Western Upper Peninsula Citizen Advisory Council DNR Division Reports Date of Production: March 2020

This documentation is provided by DNR staff as a supplement for Western UPCAC Council members. Please email or call with any questions.

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

The following news release was issued earlier by Michigan's State Emergency Operations Center. March 23, 2020

State park campgrounds, overnight lodging facilities and shelters are closed, but state parks stay open for now

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that, in response to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-21, it will close campgrounds, overnight lodging facilities and shelters, effective now through at least April 13. State parks and recreation areas will remain open to provide residents with opportunities to get outdoors, provided all visitors adhere to the requirement for proper social distancing – at least 6 feet between yourself and another person – in all areas of the parks. Gov. Whitmer issued the “stay home, stay safe” order earlier today in an effort to “suppress the spread of COVID- 19, to prevent the state’s health care system from being overwhelmed, to allow time for the production of critical test kits, ventilators, and personal protective equipment, and to avoid needless deaths.” The DNR will not be able to honor camping reservations for dates between March 23 and April 13. Reservations for that time frame will automatically be canceled. Those reservation holders will receive full refunds, including the reservation fee paid at the time reservations were made. No cancellation/modification fees will be charged. Reservation holders will receive email notifications once cancellations are processed. Refunds will be applied to the original payment method. For questions about reservation cancellations, call 800-447-2757. Collective DNR closures, cancellations Since March 13, the DNR has announced a series of facility and event closures, cancellations and modifications. Many public meetings have been postponed or moved to a webinar or conference call format. State parks, recreation areas, trails and other state-managed public lands are open, but with provisions to decrease the coronavirus risk to Michigan residents. Follow the DNR’s COVID-19 response webpage for the latest closure information about facilities, events and meetings. What the EO means to outdoor recreation State and federal health officials repeatedly have pointed to the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, especially at a time when many are feeling house-bound. DNR Director Dan Eichinger stressed that while Michigan state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forests and other state-managed resources are open to help meet those needs, he wants to make sure those options remain open. “Gov. Whitmer’s executive order requires people to follow the CDC guidelines and stay at least 6 feet away from other people when outside of their own households, to the greatest extent possible,” Eichinger said. “We want residents to use and enjoy our public outdoor spaces, but we ask them to do so responsibly and safely, whether in a forest, on a trail or in a parking lot.

1 of 14 “If it becomes evident that people are not practicing effective social distancing while visiting these state-managed resources, we will close them to protect the health of our visitors and our staff.” Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

DNR Public Meetings – Future Dates (no changes at this time) April 16 Natural Resources Commission Meeting, Lansing AGENDA NOTE: In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the April meeting MAY be held in an online format with the opportunity for the public to view the meeting and participate via separate conference line. If you would like to participate in the online meeting as an attendee and/or provide public comment, please email [email protected]. April 21 UP Sportsperson Coalition Meeting, Gogebic-Ontonagon ISD-Bergland, 1:00pm April 22 Eastern UP Citizens’ Advisory Council Meeting, Newberry, 6:00pm May 7 UP Sportsperson Coalition Meeting, DNR Shingleton Office, 6:00pm May 13 MTAC’s ORV Advisory Workgroup Meeting, East Lansing, 5:00pm May 14 Natural Resources Commission Meeting, Lansing May 20 Michigan Trails Advisory Council Meeting, Roscommon, 10:00am May 20 Western UP Citizens’ Advisory Council Meeting, MTU-Houghton, 5:30pm May 21 Ask the DNR Television Program, Channel WNMU-TV13, 8:00pm

U.P. State Park & State Sponsored Activities May 15 Annual Peace Office Memorial Day (Activities & Location TBD) May 16 -National Kids to Parks Day June 6 Twin Lakes State Park-Annual State Park Off-Road Trek (S.P.O.R.T.) June 13 Muskallonge Lake State Park-Learn to Fish June 18 -Coffee with Park Staff June 19 Van Riper State Park-Archery 101 June 20 Fayette Historic State Park-Christmas in June June 20 Van Riper State Park-Archery 101 June 26 Van Riper State Park-Read with a Ranger

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

. DNR closes customer service centers and field offices (3/18/20) . DNR adjusts, cancels some public meetings (3/17/20) . Mass Timber Summit at MSU is postponed (3/17/20) . DNR announces closures at high traffic facilities (3/13/20) . Interim recommendations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (3/12/20) . DNR temporarily closes snowmobile trail in Chippewa County (3/12/20) . Showcasing the DNR: The expanding mission of conservation officers (3/12/20) . Take down bird feeders now to reduce conflicts with bears (3/12/20) . Fishing chats, maple syrup season, birding tips & more (3/9/20) . DNR, MSU seek more chronic wasting disease research proposals (3/6/20) . Invasive hemlock woolly adelgid found in Mason County (3/6/20) . Timber harvest scheduled along U.S. 2 west of Cut River (3/6/20)

2 of 14 . Showcasing the DNR: Letting you in on a snowshoe secret (3/5/20) . March hunting & trapping opportunities (3/4/20)

Eastern UPCAC Update

The Eastern UP Citizen’s Advisory Council Meeting met on February 19 in Newberry. Old Business included a continued update on CWD and an update on Council member vacancies. There are currently 3 vacancies resulting from members who have retired. Applications have been solicited and 9 were received. The CAC Selection Team will be meeting the end of March to choose new members to fill the 3 slots. New Business included an update on eastern UP trails, a review of the 2019 UP deer camp survey results, a UP deer harvest comparison as required by Chair Buckingham and an update on the new DNR license sales system. Subcommittee reports were light with no meetings reported. The next EUPCAC meeting will be held on April 22nd in Newberry.

