Western Upper Peninsula Citizen Advisory Council DNR Division Reports Date of Production: November 2015

This documentation is provided by DNR staff as a supplement to verbal reports that will be distributed to the Western UPCAC at the November 9, 2015 meeting in Crystal Falls, MI.

Upper Peninsula Regional Coordinator Update – Stacy Welling Haughey

DNR Public Meetings November 9 Western UP Citizens Advisory Council Meeting, Iron County, 5:30pm EST December 3 Eastern UP Citizens Advisory Council Meeting, Newberry, 6:30pm December 7 UP Sportsman Coalition Meeting, Sagola (Sagola Comm. Bldg), 6:00pm CST December 8 UP Sportsman Coalition Meeting, Bergland (Antonio’s Restaurant), 12:00pm December 8 UP Sportsman Coalition Meeting, Pelkie (Ottawa Sportsmen’s Club), 4:00pm December 9 UP Sportsman Coalition Meeting, Marquette (DNR Marquette Office), 6:00pm December 10 Natural Resources Commission Meeting, Lansing December 10 UP Sportsman Coalition Meeting, Escanaba (DNR Pocket Park), 6:00pm

U.P. & State Sponsored Activities Stay tuned for more winter activities held in our State Parks! December 26 State Park Lantern-lit Ski & Snowshoe Hike December 31 Porcupine Mountains Shoe Year’s Hike

Upcoming U.P. Recreation Events For a host of events around the UP, go to www.uptravel.com November 26 Marquette Turkey Trot 5k or 10k Run/Walk, www.mapsnet.org November 26 Gladstone Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk, 906-428-4457

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

 DNR reminds deer hunters of license structure (10/26/15)  Michigan Natural Resources Commission travels to eastern Upper Peninsula (10/22/15)  Find the perfect fall hunting spot with Mi-HUNT online mapping tool (10/20/15)  Michigan’s top environmental and outdoor educators honored (10/19/15)  Volunteers spruce up aging Michigan gem (10/16/15)  DNR seeks photos for ‘Ask the DNR’ programs showcasing the Upper Peninsula (10/15/15)  DNR honors two U.P. groups with Partners in Conservation Awards (10/15/15)  DNR showcases cougars in two new displays in Luce County (10/14/15)  New fishing regulations adopted at Thursday’s NRC meeting (10/9/15)  DNR to replace Union Bay boating access site at ‘the Porkies’ state park (10/2/15)  Grant opportunity for funding of dam removals, critical repairs (10/1/15)  Video: Chronic Wasting Disease info (9/30/15) 1 of 15  ‘Gold Mine’ Grouse Enhanced Management Site dedicated in Iron County (9/30/15)  DNR makes Lake Gogebic walleye recommendation (9/29/15)  State forest planning meetings for Dickinson, Iron Counties (9/23/15)

Grant Contacts For other grant information, to go: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-58225---,00.html

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, [email protected] Recreation Passport Grant Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, [email protected] Aquatic Habitat Grant Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, [email protected] Michigan Invasive Species Grant Kammy Frayre, 517-284-5970, [email protected] Wildlife Habitat Grant Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, [email protected] U.P. Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Grant Bill Scullon, 906-563-9247, [email protected]

October 8, 2015 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Agenda

& Stacy’s Informal Notes

NRC Meeting – Held in Cedarville, Mackinac County Tours were given by the local officials of the community prior to the meeting.

Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee 1. Parks and Recreation General Updates 2. Silver Lake Update for 2015 Season: Chief Olson explained the process and engagement that changed the process over the last year. Many were involved with several changes along the way. 3. Trails Update (with a segment provided by our own UP Trails Coordinator Ron Yesney) 4. 2015 Parks and Recreation Division Accomplishments 5. Belle Isle and Outdoor Adventure Center Update 6. Tourism Cares Event – Fayette State Park 7. Camping Survey 8. Michigan Rehabilitation Services Partnerships

NRC Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries 1. Fisheries Division Update a. Fishing Regulations b. Habitat Improvement Account FY 2016: None in the U.P. c. Aquatic Restoration Conference – October 21-23 in Tustin, MI: Bringing local and nationally renowned stream restoration practitioners

2. Wildlife Division Update a. Preliminary Elk Season Results: License quota is 50. 15 bulls, 28 cows and calves, Tribal harvest 2, 1 illegal harvest. b. Deer Season Forecast: In the U.P., winter was bad but not as severe as previous years and has led to relatively better survival of both adult deer and fawns (predatory/prey study confirms. Good growing conditions going into fall. c. Antler Point Restrictions and Hunter Retention Update d. Wildlife Chief Update: Wildlife Habitat Grant Projects for 2016-total eligible applications =30, four of those in the U.P. FYI, up for information only, for the second month: Comprehensive Resource Management Plan for Drummond Island and Re-Designation of the Management Requirements of State-Managed Land on Drummond Island.

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NRC Committee of the Whole 2016 U.P. 1. Director’s Report given by Deputy Bill Moritz NRC Meeting a. Introduction and Welcome by Cid Morgan, b. Parks and Trails Update c. Upper Peninsula Youth Programs by Jon Spieles Thursday, d. Partnerships with State University September 8, 2016 e. Forestry Update f. Graymont Land Update 2. Legislative Report (see below) Gogebic Community 3. Committee Reports a. Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee College in Ironwood b. NRC Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries

Partners in Conservation Awards: Plum Creek Timber Company & North Country Trails Partners

Public Appearances Before the NRC

FOR INFORMATION ONLY – NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION 1. Statewide Trout, Salmon, Whitefish, Lake Herring, and Smelt Regulations, Fisheries Order 200.16: This would reduce brook trout maximum size limit in Cooks Run and South Branch of the Paint River in Iron County from 10” to 7” (and in Macomb County changes to North Branch River).

