Partnerships are Key to Fisheries and Watershed Restoration Program

Thanks to the nearly $915,000 and countless volunteer hours contributed by 36 partners, 41 riparian and aquatic projects were successfully completed on the Huron-Manistee National Forests in 2008.

On the Huron National Forest, employees worked alongside Conservation Huron Pines Resources Conservation and Development Council, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and conservation organizations such as Trout Unlimited (TU) to improve fish habitat. Improvement work was done on 53 miles of stream and 800 acres of lakes. Fisheries inventory work was completed on another 20 miles of streams and 1,680 acres of lake.

Restoration projects included: placing whole trees in the Au Sable River to enhance fish cover and riparian habitat; and replacing a portion of the downed trees removed during the logging era - this large wood restoration project used a heavy-lift helicopter to place trees in log jams. Huron Pines and TU also joined the Forest Service in completing the Claybanks stabilization project. Other riparian improvements on the Au Sable included the physical removal and herbicide treatment of garlic mustard, a non-native invasive species, below Foote Dam. Consumers Energy joined the Forest Service in this cooperative venture.

Numerous actions addressed recreational fishing opportunities on inland lakes on the Huron National Forests. A northern pike population assessment was done to determine whether it is large enough to support a spawning marsh operation. Fishing opportunities on several other lakes were enhanced through the stocking of fish by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Multiple benefits came out of this improvement work including a continued emphasis on connecting kids with the out-of-doors. The Forest once again co-hosted A Kids Fishing Day during Michigan's Free Fishing weekend at Mio Pond. The event brought over 50 kids outdoors to participate in hands-on fun and projects while learning about stewardship of natural resources. Joining the Forest Service in hosting this event were the Boy Scouts of America, Mio Lions Club, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Jigs Up Bait and Tackle.