Great Lakes Restoration: Federal Funds for Little Traverse Bay Little Traverse Bay will be getting increased attention over the next three years, thanks to a recent award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Watershed Council received a grant The Watershed Council for $887,723 to implement The Little Traverse Bay received a grant for Stormwater Management $887,723 to implement Initiative (LTBSMI), an The Little Traverse Bay Stormwater Management ambitious water quality protection project for the Initiative. Little Traverse Bay Watershed. As part of $40 million in grants awarded under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for 2011, the award is a tremendous opportunity for the Watershed Council and our project partners to work toward the goals and objectives established in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan. Specifically, the LTBSMI will address nonpoint source pollution through implementation of specific recommendations from the Little Traverse Bay Watershed Management Plan. These efforts are critical to protect the good water quality of the Bay because nonpoint source pollution poses a significant threat to it, as well as the entire Great Lakes. The LTBSMI involves a diverse group of project partners, including the Emmet and Charlevoix County Road Commissions, North Central Michigan College (NCMC), Bay View Association (BVA), Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and commercial property owners. With its focus on implementing stormwater best management practices, the LTBSMI includes four major components: Click Road and Holms Road Construction Projects This element involves the construction of a timber bridge at Click Road and installation of a new culvert at Holms Rd. The bridge will replace culverts at the Click Road crossing over the Bear River, which will promote the restoration of both the natural streambed and the river’s hydraulics. The second road-stream crossing project will include the replacement of an undersized culvert at Holms Road, which passes over Hay Marsh Creek, a tributary of the Bear River.
A Stormwater Wetland at North Central Michigan College The stormwater wetland at NCMC will replace a failing stormwater retention pond located adjacent to the Campus Natural Area. Currently, the sediment-filled pond is not effectively treating stormwater. The stormwater wetland will include a two pond system; a sediment forebay will trap sediments and the second pond will simulate a natural wetland for additional stormwater treatment. A trail and educational signage will be incorporated into the design. 25 Rain Gardens within the Bay View Association Currently, Bay View stormwater is directed to storm drains along US 31 that discharge, untreated, directly into the Bay. A community-wide Bay View Association Rain Garden Initiative will promote the use of rain gardens to manage stormwater. The initiative will include promotion of rain gardens through outreach and education, and a cost-share program to fund 25 rain gardens within BVA. Restoration on Lower Tannery Creek The lower section of Tannery Creek, a cold-water tributary of Little Traverse Bay, is one of the most impaired systems in Northern Michigan due to the concentrated development in the lower section and expanding residential areas upstream. Hardened structures and hydrologic changes (flashiness caused by stormwater runoff from nearby parking lots, roads, and roofs) have resulted in scouring and accelerated erosion of the stream channel. In addition, the stream currently flows under the Little Traverse Wheelway through an undersized culvert. Replacement of the culvert with a clear-span bridge and removal of failing streambank structures will allow restoration of the stream channel. The work for each component will span over three years and the Watershed Council will be providing updates as progress is made. So stay tuned and keep your eyes open for the projects of the Little Traverse Bay Stormwater Management Initiative getting underway in 2012! For more information about the LTBSMI, please contact Jen Gelb at 231-347-1181 ext. 112 or jen@watershedcouncil.org.
Reflections from Our Director Protect Now or Restore Later 426 Bay Street Petoskey, MI 49770 (231) 347-1181 • (231) 347-5928 fax www.watershedcouncil.org Watershed Council Staff
Gail Gruenwald,
Executive Director/Staff Attorney
Administrative Team Lynn D. Buffington, Business Manager
Sandy Schreck, Office Manager
Development/Communications Maureen Stine, Development & Communications Director
Kristy Beyer, Communications Specialist
Policy & Advocacy Team Grenetta Thomassey, Ph. D., Program Director
Jennifer McKay, Policy Specialist
Watershed Protection Team Kevin Cronk, Monitoring & Research Coordinator
Jennifer Gelb, Restoration Ecologist
Board of Directors Michael Esposito, President Trish Woollcott, Vice-President Tony Naylor, Treasurer Bill Stetson, Secretary Tom Adams Wayne Blomberg Norton Bretz Dave Clapp Peter DiMercurio John Kafer Howard Newkirk Paul Nowak Kent Reynolds Ham Schirmer Dave Steenstra Al Terry Member of: Michigan Environmental Council and Earth Share of Michigan
2 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Throughout the country we continue to hear about tough economic times and budget cuts. The State of Michigan’s budget is as challenged as any, so we will continue to see cuts to programs and limits on tax loop holes. One of the changes that Michigan citizens will Gail Gruenwald see is the elimination of charitable tax credits including the Executive Director Michigan Community Foundation Tax Credit. This begins in 2012 and affects all the community foundations in the State. As many of you know, the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council has endowment funds at both the Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation and the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. Each year we receive numerous contributions to our Water Quality Funds at both foundations. These contributions are important additions to our long term funding and help to ensure that our programming will continue from year to year despite the ups and downs of the economy. With the elimination of the charitable tax credits in 2012, 2011 represents an important opportunity for each of us to make a much-valued contribution to our funds at the foundations. Contributions made before the end of 2011 will still qualify for the tax credit. Individuals and businesses benefit from the tax credit and each gift continues to provide a way to support the Watershed Council for years to come. Similarly, the Watershed Council is partnering with the Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, CMS, and other businesses and individuals to build an endowment specific to Little Traverse Bay. It’s called the Little Traverse Bay Protection and Restoration Fund. We have a goal of $1 million dollars to be managed by the Community Foundation to fund a wide range of protection and