2. Special Fishing Regulations for Warmwater Species on Select Waters, Fisheries Order 206.15A: In the U.P.: • Lake Gogebic Walleye there is public and biological support to lower maximum size limit and allow two walleye from 13-15” in five fish daily bag limit. • Muskellunge: Few reach 42”, Reduce Maximum Size Limit to 38” • : - Healthy fishery with diverse size classes - Local clubs requested a “one over” option - No information to support that this proposal would enhance walleye populations. - Public meeting led to no consensus - Option A- No change- Pros: Best walleye fishery in decades, attracts anglers, social support, consistent regulations. Cons: None identified - Option B-one fish over 23”in the river- Pros: Some social support. Cons: Likely ineffective, social preferences varied widely, may limit participation, adds regulatory complexity.

3. Fishing Regulations – Area, , Gogebic County, Fisheries Order 212.16: Propose to renew as written: no motorized boats, artificial lures wit barbless hooks, no possession for bass, higher maximum size limits for pike, lake trout and walleye, very good support.

4. Criteria for Selection of Trout Streams with Gear Restriction Regulations, Fisheries Order 213.15: Propose to renew as written with immediate effect.

5. Gear Restrictions for Fishing, Fisheries Order 218.16: Propose to renew as written.

6. Possession Limits for Fish, Fisheries Order 248.16: • Clarify that anglers can continue fishing after they reach their possession limit- CIR only • Clarify that like Sturgeon, Muskellunge are not included in the provision allowing anglers to possess an additional two days possession limit of fish.

3 of 15 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION ACTION 1. Approval of Minutes: September 10, 2015 Natural Resources Commission meeting 2. Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Waters Regulations, Fisheries Order 205.16 3. Statewide Warmwater Regulations for Bass, Pike, Catfish, Yellow Perch, Sunfishes and White Bass, Fisheries Order 215.15A 4. Regulations on the Take of Freshwater Mollusks, Fisheries Order 228.15

FOR INFORMATION ONLY – DIRECTOR 1. Comprehensive Resource Management Plan for Drummond Island 2. Re-designation of the Management Requirements on State-Managed Land, Drummond Island – Chippewa County, Land Transaction Case #20150120

DIRECTOR’S ACTION 1. Land Transactions (U.P. Specific Only Listed Here) a. Parks and Recreation Land Acquisition, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Chippewa County, Barbour Gift of Land, Land Transaction Case #20150117

The Conservation Coalition met on Friday, October 9 in Cedarville as well.

October 8, 2015 NRC Meeting Summary – Ed Golder, Public Information Officer

The Natural Resources Commission met on October 8th at the Clark Township Community Center in the Upper Peninsula town of Cedarville. The significant actions taken:

• The Commission approved fishing regulations for Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters. The new regulations extend harvest protection on Lake Sturgeon upstream from the Hattie Street Dam in the Menominee River.

• The Commission approved statewide warmwater regulations for bass, pike, catfish, yellow perch, sunfishes and white bass. Among other things, these new regulations expand walleye fishing opportunities and reduce yellow perch possession in Saginaw Bay and River. The proposed regulations had included catch and delayed release (CDR) bass fishing on 12 waters for registered bass tournaments. However, the Commission amended the order to remove the CDR provision.

• The commission renewed regulations on the take of freshwater mussels. These are unchanged from current regulations.

• Deputy Director Bill Moritz announced that Director Keith Creagh – unable to attend because of obligations to the governor – will take action at the November NRC meeting on a resource management plan for Drummond Island and a redesignation of management requirements for state-managed land on Drummond Island.

• In addition, Director Creagh will sign seven of eight land transactions on the agenda for his consideration. A proposed land exchange in Presque Isle County was withdrawn from the agenda at the applicant’s request and therefore did not receive approval from the director.

The first order of the day was a meeting of the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee. Parks Chief Ron Olson updated the committee on a new process for ORV riders to get on the dunes at Silver Lake State Park, which is working well, Ron said. Jason Fleming of Parks told the committee about this season’s camper survey. The survey shows that 88

4 of 15 percent of users consider state park camping a good or very good value, and 89 percent of users had a good or very good experience camping at our parks.

Jackie Blodgett of Parks presented the committee with data on Recreation Passport sales. In Fiscal year 2015, 30.4 percent of registered Michigan vehicles had the Recreation Passport, a high mark for Recreation Passport sales and a significant milestone for Parks. Jackie also told the committee about visitors to Belle Isle Park in Detroit. From January to August of this year the park saw more than 2.7 million visitors.

Ron Yesney, who coordinates trails in the Upper Peninsula, talked about the increased interest and support for trails in Michigan, which continues to be a leader among states on trails. The department has increased capacity to advance trails across the U.P., Ron said.

The Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit has exceeded attendance expectations in the first few weeks of operation, said Scott Pratt of Parks. Anna Sylvester, also of Parks, talked about a partnership between the department and Michigan Rehabilitation Services, which promotes employment for people with disabilities. The partnership began as a pilot program in 2009 and has expanded to 31 parks and served 186 participants this year. The committee approved a resolution of support for a county-state partnership to create a new state park in Washtenaw and Jackson counties. The property would be co-managed by the DNR and Washtenaw County Parks, a first-of-its-kind arrangement for the department.

