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Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizen Advisory Council DNR Division Reports Date of Production: June 2017 This documentation is provided by Michigan DNR staff as supplemental information to the Eastern UPCAC members via email on June 8, 2017.

Upper Peninsula Regional Coordinator: Stacy Haughey DNR Public Meetings June 8 Natural Resources Commission UP Meeting, MTU, Houghton June 9 Waterways Commission Meeting, Escanaba, 8:30am June 14 Eastern UP Citizens’ Advisory Council Meeting, Munising, 6:30pm June 15 Forestry Open House-Baraga Unit, DNR Baraga Office, 3:00pm June 20 Michigan Iron Industry Museum Board Meeting, Negaunee, 3:00pm June 21 UP Sportsperson Coalition Meeting, DNR Marquette Office, 6:00pm July 11 UP Sportsperson Coalition Meeting, Raber Area Sportsmen’s Club-Goetzville, 6:00pm July 11 UP Wildlife Habitat Workgroup Meeting, Ishpeming, 9:30am July 13 Forestry Compartment Review-Baraga Unit, DNR Baraga Office, 9:00am July 13 Natural Resources Commission UP Meeting, Lansing July 20 Western UP Citizens’ Advisory Council Meeting, Harris, 5:00pm Central/6:00pm Eastern U.P. State Park & State Sponsored Activities June 2-3 Porcupine Mountains State Park-Crafting a Wooden Flute June 3 Van Riper State Park-National Trails Day Actitivies June 9-10 Porcupine Mountains State Park-Make a Greenland Paddle June 10-11 Free ORV Weekend & Free Fishing Weekend June 10 Tahquamenon Falls State Park-Fly Fishing Clinic June 17 Wells State Park-Crafty Campers Arts & Crafts Sale June 17 Fayette Historic State Park-Christmas in June June 17 Van Riper State Park-Paws in the Park June 18 Michigan Iron Industry Museum-Iron, Steel & the Automobile June 20 Bewabic State Park-Total Woman in the Outdoors June 24 Porcupine Mountains State Park-Fusing Glass & Hand Forging Copper Bracelets June 24 Indian Lake State Park-Heritage Campfire

DNR Pocket Park – UP State Fair in Escanaba – August 14-20, 2017

WE NEED YOU! It’s never too early to start thinking about volunteering at the DNR Pocket Park in Escanaba during the week of the UP State Fair. Please consider volunteering with your group or family member(s) and help to teach a young girl or boy to catch a fish or shoot a pellet gun. Over 200 slots to fill! Create and nurture a new generation of young UP sportspersons! Call or email Kristi Dahlstrom (dahlstromk@michigan.gov / 906-226-1331) or Jo Ann Alexander (alexanderj7@michigan.gov / 906-786-2351) to reserve your volunteer slot NOW!

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Recent DNR Press Releases For full details, go to: http://www.michigan.gov/dnrpressroom Michigan to mark National Trails Day Saturday, June 3 (6/1/17) 2017 Wildlife Habitat Grants available through Michigan DNR (6/1/17) DNR reminds wildlife watchers to use caution (5/31/17) Facilities being updated at F.J. McLain State Park in Houghton County (5/27/17) Michigan State Waterways Commission meets June 9 in Escanaba (5/25/17) New DNR program encourages visits to state fish hatcheries (5/24/17) Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors sponsors essay contest (5/23/17) DNR reminds operators to keep drones away from wildfires (5/23/17) DNR to host ORV trail meeting in eastern U.P. (5/23/17) Project improves fishing access at Victoria Dam in Ontonagon County (5/22/17) Online application updated to provide information on stream fish populations (5/22/17) Forest open house June 15 on Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon Counties (5/18/17) DNR seeks public-private partnerships to support parks, trails, waterways (5/17/17) Anglers asked to keep eye out for marked or tagged fish (5/16/17) Showcasing the DNR: Michigan’s miles of beautiful biking (5/11/17)

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, carlockm@michigan.gov Recreation Passport Grant Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, carlockm@michigan.gov Aquatic Habitat Grant Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, parkerk4@michigan.gov Michigan Invasive Species Grant Kammy Frayre, 517-284-5970, frayrek1@michigan.gov Wildlife Habitat Grant Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, parkerk4@michigan.gov U.P. Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Grant Bill Scullon, 906-563-9247, scullonh@michigan.gov The Natural Resources Commission met at Michigan Technological University in Houghton on Thursday, June 8th. Major actions taken:

• The commission approved deer regulations for the next three years. The commission altered the proposed regulations to remove a ban on baiting in Iosco and Presque Isle counties.

• The commission approved Statewide Trout, Salmon, Whitefish, Lake Herring and Smelt Regulations. The commission amended this Fisheries Order to retain the current daily bag limit of three fish for lake trout and splake in northern Lake Huron.

• Director Keith Creagh approved the results of the May 4 Oil and Gas Lease Auction. The auction raised

more than $54,500 to benefit of recreation and natural resources.

• The director approved six land transactions. Details of those transactions can be found linked within the NRC agenda.

The day began with a meeting of the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee. Jackie Blodgett from Parks reviewed a proposal for revised camping and lodging fees and new modification and cancellation fees. Nearly half of Parks revenue comes from camping fees.

June 2017 NRC Meeting Summary – Ed Golder, Public Information Officer

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The proposed new fees for campground spaces would be based in part on occupancy rates, with higher occupancy campgrounds seeing the greatest increases. State park rustic campgrounds and state forest and equestrian campgrounds would see increases, as would cabins, tepees, yurts and other lodging. All told the proposal would generate an additional $2.2 million, with some resistance to the new prices factored into this estimate. Parks is also looking at a new policy to increase financial penalties for camper modifications and cancellations. The hope is to provide more opportunities to all campers by discouraging people from booking multiple camping dates and using only one of those dates, while cancelling the others at the last minute. The committee adopted a resolution supporting the new fees. Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson updated the committee on the process for implementing Public Act 288, which requires the department to map state-managed forest roads and mark those that are closed. The legislation requires roads in the northern Lower Peninsula to be mapped and marked by the end of this year. Public meetings are scheduled to gather comment on the proposed maps for road openings and closings. Ron talked about e-bikes that are propelled by both pedal power and electricity. Motorized bikes aren't currently allowed on mountain bike trails, rail trails and other locations. The department is reviewing its policies in relation to this new recreational trend to determine where e-bikes should and should not be permitted. Vicki McGhee of Parks and Recreation updated the committee on the five-year strategic plan for the Parks and Recreation Division. The plan was released in May for public comment. It has been put out to multiple committees, the public and stakeholders for review, and has been revised based on feedback. Parks and Recreation Division will present the strategic plan to the DNR Resource Bureau next month and then finalize the plan to guide the operation of the division through 2022. The committee approved a resolution recommending the plan for adoption. Ron reported on the successful Grand Prix auto race on Belle Isle. The Grand Prixmiere event associated with the race raised $700,000 to support the Belle Isle Conservancy and its work on behalf of the park. There is a proposal to change the name of Bay City State Recreation area to Bay City State Park. The name change would not alter the way the property is managed or affect hunting opportunities there, Ron said. Next came a meeting of the Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries. Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter detailed the department’s work to improve state fish hatcheries and weirs. The department has requested $12.2 million to increase steelhead production at Thompson State Fish Hatchery and Little Manistee River Weir, and build a cool water facility at Thompson. Funding is expected in late 2017 or 2018 with construction to be completed in 2019. The first production of walleye and Muskie fingerlings is expected by 2020. A walleye survey on Lake Gogebic in April found that the average length of the fish likely increased since a 2005 survey. Jim also reported on the Bays de Noc fishery. The fishery is challenged by a changing environment, invasive species, unreported harvest and declining walleye harvest. The department has implemented conservative sportfishing regulations and has stocked fish in Bays de Noc to try to address these issues. A trap-and-lift station built three years ago at the lower Menominee River dam has helped sturgeon move upstream to spawn. In 2015 a total of 20 fish were transferred through the station. In 2016, a total of 30 fish were transferred. Already this year, 45 fish have been transferred, so the program is seeing increased success. Jim also reported that the Fisheries Division is working on a plan to stock fish via helicopter at remote Mirror Lake in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Jim updated the committee on Upper Peninsula brook trout bag regulations. From 2013 to 2017 the department experimented with expanding the daily bag limit for brook trout from five fish to 10 fish on a small number of select U.P. streams. Fisheries Division is proposing increasing the bag limit to 10 brook trout on a dramatically increased number of U.P. waters, primarily headwater streams. The division is recommending keeping the five-fish bag limit on other streams, including places with critical habitat.