March 2020 NRC Meeting Summary – Ed Golder, Public Information Officer

The Natural Resources Commission met – very briefly – at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing on March 19. Director Dan Eichinger approved nine land transactions. Details of those transactions can be found in the NRC agenda.

No other action was taken. Commissioner Keith Creagh, the only commissioner present, gaveled the meeting to order, allowed opportunity for comment from the public (there was none), then gaveled the meeting closed. There were no committee meetings or presentations. All voting on action items was deferred until the April meeting. A report on legislation affecting the department is below

The unusual format of the meeting was a response to the COVID-19 emergency to sharply reduce the size of any public gathering with the goal of protecting the health of the public, DNR staff and NRC commissioners. Fewer than 10 people, including staff, were present at today’s meeting.

The next regular meeting of the NRC is scheduled for April 16. April’s meeting will be held through an online format at a location yet to be announced.

You can find additional information related to the department’s COVID-19 response on the DNR’s SharePoint page. For current and up-to-date state and national information regarding the Coronavirus visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

March 2020 Legislative Updates – Legislative & Legal Affairs Office

HB 4313 (H-2) – Create a Pheasant Stamp – Rep. Howell This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection act by creating an annual pheasant hunting license. The annual license would cost $25.00 and would require all hunters to also have the base hunting license. The Department shall use the money to acquire, restore or enhance lands to be managed for the benefit of pheasants, and to release pheasants on lands managed for the benefit of pheasants. • This bill was passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation and the House Committee on Judiciary and is currently awaiting a vote on the House floor. • The Administration is neutral on this legislation.

HB 4332 (H-1) – Allow Pneumatic Guns During Certain Seasons – Rep. LaFave This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to provide the NRC the ability to allow an individual to use a pneumatic gun during any firearm season. The bill would also give the department the ability to determine whether a pneumatic gun could be allowed during archery season for individual with a disability or physical limitation.

3 of 14 • This bill was passed by the House of Representatives and will be referred to the Senate. • The Administration is opposed to this legislation.

HB 4340 (H-1) – Prohibit the recording of individuals to obstruct or interfere with taking of animals or fish – Rep. Reilly This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection act to prohibit an individual from photographing or recording an individual lawfully taking an animal or fish with the intent to harass that individual. This language will join a list of other actions currently prohibited when the intent is to obstruct of interfere with an individual’s lawful taking of animal or fish. • This bill was passed by the House Committee on Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. • The Administration is opposed to this legislation.

HBs 4567, 4568, 4569 – Update Commercial Fishing Statute – Reps. O’Malley, Wendzel, Lilly The legislative package will update the commercial fishing statute. The bills include language that establishes/updates fees and penalties, clarifies authority regarding the commercial fishing industry, updates reporting requirements and codifies several existing practices under administrative rules or Director’s Orders. • The bills were passed out of the House of Representatives and have referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration supports this legislation.

HBs 4735, 4736, 4737 – Prohibit Certain Activities with Information Obtained under Freedom of Information Act – Reps. VanSingel, Cherry, and Love This legislation amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by preventing an individual from using information listing the location of game obtained under the Freedom of Information Act to take game. The individual would be required to sign an affidavit stating that the data would not be used to take game or assist others in taking game. • The bills were passed by the House of Representatives and have referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration supports this legislation.

House Bills 5002 and 5003 – Youth Fishing License – Reps. Howell and Brixie This bill package would reinstitute a $2.00 fee for resident and nonresident youth under 17 years of age who wish to obtain an all-species fishing license. Youth under 17, would still be allowed to fish in Michigan without a license. However, youth under 17 who wish to purchase an all-species fishing license, would once again be able to do so for a $2.00 fee. • The bills were passed by the House of Representatives and are awaiting a vote on the floor of the Senate. • The Administration is neutral on this legislation.

HB 5333 – Place Restrictions on Forest Development Fund Monies – Rep. Markkanen This bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of 1994, to prohibit the use of Forest Development Funds for certain administrative costs or for making PILT payments. • The bill was passed by the House of Representatives and referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. • The Administration supports this legislation.

HBs 5401-5402 – Create Emergency Temporary Speed Restrictions on Local Waters – Rep. Eisen These bills would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of 1994, to grant authority to the Department of Natural Resources, local sheriff, or county emergency management coordinator to create an emergency temporary speed restriction on local waters.

• The bills were passed by the House of Representatives and is awaiting a vote on the floor of the Senate. • The Administration supports this legislation.

HB 5463 – Provide for Temporary Emergency Rules in Water Control Zones – Rep. Lilly

4 of 14 This bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of 1994, to provide for procedures to allow local political subdivisions to apply for temporary emergency rules for local watercraft controls. • The bills were passed by the House of Representatives and is awaiting a vote on the floor of the Senate. • The Administration supports this legislation.