restoration work -- all to benefit Little Traverse Bay. We currently have an incredible opportunity to match a $250,000 gift from CMS before the end of the year. If we are successful, CMS will contribute another $250,000. If we succeed (we have $100,000 to go as of this writing), this puts us 75% of the way to our million dollar goal, thus generating $50,000 a year to jump start work for the Bay. The Watershed Council board and staff share the vision of having endowed funds at each of our community foundations benefiting each of our major watersheds. We are excited to work on this important funding opportunity for Little Traverse Bay. The Charlevoix County Community Foundation also manages funds specific to environmental grant making which adds significant funding to water quality work in Charlevoix County. We look forward to expanding on these funding opportunities to other watersheds in our service area. For additional information on either of these giving opportunities, please contact me at 231-347-1181. Thanks so much for your past and ongoing support of our work to protect our waters. Gain important knowledge for helping with our Volunteer Stream Monitoring program by learning to identify aquatic critters in Invertebrates of Northern Michigan Streams - a course taught by Kevin Cronk at NCMC on Fridays during the winter semester. For more information contact Kevin at 231-347-1181 or kevin@watershedcouncil.org
UPDATE: Hydraulic Fracturing The Watershed Council has been working to strengthen Michigan’s regulations to ensure Michigan’s environment and water resources are protected from the recent developments of hydraulic fracturing. Here are just a few of the items the Watershed Council has done towards addressing this issue: • We developed a fracking update email list which is intended to keep list members up to date about our work on fracking in Michigan, and what is going on with fracking use elsewhere in the state. • We developed a Rapid Response Coalition which is meant to exert pressure on elected and public officials in a coordinated manner. • We developed a “regulatory wish list” that we sent to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and included support from over 30 other organizations in Michigan. The regulatory wish list identifies many of the changes that are needed to our regulatory system to ensure that hydraulic fracturing is done in a sustainable manner to protect our resources. This has been the basis for agency actions to date and will serve as the basis for future discussions on additional agency actions as well as legislation. • We are beginning educational efforts to all of Michigan legislators sending them a series of information sheets on Hydraulic Fracturing. These are part of a legal research
The
DIRT
on the Rapid and Grass Rivers
Fall / Winter 2011
project co-sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation and the University of Michigan Law School under a grant from the National Sea Grant Law Center. • We are currently planning a legislative breakfast to continue educational efforts with our legislators. Immediately, the DEQ responded to one of our concerns regarding water withdrawals and began requiring deep hydraulic fracturing operators to use a Water Withdrawal Assessment Tool to ensure that adverse impacts from the water withdrawal will be avoided. Additionally, at our request, they provided an explanation of the process they use evaluating water withdrawals and site specific reviews. The DEQ also issued new Permitting Instructions that were a baby step in the right direction. However, it fell short of what is needed in the long-term with respect to our top priority of chemical disclosure of fracking fluids. We need disclosure of chemicals used, up front, before drilling. Upon our request, DEQ is beginning on a trial basis, to post Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as soon as they are available. The MSDS sheets will be available online at the DEQ’s Office of Geological Survey webpage and include some but not all of the chemicals used in this process. This will allow citizens near fracking sites to conduct baseline testing of their own wells or surface waters. Contact Grenetta Thomassey or Jennifer McKay at 231-347-1181 to participate in our ongoing work on this issue.
How much dirt (sediment) could and should a stream transport?
This is the question that the Elk River Chain of Lakes Stream Study Group is attempting to answer in regards to the Rapid River in Kalkaska County, the Grass River in Antrim County, and connecting tributaries. Throughout the summer, volunteers from lake and stream associations have been hard at work collecting a variety of data from the study streams. The Watershed Council has helped coordinate volunteer activities and assist with field work for these important tributaries. To arrive at an answer to the question, volunteers have repeatedly measured stream flow and suspended solids at multiple locations in each river system. In addition, volunteers have been busy documenting sediment sources by walking streams to note eroding banks and assessing road-stream crossings.
The next question is: how to reduce sediment in these river systems?
Thanks to volunteer efforts, we now have much of the information necessary to answer this question. Road-stream crossings and eroded areas will be prioritized for repair and a professional hydrologist is using the data to build models that will help analyze and solve problems. We will continue to monitor these river systems in the coming year and begin the process of fixing problems. www.watershedcouncil.org
3
Charlevoix Gaps Analysis Completed We are happy to announce that the Local Ordinance Gaps Analysis project for Charlevoix County is now finished. As noted in our last newsletter, the Antrim County volume was also completed in March 2011. Both are available on our website by clicking on the “Publications” tab. This project is a review of all water-related ordinances in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Cheboygan counties. The purpose is to evaluate existing zoning ordinances against what should be in place to best protect water resources, and offer recommendations and suggested actions to help local governments strengthen areas that need improved. It covers ordinances at the county level, as well as cities, townships, and villages in the county. This summer, we also began the process for Cheboygan County, using a unique opportunity at the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS). A class was offered at UMBS called Introduction to Urban and Environmental Planning, taught by Philip D'Anieri and assisted by graduate student Kat Superfisky. As part of this class work, UMBS students compiled the research needed for Cheboygan County. Similar
research was done on Emmet County by volunteers from Pickerel-Crooked Lakes Association. Using this valuable work, these final two counties within our service area will be worked on this winter.
