Black Lake sturgeon season ends in six hours

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Howard Meyerson
Doug Blaskowski, of Brutus, holds a 50-inch, 31-pound female sturgeon he speared during the recent Black Lake sturgeon season. Photos courtesy of Brenda Archambo

Doug Blaskowski, of Brutus, holds a 50-inch, 31-pound female sturgeon he speared during the recent Black Lake sturgeon season. Photos courtesy of Brenda Archambo

By Howard Meyerson

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — More than 300 anglers hoped to spear a sturgeon through the ice when Michigan’s Black Lake sturgeon-spearing season opened Feb. 7. But the five-day season lasted only five and a half hours. Four Michigan anglers, and one from Wisconsin, successfully filled the season’s five-sturgeon quota by 2:12 p.m. on opening day.

“The first fish was taken at 9 a.m.,” said Tim Cwalinski, a senior fish biologist from the Michigan DNR’s Gaylord office. “It was a 67-inch, 75-pound female. The guy from Wisconsin got the biggest. It was 71 inches and 87 pounds.”

The successful spear fishermen were:

  • Tom Madison, from Onaway, who speared the first sturgeon of the day;
  • Jason Crawford, of Indian River, who checked in at 9:51 a.m. with a 58.5-inch, 45-pound male;
  • Todd Zeller, of Cheboygan, who checked in at 1:13 p.m. with a 69-inch, 80-pound female;
  • James Bodinger, from Wisconsin, who checked in at 1:18 p.m. with the largest sturgeon; and
  • Doug Blaskowski, of Brutus, who checked in at 2:12 p.m. with a 50-inch, 31-pound female.

Black Lake is well-known for its sturgeon population. Located in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties, the 10,130-acre water body contains just over 1,000 adult sturgeons, according to Cwalinski. His agency and the nonprofit Sturgeon for Tomorrow annually stock it with more than 3,000 young sturgeon that are reared at the nearby Black River sturgeon hatchery. Continue reading →

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Fee increase proposed at Sleeping Bear Dunes and other U.S. national parks

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Howard Meyerson
IMGP1590 Mt. Rainier National Park

Fees are proposed to go up at Mt. Rainier National Park. Photo: Howard Meyerson

 

By Howard Meyerson

If you are planning a trip to a national park this summer, you might want to check and see what it will cost to get in. Entrance, camping, and other fees will be higher at some of them.

National parks got the green light to raise fees last fall when National Park Service director, Jonathan Jarvis, issued a memo to regional directors laying out a plan. He asked park superintendents to assess their needs and engage the public to assess support for raising fees. The increases are to be used for work that directly benefits visitors. Staffs at many parks want to make improvements for the National Park Service Centennial Celebration in 2016.

Only 131 of 401 NPS properties charge entrance fees. California’s Yosemite National Park is one. Fees there go up in March 2015. Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is another. Those go up in May and increase again in 2017. Arches and Canyonlands national parks in Utah are also proposing increases along with Mt. Rainier in Washington, Grand Teton in Wyoming, Yellowstone and others.

Entrance fees last went up in 2008, according to NPS staffers, and other fees have been static since 2006. The current increases were scheduled for implementation in 2009, but they were postponed when the economy slumped.

Park managers have had the option of exempting their park from fee increases. That happened here in Michigan.

“We looked at it and decided not to propose a change,” said Michael, Pflaum, acting superintendent for Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula. “The option to raise fees doesn’t come along every year, but we determined it wasn’t in our best interest. We think the camping and backcountry fees are appropriate. We don’t charge an entrance fee.” Continue reading →

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Winter steelhead on the St. Joe: good if you got the gumption

Posted on February 15, 2015 by Howard Meyerson
Captain Russ Clark holds up a nice steelhead landed on the St. Joseph River in late January. Photo: Howard Meyerson

Captain Russ Clark holds up a nice steelhead landed on the St. Joseph River in late January. Photo: Howard Meyerson

By Howard Meyerson

BENTON HARBOR, MI — There is an old adage that says history is determined by those who show up. The same might be said about winter angling: Those who show up are the ones who catch fish.