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Cory Kovacs of Fisheries gave an overview of muskellunge management in Michigan. One of the goals of our management plan is to provide a variety of opportunities for muskie fishing in Michigan. Currently there is a limit of one muskie per person per year. In consultation with the public, the department is recommending instituting catch-and-immediate release of muskie year-round, except on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit river. Those locations are recommended for exemption because of public concerns that population in those heavily fished waters could be affected. The department is recommending moving the statewide harvest season to the first Saturday in June and making muskie harvest reporting mandatory, perhaps using a call-in system. In addition, changes are recommended for minimum size limits. Tom Rozich, a retired Fisheries Division employee, presented the results of a study of brook trout populations on the Black River over a 24-year period. The study found that gear restrictions and bag limits had no effect on populations. A similar study on Hunt Creek showed similar results -- and high variability in population -- regardless of regulations. Wildlife Chief Russ Mason reported that a symposium on chronic wasting disease will be held in Lansing Oct. 3-5. The event will include experts from around the country. Hunting applications and license data are promising, Russ said. Bear applications are up 13.5 percent, elk applications are up 14 percent, repeat customers are up 1 percent and non-resident customers are up 4 percent, Russ said. Ashley Autenrieth and Chad Stewart of Wildlife reported to commissioners on antlerless deer quota recommendations, which will be taken up at next month’s NRC meeting. The department is recommending that quotas increase in the U.P. because moderate winter conditions in the last two years have benefitted deer. The same conditions in the northern Lower Peninsula have led to a recommended increase in antlerless harvest as well. In the southern Lower Peninsula there has been a decreasing or stabilized deer population. However, due to the finding of chronic wasting disease at a hunting ranch in Mecosta County, the department is recommending that antlerless quotas on private lands increase. Quotas on public land in the southern Lower Peninsula would drop slightly under the department’s proposal. Brian Frawley from Wildlife presented results of the 2016 Deer Harvest Survey. A total of 634,021 people purchased a deer license last year, down about 2 percent from 2015. In 2016, 145,054 antlerless deer were harvested (an increase of 6 percent from 2015) and 196,233 antlered bucks were harvested (an increase of 2 percent from 2015). Generally, hunter success was similar to last year. Hunters were more satisfied with the number of deer they saw. Some significant numbers on Michigan hunter opinions:

• 69 percent agree that baiting should be restricted only when the health of the deer herd is threatened;

• 56 percent support taking two bucks in all seasons combined if one buck has at least four antler points on one side;

• 59 percent support regional antler point restrictions when taking two bucks;

• 85 percent support maintaining the Nov. 15 opener for firearm deer season.

John DePue of the Wildlife Division reported on white-nose syndrome, the fungus that is killing bats in Michigan. The disease causes 90 percent to 100 percent mortality in hibernacula where it is found and has been the source of decline in northern long-eared bat (NLEB) populations in our state in particular. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the NLEB as a threatened species. Department surveys have shown an 82 percent decline in NLEB populations in the sites we monitor. The department is working to protect critical habitat for the bats and is experimenting with treatments to try to kill the fungus, as well as treatments to heal the tissue of bats affected by the disease. Chad Stewart of Wildlife presented results from the latest moose population survey in the U.P. The survey showed an estimated population of 378 moose, up from an estimate of 323 found in the 2015 survey. The survey results are encouraging. The population appears to be rebounding from an apparent decline. Gary Willis of Forestry talked about the work the department is doing with private landowners to improve wildlife

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habitat. So far in 2017 we have held three forestry forums that have reached 285 people. Other forums are planned this year to educate owners about improving grouse, woodcock and moose habitat. Jim Hammill and Stu Boren of the Upper Peninsula Habitat Workgroup reported on the group’s work to improve winter habitat for whitetail deer in the U.P. One hundred percent of U.P. deer survive during the winter on just 17 percent of the U.P. acreage. Key to the success of the group is working with private and industrial land owners to improve the habitat they manage. Mike Taylor, George Lindquist and Tony Dembrowski reported on the "Keep the U.P. CWD free" campaign, an important informational effort to educate hunters about preventinf the spread of the disease. The disease has been found just across the border in Wisconsin and deer hunting is an essential part of the U.P.'s culture and economy. Partner organization such as U.P. Whitetails have helped fund the effort, including radio advertisements. The Committee of the Whole met next, starting with the director's report. Parks Chief Ron Olson reported on a variety of parks issues. Lodging and camping reservation are up 19 percent this month over the same time last year. Harbor nights are up 24 percent year-to-year. Recreation Passports sales stand at 34 percent of registered vehicles, a high for that program. ORV licenses are up 7 percent and ORV trail permits are up 10.7 percent. Snowmobile permits are down 6 percent. June 3 was National Trails Day. Ninety Michigan Scouting groups marked the occasion by hiking various portions of the Iron Belle Trail. More than 1,200 hikers logged a cumulative 6,709 miles during the day. Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler presented a lifesaving award to Conservation Officer Patrick Hartsig of Delta. In February, CO Hartsig responded to a call about a 10-year-old special needs boy who had run away from his family's home near Gladstone. CO Hartsig found the boy on the ice of Little Bay de Noc. The boy was wearing no shoes, hat or gloves. A former paramedic, CO Hartsig removed the boy’s soaked socks, warmed his feet and gave him his own boots, gloves and helmet. He loaded the boy onto his snowmobile and sped across the ice to a waiting ambulance. Thanks to CO Hartsig’s decisive action, the boy survived. Trevor VanDyke, director of the Office of Legislative and Legal Affairs, updated the committee on the current status of wolves. Wolves in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota remain an endangered species by federal court order, despite having long ago surpassed population levels set by the federal government for their recovery. The State of Michigan has joined legal arguments for returning wolves to state management. In March the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit took wolves in Wyoming off the endangered species list. Michigan’s case is somewhat different in detail from Wyoming’s, Trevor said. It is hard to predict when the court will rule on the status of wolves in Michigan. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. -Ed Golder, Public Information Officer HB 4082 – Require Notification of Department Prescribed Burns – Rep. Whiteford: This bill seeks to amend section 51501 and add section 51503c of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require prior notice to a township supervisor and primary point of emergency contact of prescribed burns.

• The bill was reported from the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.

• The Administration supports this legislation. HB 4424 – Cervid Import and Chronic Wasting Disease – Rep. Kivela: This bill seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by amending section 40118 to increase the penalty for an individual who unlawfully imports a cervid carcass or parts of a cervid carcass, with some exceptions, from another state or province. The penalty would be a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days and/or a fine of not less than $500.00 or more than $2,000.00, plus the costs of prosecution.

• This bill passed the Senate and is awaiting signature by the Governor.