HB 5540 – Require Warrants for the DNR to Enter Upon Private Property – Rep. LaFave This bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of 1994, to restrict DNR employees ability to enter upon private property unless they have permission from the land owner or lessee or if they are a DNR peace officer or park and recreation officer with a warrant, reasonably believes evidence of a crime will be destroyed or they are in hot pursuit of criminal suspect. • The bill was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

HB 5551 – Decriminalize Improper Display of a Snowmobile Registration Decal or Trail Permit – Rep. Alexander This bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of 1994, to make the improper display of a snowmobile registration decal or trail permit sticker to be guilty of a state civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $150.00. • The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

HB 5566 – Require Probable Cause for Peace Officers to Require Individual to Display Hunting, Fur Harvester’s or Fishing License – Rep. S. Johnson This bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of 1994, to prohibit a conservation officer, law enforcement officer, or tribal law enforcement officer to require that individual to display his or her hunting, fur harvester's, or fishing license unless the peace officer has probable cause. • The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

HBs 5558-5560 – Provide Regulations for Commercial Hunting and Fishing Guides – Reps. Howell, Cherry and Wakeman These bills would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of 1994, to provide for the licensure and regulation of commercial hunting and fishing guides and to provide the Natural Resources Commission with the exclusive authority to regulate hunting and fishing guides. • The bills were referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and one hearing has been held. • The Administration supports this legislation.

HB 5590 –Allow the Use of Purple Paint to Designate a No Trespassing Area – Rep. Reilly The bill would the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to prohibit a person from engaging in recreational activity or trapping on another person's property if, among other things, the property was posted against entry with purple paint marks on trees or posts around the property. • The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

HBs 5592-5594 – Create an Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission – Reps. Markkanen and LaFave These bills would create an Upper Peninsula Natural Resources Commission that would have the exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game that only has an impact on the Upper Peninsula or has no significant impact outside of the Upper Peninsula and sport fishing in the waters of the Upper Peninsula.

• The bills were referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

SB 789 – Allow the Use of Purple Paint to Designate a No Trespassing Area – Sen. VanderWall

5 of 14 The bill would the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to prohibit a person from engaging in recreational activity or trapping on another person's property if, among other things, the property was posted against entry with purple paint marks on trees or posts around the property. • The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and one hearing has been held. • The Administration opposes this legislation.

SB 799 – Reconveyance of Property in Gogebic County – Sen. McBroom The bill would authorize the Department of Natural Resources to accept a transfer of property from the Gogebic County Road Commission in Gogebic County and then to transfer that property to Watersmeet Township. The parcel currently is owned by the Gogebic County Road Commission, which received ownership of the parcel from the DNR under the land conveyance authorized by Public Act 183 of 1988. The bill would require Watersmeet Township to use the parcel as a township park. • The bill was passed out of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and is currently awaiting a vote on the floor of the Senate. • The Administration supports this legislation.

SB 800 – Modify Penalty for Feeding or Baiting Deer – Sen. Stamas The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to modify the penalty for baiting or feeding deer to a state civil infraction subject to a possible fine of not more than $1. Unlawful deer baiting is currently a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of between $50 and $500 plus the costs of prosecution. • The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

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

Note: The Michigan Legislature in currently on their annual spring break recess.

Division Updates

Fisheries Division: George Madison, Western Management Unit Baraga Customer Service Center (George Madison) . Fisheries Division staff at management stations, hatcheries, and research units are wrapping up report summaries of the 2019 field season and are preparing for the upcoming 2020 field season. Staff are now working on fish stocking requests, walleye rearing products, research vessel preparations, and field season equipment needs. Hatchery trucks will begin to transport lake trout, splake, and steelhead to area waters, beginning with lower Michigan allocations and moving to the UP once our lakes and streams open up. There is a strong interest from anglers, Statewide and from out-of-State areas, for steelhead fishing and smelt dipping. With the abundance of “water equivalent” on the landscape (snow and high late fall precipitation) we’re expecting a challenging spring runoff, especially if we get a fast warm-up. April 1st is the beginning of the 2020 fishing season, with new fishing licenses necessary once the month of March concludes. If the CAC members or the public wish to get information about their area fisheries opportunities, or management plans, they can contact any DNR office to be in contact with the appropriate staff. . Upper Peninsula upcoming fisheries division Coffee and Conversations meetings are likely to be cancelled due to public gathering restrictions. . With respect to the muskellunge conversations at the Paint River, Jennifer Johnson provided the following information: Jennifer presented the Paint River Muskellunge and Trout Monitoring Plan at two meetings: Feb 22 at the Boundary Waters Musky Club Annual Meeting and on Feb 27th at the Windsor Center in Iron River. Both meetings were well attended.

