The Riverwatch the Quarterly Newsletter of the Anglers of the Au Sable

Late Fall 2013 Number 67 THE RIVERWATCH THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE ANGLERS OF THE AU SABLE

YoUTh IssUe

Tess neLKIe reCeIVes rIVerKeePer aWard rUsTY KeePs PerCh eYe on rIVer froM The edITor

LeT TheM hear froM YoU soon!

As I write this sentence the current coldwater regulations have your experience has been fi shing areas with new regulations. been in effect for 31 months and two days. The time has come It matters no matter what you say. for even the most cautious of folk to start drawing a conclusion I’m fairly confi dent, with this readership, at least, that the re- or two about the effectiveness of the rules that so many worked views will be favorable. On our river these changes have been so hard to create. a plus. I’ve held back on crediting the new Gear Regulations According to the Fisheries Division, the goal of the Gear Re- with improving numbers of quality fi sh until now because the striction promulgation was to create more fi shing opportuni- rules needed time to “bake in the oven.” After the last season ties. Boy, did it ever around here! The opening of several I believe the new regs do contribute to more quality trout (14 sections of the Au Sable to year-round fi shing has introduced to 18 inches) on the Big Water. They are not the only factor. many people to the trials and tribulations of cold weather an- Nor do they explan the most variance. But they have made a gling and put a few trophies in the books for some. The in- signifi cant impact in the direction we had hoped. creased size limit and decreased creel has possibly, possibly, Some will dispute this, and it’s important to understand that in improved the quality of fi shing in some reaches of river, espe- the fuzzy world of fi sheries management it’s nigh impossible cially below Mio. to draw defi nitive conclusions. There will also be a cacophony These, however, are just my opinions. They count, but only of haters bent on laying low the concept of catch-and-release as one voice. Yours is needed as well. I’m not going to tell once and for all. you what specifi cally to say. You should not turn it into a fi sh In a few years there will be a Division review of coldwater story or inventory of your catch rate. That’s boring and often regulations. It’s important to get in front of this process by apocryphal. No one really pays attention to blowhards with going on the record early and often. There’s no reason why fl ipbooks of photos. What Fisheries wants to know is what

Continued on page 27

dIreCTors

Don Boyd, Grayling, MI Thomas Buhr, Luzerne, MI Dick Daane, Ann Arbor, MI (Emeritus) PresIdenT John Dallas, Troy, MI Alan Diodore, Grayling, MI Bruce Pregler, Rochester Hills, MI Dan Drislane, Emigrant, MT (Emeritus) Jay Gleason, Huntersville, NC (Emeritus) fIrsT VICe PresIdenT Josh Greenberg, Grayling, MI Tom Baird, Diamondale, MI Joe Hemming, Beverly Hills, MI The rIVerWaTCh Mark Hendricks, Grayling, MI seCond VICe PresIdenT The RIVERWATCH is a quarterly publication Bruce Johnson, Rochester, MI of The Anglers of the Au Sable, a non-profi t John Bebow, Milan, MI Terry Lyons, Perry, MI corporation dedicated to the protection of the Ed McGlinn, Farmington Hills, MI (Emeritus) TreasUrer Au Sable River, its watershed and surrounding Tess Nelkie, Tawas City, MI environs. Dues are $25 per year. For member- Pat Dwyer, Rochester, MI John Novak, Grayling, MI ship please contact: Andy Richards, Kalamazoo, MI The Anglers of the Au Sable seCreTarY John Russell, Traverse City, MI P.O. Box 200 Karen Harrison, Frederic, MI Don Sawyer, Okemos, MI Grayling, MI 49738 Jim Schramm, Pentwater, MI www.AuSableAnglers.org Jim Shifl ett, Grand Ledge, MI David Smith, Grayling, MI John Walters, Vanderbilt, MI Lance Weyeneth, Gaylord, MI

2 oIL & gas Leases on The hoLY WaTer

dnr dIreCTor Creagh joIns angLers In saYIng “no sUrfaCe deVeLoPMenT” on hoLY WaTer

After meeting with Anglers’ President Bruce Pegler and First Vice President Tom Baird and receiving hundreds of emails from concerned anglers and lovers of the Au Sable from around the state, DNR Director Keith Creagh has decided there will be no oil and gas exploration along the “holy waters” corridor anytime soon. The announcement came at a Dec. 12 meeting of the Natural Resources Commission. Anglers of the Au Sable thanks Director Creagh for reversing the department’s ini- tial plan to allow development in several parcels near the river, and changing them to “non-development” status. Not only have the leases been set as “non-development,” the director is modifying them to remove language allowing reclassifi cation of surface use without public notice and a new lease process. Anglers, our fellow fi shing and environmental friends, local businesses plus hundreds of concerned citizens can fi nally exhale, for now. “Michigan has special places that deserve careful attention and thoughtful protection,” Creagh said. “The Au Sa- ble River is one of those places. A nondevelopment lease lets us protect an area’s valuable surface features. This, in turn, protects Michigan citizens against the loss of rev- enue if publicly owned minerals are removed without a lease in place.” In late October, the Michigan Department of Natural Re- sources auctioned nearly 2,800 acres east of Grayling for potential oil and gas development, much of it smack in the middle of one of the world’s most beloved trout streams. We urged the DNR not to do this. The Depart- notice and a new auction – which Anglers would ment did it anyway. naturally oppose. At the December 12 NRC Meeting, DNR Director Keith • Pledged, based on this recent controversy, to assign Creagh announced he would: a DNR taskforce, with stakeholder input including Anglers representatives, to identify “special plac- • Not enter the leases as originally auctioned. es” akin to the Holy Waters, where mineral leases • Modify the affected leases along the Holy Water to and future oil and gas development will be off-lim- “non-development” status. its in the future. • Further tighten the leases to specifi cally prohibit “This is a huge win for Anglers of the Au Sable,” presi- any reclassifi cation for the full fi ve-year lease pe- dent Bruce Pregler said. “Only through intense yet ratio- riod. Any such reclassifi cation, if requested by the nal public input from hundreds of Anglers members and oil and gas lease holders, would require public our friends in the conservation community were we able

Continued on page 11

3 angLers’ sChoLarshIP angLers’ sChoLarshIP reCIPIenTs for 2013

If the old adage that “you reap what you sow,” is true, and other bodies of fresh water – and is doing a senior re- then Anglers is laying the groundwork for a prosperous search project along that theme. She is studying changes conservation future. Two outstanding young people have in terrestrial subsidies and resident trout species’ diets in been selected for this year’s scholarship awards: Addie the Two Hearted River following the Duck Lake wildfi re. Dutton and Joseph Parzych. The fi re destroyed the forest canopy and may have lead to trout focusing more on aquatic insects than terrestrials Addie is now a senior majoring in Fisheries Wildlife for food. Management at Lake Superior State University. She hails from Fife Lake, about 30 miles from Traverse City. She plans to pursue a Masters Degree in aquatic ecology – her cognate will be in stream ecology and exploring “I have grown up in this beautiful state enjoying the out- linkage differences in trout species. Her hope is to “be- doors and consequently have wanted to make a career in come a biologist and help conserve the natural beauty of natural resources,” she wrote in a letter to Anglers ac- the world around us.” knowledging her scholarship. “I love to spend my free time on the water fi shing or in the woods hunting. Above Joseph is also an excellent choice. He carries a 3.98 GPA all my favorite activity is fl y fi shing in streams for trout. and in addition to our award, he has received the Fish- The thrill of seeing a trout take your fl y is unforgetta- eries and Wildlife Outstanding Senior Scholarship from ble and you will often fi nd me on the river most summer Michigan State University. He is a native of Livonia and nights.” a lifelong hunter and fi sher, most of which takes place on the Tittabawausee River near Gladwin. Addie has become interested in limnology - the study of the biological, chemical, and physical features of lakes Joseph spent last summer doing research on walleye on

