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CONTENTS Flood of 1986 Challenged Cooke Tours Employees and Machines Featured During Centennial Celebration 4

Cooling Outflow Water wenty- five years ago, as Consumers Croton Hydro Temperatures in 2011 5 Energy celebrated the 100th anniver- Tsary of its 1886 founding, a two-day Foote Dam Tailwater storm of epic proportions tested its Mus- Access Being Readied kegon River and the people of west for Reconstruction 6 like no weather event has, before or since. By the time it was over, west Mich- Hardy Pond Trail igan was swamped with more than a foot Development and a half of rain, at least six people died, 89 Effort Delayed 7 more were injured and public and private property suffered millions in damages. The Trumpeter Swans of storm posed a real threat to the integrity of the Au Sable Valley 8 Rogers, Hardy and Croton dams. Had they Mio Dam Tailwater Fishing failed, the scope of the disaster unquestion- Access Improvements 9 ably would have been much worse. The week of Sept. 7, 1986 started out as As dawn approached on Improving Fish Habitat 10 routine as any for the dam Thursday, flow passage operations and maintenance staff. Periodic unit inspections were getting under way had to increase at all three for Croton unit 1 and 2 and Hardy Pond plants as rising pond levels had been lowered one foot to decrease the chances that it would need to pass flows need to be controlled. through the spill gates at Croton while the two units were out. On Sunday, Hardy It had been a dry summer and that Monday, unit 1 had experienced a brake failure and Sept. 8, the Muskegon reached its lowest also was pulled out of service for repair. flow in two years, about 1,100 cubic feet per Such activities were a common occur- second (cfs) at the Croton plant. Work was rence and that September seemed a good proceeding routinely on Tuesday Sept. 9, as choice for completing the unit inspections. a storm front began moving into Michigan. Unlike most storms, however, this storm Consumers did not move across the area and continue Energy Muskegon River east. This front would stall over the Lower hydro plants Rogers Peninsula. were tested Hardy By 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday Sept. 10 during the epic about two inches of rain had fallen in 1986 September rain event. Croton the Croton and Hardy area. ’s Muskegon superintendent Charles Muskegon J. Smith contacted the U.S. Weather Bureau office in Ann Arbor to obtain additional

c o n t i n u e d o n pag e 3 2 • 2012 Hydro Reporter 2012 Hydro Reporter • 3

THE HYDRO REPORTER

Consumers Energy publishes The Hydro Reporter annually in conjunction with the Manistee- Flood of 1986 Challenged Men and Machines c o n t i n u e d f r o m pag e 1 Muskegon-Au Sable Coordination (MMAC) Team to keep neighbors of the hydro plants and other weather information and the latest forecast. interested citizens informed about progress in The Weather Bureau said it had no reports of heavy storms elsewhere and wasn’t implementing the Federal Energy Regulatory predicting severe weather at that time. Still, Commission 40-year licenses issued in 1994. with the increasing river flows from the rain, The MMAC Team, which includes representa- Smith decided to take a cautious approach tives from Consumers Energy, state and federal and discontinue the planned unit inspec- Resource Agencies and an environmental coali- tion on Croton units 1 and 2. He ordered the tion, coordinates the license implementation crew to reassemble the units and place them process. Contact information for MMAC Team back in service. The units were ready by 2:30 members is listed below. The principal writer / p.m. that day. Hardy Hydro Rogers Hydro editor of The Hydro Reporter is James R. Bernier, Hardy Hydro intake building Throughout the day on Sept. 10, while the Consumers Energy Hydro Generation. regulates water flow rates through crew has been working on the Croton units, the generating facility. the rain never let up. The severe rain inun- concern has arised that the tremendous maintenance staff remained on duty in the dated all of . By 10:00 p.m. an amount of debris being dragged down the plants at considerable personal risk to moni- MANISTEE-MUSKEGON-AU SABLE additional four inches of rain has soaked COORDINATION TEAM MEMBERS river from upstream was starting to plug tor and operate the equipment in order to Measuring River Flow the area, and all available hydro units were up the Rogers spill gate area. Additional safely pass the flood waters. online. Spill gates were opened at Rogers maintenance staff responded to the problem In addition to the Muskegon River flows BILL SCHOENLEIN Dam and at because there is and were able to cut and dislodge the worst being passed through , Croton MMAC Chair n Thursday Sept. 11, 1986 at 6 p.m., the more water flow than can be handled by also was receiving the flow of the Little Consumers Energy Hydro Generation the generating units. By Wednesday eve- O Muskegon River flow at Croton Dam was mea- Muskegon River. At 6 p.m. on Sept. 10, the 330 Chestnut Street ning, Smith decided to place operators on sured at 18,020 cubic feet per second. It was the high- Consumers