I had a chance to ponder this notion recently. It was a toe-nipping, late-January day and I was thumbing a reel, trying to slow things down, attempting to land a 10-pound steelhead on the lower St. Joseph River. The big male slammed one of our crankbaits as the sun cleared the trees.

The fish hit where Capt. Russ Clark, owner of Sea Hawk Fishing Charters, had promised us a fish. And, that fish was aggressively attempting to get back to Lake Michigan.

“That’s a very nice fish,” Clark said, laughing in good humor when he netted it minutes later, knowing we would hold him to the promise. Continue reading →

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Soldier’s story and more: Fly Fishing Film Tour returns to Michigan

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Howard Meyerson
Videographer Scott Thompson shoots a scene with Vietnam vet Larry Fivecoats. Photo by: D Brittain

Videographer Scott Thompson shoots a scene with Vietnam vet Larry Fivecoats. Photo by: D Brittain

By Howard Meyerson

The horror of war and the personal trauma it imparts on soldiers might seem antithetical to the peaceful nature of fly fishing. However, Colorado videographer Scott Thompson skillfully weaves those ideas together in “Breaking Through: The Story of Larry Fivecoats,” a compelling look at a Vietnam vet who comes home, hovers on the brink of suicide and finds his peace fishing flies.

Thompson’s video is a portrait of the burden soldiers carry — and a postcard for hope. It is one of 11 memorable fly fishing videos in the 2015 Fly Fishing Film Tour showing in eight Michigan cities this winter.

Fivecoats’ story of personal angst is written in his eyes. He unflinchingly recounts a battle mission gone wrong and his destitute moments after coming home. A key element in his recovery comes from Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc., the nonprofit that grew out of a program for wounded vets at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It now operates in 48 states and aided 5,400 vets in 2013.

“Two things popped into my head about this film,” said film tour managing director Doug Powell during a phone interview from his Boulder, Colorado, office. “It’s heavy, and I was afraid it would be a big buzzkill. But it’s a story people need to know. The reaction we’ve had has been just the opposite. It got a standing ovation at our first showing in Denver.”

Thompson, the filmmaker, is a Project Healing Waters volunteer who decided to produce a video for the organization. It was shot with “little to no money,” he said. Its focus is on the man, not the group.

“This is where art meets fly fishing for me,” Thompson said. “I approached them and asked them if I could do it. Our Healing Waters coordinators in Denver were kind enough to allow me to make the film.” Continue reading →

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Groomed fat bike winter trails growing more numerous in Michigan

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Howard Meyerson
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Winter beauty is found on groomed snow-bike trails like this loop at Merrell Trail in Rockford, MI. Photo: Kevin Allen.

 

By Howard Meyerson

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – When fat-tire bikes first made an appearance in Michigan a few years ago, many dedicated riders considered them a fad — a puffed-up version of a mountain bike with big, soft tires that enabled them to be ridden on beaches and by hard-core riders in snowy conditions. Few thought much would come of it.

But fat-tire bikes, also known as fat bikes, increasingly are being embraced by the cycling community, and groomed winter cycling trails have proliferated around the state to accommodate them. The trails are being developed by ski areas, municipalities and mountain biking and other groups.

Brent Walk, of Grand Rapids, has been a cycling race promoter for 28 years. His company, funpromotions.com, is on its third year of hosting winter fat bike races around the state.

“Participation is definitely growing,” Walk said. “We averaged 25 riders at each winter event the first year and 45 riders last year. This year we’re averaging 70 riders at each event. West Michigan is a hotbed, but there is a push in other parts of the state, too.” Continue reading →

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Michigan DNR changes master angler program rules

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Howard Meyerson
Weights are no longer required when entering fish in Michigan's Master Angler program. Photo: Howard Meyerson.

