Northern Lake Islands Collaborative February 6, 2020 Charlevoix Public Library, Community Room A

Meeting Notes

Attendees Jennifer Kleitch (DNR WLD), Matt Preisser (EGLE WRD), Laurie Abel (DNR FOD), Cynthia Johnson (Northern Islander), Krys Lyle (Peaine Twp.), Brad Frederick (RAF), Tom Callison (GTB), Archie Kiogima Jr. (LTBB NRD), Bill Parsons (LTBB NRD), Noah Jansen (LTBB NRD), Katie Grzesiak (NWMI Invasive Species Network), Erin Victory (DNR WLD), Steve Griffith (DNR WLD), Rex Ainslie (DNR WLD), Denise Pallarito (MI Association of Timbermen), Christie Deloria (USFWS), Heather Rawlings (USFWS), Bobbi Welke (BIHS), Lee Boisvert (MKD), Melissa Wiatrolik (LTBB THPO), Lori Taylor-Blitz (BIHS), Cynthia Pryor (CRC), Bruce Beaudoin (BI Wildlife Club), Benjamin VanDyke (CAKE CISMA), Pam Grassmick (BIA), Brian Mastenbrook (DNR WLD), Keith Kintigh (DNR FRD), Kathleen Stocking (FILA), Sandra Bradsahw (FILA), Officer Baldwin (DNR LED). Via phone: Don Tritsch (BIWC)

Welcome, Introductions, Agenda Review  Matt Preisser distributed handouts.  Introductions followed.  The agenda is organized by activities and topics related to the goals within the Management Plan for State-owned Lands on Northern Islands. (https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/island_management_plan_wld_529105_7.pdf)  Matt Preisser referenced the project matrix that was developed from a brainstorming session at the February, 2019 NLMIC meeting as well to point out that we are working on some of the ideas in the matrix currently.

State Staff Roles in NLMIC  A roles document developed for the September, 2019 meeting was distributed with the handouts (Include file) and describes the primary “who does what” related to the NLMIC.  Jennifer Kleitch (Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division) is the lead on activities in Charlevoix Co. islands on which the state owns lands (Beaver, Garden, High, Hog, Whiskey Islands)  Steve Griffith (Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division) is the lead on the Leelanau Co. islands on which the state owns lands (North and South Fox Islands).  Matt Preisser (Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Water Resources Division) is primary facilitator of meetings.  Email Jennifer ([email protected]) or Matt ([email protected]) with questions and they can determine who is best within the State ranks to address topics for which there are questions.

Other Networks Matt provided an update on the Great Lakes Islands Alliance. This is a voluntary network of ~125 people from 15 year-round islands in the Great Lakes. Mission is to share information between island communities and elevate their unique needs. Nearly all members are islanders- local elected officials, Chambers, island businesses and NGOs, school principals, etc. Led by a 5-islander Steering Committee. Matt serves as central coordinator. From Beaver, there are 15+ people who are GLIA members, including Bob Anderson who sits on the GLIA Steering Committee. Holds an annual Islands Summit meeting. Last Summit was Oct 2019 on Mackinac Island. 126 in attendance. Discussions of tourism, community development, schools, conservation, housing, more. GLIA provides an access entry point to local contacts in each of the island communities. Website is under transition, see www.GLIAlliance.org

Landscape Level Planning & Implementation Landscape Level Implementation Planning  The map “Management Zones on State-owned Lands” was finalized by the Landscape Level Planning Subcommittee and approved by the NLMIC previously. On the map there are three zones shown in different colors: Habitat Management and Restoration (green), Selective Management (yellow), and Special Conservation (pink).  A plan is being developed by Jennifer Kleitch and Erin Victory (DNR Wildlife Planner for the Northern Lower Peninsula Region) which will outline implementation strategies for management and protection within the zones.  At the September 2019 NLMIC meeting it was decided to allow Jennifer and Erin to draft the plan and alternatives for management/protections and bring them to the NLMIC.  A timeline for the planning process was presented to the group. The process would take until August/September 2020.  Clarification on activities that could occur in the management zones was asked of Jennifer and Erin. Erin described the process of decision making and the outcomes; there will be a range and a preferred outcome with alternatives for the collaborative to make the final recommendation.  Discussion on the process ensued with some in the group having concerns about whether input would be taken in consideration using the timeline presented.  The conversation ended with a suggestion to involve the Landscape Level Planning Subcommittee in this process and update the timeline.  The result was adding a step in the timeline to bring in the subcommittee and then another step to bring it to the collaborative all prior to the “final draft” being presented for review. This may extend the timeline for the final draft, but the goal is to still meet it.