Energy’s operations flow at Croton peaks at 18,020 cfs with 56 (231) 779-5504 extended overnight duty at all three dams. est river flow ever recorded at Croton Dam. For many and maintenance staff feet of spill gates open, in addition to the e-mail: [email protected] Croton’s spill gates were opened to four feet. plant’s four units operating at 100 percent that number is difficult to understand or relate to. How remained on duty in the plants The one-foot drawdown at Hardy for the capacity. much water is one cubic foot per second (cfs), and by Croton routine unit inspections had been at considerable personal risk BOB STUBER Over the next 12 hours, the rain finally extension how much water is 18,020 cfs? almost entirely refilled. U.S. Forest Service to monitor and operate the relented. The flows slowly decreased and A gallon of gas. A quart of milk. Or even a two liter Constant heavy rain accompanied by 1755 S. Mitchell Street equipment in order to safely pond levels gradually were restored to nor- bottle of Coca Cola. We all are accustomed to these thunder and lightning, fell throughout mal levels. The crisis at the dams was over, Cadillac, MI 49601 forms of liquid measurement. Measuring stream flow Wednesday night and into the early morn- pass the flood waters. though many downstream residents would (231) 775-2421 presents a different challenge, rather than measuring ing hours of Thursday, Sept. 11. At 2 a.m. continue to battle flood waters and extensive e-mail: [email protected] a stationary volume as in a bucket, a volume passing a spill tubes at the Hardy plant were opened. of the debris in the highly hazardous setting damage in the coming weeks. given point must be determined. As dawn approached on Thursday, flow to maintain flows through the spill gates. For Consumers Energy many lessons passage was increased at all three plants KYLE KRUGER At its stream gauging stations, the By midday the worst of the storm finally were learned. Programs to evaluate and Michigan Department of Natural Resources to help lower rising pond water levels. An Geological Survey uses actual measurements to cal- passed and flows into Rogers Dam begin to make repairs and improvements to the 191 S. Mt. Tom Road emergency crew was brought in to get the culate an area across the stream at different heights or abate slightly.Hardy and Croton were by no dams to ensure they were safe were redou- Mio, MI 48823 damaged Hardy unit 2 repaired so it can means out of the woods. bled. Consumers Energy also has worked stages. At a dam the process is similar. The area of the go back online to help pass the increasing (989) 826-3211 ext 7073 At 2 p.m. on Thursday, water begins to extensively with local units of government intake tubes for the units and the area of the spill gates volume of water. Flooding was discovered in e-mail: [email protected] flow across 36th Street and down through to strengthen Emergency Action Plan or tubes is measured. In both cases the resulting area the basement of the Rogers plant and local the Hardy Dam emergency spillway. At procedures for its dams. One of the most is expressed in cubic feet. volunteer firemen respond with pumps and this point the total flow at Hardy was important lessons learned was the value of BURR FISHER A cubic foot is one foot on both sides and one foot sand bags to help keep machinery dry and approximately 17,700 cfs. At 4 p.m. the dedicated Consumers Energy employees U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service deep, and it holds about seven and one-half gallons of prevent the units from tripping offline. Emergency Action Plans (EAP) for a pos- who stand by their post throughout the East Lansing Field Office liquid. The cfs measurement uses the number of cubic At 9 a.m. the amount of rain recorded in sible failure of Hardy and Croton Dams storm and performed admirably under very 2651 Coolidge Road feet of area taken up by the water at any point in time, the past 24 hours range from about seven were initiated. The decision recognized that adverse conditions. East Lansing, MI 48823 inches at Croton to nearly 11 inches at Rog- combined with the rate or speed at which the water if the dams were to fail, a sudden additional Today, as Consumers Energy now cel- (517) 351-2555 ers. By 11:30 a.m. Thursday the Hardy Pond is passing that location, to calculate a total volume torrent of water ten to 20 feet high would ebrates its 125th anniversary, television and e-mail: [email protected] has risen to 1.5 feet above normal full head of water. So, one cfs is seven and one-half gallons of be sent downstream, threatening the lives electronic weather map radar displays pro- and was near to flowing over the emergency and property of numerous residents on vide instant information about the weather. water passing a given location per second. spillway located at the top of the dam. The JIM SCHRAMM Croton Pond and downstream. The EAP Yet we know that adverse weather never will On that very soggy and harrowing September eve- repair crew completed the Hardy unit 2 Ex-Officio Member triggered the evacuation by local emergency be entirely predictable. ning in 1986 then, about 135,000 gallons of water were repairs and was placed back in service. Michigan Hydro Relicensing responders of all downstream residents in In two days, the week of Sept. 7, 1986 flowing through the Croton plant each second, that’s By that time, the basement flooding the Muskegon River floodplain. Despite the went from routine to the worst flooding Coalition more than 8 million gallons in a minute and nearly 500 at Rogers was under control, but a new threat, Consumers Energy’s operations and disaster in west Michigan’s history. P.O. Box 828 million gallons in an hour. Pentwater, MI 49449 (231) 869-5487 e-mail: [email protected] 4 • 2012 Hydro Reporter 2012 Hydro Reporter • 5