State Fish Hatcheries (Jan VanAmberg, Hatchery Manager) Thompson State Fish Hatchery Fish Culture

6 of 14 . Yearling steelhead have required additional treatments for bacterial gill disease. Fish should be healthy, and most should reach target size for spring stocking. . Tom Loch performed his annual fish health facility inspection and followed it up with an overview to the staff. Staff got high marks for sanitation and biosecurity. . Staff is planning for a complete facility disinfection after plant-out. Maintenance . Capital outlay work continues in the interior of the new coolwater building. Floors are being smoothed out and sealed. Expecting to get the ceiling painted next week which will allow the plumbing and electrical trades to get started inside. Excavation continues on the under drains of the ponds and process piping installation. Approximately half of the underdrains are complete, and contractor expects to finish in a month. Seems unlikely given weather and weight restrictions on the road. One kettle base was poured since last week. Spoils for the excavations from the under drains are piling up on site with room running out to store them. Disposal locations have been identified but road restrictions and site limitations don’t allow transport at this time. Inside tank coatings at the coldwater facility are compete with a satisfactory finish resulting. Crew is in the process of putting the screens, feeders back in place. . Staff preformed various repairs of equipment and pumps. . Exceptional snow fall for the area this year required additional hours managing snow removal.

Marquette State Fish Hatchery Fish Culture . Tom Loch performed his annual fish health facility inspection and followed it up with an overview to the staff. Staff got high marks for sanitation and biosecurity. . Developed plan for Arctic Grayling rearing at Marquette Hatchery starting in fall of 2020. . BKD vaccinations have been completed on future lake and brook trout broodstock . Fish stocking expected to begin the week of March 16

Maintenance . Excessive snow shedding from raceway roofs are pushing in the back wall of the fin-clip building. May have to devise a permenant fix for this situation which has happened before. . ISID contract for engineering for Cherry Creek by-pass channel in place with kick off meeting with DTMB and engineering team schedule for March 23rd.

Fish Marking and Fish Transport Administration . Health Stocking and Marking (HSM) biologist position went to Jeremiah Blaauw at Marquette Hatchery. He starts his new duties on March 23rd and will be working at Marquette. Fish Marking . Fish Marking Review Committee reviewed and approved a fish marking proposal from NLHMU for fish to be marked at Oden Hatchery 2020-24. Study is an evaluation of brown trout stocking in an inland lake in the unit. Fish Transport . Working to get a PO established to have fall restraint systems installed on all fish planning units. Total cost over two years will be approximately $50,000. . Working with DTMB (at a glacial pace) to have one Peterson transport truck replaced this year. Expect to have a quote by the end of the month.

Parks & Recreation Division: Doug Rich, WUP District Supervisor State Park/Recreation Area/Scenic Site/Forest Rec Units . : Camping reservations for the season (after new construction) opened on 1/22/20. The new full hookup sites are extremely popular, are booking very quickly and we are getting calls almost daily on their availability. We are also getting a good amount of inquiries about our accessible campsites. Work is being done on several fronts to get a new playground for the park. The division’s grants coordinator is working on a MNRTF grant and park staff is working on a local health foundation grant and other local donations and funding sources.

7 of 14 . : With higher than normal snow, we plowed a lot and shoveled roofs. Worked on small project bid packages and solicited bids. . Scenic Site: Closed for the winter. Wedding use permits for 2020 and 2021 are already beginning. . : Winter yurt camp nights are up by six nights compared to Jan and Feb 2019. . Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: Campgrounds are currently closed. We are getting winter cabin rentals. Planning is still ongoing for a water and sewer upgrade project in east campground. MTD Corp recently came to Fort Wilkins to test snowblower equipment. They snowblowed the entire east and west campground loops, contact station and day use parking area. . : Construction of the re-design of the headquarters building was completed in February. . McLain State Park: Construction on the tiny house cabin is underway. Cabin numbers have been good on the weekends full or close to full. . Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Cabin rentals were at 63% for January and 61% for February. Yurt rentals were at 82% for January and 74% for February. The lodge rentals were at 44% for January and 74% for February. Porkies staff have been working on ski trails, grooming and backcountry cabin repairs/cleaning. The ski hill has seen record number of ticket sales during modern times for February. The lantern lit ski trail and guided snowshoe hikes have been a very popular. . Twin Lakes State Park: With poor ice conditions on Keweenaw Bay, we have been keeping our boat launch open for fishermen and also grooming a snowshoe trail in the campground. All the roofs have been shoveled in the campground and lodge. Lodge rentals have been good except for 3 cancellations because of weather. . Van Riper State Park: Overnight lodging for January and February FY20 at Van Riper was equivalent to FY19. The 6 cabins at Little Presque Isle had an increase of 11 nights for 2020 vs FY19. Early January brought the completion of trail clearing at Blueberry Ridge, Van Riper State Park and the Iron Industry Museum by Van Riper staff. Lantern lit snowshoe events on January 17th and February 21st had wonderful attendance. Each brought in between 125-150 visitors. Thank you to Cleveland Cliffs for supplying the snacks for the January event. . Wells State Park: Flooding and high-water levels of Lake Michigan shoreline have caused us to close reservations on 40% of campsites and are presently open for local sale only. Rustic cabin rentals are up 5% over 2019.