During the Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries, Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter reported to the committee on Habitat Improvement Account grants. The department issued $278,000 in grants for everything from fishing access to dam removal to boat launch upgrades. The account is funded by Consumers Energy as part of a settlement that relicensed the company’s hydropower projects on the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon rivers. Since its creation in 1994, the fund has contributed more than $8.5 million and funded more than 150 projects. Jim also informed the committee about an Aquatic Restoration Conference that will take place Oct. 21-23 in Tustin.

Nick Popoff of Fisheries told the committee about six fisheries orders on today's agenda for information. The orders will be before the Commission for action in November. A full list of those orders, with detailed explanations, can be found in the NRC agenda for today.

Wildlife Chief Russ Mason told the committee about Wildlife Habitat Grant projects for 2016 -- the department has received 30 eligible applicants -- and encouraged people to participate in the upcoming sharp-tailed grouse season, which runs Oct. 10-31.

Chad Stewart of the Wildlife Division gave the committee a preliminary summary of the 2015 Elk Season. During the early elk hunt, 15 bulls were harvested and 28 antlerless elk (cows and calves) were harvested. Tribal harvest consisted of one bull and one cow. One bull was harvested illegally.

Ashley Autenrieth of Wildlife presented the 2015 deer season forecast. In the Upper Peninsula hunters will likely see fewer deer this year, especially in the 1.5 year and 2.5 year age classes. Although winter this year wasn't as bad as it has been, the UP deer population continues to recover from successive severe winters. In the Northern Lower Peninsula, hunters will likely see more deer this year than last. Both antler development and body size appear to be very good this year, Ashley reported. In the Southern Lower Peninsula, hunters will likely see more deer this year than last, as deer have experienced good growing conditions and have seen good recovery from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease.

Brent Rudolph of Wildlife updated the commission on an ongoing assessment the department is conducting of antler point restrictions. The assessment evaluates population impacts, disease risk, hunter recruitment and retention, hunting-related economic impacts and crop and silvicultural damage.

Richelle Winkler, a social scientist from Michigan Technological University, presented an analysis of projections of future hunters, based on license sales data from 1995-2013. The projections show that hunter populations will decline and get older, especially among male hunters. The decline could be slowed by retaining female hunters and through continued

5 of 15 youth recruitment, Richelle said. The study also found the potential for recruitment of young professionals. The findings point toward the need for continued creativity in hunter recruitment and retention programs.

During the director's report in the Committee of the Whole, Ron Olson of Parks and Tom Weston of Marketing gave an update on parks and trails. In addition to record Recreation Passport sales, Ron reported that camping was up 9 percent this year over last, a significant rate of growth. Tom presented information on the Marquette County trail pilot program, which is collecting and standardizing all trails data within the county for availability in an open data portal. That makes the information available to any individual or group that wants to use it for creation of mobile device applications or other purposes. The Marquette pilot will eventually be expanded to the entire state.

Theresa Neal, interpreter at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, talked about opportunities at the park to educate visitors about a variety of issues, including matters of intense public interest such as cougars and wolves.

Forestry Chief Bill O'Neill told the commission about spruce budworm, one of the most destructive native insects in spruce and fir forests in the United States and Canada. There is currently a heavy infestation of the worms in the western U.P. The department is surveying forests, identifying areas with significant mortality and conducting harvests as necessary to help control the spread of the disease. Bill also talked about the decision by Arauco North America to build a particleboard plant in Grayling. The $325 million investment will create 250 full-time permanent jobs. The DNR played a key role in bringing the plant to Michigan.

Steve Sutton from Real Estate informed the commission that the department has now closed on land sales with Graymont, as outlined in the agreement approved in March by the director. Graymont has contributed an initial $100,000 to an economic development fund to benefit the local community.

Plum Creek Timber Company received a Partners in Conservation Award for its collaboration in addressing concerns about winter deer habitat in the Upper Peninsula. The North Country Trails Hikers Chapter of the North Country Trail Association was honored with a Partners award for its effort to build, maintain, promote and protect more than an 80- mile portion the trail.

That's the news from today's NRC meeting in the UP. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. And best of luck to those out hunting this fall! -Ed Golder, Public Information Officer

October 2015 Legislative Update - Trevor VanDyke , Director, Legislative & Legal Affairs Office

SB 244 – Provides for Increased Reimbursement and Restitution Values for the Illegal Killing or Possession of Certain Game Species– Sen. Pavlov This bill seeks to amend Section 40119 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to provide for increased reimbursement and restitution values for the illegal killing or possession of certain game species. These species include elk, moose, bear, eagle, hawk and waterfowl. • This bill was referred to the House Committee of the Whole. • The Administration supports this legislation.

SB 245 – Provides for Increased Penalties for the Illegal Killing, Possessing, Purchasing or Selling of a Bear or an Antlered White-Tailed Deer– Sen. Zorn This bill seeks to amend Section 40118 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to provide for increased penalties for the illegal killing, possessing, purchasing, or selling of a bear or an antlered white-tail deer. • This bill was referred to the House Committee of the Whole. • The Administration supports this legislation.

6 of 15 SB 446 – Recreational Baiting Ban – Sen. Jones This bill seeks to amend section 40111a of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to eliminate the sunset of the Commission’s authority to regulate deer and elk feeding in the state. • This bill was referred to the Senate Committee of the Whole. • The Administration supports this legislation.