Cooke Dam Cooling Outflow Water Temperatures In 2011 Tours Featured

During Centennial uring 2011, Consumers Energy continued to work in coop- eration with the resource agencies to enhance hydro plant Celebration Doutflow temperatures. The work at the hydro plants contin- ues to focus on the design, installation and operation of “upwelling” systems that are being used during critical periods to bring cold water up from lower in the ponds, helping to cool outflows from the ORE THAN 450 people took advantage plants. M of a rare opportunity to tour the Cooke Upwelling systems at the Au Sable River Mio Dam and the Dam hydro plant as part of a centennial Muskegon River Croton Dam, completed in 2010, in 2007 the one celebration for the first Au Sable River dam. installed at Hodenpyl Dam on the Manistee River were in full The June 18 event celebrating Cooke’s 1911 operation in 2011. The modeling and design work for an upwelling startup also included historical presentations system at the Manistee River Tippy Dam also was completed in 2011 and a special cruise on the Au Sable River and installation of the system is expected in 2012. Queen. Above: Dale Nickell, The study of summer hydro plant outflow temperatures, and The construction of Cooke Dam was one Au Sable River hydro efforts to improve those temperatures, continues to be an important superintendent, of the first projects of the new Consumers part of Consumers Energy’s hydro project environmental objectives. explains how hydros So far Consumers Energy has invested nearly $1.5 million in this Power Company, which had been formed just work during a program as part of a $1.75 million commitment to address tem- two years earlier by Michigan utility pioneers community Cooke tour. perature and dissolved oxygen issues associated with the Manistee, led by brothers William A. Foote and James Left: Five Channels Muskegon, and Au Sable River hydros. display panel. B. (J.B.) Foote. Following Cooke’s entrance Fish generally are grouped into classes of cold, cool and warm into commercial operation in December 1911, water species. Each group requires different ranges of water tem- the Five Channels Dam (pictured on the cover perature for optimum survival and growth. The Manistee and Au of this issue) was commissioned in 1912 and Sable Rivers and the section of the Muskegon River below Croton the Loud Dam came on line in 1913. The thou- are managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as should be tapped and determining how it could best be tapped are sands of construction jobs that came with the cold water fisheries, focused on species such as trout, salmon, and just a few of the questions that had to be answered for each dam. dams were vitally important to the area. steelhead. The cold water resource is limited, so simply changing to a “bottom Members of the Au Sable River hydro While Consumers Energy’s hydropower dam ponds provide draw,” which has been suggested in the past, would deplete the sup- operations crew were on hand to provide visi- excellent cool and warm water fisheries, managing the dams to ply of cold water during the spring and early summer when the river support downstream river segments for cold water species presents temperatures are already cool. This would result in little or no cooler tors with information about the Cooke plant some special challenges. Water temperatures in the outflows from water being available later in the summer when it would be most and how it produces electricity. Though many the dams are affected by the size, depth and shape of their ponds. beneficial to fish. elements of the plant have been modern- Other less obvious factors such as water chemistry also affect these The upwelling systems were developed to address this issue. They ized and upgraded over the past 100 years, cold water fisheries, especially during hot summer weather. are designed to provide a mechanism that enables managers to con- ­visitors learned that much of the plant’s Water in the upper portion of the ponds absorbs more sunlight trol when the cold water layer is tapped. The systems use compressor equipment remains original. and becomes warmer than it would be under natural river condi- driven air bubbler systems to upwell the colder water into the plant Many advances in equipment effectiveness tions. Outflow temperature concerns rarely arise during the winter, intake area. The systems are activated during the portions of the and efficiency marked the early 1900s when spring, and most of the fall when natural conditions allow the water summer when