4 angLers’ sChoLarshIP the Indian River they are valuable from with MSU profes- both a commercial and sors Dan Hayes recreational stand- and Brian Roth. He point. Stream resto- is currently in the ration is a great way fi rst semester of his to improve salmon re- Masters work in en- production, with dam vironmental science removal being central at Washington State to improving access to University. spawning grounds, I’d love to check out the “My long term Au Sable and possibly career goal is to meet some more of the become a proj- Anglers.” ect manager for an environmen- The concept of award- tal consulting fi rm ing scholarships to de- working on stream serving college under- restoration and dam grads at both Michigan removal,” he ex- State and Lake Supe- plained in an email rior State universities to Anglers’ President Bruce Pregler. “Salmon and trout was conceived and designed by Director Tess Nelkie. conservation is particularly interesting to me because This is the second year of the program. - Thomas Buhr, Editor

In memory of Mary Lou In Memory of John Sanderson: Sheppard – Thomas BeWier Roger J. Wood In memory of George Robert Charles Sauer Alexander – Steve Habash Skip and Linda Cline In memory of Craig Perry – Steve Habash In Memory Berthold G. Wolfram In memory of Rusty Gates – Laurie E. Keenan Steve Habash and Tribute Craig and Trish MacDonell In Honor and Memory of Scott and Karen Whetter Rusty Gates – Frank W. Lynch and Roberta Jane Lynch Jack and Saundra Crandall Endowed Family Fund Robyn and Charlie Polzin In memory of Tom Lovell of Janice Kowell Chelsea, MI – Pat and Peter Schmid The Kaminski Family In Tribute to John Wylie – William and Kathleen Haley Romaine Hicks St. Patrick School Teacher, In memory of Ronald W. Staff and Students Ballantyne from P.O.E.T.S.

5 TroUT UnLIMITed fLY fIshIng CaMP

(Ed. Note: Brienna Shear and Nick Obermiller were the fi rst ever recipients of Anglers’ sponsored trip to the Trout Unlimited Fly-Fishing Camp conducted by the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Here are their application essays and post-camp experiences.) BrIenna shear, MarCh 2013

I love fi shing! It’s one of my most favorite things. My fl ies trout go after and their life cycle, I learned how to tie mother tells me I can catch fi sh from dirt. I’ve had expe- some pretty cool fl ies, how to read the water and recog- rience in many different types of fi shing: salmon fi shing, nize where trout may be, along with very important things spear fi shing, trolling, “worm dunking” (as my grandpa about trout, and most importantly the different casts and calls it) and fl y-fi shing. I learned how to fl y-fi shfrom how/when to use them. All these different things along my grandpa when I was younger; he taught me all that with many others helped me throughout the week. I’ll say I was capable of doing. I’m still not that good at it, but it made it the best week of fi shing I’ve experienced, but I love it. Since I began fl y-fi shing, I’ve caught one fi sh. the very best day was on the fourth day of camp, the last ONE! But catching that fi sh felt amazing, and learning day that we got to fi sh. something new and succeeding was the best thing ever. The day was perfect for trout fi shing on the Au Sable River Though since then I’ve caught trees, bushes, and water at dusk. It was cool, and there was a little cloud cover still submersed logs, just in hope of catching a big fi sh. My remaining from the downpour the day before, but there grandpa has told me many tales of catching big fi sh on a fl y rod. I’ve seen it! Yet every time he’s pulling in one after another and I go and try, I get nothing. I can’t believe it; I do exactly as he Mark Hendricks provides instruction on ﬂ y casting. does, and cast exactly where he does yet still I get nothing. Usually I give up and go back to “dunking worms,” I can never be beaten in that. I also have experience in tying fl ies. Like fl y- fi shing, I’m not the best. Yet, I can do simple ones, with my grandpa’s help, or just learn from practice after my grandpa’s help. Even after mastering a fl y, ask me the next day to tie it, and for sure I will have forgotten how. If only I could remember! Really, the reason I should be picked to go to the camp is I want to learn more. I really want to enhance my skills and come home and tell my parents of the fi sh I caught with my grandpa. Maybe one day I will beat him in a fi sh contest on the river, or just fi sh when I can without my grandpa’s help and enjoy the peacefulness of the river. That is why I would like to go to this camp. And after the experience… The Trout Unlimited Fly-Fishing Camp was the most fun way of learning fl y-fi shing I have ever experienced. I learned many things while I was there and met a lot of great people. While I was there I learned many things about the

6 TroUT CaMP were not threats of rain. The landing we were at looked grabbed the string so I could pull up the fi sh, because my perfect, there was a nice riffl e in the middle of the stream net was too rough and would tear up its skin. Pulling the — a nice feeding area for any fi sh. After about twenty fi sh up out of the water was amazing; it was a small three minutes of fi ddling with my rod, Kyle (my partner for the to four inch Brook Trout. What a beautiful little fi sh. Dick river boat fl oat) and I stepped into the water to fi sh, while took a picture and I pulled the hook out gently letting the we were waiting for the Au Sable riverboat to come pick fi sh go so it could be caught another day. The only thing us up. I had an ant I had made earlier in the week tied onto that was running through my mind was that I just caught my line, and I was fi nally ready to fi sh. Kyle and I waded a fi sh and there would be many more to come. upstream a little ways and were fi shing in the riffl e hop- I had so many other great experiences on the water, seeing to catch a fi sh. I had four hits before the fi sh became ing the beautiful wildlife like the beautiful predatory birds uninterested in my fl y so I waded upstream a little more and a fawn that was hiding on an island in the middle to a perfect place. Right along the bank under an over of the river, or fi ltering the river water through a big net hanging tree fi sh were jumping, and I thought, “Wow this to collect and sort bugs. On land I learned about bugs will be a piece of cake to catch some fi sh.” But I forgot, and their life cycle, cast my line on land to practice, ate it’s never easy. The fi sh were just not interested in my fl y, lunch on the river banks with friends, and learned about and I couldn’t see what they were feeding on so I cast my that gorgeous river that I fi sh. I met new friends, and saw line down at a log where there was a calm spot then a sud- many things, all thanks to the Anglers of the Au Sable for den riffl e. I wasn’t paying much attention to my line, as sponsoring me to go and giving me a fl y rod. My knowl- I was too busy talking to my counselor, Dick Augustine, edge of fl y-fi sh has increased thanks to all the counselors about bats and many other different things. Then I pulled and many other people. Now when I go with my Grandpa up my line to recast, because my fl y was just dragging or Dad fl y-fi shing it won’t be a big lesson on how to fl y- in the current, and what do you know! There was a fi sh fi sh or how to not get caught in trees. Now it’s a contest on! I pulled in my line carefully so I wouldn’t pull it out to see who can catch the most fi sh or who can catch the of its mouth. This was going to be my fi rst fi sh I caught biggest fi sh. This one fi ve-day camp has created in me a this week (unless you count a minnow that was so small lover of fl y-fi shing. I thought it was my fl y as a fi sh)! I fi nally pulled it in and - Brienna Shear

nICK oBerMILLer, MarCh 2013

I would like to go to this camp because I simply love to the many different kinds of bugs and insects that I would fi sh. I started fi shing when I was three with my grandpa. be imitating while fi shing. I learned how the current can We would walk down to a bridge I live close to and, even dramatically change the way the fi sh can see your fl y. And though we didn’t catch anything, I have loved to fi sh ever I learned so much more than I could ever fi t in this paper. since. One of my favorites and in my eyes one of the most im- I believe that I have gotten very good at fi shing, and now portant things was making habitats and shelters for the I have been learning how to fl y fi sh. Last year I started ty- fi sh. This gave them a place to hide from predators that ing my own fl ies. There is no better feeling than knowing in turn makes the population of the trout population rise. you have a one-of-a-kind fl y that works. This means more fi sh for a fi sherman like me to catch. There wasn’t a single part of this camp that I didn’t like. I love fi shing. I always have, and I always will. I think I wouldn’t change anything about this camp because you that if I go to this camp, I can learn new things and have can’t change perfect. fun. I cannot thank you enough for giving me this opportunity, And after the experience… and I cannot tell you how much fun I had. During the time I was at the Trout Unlimited camp, I Thanks again, learned more than I ever could by myself. I learned about - Nick Obermiller

7 ILCTU and the North Branch Project

Boots In The Water - Here’s a trio of shots (Editor’s Note: Anglers received a Habitat Im- from the Kalamazoo provement Account (HIA) grant to do stream im- Valley TU Chapter Trout Camp. provement work on the North Branch. The IL- The kids CTU incorporated that project into their summer learned how youth program. What follows is a letter from to fish and their director of camp activities to Bruce Pregler. how to take care of fish. The HIA is funded by Consumers Energy as part Nice! of the 1994 Hydro Relicensing Agreement.)

