WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PLAN
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Michigan Islands Wilderness
I
Department of the Interior U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Saginaw, Michigan April 24, 1981 WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PLAN Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Michigan Islands Wilderness
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I - Introduction 1
II - Description/Location 1
III - Management 2
IV - Public Use 2
A. General 2 B. Specific Activities 3 C. Public Use Facilities and Improvements 3 D. Historical and Archeological Sites 3
V - Public Health and Safety 4
A. Potential Threats or Hazards 4 B. Search and Rescue 4
VI - Research 4
VII - Other Considerations 4
VIII - Funds and Personnel 4
IX - Plan Currency 5
X - Appendix 6 WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PLAN Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge Michigan Islands Wilderness
- Introduction
The Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge presently consists of five islands, three of which have been designated as wilderness areas. The three islands are Shoe, Pismire and Scarecrow, all of which were established as wilderness in 1970 (Law 91-504, Stat. 1104). The fourth island, Gull, which was ceded to the Service and the refuge in 1969 by the U. S. Coast Guard is presently not considered part of the wilderness area. The fifth island, Thunder Bay, was included in the refuge in 1965 under a revocable permit by the U. S. Coast Guard. The Service has secondary juris- diction on 130 acres of the total 168 acres of Thunder Bay. The Coast Guard still retains primary jurisdiction of the island. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge administers all these islands from Saginaw, Michigan which is located 150 miles from Thunder Bay and Scarecrow and 200+ miles from Gull, Pismire and Shoe.
II - Description/Location
The three islands comprising the wilderness area (Shoe, Pismire and Scarecrow) are all similar in construction and total only twelve acres in size. Shoe and Pismire are small components of the Beaver Island group of islands in northern Lake Michigan (see Appendix 1). The legal description of Shoe Island is as follows: Charlevoix County, TWNP. Forty (40) North, Range Eight (8) West, Michigan Meridian: Section Thirty-Three (33) Lot One (1). Shoe Island is approximately two acres in size and is composed of sand and gravel on a glacial boulder base. The island itself is part of a large shoal of glacial ridges and boulders in Lake Michigan. The islands maximum elevation is approximately four feet above lake level and is consequently subject to occasional inundation. This factor has rendered the island devoid of vege- tation except for scattered clumps of grasses and pioneer plant species. When emerged, the stone and gravel provided attractive nesting and brood rearing sites for herring gulls, ring-billed gulls, common and Caspien terns.
Pismire Island is located nine miles to the southwest of Shoe Island. The legal description of Pismire Island is as follows: Charlevoix County, TWNP. Thirty-nine (39) North, Range Nine (9) West, Michigan Meridian: Section Seventeen (17) Lot One (1). Wilderness Management Plan - page 2 Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Pismire Island is approximately three acres in size and is com- „ posed of much the same rocky material as is Shoe Island. The island rises ten feet above lake level and supports both tree and shrub life as well as various herbs and grasses. Trees con- sist of elms and a few dead white cedars. Shrubs are abundant and include choke-cherry, elderberry, scattered willow clumps and red osier dogwood. Pismire sustains nearly the same colonial nesting species as Shoe Island and has in addition, nesting mallards and red breasted mergansers.
Scarecrow Island is located in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron. It is the largest of the three island wilderness areas comprising seven acres total. The legal description of Scarecrow Island is as follows: Alpena County, TWNP. Twenty-nine (29) North, Range, Nine (9) East Michigan Meridian: Section Fifteen (15) Lot One (1). Scarecrow Island is composed of large glacial boulders and gravel with some soil overlaying the rocky substrate. The island rises to an elevation of fifteen feet above lake level. The better soils on higher elevations support considerable tree growth conducive to nesting great blue herons and double-crested cor- morants. Numerous shrubs and a variety of grasses and herbs provide habitat for many species of passerines. Shallow water basins located on the island are attractive to ducks and shore- birds.