NEW Charlevoix County Storm Water Control (SWC) Ordinance In 2006, the State Attorney General (AG) issued a letter addressing a county’s role in stormwater management. The AG wrote that for flooding unrelated to soil erosion or sedimentation, regulatory authority rests with the townships, not with counties. While we disagree strongly with this opinion, one solution is to have all municipalities pass the same stormwater ordinance language, giving the county authority to administer and enforce it. This is being proposed in Charlevoix County right now, and we urge the cities and townships to support it. For questions, contact Program Director Dr. Grenetta Thomassey, at 231-347-1181, ext. 118.
NEW RaiN GaRdEN at the University of Michigan Biological Station The University of Michigan Biological Station on douglas Lake teamed up with the Watershed Council to install a demonstration rain garden in front of Gates Lecture Hall. The central rain garden includes a depressed basin area where roof runoff is directed via downspouts. The sandy soils and deep-rooted wetland plants will encourage infiltration of the stormwater. Outside of the basin the landscape includes more transitional and upland plantings, including a mini-dune complex complete with sand-loving species such as common milkweed, sand cherry and little bluestem. all plants used in the project are native to Northern Michigan. in addition to the rain garden and mini-dune, two flagstone areas were added to make the space more user-friendly and inviting. Fieldstone walls and boulder clusters (all constructed from stone found on-site!) help transition between grade changes as well as provide informal seating. The east side of the lecture hall was also transformed and now includes two infiltration basins that collect drainage from a Street, and a third infiltration area that collects roof runoff via an underground downspout connection. Thanks to the UMBS staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make this project a success! 4 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
NEW! Charlevoix County Gaps Analysis
Put Your Pills in the POD Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drug Drop-Off Box (POD Box) A secure, convenient, and environmentally sound option for the disposal of unused and unwanted household medications. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, has launched a multicounty-wide medication drug take back initiative to provide a permanent and convenient location for residents to properly dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications. The program was made possible by generous grants from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation. The funding was used to install permanent medication drop-off boxes at law enforcement offices to collect unused medications from households. Funding was also provided by the Charlevoix County Sheriff ’s Office who voluntarily purchased their own drop-off box. The POD drop-off boxes at the law enforcement offices offer a year-round, convenient and safe method for citizens to dispose of unwanted medicines. This program is reducing avoidable poisoning of both children and adults; preventing intentional misuse of unwanted prescription drugs, especially by teenagers; and protecting our water resources, fish, and other aquatic species in Northern Michigan. Residents can drop off unused or unwanted medications at anytime throughout the year. All medications are handled according to the law enforcement agency’s evidence protocols until taken for final destruction in accordance with state and federal laws.
Marking the installation of the new POD Box in East Jordan with a photo are (left to right) Maureen Radke, Program Officer of Charlevoix County Community Foundation, Dale Boehm Jr., Police Chief of East Jordan, and Jennifer McKay, Policy Specialist at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. Fall / Winter 2011
Sara Ward from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation demonstrates how easy it is to dispose of your unwanted and expired medications in the new POD Box located at the City Hall in Petoskey.
POD Boxes are currently located at the following: • Boyne City - City Hall • Charlevoix County Sheriff ’s Office • City of East Jordan Police Department • City of Petoskey - Front Lobby of City Hall • Harbor Springs Police Department • Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Tribal Police Department The Watershed Council would also like to extend a huge thanks to all of the law enforcement agencies who are participating in the POD program. Costs associated with maintenance of the boxes and disposal of the collected medicine are being absorbed by the law enforcement agencies. The program would not be possible without their cooperation and their willingness to be responsible for the POD Boxes to benefit the health of the residents and water resources in Northern Michigan. More POD Box locations are on the way and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is working to continue to expand the program throughout our four county service area. As we continue to work on developing these long-term programs, there are alternative options for disposal of unwanted and unused medication. To find out where to dispose of unwanted medications in areas where the POD Drop-off boxes are not available, visit: www.watershedcouncil.org. www.watershedcouncil.org
5
How shoreline survey results are put into action to protect lakes The Watershed Council performs shoreline surveys to evaluate conditions or activities along a lake shoreline that could be detrimental to the lake ecosystem and water quality. Following completion of the survey, owners of properties where problems are suspected are contacted to provide results specific to their property. They are encouraged to work with the Watershed Council to evaluate their shoreline management and take corrective actions to protect the lake. In the past few years, shoreline surveys have been performed on some of the largest lakes in the region, including Mullett (see companion article on next page), Burt, and Walloon. We have reached out to well over 1,000 property owners on these lakes in an effort to inform, educate, and protect. Hundreds of questionnaires with information that helps identify issues on properties that affect water quality have been completed
and sent in by people living on and concerned about these lakes. In return, the Watershed Council project coordinator writes a hand-tailored response letter to every person that returns a questionnaire. In the final stages of this multi-year process, site assessments are performed at the request of property owners, which range from property-wide evaluations to specific septic system evaluations and greenbelt design. During the summer of 2011, Watershed Council staff performed many such assessments on Mullett and Burt Lakes, and expect many more to follow next year on Walloon. As witnessed on Mullett, Burt, and Walloon, the shore survey approach to working with individual property owners has proven to be very effective. If your lake is in need of a shore survey or if you would simply like to learn more, contact Kevin Cronk at 231-347-1181, ext. 109.