Dear President Pregler,

On behalf of the Illinois Council of Trout Unlim- ited (ILCTU), thank you to the Anglers of the Au Sable for allowing the youngsters of our Youth Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp to participate in the construction and remplacement of half log covers on the North Branch of the Au Sable at the Power Line access. That morning our kids learned the meaning of trout cover during a fish shocking survey on the East Branch of the Sturgeon River near Wolverine, and thus, were fully able to appreciate the true value of their labors on the Noth Branch that following afternoon. I trust you will extend thanks to Steve Sendek, and his entire work crew: Traver Smith, Jordan Wakley, and Zack Kline. Steve’s years of experience as a Fisheries Biologist at the DNR en- riched the experienced of our kids and mentors alike tenfold. Traver’s, Jordan’s and Zack’s enthusiasm spurred a spirit of team work the kids will long remember. They will indeed appreciate their efforts when they return years later to fish the North Branch. I trust that Anglers of the Au Sable will be endowed to continue their preservation efforts in the years to come and will allow our continued participation in such projects. The hard work of stream restoration is one of the cornerstone lessons which we need to imbue in our kids at each of our camps.

Respectfully, Greg Prosen, Director ILCTU Youth Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp

8 KId’s one fLY (BoX)

InaUgUraL KIds one fLY (BoX) fIshIng eVenT goes off WIThoUT a hITCh

It was a crisp, clear morning, something more akin to mid “I believe that we got a membership from our youngest September than the fi rst part of August, but the kids didn’t person yet at the event,” said Karen Harrison, Director, mind one bit. Thanks to Anglers of the Au Sable, 38 of Secretary and Chair of the Communication and Education them, ranging from ages three to fourteen, were getting Committee. “Her name was Anneke, about nine years the chance to learn the magic of fl y-fi shing. old, and her dad bought her a membership. I don’t even think he’s a member!” Last winter, as part of a concerted effort to reach out to more young people, the Communication & Education Another young boy told his grandfather that he knew Committee drew up plans to have a youth day of sorts to what he wanted for Christmas now: a fl y rod. No report get kids interested in the river and, possibly, stewardship. on Grandpa’s reply, but I’m sure that Josh can help him With the help of Director Josh Greenberg, owner of Gates out. Au Sable Lodge, they put together a winning set of activi- “It was a beautiful day with lots of good vibes,” Karen ties that were fun and educational. (Major kudos to Josh added. “I think we may have created some future fl y fi sh- who had his own event, the one fl y night tournament, later ers and conservationists.” that day. He put in nearly a 24-hour workday between the two activities.) “It was the best kind of tired. And I’m looking forward to doing it again next year,” he said. The ball got rolling on the casting fi eld at Gates as the sun A Natural! The Kid’s One Fly crept over the pines. Gates Lodge Head Casting Instruc- (Box) taught youngsters the basics tor Mark Hendricks led the casting instruction for a group of ﬂ y fi shing, and some participants of youngsters antsy to fi sh. Then it was off to the river to caught on quickly. do just that, hook a fi nster with a fl y. A few friends and family joined in on the fun, but the kids had some pretty fi ne gillies guiding them along including Hendricks, Peter Jones, “Big Fish” Terry Warrington, Ron Urkuski, Joe Bartha, and Joe Sprys – in other words, the guys who typically give of their time. And, of course, what event is not complete without food and fun? There was plenty of that for the young fi shers when they came back from the river. Chef Matt stepped up and delivered a splendid spread of goodies. The crowd started sloshing back around noon with fi sh stories – they had quickly learned the sport’s crucial element – and a creel full of enthusiasm for the whole thing. Some kids didn’t get back till around 2 PM. After a great lunch there were activities including assem- bling trout puzzles and casting contests that yielded won- derful prizes, some of them swag, such as Anglers’ 2012 pins (the kids loved ‘em!), Anglers’ hats, Gates lanyards, fl y boxes, single boxes with one fl y and other items. Ev- ery participant received an Anglers’ fl y box with six fl ies. And the magic started happening.

9 WaY To go, Tess! Tess neLKIe naMed rIVerKeePer for 2013

She’s been taking care of rivers and forests for a long time award.” and somebody fi nally noticed. This recognition was long overdue and that may be be- Tess Nelkie, a member of the Anglers’ board of directors cause Tess Nelkie just goes about the business of steward- for over 20 years, and an active conservationist for nearly ship with no drama or fanfare. She’s not new to service twice that long, received Anglers’ highest award at the having developed hiking and cross-country skiing trails directors’ meeting in September. in the Huron National Forest since the 1970s as well as sitting on two other boards for Corsair Trail Council and Although clearly delighted to have received the recogni- the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy. Along with her hus- tion, she responded to it in her usual even-keeled manner: band Gary, an avid naturalist and conservationist in his “I’m proud to be a part of the AOTA Board and extreme- own right, Tess was the recipient of the White Pine Award ly humbled to have been honored with this prestigious from the Sierra Club in 1994. In 1992, one of the founding members of Anglers, Ed McGlinn, in- vited her to join Anglers’ board of directors. She agreed and, charac- teristically, got right to work. Her fi rst task was to resurrect a writ- ing contest – Dan Drislane, another founding member had suggested this needed to be done, but couldn’t take the lead because he had business obligations in Belgium for several years – designed to engage young people in the joys of the Au Sable River. Au Sable River Words was born and Tess has been the chair ever since. This is the fi fteenth year of the contest. (See page 12 for this year’s winners.) Tess Nelkie took the lead on devel- oping the AOTA scholarships for students majoring in Fisheries Pro- grams at Michigan State University and Lake Superior State University – both of this year’s recipients are on pages 4 and 5 – and also helped formulate AOTA’s scholarships for two kids to attend the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s Annual Youth Trout Camp. She also facilitated AOTA’s affi liation with the 1% For The Planet program. “I’ve sat with Tess in dozens of meetings over the years and worked with her on getting the Au Sable

10 Tess, oIL & gas Leases

River Words ready for The RIVERWATCH for a decade now,” said Thomas Buhr, Editor of The RIVERWATCH. “She consistently asks intelligent questions, makes keen observations, and never fails to deliver on her responsi- bilities. People such as Tess make this conservation thing work.” A resident of Tawas since 1974, Tess is a teacher for deaf and hard of hearing children in Iosco County. She co- owns Nordic Sports with her husband. When not working or protecting wild places, she’s out enjoying them through fi shing, hiking, skiing or canoeing. Tess and Gary are regular fi xtures on the lower Au Sable and vet- erans of the June night hatches on the Big Water below McKinley. Being honored as a Riverkeeper is not an endpoint. Tess remains devoted to the task at hand: “I think we all have a responsibility to protect the outdoors we love, an obligation to take action on issues we know are right whether we will see the results in our life- time or not.” - Art Thomas, Big Water Correspondent Tess Nelkie, Riverkeeper

“No Surface Development” On Holy Water continued to convince the DNR to make this change. In fact, dur- heavy lifting necessary to help Director Creagh better un- ing the meeting today the director said he was getting an derstand these issues. This was nothing new for us, and email every four minutes.” we quickly were joined by our usual allies: the Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan League of Conserva- “Thanks to all who took the time to explain to the DNR tion Voters, Sierra Club, Au Sable Big Water Preservation why the Au Sable is so special and why there was no way Association, North Branch Foundation, Au Sable River any of us would stand by while land was cleared for oil Watershed Committee, and Michigan Trout Unlimited. and gas wells in the Holy Water,” Pregler said. Several local business and government leaders assisted in Baird also said special thanks go to DNR Director Cre- this effort at well. We had not seen that spirit here since agh. “Keith really listened to us,” Baird said. “It took guts the dark days of the Mason Tract crisis. to make this change – and vision to pledge to identify Given the short time window and enormity of the task it other special places where these kinds of controversies was an extraordinary show of solidarity by all. We are should be avoided in the future.” grateful for the support. When the lease news broke in October, Anglers went to In the fi nal analysis Director Creagh made the right deci- work. The proposed leasing plan did not bode well for sion. The “Holy Water” is safe for now thanks to Cre- current or future residents of this historic stretch of the agh’s willingness to listen. Au Sable. We asked again that the DNR reconsider the action. The Department initially declined our request. More work needs to be done to responsibly obtain these resources, but this is a victory worth savoring. Thank you That meant it was time to roll up our sleeves and do the to all who helped us to secure it - Bruce Pregler, President and Tom Baird, First Vice President

