Minutes of the Board of Directors’ Meeting September 6, 2008 Lake-Osceola State Bank, Baldwin Administrative 1. The meeting was called to order by Vice President Fred McLane at 9:05 a.m. 2. Attendance: Jay Barnhart, Rick Conney, Jill Engelman, Dave Gabrielson, Eric Lewis, Fred McLane, Dick Schwikert, Tom Seroczynski and Grant Snider

Excused: Paul Bigford, Jim Bos, Jeff Carpenter, Kevin Morlock and Chuck Turk

Absent: Clint Anderson and Steve Fraley

Guests: Don Ingle – partial

3. Minutes of the August 2, 2008 Board of Directors’ Meeting were APPROVED as corrected. Corrections include Item 6A, paragraph 5 – time revised from 9:00 to 10:00 am, Item 7C - name revised from Stevens to Stevenson, Item 7H – delete the words “for the Pere Marquette” from the last sentence , and Item 11 – name revised from Constitutional to Trust. Motion/Seconded: Dick Schwikert/Tom Seroczynski.

4. President’s Notices: A. Donations were received this month from an individual, The Mason County Garden Club and the North Branch Boys ($1,000 donation from their recent fund- raising banquet). B. Mecosta and Osceola-Lake Conservation Districts are holding their annual Fall tree, shrub and book sale. Deadline for orders is September 24, 2008. Phone contact information for Mecosta is (231) 796-0909x3 and Osceola-Lake is (231) 832-2959.

C. September 13, 2008 has been announced as the date for the Mason County Hazardous Waste Pick-up date. Location is noted to be the Road Commission in Scottville.

D. The Michigan League of Conservation Voters has published their Environmental Scorecard 2008 which outlines, among other things, a description of Senate and House Bill Descriptions including voting record. To receive a copy you may contact the Grand Rapids office, 40 Monroe Center NW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or www.MichiganLCV.org. A copy will also be available in the PMWC office. Old Business 5. Financial Integrity: A. Jay Barnhart, Treasurer, presented the August 31, 2008 Treasurer’s Report. He noted that to date the revenue of $27,412.35 exceeds Expenses of $14,701.325 resulting in a net profit of $12,711.00 for the fiscal year. Treasurer’s Report was APPROVED. Motion/Seconded: Dave Gabrielson/Grant Snider.

B. The Fremont Area Community Foundation recently released the Fund Statement for the Pere Marquette Watershed Council Endowment Fund noting the ending net assets for the period of 01/01/08 through 06/30/08 as $ 17,527.61. This total is down from the January 01, 2008 total of $ 19,423.08.

The Foundation also has announced their 2008 Speaker Series. The October 7, 2008 guest will be Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who serves as senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, chief prosecuting attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper and President of Waterkeeper Alliance. The event, beginning at 7:00 pm will be held at the Grant Fine Arts Center – attached to the Grant High School at 311 E. State Street, Grant, Michigan. To receive complimentary tickets please call the Grant Fine Arts Center Box Office at (231) 834-5630.

6. Watershed Restoration: A. The Restoration Committee’s next meeting is September 16th at 10:00 am at Lake-Osceola State Bank (LOSB). Among the topics to be covered are: • Sandtrap at Grass Lake, Newaygo County • Baldwin Village Storm Drain • Woody Debris Projects • In-stream Structure inventory • Misc. streambank projects (Hus, Terpstra, Sessions, Cannon, Waldschmidt, Kolar) • Tank Creek Restoration Project update B. Via email Paul Bigford reported that PMWC previously committed to funding a portion of the Sessions streambank project and recommends that an amount of 10% be funded for a project on the Waldschmidt property. Invoicing to be forwarded to PMWC once the work is complete. Additional work, as expected, has been completed at the Sessions property.

C. The status of the local county ORV legislation has become very complex in the past few weeks. Since the State of Michigan passed legislation to allow each county to pass their own ORV ordinances much discussion has been taking place between Lake County Board of Commissioners, the Chamber of Commerce, Township Officers Association, retail owners, conservationists, and the general public. The County Board appointed members and local representatives to a new Lake County ORV Advisory Committee, which includes Eric Lewis, PMWC Director.