STORMWATER CHASING An On-the-job Adventure by Kevin Cronk
The rumble of thunder in the distance early one gray summer morning was his cue to mobilize. Following weeks of dry weather, it looked as if the long-awaited rainstorm would finally come. As quickly as he could, because time was of the essence, he drove to the office, calibrated instruments, gathered monitoring supplies, and sped down to the river. With lightning splitting the skies and marble-size raindrops pelting his face, he dashed across the bridge, laden with bottles and meters, in a furious hurry to get to the stormwater outfall and catch the first flush.
grant funds, but project coordinator Kevin Cronk still has to sample manually at other locations as he did that August morning described above.
Strangely in these circumstances, the outfall was devoid of water. Perplexed, he peered into the dry, quiet tube… and then, a tiny rivulet appeared… followed by a roar… as water from the streets, the parking lots, roofs and yards… laden with dirt, fertilizers, soaps, oils, grease, metals, pet wastes and more… erupted in a flood from the outfall. With only a raincoat and courage for protection, he stepped into the stormwater stew, taking measurements, filling bottle after bottle, and quickly withdrawing lest the growing force cast him into the river.
Results thus far? First, foremost, and scariest: bacteria counts high and often off the charts. The State standard maximum for bacteria in surface waters is set at 300 organisms per 100 milliliters during a single sampling event. At several sites, we found counts in excess of 2400 organisms/100mL, which is the maximum countable.
Although not always so dramatic, stormwater monitoring is certainly loaded with challenges. Thanks to grants from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation and the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, the Watershed Council is now monitoring stormwater to gauge impacts to nearby lakes and streams in Boyne City, East Jordan, and Petoskey. Three automated samplers were purchased with
What does this mean? First lesson learned: don’t drink the stormwater. Second lesson: stormwater is contaminating our lakes and streams with bacteria and more. Third: we need to do more to lessen stormwater impacts to our lakes and streams, whether through prevention or treatment. We will continue monitoring stormwater in these communities throughout the spring of 2012, so stay tuned for further updates.
6 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Mullett Lake Shoreline Survey Results In 2008, a survey sponsored by the Mullett Lake Area Preservation Society and carried out by Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, documented conditions that could affect water quality at every shoreline property on Mullett Lake. Following this comprehensive survey, questionnaires were delivered to approximately 740 owners of properties where existing or potential problems were observed. A total of 97 completed questionnaires were returned to the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council office, representing a return rate of 13%. A response letter was prepared for each person that submitted a completed questionnaire and consisted of an assessment of the information obtained during the survey in combination with information provided by the property owner on the questionnaire. The response letters included recommendations for correcting any obvious problems or suggested approaches for further investigating potential problems. Pamphlets and brochures containing information relevant to issues affecting individual properties were also included with the response letters. The questionnaire included 32 questions about property features and property management practices. A summary of responses to select questions is provided here. Regarding the 97 properties: • 93 are developed and 4 undeveloped.
• 23 have problems with shoreline erosion. • Algae growth has been observed along the shore at 36 properties. • 5 shoreline property owners feed the waterfowl. • 37 property owners apply fertilizers to their yards. • 9 of those applying fertilizers use zero-phosphorus fertilizer (2 organic) • Only 1 property has had the soil tested for nutrient needs. • 49 properties have greenbelts, 48 do not. • For properties with greenbelts, 6 have vegetation along 1-10% of the shore, 9 with 10-25%, 12 with 25-75%, and 22 with 75-100%. • For properties with greenbelts, 32 have vegetation that extends on average from 1-10’ from the shore, 8 range from 10-40’, and 7 have 40+ feet of vegetation. • 10 properties have sub-surface drainage systems. • 71 properties have septic tanks and drainfields, 11 have septic tanks and pump back to drainfields off site, 7 have group septic systems, 2 have drywells, 4 have none and 2 are unknown. • 16 septic systems were from 1-5 years old, 11 were from 6-10 years old, 22 were from 11-20 years old, 21 were from 21-30 years old, 9 were from 31-50 years old, and 5 were over 50 years old.
• 68 are occupied seasonally, 25 year round, 4 without homes.
• Septic tanks are pumped every 1-5 years at 46 properties, from 6-10 years at 11 properties, and 40 were unknown or without septic systems.
• An average of 2 water-use appliances are used in each home.
• Septic systems have been inspected at 31 properties.
• Shoreline footage per parcel ranged from 30’ to 500’.
• 37 wells have been tested, 45 never tested, and 5 without wells.
Fall / Winter 2011
www.watershedcouncil.org
7
We hope you were able to join us for one or more of these past events. C Purple Loosestrife Beetle Collection Day C Lake Association Summit C 32nd Annual Meeting featuring a panel discussion on Hydraulic Fracturing C 3rd Annual Whale of a Sale Fundraiser
We had a very busy summer, but we can’t wait to do it all again in 2012.