Ill - Management
There is currently no active management occuring on any of the five islands presently comprising the refuge area. Protection of the area from forces other than natural lake occurrences is the primary management objective. All islands of the Michigan Islands Refuge are posted and available for use on a permit basis for scientific and educational purposes only. Permits will be issued only during those times of the year when distur- bance to nesting and brood rearing activities will be minimized. Visual inspection of islands is conducted yearly via aircraft to determine condition of habitat and refuge signage.
IV - Public Use
A. General
As was previously mentioned, no current or projected unre- stricted public use is anticipated on the wilderness areas Wilderness Management Plan - page 3 Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
or other islands of the Michigan Islands Refuge. The relative small size of the islands and their importance as nesting and brood rearing areas preclude any use other than for educa- tional or research purposes.
B. Specific Activities
At present (1981) some research is ongoing on some of the islands concerning herring gulls and different species of terns. The biological station on Beaver Island, operated by Central Michigan University has also expressed an interest in using the islands as a research and study area. The small wilderness islands, for reasons expressed earlier, would pro- bably be excluded from human visitation except for research projects. The relative isolation of the islands affords undisturbed habitat for many species in large concentrations at times. Since unrestricted visitation would most probably occur in the April to October months, the months most heavily used by wildlife, a use conflict could be expected to develop.
The two larger islands, Gull (230 acres) and Thunder Bay (130 acres) which are not at present in wilderness status, though important as nesting areas for colonial birds might be able to accommodate some regulated public use. Entrance onto either of the larger islands is and will continue to be by permit only. However, some low impact use such as hiking, wildlife observation or photography in addition to research or educational use might be appropriate.
C. Public Use Facilities and Improvements
At present, there are no public use facilities in existence on any of the islands nor are any planned in the future. Boundary signs have been placed on all islands identifying the areas as refuges or wilderness state. The remoteness and small size of the islands has provided, therefore, more protection than anything refuge personnel could accomplish with enforcement. Access to any island must be by shallow draft boat. Non-motorized craft would be preferable on all areas and mandatory on the wilderness areas.
D. Historical and Archeological Sites
At present no known historical or archeological sites exist at any wilderness or refuge island. Wilderness Management Plan - page 4 Shlawassee National Wildlife Refuge
- Public Health and Safety
A. Potential Threats or Hazards
Nothing exists on any of the islands that would pose an immediate hazard to anyone. The lakes themselves (Michigan and Huron) in which the wilderness and refuge islands are located can become exceedingly rough rather quickly however. This might be a consideration for travel to and from the islands along with the time of year travel is considered.
B. Search and Rescue
If assistance were needed for a person or group using an island, Coast Guard help could probably be obtained. The local sheriff of Charlevoix County has an air taxi and rescue service with Beaver Island. There is a doctor on Beaver Island if any emergency or injuries should occur. Coast Guard assistance could also be employed if needed on Thunder Bay or Scarecrow Island. A manned Coast Guard lighthouse is currently in operation on the southern tip of Thunder Bay Island.
VI - Research
Service research needs of the wilderness islands are at present nonessential. We have obtained data gathered by researchers using the islands for the study of colonial birds species. There is currently an ongoing study being conducted on Gull and Pismire Islands regarding breeding biology (monogamous pairs and polygy- nous groups) of herring gulls. Researchers have submitted de- tailed plant and wildlife surveys in conjunction with this pro- ject. A similar type project on Thunder Bay Islands would provide a welcome addition to our files.
VII - Other Considerations
Navigational aids currently exist on Gull and Thunder Bay Islands. There are no such structures on wilderness islands.
VIII - Funds and Personnel
The annual cost to operate and maintain the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is generally a very small portion of the Wilderness Management Plan - page 5 Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
refuge budget. Aerial surveys generally determine what if any work must be accomplished. The recurring maintenance is posting of the areas. Vegetation and wildlife inventories will incur a greater cost in addition to posting but overall cost will sel- dom exceed $2,000 per year. If unlawful entry and use of these islands become a problem and increased patrol becomes necessary cost could go as high as $5,000 per year.