In an effort to clarify the situation Eric put together an “Information Packet” totaling 67 pages and includes legal, safety, environmental, statistical and photographic material which has been distributed to the Lake County Township Officers Association meeting. PMWC and the Lake County Riverside Property Owners Association are splitting the invoice of $ 277.72 to cover the printing costs. This package will be emailed to all directors and a copy will be held on file at the PMWC office. Eric will also author an article for the Fall issue of the Mainstream to be published early October.

Eric, through his research, found that international corporations, retailers, and state and national ORV organizations have been lobbying for passage of State legislation allowing use of ORVs on county roads. The local pro-ORV lobby consists of retail businesses, an ORV dealer, and some residents who want to drive their ORVs on the roads.

It was also noted that the MDNR has strong concerns about increased ORV usage in the state forests. An international certificate is required for timber harvesting from state lands. This certificate level has recently been downgraded due to the existing ORV use in the forests. It is conceivable that additional ORV usage will further downgrade the level to the point that no timber will be able to be sold – resulting in a large loss of market for timber – thus a reduction in state income.

Among the environmental concerns noted by the Board the potential for erosion due to roadway deterioration at stream crossings is the most critical. Stream damage, air pollution, noise pollution were also noted. As the Pere Marquette River is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River and a state designated Natural River it carries stricter regulations than other waterways and requires additional protection. PMWC will join with others to protect the watershed using whatever means available to preserve the river’s outstanding remarkable values. Other organizations to be contacted for support are Trout Unlimited, Federation of Fly Fishers, and Conservation Resource Alliance etc. as well as local corporations.

Eric relayed that the Lake County Board of Commissions are split on their support/opposition of a local ORV ordinance and suggested that PMWC re-state our position on the matter. Following discussion, the Board of Directors voted to draft and send a letter to each of the Lake County Board of Commissioners outlining our concerns from an environmental viewpoint and re-emphasis our support against an “open road” ORV ordinance. It was also decided to send a letter targeted to the membership owning property located in Lake County. Letter to be drafted by Fred/Eric/Dave/Grant. Motion/Seconded by: Eric Lewis/Dave Gabrielson. APPROVED.

D. Grant Snider reported that he is continuing to update the PMWC River Restoration Projects Listing with new proposals.

E. Dave Gabrielson will provide an overview of West Shore Community College’s (WSCC) Streamside Project for the Lincoln River/stream/pond at the November Meeting. He noted that one of the monitoring devices had failed and the College had not yet determined the extent of information that had been lost.

F. Previously it has been noted that the bank is eroding immediately down from the railroad tracks in the vicinity of the Flint Rainbow Club, 72nd Street, Baldwin. Via email, Jim Bos relayed that when forwarded the approximate cost of streambank restoration along the tracks, the Marquette Railroad (MRR) responded that they would forgo the $500/day charge for three days that normally is charged when contractors are working on RR property and that once funding was secured that they would be willing to make an additional small contribution towards the project.

Jill Engelman voiced an opinion that PMWC should not become involved in part in designing/implementing a streambank restoration project on RR property due to the possible liability concerns. If a derailment or other track failure were to occur as a possible result of the streambank, PMWC could be potentially be held liable. Eric Lewis responded that to safeguard PMWC that a letter be written to the Marquette Railroad stating that the project under discussion was one of sediment erosion control only and would not include any stabilization and that this should provide some level of protection. He also recommended that PMWC strongly urge the MRR to review and act on our concerns for stabilization. Jim Bos and CRA to follow up.

G. Last month Dick Schwikert relayed that Joe Rathbun from MDEQ had indicated that they had EPA grant money that may be able to be obtained for the maintenance of the Bell Sand Trap. Following review it was determined that that the data available did not show that the drop in sediment volume was sufficient for funding. Dick will also confirm if the trap will require cleaning this fall or not.