11 rIVer Words

aU saBLe rIVer Words

It would be dishonest for me to say playing around on the planks, and that I never hated the Au Sable Riv- it was only a matter of time before er. My words would be fallacious if I fell through one of them. My tiny I said that I’ve always recognized feet were just small enough to slip aU saBLe its importance within our commu- down in between the two planks of nity. When I was fi ve years old, my splintered wood. Dancing and play- rIVer Words father was told he was being relo- ing, I fell as the bridge captured me cated to a small northern Michigan in its clutches. I was trapped! My 2013 oVeraLL WInners town named Grayling. Neither of right foot plunged into the river, the my parents had lived up north, so boards scraping down my entire leg it was a completely new experience as I fell. My father left his pole to nonfICTIon for our small family. We packed up come assist me during my time of and left our friends to start anew. need. I was in hysterics from my 1. Sarah Goodyear – Au Sable River After many months of searching, fi rst traumatic experience as a fi ve- Words, Grayling High School we found a house that fi t our every year-old. If I was still fi ve, I would need; it was older and needed some have told you about the massive 2. Angie Rouston – Resurrection of a new design, but we were satisfi ed. amounts of blood I lost from the Resource, Grayling High School My fi ve-year-old self was excited major accident. However, fast for- to learn about the new house, but ward thirteen years into the future, was more interested in the fact that and I would tell you I walked away fICTIon it sat on a dead end road and had with nothing more than a scraped direct access to the river called the leg, a hurt spirit, and a spiteful view 1. Emma Burke – A Dead Fish, Gray- Au Sable. of the river. ling High School My fi rst excursion to the river My spiteful view was reinforced 2. Olivia Dikin – The River’s Stage, was via bicycle. I had a new, pur- when I was thirteen years old. Grayling High School ple two-wheeler that could with- When visiting Grayling during the stand any terrain; even the deep summer, it is nearly impossible to sand leading down to the river. At not participate in at least one kayak PoeTrY the end of the trail, a very mea- or canoe trip. In October however, ger bridge sat connecting the two it’s a different story. Here in north- 1. Ally Sage – Flow of the Au Sable, banks. Magnifi cent shrubbery cov- ern Michigan, it is considered a heat Mio-Au Sable High School ers both trails before and after the wave if the temperature is above bridge, creating a green, cave-like fi fty degrees during the month of 2. Tyler Powers – Life-Blood, walkway that opens to the mighty October; not the best weather to ad- Grayling High School Au Sable. It was on that very bridge venture out in a canoe in an ice-cold that I had my fi rst privative expe- river. However, I went anyway. I rience with the river. Now, this was chosen as a Natural Helper in bridge is not a typical one. It would the sixth grade; a group of select not meet the adequate standards students designed to unite my fel- of an experienced contractor, as it low peers in the fi ght against bul- was built with various sized planks lying. One of the afternoon activi- overlaying two moldy telephone ties is a mellow canoe trip meant poles. My dad, the avid fi sherman, just for relaxation. Fully clothed, decided to take his young daugh- my teacher, my friend, and I set out ter down to the river to teach her with the other groups of kids down the basics of fi shing. Being a fi ve- the icy Au Sable. We were mess- year-old, I was more interested in ing around with another canoe, and

12 rIVer Words they came extremely close to tipping over into the water. were studying ways to cure various types of cancer. I felt The three of us laughed and laughed at their terrifi ed fac- humbled in a room so full of extraordinary, inspirational es. Karma eventually caught up with us, though. About people. I was able to meet someone new every week I thirty minutes later, my canoe came across a sunken log went, and I was grateful for the amounts of knowledge I that was hidden in the deep black water. We hit it because learned. Their love for the river was necessary for the bed our navigator was not paying the slightest bit of atten- and breakfast to remain a business. Without it, I never tion. We spun around would have been enlight- the log and twisted until ened by their knowledge we were perpendicular or advice. I eventually to the fl ow of the river. realized that we were all Of course, we tipped connected by one thing: over, fully clothed, into the mighty Au Sable. My the deepest part of the whole life is affected by a whole trip. It was over river, and that is not some- our heads, and we were thing just anyone could quickly engulfed into the say. The river is a symbol freezing water of late- for everything that I love: October. I’m not sure my hometown, my great- what was worse, the ac- est memories, and my tual fall, or the ride home life in general. Without in soaking wet clothes. it, there would not be a The river had yet again Grayling, Michigan. Our traumatized me during canoe marathon attracts my adolescence. a diversity of people, even ones from different I did not think it was pos- countries. The river fi lls sible to experience feel- the town with tourists ings of hatred towards and defi nes us as to who a body of water, but I we are. I’m proud to live also did not think lov- in a community depen- ing a body of water was dent on such a beautiful possible either. Looking landmark, and can fi nally back, I can obviously see say that I appreciate the I was foolish and close- river’s existence and its minded during the years impact on my life. where I felt negatively about the river. Just in I now believe that it is the past few years, I have completely possible for really grown up and learned to appreciate my life in Gray- one to love a body of water. The river shaped the town, ling, and all that the Au Sable does for it. This past sum- and the town shaped me. I grew up with a closed mind be- mer, I worked for a bed and breakfast in Lovells that sits cause of my own dreadful experiences with the Au Sable, on the banks of the Au Sable, and I met the most inspiring but obviously I have grown physically and intellectually people. It caters mainly to fl y-fi sherman who come to get since childhood. Without the river, my hometown, and away from their busy lives downstate. I met a professor my life would not exist. I wouldn’t have been inspired from a very prestigious university and he asked about my by amazing people, and I wouldn’t have experienced future plans; he made pancakes and we talked for an hour the great childhood I’ve had growing up in Grayling. I about picking a school that was best suited for me. He can honestly admit that I love the river, and its symbolic gave me great advice, and it was a humbling experience meaning of my hometown’s community. to converse with someone so intelligent. I was able to meet a group of doctors from University of Michigan who - Sarah Goodyear 13 rIVer Words resUrreCTIon of a resoUrCe

The Au Sable River runs approximately 138 miles before needed, so recreational access does not negatively impact emptying into one of the world’s largest fresh bodies of water quality or habitat. Many people have worked to sta- water, Lake Huron. Many people do not know that the Au bilize barren banks and minimize the erosion into the riv- Sable is one of the best brown trout fi sheries east of the er. The Michigan Department of Conservation was born Rocky Mountains. However, at one time the river used to in an effort to allow our lands to heal from unchecked be home to many other species of fi sh, including grayling, logging fi res, market hunting and fi shing. Hunting and walleye, round whitefi sh, and suckers. Unfortunately, fi shing regulations were established, and fi re breaks were drastic changes occurred to the river within the fi rst sev- established in an effort to curb the spread of wildfi res. The eral decades of European settlement, which resulted in the CCC was created which assisted with building of these alteration of the river’s habitat and the depletion of many fi re breaks and replanting of many tracts of barren land. species of fi sh, including the extinction of the artic grayling. The history of the Au Sable dates back to the late 1800’s, during Michigan’s logging era. Loggers used the river to transport logs downstream to the mill. This movement of logs downriver scoured the river bottom and banks. Logging and vast wildfi res denuded the surrounding landscape of vegetation, resulting in erosion of large amounts of sand into the river. As northern Michigan became more popu- lated, roads were developed near the water’s edge, allowing more sand and pollutants to enter the water course. Heavy use by recreationists created bare banks, continuing to contribute to degradation of the watercourse. All of this sand that was becoming deposited in the river began to change the dynamics of the river habitat. Sand covers the gravel substrate that fi sh prefer to spawn on, and the collection of sand makes the river shallower, causing it to warm up. The increasing temperature of the river is not good for trout, which need cold water. The increasing demand for power resulted in numerous dams being created along the river for hydroelectric power. Hydropower development fragmented the river system, eliminating the migration of fi sh from Lake Huron upstream. All of these changes resulted in a changing river ecosystem, which eventually led to the depletion of many fi sh species and the extinction of the artic grayling. Over time, the river has gradually started to heal. Sand traps were actively used to remove some of the heavy sand deposited into the river from earlier activities. A concerted effort is being made to work with county road commissions to improve road crossings to minimize dirt and pollutants that drain into the river at road crossings. Recreational access sites and road ends are monitored and stabilized as