June 2017 Legislative Update – Anna Mooney , Legislative & Legal Affairs Office

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SB 76 – Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) 2017 Appropriation – Sen. Booher: Pursuant to the recommendation of the Natural Resources Trust Fund Board, SB 76, as introduced, would appropriate $47.6 million from the MNRTF for 27 acquisition projects (approximately $27.7 million) and 87 development projects (approximately $19.9 million). Total matching funds of $40.1 million result in total project costs of $87.7 million. The Appropriations Subcommittee on Joint Capital Outlay made a recommendation to the full Senate Committee on Appropriations that the bill be amended to include 43 additional development projects for an additional appropriation of $7.7 million for projects that were applied for, but not recommended for funding by the MNRTF Board.

• This bill passed the full Senate and was referred to the House Committee on Appropriations. • The Administration opposes this legislation.

SB 280 – Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Policy Change – Sen. Booher: This bill seeks to make several changes to Part 19 (Natural Resources Trust Fund) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. SB 280 allows the legislature to determine the amount of funds made available for awards for both acquisition and development. The bill would also limit the time period for completion of projects to two years.

• The bill passed the full Senate and was referred to the House Committee on Appropriations. • The Administration opposes this legislation.

SB 302 -- Restrictions on Land Acquisitions, Land Sales and Land Management by the Department – Sen. Casperson: This bill seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by prohibiting the Department from acquiring land if any state PILT payments, commercial forestland payments, or payments on tax-reverted land are not paid in full and on time. Further, the bill provides counties the ability to prohibit the Department from acquiring land where 40% of that local jurisdiction’s land is either owned by the state, federal government, or in commercial forestland. The bill also urges the Department to provide motorized public access to all lands under the control of the Department, modifies the process for land exchanges, sales and appraisal valuations, and requires for each forest management area the establishment of an allowable sale quantity, a minimum sale quantity, and management goals.

• This bill was reported from the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.

• The Administration has not taken a position on this amended legislation. SB 303 -- Expands the Acceptable Uses of the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund to Pay Certain Costs – Sen. Booher: This bill seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by amending Sections 2130, 2134, 2135, 2154 and 51106 to expand the acceptable uses of the land exchange facilitation fund to pay for surveys and environmental assessments incurred by the Department in land transactions, as well as the costs of managing the natural resources for public recreation activities and development projects on department managed lands. In addition, the bill changes the name of the fund to the “Land Exchange Facilitation and Management Fund.” The bill further increases the payment amount per acre on commercial forestlands.

• This bill was reported from the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.

• The Administration supports this amended legislation. SB 316 – Frog Spearing with the Aid of Artificial Light – Sen. Booher This bill seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by repealing Section 45501. Repealing this section will place the regulatory authority for the season for frogs and the prohibition on the use of artificial light to aid in the spearing of frogs at night with the Natural Resources Commission (NRC). The NRC has the authority to regulate the take of reptiles and amphibians in regards to all other matters. Removal

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of the season as well as the use of artificial light from statute places the regulatory authority over these two items with the NRC, similar to all other sport fishing regulations.

• This bill was reported from the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.

• The Administration supports this legislation. SB 423 – 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.

If you would like to learn more about these and other bills, you can access the Michigan Legislature website at www.legislature.mi.gov. WUPCAC Meeting: The WUPCAC met on May 2 in Crystal Falls. Annual officer elections were held; Phil Wirtanen and Warren Suchovsky were re-elected as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively. Updates were provided on the UP Wildlife Habitat Workgroup, CWD, and the UP CWD Taskforce. A presentation on the Fisher/Marten trapping season/regulations was provided along with a scope of council topics and a UP forest road inventory update. A review of the DNR’s positive response to the Councils’ January resolution took place, which supported the recommendation to make Lake Gogebic State Park ATV-friendly. A good showing of the local public was present for this meeting. Also in attendance were Dr. Kirk Schott from Sen. Casperson’s office and Marc Miller, DNR Deputy Director of Regional Initiatives. There were no resolutions brought forward from the subcommittee level for Council approval. Public comment pertained to changing inland stocking levels to match angler desire, dismay with not being able to bring an unprocessed deer or a trophy animal in to Michigan from a CWD-infected state, what is being done about the low numbers of snowshoe hare, and issues with the Republic Dam. The next WUPCAC Meeting will be held on July 19 in Harris. Finance & Operations: Michelle Zellar, Eastern UP 2017 Free ORV Weekends June 10-11 and August 19-20 Residents and out-of-state visitors can ride DNR-designated routes and trails during two Free ORV Weekends, taking place June 10-11 and August 19-20. Off-road enthusiasts will not need to possess an ORV license or trail permit on these dates, saving riders up to $36.25. Grab a fishing rod and enjoy some of the finest fishing Michigan has to offer during the 2017 Summer Free Fishing Weekend on June 10-11. That Saturday and Sunday, everyone – residents and non-residents alike – can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply. Additionally, during #MiFreeFishingWeekend, the DNR will waive the regular Recreation Passport entry fee for vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas. Several of these locations will host official 2017 Summer Free Fishing Weekend events perfect for the whole family.

Western UPCAC Update

Division Updates

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Free Fishing Weekend Demonstrations Time: 12:00pm — 2:00pm Date: June 10, 2017 The Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Free Fishing Demonstration event. Newberry Area Chamber of Commerce, along with MDNR Fisheries personnel, will be providing demonstrations on the basics of fishing with activities to implement skills as well as some fish identification and how to preserve our waters. There are great water resources in the area and fishing is a wonderful pass time for all ages. This event is open to all ages and will take place at the Dollarville Dam. June 2017 6/1 – Deadline to apply for Bear and Elk hunts 6/6 – Muskie season opens on Lake St. Clair, St. Clair R. and Detroit R. 6/10 & 6/11 – Free Fishing Weekend 6/17 – Bass season opens on Lake St. Clair, St. Clair R, Detroit R, Boundary Waters. 6/26 – Bear & Elk Drawing results posted on Web site July 2017 7/1 – May apply for Fall Turkey hunts 7/8 – Dog Training opens; may also use dogs for night hunting (see p. 48) 7/15 – May apply for a Antlerless Deer license

• Can also apply for Reserved Deer Hunts • Youth 10-16 may purchase one Junior Antlerless License, over the counter

7/15 – Opener for Turtle seasons (Snappers and Softshells). 7/16 – Sturgeon Season opens on Otsego Lake, Lake St. Clair, and St. Clair R. Forest Resources Division: Jeff Stampfly, Eastern UP Supervisor (prepared by Kristen Matson) The 2019 Year of Entry (YOE) inventory is about half complete for the EUP. Open house and compartment review

schedules will be posted online, along with other state forest inventory information at: www.michigan.Gov/forestry. Foresters have been working on the 2017 timber sale plan of work. The EUP is scheduled to set up approximately

13,100 acres of timber sales in the 2017 FY.

Currently, there are 244 open sales in the EUP, covering 35,124 acres and valued at $25.5 million. Approximately 30 of these are active right now; mainly upland sites with mostly pine being harvested.

The EUP offered 30 sales in the last two months, many of which were Walters hardwood research sales. All but four

sales have sold and these will be re-offered at a reduced price. Three of the unsold sales were hardwood research sales. The number of bidders on all sales has been light to average. Lowland sales have been more challenging to sell, pine sales have good competition.

The division continues to work with the USFS on Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) projects. Field work for the 2017 harvest project on the west zone of the Hiawatha National Forest will start soon. 2018 GNA work is in the planning stage, and the acreage for the EUP will be greater than the first two years. A 2016 GNA sale on the west zone of the Hiawatha NF is currently being harvested, with one payment unit completed.

Planting season has concluded. 2.1 million trees were planted with many good growing days in their future;

approximately half of these trees were in the Newberry FMU and were mainly jack pine. Shingleton hired a new Fire Supervisor, Avi Shalom, who comes to us from Alaska. The Sault and Seney hired new

Fire Officers Shane Crawford and Kevin Clark respectively. A temporary fire officer was added in the Sault. Summer forestry students were hired in all three EUP FMU’s.