SB 521 – Creates the Michigan Historical Commission – Sen. Horn This bill seeks to create the Michigan Historical Commission and prescribe its powers and duties. • This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. • The Administration supports this legislation.

SB 522 – Creates the Michigan Historical Center Act and Repeals PA 271 of 1913 – Sen. O’Brien This bill seeks to create the Michigan Historical Center Act, to prescribe the authority of the center, to provide stewardship for the museum and archival collection of the state and to repeal PA 271 of 1913. • This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. • The Administration supports this legislation.

SB 523 – Creates a Native American Historical Recognition Program – Sen. Schmidt This bill seeks to amend section 72114 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to create a Native American Recognition Program. • This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. • The Administration supports this legislation.

SB 526- Prohibits Fish Farms within the Great Lakes and Connecting Waters- Sen. Jones This bill seeks to ban commercial aquaculture facilities in Great Lakes waters, connecting waters of the Great Lakes and all waters hydrologically connected to the Great Lakes. • This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

HB 4239 – Allows Hunting from a Personal Assistive Mobility Device – Rep. Smiley This bill seeks to amend section 40111 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow individuals, who possess a valid permit for hunting from a standing vehicle, to transport and possess an uncased loaded shot gun, if the action is open, and to also discharge the firearm from a personal assistive mobility device (PAMD) to take game. • This bill was referred to the Senate Committee of the whole. • The Administration supports this legislation.

HB 4908 – Recreational Baiting Ban – Rep. Kivela This bill seeks to amend section 40111a of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to eliminate the sunset of the Commission’s authority to regulate deer and elk feeding in the state. • This bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration supports this legislation.

HB 4914 – Creates a Native American Historical Recognition Program – Rep. Irwin This bill seeks to amend section 72114 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to create a Native American Recognition Program. • This bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration supports this legislation.

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

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Eastern UPCAC Update

The EUPCAC Meeting was held on October 8 at the Cedarville Community Center in Cedarville (at the same location of the NRC Meeting). Several DNR Chiefs and staff were able to attend since the NRC Meeting was held just prior.

Agenda items included: . Process for Review of Great Lakes Commercial Netpen Aquaculture by Jim Dexter, Chief of Fisheries Division . Munuscong Bay State Wildlife Management Area Project by David Jentoft, Wildlife Biologist . Deer Management Field Day by Ashley Autenrieth, Deer Program Biologist . Deer Management Plan Update by Ashley Autenrieth, Deer Program Biologist . Land Management Plan Update by Stacy Haughey

The next meeting will be on Thursday, December 3 at the Comfort Inn in Newberry.

Fisheries Division: George Madison, Western Lake Superior Management Unit The following are the Western UP Fisheries Division highlights for the period of September 21–November 8, 2015.

Baraga Operations Service Center • Retrieved in-stream temperature loggers from numerous western UP streams for compilation of summer 2015 conditions for brook trout. • Reviewed a habitat project proposed for Marquette County’s Salmon Trout River. • Attended Natural Resources Commission meeting in Cedarville Michigan to hear proposals for special walleye sportfishing regulations for Lake Gogebic and the Ontonagon River. • Began preparing fish stocking prescriptions for various Western UP waters, adding brown trout stocking requests for the Black River (Gogebic County) and Firesteel River (Ontonagon County). • Attended a US Forest Service Partnering for Watershed Restoration Workshop in Baraga. • Reviewed a grant funding proposals for Marquette County river projects. • Met with Michigan Technological University fishing club.

Crystal Falls Field Operations Shop • Attended Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition Board Meeting • Attended Aquatic Invasive Species Action Team Meetings • Prepared numerous fisheries stocking prescriptions. • Field work • Trout surveys included Twin Lake and Squaw Lake. • Walleye rearing ponds were treated for next cycle and include: Landfill, Warren, Grasshopper, Kipling, and Moss. • The annual walleye assessment on Bay de Noc has been completed. • Stocking of trout lakes is completed. • Interviews have been completed for hire of two technicians in Crystal Falls.

Northern Lake Michigan Management Unit • Interviews were held the week of October 26th to fill the 2 technician vacancy positions at the Crystal Falls Field Office. • The interview panel for the Escanaba fisheries biologist position is currently reviewing applications and expects to hold interview in late November or early December • Staff partnered with the Marquette Fisheries Research Station to complete the fall fish community assessment in the bays de Noc, Cedar River and Menominee River areas of Green Bay for 3 weeks in September.

8 of 15 • Staff provided a crew and electrofishing boat to assist a USACE carp movement study in the lower Manistique River. • The lake sturgeon lift at the Menominee Dam was operated by MDNR and USFWS staff during the last week of September through the end of November. Between electrofishing and fish captured in the lift, approximately 30 lake sturgeon were transferred upstream above the Park Mill dam in the Menominee River. • Several walleye rearing ponds were treated to prepare them for raising spring fingerling walleye in 2016. • Staff participated in the first scoping meeting for development of the next Trout Trails area in the central U.P.

Marquette Research Station • Survey work on L. Superior is complete and boat has been put up for winter. • Commercial whitefish sampling is done for year, still some effort being directed at PSAT tag recovery, transitioning over to winter work-data analysis, report generation, gear maintenance and repair, etc.