14 rIVer Words

Land along the river became valued for residential prop- Society must learn from the past, and returning the Au erty and additional roads and houses were developed all Sable River to its original habitat will help prevent the along the river corridor. The Woody Debris project began depletion of native species unique to the area. We want approximately ten years ago, which placed full trees and to prevent tragedies, such as the complete annihilation stumps into the river to provide the fi sh natural habitat. of the artic grayling, from happening again in the future. Dams are gradually being removed to restore water fl ow The Au Sable River is a natural wonder greatly treasured and annual river clean-ups are planned by volunteers to by the surrounding communities, who have been making help keep the river clean and free of pollution. conscious efforts to keep the river in pristine condition for the generations to come. - Angie Rouston

a dead fIsh

There he swam, some time ago, in the clear, cold waters of eign world through one eye. For his other eye, you must the Au Sable. Among the rocks, the sand, and the weeds understand, could see only the mud below him, where his he would dart and play with his fellows. He lived a good body surely came to rest. Time passed, matching his cold- life, albeit a short one, that was fi lled with all the fl eeting ness and solemn stillness. joys and sorrows that his kind could come to expect. He had no funeral procession, save a lone fl y who rejoiced It ended, for lives must always end, when a force beyond that night at fi nding itself the fi rst explorer, scavenger, at his knowledge stole him from the water in a clear, empty the dinner party. prison, then dumped him unceremoniously too far from There he wasted in the muck, his thin sinews eaten away his homeland. Stranded, he fl opped upon the rocky bank by hungry mouths of prying insects. When only his bones and made it not to the safety of water, but to the dark mud. remained, the sediment rose up to meet him. He is buried He fl opped there, gasping, panicked, alone, until a stupor there, in that very spot. From the organic structure, his took him and he begged for breath no longer. There he pale skeleton, there grew the beginnings of a plant. A blue was sprawled, staring up at a green canopy with sweet, Forget-Me-Not blooms there now, proudly marking the blue fl owers – his only bouquet – and watching this for- spot of an unremarkable tale, fi nished. - Emma Rose Burke

15 rIVer Words

The rIVer’s sTage

I never really believed that nature could produce music. my better judgment to investigate, but I had to know. Trees, though living, were amoral, so they couldn’t feel Donning a thin sweatshirt and a pair of tennis shoes, I the emotion expressed through melodies. It wasn’t until I exited the warm comfort of my house. Slowly, I made my actually listened and spent time in nature, that I heard the way down to the river. rhythms of the bubbling water and whispering leaves and As soon as I reached the sloping bank, the wind stopped. foliage. The quietness was eerie as I felt isolated from everything, I had just moved from Seattle, Washington to rural Michi- even the family living a couple acres away. As I listened gan. It was an immediate culture shock as I had been sur- for any more strange noises, I watched the Au Sable. rounded by the rushing of the city my whole life. The The full moon peaked out from behind the covering of plethora of trees on my new housing property was a scene clouds and instantly the surrounding area exploded with I was not used to, yet I managed. Of course, my cellos light. The white moon was refl ected off of the waters and followed me. The most precious of my collection was a small fl ecks of light from fi refl ies peered in and out of great orange beast with a sunburst wood pat- tern on the back. Strings of bronze stretched across the neck and when warm the strings contoured to my fi ngers like butter. My new home sat on the bank of the Au Sable River, almost twenty miles from the nearest town, through many other families decided to call the woods around me home. My favorite place was my sun room. It was outdated with tacky yellow paint covering the walls and a sea foam green carpet with dark, unknown stains. But, it had a certain magic to it. The widows gave a perfect view of the rushing waters out back, and the fractals of sunlight that refl ected from the surface shone through the windows and seemed to soften the clash- ing colors in the room. The river wasn’t even the main aspect of the room, and it seemed to make it look like a work of art; this is where I played my music. However, with the move into a new home came unfamiliar noises. I wasn’t used to the noises of the woods (more like noiselessness), and the creaks of the house startled me in the night hours. I don’t think I slept peacefully throughout the fi rst month or so. It was a windy night when I was fi rst lured outside during to listen to the masterpiece in process. The wind was moaning through the trees and buffeting the house sides. When I heard a crash outside in my backyard, it was against

16 rIVer Words my eyesight. The trees, once ominous shades of black knew existed, and it was breathtaking. The river express- and even darker purple, now were covered in a dusting of ing itself through my strings told stories I had never heard moonlight that turned them a grayish color. Peering over before, yet I would never forget them either. into the shallow waters by my feet, I could see miniscule The waters told the brave stories of the lumbermen direct- pebbles lying in the sand that had been buffed into pos- ing logs through the bends, in consequence their deaths sessing smooth, round surfaces. Reaching down, I picked were glorifi ed with a fanfare. To counter that was the un- one up (as the sand grazed my fi ngers I realized why the der melody of the rise of new life, a young fawn just tak- name literally meant “With sand” in French) and the cold ing its fi rst drink for the water, the spots still visible on water bit into my arm. Running my fi ngers over the rock, its back and its mother standing next to it. The unadulter- I skipped it into the middle of the river, the only major ated form a new born duckling that lost its mother in the disturbance on the water; ripples scattered the moonlight brush of weeds countered with the solitary calmness of as the rock thundered into the brush on the other bank. the graceful heron waiting for its meal. The sadness of a As soon as that one pebble hit the opposite shore, the mu- lost friend in a school of fi sh, and the joy and fulfi llment sic started. in a young child’s eyes as he catches his fi rst fi sh while fl y-fi shing with grandpa. The serenity of the lazy river What had once been mute silence now roared into an or- bends, and the tumultuous rapids over the rocks. chestra of sound. I never did believe in the music of the river until I heard A frog croaked a little upstream and set the base-line for it myself. The River’s Lament was a piece of art, still the others; a splash directed my attention a little ways in in processing to this day. For years, as I wrote the mu- front of me where more ripples spread across the rivers sic, I wondered what to name it, surely there had to be surface, reminiscent of a fi sh catching one of the glowing something more appropriate to call it than a Lament. Af- fi refl ies that sent a buzz through the air. The wind picked ter observing the river on its bank for almost a decade, I up again, though not as violent as it was previously that fi nally understood why Lament stood out. The Au Sable night. It whispered through my hair and sent currents of mourned for the loss of lives in its past, but also mourned air through the leaves in the glowing trees around me, for the beauty that was going unnoticed. People travel on and the leaves at my feet rustled contentedly. Mournful it for fun, yes, but dread touching the wetness of its life- yips from some sort of animal sounded miles away. What saving waters. People are caught up in trying to avoid the would have terrifi ed me a few minutes ago now entranced negative aspects of it that they forget to enjoy the positive me as I listened to the growing cacophony of sound. qualities. However, something was missing: the melody. All I could I will never take this beautiful work of art for granted distinguish was the back up and counter melodies of the again. supporting roles . Another mournful howl in the opposite direction of the fi rst man in the moon. Then I heard it The twisting snake of the river is a series of beautiful con- — the muffl ed gurgle from the river. There was so much tradictions; each oxymoron composes a movement of the of it; it couldn’t freely express itself without some help. entire suite. This is the fi rst time I have told anyone about Spinning around, I raced to my house. I burst through the the River’s lament, a musical suite written for an orches- doors to my sun room and snatched the orange cello from tra but will only ever be fi nished when the water dries up its stand in the now bland room; a bow was situated in and the life once supported by the river dies off. my other hand as I took off back to the current. I found It’s morning now, and the birds are calling to each other an overturned log and sat down on it, the rotting wood as the tiny fl utter of butterfl y wings land of fl owers, and creaked and moaned against my weight but I didn’t pay it dragonfl ies dart across the water, dodging the kayakers any attention. I situated the string instrument in between as they paddled downstream. They all know me now as my legs and placed the bow on the strings. I waited. I refuse to be confi ned to that once magical room in my When I felt it appropriate to join in the other-worldly mu- house. It has lost the magic that the river once gave it, the sic in the air, I felt my bow and fi ngers move of their river deserves it all. own accord. I was playing with an orchestra that I never I found a better stage to play on. - Olivia Dikin