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Shingleton just put its new John Deere 550 Fire Dozer into service. Due to new emission control systems, we have had to increase the size of the dozers we use to have the needed power to pull the fire plow.

There were two wildlife opening prescribed burns this spring in the EUP: 23 acres near Big Springs, and 208 acres

northwest of Newberry. In addition, EUP fire fighters helped with prescribed burns in the WUP and in the NLP. As of the end of May, there have been a total of 17 statistical fires for the entire UP. Non-statistical fires are often

handled by our federal partners or by local volunteers. Recent project work for EUP includes: grading of Munuscong and Detour Campground roads, removal of the old

well pad at Hog Island, hazard tree removal in many campgrounds, along the Paradise and Canada Lakes Pathways, and along the Two Hearted ORV trail.

Three road projects in the Newberry FMU were recently bid out. Work is being contracted for the shaping of roads

and hauling, leveling and spreading of some gravel. Roads that will see work are: McLeod Road, Section 34 Road, Pull-Up Lakes Road, M117-CR405 Cut-Across and Crisp Point Trail#8 Road. That work will start this summer.

High water from heavy spring rain, in combination with high beaver numbers due to low fur prices, is causing

washouts in some roads including the Sunrise Grade and the Metser Road.

CFM Foresters have received over 22,000 acres of Commercial Forest enrollment applications to inspect/review this summer state-wide. There are over 6,800 acres of enrollment applications for the west UP, 14,500 in the east UP and 820 acres downstate.

The Road Classification work continues. There are 3 public meetings set up the week of June 19th in the lower peninsula. A similar process is being followed in the UP, however staff here are still classifying roads, with the UP classification continuing through the summer.

FRD spoke at a Senator Stabenow’s Farm Bill hearing in Frankenmuth last month, to discuss how improvements in

the 2018 Farm Bill would help enhance harvesting of USFS timber under the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) program.

Spruce budworm defoliation in 2016 covered many of the same areas as 2015, with some minor expansion into

previously uninfested areas in the west-central Upper Peninsula. The intensity of the defoliation was generally less in 2016. Budworm populations will continue to increase over the next decade or so. FRD reviewed and assessed over 50,000 acres of high-risk spruce and fir stands in 2016. Close to 7,000 acres of timber sales were prepared last year that included spruce budworm salvage. Focus in 2017 will continue identifying and harvesting newly-defoliated, high-risk mature and older spruce/fir stands.

Heterobasidion Root Disease (HRD) is a serious root rot fungus that was detected for the first time in the U.P. in

2016. The disease was confirmed in a red pine plantation on private land in Luce County. The Forest Health Program will be conducting early detection surveys in adjacent red pine stands. In addition, a draft HRD Advisory is being reviewed by the FRD Management Team. The advisory will assist field staff in assessing HRD risk and provide guidance on treatment options.

FRD continues to work with USFS researchers to identify BBD-resistant beech trees in hard-hit areas of the state.

Progress continues in developing resistant hybrids, including efforts to develop a containerized seed orchard of resistant U.P. genotypes to speed production of restoration-quality seedlings.

Law Enforcement Division (LED): Lt. Skip Hagy, District 2 District officers have been kept busy as normal across the district. Spring fish runs were very good this year and the first few weeks of pike & walleye season has followed the same pattern. A good number of fish are being caught and a fair

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number of violations have been encountered. Law Division is still gearing up for our next CO Academy which is scheduled to begin July 16th with final screenings and offers of employment still going out. Do your part to help our next generation of sportsmen & women learn to do things the right way & safely, they learn by the example you set! Get out and enjoy our great UP!! Don’t forget the UP State Fair in Escanaba is coming up August 14th – 20th and if you’re able to help out at the Pocket Park on the archery or pellet gun range during this week, please get in touch with Kristi Dahlstrom to sign up. Below are some of the cases officers have been involved in since the last CAC. DISTRICT 2 3/26/2017 – 4/8/2017 CO Michael Evink received a complaint from a state forester. The forester was called to the site of a timber harvesting job

where the cutting crew had located a truck in the woods. The forester and cutting crew were concerned it was a stolen vehicle. After further investigation, the owner was located and cited for leaving a truck on state land. The owner stated it broke down and had been there for a year or so.

CO Mark Zitnik was patrolling Munising Bay when he encountered several individuals ice fishing. Fishing was good and everyone had caught fish. During the contact it was discovered that one subject had kept ten salmon and splake (five over his limit). Enforcement action was taken.

CO Mark Zitnik was patrolling a closed section of stream along the Rock River when he observed an individual fishing in the closed area. CO Zitnik made contact with the angler and asked if he knew this was a closed area to fishing. The angler stated he did not. CO Zitnik then asked why he had hidden his truck and kept looking back to see if anyone was around while fishing and the angler could not come up with an explanation. Enforcement action was taken.

COs Robert Freeborn and Michael Evink were on routine patrol when they observed a vehicle pass by them without a license plate. As CO Freeborn turned on the vehicle lights to make a traffic stop, the vehicle turned into a driveway. It was determined that the driver had not had a valid license for several years. The driver was issued a citation for driving while license suspended.

CO Jon Busken stopped to assist a Michigan State Police Trooper on a traffic stop in Newberry. CO Busken recognized the driver of the suspect vehicle as he had written him a citation for both MIP and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. The operator was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He also had an uncased firearm in his vehicle. He was placed under arrest for DUI and cited for the uncased firearm.

CO Jon Busken was patrolling the Tahquamenon River for smelt runs when he came upon a group of four anglers. While watching the fishermen, the CO heard one member state that it sure had been a long time since he fished. The group returned to shore and began smoking marijuana. Contact was made with the group. The angler who stated he had not fished for so long was found to not have a current fishing license. Enforcement action was taken for multiple violations.

CO Tom Oberg was checking ice fishermen on Munuscong Bay when he noticed an individual and two small children on a four-wheeler pass by in the opposite direction. CO Oberg noticed no one was wearing helmets. CO Oberg made a traffic stop and explained to the subject that not only was he in violation of having more than one person on a four-wheeler that is only approved for one rider, he was also in violation of operating an ORV without helmets. CO Oberg explained that helmets need to be worn at all times while operating an ORV. Enforcement action was taken.

COs Calvin Smith and Bobby Watson checked a trio of fishermen returning to their vehicles from the ice. The COs had observed one individual reach his limit for the day and continued to catch fish and give them to his fishing buddies. Law enforcement action was taken.

COs Kevin Postma and Tom Oberg assisted the Wildlife Division with recovering a dead wolf, It was determined that the wolf was killed by other wolves in the area.

CO Brett Gustafson assisted Michigan State Police, Border Patrol, and Mackinac County Sheriff’s Department personnel with attempting to locate an individual who fled from a vehicle on foot after a short vehicle pursuit by US Border Patrol officers. The individual was not located. The driver of vehicle was detained for questioning.

CO Brett Gustafson assisted with the search of a lost 5 year old near the Brevort River in Mackinac County. The young boy was found by his mother after a short search. The family was fishing and the child wandered away. Fortunately for everyone, the child wandered into the woods and not the river.

CO Brett Gustafson responded to a call from a DNR Fisheries Division creel clerk at the Pine River access about a deer injured with the hind quarter “cut off”. The deer was determined to be taken down by dogs and was dispatched. The area was patrolled heavily and several concerned neighbors will be monitoring dog activity.

CO Watson received a tip of a muskrat trap that had been found near a local marsh. CO Watson and CO Smith responded to the complaint and located the trap and found an additional six muskrat traps. All the traps appeared to have been left unattended through the winter. Contact was made with the owner of the traps, and enforcement action was taken.