C Lake Michigan Summit in Charlevoix and Harbor Springs C Volunteer Stream Monitoring C Volunteer Lake Monitoring C Volunteer Beach Ranger (Botulism Monitoring) C Four Pharmaceutical Collection Events C Experience Lake Charlevoix C Walloon Lake Canoe & Kayak Tour C Grass River Natural Area Walk C Jordan River Canoe & Kayak Tour C Mullett Lake Pontoon Tour C Leisurely Paddle on Crooked Lake C Carp Creek Gorge Walking Tour C Black Lake Canoe & Kayak Tour C Numerous speaking engagements C and so much more!
Whale of a Sale Fundraiser
Beach Cleanup at Petoskey State Park Watershed Council staff and volunteers collected more than 20 pounds of trash on the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay at the Petoskey State Park during the September Adopt-A-Beach™ event. (Left to Right) Dennis McDermott, Robyn Lambert, Lindsey Walker, Maureen Stine, Andrew Beyer. Not in photo, Jim Ford, Laurie Ford, and Kristy Beyer.
8 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Annual Meeting
Mullett Lake Pontoon Tour
Carp Creek Gorge Walking Tour
Grass River Natural Area Walking Tour
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Fall / Winter 2011
www.watershedcouncil.org
9
An Intern’s Perspective
by Lucy Xu
Instead of going back to my hometown Shanghai for summer vacation, I spent this summer in Northern Michigan, breathing fresh air on the beautiful lakes, wading across the sinuous streams, and playing with dirt in a lovely rain garden. Yes, I was doing an internship at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. However, I enjoyed my internship not only because I worked on a variety of projects and visited different interesting places in Northern Michigan, but also because I learned a lot from the people who I met and worked with. During my stay in Northern Michigan, I was always impressed by people’s awareness and action to protect their freshwater resources. I learned a variety of watershed protection technical skills and responsibilities from my coworkers at the Watershed Council. I learned an earnest attitude towards water quality monitoring from the volunteers. I learned from the Watershed Council members that water protection needs people’s persistent support, both spiritually and financially. Without any skills, support, or earnest attitude, water protection could not be done. In my opinion, it is a good idea to spend reasonable amounts of effort and money to monitor and protect the water resources before the water is heavily polluted, which will be much more costly. This reminds me of a story about paying a high price to treat a river in Shanghai, China. Flowing through the heart of Shanghai, the Suzhou River once supplied drinking water to the millions of residents in the metropolis. However, it was heavily polluted from the 1920s to the 1980s because of a huge amount of untreated industrial wastewater and domestic sewage discharge. Not a single fish or fresh water organism could survive in the dark and smelly water; neither did the residents living nearby dare
to open their windows. In 1988, the Shanghai government started a long-term comprehensive treatment plan on the Suzhou River. Most of the factories, warehouses, and abandoned docks contributing to the Before the treatment, Suzhou River was very pollution sources were dark and smelly. either removed or relocated to the suburbs. Large-scale wastewater treatment infrastructure was built to treat the discharge. In addition, a series of oxygenation plans were implemented to help improve the water quality. Starting in 2003, the Suzhou River has become much clearer and cleaner. However, to accomplish the treatment, the Shanghai government has spent more than 10 billion RMB (US $1.5 billion) trying to restore the river ecosystem. Although the water quality in the Suzhou River has improved a lot in the recent years, it is still far from high-standard water. An estimated 3.4 billion RMB (US $500 million) will be needed for the next phase of the treatment. The story of the Suzhou River teaches people a lesson: never give up protecting w a t e r. No t on l y i s remediation costly, but it is also hard to achieve. After comprehensive treatment, the water in Suzhou River becomes much clearer and cleaner.
New Monofilament Collection Containers Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council wishes to thank the BoatUS Foundation for supplying our organization with four monofilament collection containers with accompanying informational signs for each county in our service area. Fishing line is deadly to wildlife when improperly discarded in our lakes and rivers. Thanks to Wayne Blomberg of Ryde Marina in Alanson, and Kelly Kinser, Manager of Burt Lake State Park for graciously installing these important collection containers. We have two left to share with our friends in antrim and Charlevoix Counties. If you are interested in obtaining a container for either of those counties please contact Maureen Stine at 231-347-1181 ext. 116. Burt Lake State Park Manager, Kelly Kinser accepts monofilament collection container from Maureen Stine. 10 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Summer Reflections
by Wil Cwikiel
When I worked at the Watershed Council, I volunteered for the local schools. Now that my “day job” involves working in education, it only made sense for me to volunteer for the Watershed Council when I had the chance. Over the past few years I’ve lead field trips and helped every now and then, but my big chance to “give back” came this summer when I had the opportunity to help Dr. Grenetta Thomassey as a policy intern helping to evaluate the Emmet County Phragmites Control Ordinance and assisting with the Charlevoix County Gaps Analysis project. I loved getting back into the policy work. In addition to feeling good about contributing to two important projects, I am particularly struck by three things as I reflect back on my summer internship. First, I was struck by how the Watershed Council’s beautiful natural landscaping has become a key part of a thriving downtown. One day, a mother was taking her family photos amidst the wetland plants growing in front of the office. One evening, a man and his elderly father sat on the bench enjoying the twilight ensconced in a slice of serenity. It didn’t matter to them that the Watershed Council’s landscaping is a model of a how to treat stormwater runoff in an urban setting; it’s a beautiful place.