17 rIVer Words

fLoW of The aU saBLe

A rippled current crawling Going even further ahead Never slowing down Around the fi rst bend; Trees break their path, After they have gone Others fl ow even faster But they will fi nd another Waves will never stop ‘Till both currents mend Each create a new ripple Flowing by and by They surge together now Different from the other Until their journey ends Across the river bed They drag the rocks below, When the river meets the sky Spilling over the rocks; Relentless waves continue on - Ally Sage

18 rIVer Words

LIfe-BLood

The artery of the earth, Hollowing out canyons across the face of time Beautiful, pristine, fl uent. The river fl ows The river fl ows The omnipresent monarch, It rages through the land cutting the earth with its Taking and giving what it sees fi t. mighty power The river fl ows. Desperate to meet the Huron, Forever - Tyler Powers

19 CLeanUP

Cleanup Buddies: Anglers’ Prez Bruce Pregler and DNR Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter got their feet wet while picking up trash on the mainstream.

angLers’ CLeanUP TUrns 19, fLedgLIngs KeeP PaCe

The way things are going there may be a day when not a Two hundred plus folks in all walked the usual beats: Bur- scrap of paper will be found on the Au Sable and Upper ton’s to McMasters on the Main; Deerheart Valley to the Manistee by the end of September all the way until the confl uence on the South (there was a cadre of intrepid next spring. souls working above Deerheart Valley); and Dam 4 to Mac’s Island on the venerable North. We aren’t there yet, but one has to be impressed with the progress. “The trash keeps getting less and less each year, but we are still fi lling a six yard long dumpster,” said Karen Har- The Anglers’ cleanup went off with the usual smooth me- rison, Anglers’ Director and Secretary. chanics developed from 18 previous events. After a week of prepping, including port-a-potty delivery, tent set-up, This year’s items included a bat on a section of fl y-line. etc., the day started early, about 8 AM, with Anglers’ Volunteers were feted with the usual victuals; burgers, Directors showing up to answer questions and pitch-in brats, Connie Novak’s baked beans, Carol Vidrio’s cole- wherever needed. The event offi cially got underway at slaw and potato salad, corn on the cob, baked goods ga- 10 AM with a short pep talk by Bruce Pregler, our presi- lore, soda pop, barley pop, and a little brown water here dent, and then the introduction of special guest, Fisheries and there. It’s billed as a cleanup and it’s all of that, but Chief, Jim Dexter. the second Saturday in September at Gates Au Sable Everybody who has had the opportunity to work with Jim Lodge (thanks, Josh!) is really the celebration of another Dexter knows him to be smart, dedicated and fair-minded. season’s passing. Even in the era of year-round open sec- The fact that he would take a Saturday in early September tions of river, people still feel the rhythm of the traditional to come and spend time at our cleanup speaks volumes season in their souls. Not even some periods of rain could about his professionalism. Thanks, Chief! dampen that sense of good cheer. Dexter got a fi ne demonstration of what has become the Down below Mio where conservation and stewardship model of coldwater cleanups. Volunteers hit the river are still in their infancies, the Au Sable Big Water Preser- shortly after 10 and started fi ltering back around noon. vation Association (ASBWPA) put on its seventh edition

20 CLeanUP of a cleanup on a section of the Au Sable that is legendary BBQ of the year. Anglers and UMRA also added bodies for the abuse it receives in the form of trash and vandal- and donated supplies to the multi-organizational project. ism. Cedars for the Au Sable did two tree plantings in the “It’s getting better,” said Thomas Buhr, ASBWPA Presi- Deward area with bodies from Anglers on one crew and dent, echoing Harrison’s comments. “But let’s not forget, folks from the Mason-Griffi th Founders Chapter of Trout this is Mio, the rules are different.” Unlimited on the other. Turnout for this year’s cleanup was the second largest UMRA not only brought bodies to the cleanup, but also ever for the ASBWPA. Over 50 people braved the rain did a lot of heavy lifting in helping to organize the event and those dreaded Mio “rules” to put a dent in the trash and gaining permits necessary for the landing repair. load on the Big Water. UMRA also acted as a li- Afterwards there was a aison to the Army National BBQ at Comins Flats run Guard and was able to se- by guides Dennis Davis cure the tent, chairs, and and Mike Bachelder – tables for the BBQ, in addi- two of the best around – tion to the materials neces- followed by a few door sary to repair the disastrous prizes sponsored, in fi shing access. part, by the Pro Shop at A big group of students from Gates Au Sable Lodge, Kingsley High School, led Streamside Custom Rod by the kayak group Board- & Guide Service and man River Clean Sweep, Ryba Guide Service. paddled from County Road The Mershon Chapter of 612 to Hole in the Wall. The Trout Unlimited and the group scooped trash from Michigan Fly Fishing the center of the river and Club also sponsored the from the deeper runs while event. also picking up garbage too This year’s most un- large for wading cleaners to usual trash item was an carry out. engine block retrieved Over The Line: This engine block recovered by a team of volunteers Roughly half of the total from a section just below led by Kevin Foerster indicates that Mio still harbors folks who have no number of volunteers pulled Comins Flats by ASBW- respect for the river. on their waders and bravely PA Director Kevin Foer- took to the frigid waters ster. He got $15 for it at the junkyard! with poker sticks in hand. The most fun bit of trash was The Second Annual Manistee River Cleanup and Work a message in a bottle from “two hot-looking 17 year olds Bee was held this September 21st of this fall at the Old on vacation with the girls at a family member’s cabin.” Au Sable Fly Shop. The beats upstream of that fi nd are already booked for next year. Once again the weather darkened the skies and dampened the ground but not the spirits of fi ve conservation organi- In the end, the many conservation groups and volunteers zations and over 60, hard-core volunteers. Raincoat clad gathered together and took care of the Au Sable’s sister Manistee enthusiasts scoured the bottom and bushes of river—the Manistee. The landing is repaired, usable, and the Manistee River for trash, planted Cedar Trees, and the erosion stopped. Trees planted in Deward will pro- even repaired a landing that had degraded into an ero- vide shade long after we’re all gone. The Manistee is sions site/angler hazard. sparkling clean. Anglers of the Au Sable and the Upper Manistee River Many thanks to everyone that participated. Association (UMRA) stepped up to fund the last great - Karen Harrison, Andy Partlo, and Art Thomas contributed to this report

