August 5, 2006

Minutes of the Board Meeting Lake-Osceola State Bank, Baldwin

Adinistrative 1. The meeting was called to order by President Fred McLane at 9:03 A.M. Guests were introduced.

2. Attendance: Jay Barnhart, Jim Bos, Jeff Carpenter, Rick Conney, Jill Engelman, Steve Fraley, Dave Gibbs, Carolyn Henne, Fred McLane, Kevin Morlock, Dick Schwikert and Chuck Turk. Excused: Paul Bigford and Ken Sink. Absent: Jim Schramm and Tom Seroczynski. Guests: Paul Fink, Walt Grau, Bob Kennedy and Bill Sessions.

3. Minutes of the June 3, 2006 Board Meeting were corrected – spelling error and word change “Branch” bridge on Page 4, Item 8B. Motion by Dave Gibbs to accept the minutes as amended: Approved. These minutes will mark the initial posting of the approved minutes on our website.

4. Minutes of the July 15, 2006 Annual Business Meeting: Motion by Dave Gibbs to accept the minutes as distributed. Approved.

5. Election of officers: Dave Gibbs, chairman of the Nominating Committee announced the following have agreed to serve as officers: Fred McLane as President, Dave Gibbs as Vice-President, Jill Engelman as Secretary, and Jay Barnhart as Treasurer Emeritus. Dave placed these names in nomination and Jim Bos made the motion to elect the slate as nominated. Approved.

6. President’s Notices: CRA’s Kim Balke, Project Manager for our Pere Marquette projects, announces the birth of a daughter Brielle Iris; a congratulations card was circulated for directors’ signatures.

Fred attended the open house for the new National Resources Conservation Service (NRSC) office in Scottville; some unneeded hardware and equipment was for sale and PMWC acquired Duckbills and cable for $50. This indicates Mason-Lake Conservation District will no longer be responsible for some streamside activities. We may be able to approach Ed Rivard (Osceola-Lake Conservation District) or retiree Fred Kirchner for references for future work.

Fred noted that the success of all volunteer non-profit organizations is dependent upon the dedicated work and leadership of its members and directors…..and PMWC is known as a statewide leader. We continue to need members and directors to step forward and help out and chair projects in which they have an interest. We are always in need of project leaders and those willing to help get things done. Please speak up and ask others to help us out.

The “Cedars of the AuSable” are again available for those wishing to plant and care for white cedar plantings.

Eric Lewis, a member with a Middle Branch cabin, has informed us that his brother (an attorney) has won a case in which the US Army Corps of Engineers will begin requiring permits when dams are drawn down or discharge sediment downstream. A copy of the findings is on file in our office.

Old Business 7. Financial Integrity: Jay Barnhart

A. Treasurer’s Report (on file): Jay reports through July Revenue of $33,067 exceeds expenses of $28,163 by $4,905. All figures for the banquet and C4C are preliminary but we expect the two to net $11,000. Motion by Jim Bos to accept the July Treasurer’s Report: Approved.

B. Annual fund-raising banquet: Co-chairs Carolyn Henne and Jill Engelman thanked all those who contributed to this success, especially The Board of Directors. Ramada Inn donated the vegetable trays and some dinners. We paid for 125 meals. As another party had already reserved the third Saturday of July, we have contracted for the second Saturday - July 14, 2007 for next year’s banquet. July 19, 2008 and July 18, 2009 were also reserved. Jill has the listing of auction sales and raffle tickets by item. This year’s highest price was the parquet table lamp handcrafted by Bill Sessions. In critiquing the fund-raiser, many points were noted. Three main problems were the lack of many past C4C participants, several directors were unable to attend, and Michigan’s economy is in a down cycle. We need to do a better job of marketing the event to improve attendance. We are seeing much more competition with auction/raffles by TU, Ducks Unlimited, Whitetails Unlimited, Ruffled Grouse, etc. Noticeable was the lack of attendance by LCRPOA officers and directors. Also noted was the preference of the Baby Boomer generation to hobbies such as golf or travel rather than fishing. Other suggestions included earlier notice, earlier ticket sales, concentrating on both members attending and outsiders, a return to a raffle for those unable to attend, and new better ways of marketing the banquet and auction. Please send any ideas to Jill at the office. The Board thanked Carolyn and Jill for an outstanding banquet.

C. Cast for Conservation © Event: Bob Kennedy reports the Participants really enjoyed the new format of fishing Friday afternoon and evening. Most of the contestants attended the banquet, a concern expressed with the changed format, but results were not much different than previous years. Many guides had other commitments and could not attend the banquet. Steve Fraley has volunteered to chair the C4C next year and Bob offered to continue to help out in any way. We will consider offering corporate teams, will advertise on the web and other media and will post the scorecard from this year on the web. The Board thanked Bob for running the C4C the past several years and changing it to a more satisfying experience for the fishermen.