Forest Resources Division: Don Mankee, WUP District Supervisor (prepared by John Hamel, Inventory Planning Specialist)  The 2017 Year of Entry (YOE) inventory has been completed. Records of Decisions are posted online, along with other state forest inventory information at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Units are preparing for the 2018 YOE inventory.

 The Forest Marketing and Utilization program will be working with Conservation Districts to host 4 Bucking for Scale and Grade sessions throughout Michigan in the spring. One is being planned for the western U.P. These sessions will assist loggers and woodlot owners in how to get the best dollar value from the logs they harvest.

 As of October 7th, there were 270 open timber sale contracts in the WUP. This represents 30,100 acres of timber valued at approximately $26.1 million.

 There are approximately 29 active timber sales in the WUP totaling about 3,147 acres.

 Bid opening in the WUP are seeing good interest, but there are indication of softening prices in the markets. Reports from producers Indicate that all markets (hardwood, aspen and softwood) are tight with mills having good supply in their yards. Producers are reporting that that the price they are receiving from mill has dropped and they probably will look at reducing stumpage prices offered if mills stay full.

 Road and Bridge Projects: . The Gwinn unit had been working on road maintenance projects on the Haywire Lake Road filling and grading large holes in this road that have developed over time. This road is an active through road from Shag Lake to Pike Lake in the Gwinn area. . The Crystal Falls unit has been working on the Big Wheel Road Improvement Project. Work on this project is expected to continue after the spring. . The Baraga unit reports that the Hazel Swamp Road bridge has been delivered and is ready for installation, Culverts are installed and all gravel will be hauled by the end of the month.

 Over the next few months all unit staff will be reviewing high value fir and spruce stands at high risk for loss due to the current Spruce Budworm. Over the last year approximately 2,600 acres of timber have been salvaged due to Spruce Budworm. Budworm is a native insect that feeds on white spruce and balsam fir. Outbreaks of this insect occur every 20 to 30 years and can last many years. The last outbreak ended in the early 80’S. For more information on this and other forest pests go to www.michigan.gov/foresthealth.

9 of 15  Since the last report there have been 9 forest fires in the WUP totaling 10 acres. Unusually dry October produced fire conditions for most of the month due to lack of moisture. This lack of moisture throughout the fall caused fires to burn deep into the ground causing increased mop-up which in turn caused firefighters to be busy throughout the month, especially in the Gwinn unit. Fires reported in Gwinn, Escanaba, and Baraga Units. Precipitation finally arrived the last week of October to lessen the concerns for wildfire.

Wildlife Division: Terry Minzey, Wildlife Supervisor (prepared by Jon DePue, Wildlife Biologist-Baraga)  Grouse Enhanced Management Sites (GEMS): Several new GEMS were added to the statewide system this year, totaling 10 grouse management sites across the UP. Many of the GEM sites have received media coverage and most of the sites are seeing extensive use from hunters. The feedback from hunters using the sites has been overwhelmingly positive.

 Black Bear Hunting Season: The black bear hunting season closed October 26th. We are still receiving bear registrations from check stations however; early indications are that the harvest appears to be higher than anticipated.

 Winter Deer Habitat: The UP Habitat Workgroup has completed two habitat management plans for the western UP; Lake Gogebic Deer Wintering Complex, and the Sturgeon River Sloughs Deer Wintering Complex. The Workgroup is now working with landowners to implement the plan.

 Habitat Improvement: The Crystal Falls wildlife staff and local sportsmen groups came up with the idea of applying bio-solids on some of our DNR managed fields. Many of the fields have very poor, sandy soils, and a history of very limited growing success. The bio-solid that was applied came from Verso Paper and is environmentally inert, adds nutrients, a liming agent, and moisture holding capacity to the soil. The cost was free outside of trucking the material to the fields. The fields with the bio-solid applied had great growing success of; sunflowers, buckwheat, clover, oats and rye (see pictures here). This project was a great collaboration between the DNR, sportsmen groups and Verso Paper.

Finance and Operations Division: Tim Melko, Administrative Area Manager Dates to Remember 11/2 – Woodcock season closes 11/14 – Fall Turkey season closes 11/14 – Archery Deer season closes; reopens on 12/1 11/14 – Ruffed Grouse season closes; reopens 12/1 11/15 – Firearm Deer season opens 11/15 – Frog, Toad, and Salamander seasons close 11/22 – Duck season closes in North Zone; reopens on 11/28 &11/29 11/30 – Firearm Deer season closes 12/1 – Archery Deer season re-opens (12/1 through 1/1) 12/1 – Ruffed Grouse season re-opens (12/1 through 1/1) 12/1 – Bobcat, Fisher, Marten trapping season opens in U.P. 12/1 – Pike & Muskie spearing season opens

10 of 15 12/4 – Muzzleloading Deer season opens in Zone 1 (through 12/13) 12/11 – Goose (regular season) closes in North Zone 12/15 – Fisher & Marten trapping season closes 12/31 – Last day to apply for 2016 Pure Michigan Hunt

Parks & Recreation Division: William Doan, WUP District Supervisor

Unit Highlights  : Installed a new furnace at the North Toilet Building. Work began on data collection and a preliminary meeting was held for an electrical survey for the park. The south end of the campground was closed/winterized for the season in mid-September. The park’s Harvest Festival was well attended, up 6% for the weekend. Camping has remained strong and projections appear that the park will finish the season up 24% with day use up 26%, mini cabin and tepee use were also up. The park will close for the season on 11/2/15.