Second, to borrow from Thomas Jefferson, I was struck by the realization that eternal vigilance is the price of environmental protection. As it has been for over 30 years, the Watershed Council is on the cutting edge of addressing emerging threats to our waters (such as pharmaceuticals in our waterways) as well as a consistent voice on perennial issues (such as invasive species in the Great Lakes). As a lover of all ecosystems wet, I was pleased to see first-hand the Watershed Council’s eternal vigilance. Third, I was struck by the people. It was so wonderful to get a chance to reconnect with supporters, friends, and colleagues who share a passion for Northern Michigan’s lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. It was fun to be an intern for the same person that I hired six years ago…and gratifying to see the Watershed Council staff carry on the tradition of sound science, reasoned policy, innovation, and commitment. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve such a great organization! It was an honor to be able to help us all protect the Tip of the Mitt’s spectacular waters!
The “Green Docks” Look for the results of the latest collaborative effort at the popular spot known as ‘Green Docks’ on the Indian River. Stormwater has long been a problem at the site, especially when heavy rains and snowmelt flow along the road surface and enter the river carrying sediments, nutrients, oils, and other nonpoint source pollutants. Recognizing this problem, representatives from Burt Lake Preservation Association, Tuscarora Township, the Indian River Beautification Committee, and the Watershed Council installed a rain garden to intercept the runoff and encourage infiltration into the soils. Deep-rooting, native plants will ‘drink up’ the majority of the runoff and the water entering the river will be cleaner and safer.
The completed rain garden at the popular “Green Docks” in Indian River. Fall / Winter 2011
www.watershedcouncil.org
11
In Their Own Words For thirty-three years our members, friends, staff, and Board of Directors have all worked together, united in our common goals; to continue successes and triumphs in protecting fresh water resources across Northern Michigan. But don’t take our word for it!
Why are you a board member of the Watershed Council?
Why are you a member of the Watershed Council?
Why do you volunteer for the Watershed Council?
“In the mid-nineties, Marcia and I first came to Lake Charlevoix on our boat. We were taken by the beauty of the lake and the surrounding area and acquired a condo within weeks! We, like others who visit Northern Michigan, were struck by the clarity of the water and the majesty of the lakes. Aer we moved to Lake Charlevoix permanently, it was apparent that there are lots of organizations interested in preserving our lakes and streams including the Lake Charlevoix Association, Friends of the Boyne, and many others. All of these organizations do good things, but Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is the umbrella organization for this area. I joined the board because the Watershed Council was doing the most to help and preserve the waters. ey lobby the Legislature and the Congress; take the lead in issues like Asian carp, Fracking and Phragmites; perform needed services for lake associations; do the work on water management plans which allows our area to receive Federal funds and many other important activities.
"I am a member of Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council because I believe protecting and preserving our waters are sacred duties. e Watershed Council's steadfast actions and vision make it one of the most effective local organizations whose mission is in line with these sacred duties. For far too long the actions and laws of the United States and much of the rest of the world have allowed harm to come to the waters. Mother Earth is under attack. Voices of wisdom have been raised in her defense. We need to listen to these voices and work not only to heal the Earth and the waters but to make our future as inhabitants on the Earth more secure. While supporting world-wide efforts in this regard, we also need to keep our focus on local issues within the Great Lakes. We can rely on the Watershed Council and its staff to work everyday on these local, regional, and international water issues. I was taught that we each need to leave the world a cleaner and better place than we found it. One of the ways that I work to fulfill this teaching is to belong to the Watershed Council."
“Giving of my time to an organization that so closely reflects my personal values is more rewarding than ever imaginable. I do it for my daughter and her children.
Since I have been on the Board, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council has been involved in preserving untold acres of wetlands, become the lead organization in the state dealing with fracking, spearheaded many Phragmites eradication projects and performed countless other projects. It is an organization that I am proud of and one that is doing great work preserving Northern Michigan’s waters so that they will endure.”
Frank Ettawageshik Member, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
e sheer number of benefits gleaned from getting involved with an organization like the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is more numerous than the cool running rivers we have in Northern Michigan. Having been the President for the local Miller Van Winkle Chapter of Trout Unlimited for the past four years, I can easily see how important it is to network with groups that have similar interests and work as an alliance in order to accomplish greater goals. Being a volunteer on the Water Monitoring Team not only enhances my knowledge of macro-invertebrate populations on local trout streams, but also, more importantly, keeps the lines of communication open between the two groups. Ever since my early middle/high school years when we were required to volunteer 15 hours per semester and later school years at Kenowa Hills High School, where I discovered my passion for stream monitoring and taking care of one of our most precious resourcescold, clean, clear running fresh water- I have always made time to be connected and to give back to the outdoor classroom that has so richly blessed my life. I look forward to the years ahead as we assess local watersheds and work with various groups to improve these precious gems for future generations to enjoy and make memories of their own.”