IX - Plan Currency
The Michigan Islands Wilderness Management Plan will be reviewed annually before the yearly visual survey flight. Plan will also be reconsidered when specific research requests are made that may conflict with present plan but would not threaten resources natural integrity. The results of resource inventories could dictate a change in management techniques if they indicate pre- sent wilderness habitat depletion. MICHIGAN ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
.-SHOE IS.
I
B E A V E R
ISLAND
NO R T H I
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SCALE
~ I i MICHIGAN ISLANDS f NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
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THUNDCX BAY ISLAND SUGAB ISLAND
SCARE CROW IS.
rj it) R T H SOUTH POI'JI
I Summa riv.ation of Public Hearing on Michigan Islands Wilderness Study Area
Pctor.kcy, Michigan, March 29, 1967
The salient points backgrounding the Michigan Islands were: no acquisi-
tion was proposed, no change in management: was involved and the
small six.e {12 acres) of these widely scattered, isolated islands did
not attract, abundant interest.
A. The Public Hearing Transcript^
A total of lr> people were present at the hearing of which 7 made • stntonents as individuals--all were favorable. Four organisations
made statements--all were favorable.
B. Communications from Citizens
Opinions were expressed by 40 individuals of which 38 were in
favor and 2 were opposed. Those in favor wanted increased
protection for the islands against undesirable developments and
overuse. The opposition believed the small size disqualified
the islands as wilderness, and acceptance would set an undesir-
able precedent. As wilderness, the islands would attract more
people and destroy the island for wildlife. Wilderness classifica-
tion would prevent proper management for wildlife which is the;
primary intent of the refuge. ' . . C. Communications from Organizations
All 10 organisations providing an opinion were in favor. Their
main theme was to retain the islands as they are by giving them
the protection of wilderness status.
D. Elected Officials
A member of the local School Board spoke in favor of the proposal
in behalf of the School District. No other officials expressed a
view.
E. State Agencies
Mr. MacMullan, Director of Michigan Department of Conservation,
approved the inclusion of the Michigan Islands in the Wilderness
Preservation System. The Conservation Department's Division
of Lands challenged the ownership of Shoe Island if it is sub-
merged land. They promised to contact the Bureau further • concerning this thesis.
F. Federal Agencies
The specific letter from the Geological Survey was not received
in time for the Public Hearing but the portion of the whole report
which pertained to the Michigan Islands was included as part of
the transcript. When the report is received, it will be included in the correspondence file. The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
has not submitted their report. It also will be included in the
correspondence file if received.
G. Other
Though the press stated they would be represented, no one at the
Hearing signed in as a press representative. The channel 9 TV
station at Cadillac, Michigan asked for and was given a telephone
report at the conclusion of the hearing. i 1 STATEMENT MADE BY THE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE MICHIGAN ISLANDS WILDERNESS STUDY AREA HEARING AT PETOSKEY, MICHIGAN ON MARCH 29, 1967
Mr. Janzen, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am Frank R. Martin, Assistant Regional Refuge Supervisor, Division of Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a pleasure to testify at this hearing on the Michigan Islands Wilderness Study Area.
Public Law 88-577 enacted by the Congress and signed by the President of the United States on September 3, 1964 required the Secretary of the Interior to review every roadless area of 5,000 acres or more and every roadless island within the National Wildlife Refuge System that is (a) reasonably compact, (b) undeveloped, (c) possesses the general characteristics of a wilderness and has no improved roads suitable for public travel by conventional automobile. The selection of each island and area for study must satisfy each of these elements.
You have a copy of the brochure which summarizes the study the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife has made of the Michigan Islands. Copies of the complete study are available here for your examination after the hearing. We ask chat you please leave them in the hearing room after you have finished with them because the number of copies is very limited.