they are most needed. Based on extensive data and Cooke and other plants like it were being built. to mix throughout the pond, and there is less sunlight and heat computer modeling, each system is operated differently to match Thanks to those innovations and the careful from the water to absorb. During the heat of mid-summer, however, the characteristics at the dam pond where it is installed. maintenance efforts of current Au Sable hydro the water in the deeper ponds forms temperature layers. This is At Hodenpyl in 2011, the upwelling system was activated on July known as stratification and it happens in natural lakes, as well as the 11, when outflow temperatures began to average 71°F. Based on previ- staff and their predecessors, the equipment dam ponds. The deeper portion stays colder and a boundary called a ous modeling and testing, the Hodenpyl system is operated between can still be counted upon as a reliable source thermocline forms that prevents this colder water layer from mixing midnight and 6 a.m. when it builds on natural night time cooling of . Cooke, Five Channels with the warmer water layer near the surface. to maximize the river cooling impact downstream. The studies and Loud dams generate an average of 67 Most of Consumers Energy’s hydro plants draw water from showed that running the system continuously would exhaust the million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, about the upper-third to upper-half of their ponds. In the summer pond’s supply of colder water before the end of the warmest summer enough to serve today’s annual power needs when that shallower layer has warmed, the resulting plant outflows period in mid-August. for about 7,500 residential customers. can be warmer than is optimal for cold water fish species. The coop- Once the Hodenpyl system was activated, based on the trigger erative efforts of Consumers Energy and the resource agencies have temperature agreed to with the resource agencies, it was operated focused on methods of tapping the colder water layer in the hydro on a daily basis through September 3 when the average outflow ponds. temperatures consistently had fallen below 68°F. During the time This project, which began in 2003, has been complex. The depth the system was in operation, the outflow water temperatures were of each pond, the volume of cold water available, how the cold water observed to drop about 1.8o°F to 2.5°F. is replenished by inflows, determining when the cold water reserve c o n t i n u e d o n pag e 7 6 • 2012 Hydro Reporter 2012 Hydro Reporter • 7

Foote Hydro Foote Dam Hardy Pond Tailwater Trail Development Access Being Effort Delayed Readied for fforts to develop a new 30-mile long hiking Reconstruction E and mountain biking trail that would encircle the lower two-thirds of the 4,000 acre Hardy Dam Hardy Hydro Pond have been delayed. The Federal Energy or many decades, one of Michi- Regulatory Commission (FERC) has advised that gan’s most popular fishing access additional planning is needed before it can rule on COOLING OUTFLOW WATER • c o n t i n u e d f r o m pag e 5 locations has been the tailwater the trail project. F The trail project is led by Big Prairie Township, area at Foote Dam on the Au Sable River. The Mio upwelling system was too quickly, leaving little or no cooling Angling enthusiasts from all over the state with assistance from the Croton-Hardy Business activated on July 3, 2011 when average potential later in the summer. As was are attracted to the salmon and steelhead Alliance, Michigan State University Extension and outflow temperatures began to rise the case at Mio, the system was effective that move up the Au Sable to Foote each In 2012, the lower half of the sheet pile other outdoor recreation interests. The trail would above 68°F. The dynamics of the Au in preventing the outflow from rising spring and fall, along with resident steel- wall will be closed off from public access. be located almost entirely on Consumers Energy Sable River at Mio have dictated that above 77°F and it generally kept the head, walleye and other species available Engineers working on the design of the lands surrounding Hardy Pond. the system be operated differently than outflow in the range of 70°F to 73°F. throughout the season. Deterioration rebuild determined that this closure is nec- The trail, as envisioned, would provide a new Hodenpyl. The Mio Pond is not as deep along the sheet pile wall that provides essary to maintain an adequate margin of recreation opportunity for area residents and visi- as Hodenpyl and studies showed that Tippy Dam Upwelling System the principal shore fishing access at the public safety at the site. Anglers still will tors. The existing network of campgrounds and the cold water inflow at Mio is carried Set For Installation site has led to plans for the closure of a be able to fish the upper half of the access day-use facilities that dot the shoreline of Hardy through the pond more rapidly than at area and also will be able to gain access Pond would allow hikers and mountain bikers to Hodenpyl. As a result, once activated During 2011 Consumers Energy and the The complete reconstruction by way of an existing stairway to the river