8. Restoration Committee

A. River Care: Work is in progress on the six remaining sites on the Baldwin River; the contractor Sean Kanouse has been called up for fire duty, but this should not affect the planned completion by October 1st.

Ken Sink reports he and Ed Rivard inventoried the Middle Branch in early July: The Turk Trap does not need cleaning yet. Five repaired sites are fine and seven new sites are being processed for a DEQ permit. Ken suggests using the Mainstream to remind riparians to add brush, straw, native grasses to repaired or new erosions seeps. The Lake County Road Commission did an excellent job of repairing Nirvana Bridge (Queens Highway at Middle Branch), and Ed suggests we offer to partner with them to fix the Baker Road/Middle Branch bridge. Motion by Jeff Carpenter that PMWC expense up to $350 for materials to repair Baker Bridge (south of Chase, not 56th Street) if LCRC will contribute labor. Approved.

B. Forks-Jarvis Project: Six sites have been completed; Fred McLane and Dick Schwikert toured the stretch August 1st; we will pay Kanouse and proceed with Phase II, to include island structures.

C. Maple Leaf: Carolyn Henne, Mike Joyce, Dave Bergdorf, both of the USFS, and others will inspect the site at 1:00 P.M., August 21st. (Notify Carolyn if you plan to attend). The tour is to recommend plans to restore the streamside, which is compacting and eroding from excessive foot traffic. Vegetative restabilization will be attempted here.

D. Land Conservancy of West Michigan: Rhoda deZoete has made three presentations on advantages of conservation easements a nd DNR revegetation programs. The Henne’s will be receiving assistance through the Landowner Incentive Program. A fourth meeting is planned for White Cloud. (Call PMWC for details).

E. Riparian Rehab Program: R. Kolar (Middle Branch at Utopia Road) has a large tree blocking the river with the rootball deflecting the current. When Paul Bigford returns from Australia we will review the procedures for riparian participation.

F. Right of Way (ROW) Trimming: None of the discussions, procedures, partnerships have been put to written agreement yet, but verbally a trial program has been proposed. We need to continue to press for a formal written partnership agreement. Discussions have led to Baldwin Canoe Rental (perhaps others, liveries, guides…) cutting obstructions and tying them in place with rope; these would then (ASAP to preclude cutting the rope) be cabled into place. Jeff will check with Mike Joyce for consensus. Motion by Jay Barnhart to expense up to $1,000 for labor and materials for R.O.W. trimming: Approved, Dave Gibbs opposed. The written agreement should include provisions for addressing potential problem trees before they fall.

G. Custer Weir: No report from Tom Seroczynski, but anecdotal reports of over 6,000 steelhead and over 13,000 suckers (possibly a record) for a very good passage this year.

9. Unified Management

A. Natural River Zoning Board of Review: At the June 19th hearing, Robert Kloosterman (Baldwin River behind Riverbend Antique Shop) was given a variance to erect a small storage shed on the floodplain. Tom Olszewski (Mainstem above Walhalla Bridge) requested a variance to complete a set of steps to the river; the proposed route was not flagged, seeps were found in the region, and differences over construction methods resulted in the tabling the application till July.

At the July 17th public hearing, Dan Pearson, Reilly and Slater had met with applicant Olszewski on site and flagged a proposed routing. The Board approved use of post/stringer or recessed steps to the wetland, then post/stringer as close to grade as possible.

Two applications will be requesting after-the-fact variances at the August 21st public hearing. Ted Hindes (Big South, just below Ruby Creek, south side of River) is requesting a staircase (portable ladder, 10’ x 46”, to be removed in winter) to access the river. Keith Vandermeer (Across from Hindes, north side of river) is requesting retaining a 6’ x 24’ privacy fence 48’ from the river and a 6’ x 18’ extension to screen a neighbors yard full of junk.

B. Henry Campground Litigation/Mitigation: Fred McLane met with the Mason County prosecutor June 20th to determine whether the owner intends to comply with the settlement. Since a year was given the defendant at the March hearing, they have until next March to comply and state they are working with MDEQ. Since the property is again listed for sale, we should insist the mitigation be completed as a condition of the sale. Fred will follow up to possibly restrict the deed.

C. Pagura Dam: At the June 15th court appearance, Attorney General Pam Stevenson filed a brief listing the numerous failures of the defendant, Denise Pagura, to comply with court requests and offered settlement if the illegal dam were to be removed. Pagura’s attorney requested 30 days to respond to the brief but again failed to comply, requesting more time be granted. Attorney General Pam Stevenson filed a motion to terminate Pagura's right to file a response. The judge will rule on the motion August 7th.

10. Communications & Information

A. Riparian Lists: Tom Seroczynski has identified all Mason County riparians, and upon Paul Bigford’s return we will begin to compile the Lake County littoral residents. We can then begin mass mailings to increase membership and provide information to riverfront owners.