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DISTRICT 2 4/23/2017 – 5/6/2017 CO Kevin Postma was reviewing photos from a hidden trail camera of individuals fishing on a closed trout stream. CO Postma

was able to identify the fishermen because one was wearing a sweatshirt with his last name across the back of it. A report will be sent to the local prosecutor’s office.

CO Kevin Postma and Sgt. Mike Hammill made contact with two fishermen on a local trout lake in Chippewa County. When asked for fishing licenses, they advised they were both tribal and provided tribal ID cards. CO Postma asked if they had a tribal inland fishing license, they advised they didn’t know they needed one. CO Postma explained the difference between the two different consent decrees and explained to the two fishermen that they did in fact need an inland fishing license. A report will be turned over to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians for follow up.

CO Calvin Smith was reviewing fisher kill tags when he came across a suspicious tag. CO Smith made contact with the trapper who admitted to trapping without license. Law enforcement action was taken.

CO Calvin Smith made contact with a fisherman who was enjoying some success on a Type D trout lake. When asked what the fisherman was using, he stated, “A black mister twister.” CO Smith then asked the fisherman if he could check his tackle box. The fisherman said “Yeah you can look in there but I probably have some stuff that I’m not supposed to have back here”. A quick search turned up a half dozen night crawlers that were hidden in a compartment. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Bobby Watson was patrolling a local Type D trophy trout lake when he observed a group of four young fishermen in a canoe and two kayaks. CO Watson watched the young men fish for some time before making contact when the canoe came to shore. CO Watson then greeted the fishermen and called for the remaining two kayaks to also come ashore. Throughout the check, CO Watson discovered the fishermen had been using live bait which is prohibited, they had retained an over limit of brook trout, and all the brook trout in their possession were undersized. Also, in an attempt to hide his catch, one of the young men dumped a zip-lock bag with an unknown amount of fish back into the lake before coming to shore. One of the fishermen also failed to purchase his 2017 fishing license. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Bobby Watson was given a complaint of a trespassing issue which occurred when a young man allegedly attempted to harass some geese with a sling shot on a piece of privately owned farm land. The landowner confronted the trespasser and was able to record his vehicle license plate and a physical description. CO Watson made contact with the trespasser and obtained a confession. Enforcement action was taken.

COs Tom Oberg and Kevin Postma responded to a domestic violence call near Brimley in Chippewa County. The COs arrived on scene and assisted Bay Mills Tribal Police in the investigation. The COs interviewed the victim and witnesses while the tribal officer interviewed the suspect. After completing the investigation, it was turned over to Bay Mills Tribal Police for enforcement actions.

CO Michael Evink and his wife were returning from a shopping trip when a vehicle pulled a 180 on the road in front of them. The vehicle stopped and the driver got out and flagged them down. He proceeded to introduce himself and his dog which was very unusual. He then got back in his truck and continued driving in an erratic manner. CO Evink contacted regional dispatch and was informed that the closest units were over an hour away. CO Evink followed the truck out of fear for his safety. At one point CO Evink lost the suspect, only to have him race up behind him. The driver flagged CO Evink down again at which point it was apparent that the driver was intoxicated. CO Evink talked with the subject until a Manistique city officer arrived on scene. The individual was taken into custody without incident.

COs Robert Freeborn and Michael Evink responded to a subject’s residence that was burning a large brush pile on a no burn day. The COs had dealt with the suspect last year and had issued citations for the same violation. Upon arrival, the COs had the subject put out the fire and issued him a citation for burning without a permit. The COs also advised the subject that he was currently on probation from last year’s burning activity and that it was a violation of his probation. The court was notified of the incident and the subject was called in on his probation violation the following day.

CO Robert Freeborn served arrest warrants on three suspects in an illegal deer case from last deer season. CO Robert Freeborn assisted CO Michael Evink in a firewood theft from a local logging job. The COs were able to locate the

suspected camp along with almost three face cord of firewood that matched that of the reported stolen wood. COs Robert Freeborn and Michael Evink assisted in the local spring hunter safety class in Manistique. The COs assisted in the

classroom portion as well as the field day where the kids get to shoot .22s and shotguns at skeet/trap. COs Jon Busken and Mark Zitnik attended a career fair with Alger County Michigan Works. Interested 8th and 9th graders from

surrounding schools were able to ask many questions pertaining to conservation law enforcement and the hiring process. CO Mark Zitnik was checking smelt dippers on the Anna River when he came across a pick-up truck with a bucket in the bed. On

top was a brook trout. CO Zitnik asked the angler who was wading in the water to show him his bucket. When the angler took the bucket out of the truck he threw the trout underneath. CO Zitnik asked the angler to pick up the trout. The young angler hung his head and gave the brook trout to the CO. The angler stated he should have threw the undersized trout back once he netted it, but didn’t. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Chris Lynch received a complaint of out of season walleye photos on social media. The anglers were contacted and it was determined no violations had occurred; however, during the investigation, CO Lynch became suspicious of some nice deer photos. It was determined the deer were harvested before the hunter purchased his deer hunting license and the hunter had

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been doing this for quite some time. CO Lynch contacted the hunter and received a confession on four illegal trophy bucks. The deer mounts were seized and enforcement action was taken.

CO Chris Lynch was on patrol when a domestic in progress call came out near his location. CO Lynch was responding to the call when the first officer on scene called out he was in a foot pursuit with a subject. CO Lynch and a Michigan State Police trooper arrived at the same time to back up the first officer on scene. The subject had fled into a house and barricaded himself inside a bathroom. After some negotiation, the subject surrendered peacefully and was placed under arrest and lodged in the Delta County Jail.

CO Chris Lynch was on patrol when he observed a vehicle parked near the Days River. Upon looking in the vehicle, there was a container with marijuana in plain view on the back seat. CO Lynch contacted the four anglers and got a confession of whose marijuana it was and enforcement action was taken.

CO Chris Lynch received a complaint of a logging operation going on with several violations present. CO Lynch arrived on scene to see the creek was dammed up and the heavy machinery on scene was operating through the creek. The scene was documented and photos were sent to Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). DEQ personnel are continuing the investigation.

CO Chris Lynch received a complaint of a privately owned cervid facility not complying with turning in required inventory records. CO Lynch contacted the owner of the POC facility and enforcement action was taken.

CO Chris Lynch was investigating a litter complaint near an ORV trail when he noticed a vehicle slowly coming down the trail towards him. The driver observed CO Lynch and quickly left the area. CO Lynch followed the vehicle and observed several moving violations and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver said they were simply out for a drive and didn’t want to bother the CO. The driver did not have insurance on the vehicle and enforcement action was taken.

DISTRICT 2 5/7/2017 – 5/20/2017 CO Mark Zitnik was checking salmon fishermen when one boat he contacted stated they had been out all day and had caught

only three fish. CO Zitnik was surprised since fishing had been excellent and almost every boat had been limiting out. When he told the anglers this, they were astonished and wanted to know where they were catching them, how deep it was and what lures they were using. A quick check of the two anglers’ cooler revealed an undersized splake and 14 fish in total, 4 over their limit. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Mark Zitnik had checked his last lake of the night on the walleye opener when an angler walked by and stated two guys fishing from the shore that he checked earlier had just thrown a bass under a picnic table. CO Zitnik made contact with the two fishermen and asked how they had been doing. They replied they had caught a bullhead. When the CO asked about the fish under the picnic table the fisherman said it’s a rock bass. CO Zitnik rinsed the mud off of the 18” smallmouth bass and advised it was not a rock bass. A ticket was issued for taking the bass out of season.

CO Pat Hartsig was dispatched to a brush fire in Schoolcraft County. CO Hartsig investigated the scene and discovered that a resident at the address had taken cardboard boxes full of trash to burn in a fire pit in the backyard. Due to high fire conditions, the fire escaped from the pit and spread to a commercial paper company land, burning around ten acres. Enforcement action was taken for burning with no permit and allowing the fire to escape.