Weights are no longer required when entering fish in Michigan’s Master Angler program. Photo: Howard Meyerson.

By Howard Meyerson

Grand Rapids, Mich. — No more looking for a certified scale in the middle of the night for that monster walleye. That’s the word from the Michigan DNR, which recently revised the rules for the state’s Master Angler program. The weight requirement has been eliminated for the program’s catch-and-keep category, along with other changes.

“It’s been coming for a while,” said Lynne Thoma, the DNR’s Master Angler program coordinator. “Anglers have been having a hard time finding a scale to weigh their fish, and grocery stores don’t want their scales contaminated. State-record fish will still require having both weight and length, but Master Angler entries won’t.”

Michigan’s Master Angler program was launched in 1973 as a way to recognize anglers who caught unusually large fish in Michigan waters. There were 19 eligible species, and 123 qualifying applications were received its first year. The list now includes 52 eligible species. It has become a popular source for anglers who scan it to identify Michigan waters that hold big fish.

Fish entered in the program’s catch-and-keep category have had to meet a weight requirement. Fish in the catch-and-release section, which was added in 1992, have had to meet a length requirement. Both categories will now require the same to enter. Continue reading →

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ORV users work to improve access at Silver Lake State Park

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Howard Meyerson
State parks chief Ron Olson and Sen. Geoff Hansen (upper right) discuss the issues as ORV enthusiasts form groups and attempt to develop solutions. Photo; Howard Meyerson.

State parks chief Ron Olson and Sen. Geoff Hansen (upper right) discuss the issues as ORV enthusiasts form groups and attempt to develop solutions. Photo; Howard Meyerson.

By Howard Meyerson

MEARS, MI – Ron Olson stood in front of a packed house, his tall, lanky frame towering over many who listened intently. More than 200 off-road and dune-buggy enthusiasts poured into Golden Township Hall on this frigid January night to talk about Silver Lake State Park. Nearly half had driven more than 100 miles.

With microphone in hand, Michigan’s state parks chief explained why they all were there. One key message: “All of you have a passion for getting out on that hill. … The common ground for everybody here is you care.”

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The entry line forming outside Silver Lake State Park can get to be 4-miles long. MLive file photo

Olson facilitated the meeting looking for solutions to the traffic backup that occurs on holidays and weekends. The park implemented a free voucher system in 2012, thinking it would solve the problem. About 120,000 to 130,000 vehicles use the ORV scramble area every year, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The line at the gate can be four miles long.

“We can have hundreds of people backed up,” said Charlotte Kiefer, manager for Silver Lake State Park. “It’s a basic tailgating atmosphere, and it’s created problems for the county sheriff’s department. We’ve had complaints from both residents and businesses.”

The evening wasn’t a typical public meeting, full of vitriol and chaos. Olson wouldn’t have it. He asked attendees to form groups, to participate in a deliberated process to identify how to make the system work. He urged respect for one another, listening and giving everyone a chance to speak. Area legislators — state Rep. Jon Bumstead, and state Sen.Geoff Hansen — offered opening comments about working with the DNR to make sure they get it right. Continue reading →

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Camping fees increasing at Michigan State Parks

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Howard Meyerson
The 16-foot-diameter yurt at Craig Lake State Park sleeps four people and is equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, a wood stove, axe, bow saw, and cooking and eating utensils. Running water and electricity are not provided, but an outhouse is located nearby. Photo Howard Meyerson.

The 16-foot-diameter yurt at Craig Lake State Park sleeps four people and is equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, a wood stove, axe, bow saw, and cooking and eating utensils. Running water and electricity are not provided, but an outhouse is located nearby. Photo Howard Meyerson.

By Howard Meyerson

The camping season still is some months away — unless you’re a die-hard, that is, or plan to spend a week in the Everglades. But if you are thinking to camp in Michigan this spring, be aware that state park camping fees are going up.