: Harvest Festival 9/18-9/19 was a huge success - campground at 95% capacity. DNR staff and park hosts had educational games, campfire cooking demonstrations, crafts and storytelling. There was also a parade through the campground. Attendance has been up approximately 15% for September and October, really great weather! Baraga construction crew is working on lowering the camper registration road, regrading, and ditching to help divert water runoff. Currently the contact station will have water seep in along the floor during spring runoff and heavy rains. Improving the drainage will drastically reduce the water damage and also meet ADA accessibility.

Scenic Site: Closed for the season on 10/21/15. Recreation Passport sales were up 12%. That figure could have been higher, but we were unable to find a staff person for September and October so the site was self- registration only for those months and the compliance rate is typically lower when self-registration is in effect.

: Fire ring replacement at a few of the backcountry campsites. Staff is working on getting GPS coordinates for all the backcountry sites. Full cabin/yurt cleanout is planned in the next couple of weeks. Plans are being made for an overhaul in the spring on the small cabin as it's beginning to show signs of wear and tear. For FY15 backcountry camping was down around 8%, rustic cabins down 3.6%, but the yurt nights increased by 14%. Beaufort Lake Campground had an increased attendance in FY15 of 6.9%.

 Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: A paint study was conducted on the Range Keepers Lighthouse building and Historic complex for lead. Results came back as acceptable levels to work without added protection. The 9th Annual Geocaching Event brought in record participants. The 2nd Annual Spook-tacular was held in Fort Complex. It was very well received. Both events were held 9/19. An incredibly nice Fall brought in record campers and day users in October.

: Rangers have successfully replaced the shingles and skylights on the north toilet/shower building. Staff is currently working on winterization and shut down of the park. We are looking into purchases of trees to plant now to offset the damage from the Emerald Ash Borer if and when it gets to this park. Lake Gogebic is approximately 70% ash trees.

 McLain State Park: There were a few complaints about the new road and questions on the management plan. Staff registered (as of last week) 45 bear, just a tad above average. They got a T1 phone upgrade last week.

 Menominee State Recreation Area: Use for the season was good. Escanaba Field Office is doing road work at Faithorn BAS (new culvert and ditching, gravel and grading).

 Porcupine Mountains : Toilet shower building at U.B.C.G. nearing 90% completion. There was a $75,000 increase in overall sales compared to fiscal 2014. The Construction/Upgrade at Union Bay BAS has begun. It is slated for 6/2016 completion. Park Staff completed blow down cutting of our complete 92 mile trail system and inspections on all 63 backcountry campsites. It was a big job, well done! We reached the 3 year fiscal

11 of 15 window on the trail outlay fund. Many projects were completed, and the funds were nearly exhausted. Presque Isle Boardwalk repairs are still outstanding. Dam Removal planning is at 50% stage. Funding was approved for chalet roof repairs.

 Twin Lakes State Park: Camping was good with the nice fall weather. The boating access site is slow this time of year, not good fishing with low water. Campground water was shut off on the 13 of October. Staff started leaf pick- up three weeks late this year. September 24 was the MI-TRALE Senior Ride. Over 100 senior citizens were given a ride on the Bill Nicholls Trail from Greenland to T.L.S.P., where they enjoyed a pasty dinner and coffee and cookies. Even with rain, a good time was had by all. Camis shut off our reservation system on the 14th of October, most campers are gone at this time anyway.

: Camping at VRSP was up 9.8%, mini cabins were up 31.2%, rustic cabin use was up 31%, and camper cabin use was down 1.2%. Little Presque Isle Cabin use was up 39.7% in FY15. Recreation Passport sales were more than doubled with a 5 day a week staffed contact station at just one of the main parking areas at Little Presque Isle and staff were still writing on average of 70 violation notices a week. Van Riper had 3 very successful Harvest Festivals in September. Little Presque Isle was host to multiple running/biking races in September. Staff are installing gates this fall, finishing up some work on the garage at Blueberry Ridge, brushing and installing signs along the Blueberry Ridge Pathway, pulling skid piers, and many other fall projects before the seasonal rangers are laid off for the season.

 Wells State Park: Day use facilities/buildings were winterized for the season. Phragmites was sprayed with herbicide at south end of park shoreline. The Spooktacular Event another success with warmer than average temps, full campground and activities such as horse drawn wagon rides (sponsored by Hilltop RV), refreshments, crafts, trick-r-treating, campsite decorations, spooky stories around the campfire. Gravel pads for corrals were constructed at the equestrian campground at Cedar River North SFC.

 Escanaba Field Office: Campground use continues to be up from 2014 at all four administered units.

Boating Reports  Baraga Field Office worked on state forest campground kiosk installations and park gates. Staff assisted with excavation for fountain replacement at Baraga State Park. They also completed improvements on the Houghton- Chassell Trail. Beach prisms were installed at Oman Creek Boating Access Site (BAS) to help with site sedimentation and erosion. Pavement that was affected by shoreline erosion at McLain State Park was removed by field office staff. They also performed hazard tree removal at Craig Lake State Park and worked on a road redesign project at Bewabic State Park around their contact station, which was having water infiltration issues.

 Cedar River State Harbor Staff re-sided the maintenance building and removed the rest of ice suppression system from the areas where docks were removed earlier in spring. They also closed & winterized facilities. Successfully reared & released sturgeon into the Cedar River (partnership w/Fish Division).