Options for Special Conservation Zones  This topic was requested to look at the options for protecting the Special Conservation Zones (SCZ; pink on the “Management Zones on State-owned Lands” Map) over the long-term.  A handout with various types of protections was distributed.  Discussion ensued over the various types of special conservation areas within the SCZs which already have existing protections that are defined by state land use rules. This would include Archaeological sites and Ecological Reference Areas.  Unless there is a reason to manage withing the SCZs (e.g., invasive species) the thought is that it is a hands-off area with no other hands-on management such as timber harvesting.  Because the person who requested this topic be discussed was not present, it was decided to bring this to the Landscape Level Planning Subcommittee and then make a more detailed and informed decision.

Pollinators & Related USFWS Opportunities  Meredith Holm and Heather Rawlings, both with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), had new items for the NLMIC.  Meredith is the USFWS Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Pollinator Coordinator and was scheduled to discuss the GLRI Pollinator Strategy and Action Plan, however she was not able to attend due to last minute logistics and poor weather down-state. Meredith is now on the NLMIC distribution list and can perhaps attend a future meeting.  Heather presented on a program called “Partners for Fish and Wildlife” that may be available for funding on private lands on the islands to improve habitats. The program works on habitat restoration within rivers, wetlands, grasslands, and early successional forest habitat. This is a cost-share program and the landowner is responsible for a 10 year commitment of the restoration work.  One idea for the islands would be to assist in improving habitat for for pollinators like Monarch butterflies and bees. An idea to work on the airport properties with pollinator habitat was discussed briefly. A similar project was successful on Kelleys Island down in Lake Erie. Heather will work with islanders and one or both island airports to see if there is interest.

Related Funding Opportunity  Christie Deloria, also USFWS, is the coordinator for the USFWS Great Lakes Coastal Program. She recently released a request for project ideas to implement the Midwest Region Coastal Program Strategic Work Plan.  The program is currently supporting invasive species removal being conducted by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and also funded the Michigan Islands study conducted by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory.  CZM is interested in supporting additional invasive species work or other projects related to improving habitats of rare, threatened, or endangered species.  New project ideas can be shared with Christie by March 5, 2020. Matt will forward her recent email announcement to the full NLMIC list.

Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMA) Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, Emmet (CAKE) CISMA  Benjamin VanDyke presented the update for CAKE - They have three grants within the archipelago currently.  HWA is a small insect feeding off starches in hemlock trees, eventually starving the trees. o This grant covers the west coast of MI and is designed to detect instances of HWA. o HWA surveys with The Nature Conservancy are mostly focused on private property, looking at ornamentals that could be bringing in HWA. o CAKE is interested in getting the word out to private landowners on this survey and the BI Wildlife Club has already assisted. o Mostly spread by humans, could be spread by birds. o Looking to survey around 45-50 properties.  Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant used to treat invasive cattails and Phragmites. o Surveyed St. James harbor and Little Sand Bay. o is the outlier of the project and water conditions were not cooperative – they were not able to get to the island when planned. o The goal is to treat once surveyed and identified.  Education and outreach o With State of Michigan funding (Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program), CAKE will be hiring two interns this summer (May through August) which will be dedicated to the islands. o Interns will be certified herbicide applicators and will also work on education/outreach efforts. o 40 acres surveyed with maps, herbicide applications, record keepings, outreach events, public service announcements, long term management plan for one species on the island, end of year report to the NLMIC. o The application process is currently open and CAKE would like assistance getting the word out. If more information is needed, contact Benjamin. Matt will share info with the full NLMIC list after today’s meeting.

Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee Counties)  Katie Grzesiak covers Leelanau County which includes North and South Fox Islands. Her CISMA works to survey and treat invasive species on public and private lands.  HWA surveys are being conducted in a manner similar to CAKE CISMA. o South Fox Island was surveyed (450 acres of state owned land), but they did not find hemlock, and therefore no HWA. Because North Fox appears to be devoid of hemlock as well, they do not plan to survey there.  Phragmites treatments were conducted on South Fox Island in 2013, then in 2014 lake levels rose and eliminated much of the plant. They do not intend treat again at this point.  Sale of invasive ornamentals is an issue being addressed as well. Katie is working with gardeners to educate and have folks stop selling/buying invasive ornamentals voluntarily. o Selling most non-native plants is not illegal, and people buying and selling them are not always aware which are invasive and which are not. o The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is in charge of nurseries and prohibiting possession and sales of certain species. Illegal plants and animals are typically identified via legislation which takes into account level of risk and input from all affected parties.  The NW MISN is also hiring a fulltime position.

Benjamin and Katie:  CISMAs now cover the entire state. CISMAs work together collaboratively discussing current issues, what’s working, what’s not, how to handle issues. The Michigan Invasive Species Coalition is the statewide association of CISMAs.  CISMAs are grant funded, which can determine where and what species are dealt with.  The 2 townships met with Beaver Island Assoc to get an administrator on the island for working with CISMA to get local ordinances passed regarding invasive plant species.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)  Pam Grassmick updated the NLMIC parasitoids (bio-control) are being used to battle EAB with guidance from USDA-APHIS.  Parasitoids have been released at 12 different times last year on Beaver Island.  If successful, they should be spread throughout the island within 1-2 years.  Next year they have to show that the parasitoids are regenerating which would indicate EAB presence because they die if there is no EAB.  There are specific traps for sampling to detect regeneration.  In 2020 there are plans in the works to release parasitoids on and the south end of Beaver Island.  Pam/others will work with Jennifer to secure necessary DNR approvals.  There was a question related to using bio-control on spotted knapweed in areas like the High Island spit. There is a weevil used to attack spotted knapweed but it also attack Pitcher’s thistle, which is an endangered plant also present on the islands.  There could be merit it doing a forest health aerial survey if available.

North and South Fox Islands MNFI Surveys  Steve Griffith spoke to the funding that is available for Michigan Natural Features Inventory to do a full field survey of vegetative and rare natural communities on North and South Fox Islands’ state-owned lands. This would directly build off their previous desk-top exercise (Josh Cohen presentation from last September).  They also are going to be looking for rare plant species.  Access to the islands is the biggest hurdle. MNFI received several offers of assistance to help with logistics.  Tom Callison added that Grand Traverse Band did an inventory several years ago and he is curious to see what the new inventory brings.

Cultural Resources Committee  Bobbi Welke introduced the members of the Cultural Resources Committee.  They are constantly working on the cultural resources work planning effort.  LIDAR imagery should be available soon.

Deer Hunting Regulations  Jennifer Kleitch informed the collaborative that antlerless deer regulations are currently up for review. Recommendations for changes must be in by March 1st.  Any changes recommended must be justified: biological, social, or economic impacts.  Jennifer met with the Beaver Island Wildlife Club in January regarding this issue.  She also has met with other regional DNR staff to discuss other deer regulations in other areas.  The current process is to simplify and make consistent regulations throughout the region.

Antlerless Deer Quotas  Within DMU 115 (Beaver and Garden Islands) quotas for antlerless deer (number of licenses available to hunters allowing them to harvest a doe or fawn) have been consistent since 2014.  The number of deer harvested, and licenses sold have not come close to the quota during that time.  Quotas are set by looking at several factors  Are we harvesting a number of antlerless deer that is near the quota? No  Are we selling out of antlerless licenses? No  Are we reaching demand from hunters to be able to harvest a doe? Yes  Currently the demand is not coming close to the availability.  One of the main things that MNFI came back with from their vegetative surveys on Beaver Island was that there is a high amount of deer browse on native vegetation, which can be an indicator of high deer numbers, high concentrations of deer in certain areas, or both.