Howard Newkirk Board Member, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council 12 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Brian Kozminski, Watershed Council volunteer with his daughter Simone
Watershed Council Awarded Grant to Monitor the Maple and Sturgeon Rivers The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council was recently awarded a grant from the Michigan Clean Water Corps to boost our Volunteer Stream Monitoring program. Since 2004, over 100 volunteers have helped keep tabs on streams and rivers throughout Northern Michigan, including well-known blue-ribbon trout streams like the Jordan and Pigeon Rivers. Thanks to the grant award, the program has been expanded to include eight new sites on two other Michigan stream beauties: the Maple and Sturgeon Rivers. Two times per year, in the spring and fall, volunteer teams collect aquatic macroinvertebrates from area streams to assess water quality. More commonly known as “critters”, these macroinvertebrates paint a picture of stream water quality: the greater the diversity, the higher the water quality. Of particular importance are the sensitive critters, such as mayflies and stoneflies, which are usually, and fortunately, quite common in Northern Michigan streams. Stoneflies and mayflies are the “canaries in the coal mine”. If we don’t find them at a site, it usually raises an alarm.
With the addition of the Maple and Sturgeon Rivers, volunteers monitored a total of 35 sites in the fall, stretching our volunteer base thin. Fortunately, the local chapter of Trout Unlimited heeded the call for help, providing volunteers to cover the new sites. Brian Kozminski, the local chapter president commented that “It’s great to see the Watershed Council’s program expand, especially to jewels like the Maple and Sturgeon Rivers,” adding that “these rivers are extremely important to Trout Unlimited members and we’re giving it our all to provide volunteer support to help protect them.” The Watershed Council will need more volunteer help to monitor all sites again in May of 2012. If you would like to learn more or get involved, please contact program coordinator, Kevin Cronk at 213-347-1181, ext. 109. (Left) A sign of good (stream) health, this snipe fly larva is just one of many macroinvertebrates that help determine the water quality of the stream. (Above) Kevin Cronk and Janie Guiliani collect and examine samples pulled from the Maple River on it’s initial monitoring event in September.
Volunteer Stream Monitors enjoy a beautiful day while monitoring Maple River.
Fall / Winter 2011
www.watershedcouncil.org
13
Welcome New Members
June 10, 2011 - September 28, 2011
The future of our waters and our quality of life ultimately depend on what we do today to protect them. In order to continue to protect and enhance water quality in our region, the Watershed Council depends upon individual members, like you, for strength and financial support. We would like to thank all of our members for your continued support and extend a special welcome to our new members. Anthony L. Abbattista Maribeth Foltz and Peter Allegrina Mr. and Mrs. John K. Banks Mr. and Mrs. Dwight P. Black Doug and Janet Brautigam Mr. and Mrs. William H. Bray Mr. and Mrs. Trent Cutsch Mr. and Mrs. Robert Decker Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fezzey
Mrs. Daniel Fischer Mr. and Mrs. James J. Flom Leigh Gibson Mr. Jack D. Harris Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Jackson Chris Kasamis Frank Lauer, Contractor Mr. Terrence Nagle, Jr. Mr. Norman D. Nasson
North By Nature Ecological Landscapes Timothy Patton Drs. Robert and Nancy Rifenburg Mr. Ross Roeder Mr. Gary L. Sieb Mr. and Mrs. David Skaggs Dr. Ward M. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Turcott
Memorials and Honorariums
In Memory of:
In Honor of:
Memorials and Honorariums are a meaningful way to celebrate the memory of a loved one or pay tribute to some one who cares about the preservation of our beautiful water resources.
Lucia & Gerald Helder Heidi Hill and Bruce Davis
Jen Gelb and Kevin Cronk Emmet County Conservation District
Volunteers
RSVP Volunteers
We could not accomplish the many tasks and projects that need to be done without the help of our volunteers!
Wish List Currently we are without a projector screen. Regardless of our gentle care, our old trusty screen ripped beyond repair and now needs to be replaced. If you have a projector screen that you would like to donate, please contact Lynn D. Buffington at 231-347-1181 ext. 105
Whitetail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Photo by Kristy Beyer
Join our facebook “Group” Receive up-to-date alerts on important issues as well as invitations to upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Simply type “Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council” in the search area and ask to join. It’s news you can use. 14 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Sharon Brown Marge May
Gloria Krusell
We Can’t Say It Enough... Thank you to our Watershed Plan Teams. We appreciate the time and energy of all the volunteers working to get our important watershed protection plan steps done across the regions: • Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed Plan Implementation Team • Lake Charlevoix Watershed Plan Advisory Committee • Little Traverse Bay Watershed Plan Advisory Committee Thank you to all of our Volunteer Stream Monitors, Volunteer Lake Monitors and Volunteer Beach Rangers (Botulism Monitors) for another successful year of monitoring Thank you to the Miller VanWinkle Chapter of Trout Unlimited for drumming up additional volunteers for our Volunteer Stream Monitoring program Thank you North Central Michigan College and Kathy Colby
for providing lab space and assistance with the Volunteer Stream Monitoring indoor sorting and identification sessions
Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped with the
Grass and Rapid River surveys
Thank you Wayne Blomberg and Ryde Marina for providing kayaks for our surveys and aquatic educational field trips this past summer
Thank you Michael Esposito and Irish Boat Shop for boat maintenance, storage, and help developing a system to keep pressure transducers from freezing through winter months
Thank you Sally and Chuck Kraegel and Brian Callaghan, for providing the use of and captaining their pontoon boats for the Mullett Lake Pontoon Trip Thank you to The Landings for the use of their dock for our Mullett Lake Pontoon Cruise
Thank you Grass River Natural Area’s Julie Hurd for sharing her excellent naturalist knowledge during our Bark, Buds, and Blooms Walk Thank you Brenda Archambo and Sturgeon for Tomorrow for a lovely and informative tour of the streamside Lake Sturgeon rearing facility following our Black Lake float trip this summer. For more information on their conservation efforts visit their website at: www.sturgeonfortomorrow.org Thank you Board Member, Howard Newkirk, for graciously assisting us in planning another successful fall Fusion event
Fall / Winter 2011
Retired Pharmacist, Ed Strzelinski has volunteered for each of our POD Collection Events this year! Thanks Ed!