Boating Reports (BAS = Boating Access Sites) . Bewabic State Park: Inspected most of our BAS at least once. Fortune Lake BAS here in the park has seen good use despite poor ice conditions this winter. . Van Riper State Park: A public meeting was held at the Negaunee Township Hall regarding the Silver Lake Basin BAS. Presenters included George Madison from Fisheries Division, Doug Rich and Debra Gill from the Parks and Recreation Division. Consensus at the meeting was the Silver Lake property should be developed minimally, with vault toilets, gravel launch and parking lot, with improvements to the entrance road. . Wells State Park: Waves have damaged parking lot/sidewalks at Menominee River Railroad Dock Access site, due to high Lake Michigan water levels. DNR is working with the City of Menominee and the Dunn Paper Company to resolve. . Baraga Field Office: Rebuilt and refurbished skid piers and built gates for various locations as well as various routine maintenance projects. . Cedar River State Harbor: High water levels have caused an area of the breakwall sidewalk to collapse. Otherwise, the ice suppression system working well this winter. . Copper Harbor State Harbor: Eagle Harbor upgrade is still ongoing. Working with Eagle Harbor Township on possible GIA for Eagle Harbor Marina (post upgrade). The fuel system upgrade at Copper Harbor is scheduled for spring of 2020. . Escanaba Field Office: Construction prioritization and projected project dates for 2020 season assigned and prepped for.

Personnel News, Vacancies/Hires, Recognition . Baraga State Park: Begun short term worker (STW) hiring and is also in the process of filling the vacant seasonal commissioned officer position. Interviews are on 3/16/20. . Bewabic State Park: Boating Ranger Ryan Wetelainen started on February 10th. This is a new position. . Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: Mike Swaney (with 40 plus years of state service) is retiring and staff are preparing to interview for Lead Ranger and STW4 positions.

8 of 14 . Lake Gogebic State Park: The vacant Ranger A9 position has returned 5 potential pre-screened candidates. Interviews will be scheduled soon. STW recruitment is underway with multiple media forms being utilized. . Van Riper and Craig Lake State Parks: Vacant seasonal ranger position was filled by David Simula from J.W. Wells State Park. Staff attended the job fair at Northern Michigan University and held open interviews to begin hiring for the summer 2020 season. Recruitment efforts also included the statewide recruitment effort, posting on Van Riper's Facebook page and reaching out to the guidance counselors at the local high schools. . Wells State Park: In process of filling vacant Ranger A (Lead) position. After the Lead is filled, will begin process of filling vacant Ranger E position. . All Units: The STW pay was increased this year to $10.00 the first year, $11.00 for the second, with $11.60 for third year returning and beyond. A state-wide recruitment effort with a full toolbox of fixes was implemented to address recruitment of staff. It’s been a mixed bag for results, but most units are reporting more applications are being submitted, with better qualified candidate pools.

Multi-Use Trails . Craig Lake State Park: A meeting was held with the U.P. Land Conservancy regarding an MOU in place for a portion of trail east of the Kewaydin Lake Yurt to give access to hiking trails within the Peshekee Headwaters Preserve. Staff from both parties are excited about the partnership and the access to additional recreational opportunities for park visitors. . Van Riper State Park: A couple of meetings have been held regarding the future of the Tyoga Historic Pathway. The Friends of Tyoga are interested in reopening and operating the campground. Discussions are ongoing.

Rail-Trail Projects . Three large projects will be advertised for construction later this month. They are: 1. Infrastructure projects on the Stateline Grade that will allow for trail extension to Wakefield. 2. Trestle deck replacement over the Little Carp River on the Baraga-Arnheim grade which will open the grade into Baraga, MI 3. Trestle deck replacement over the Menominee River in Iron Mountain, MI. Project is jointly funded with Wisconsin. . Clowry Grade Bridge Rehab and Improvements: Continuing engineering to final design and construction on seven bridges on located on the Clowry Grade Multi-use Rail-Trail in Marquette County. Work will start with the most critical needs, nearly $1,000,000 allocated for the project. . Iron Ore Heritage Trail Shoreline Protection: Multiple areas of erosion on the IOHT along Lake Superior between Marquette and Harvey that worsened during late November and December storms will need immediate repair this spring. Site plans and funding is currently being developed and explored. . Felch Grade Surface Improvements: Trail-mix gravel capping in the communities of Perronville and Schaffer in Delta and Menominee Counties on the Felch Grade Multi-use Rail-Trail. Work will occur this summer. . Foster City Bridge Replacement: New bridge over E. Branch Sturgeon River in Foster City in Dickinson County on the Felch Grade Rail-Trail. Construction scheduled for July 2020. . Nahma Rail-Trail: Design to construction to begin this summer on Multi-use Rail-Trail extending north of Nahma to existing trail system in Delta County.

ORV Trails . 2020 West UP pre-season meeting was held on March 2nd at the Porkies ski lodge. . 2021 ORV grants will be submitted via the new MAGG program . Alpha signs are on order and sponsors will begin installation this summer. DNR ORV maps will be changing to the alpha labeling. . 2020 grants: Trail maintenance and special maintenance projects are in process. . Champion to Michigamme Route – 9 miles: This route is now open and designated. . Baraga State Park: Trails are currently closed but there have been a lot of calls about ORV camping and trails for the upcoming season with the new campground upgrade. . Lake Gogebic State Park: There is a delay in getting the ORV/Snowmobile route into the park from TRG Timberlands. TRG is working through the forest management plans and has not granted permissions or easement to cross their property at this juncture. Lake Gogebic State Park is surrounded by TRG lands.

