Since we usually refer to this as our "newsletter", it has been suggested that perhaps our readers are interested in "what's the latest NEWS from the P.M.? Several of our past issues have dealt with a single on-going project or problem, so this month we'll try to cover all the things we have underway, and where they're at as we tear the final page off the 1900's calendars.

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust Big South Branch Project
We are nearing the halfway point on this projected five-year program. For our new readers, this is a three-pronged approach to attempt to document increased fish populations; we will be trying a variety of procedures in each of our methods of improving the spawning conditions.

• The biggest problem in the Big South is the tremendous amount of sand in the river. Traditionally this has been alleviated by creation of sandtraps using backhoes or large crawler hoes to scoop sand and truck it up off the floodplain. Two significant problems with this method: it's quite expensive to haul hundreds of cubic yards of sand, and the operation site at the river can be torn up by the heavy equipment. As a consequence, we will be trying two unique ways of sediment removal. Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited's new amphibious suction dredge ("Stream Sweeper") has been used on two sites, with excellent results. This lightweight dredge can enter the stream, vacuum out the sand and sediment and pump it up to a quarter mile away from the river. Two sites were cleaned, one on Winnepesaug Creek and one on Cedar Creek, and the dredge worked like a charm. The second novel method will use oxbow diverters. Old river courses, which have become naturally abandoned, serve as nature's sandtrap during high-water events. By strategically placing tree stumps and other large woody debris, the flooded river will carry its own sand and deposit it in these old riverbeds. As well, these oxbows can be periodically cleaned with the dredge to let the river continually clean itself. These diverters will be placed later this year, hopefully before the spring snowmelt. Of the 5 sediment removal areas planned, 2 have been cleaned thus far.
• The second part of the program is to control erosion where possible to preclude more sand from entering the river. Again, traditionally, we have used rocks and fieldstone to armor eroding sandbanks. However, our plan is to use soft techniques (often termed bio-engineering), to repair many of the banks in a more natural manner. Of the 8 sites marked for stabilization, 3 have been completed.
• The 3rd, and most exciting portion of the program is the in-stream habitat restoration aspect. The first uses of artificial riffles in Michigan's Lower Peninsula are the four sites currently being installed. We will be creating spawning areas by adding cobble and rocks along the riverbanks to slightly narrow the stream slightly. Pea gravel is then distributed along the streambed, with strategically placed logs to tumble and aerate the water. Along the banks and downstream of the riffles there are located large trees and "lunker" structures to provide a nursery and cover for young fish. These runs will be fine tuned following the spring runoff to adjust the hydrology for maximal spawning areas. We're so sure these areas will be productive that we are planning increased law enforcement to protect the spawning fish. The last 2 riffles are being placed as I write this.

Planning continues for the interpretive center to be constructed at Ruby Creek. In addition to a shelter, a handicap-accessible walkway will lead visitors to the creek where examples of the types of methods used to restore and preserve the river will be demonstrated. Ann Arbor chapter of Trout Unlimited is now working with PMWC and the Ruby Creek Recreation and Conservation Club in obtaining funds to improve this project.

In order to be able to statistically verify that our efforts will actually increase fish populations, we have collected two years of pre-treatment data on insect and fish species and numbers. In order to document changes above and below our test stations, we have set index sites to record a variety of water quality parameters including temperature, flow rates, chemistry, over time. This data will continue to be collected, maybe even beyond the estimated five years of the study.

What's this cost? Well, of the $750,000 trust grant awarded on February 10, 1998, we have spent $425,973 or 57% to date. We continue to be very close to budget and to our estimated schedule and we hope to begin to see the fruits of our labor in the very near future.

Pere Marquette Watershed Assessment
The four river assessments done by the DNR have each been reviewed by a public hearing to get comments (as well as praise and criticism) on the findings presented. We assured our sponsors, the Frey and Steelcase foundations that we would hold a similar session, primarily to discuss the lists of problems and opportunities contained in our assessment. The symposium will be held Friday, March 31st from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Whirlpool's Dunrovin Conference Center across from the Baldwin airport.

Michigan's Drain Code
We have been following the legislature's attempts to revise the state drain code ever since the Walkinshaw Wetlands (near Walkerville) were drained without notice in 1992. The main feature we have been arguing for is some means of assuring that environmental concerns are addressed prior to any dredging or draining of wetlands. To our surprise, the bill came out of the House Agriculture Committee just prior to the holiday break, but it includes a clause, which would assess drainage costs to the state when state land is drained. This is a double slap-in-the-face, as not only would the state be charged for loss of wetlands, but also the monies would come from hunting and fishing license fee funds. We will continue to petition the legislature to correct this.

Aquatic Species Act
A year or two ago as a part of the bear hunting referendum, control of Michigan's wildlife was turned over from the legislature to the biologists in the DNR. Legislation is now being drafted to consolidate 22 existing laws into a new Aquatic Species Act, which would give control to the fisheries biologists and take the legislature out of the picture. One issue of concern to PMWC is that the draft legislation does not allow for Natural Resources Commission's review of any of the Director's Orders. We will continue to fight for inclusion of this provision.

Scottville Pollution
The antiquated sewage system in use in Scottville allows for periodic dumping of untreated waste into the P.M. river. A proposed expansion of their local system would not only continue this practice, but also increase the volume. We have been strongly in support of Mason County's regional system, which would expand service to both West Shore Community College and the city of Scottville in Ludington's sanitary facility. It appears we may be close to winning this fight.

Custer Weir
Construction has been completed and the weir and fish passage ladder are scheduled to begin operation on March 15th. The ladder will include a viewing window to allow watching and counting of the steelhead using the passage. The Board of Directors will be meeting in February with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and DNR agency officials to learn of the operating procedures, responsibilities, criteria for acceptance...of prime interest is the acceptable percentage of steelhead that use the ladder to avoid the grid. We will be monitoring this closely.

River Management We have an agreement to work with a contingent of the Lake County Riverside Property Owners Association to begin to address several troubling social issues on the river. Reports of increasing trespass, noise, litter, poaching, etc. have resulted in meeting to resolve these problems. We will be adopting a code of conduct, an informational/educational program, and an increased coordinated enforcement by the Forest Service, DNR (both Parks and Conservation Officers) and Sheriff's department. We may be seeking a grant to fund a more visible presence of interpreters and other uniformed officers.

Baiting on the Flies-Only Water
There is a definite increase in the use of spawn to lure fish from cover on the Flies-Only stretch from M-37 to Gleason's. While this is legal, and an acceptable practice in some places, we feel it is neither ethical nor appropriate and are asking the DNR to prohibit such activities. The Board passed a resolution Prohibiting the possession or use of bait, chum, or scent on Categories 5, 6, or 7 waters. We will also coordinate this with the Anglers of the AuSable, Trout Unlimited, the River Guides Association, and the Federation of Fly Fishers.

Communication
We would like to hear from our members - let us know how we're doing, and are we doing what you expect us to? We can be reached by e-mail or phone, or as a last resort by snail mail.

Our Board meetings are the first Saturday of each month (except July) at 9:00 AM in the Community Room of the Lake-Osceola State Bank in Baldwin. All meetings are open, and members and guests are welcome.

Mark your calendar now for our Annual Banquet on Saturday, July 15th at Land's Inn in Ludington. Don't miss this year's 30th Anniversary.

Sincerely,

Dick Schwikert
Secretary & Zoning Board Chair

Jim Bos
President