Location of the. Islands
The three islands involved in this study are located in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Shoe and Pismire Islands are located in Charlevoix County in northern Lake Michigan and Scarecrow Island in Thunder Bay in Lake Huron near Alpena. They total 12 acres, varying size from Scarecrow Island, 7. acres; Pismire Island J3 acres to Shoe Island con- taining 2. acres. No portions of the islands are excluded from the proposal. They are typical of many other colonial bird nesting islands in the Great Lakes.
Relationship to Surrounding Community
By maintaining the islands in an essentially undisturbed condition, the 12 acres would add a small additional acreage to the 326,853 acres of primitive and natural environment now administered under public management on the mainland. These public areas consist of state parks, outdoor recreation areas maintained by municipalities and public hunting £raas as shown in the report. Socio-Economic Considerations
Placing the islands in the Wilderness System would have little or no effect on the local communities because they have been maintained as unmolested wildlife areas since their establishment as sanctuaries in 1943. The gull population maintained on the islands has generally been considered to be of economic importance because of the scavenging habits of these birds. For example, the periodic die-offs of trash fish which pollute mainland beaches are invariably cleaned up by the gulls which maintain a vigilant patrol of the shoreline.
flow Study Was Conducted
The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife during the past year has conducted a detailed study of the three islands. This involved a study of the Bureau's files, an investigation into the history, geography and geology of the islands as well as an on-the-ground inspection of each. The islands are geologically similar, varying chiefly in size and elevation. •Shoe- ;Is.l|mdH^i^aiyi;
merged at high lake levels but rises four feet above the lake at low levels. It supports only scattered bunches of grass and herbs when emerged.
similar to Shoe but . "• -.,..-,,-..- -T.;M?-.r.-.a- •• '•-'• • « -•-^^w^^Km^K^aKHi^mvSmMii herbs -on thi e gravel "beacs h l>Itwe«n«fche»4ow an<
•-•-••• : % cons sac r The' high water beaches have" heavy herbaceous cover. There are threiHmall natural depressions which hold water v/hen lake levels are high or after storms.
There have been no mineral explorations of record on the islands in recent years. It will be our recommendation to the Director, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, that the three islands be withdrawn from the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act.
The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Geological Survey, the Bureau of Mines and other agencies have assisted in these studies. The Hearing Officer may call upon representatives of these agencies who wish to report.
Management Requirements
Section 4a of the Wilderness Act states that: "The purposes of this Act are hereby declared to be within and supplemental to the purpose for which ... units of the ... national wildlife refuge system are established and administered." ^ , i&j$i%W^ 1 S T T y g T Fr j T *> ^4f *S?fflllliP * I J*J»^B¥"M W j ';^-flff|11i|B TL*^' •":'''" • •- ^" - ' ^ •^ '' — — — — —-•«.••-»• ™-.•«-.-- ,T-P--— r'.T ,.V "T"" *^'T"T!?llf'» M;'tnSxpi»fi^ipia"to|^.'ithc nesting^fairds" by preyea^irik -/ ^esi^pp^i^d^ming^the^per^ ^^^iisili«fsi wffiiete»a, The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife vjould plan no physical changes on these small bird nesting islands. Refuge signs on each island are all that will be needed to designate the units. Boat landing improvements will not be developed nnd authorized visitors, under permit, will be cautioned about the hazardous surf conditions along the rocky shorelines. Emergency landings by boats in 4^
The islands""we*'ai'e~'"dlscussin^ g here today are amn Shiawassce National Wildlife Refuge, Saginaw, Michigan. Management has consisted of periodic patrol visits to assure that the breeding birds are undisturbed. Permits are issued occasionally to bird banders to band colonial birds. On these and other Great Lakes islands many thousands of young gulls have been banded. Because colonial birds require solitude as one of their breeding requirements, physical developments were never established on the islands.
It is our recommendation that Shoe, Pismire and Scarecrow Islands be included in the Wilderness System, with management restrictions outlined above relative to season of use, special permits and protection of bird colonies.
Approved by:
ROBERT G. Refuge Manager
JOHN POPO|BKI Area Office Manager
gional Office