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Snowmobile Trails . Spring conditions have been affecting trail conditions and the ability to groom in lower snowfall areas. Much of the trail system still has good snow and users should check the club websites for the most up to date conditions. . MAGG (Motorized Automated Grants Given): Working to implement process for grant paperwork automation. Getting away from paperwork and mail service to an on-line system for grant reimbursements. . Moose Country and Baraga Convention and Visitors Bureau – Trail 8: Working to reroute 8 miles of trail # 8 in Baraga County that frequently cannot be groomed due to hills and wet areas. Use of Craig Lake Road and Nestoria Road is an option some years, but not others. Looking at permanent routing options. . Permanent Easement Program: DNR trails staff are working with easement contractors on purchase of trail easements. Several large easement purchases are in process. . Sturgeon River Bridge: Trail 2 in Dickinson Co. engineering to begin this summer $475,000 allocated for the project. . Baraga State Park: Due to the campground upgrade, the trail was rerouted from the back of the campground through the front of the campground. Trail conditions are already poor with grass showing in some spots due to low snowfall in February. . Craig Lake State Park: Logging up Nelligan Lake Road, with the drivers accessing the location via North Nestoria Road due to terrain, created a re-route in the snowmobile trail around Craig Lake and it was being used as a temporary re-route. . Lake Gogebic State Park: 4 members of the Lake Gogebic staff spent 2 weeks in February assisting EUP FRD, with the help of local clubs, cleaning up storm damage along dozens of miles of snowmobile trails. . Twin Lakes State Park: Trail conditions have been good in our area for this winter. . Van Riper State Park: Seasonal Ranger Brian Krease has again done great assisting with the snowmobile program. His work included inspections, following up on inspections and being that main point of contact for the 2 clubs he had within his area.

Equestrian Trail Projects . Thunder Valley: Complete new trail construction providing additional loops and connection to the Fairgrounds in Marquette County. Work will happen this summer, $50K allocated. . Cedar River: Trail improvements to address wet areas are scheduled for this summer, project cost $40K.

Pathways . Days River: Trail improvements to address wet areas and old decking will occur this summer utilizing a $50K grant. . LPI & Wetmore Pond: Improve parking at Wetmore Pond along with some trail improvements this summer and currently applying for a MNRTF grant in the amount of $300K for additional renovations and needed improvements throughout the entire LPI and Wetmore Pond Tract. . Van Riper State Park: Grooming has been fantastic this season thanks to seasonal ranger Matena Coron and Lead Ranger Ryan Brown, who filled in as needed. The pathway has been very busy all winter due to the grooming conditions. . Escanaba Field Office: Higher than average snowfall for Days river pathway continues, and usage has continuously climbed.

Planning Report . Bewabic State Park: Phase 100 study for Wastewater disposal has commenced. . Craig Lake State Park: Permits were submitted to EGLE and approved for the replacement of 2 failed bridges along the within Craig Lake State Park. Staff with work through the purchasing process in the coming months so all materials are on hand when the snow melts. Project Requests and Work Item Proposals were also submitted for a drainage project around the Small Cabin at Craig Lake. . Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: Historic Complex Fire Suppression and waterline study is ongoing. . Lake Gogebic State Park: Construction planning for projects during the 2020 season is fully underway with multiple projects targeted at trails, parks and access sites at various locations around the Upper Peninsula including but not limited to: Tahquamenon Falls lodge roof, Fort Wilkins west bathroom roof, Craig Lake replacement of North Country Trail foot bridges, Bathroom/shower remodels at Baraga and Bewabic, trestle railing

10 of 14 reinforcement, Presque Isle contact station remodeling, Sandtown ORV trail boardwalk construction, Twin Lakes lodge entrance remodel, Lake Gogebic cold storage roof and garage construction, South Branch of the site improvements. . Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Continued meetings regarding future of M-107, Little Iron River Bridge, Lake Superior Sportsman’s Club, the National Guard work and planning for two AmeriCorps summer work crews. . Twin Lakes State Park: This summer’s project will be lodge reworking of door entrances and basement windows. Trim painting of lodge and shop. . Van Riper State Park: Permits were submitted to EGLE for potential culvert replacements at the Brockey Lake BAS. Three culverts, all together have either failed or are showing potential for failure and are planning to be replaced with the assistance of a combination of the Baraga and Escanaba Construction Crews in the Spring/Summer of 2020. Project Requests and Work Item Proposals were also submitted for a variety of upcoming projects including a pavement patch replacement at Van Riper State Park, where a culvert was replaced last summer after a failure in the road that leads to the rustic campground, boat launch and camper cabin, approach improvements to the entrance of Wetmore Pond, infrastructure repairs to the modern bathroom building at Van Riper, among others. . Copper Harbor State Harbor: Copper Harbor Lighthouse brick and masonry project is 90% complete. Schedule to finish in spring of 2020.

Trespass & Acquisition . Van Riper State Park: A trespass issue at Wolf Lake BAS was brought to PRDs attention from FRD. Staff is working with Pat Olsen and Jeremy Pipp to resolve this issue.

Forest Resources Division: Tom Seablom, Western UP District Supervisor . Units are working on 2022 YOE Inventory. Open Houses for Baraga and Escanaba will be held on June 17th and August 27th respectively. Full open house and compartment review schedules have been posted online, along with other state forest inventory information at www.michigan.gov/forestry.

. The Baraga Unit welcomed newest Forest Technician Shaun Sullivan. Shaun is from Alston, Michigan. He has worked several years with the US Forest Service and most recently for Molpus Timberlands. He currently lives in L’Anse with his girlfriend Gina and their daughter Bailey.