enjoy the trail for single or multi-day adventures. the Mio upwelling system is operated resource agencies completed the consul- of this site will ensure that below the end of the sheet pile wall. The With its natural setting and chances for excellent on a continuous basis, rather than tation and computer modeling that has the Foote Tailwater Access fenced closure area is expected to be in views of Hardy Pond, local organizers believe the cycling on and off. led to the design of an upwelling system remains one of Michigan’s place by April 15, 2012. trail would attract a wide variety of users. With the continuous operational for the Manistee River Tippy Dam. That most popular fishing access The 2013 access site reconstruction During 2011, Consumers Energy prepared method, it is not possible to compare process required additional time and will be a component of a larger dam safety an initial submittal of the proposal to the FERC, system temperature differences as the system could not be fabricated and sites and that it will continue project. The design work is in process and whome must approve the proposed trail as an addi- was done at Hodenpyl. Based on deployed in 2011 as originally hoped. to serve the public for decades is being conducted in consultation with tional public recreation use under the Hardy FERC downstream gauge data, the system was That system now is scheduled for instal- to come. the MDNR. The final design requires the license. FERC advised that additional information effective in preventing the outflow from lation this spring and is expected to be portion of the area in 2012 and a complete review and approval of the Federal Energy regarding the financing, scheduling and manage- rising beyond 77°F and generally kept operational for this summer. reconstruction of the site in 2013 that will Regulatory Commission. Once site ment plans for the trail would be needed before it the outflow in the range of 71°F to 73°F. Similar to Croton, the Tippy system require the site to be closed to public use plans have been finalized and approved, could make a determination on the proposal. Croton Pond’s upwelling system will utilize both an inner and outer for most of the construction season. Consumers Energy will place a design The trail will require 23 foot bridges of vari- includes both an inner diffuser near the diffuser array. The trigger temperatures The Foote Tailwater Access is operated drawing at the site for public information ous lengths, and the financing and schedule for plant intake, similiar to that at Mio and and exact mode of operation for the by the Michigan Department of Natural along with additional details regarding the completion of the bridges was one of the items that Hodenpyl, and a second outer diffuser system will be determined based on Resources in partnership with Consumers dates of the 2013 closure as they become FERC staff cited. Management and oversight of the placed farther out in the pond. This initial results and adjusted as needed Energy. In recent years MDNR staff and available. trail use, once it is completed, was another area arrangement is based on the bottom after the 2012 season. Consumers have observed increased Consumers Energy regrets the incon- where additional details were requested. shape of Croton Pond. The two systems Consumers Energy is pleased with stress along the sheet pile installation, venience to the public that will result Consumers Energy has reviewed the issues also are operated differently. The Cro- the overall effectiveness of the 2011 particularly along the lower half of the from temporary closure in 2012 and that were outlined by FERC staff with Big Prairie ton inner diffuser began operating July upwelling systems operation. These cost wall. Concern about the resulting angle the construction project site closure Township. The Township and other Hardy Pond 6 when the average outflow temperature effective systems are helping to address of the railing at the top of the wall led to in 2013. However, the complete recon- trail project supporters are working to address the reached 72°F and like the Mio diffuser one of the most challenging aspects of an interim measure in 2008 to install a struction of this site will ensure that the concerns that were raised and hope to resubmit was operated continuously until Sept. 23. hydropower operation and fulfill the new safety rail that had to be set back up Foote Tailwater Access remains one of the project to Consumers later this year or in 2013. The outer diffuser, which is placed water quality objectives that are part of to several feet from the top of the wall. Michigan’s most popular fishing access People interested in learning more about the trail where the pond drops off to a deeper the 1994 hydro project Federal Energy The need to develop long term plans for sites and that it will continue to serve the project or participating in the effort can contact area, is operated midnight to 6 a.m. Regulatory Commission licenses. rebuilding the site was recognized at that public for decades to come. Township Supervisor Dave Wright at (231) 689-1250. similar to the Hodenpyl system. Oper- time. ating the outer diffuser continuously would deplete the cold water supply 8 • 2012 Hydro Reporter 2012 Hydro Reporter • 9