Early and Late Firearm Antlerless Deer Seasons  These are optional seasons that could be added to provide additional antlerless deer hunting opportunities to hunters.  There are pros and cons to each.  The early hunt is only two days on private lands only during September.  The late hunt is longer on private lands after the regular firearm deer season in December.  Logistics of traveling with a harvested deer could be an obstacle.

Summary  At this time, all indications are that it would be difficult to increase antlerless harvest on the island without somehow encouraging additional hunters to participate or changing the culture of hunting (currently many hunters are not interested in harvesting does or fawns).  At the Wildlife Club meeting, the recommendation from that group was to keep quotas stable and keep the island closed to early and late antlerless seasons.  Bill Parsons recommended offering more opportunities to harvest antlerless deer.  Getting harvested deer off the island during the hunting seasons is a big issue.  Opening the early & late seasons would be more consistent with the overall statewide regulations. Tribal hunting season starts earlier.  A different antlerless deer season was suggested.  There may be other options in the future.  There was a question about whether a cull (taking excess deer through a special permit) would be an option to reduce deer numbers. A cull would have to be vetted through the public, there is a process that would need to be followed.  It was questioned as to how many people are off-island hunters and hopefully with the new sales system this can be captured?  Any further input can be sent to Jennifer Kleitch at [email protected] .

At this time there was an opportunity for DNR Officer Baldwin (Charlevoix County) to speak. He fielded some questions related to baiting and feeding of deer, ORV use, and reiterated that he can be alerted to illegal activities at any time by phone or text when it is happening via the RAP line (central dispatch) 1-800-292-7800.

Dark Sky Initiative  Cynthia Johnson presented a video highlighting dark skies. Several folks on Beaver Island are seeking an official international dark sky designation.  80% of all people in the US have not seen the milky way. Light pollution is affecting a lot of areas as well as insects and animals.  Dark sky designation in certain areas of the island is the goal. They have identified several locations on the island to be promoted as dark sky areas. One (likely Sand Bay point) would be an official site.  They are seeking letters of support and may be going toward legislation for a dark sky designation. Those seeking the dark sky designation will be applying for grants so the letters of support will be used for that.  State land use rules would need to be followed if an area is to be designated on state-owned lands.  Some discussion/questions about what this may actually mean on subject properties, and surrounding areas (e.g., restrictions on lighting).

Garden Island Acquisition  Everything appears to be order  The State is making an offer to the owners who have been very patient and holding the property for the state  The comment was made that the property should be held in public trust rather than sold to an individual.

Other member updates  Jennifer Kleitch spoke about opportunities for harvesting timber and improving wildlife habitat within the Selective Management (yellow) and Habitat Management and Restoration Zones (green) on the map presented earlier in the day. o Some folks will recall that in March of 2019 Jennifer and two DNR foresters traveled to Beaver Island and looked for areas that could be managed for timber and wildlife habitat in these two zones. o During that trip, two areas were identified as having good potential for management (appropriate timber and habitat potential, appropriate access, etc.). o As a result of this trip, the foresters and Jennifer crafted draft treatment (management) proposals in the forest management system called MiFI, used by the DNR to track forest management activities and potential. They are looking at a ~200 acre group selection of northern hardwoods, and two habitat cuts, one of about 20 acres and one about 11 acres of aspen. o Those draft “treatments” are still sitting in the system and there is currently some money in Jennifer’s local budget to conduct the required public review (likely an open house on the island) and begin setting up the areas for management. o However, this money needs to be spent by September 30, 2020, meaning the implementation plan discussed earlier will not yet be finished. o A comment was made that we can’t stop business processes waiting for a collaborative approval process. o Another comment was to bring this to the Landscape Level Planning Subcommittee to discuss where and what the draft areas are and the details. o Jennifer will set up a conference call with the Subcommittee for this purpose and to discuss the implementation plan. o The collaborative agreed to take the recommendation of the subcommittee and not hold things up.  No other updates were brought forward at this time.

Review action items, notes, ponder next meeting, adjourn  Next meeting will be on Beaver Island, shooting for May.  UPDATE 3/23/20: May meeting to be postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions on state meetings, travel, and social distancing guidelines.