. As of March 13th, 332 timber sale contracts are open (Western UP) WUP-wide. This represents 813,921 cords of timber on 47,580 acres, valued at approximately $37.9 million. Included in this are 14 GNA sales representing 42,626 cords of timber on 3,387 acres, valued at approximately $2.6 million.

. WUP units report 28 active timber sales in the WUP totaling about 2,518 acres. With spring road restrictions on, most units report a high volume of wood in the yards. Most units report slow demand for softwood timber and steady demand for hardwood pulp. The Baraga Unit reports slipping prices for quality hardwoods log due to the trade war with China.

. Forest protection staff has been working on end of the season snowmobile program work. They have also been busy with equipment maintenance and training for the upcoming spring fire season.

. Starting January 1st, open enrollment for the Commercial Forest Program will continue until April 1st. For more information on the Commercial Forest Program go to www.michigan.gov/commercialforest.

. DNR forest health staff worked with local U.P. Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) staff on hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) survey training in preparation for extensive HWA survey efforts along the U.P. Lake Michigan shoreline this winter. HWA has not been detected in the U.P., however, there is concern that established HWA populations in SW MI could spread with migratory birds or through other avenues.

Wildlife Division: Brian Roell, Wildlife Biologist-Marquette County

11 of 14 . Wolf Population Survey: We are wrapping up the last month of the survey period for wolves. Our every other year minimum winter population estimate uses a stratified random sample design which roughly covers 60% of the U.P. After wolves are delisted the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is required to monitor wolves for (at least) five years. Our every other year abundance survey will help meet this requirement.

. Deer Camp Survey: The deer camp survey is used to monitor deer sightings, deer harvest, and hunter opinions during the 16-day firearm season. In 2019, camp survey forms and postage-paid envelopes were mailed to 591 contact persons. Across the U.P. a total of 443 camps occupied by 1,803 hunters participated in the 2019 survey. Hunters observed 3.0 deer per hunter day, a decrease from 2018 (3.9) however this is still above the 8-year average. Twenty-six percent of hunters harvested a buck, similar to the 8-year average. Hunter success rates had increased from the low of 14% in 2015 to the high of 33% in 2018. Most camps (54%) felt there were fewer deer compared to 2018. However, 13% of camps felt there were more deer, and 33% felt deer numbers were similar to 2018. See your local biologist for an electronic or hard copy of the complete survey results.

. Deer Habitat Improvement Grants: There were 15 strong applications this year requesting $132,085.21 in funds unfortunately there is only $100,000 available. They all proposed $66,992 in match and all projects combined are valued at $268,848.38. The total proposed impacted acreage across the UP is 516 acres. Projects are proposed in Ontonagon, Marquette, Mackinac, Luce, Schoolcraft, Alger, Iron, Baraga, Menominee, Chippewa, and Gogebic Counties.

. Upcoming Gwinn Field Seasons: As spring progresses and the summer season approaches, field work plans for habitat projects are being finalized and projects will move into full swing. In the Gwinn Unit we will be having a tree and shrub planting event hosted by both Ruffed Grouse Society and Michigan United Conservation Club. On top of these planting projects we will be maintaining 100’s of acres of openings using our own equipment, contract plantings and share crop agreements.

. Shingleton Biologist: We are pleased to announce that the Shingleton Wildlife Biologist position as been posted with applications being accepted until 03/23/20. This position has been vacant since Cody Norton accepted the Bear and Wolf Specialist position last July.

. Upper Peninsula Regional Supervisor: After 28 years Terry Minzey has decided to retire. Terry started his career with the State of Michigan in Bay City working for DEQ in their Environmental Response Division. After just one year was hired by the Wildlife Division as the Shingleton biologist. Years later Terry was promoted to East UP Supervisor position which eventually lead him accepting the UP Regional Supervisor position.

. 2020 Furbearer Regulation Changes Recommended to the NRC: − The Department recommends increasing the bag limit by 1 otter for each unit, for the UP this would be 4 otters. − The Department recommends expanding beaver season to April 30 all waters statewide. The Department recommends that the otter trapping season end on March 31 statewide with the ability to keep otters incidentally taken while trapping for beaver through April 30 as part of the otter season limit. − The Department recommends allowing trappers to keeping incidental mink caught in muskrat multiple catch traps or colony traps. − The Department recommends requiring body-gripping traps with a jaw spread greater than 5.5 inches set in water to be at least half submerged. − The Department recommends allowing the take of fox and coyote with a firearm from an elevated platform at night. − The Department recommends allowing the use of pneumatic guns for nighttime hunting.

Law Enforcement Division (LED): Lt. Ryan Aho, District 1 Law Supervisor . Lt. Ryan Aho and CO Shannon Kritz attended a job fair at Forest Park High School in Iron County. Law division was joined by Fisheries and Parks Divisions and presented information about their various careers in the department to over 80 students.