Left: Trumpeter swans Trumpeter at Alcona hydro. Swans of the Mio Dam Tailwater Fishing Au Sable Valley Access Improvements

wo projects to provide better access to maintenance project being completed by he past winter brought a remarkable the excellent rainbow and brown trout Consumers Energy includes an expansion of wildlife presence to the lower Au Sable T fishery below Mio Dam on the Au Sable that fishing area with greater access to the River. Au Sable Valley Audubon Society T River are under way. The south side access water’s edge for wheelchairs and the instal- members recorded 283 trumpeter swan observations in a single day on the Alcona, to the fishing area below the dam is being lation of a railing for public safety. Loud and Cooke Dam hydros. Consumers upgraded as part On the north side of the Mio Dam tail- Energy played a major role in the rees- of dam mainte- water, Big Creek Township has developed tablishment of the trumpeter swan, one nance project a proposal in cooperation with Consumers of Michigan’s native waterfowl, to the Au that will be com- Energy to construct and operate a new Sable valley. Since that effort began in 1997, with the fact that the land surrounding the a female, called a pen, mate for life, unless pleted in early access site. The site has been designed by not only has a self-sustaining population reservoirs has been protected from develop- one of the pair dies, when they will seek out summer 2012. A M C Smith Architects of Grand Rapids to become established on the hydro ponds, ment, are the principal factors that made another mate. new access facil- provide barrier free fishing access through but the area has become a winter mecca them ideal candidates for the trumpeter The success of the nesting pairs on the ity on the north an advanced system of boardwalk structures for trumpeter populations from there and swan project. Au Sable and the strong productivity they side also is being and a barrier-free stream access station. elsewhere. Over a three-year period Consumers have shown was the kind of success that was Trumpeter swans once were common Energy released 14 birds. The swans were hoped for when the reintroduction plans developed and The site also would provide parking, a toilet in Michigan, but virtually were eliminated raised at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary near were developed. What was completely unex- is targeted for building and access stairways built into the by the early 1900s. The chief culprits that Battle Creek at a cost of $700 per bird, which pected is the level to which the Au Sable completion by boardwalk system for able-bodied anglers. brought about their demise were unregu- was funded by Consumers Energy. The has become a draw for wintering trumpeter the end of 2012. Big Creek Township has received a lated hunting to supply feathers for high company’s environmental staff conducted pairs from a much wider area. The fishery grant from the U.S. Forest Service to cover Above: Plans for Mio Dam the trumpeter swan releases. Trumpeter swans normally migrate Tailwater improvements. below the Mio Dam has gained steadily a portion of the project cost. Additional A nesting south only as far as they need to in order to in quality and popularity in recent years funds have been provided by Consumers trumpeter swan. The success of the nesting find open water areas with suitable forage to thanks to Michigan Department of Natural Energy and the township. The remaining pairs on the Au Sable and the c o n t i n u e d o n pag e 11 Resources efforts. This segment of the Au funds for the project, estimated to cost strong productivity they have Sable River has benefited from a variety of about $200,000, are being sought from the shown was the kind of success habitat improvement efforts and a com- Michigan Habitat Improvement Account and that was hoped for when the panion rainbow trout stocking program that other local grant sources. takes advantage of those habitat enhance- Consumers Energy has prepared an reintroduction plans were ments. Habitat Improvement Account funds, application to the Federal Energy Regulatory developed. contributed to the state by Consumers Commission (FERC) for approval of the Mio The native trumpeter is easily distin- Energy under the hydro project licenses, North Tailwater project. FERC approval by guished from the exotic mute swan. While were key in making many of the habitat mid-summer 2012 is being sought. This society headgear, introduction of exotic the adults of both species are all white, the enhancement projects possible. would allow for construction to proceed this mute swans from Europe, and loss of habitat trumpeter swan has a smooth, jet-black bill, MDNR has followed up the fisheries work fall. as wetlands were drained and inland lakes while the mute swan’s bill is orange with a with new regulations that include provisions The fishing access improvements at the throughout the state were developed. black knob on the upper bill near the head. for year round fishing in this portion of the Mio North and South Tailwater sites are Efforts to reestablish the trumpeter swan