Minnesota north shore of Lake Superior. - FWS photo

The East Lansing Ecological Services Field Office and the Ashland Fisheries Resources Office (FRO) jointly administer the Coastal Program-Great Lakes.  In 2006 a total of 26 projects were funded by the Coastal Program-Great Lakes.  As a result, approximately 5,380 acres of coastal fish and wildlife habitat will be enhanced, restored or protected.  Miles of stream and riparian area  enhanced, restored or protected total 9.2 and two fish passage barriers will be removed, opening 4.5 miles of stream. 

Projects will affect all five Great Lakes and the Detroit River. Project types funded include planning and research (6), restoration (19), and outreach and education (1).  These cooperative projects work to conserve fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats in coastal lands and waters.  Specific examples of a few Coastal Program-Great Lakes funded projects in 2006 include:

Bay City Creek Estuary Restoration; Recommendations will be made to the city of Ashland, Wisconsin, based on the early assessments for the best means to implement short and long term restoration goals. Restoration activities will then take place at the estuary and along the stream.  Activities for school and citizen based volunteer monitoring will result from interactions with Northland College classes and the Ashland School District. Both planning and action will engage the community in the restoration of a valuable estuarine resource and revitalization of a derelict section of the waterfront. The Bay City Creek Estuary will become a valued natural area and the post industrial Clarkson Dock will be provide value and pride to the future of Ashland - Lake Superior’s Hometown.

Conservation of Endangered Species of the Great Lakes Coastal Dunes Ecosystem; The project will involve surveying, protection and monitoring coastal habitats supporting rare, threatened, and endangered species of the Great Lakes.  Upland acres are enhanced through types of fencing or exclusion, modification of nest sites and beach/dune uses modified during sensitive periods.  Increasing landowner support for and awareness of endangered species conservation efforts through outreach and education will take place.  A coordinated support effort will take place for on-going multi-partner coastal conservation efforts including field training, piping plover banding program, and salvage captive rearing.  A Coastal Species GIS database in Michigan will also be completed.

Antrim Creek Dam Removal Project; Antrim Creek, located in eastern Michigan, is an important spawning stream for native brook trout and other salmonids.  However since 1970's, elimination of upstream habitat by and existing 7 foot high dam has reduced spawning fish populations.  The structure eliminates all fish migration upstream.  Removal of the barrier will benefit native brook trout and other fish species and revive 4 miles of upstream habitat.

These and our many other 2006 projects will provide lasting benefits for Great Lakes coastal fish and wildlife species for decades to come.  Region 3’s Coastal Program – Great Lakes is proud to be a partner in these cooperative projects.