H. Eric Lewis reported that Tom Knoop will be cleaning the Turk Trap this Fall.

I. When approached, WSCC expressed an interest in performing the necessary testing/sampling at Kenosha Lake required by the MDNR for them to consider designating it as a “quality trout pond”. Dave Gabrielson to contact the MDNR to determine the extent of the research data required.

7. Unified Management: A. Dick Schwikert reported that PMWC is awaiting the MDNR’s response to the Unified Management Proposal between them and the USFS. The MDNR has proposed a land lease of access sites to the USFS with certain considerations. These considerations are under review by the MDNR currently.

The question of who enforces where is still an issue. The ability for each to enforce on the others property is yet to be confirmed. This would seem to be the best situation as it would increase the number of enforcement personnel available. B. The Pere Marquette Natural River Zoning Review Board will meet next on September 15th at the Logan Twp. Hall. On the agenda are Ken & Mary Guerink who seek a variance to construct an addition. The Mason County Road Commission also seeks approval to replace the Scottville Bridge with a two span bridge constructed 4” higher than the existing.

Items that were approved by the DEQ that were not required to go before the Board were: • John Pehrson was granted a permit to divide a parent parcel on the Main Stem into 8 smaller parcels. • CRA was granted a permit to dewater the pond on Tank Creek (tributary to the Main Stem) – property owner Bill Arnold. Work is in process now.

C. Last month Attorney General Pam Stevenson relayed to Dick Schwikert that the Pagura’s had filed an appeal on the final judgment previously issued. There is no action to date. A November deadline for the removal of the dam remains with no activity noted.

D. At the June circuit court meeting, the Henry’s Campground case was reviewed in detail with expert technical witness testimony. Jefferson Henry represented himself and indicated that they would work with the MDEQ. The judge fined the Henry’s $500 for contempt charges as no work had been started or engineering data submitted by the established date. It was noted by a PMWC Director that a surveyor had been seen on site, so it appears that the Henry’s are now indeed moving forward in compliance with the judge’s order. No update in September.

E. Dick Schwikert was unable to identify the “appealed issues” to the USFS’s PM River Management Plan that was put into effect on July 19, 2008. Dick to pursue.

F. The MDNR completed the 2008 electro shocking at the Mouth of the Baldwin to Doc Green’s on September 3rd – 4th. Over the two days, nine (9) PMWC directors and friends volunteered to assist the MDNR. Mark Tonello and 5 other DNR employees shocked, measured clipped fins, etc. and recorded data while PMWC volunteers, netted fish, pulled and anchored the shocking boat. The “station” length, where the sampling was done, was 1,047 feet long by 54.31 feet wide totaling 1.31 acres. The following is a listing of the number and pounds per acre for each species along with the total number of trout sampled in the entire station.

• Brown Trout 259/acre 112.17 lb/acre 339 total fish sampled • Rainbow Trout 1,373/acre 37.31 lb/acre 1,798 total fish sampled • Coho Salmon 170/acre 1.81 lb/acre 266 total fish sampled • Chinook Salmon 33/acre .65 lb/acre 43 total fish sampled

It was noted that the fish on a whole were large and showed good color. Everyone was impressed with the number of trout sampled. The largest brown trout measured 22” and the smallest was just a fingerling. In addition to the trout listed above a small number of bluegill, largemouth bass and suckers were caught and released. There was no evidence found of any sea lamprey during the sampling.

For those not familiar with electro shocking procedures a low electrical current dispensed through a rod (connected to the generator in a small boat via an “electrical cord”) is directed towards a prospective area of the stream thought to be holding trout. The “shocked” trout float to the surface, are netted and carried to a MDNR sampling station (person standing in the river wearing a lap desk if you will) who then measures the fish, clips a fin, removes a small sampling of scales to determine age then releases it back to the river. Almost immediately the fish will “awaken” and swim away. This procedure is designed to not be harmful to the fish. The data collected is recorded right there in the river. All of the volunteers enjoyed the experience and wished to express their thanks to the MDNR for allowing PMWC to be a part of the testing this year. More information and photos from the electro shocking will be included in the Fall issue of the Mainstream Newsletter. . 8. Communication and Information: A. Jill Engelman is collecting documents from directors to begin the process of updating the website.