Also, as their names imply, trumpeter river. The result has been an increased inter- another element in a multi-party effort to in Michigan began in the mid-1980s using swans have a distinctive foghorn-like call, stock obtained from Alaska and birds from while mute swans have no distinct call and est in better access, including barrier-free enhance the Au Sable River segment down- remnant Montana and Wyoming popula- make no sound louder than a hiss. access for disabled anglers. stream of the dam, both for natural habitat tions that were maintained in zoos. By the The Au Sable trumpeter releases have The existing south side access at Mio, goals and for making the area more acces- early 1990s, a healthy swan population had proven remarkably successful. There are one completed in 1999, includes a parking area, sible to the public. The combined efforts of been reestablished in the eastern end of the or more resident nesting pairs of trumpet- vault toilet and a canoe launch site. The the Michigan DNR, the U.S. Forest Service, Upper Peninsula. ers from the original releases and their facility connects to the downstream MDNR Big Creek Township and Consumers Energy In 1997 Consumers Energy became a offspring at the Alcona, Loud, Cooke and Park below the M-33/72 bridge over the Au will provide a rewarding opportunity for part of a Michigan DNR and Michigan Foote reservoirs. Sable River with a barrier-free walkway that anglers and many others who will enjoy the State University - Kellogg Bird Sanctuary In addition, there are also resident pairs crosses under the bridge. The site also pro- cool, clear waters of the Au Sable River and program targeting the reintroduction of at several beaver flowages and small inland vides barrier-free access to a fishing area at its outstanding fishery for many years to trumpeter swans along the Au Sable River. lakes in the area. They are the largest North the foot of the Mio Dam spillway. The dam come. The lake and wetland habitat created American flying bird and can live for up to by Consumers Energy’s dams, combined 30 years or more. A male, called a cob and 10 • 2012 Hydro Reporter 2012 Hydro Reporter • 11

Michigan DNR will receive TRUMPETER SWANS • c o n t i n u e d f r o m pag e 8 $35,000 in HIA funding to conduct a late fall to early spring creel survey on the Au Sable River below Foote Dam. A major focus of the survey is to assess the success of steelhead trout stocking in the Au Sable River. The DNR is spending a significant amount on the stock- Improving Fish Habitat – ing program and would like to fisheries are largely unknown. have more details regarding the The Habitat Improvement Account Program This study, similar to a project success of those stockings. It now under way in Pennsylvania, is anticipated that the survey is designed to provide baseline would take place in 2013. data for an assessment of pos- A $27,600 HIA grant to the ince the Au Sable, listing. The river assessments road that crossed the Manistee sible future impacts. The moni- Michigan DNR will fund 50 Manistee and Mus- are in the Fisheries Special River tributary was washed out toring and data analysis will percent of the cost of a project Skegon River hydro Reports section of the library. in 2008 flooding. be done through the Geology designed to collect data on a project licenses were issued in Fisheries Special Report No. 19 The resulting condition of Department at Michigan State watershed site inventory of 1994, Consumers Energy has is the Muskegon River Assess- the crossing was causing exces- University. dams and road crossings in the provided more than $6 million ment, No. 21 is the Manistee and sive sedimentation and acting The Michigan DNR and Muskegon River and tributaries, to the Michigan Department of No. 26 the Au Sable Assessment. as a dam on Cole Creek. The other partners will utilize an using Geographic Information Natural Resources (DNR) – Fish Projects funded from the road was closed to public use at $85,000 grant to lead a multi- System (GIS) technology. Habitat Improvement Account HIA program in 2011 included the time of the flooding and the agency study on the Higgins Information collected in (HIA) program. the placement of large trees on Lake lake level control structure this project will be entered into These HIA funds, which a section of the Au Sable River Overall the HIA the standard barrier inventory carry them through the winter. The operation of the hydro plants helps to keep in the upper Muskegon River an area of open water downstream of each plant. Shortly after the birds began to were agreed upon as a way of between the Alcona Dam and supported $301,400 watershed. database recently developed mitigating any fish damage the Loud Dam Pond. This effort (through a 2010 HIA Grant) for establish themselves on the Au Sable, wintering flocks were seen on the ponds, of fisheries research, The purpose of the study is particularly on upper Cooke Pond where the outflow from Five Channels Dam caused by the hydro plant is part of an ongoing strategy habitat improvement to evaluate the likely effects of Michigan DNR and other agen- turbines, have been invested aimed at replacing large trees cies bordering Lake