State officials said the increase is needed to offset rising costs to operate and maintain the nearly 100-year-old state park system. The increases fall into three tiers: $4, $2 and $1 more per night, depending on the popularity of the park and how crowded it is in July during the prime camping season. As might be expected, the most popular sites go up the most.

Supply and demand

Camping at Silver Lake, Holland, Grand Haven and Petoskey state parks will go up $4 per night, to name a few. A full hookup site at Holland State Park now will cost $37 per night, while a 50-amp site is $33 per night, and a 20/30-amp site is $31 per night.
Moderately popular destinations, such as Sterling State Park in Monroe or Port Crescent in Port Austin, went up $2 per night. A full hookup at Port Crescent now is $31 per night from mid-April to mid-November, and $20 per night the rest of the year.

Lesser-used parks, such as Fisherman’s Island in Charlevoix, Pontiac Lake in Waterford and Craig Lake in the Upper Peninsula, went up $1 per night. Camping along Lake Michigan at Fisherman’s Island State Park remains a sweet deal at $13 per night.

Fees for rustic cabins, yurt and lodge rentals also increased by 8 percent a night. A night in a yurt at Craig Lake State Park went up $5 to $65. The entire list of state park fees can be found online here on the DNR website.  Continue reading →

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Scientists: Invasive snail more prevalent than thought, poses grave danger to waterfowl

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Howard Meyerson

 

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By Howard Meyerson

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Scientists studying the health of Great Lakes coastal wetlands report that faucet snails have been found in many more waters than anticipated. The invasive snail, native to Europe, poses a threat to native snails and to waterfowl.

“These snails are extremely competitive with native snails,” said Neil Schock, a wetland technician with the Institute for Great Lakes Research at Central Michigan University. “They outcompete and out-produce and they are hosts to three different intestinal flukes (parasites) that cause mortality in waterfowl.

“Here in Michigan we haven’t seen that (dead ducks) as much, but Minnesota has had die-offs and they have been seen in (other parts of) the Midwest. One I know of killed 4,000 to 9,000 waterfowl, a good portion of those were scaup.”

The parasites, called trematodes, caused massive waterfowl die-offs in Minnesota and Wisconsin waters that are part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Geological Survey reports that 22,000 to 26,000 birds have died from them on northern waters in the refuge dating back to 2006. The four-state refuge lies within the Mississippi Flyway where nearly 40 percent of the continent’s waterfowl migrate.

“The magnitude of the impact is yet to be seen, but I expect to see some impact,” said Donald Uzarski, director of the CMU Institute for Great Lakes Research.  “I anticipate we will see further and rapid spread of the snail. Continue reading →

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New DNR deer specialist Chad Stewart ready to talk with state’s hunters

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Howard Meyerson

By Howard Meyerson

Michigan DNR's new deer specialist, Chad Stewart.

Michigan DNR’s new deer specialist, Chad Stewart.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – After eight years working for the state of Indiana as a deer research biologist, Chad Stewart is looking forward to working with Michigan deer hunters. The 36-year-old Pennsylvania native began his new duties with the Michigan DNR just as the 2014 firearm deer hunting season wound down.

“I had a couple of exciting weeks,” Stewart, the agency’s new deer specialist, said of the clamor from disgruntled hunters after the season during which many saw and killed fewer deer than in 2013.

“Hunters are hunters and they have certain expectations. When they are not met, it doesn’t matter whether it’s Indiana or Michigan,” Stewart said. “If people are upset, it’s something we need to be responsive to, and have open and honest discussions about what is happening.”

Stewart plans to do just that. A statewide deer symposium is among the ways he will reach out to hunters in 2015. He now works out of the DNR’s Rose Lake Field Office and takes over for long-time deer specialist Brent Rudolph, who will be working on social science and economic issues within the DNR’s wildlife division. Continue reading →

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