B. Don Ingle read his recap of the history of PMWC that will be included in the future Indoctrination Manual as well as posted on the website. Don was a founding father of the organization as well as our 2nd president. He noted that PMWC was formed in 1970 as a non-governmental entity, since those formed under local government could be subject to political roadblocks. During the early years “the Council had to wrestle with problems of trespass, increasing canoe traffic and related conflicts, littering, rowdiness, the move to add the river to the National Wild Rivers program (at first very much opposed but since then, most now consider it proved a very good thing).” PMWC thanks Don for sharing his early memories.

C. Jill Engelman, editor for the Mainstream Newsletter indicated the following topics will be included in the Fall issue and asked for assistance in completing articles within the next two weeks. • Water diversion – Dick Schwikert – received • PMWC River Cleanup Project – Rick Conney • Annual Banquet – Jill Engelman – received • Cast for Conservation© Event – Tom Curtin – received • ORV Legislation – Eric Lewis – received • New Life Members – Jill Engelman – received • PM Electro Shocking – Dave Gabrielson • Endowment Opportunities – Jill Engelman – received

D. Rick Conney has agreed to chair the Annual Conservation Organizations’ Volunteer Meeting for PMWC next Spring. The date and location are to be determined.

E. Paul Bigford received a grant to PMWC, Sweetwater Twp. and Ferris State University for a Fall PM River clean-up project. The date, moved from Saturday to Sunday, September 14th, will include Baldwin Canoe Rental providing canoes for the students to travel down the river and pick up trash. PMWC to provide car spotting services.

9. Environmental Impact: A. Industrial Plant Updates: • The Tires-to-Diesel developer suffered setbacks and the project is doubtful unless he can secure additional funding. • The Village of Baldwin will be receiving a $1 million grant from the State of Michigan to improve the sewage processing infrastructure, once GEO secures a federal contract to house more prisoners. Prison construction continues, but at a slower pace than previously. • The wood pellet plant is considered possible, but there appears to be “permitting issues” with the Village. • The ethanol plant lost out to Taylor, MI which had more the kinds of recyclable wastes needed by the new process. Lake County may host a second site in 4-5 years.

10. Public Comment: (time limited to 5 minutes) No public comment this month.

New Business

11. During the original “Big South” project a situation was created that resulted in a rise in water level of the river to the tune of 6-8 feet following a large rainstorm. PMWC was unsuccessful then to have the berms removed on Beaver Creek to allow for the water to flow freely and not cause flooding. Now that a new drain commission is in office it is thought that a second try to have them removed may be possible. Eric Lewis suggested that the MDNR/USFS assess the situation first with a qualified investigator. Dick Schwikert to also review the original assessment completed several years ago prior to contacting the new official.

12. Paul Bigford, via email, has been in contact with Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) who has expressed interest in supporting and networking with PMWC to provide a grant for a volunteer monitoring program for the Pere Marquette River. More information to follow.

13. Upon receipt of Dow Corporation’s recent annual report, Dick Schwikert contacted them about partnering with them on an upcoming project. He received a positive response and has opened a line of communication as to possibilities. More information to follow.

14. Prior Board of Director Carolyn Henne forwarded the contact information for Cady Bag Company as a vendor for mesh bags. In other locations canoe liveries give these bags to customers to collect trash during their float trip. PMWC to consider endorsing the use on the Pere Marquette River.

Vice President Fred McLane adjourned the meeting at 11:37 a.m. Motion/Seconded: Jay Barnhart/Grant Snider. APPROVED.

Respectfully submitted, Jill Engelman Secretary

Next meeting: October 4, 2008 at 9:00 am, Lake-Osceola State Bank in Baldwin.

* Hard Copies of the following documents/handouts are on file in the PMWC office. 1. Minutes of the August 2, 2008 Board of Directors’ meeting. 2. Treasurer’s Report of August 31, 2008 3. Fremont Area Community Foundation Fund Report 4. ORV Packet 5. Michigan League of Conservation Voters – Environmental Scorecard 2008 CORRECTED & APPROVED 10/10/08