Michigan. kept the area free from ice and the wetland character of the area provides espe- removing the control structure cially good foraging opportunities. in a combination of fisheries along the Au Sable that typically and stream restoration (returning the lake levels to The database was developed to research and projects that fell into the river along the activities in 2011. insure information gathered will Each winter additional birds have been seen in the area. As a result, in 2003 their “natural” condition) on the National Audubon Society designated the lower Au Sable as an Important include habitat improvement, shorelines before the major log- Higgins Lake and the Cut River be consistent across watersheds fishing access and erosion con- ging drives began 200 years ago. decision was made in 2010 to for each barrier, can be used by Birding Area (IBA). system; including evaluation of The IBA program is a global effort to identify and conserve areas that are trol. For 2011 Consumers Energy The trees improve fish habitat remove rather than rebuild the surface water levels, shore-line any agency or organization, and contributed about $237,500 to by providing fish cover and crossing. Several other major can be used for prioritizing bar- vital to birds and other biodiversity. This past winter, which proved to be unusu- characteristics, erosion, and ally mild, brought a great deal more open water in the upper pond wetland areas the HIA. The company’s HIA nutrients as well as by adding grants were secured to support fishery habitat. rier removal. The information contribution is increased annu- complexity to the river habitat the $150,000 project in conjunc- gathered in this project will be of all the Au Sable hydros. As a result more trumpeters than ever were attracted Participating stakeholders to the area as a wintering oasis. ally at the rate of inflation. by altering stream flow in their tion with the HIA grant, in this project include DNR used to determine the needs and Projects eligible for HIA immediate vicinity. The Au The Anglers of the Au Sable costs of dam and road stream During a January 6, 2012 observation effort, members of the Au Sable Valley Fisheries Division, DEQ Water Audubon counted 70 trumpeter swans on Alcona Pond, 102 on Loud Pond near funding can be located any- Sable large wood restoration were awarded $46,300 in HIA Division, the Muskegon River crossing project to improve fish where in the watersheds of the project was a joint effort of the funding toward a $96,300 passage and water quality. the U S Forest Service Westgate Overlook site, and 111 trumpeters at three loca- Watershed Assembly (MRWA), tions on Cooke Pond, a total of 283 swans. Manistee, Muskegon and Au U.S. Forest Service and Huron project to lead a multi-partner the Higgins Lake Property Overall the HIA supported Sable Rivers. Priority for project Pines Resource Conservation. effort to collect baseline water $301,400 of fisheries research, About one-third of the birds were young of the year, called cygnets, indicat- Owners Association, the Hig- ing that the breeding population is very successful. The cygnets are distin- selection is based on addressing The HIA contributed $27,500 temperature and flow data in gins Lake Foundation, Huron habitat improvement and stream management needs identified toward this $85,000 project. the upper Au Sable and Mansi- restoration activities in 2011. guished easily because they remain a mottled grey throughout their first year, Pines as well as Michigan State before molting to the white plumage. in the river assessments that the The Lower Manistee Restora- tee River watersheds. University and University of More information about the DNR has completed for each of tion Partnership and Conserva- The Michigan Department of HIA project proposal and selec- Consumers Energy is continuing to work with the multi-party effort to Michigan researchers. The ensure the trumpeter swans and their habitat remain protected and that the the three rivers. tion Resource Alliance (CRA) Environmental Quality (DEQ) Roscommon County Board of tion process is available from The assessments may be were awarded $80,000 in HIA has issued a number of permits Michigan DNR Agency Rep- public understands the importance of the return of this native species to Michi- Commissioners oversees the gan’s riparian landscape. found online at the DNR web- funding as part of a multi-party to drill new wells for natural gas lake level dam and is supportive resentative Kyle Kruger, whose site: www.michigan.gov/dnr. effort to remove an abandoned in these areas using the hydrau- of this project. The study will contact information appears in Once there, select Fishing, then road crossing on Cole Creek in lic fracturing process. The long- take place over a two-year the Manistee – Muskegon – Au the “Fisheries Library” near the Wexford County and restore the term potential impacts of such period and will include future Sable Coordination Team listing bottom of the “On-line Services” stream in that area. A county activities on cold water trout management recommendations. on page 2 of this issue. HYr e p Do rRt erO 2 0 12

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