21 Page Title

22 KIrTLand WarBLer KIrTLand’s WarBLer: shooTIng The LIne for ConserVaTIon.

You know the feeling. It’s just over there. Your arm is mov- had any reason to develop a defense against such behav- ing smoothly. Forward. Back. Forward. Back. The line is ior and soon years of unsuccessful nests saw the species’ tracking effortlessly above your head. You’re crouched population hit all-time lows. low, looking over and around soft branches seeking the Just as it may take a few passes to lift the line and have spot to place your fl y. The spot that is deserving of all the it move effortlessly between ten and two, answers to the meticulous time and focus you’re building into this cast. questions surrounding the right combination of manage- You can feel the momentum and you know the timing is ment programs or the intensity of treatment to help re- right. You bring your arm swiftly and decisively forward cover the warbler’s population have taken years to an- and just at that most appropriate time you shoot your line. swer. Guided by a comprehensive recovery plan the U.S. And that little something extra, that little steely nerve al- Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Forest Service, lows you to gain the greatest possible distance from your Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Kirt- cast and hit your mark. You prepared, focused and timed land’s Warbler Recovery Team (Recovery Team) have it all just right. worked together with unfailing commitment to answer For the last 40 years since the inception of the Endan- those questions. In the process they have developed inte- gered Species Act, and the fi rst species were listed for grated, science-based strategies that provide prime Kirt- protection, the Kirtland’s warbler has been waiting for land’s warbler nesting habitat by mimicking the effects the timing to be just right. And now its next move is just of wildfi re through large-scale harvesting and planting of over there. Where’s there? Off of the Endangered Species jack pine, effectively control threats by removing brown List (ESL) and on the path to long-term survival. In 1973 headed cowbirds from nesting areas, provide conserva- the 93rd Congress under President Nixon had a vision “to tion benefi ts to a variety of wildlife species, and ensure protect species and…the ecosystems on which they de- water quality protection. pend.” When signed in to law, the Endangered Species The combination of partnership and adaptive manage- Act (ESA) launched environmental conservation in a ment programs has returned great success. After seeing new direction—shifting away from regulating the com- the population dip below 200 pairs twice since 1973, mercial trade of wildlife to focusing on understanding the annual census numbers began to show strong, steady fundamental needs of a species while providing funding growth. In the last decade the population has met or sur- and a framework to meet those needs. The connection passed the recovery goal of 1,000 pairs identifi ed in the that endangered species had to the landscapes they lived species’ recovery plan and in 2012 over 2,000 pairs were in which they lived became central to recovery efforts. counted. The recovery effort found tight, sure rhythm and In the case of the Kirtland’s warbler, understanding and is moving decisively forward. Kirtland’s warbler is riding managing the jack pine ecosystem can be directly linked the momentum of its conservation success story toward to population numbers increasing. the ultimate goal of removal from the ESL. The Kirtland’s warbler, a ground nesting species, specifi - As the Kirtland’s warbler prepares to make the leap from cally seeks out dense jack pine stands that range from 5 to recovery to long-term survival, the pulse of the conser- 20 years in age—an age class that was historically main- vation community quickens. Although this will be the tained in Northern Michigan by wildfi re. With settlement crowning achievement of the species and of those who and human populations sharing the landscape used by the have worked to see it recover, all of the energy, time and warbler, natural wildfi re is suppressed leaving the warbler resources built into this next step are being cast into un- without the young, protective trees it needs to survive. known waters. The Kirtland’s warbler is “conservation- Complicating the warbler’s recovery is the presence of reliant,” meaning it depends on continued human inter- brown-headed cowbird. Arriving in Michigan during log- vention and action for survival. As a resident of the ESL, ging days, these nomadic birds lay their eggs in the nests protections mandated through the legislation and funding of other birds, pushing out the other eggs and out com- support help ensure these programs continue. Without peting nestlings for food. The Kirtland’s warbler never

23 KIrTLand WarBLer

Kirtland Warbler continued delisting provisions in place, like long-term funding and southern Ontario, Canada each year, nearly 98% of the a vehicle for continued advocacy for the species and its world’s population of the species chooses Northeast importance, the conservation community will fall short of Michigan to mate and nest. Roughly 50% percent of the its mark and run the risk of losing North America’s rarest population can be found in the counties that are home to songbird forever. the Au Sable River (MDNR 2012 published census re- Fortunately for the Kirtland’s warbler, the push needed sults). This relationship—forged 14,000 years ago in to hit its desired mark is already building—the Kirtland’s sand—is not a coincidence and one that has brought with Warbler Initiative is the next chapter in the warbler’s in- it conservation benefi ts to a variety of wildlife species credible story. This program, born out of the recovery ef- and ensured water quality protection. fort and with the goal of building a public-private part- Northeast Michigan is rich in rare and quiet beauty. nership to support delisting and long-term conservation The Au Sable River Valley ups the ante by providing a of the Kirtland’s warbler, brings new partners and new venue to experience two natural assets that are rare on a strategies to the table. Huron Pines, with funding from the global scale. The attraction of traveling to our region to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, has joined USF- experience world-renowned fl y-fi shing and life-list bird WS, USFS, MDNR, and the Recovery Team to launch the watching is an economic driver. In 2011, according to a Initiative and help solidify a broadened base of support national survey conducted by USFWS of fi shing, hunt- for perpetual Kirtland’s warbler management. ing and wildlife recreation, wildlife recreationists spent The success of this effort hinges on implementing three nearly $145 billion on their activities. Of the 33.1 million key strategies: formalizing long-term agency commit- anglers in the country, 27.5 million of those fi shed fresh- ment through an Inter-Agency Kirtland’s Warbler Conser- water as compared to the 8.9 million who fi shed saltwa- vation Plan, building and fostering a strong stakeholder ter. Advocating for continued management programs that group and eventual non-profi t that will advocate for and infuse this system with resilient forests, healthy wildlife, maintain focus on the importance of Kirtland’s warbler and clean, cold water is an insurance policy for the future conservation, and securing a fund that will provide dol- growth and development of our communities. lars to address gaps in funding for programs most critical This is an exciting time for conservation, for the Au Sable to the species’ survival. When combined, these elements River watershed, and for Northeast Michigan. The Kirt- create a powerful model for building a multi-faceted and land’s warbler—although only one part of the jack pine broad network of support to transition other conservation- reliant species through the delisting process. ecosystem—is emerging as a mechanism for advancing the way we approach conservation and stewardship of With its own 40-year history of working to conserve the natural resources. The opportunities presented by the leg- forests, lakes and streams of Northeast Michigan, Huron acy of conservation surrounding the Kirtland’s warbler Pines sees a unique opportunity for local communities will see the development of a strong conservation ethic— and conservation groups in embracing the goals and strat- holding up the lessons and successes of the past to expand egies of the Initiative. Not only does the program have investment in conservation by new supporters and part- the potential to bring national and international exposure ners. The next time you wade into your favorite fi shing to the state and region for its role in advancing new con- spot on the Au Sable and are searching for that ideal eddy servation theory but these management efforts, although or feeding log—the one that is deserving of the time and born out of the legislative protections for the endangered effort you’ve built into delivering the perfect cast—take a Kirtland’s warbler, cannot be disconnected from the moment to appreciate how those waters, that trout. Those benefi ts and protections afforded to the ecosystem as a sweepers are protected now, but question how they might whole—land, water, and people. continue to be protected in the future. You just might hear Although some Kirtland’s warblers travel farther afi eld the call of a Kirtland’s warbler from high atop the jack to parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin and pine leading the way. - Abigail P. Ertel, Huron Pines Kirtland’s Warbler Coordinator

24 WIshIn’ for fLYfIshIn’

WIshIn’ for fLYfIshIn’

It is fairly bearable in the cold dead of winter. he kissed me goodbye as I blatantly ignored the possibil- ity that it could be morning. “It’s Christmas morning,” Many anglers retire their rods for the bitter winter months, he whispered in my ear before zipping down the hallway. though certainly a few courageous souls fi sh on. But most are fairly content to use the break in action to enjoy Once truly awake, I gathered up our girls and we head- the holidays, organize their fl ies and ponder new fi shing ed off to the expo, although with considerably less zeal. holes come spring. Even the Au Sable appears to appre- Don’t get me wrong; it is a great event and we enjoy it. ciate the slower, more peaceful winter season; its edges It’s a March tradition for sure, though March madness is freeze up and the fi sh snuggle way down deep, enjoying right up there in terms of late winter traditions. We meet their long winter’s nap. up with Joe, who already has started to lose his voice from talking to hundreds of people decked out in their fi shing But then…it happens. It might be a random day in Janu- uniforms. He tells us that he is “giddy.” (Yes, he actually ary or February, and certainly March offers a few possi- used the word “giddy”). While we enjoy our hot dog and bilities. Winter puts on the brakes for just one short day, pop and watch a crowd stare intensely at a fl y-tier show- which is all it takes. A frisky breeze sends temperate air ing his wares, Joe gets on his soapbox and pontifi cates into the region and just like dogs to steak, anglers think on the importance of fi shing in his life. Being mindful of fi shing. In a heartbeat, it’s not enough to visit Orvis or my limited amount of space in this newsletter, I will sum- dust the rods. Anglers ache for the real deal. marize the key themes: He aches to be fi shing, he aches I know about this yearly phenomenon. For I am married to be on the Au Sable and he really needs to go buy fl ies. to an… angler. Yep, I think I covered it fairly thoroughly. Fortunately, the fi sher gods on Earth came up with a pretty So after a couple of hours where we say hello to many darn good solution to this late-winter angst. In our part of friends and persuade Joe to buy us things (he eagerly the national wonder called Michigan, it’s called the Mid- complies), we leave him to wander aimlessly through the west Flyfi shing Expo and, it takes place every March in a expo for just awhile longer. We know he will return home mundane expo center in southeastern Michigan. While it a happy fi sher dude. is not evident from the exterior of the building, the insides Now, for those readers who may not have the ability to host fi shing nirvana. get to a fl y-fi shing expo, there are home remedies for the The organizers are very, very good at capitalizing on late-winter depression suffered by many of our fi shing the eager fl y-fi shing community. Teasers in the form of friends. We call it “wishin’ for fl yfi shin,” and it’s an eve- emails and mailers appear starting in late February. If ning of celebration of the joys of angling. When Joe has early spring breezes don’t wake up the anglers, notifi ca- the fi shing blues bad, his family will gather up the wad- tion of the expo certain will. ers, the rods and the fi shing vests and decorate a room in the house. Appropriate fi shing music will play in the In our family, those notifi cations kick off a countdown background, and we will surprise Joe with an evening conducted by Joe, my fi sher-husband, in the form of devoted to his beloved Au Sable. Usually, fi sh will be emails: Two weeks until the expo, one week, 24-hours… served as the main course, though we of course believe you get the drift. His former assistant, now living in Ari- deeply in catch and release on our river. zona, still receives these mid-winter missives and wishes him a happy expo. We have found that this evening of intervention can be a life saver at this critical time of the year; it just might This year, I gained huge insight into just how important help your angling addict to make it to the next signifi cant this event is to Joe. With the countdown fi nally conclud- fi shing holiday: Trout Opener, which is just around the ing, Joe jumped out of bed Saturday morning bright and corner. early so he could be at the expo right as it opened, to work the Anglers of the Au Sable booth. Before he departed, And so goes the life cycle called fi shing. - Betsy Hemming