CO Chris Lynch was on patrol when a call came out for a structure fire along US-2. The fire had spread across the highway and

burned approximately 2/3 of an acre. CO Lynch was directing traffic for several hours until the fire was suppressed. The house and garage were a total loss. CO Lynch investigated the scene and it was determined the fire started from an unattended brush burning pile. While investigating the scene a large quantity of burned processed marijuana was located and other materials to extract the oil from marijuana were located. UPSET was notified to look into the marijuana. Enforcement action was taken for burning when prohibited and failure to prevent the spread of fire.

CO Chris Lynch was on patrol when a call came out of a burglar alarm that was set off in a bank after hours. A Michigan State Police trooper responding to the scene was requesting back up and CO Lynch was close by and responded to the scene with the trooper. Once on scene, cleaning personnel inside were surprised to see law enforcement personnel coming to the bank. It was determined the cleaning crew tripped an alarm inside the bank.

COs Bobby Watson and Calvin Smith were patrolling the opening day of walleye season when contact was made with a fisherman who the two COs had multiple contacts with in the past. The fisherman believed he was not required to purchase a fishing license due to his Native American tribal status in Canada. CO Watson and CO Smith determined the fisherman was required to purchase a state fishing license due to his tribe not being recognized by the 1836 consent decree. His fishing partner stated that he told him before they went out that he needed a state license. The angler had previously been given warnings for fishing without a license. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Brett Gustafson investigated a complaint of trash dumped off a dead end road in Mackinac County. After digging through and collecting the garbage, a suspect was identified and an interview was conducted. The subject admitted to “most of the time” taking his garbage back with him to Auburn Hills, but could not explain how two large bags of garbage were dumped not a mile from his cottage. The subject soon admitted to dumping the garbage. Enforcement action was taken.

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CO Tom Oberg was on stationary patrol in a closed area to motorized vehicles on Drummond Island when he witnessed a Jeep and a side-by-side ATV entering the closed area. CO Oberg contacted the subjects and asked why they were driving in a closed area. The subjects stated they did not know it was a closed area. CO Oberg pointed to the sign they drove past that stated it was closed to all motorized vehicles. CO Oberg explained the importance of the area being closed. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Tom Oberg was on patrol on Drummond Island when he noticed the vehicle he was following did not have a license plate on it. A traffic stop was conducted. CO Oberg asked the individual why he did not have a license plate. The individual stated he just transferred the registration to his other vehicle and simply did not think he would get caught. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Tom Oberg received a complaint of a possible dead wolf lying in the ditch off of Rocky Point Road in Chippewa County. CO Oberg went to the area and located the wolf lying in the swamp down in the ditch. CO Oberg noticed it was badly decomposing and had been appeared to have been dumped there, due to a garbage bag that was lying underneath it. CO Oberg examined the wolf for possible bullet wounds, but nothing was found. CO Oberg turned the wolf over to Wildlife Biologist Dave Jentoft to be sent to the lab for examination.

CO Jon Busken was on routine patrol when he spotted an ORV being operated by an individual whom CO Busken knew had a suspended driver’s license. Contact was made with the operator who stated that his driver’s license was still not valid. A status check reviled that the operator could only operate a vehicle equipped with an interlock device. The operator stated he could have an interlock put on his ORV but did not want to spend the money on it. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Jon Busken was patrolling South Manistique Lake the day before the walleye and pike opener when he observed a boat trolling in a part of the lake popular for fishermen targeting pike. Contact was made with the anglers who claimed they were catch and release fishing for bass. CO Busken checked the lures being used and further questioning resulted in a confession of targeting pike and musky during the closed season. The group was also found to not have enough PFDs for everyone on board. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Kevin Postma assisted with a hunter education class and field day in Chippewa County. CO Kevin Postma assisted with the Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony held in Sault Ste. Marie. Eighty-four officers who

gave the ultimate sacrifice were honored in this ceremony. Officers from the Upper Peninsula, Northern Ontario, bordering Wisconsin agencies and officers originally from the Upper Peninsula accounted for the eighty-four officers. COs Tom Oberg, Brett Gustafson, Jon Busken, Calvin Smith and Lt. Skip Hagy also attended the memorial.

DISTRICT 2 5-21-17 6-5-17 Sgt. Jerry Fitzgibbon and CO Mark Zitnik were working Memorial weekend looking to address ORV violations when they

observed three ORV’s operating on a state highway. A traffic stop was conducted and several violations were addressed including no ORV license, operating on a public highway, and failing to display an ORV license. Enforcement action was taken.

Sgt. Jerry Fitzgibbon and CO Mark Zitnik were first on the scene of a roll over ATV accident. No one was injured; however the side by side ATV that had been rented just 15 minutes earlier had to be rolled over and pulled out of the ditch by a wrecker. A sizable wrecker bill and a ticket for careless operation followed.

Sgt. Jerry Fitzgibbon observed 3 canoes fishing on a trophy trout lake for a considerable amount of time. When the fishermen finally came to shore, it was discovered that one subject had failed to purchase a fishing license. A ticket was issued for the violation.

CO Michael Evink was conducting a fishing patrol in response to a complaint of over limits of Walleye. CO Evink watched numerous individuals fishing over the course of 2 days. While he was unable to locate any over limits of fish, he was able to conduct some Marine Safety enforcement for operating vessel without registration.

CO Chris Lynch was on patrol when black smoke was observed coming from the back yard of a residence. CO Lynch made contact with a lone subject at the residence who was burning a mattress in a burn pile in the back yard. Upon interviewing the subject the subject stated they were wondering when the DNR was going to show up. A ticket was issued for the violation.

CO Pat Hartsig attended a wildlife coalition meeting at the Escanaba Sportsman’s Club with members and representatives of local wildlife clubs in attendance.

CO Pat Hartsig attended a family night at Rapid River Public School. CO Hartsig spoke to residents about the job of a Conservation officer.

CO Pat Hartsig was conducting a marine patrol on Big Bay de Noc. Upon contacting one vessel with three occupants, it was found there were no PFDs on board. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Kevin Postma contacted three fishermen fishing in Michigan waters near the Canadian border on the north end of Sugar Island. None of the fishermen had Michigan fishing licenses as they advised they thought they were in Ontario waters. CO Postma explained to them that were certainly in Michigan waters but would show discretion as long as they could produce Ontario fishing licenses. Two of the individuals provided their Ontario fishing licenses; however the third advised that it was in the truck. After initially giving CO Postma a false name it was determined that the third individual did not have a Michigan or Ontario fishing license, enforcement action was taken.

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CO Kevin Postma contacted three fishermen fishing on the north end of Duck Lake on Sugar Island. These were the same three fishermen that CO Postma and Sgt. Mike Hammill checked two weeks prior. At that time they were three fishing rods along the bank but of course the only individual fishing was the one with the fishing license. This time CO Postma observed all three of them fishing. Upon contact, one of the fishermen threw his pole down into the canoe. When CO Postma asked for their fishing licenses, they advised that they had left them in the truck. It was eventually sorted out that the same two that didn’t have fishing licenses two weeks ago, still didn’t have fishing licenses. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Kevin Postma contacted an individual on Sugar Island while walking back to his patrol vehicle. It was determined that the individual had a felony warrant for marijuana delivery out of Chippewa County. The individual was arrested and lodged in the Chippewa County Jail.

CO Brett Gustafson and Sgt. Mike Hammill conducted a Memorial Day marine patrol on Munuscong Bay. There were lots of people out enjoying the beautiful weather and the fantastic fishing. Many happy anglers were contacted. Compliance of regulations was very high.

CO Gustafson picked up two eaglets from a citizen who had found them on the ground below a nest in Mackinac County. They were turned over to a rehab facility.