 Escanaba Field Office Completed upgrades to Little Lake State Forest Campground. Road and drainage improvements to Faithorn BAS were done. Staff also removed a 40' bridge off of private lands which had been placed for a snowmobile trail which is now re-routed.

 Lake Gogebic State Park Removal of the skid piers from the 14 BAS that are managed out of this office are scheduled to begin the last week in October. Bergland Dock BAS - Dock improvements (seawall, surface replacement) and dock parking lot renovations funded for 2016.

 Van Riper State Park There was vandalism to a sign at the Lake Angeline BAS about 2 weeks after it was complete, Van Riper staff were able to replace the sign that was vandalized.

Employee News/Recognition

12 of 15  Bewabic State Park: We said good bye to our last STW4 on 10/16/15 - had a REALLY great group of employees this summer.  Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Staff overall stepped up to handle the extremely busy fall season including multiple injury/S&R incidents.  Van Riper State Park: Lead Ranger Debra Gill and husband Alex welcomed a baby boy Ethan Alexander on September 25th.  Escanaba Field Office: UP Pocket Park decks were cleaned and sealed and winterization steps have begun at facility.

Challenges  Bond Falls Scenic Site: Finding staff to work through the shoulder season was a challenge this year.  Craig Lake State Park: Staffing is difficult at this location as we do not have a Ranger assigned for Craig Lake State Park. We fear that this is beginning to compromise the wilderness aspect of this location as we do not have staffing to encourage the "Leave No Trace" concept.  Cedar River State Harbor: An abandoned car was found parked next to the harbor lounge. Harbor staff helped State Police conduct a search for the missing person, who was later discovered deceased in the trunk of the car by the police. A person has been charged with murder and is lodged in jail. The State Police dive team was brought in to search for evidence in the harbor.

Multi-Use Trail Updates  Van Riper State Park: The Friends Group, “Friends of Harlow Lake Area” is introducing trail proposals for designated mountain biking trails at the Little Presque Isle Tract.  Rail-Trail Projects . Menominee River Bridge: A $70,000 grant was attained through a RTP grant for engineering on the Menominee River Bridge. Bids for engineering are going out this month. A DRAFT MOU with Florence County for long term management has been developed. The goal is to put new decking and railing on the bridge to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, ORV’s, etc. . Stateline Trail Connector – Korpela Road to Wakefield: We are purchasing 7 easements on the rail-trail between Korpela Road and Wakefield. Our goal is to complete the Stateline rail-trail from Iron Mountain to Ironwood. We still have several parcels to purchase before we’ll have a complete connection, but this is a major step forward. . Washouts: We have had several washouts on our rail-trails this spring. The two most notable are: - Lake Linden: Involves about 100’ of missing trail. Trail work will be completed in time for snowmobile season. Design work is occurring on DEQ order to restore streambed. - Ishpeming to Republic ORV route: 40’ of missing trail. Repair will involve a new bridge and DEQ remediation. An engineering company is on board to do work. . Felch Grade: Several trespass issues are being addressed. We are trying to work with landowners to relieve their concerns with the trail while still maintaining a safe and well preserved recreation corridor. . Ishpeming West/Greenwood Grade: We are working with landowners that want year around access to their property.

ORV Trail Updates  Escanaba Field Office: Felch grade rail trail timber cut review process is complete and steps are under way to prepare final details prior to letting sale. New signage was installed on South Gaber Road to assist adjacent landowner with speed and dust issues.  Snowmobile Trail Updates: . Snowmobile Easement Grant: A new grant program is now available to non-profits and local governments to purchase permanent easements on snowmobile trails. A press release went out in August to announce the new grant program. Deadline for grant applications is November 15th. . Trail 2 Between Wakefield and Bessemer is poised to reopen: Trail #2 will reopen. A new route that would take the trail north of US-2 through Indianhead and Blackjack. Cost estimates on the project are between 30,000 and 50,000 dollars. . Trail 11N between Wakefield/Bessemer and the Porkies is closed until Further Notice: A key land permit has been lost. No reroute will be available for this winter.

13 of 15 . Trail 8 Near Eben Junction: A reroute has been identified that involves a new MDOT crossing, construction work, and permission to use Alger County Road. Things are looking promising. . Trail 14 Crossing of US-41 has been approved: Marquette Township and MDOT have approved a new crossing location. The cost to move the crossing will equate to approximately 30,000 dollars; construction is occurring this week.

Equestrian Trail Updates  Van Riper State Park: Signs purchased via grant funding have been distributed to Ron Yesney.  Equestrian Trail Projects: There is a trailhead proposal in Chocolay Township, Marquette County. The idea is to create a large parking area outside of Marquette with access to the Marquette to Munising rail-trail and other State properties in area.

Pathway Updates  Van Riper State Park: The septic for the Warming Hut at Blueberry Ridge Pathway was completed and the well bid from Larson Well Drilling out of L'Anse was accepted, they are scheduled to begin drilling on Monday, October 26th.  Pathway Projects: A new pathway and SFCG brochure is in the works. The last edition was from 2004 and this update is greatly necessary.

Trespass and Acquisition Updates  Stateline Trail -- The Director approved the purchase of seven easement agreements in the Wakefield area. Still in communication with Union Pacific Railroad for the acquisition of five parcels from them -- they are in the process of establishing land values and purchase terms for our review.  The permanent easement for better access to Lake Angeline is still in progress. Our Real Estate Services Section expects finalization soon. (There is a temporary easement in place.)  Permanent trail easements -- the word is being presented at the pre-season snowmobile meetings that funds are available. Purchases will provide some much-needed stability for the trail system. Even though these are snowmobile-specific meetings, clubs are informed that ORV dollars will be available for year-round, multi-use easements.  Offers to purchase permanent, year-round easements are being presented to private landowners for connecting Little Lake and Chatham.  Trespass policy and procedure is still being evaluated in order to possibly streamline the mitigation of these many issues.