B. MDNR: No word regarding single hook limits; Kevin Morlock will solicit Michigan River Guides Association’s (MRGA’s) stand on the issue.

C. USFS: An informal focus group was held July 18th regarding the Pere Marquette River Management Plan. USFS has now contracted with Recreational Solutions, a Montana firm, and they were introduced to representatives from the canoe liveries, river guides, Watershed Council members, LCRPOA, DNR’s fisheries, parks and Natural Rivers, and the USFS hosts. MSU’s Chuck Nelson also attended. Mostly the concerns identified during the 2003 public hearings were again highlighted.

The Board then discusses the lack of progress in development of the River Plan. Originally due by law to be updated in 2000 as part of the Forest Plan, the River Plan was separated and not begun to be addressed until 2003. This was to allow USFS to be able to concentrate on the Forest Plan as first priority (it was just approved in May 2006 and is currently under appeal). The proposal in 2003 was that MSU would develop the plan using “limits of acceptable change” methodology. MSU presented their plan to USFS in 2004 but no action has been taken. It appears we are back once again at the beginning, six years into the process, with no deadline set or end in sight. The Board feels the Watershed Council has an obligation to hold the agency responsible for proper management of the river.

Following much discussion a motion was made by Dave Gibbs that the PMWC Board of Directors draft and send a letter to Congress expressing our discontent with progress in developing the PM River Plan. Vote: Yes – Dave Gibbs & Steve Fraley, No – voice vote, Abstention - Carolyn Henne. The motion was defeated. A motion was then made by Rick Conney, seconded by Jim Bos, that a letter be drafted expressing the details of our concerns and discontent, requesting a meeting between USFS (Les Russell and Diane Walker) and PMWC Executive Committee within 30 days. The letter to explain our intent to go to our congressional representatives if USFS 1. Does not agree to a meeting, or 2. Does not provide a satisfactory response: Approved unanimously, except for one abstention – Carolyn Henne. Rick, Dick, Dave and Fred to draft letter at meeting set for 10:00 A.M., August 8th at PMWC office.

D. USF&WS: Custer Weir – a news release (on file) announces the planned TFM treatment of the PM River. Jeff Slade confirms it will be the week of August 11th (a Friday) with treatment most likely (weather dependent) on Sunday August 13th. Those interested in participating in capture of larval lampreys must notify Fred McLane; waders and polarized glasses necessary. It was noted that the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission has not responded to our May 20th letter. Fred will follow-up for a reply. The news release refers to a $6 million series of studies; details should be a part of our October 18th symposium. Bob Kennedy has offered to continue to chair the symposium.

E. Tribal Litigation: Announcement had been expected, but no news to date.

F. LCRPOA: The Boy Scouts clean-up was August 3rd, participation continues to lag. The Boy Scouts were asked to look out for a canoe lost below Rainbow Rapids (green Old Town) - not found.

Rick Conney indicated that he would not be able to continue to chair the river clean up project unless he gets better participation form Board of Directors.

11. Dow Custer Project: Everything is in place and schedule for Saturday, September 30th, 9:00 A.M. at the Custer Twp. Park. All directors are urged to attend. We are expecting 25 FSU honors students to assist. Notify Paul Bigford if you plan to assist with lunch and guidance.

New Business

11. MDOT: Dick Schwikert noted a media article on visitors allowed to tour the top of the Mackinac Bridge towers. Annually MDOT has a drawing for 25 certificates, awarded only to non-profit Michigan organizations to raffle or auction for a free trip to the top. Jill Engelman will investigate the opportunity for PMWC to bid for a ticket to auction at next year’s banquet.

12. Excellence in Conservation Award: PMWC did not elect to present an award this year, but Jim Bos will be taking nominations for our esteemed award for next year. Motion by Rick Conney to nominate a candidate to-be-named: Approved.

14. Northern Environmental Technologies; Fred McLane and Dick Schwikert met with three members (Aaron, Ryan, and Alan) to discuss possible grant-writing and project management contracts. Their experience to date is mainly in Wisconsin, however they are doing a sturgeon rehabilitation project below Tippy Dam for the Little River Tribe. They are willing to work with us and with CRA on selected projects.

13. Director’s Biographies: Jill Engelman distributed past copies of background information, hobbies, interests, etc. Please review and provide an update to Jill by the September board meeting; you may request items not to be posted on our website. Jill will forward, via email, a format to use.

14. Bill Sessions: Bill has been a long-time staunch supporter of our river and our Watershed Council and exhorts the Board not to be shy in standing up for our river and our natural resources. He reminds that we have the experience, the knowledge, and the strength of our membership behind us and that they expect us to take the leadership in doing what is right and best for our river.

Meeting adjourned at 11:38 A.M.

Respectfully submitted, Dick Schwikert, Scribe (and grateful past Secretary)

Edited & Keyed by, Jill Engelman, Secretary