Peters Valerie W. and Victor Rosenberg Jon C. Strempek Charles H. and Angela M. Williams Max Bromley Jacob Pilachowski Laura Rowe Superior Township Nancy P. Williams Erin Burkett Joseph Piontek John and Mary Rowntree Elizabeth Sweet and Scott Heather Willingham Lauren Burns Anthony Pitts Roberta H. Rubin Gerstenberger Beth and Tony Winkler Lee Burton Stephanie Pratt Salem Township William and Villabeth Taylor City of Wixom Jimmy Chang Danielle Primeau Larissa Sano Thomas F. and Nancy E. Taylor Jennifer and Eric Wolf Richard Chase Tammy Rabideau Wayne Say Mark and Julie Teicher Deborah L. and Klaus Wolter Jared Collins Tom Rambo Jeffrey Schaeffer and Jo Sousa Emily Thompson Village of Wolverine Lake Margaret Counihan Ellen Rambo Tim and Nan Schafer AnnMarie Treglia Sharon and Don Wortman James Cronk Alison Rauss Susan Schooner Danielle Turgeon City of Ypsilanti David Dye Richard Raymond Donald R. and Ann Schwartz Nub and Jan Turner Ypsilanti Township Sharon Eagle Jacquelyn Richards Scio Township Anita and Mike Twardesky Sylvia and Robert Zalewski Greg Eggleston Mark Schaller Keith Scott UAW Top Local 1976 Jason and Margaret Zawacki Eric Engel Donald Schwartz John Seeley United Bank and Trust Drew Zemper James Engman Aaron Seagraves Harry and Mary Beth Sheehan Samuel Skinner Upton Melissa Zinkosky Ronald Fadoir Rob Selesky Michael Sheppard Tassos Valtadoros Ann C. and Karl L. Zinn Timothy Felska Jean Shope Nancy Shiffler Carl and Suzanne Van Appledorn Kyle Fetters Jana Smith Alyce K. Sigler Van Buren Township Robert Finn Kenneth Spears John Sloat Joan K. Vangel Nate Gainer Anne Tavalire Marguerite H. Smith Tim and Laurie Wadhams Jacquelyn Ganfield Gayle Thomas John Gannon Susan Thompson Catherine Garton Chatura Vaidya Robert Geise Jhena Vigrass Huron River Watershed Council Board of Directors Diane Goff Kathie Weinmann Dani Gray Chloe Weise Executive Committee Board of Directors Jeff Guerrero Tom Wieckowski Mary Bajcz Norm Andresen Cheryl Mackrell Anna Harrison David Wilson Martha Wilson Chris Benedict Kathy Aseltyne Jim Martin Judith Heady Tammie Heazlit Jennifer Wolf Lisa McGill Janis Bobrin Scott Barb Joan Hellmann Deborah L Wolter Paul Cousins (Vice Chair) Matt Bolang Scott Munzel Magdalena Herkhof Klaus Wolter Gene Farber (Treasurer) Eunice Burns Dick Norton Kermit Jones Susan Wooley Aba Jung Korinne Wotell Erik Petrovskis John Langs Cheryl Darnton Kinga Jung David Zinn Dick Norton Steve Francoeur (Alternate) Molly Robinson Lenny Kafka Diane O’Connell Fred Hanert Peter Schappach Janet Kahan You are important to us! Leslie Kellman Evan Pratt (Chair) Michael Howell Sue Shink If your name is mis- Pat Kelly spelled, incorrectly listed, Craig Hupy Deeda Stanczak Larry Kerber or omitted, please accept Mark Irish Barry White Jenny Kerber our sincere apologies and Angela Klapperich bring the error to our Dave Wilson Gerry Kangas Brianna Knoppow attention so that we may Matthew LaFleur Lisa Wozniak Matthew LaFleur correct our records. Contact Margaret Smith Steven Wright Harvey Larson Barry Lonik at [email protected] or Emily Levine Sally Lusk Melissa Zaksek (Alternate) (734) 769-5123 x 605.

PAGE 15 1100 North Main Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104

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