Law Enforcement Division (LED): Lt. Pete Wright, District 1 Law Supervisor  District 1 has had a lot of personnel changes since we last met. We are on track to place our 3 new officers into their assigned counties (2- Gogebic and 1- Ontonagon). They should all be in place by November 6th and will be a welcome addition to the district.

 With that said, CO Dave Painter (Iron County) transferred into the Hunter Education Section and is the new Upper Peninsula Hunter Education Coordinator. CO Marvin Gerlach (Menominee County) transferred into the Commercial Fish Section and is assigned to work Upper Peninsula Great Lakes waters. Lastly, CO Elton Luce III (Marquette County) has accepted a transfer into the DEQ as an Environmental Conservation officer. He will be assigned to the Upper Peninsula and will conduct environmental investigations.

 We are slated to begin Recruit School #7 in early January of 2016. We anticipate a class of 23-25 officers. CO Jason Wicklund (Iron County) will be on temporary assignment in Lansing for the next 12 month period as he was selected to be the Recruit School #7 commander.

 Officers are very busy in the field working all the hunting, trapping, fishing seasons that are currently open. Complaints continue to pour in as we get closer and closer to the firearm deer season. The following are some of the incidents they were involved in: . Sgt. Emery worked a special assignment at the Detroit Marathon on Belle Isle. Sgt. Emery reports that over 30,000 people participated in the race.

14 of 15 . Co Brian Lasanen received a call from a State Trooper asking for assistance. The trooper advised CO Lasanen he stopped an ORV rider w/ no helmet and was it was determined the suspect was out hunting. The trooper asked for the suspect hunting license and driver’s license here purchased the license with. It was determined the suspect used an old Michigan ID to purchase a Michigan resident hunting license. Co Lasanen made contact with the trooper and suspect. The suspect advised he moved from Michigan in May of 2014 to Wisconsin and still had his old ID from Michigan and used that old ID to purchase a resident hunting license. Law enforcement action was taken. . CO Eberly reports responding to a complaint from a bow hunter of subjects pushing open an old skidder trail on CFR land, the subjects then towed in several box-blinds on trailers and set them up behind a Land Company gate. CO Eberly found the blinds and informed the Land Company so their foresters could inspect area to determine if they wanted any action taken. . CO Gast reports fishing activity on Portage Lake is picking-up, with walleye catch increasing. The hunting activity is increasing with several contacts being made in the woods. . CO Miller reports shining activity has increased in his area, Officer Miller reports that the shining so far has all been tribal. . CO Brian Bacon and PCO Shannon Kritz completed the investigation of multiple land owners involved with trespass and trail camera theft. Enforcement action was taken for the trespass that led to the trail camera thefts. . CO Brian Bacon and PCO Shannon Kritz responded to the complaint of an injured red tail hawk. A local motel had called to report the injured bird in the yard of the motel, unable to fly. The officers responded and discovered the reported red tail hawk was actually a grouse. The grouse had been struck by a vehicle and was unable to recover from the injuries. . Sgt Ryan Aho and Sgt Marc Pomroy investigated the report of hunter harassment and trail camera theft in Southern Marquette County. Suspects were identified through trail camera pictures provided by the complainant. Two subjects were interviewed who found to be in possession of the stolen cameras. Charges are being sought through the Marquette County Prosecutors Office. . CO Brett DeLonge participated in an annual job fair recruitment event at Northern Michigan University. During the all-day event CO DeLonge had many college students interested in a career as a Conservation Officer with multiple students starting the application process. During the event CO DeLonge had requests to give presentations to student classes at the University. Presentation dates are scheduled for the near future. . CO Mark Leadman and PCO Calvin Smith located four individuals that appeared to be duck hunting in a closed area in Marquette County. CO Mark Leadman and PCO Calvin Smith conducted surveillance of the group. One of hunters was observed taking an over limit of mallards. When contacted the group failed to provide PFD’s and the boat being operated was not registered. The group was advised that the basin they were hunting was closed to hunting. All violations observed were addressed in an appropriate manner. . CO Mark Leadman and PCO Calvin Smith came across two subjects that were trying to remove a heavily damaged truck from a ditch on a county road in a remote location. It was determined that the driver drove in the ditch earlier that morning and had failed to report the accident. There was significant damage to his truck. The scene was secured and turned over to the Michigan State Police. . CO Elton Luce III investigated the illegal taking of a pine marten. Charges are pending for taking the pine marten out of season and illegal method of take. . CO Mark Leadman and PCO Smith responded to the complaint of a dog caught in a foothold trap. Information gathered at the scene found the traps to be legal. The dog was removed from the foothold trap. . CO Jared Ferguson was called to a complaint of a deer that appeared to have an arrow stuck in its front shoulder. CO Ferguson found the deer and followed its blood trail back to an illegal blind with no name and address on it. The investigation is continuing. . CO Jared Ferguson received several complaints of deer being shot and left in the middle of the potato field with their horns cut off. The investigation is continuing. . CO Trey Luce is currently investigation an ongoing trespass issue with two neighboring landowners.

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