CO Tom Oberg was waiting in line for the Neebish Island Ferry when he noticed a side-by-side ATV leave the ferry. As the ATV drove past, CO Oberg did not see any ORV stickers displayed on it. CO Oberg conducted a traffic stop on the ATV. It was determined the operator had a suspended driver’s license in Michigan. After verifying through Central Dispatch CO Oberg arrested the subject and transported him to the Chippewa County Jail.

CO Tom Oberg was on ORV patrol in the Kinross area when he observed an ORV pass him that did not appear to have any ORV stickers displayed. CO Oberg conducted a traffic stop on the ORV. After asking the subject why he didn’t have any ORV stickers on the machine, he stated that he recently moved to Michigan from Canada and did not know that he needed to have ORV stickers displayed on the machine. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Tom Oberg was on Marine patrol on the Gogomain River when he contacted two individuals fishing. CO Oberg made contact to see how their fishing was going. After checking their fishing licenses, CO Oberg asked to see their required safety equipment on the vessel. After the subjects looked through all their compartments on the boat, the two fishermen failed to present any lifejackets aboard. Enforcement action was taken.

CO Calvin Smith encountered many ORVs enjoying the trails over the weekend. Enforcement action was taken and warnings given for violations consisting of riding on state highway, riding double, and not having ORVs properly licensed.

COs Bobby Watson and Calvin Smith worked the annual Grand Prix 500 race in Detroit with several other officers from around the state. With efforts from Michigan Conservation Officers and Michigan State Troopers the event went smoothly with no major incidents.

CO Calvin Smith was patrolling the lower Tahquamenon River when he encountered a trio of out of state fishermen trying their luck. When asked to see their PFD’s three throwable PFDs were shown but no wearables. CO Smith informed the owner that since the vessel was 16’ in length he had to have a wearable PFD on board for every occupant plus one throwable. He gave the fishermen a hand book on Michigan marine laws and a warning was issued.

Marketing & Outreach Division: Jon Spieles, Education Services Section Education staff is wrapping up the spring school program season (mid-April through the first week of June) hosting

almost 30,000 school children for field trips and conservation education programming at 10 DNR Visitor Centers around the state.

The Explorer Program is in full swing at 45 State Parks around the state including U.P. sites: Brimley State Park, Indian Lake State Park, Wells State Park, Van Riper State Park, Baraga State Park and McClain State Parks. Seasonal Interpreters were hired and spent five days training at the Ralph McMullan Center in Roscommon learning the fundamentals of leading all kinds of nature-based programs for summer visitors. Through the summer, this group of energetic employees will present about 3,300 programs for more than 50,000 visitors statewide.

46 Seasonal Interpreters (State Workers) have been recruited, hired and trained to support Visitor Center operations around the state. Several of these employees participated in the training described above.

The Pocket Park at the State Fair Grounds in Escanaba has been busy with school kids over the last two weeks and will open June 16 for the summer. The park will be open Tuesday through Thursday 9-5 and Friday and Saturday from 12-7 at any time. Like every other year, we are looking for volunteers to help teach archery, shooting sports and fishing during the State Fair Week August 14-20. Please connect with Kristi Dahlstrom if you can break free for a few hours to teach a kid to fish or shoot.

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“Arrows Away” – Continues to deliver introductory archery education every week through Labor Day weekend at 10 sites around the state. Details can be found at www.michigan.gov/arrowsaway.

“Hook, Line and Sinker” programs are again placing a weekly emphasis on fishing this summer at more than twenty

sites around the state. These are introductory programs with gear and instruction at fishing docks around the state. Details can be found at: www.michigan.gov/hooklineandsinker.

The Outdoor Skills Academy courses continue to fill. We offer expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a

range of outdoor activities, from hunting and fishing to hiking, birding and much more. Classes explore each topic in-depth, for a full day or more, with knowledgeable and skilled instructors leading the way. Participants will receive a certificate of completion for each class, with special recognition for Outdoor Skills Academy “graduates” who complete multiple classes. A list of upcoming classes and more information on the OSA can be found at: www.michigan.gov/outdoorskills.

Thirty five new schools have been added to the Salmon in the Classroom program for the 2017-2018 school year

bringing the new total to over 250 classrooms. Teachers new to the program must complete a mandatory training program before the fall.

Eastern UP Fisheries Division Field Units (Cory Kovacs, Acting Lake Superior Management Unit Manager) Steelhead fishing was slow this spring for runs off of Lake Superior. The normally very prominent runs in the Two

Hearted and Sucker rivers were light and spread out this year, likely due to weather and flows. Coho Salmon fishing off of the mouths of both rivers was spectacular this spring with many limits being boated.

Field crew completed a Walleye population estimate on Lake Milakokia in April. Results from the survey show the Walleye population was estimated at 2,531 adults or 1.3 per acre. A total of 1,529 fish were marked during the week long effort.

Field staff has begun their spring sampling schedules. Area waters of interest to be sampled are Au Train Lake, Worchester Lake, Twin Lake, St. Mary’s River, and Anna River.

Fisheries Division in cooperation with Michigan SeaGrant held a workshop for the general public to share information about the Lake Superior fishery. Workshop was held on May 24 at the Chocolay Township Hall in Harvey. Topics presented on at the workshop included Lake Trout population status, sea lamprey control update, forage community trawling data, creel survey summaries, nearshore fish communities, and aquatic invasive species surveillance efforts. Public participation totaled 12 individuals.

Field staff have stocked Walleye ponds with fry the second week of May. These will be harvested sometime around July 4th as spring fingerlings and stocked into area lakes. Lakes in the Eastern Lake Superior Management Unit on the stocking list for 2017 include Pike, Culhane, Bodi, Little Lake Harbor, Belle Lake I, Grand Marais-West Bay, and Muskallonge. Other waters of interest are Little Bay de Noc, Brevoort Lake, Millecoquins Lake, and North Manistique Lake.

On May 1, a creel survey started on Dollarville Flooding. Our creel clerk Jessica will be interviewing anglers here to gather more information about the fishery and catch rates for the Muskellunge population present there. The creel will run through the end of November.

Marquette State Fish Hatchery has stocked out all Brook Trout, Lake Trout, and Splake for the spring season. Commercial Net-Pen Aquaculture update Following an in depth scientific review and public comment period, the Michigan Departments known as the Quality

of Life (QOL) agencies (DEQ, DNR, and MDARD) have clearly stated that they do not recommend pursuing commercial net pen aquaculture in the Great Lakes.

A complete summary is well described in the 2016 State of the Great Lakes Report. See pages 10 and 11 in the meeting packet.

Please visit www.michigan.gov/aquaculture for more information on commercial net pen aquaculture. Today, this is a sleeping issue as there is likely to be more conversation in the future from legislators in House Bills.

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EUP Wildlife Division: Terry Minzey, Wildlife Supervisor (prepared by Cody Norton, Biologist) Tree planting: Oak trees are being planted in areas where diseased beech trees were recently harvested. These

trees are being planted in order to provide an alternative fall hard-mast food source to beech nuts. Apple and crabapple trees are being planted around openings to provide a late summer soft-mast food source. - Shingleton: Wildlife staff planted about 1,800 red oak saplings this year. Most of these stands are within the

Petrel and Big Springs deer wintering complexes (DWC). - Newberry: Wildlife staff planted about 800 red osier dogwood seedlings, 400 red oak saplings, and some apple

tree saplings to improve deer habitat. - Sault Ste. Marie: Wildlife staff planted 200 red oak saplings on Drummond Island, 85 of which were planted with

help from the Drummond Island Elementary School, Drummond Island Sportsmen’s Club, and Drummond Island Lion’s Club. An additional 1,400 red oak seedlings and 400 white pine seedlings were planted on Drummond Island and near Detour.