Thank you Harold Fitch and Rick Henderson from the MDEQ Office of Geological Survey, and Randy Parsons, President of Advanced Energy Services, LLC for being part of the discussion panal on Hydraulic Fracturing at our Annual Meeting Thank you Michael Esposito, Wayne Blomberg, Bill Stetson, and Wil Cwikiel for their valuable assistance with our Annual Whale of a Sale fundraiser at the Irish Boat Shop Storage Building
Thank you Patty Birkholz, Director, Office of the Great Lakes; Frank Ruswick, Deputy Director, Office of the Great Lakes; Todd Losee, MDEQ Wetlands Specialist; and Anne Hokanson, Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Ecologist, MDEQ for speaking at our Lake Michigan Summits
Thank you Board Member, Ham Schirmer, for sponsoring a very enjoyable educational staff field trip this summer
Thank you North By Nature Ecological Landscapes for maintaining and beautifying our landscape here at the Freshwater Center Thank you Scott Smith for his continued help with the Little Traverse Bay Watershed Management Plan
Thank you Roast and Toast for the great coffee we happily serve at our meetings and events
Thank you to everyone who made Charlevoix County Prescription and Over-the- Counter Drug Drop-Off a success, especially our volunteer pharmacists Ed Strzelinkski and Joe Hawkins, our law enforcement officer, Deputy Sheriff Jake Wasylewski, and the Charlevoix County Recycling Committee Thank you to everyone who made the Emmet County POD Collection Day a success including our partners Emmet County DPW, Harbor Inc., the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and a special thanks to our volunteer pharmacist Ed Strzelinski and our law enforcement agents, Officer Jake Guenthardt and Sgt. Brett Gooding www.watershedcouncil.org
15
Focus on Flora & Fauna By Dave Clapp
Elk and Skegemog Lake Fish Populations
Based on recent surveys, the status of fish populations in the ElkSkegemog system is good. Together with the other lakes and tributary streams that make up the Elk River Chain of Lakes, they’re a real Northern Michigan treasure. For more information: Fuller, D.R. 2001. Fish of the Elk River Chain of Lakes: a Watershed Perspective. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Elk-Skegemog Lake Association, P.O. Box 8, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Large Lakes Program: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-15310364_52259-160193--,00.html Master Angler Database: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-15310364_52261_10948---,00.html Fish Stocking Database: http://www.michigandnr.com/fishstock Inland Lake Maps: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-30301_31431_ 32340---,00.html
Address Service Requested
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council 426 Bay Street Petoskey, MI 49770
Anglers took about 15,000 fishing trips on the Elk-Skegemog system during 2008-2009, fishing for a total of 54,000 hours. Fishing effort appeared similar to that observed in the most recent previous creel survey (1996). e majority of angler harvest in these lakes was composed of eight species: northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, rock bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, lake trout, and lake herring. More than 27,000 yellow perch and more than 16,000 smallmouth bass were caught during the 2008-2009 fishing season!
In addition to the standard fisheries surveys conducted on Elk and Skegemog Lakes in recent years, research is ongoing to answer questions related to muskellunge and lake trout populations in this system. Specifically, biologists are determining movement patterns and habitat selection by a population of Great Lakes muskellunge, and evaluating how lake trout in Elk Lake relate to historic Great Lakes populations.
Visit us online: www.watershedcouncil.org
Compared with trees, or even other animals, fish are difficult to count. ey move constantly, don’t leave much behind in the way of tracks or droppings, and live in large, murky underwater realms that make the job of a fisheries biologist difficult. To evaluate fish populations, biologists use both “fishery-dependent” (counts of anglers’ catch) and “fishery-independent” (netting or electrofishing) surveys. Elk and Skegemog Lakes have been sampled using both strategies in recent years, so we have a pretty good understanding of the current status of fish populations in these waters. The most recent surveys were conducted in 2008-09, as part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) “Large Lakes Program”. e netting and electrofishing portions of these surveys collected 25 species of fish in total. More than 100 individuals were collected for 14 of these species, including common game fish (e.g., rock bass, yellow perch, smallmouth bass) as well as large and small non-game species (e.g., longnose gar and mimic shiner).
Watershed Council Board Member