25 daVIs resT

daVIs resT erosIon ConTroL ProjeCT

The Challenge Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Au Sable Big either. Water Preservation Association, the US Forest Service, The Forest Service built two more steps into the river and and members of various other TU chapters just completed placed some stone at the base in July 2013. In August an erosion control project on the lower Au Sable River we brought in coir fi ber logs and pinned them against near McKinley called Davis Rest. The problem originat- the bank to encourage the existing slope plant material ed up in the parking lot. Water was running down the ca- to grow into them and stabilize the erosion. More tree noe take out point and eroding the sandy slope. We built trunks were brought down to the river and better secured steps and two benches, redirected the drainage away from with “duckbills.” For the record, no ducks were harmed slope, then walked away whistling. That was in Septem- in the building of this project. ber of 2011. As a fi nishing touch, rocks were brought down the steps By late 2012 it was apparent that the river wasn’t done and placed by ASBWA volunteers and the Forest Service with us. Log structures that we had placed to divert the to reinforce the banks. The logs appear to be diverting the natural current away from the landing were washed away fl ow as hoped and we will review the project this coming in the spring high water, and by fall signs of erosion were spring. evident. A critter living in the slope wasn’t helping things - Greg Baughman, Challenge Chapter President

The multiyear project at the historic Davis Landing was spearheaded by the Challenge Chapter of Trout Unlimited. It may be the fi nest restoration effort ever undertaken on the Big Water.

26 BoB andrUs WIns PeTosKeY PrIZe From The Editor conitnued LeTTers To one cannot send a letter every year. If we 1732 West M-32 want to keep the regulations that we have, or Gaylord, MI 49735 The edITor suggest necessary changes, these letters will Tim Cwalinski help to start the dialogue. From time to time The RIVER- Senor Fisheries Biologist WATCH receives letters from So click on your word processing package DNR Gaylord Operations Service Center members about a wide range of or get out a pen and paper. Here are the 1732 West M-32 subjects. In my time as editor I folks to write about Gear Restrictions: Gaylord, MI 49735 have published every one of them Jim Dexter Neal Godby to my best recollection. I encour- Chief Senor Fisheries Biologist age anyone to send a letter about MDNR Fisheries Division MDNR Grayling Field Offi ce any subject related to the Au Sable, PO Box 30446 1955 N. I-75 Business Loop fi shing, conservation, bird hunting Lansing, MI 48909 Grayling, MI 49738 or the outdoors. It will get published, but there are some guide- Todd Grischke It’s probably best to send your letter to lines for submissions of letters or Lake Huron Basin Coordinator Chief Dexter and cc the rest. This should any type of article. They are as fol- MDNR Fisheries Division not necessarily be a contentious or negative lows: PO Box 30446 letter. (Mine will be very upbeat.) Inform Lansing, MI 48909 them about what you have experienced over 1. We will correct for typos, gram- these past three “seasons” and how you feel mar and inappropriate language. Dave Borgeson about it. Northern Lake Huron Unit Manager 2. Profanity, vulgar language or DNR Gaylord Operations Service Center And it would be nice to do it soon. slanderous statements will be excised if the piece is accepted * * * * * at all. We will fact check any in- formation presented as such. a Man for aLL seasons and reasons 3. We’d prefer that letters or arti- Last spring Bob Andrus, longtime member years he has been Project Coordinator for cles not exceed 1000 words, but of the Mason-Griffi th Founders Chapter of Mason-Griffi th and a big reason why they if you check with us fi rst we may Trout Unlimited, was awarded the Petoskey were awarded back-to-back MITU Chapter- be able to wave this restriction if Prize for 40 years of outstanding conserva- of-the-Year awards in 2011 and 2012. space allows. tion work in the state – most of it on the Where would we be without him? 4. Letters or op-eds do not have to Au Sable and Manistee rivers. The honor agree with the offi cial positions was no surprise to those people who have In addition to his dedication to coldwater of Anglers of the Au Sable, but worked with Bob over the last four decades. conservation, Bob Andrus is refreshingly responses to diverging opinions Their only reaction was, “It’s about time.” modest and soft spoken. There’s not a self- are likely to be presented as promoting bone in his body. In an era of Andrus, who also held the Chair for Michi- well. swaggering “face guides” with slick web- gan Trout Unlimited State Council way sites and the aforementioned fl ipbook laden 5. You may submit as many pieces back when, founded the Au Sable River Wa- blowhards, it’s nice to be around a man of as you wish. Hard copy or email tershed Committee a quarter century ago. real consequence who feels no need to ac- is fi ne. While he has his executive bona fi des, Bob knowledge it. Bless him! is the quintessential boots-in-the-water guy. 6. Photos are welcome as well. Give him an erosion project to do or a lunker Next spring will fi nd Bob Andrus drawing Send Letters To: structure to install and he’s in heaven. He’s up plans to do a half a hundred workdays on as comfortable swinging a sledgehammer as two watersheds. He’ll sneak in some fi sh- RIVERWATCH he is casting a four weight. There are hun- ing and a trip out west as well. I hope that PO Box 300 dreds of spots along these two beloved rivers he does it for a longtime. Luzerne, MI 48636 that have his fi ngerprints on them. In recent Send Emails to:

- Thomas Buhr, Editor [email protected]

27 Anglers of the Au Sable P.O. Box 200 NonProfit Organization US Postage Grayling, MI 49738 PAID LUZERNE, MI Permit No. 4

Contributors

Editorial Offices Our organization is officially Tom Baird, First Vice President, Anglers The RIVERWATCH affiliated with the Federation of Fly Greg Baughman, President, TU Challenge Chapter Fishers (FFF). We strongly P.O. Box 300 Thomas Buhr, Editor Luzerne, MI 48636 encourage you to join the FFF. Email: Since 1965, FFF and its Councils Emma Burke, Grayling H.S. [email protected] have been and continue to be the Olivia Ditkin, Grayling H.S. only organized national and Abigail Ertel, Huron Pines Editorial Staff regional advocates for fly fishing. Sarah Goodyear, Grayling H.S. Five dollars of your FFF dues Thomas Buhr, Editor are returned to the FFF Great Josh Greenberg, Mainstream Correspondent Mark Hendricks, Assistant Editor Lakes Council (GLC) Karen Harrison, Secretary, Anglers Ashley Jardina, Assistant Editor to be used for local efforts. Mercy Huizar, Graphic Designer Betsy Hemming, RIVERWATCH Columnist Email: [email protected] Nick Obermiller, Member Andy Partlo, The Old Au Sable Calendar - Late Fall 2013 Tyler Powers, Grayling H.S.

December 14, 2013 - Anglers’ Board Bruce Pregler, President, Anglers Meeting, 10 a.m. Greg Posen, Director, ILCTU Angie Rouston, Grayling H.S. February 22, 2014 - Anglers’ Board Meeting Room, 10 a.m. Ally Sage, Mio-Au Sable H.S. Brienna Shear, Member Art Thomas, Big Water Correspondent