Opening maintenance: Openings are being planted, burned, or maintained to provide spring deer “break-out” areas and habitat for grassland bird species. - Shingleton: Wildlife and Forest Resources Division (FRD) staff conducted a 40 acre prescribed burn in the Big

Springs DWC to reduce slash for future farming of a spring deer “break-out” area. Grouse Enhanced Management Sites (GEMS): In addition to intensive aspen management, GEMS are being

established and improved through the planting of tree, shrub, and clover species along trails and in openings and the installation of infrastructure. - Shingleton: Wildlife and FRD staff are partnering to install culverts and gravel in low spots along a hunter

walking trail in the Garden Grade GEMS to improve access for logging trucks and hunters on foot. - Newberry: Wildlife staff planted 50 gray dogwood, 250 mountain ash, 110 choke cherry, and 50 American

hazelnut in the Halifax GEMS and are also working on parking lot maintenance, culvert placement, and other infrastructure.

- Sault Ste. Marie: Wildlife and FRD staff partnered with Engadine schools, Ruffed Grouse Society, Michigan Sharp-tailed Grouse Association, and the Chippewa/Luce/Mackinac Conservation District to plant 250 trees and shrubs in the Strickler GEMS.

Breeding bird surveys: Surveys for sharp-tailed grouse, American woodcock, and waterfowl were conducted to inform management about their distribution and abundance.

Personnel update: Seasonal wildlife assistants will be working throughout the summer to help with various wildlife habitat projects.

Presentations: - Newberry: Wildlife staff presented to a group of 55 students at a 7th grade camp about subjects such as animal

track ID, radio telemetry, and what a day in the life of a wildlife biologist entails. - Sault: Wildlife staff presented on furs and wildlife habitat to a class of 2nd graders at the Soo Township School.

Staff also presented about management on Drummond Island at the Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) spring meeting, which included field visits to the Drummond GEMS and the alvar on the Maxton Plains.

Nuisance bears/”orphaned” wildlife: Bears have left dens and are looking for easy food sources to regain weight lost during winter. Citizens should remove human sources of food like bird feeders, garbage, etc. to avoid problem bear encounters. Deer and other wildlife species are producing offspring in spring, and often leave them alone for periods of time to reduce the risk of predation. Citizens that find a lone fawn or other young animal should leave it alone.

Parks & Recreation Division: Eric Cowing, Eastern Supervisor Indian Lake & Palms Book State Park

- Design work continues on the Laughing Whitefish Falls stairs and observation deck project. We are currently at the 50% review stage.

- The Wagner Falls parking lot, sign and walkway project is 95% complete. - Sheri McGinn took a job at the Newberry OSC. We are in the process of filling her position. All of our Seasonal

Park Rangers have returned for the season. We have hired all of short-term workers for the season. - Camping +4%, mini cabins +31%, shelters +67%. The state forest campgrounds are running about even for the

year.

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- There was an issue with the water system at Palms Book. The pump & pipe connected to it needed to be replaced. Also there is an issue with one of the lift pumps at the south unit. It doesn’t seem to be too serious.

Brimley State Park/Detour Harbor/Lime Island

- The Conely Point Boating Access Site (BAS) failed shoreline was repaired in May. - Additional anode rods were installed on the Detour Harbor diesel UST. - The kick-off meeting for the Lime Island dock project (planning and design) was held the end of May. - The Detour Village BAS was visited to inspect the failing breakwall. - Brimley State Park has one summer ranger vacancy. Detour Harbor has two summer ranger vacancies. - Memorial Day week/weekend brought 20 more camp nights compared to 2016. - Munuscong State Forest Campground had 58 camp nights for the holiday week, even though bugs were bad. - BAS sites have been busy with walleye fishermen. - Lime Island cabins opened the first week in June. - Detour Harbor saw a little boat traffic with a handful of slips rented along with some seasonal slip renters

returning over the holiday weekend. - Staff has been busy getting the campgrounds, BAS and trailheads ready for heavy summer use.

Fayette Historic State Park

- Campground: Toilet/Shower building & sanitation station open to the camping public May 5th. - Harbor: Bender system finally complete; dock is completely open. - Townsite: Furnace stacks showed significant mortar loss over winter – contractor and professionals on site to

evaluate. Contractor will be performing warranty work over the summer. - Struggling to find enough eligible people to fill state worker positions – currently still have 2 openings. - Open House for new toilet/shower building and dock held May 27th.

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/content/news/Fayette-Historic-State-Park-shows-off-new-modern-amenities-to-public-424804823.html

- Holiday Friday and Saturday Camper Nights compared to last year: 2016–50 camps, 2017–74, a 48% increase.

Straits State Park/Mackinac Island - Toilet shower building punch lists are still in the process of being completed. - Looking at the first phase for getting a new toilet shower building at the State Dock on Mackinac Island. The old

building is still going with lots of TLC but will need to be replaced in the future. - Straits filled its vacant ranger position and hired Samantha “Sam” Freel. She has previously worked at Onaway

State Park and comes to us with a completed parks and recreation degree from LSSU. She was thrown right into the mix of things and is doing great.

- Straits still has many short term worker openings available yet and is struggling to fill positions. If you know folks, please send them in for an application.

- Memorial weekend attendance far exceeded the usual amount of camps. The park was above ¾ full for the weekend.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

- The Lower Falls capital outlay project is scheduled to be substantially completed by June 15th. The boardwalk leading to the main viewing deck has been closed for about 3 weeks.

- The vacant general office assistant & Ranger E-6/8 positions are both posted on the civil service website. We are still short 3 short term workers for the summer also.

- Memorial Weekend continues to trend busier….the campground was full on Saturday night and 90% full on Sunday. Staff parked cars at the Upper Falls for 2 hours on Saturday afternoon.

- The Park infrastructure held up well over the Holiday weekend.

Muskallonge State Park - Phase I of the campground electrical upgrade construction has reached substantial completion with a June 15th

date set for final completion. Several sites have been opened and we are waiting on grass to establish on several sites before the entire section will be open.

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- Phase II – Headquarters relocation: A contract has been awarded and construction has begun. This project has a projected completion date of early November, 2017.

- Hiring of summer staff has been a challenge this spring with limited applications to fill vacancies. At this point, we still have two vacant positions.

- Memorial Day Holiday weekend was average in attendance at Muskallonge Lake and surrounding state forest campgrounds.

Trails Section Unit Report – East UP

- Snowmobile Trail Updates • Snowmobile trail permit sales are down 1.5% for the 2017 season from the 2016 season at about 128,500. • Easement purchase contractors are working on title searches of Bray Hunt Club and Canadian National Railway

purchase proposals. - ORV Trail Updates

• ORV permits compared to last year this time: regular ORV permits are up 10%.

• An information gathering open house was held at Cedarville for the Moran to Detour proposal. Attendance was about 30 people, much good discussion, several new options discovered. Next steps are to continue working with the various agencies to get route approvals in place. Just takes time.

• Mackinac County trail proposal, still in approval process.

- Equestrian Trail Projects: Pine Bowl Pathway equestrian use proposal has been approved.

- Event/Use Permits: Great Lakes Relay – July 14-16, 2017. - General

• Ashmun Bay Multi-Use Trail Head in Sault St. Marie has been approved. • Doty Bridge near Munising is funded for replacement from a Recreation Trail Project Grant and a Trust Fund

grant. Working with the Hiawatha NF on an agreement to replace the bridge. • Lots of water everywhere and some trails and roads are being impacted. Some are beaver, others are just the

terrain. • Construction is beginning on the Prout Road Bridge June 5th; should be completed by mid-July. The bridge will

be replaced with a box culvert. Funding is from Recreation Trail Project Grant, Snowmobile and ORV trail grants. All users will have to use Cut River Road to bypass this area of construction.