12 of 14 . CO Jared Ferguson received a complaint regarding concerns from local citizens over an individual who had set up a snow fence with steel garden rakes, hoes, cultivators and a pitch fork facing towards snowmobile traffic to stop snowmobiles from trespassing through his yard to get to the bar and gas station. The property owner was upset because snowmobiles were running over his septic and crashing into his utility box. CO Ferguson was able to convince the property owner that wasn't safe for anyone and he removed the garden tools and set up plastic tomato sticks with zip ties to secure the fence instead. CO Ferguson the following day brought him an arrow sign and no trespassing sign to help direct snowmobile traffic off his property. The days following CO Ferguson and Sgt. Brian Bacon were in the area and observed no trespassers. The property owner was happy with the outcome. . CO Josh Boudreaux responded to report of a snowmobile accident with injuries on snowmobile trail 5 in northern Marquette County. CO Boudreaux and a Marquette County Sherriff’s deputy responded to the scene and devised a plan to access the patient. Due to poor accuracy on GPS coordinates, CO Boudreaux transported the paramedic via snowmobile through a back-route and upon locating the patient. updated the deputy on best access with the rescue sled. After stabilizing the patient, who had suffered significant lower extremity injuries, they were loaded into the rescue sled for transport up the trail to a waiting ambulance. Due to unusually icy trail conditions the snowmobiles were unable to pull the weighted rescue sled up some of the hills on the trail. Due to the foreseen delay in extrication, CO Boudreaux ran ahead to retrieve more supplies from the ambulance and ran into a trail groomer from the Big Bay 550 Snowmobile Club along the way. After explaining the situation, the groomer immediately agreed to drop his drag and assist with pulling the patient out of the woods. Once hooked to the groomer officers were able to get the patient to the ambulance without further delay. . CO Jeremy Sergey attended a career fair at Finlandia University. Approximately 400 students participated in the career fair from various schools in the copper country area. . CO Dave Miller received warrants from the Baraga County Prosecutor on two separate illegal deer cases from the 2019 deer season. A third warrant was obtained in connection with one of the cases for a separate individual on a related charge. . COs Byron Parks and Ethen Mapes attended the predator round up in Kenton. Hunters checked in coyote, bobcat, and fox. COs Parks and Mapes answered questions and visited with attendees. . CO Josh Boudreaux was working on paperwork in his truck near a snowmobile trail crossing in Marquette County when a snowmobile came flying through the intersection without stopping. CO Boudreaux activated the lights and siren on his patrol truck, causing the snowmobile to pause, then take off down the trail. CO Boudreaux quickly drove to the next snowmobile trail crossing where he intercepted the snowmobile. After a long discussion, the rider from Missouri was issued a citation for careless operation. . CO Cody Smith responded to the scene of a self-inflicted knife wound along with Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police, MSP and Baraga Sheriff’s Department. The individual accepted help from Bay EMS and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation after on-scene care was provided. . CO Brian Lasanen was on patrol when he approached a snowmobile trail road crossing. CO Lasanen was familiar with the area and knew that many times operators fail to stop at the road crossing. CO Lasanen slowed his patrol truck as he approached the crossing. As he entered the crossing, a snowmobile blew through the required stop and nearly hit CO Lasanen’s patrol truck. The snowmobile operator immediately stopped his snowmobile and was out of breath as CO Lasanen contacted the operator. The operator was cited for failing to stop at a marked road crossing. . CO Brian Lasanen conducted an ice fishing patrol on Portage Lake. The nice weather had many anglers enjoying a day of ice fishing. Contact with two anglers checking tip-ups found the subjects to be fishing with eight lines. A discussion was held regarding the three-line limit, and one subject stated he was fishing with five lines. A citation was issued for fishing with more than three lines. . CO Zach Painter was on patrol in Gogebic County and responded to a call of a structure fire along with MSP. The officers were told that the fire had been put out but continued in order to contact the owner of the home. The officers were attempting to make contact at the front entrance but could not get a response and could not see into the residence. CO Painter went around to the back of the residence in order to see if there was a back entrance. CO Painter could see into the home which was filled with smoke. With nobody responding to the officers from inside the home, the officers made entry into the home and located a female subject in a bedroom where the floor was severely burnt and still smoldering. Through talking with the subject, officers determined that she was attempting to commit suicide by burning the house down. The subject had no physical injuries but was transported to the hospital to receive medical attention.

13 of 14 . Multiple District 1 officers conducted a patrol along the snowmobile trail system in northern Houghton and Keweenaw Counties to assist local law enforcement agencies with the Copper Dog 150 sled dog race.

John Pepin, Deputy Public Information Officer – Marquette . In a continuing partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Outdoor Channel, new episodes of the “Wardens” television program began airing Feb. 3. Since 2011, “Wardens” has chronicled the lives of conservation officers in America. In segments filmed across Michigan, the program highlights the law enforcement work of DNR conservation officers and the department’s diverse natural resources management efforts. New episodes air at 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Mondays and 2:30 a.m. Tuesdays on the Outdoor Channel, with repeats on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition, “Wardens” now airs at 9:30 a.m. on WLUC-TV6 Marquette, providing wider availability of the program to viewers in the Upper Peninsula. Evan Pittman, senior producer of “Wardens” for Michigan-based Wolf Creek Productions, said the company is thrilled WLUC has decided to add “Wardens” to its programming roster. “They're the first local market in Michigan to air the series and we think their viewers will benefit tremendously from the stories and information presented in ‘Wardens’ episodes,” Pittman said. “We hope that WLUC is the first of many regional markets to air this series.”

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