michigan office of the great lakes, march 2012 newsletter
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features$3 Million Grant Completes Saugatuck Harbor Natural
Area AcquisitionThe Michigan Coastal Management Program (MCMP) in the
Ofce of the Great Lakes (OGL) is celebrating completion
of its rst successful land acquisition project, the Saugatuck
Harbor Natural Area (SHNA). A $3 million grant from the
MCMP to the City of Saugatuck has completed the nal
phase of the SHNA acquisition. The transfer of the 171-acre
property into public ownership in December 2011 crowned a decades-long effort toprotect high quality complex of sand dunes and wetlands at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River
in Allegan County.
in the news- Great Lakes Water Level Study
Released
- Study Released Makes The Case for
Federal Farm Bill Conservation
Programs in the Great Lakes Region
- Study Released on Restoring the
Natural Divide, Separating the Great
Lakes and Mississippi River in the
Chicago Area Waterways System
opportunities to engage
- AIS State Management Plan
Partners Meeting, April 12
- Michigan Lakes and Streams
Association Annual Conference,
April 27-28
- International Association for Great
Lakes Research, May 13-17
- Michigan Port Collaborative &
Michigan Lighthouse Alliance
Meeting, May 22-24
- Lake St. Clair Sprint & Splash, June 9
- Stewardship Network
Mich igans Off ice of the Great
Lakes leads pol icy development
and implements programs to
protect, res tore, and sus tain the
wor lds premier freshwater lakes .
whats new- New Web Site Highlights Progress
Toward Restoring Benecial Uses inMichigans Areas of Concern
-What is Great Lakes Literacy?
- Draft Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
State Management Plan Released for
Comment
- First Meeting of Newly Formed AIS
Council - April 6
- 2012 Coastal Grants Announced
- 2013 Coastal Management Request
for Proposals (RFP) - due April 16
- State of the Lakes Ecosystem Draft
Indicator Reports Available
www.michigan.gov/deqog
GIVE US YOUR E-MAIL AND WELL GIVE YOU
THE LATEST ON GREAT LAKES INFORMATION
Creatinga VibrantFreshwaterCoast
by Patty Birkholz
Director Ofce of the Great Lakes
As we welcome spring, many of us are
planning for summer vacations that may
include a visit to one of Michigans coastal
towns or harbors. Over 3,200 miles of
freshwater shoreline are dotted with unique
and vibrant coastal communities that
enjoy almost limitless social and economic
opportunities - but they also face meaningfulchallenges.
Michigans coast is characterized by
its unique ecology, culturally signicant
waterfronts, historical features and
abundant recreational opportunities. Our
coastal communities and beach and harbor
towns are host to waterfront festivals, boater
destinations, cottage living, cultural and
maritime features, and reections into our
past. Yet as a group they face challenges.
Development pressures can limit access to
the waterfront; lack of nancial resources for
dredging of navigational and recreational
harbors and channels; historical contamination
from former industrial use and increase
in natural hazards threatening the loss
of critical coastal resources. It is for both
coastal communities and Michigan as a
whole that we nd ways to benet from
these unique assets while addressing these
challenges.
Physical and visual access to the shore is a
critical and valuable asset to a community.
Spaces along the waterfront need to be both
important public spaces in their own right and
part of a larger network of community and
citywide destinations creating opportunities fo
recreation, tourism, and entertainment. Many
are now recognizing that access to the Great
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Whitesh Return to Restored Thunder Bay Reefs
Along Lake HuronIn Fall 2011, a multi-agency effort to restore degraded
spawning habitat and create over one acre of new
spawning habitat to increase reproduction of lake trout,
lake whitesh, walleye, and other reef spawning sh
in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron was completed. Over 100
whitesh eggs were collected on the articial reefs indi-cating some initial project success.
Office of the Great LakesE Newsletter525 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933 Phone 517-335-4056 Fax 517-335-4053
Home Features News About Us
March 2012 1
Michigan Sea Grant
Land Conservancy of West Michigan
http://www.iugls.org/http://www.iugls.org/http://healthylakes.org/news-events/press-release/new-report-strong-farm-bill-key-to-great-lakes-restoration/http://healthylakes.org/news-events/press-release/new-report-strong-farm-bill-key-to-great-lakes-restoration/http://healthylakes.org/news-events/press-release/new-report-strong-farm-bill-key-to-great-lakes-restoration/http://healthylakes.org/news-events/press-release/new-report-strong-farm-bill-key-to-great-lakes-restoration/http://healthylakes.org/news-events/press-release/new-report-strong-farm-bill-key-to-great-lakes-restoration/http://www.glc.org/caws/http://www.glc.org/caws/http://www.glc.org/caws/http://www.glc.org/caws/http://www.glc.org/caws/http://www.glc.org/caws/http://www.glc.org/caws/http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3677_8314-274077--,00.htmlhttp://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3677_8314-274077--,00.htmlhttp://www.mymlsa.org/mlsa-51st-annual-conferencehttp://www.mymlsa.org/mlsa-51st-annual-conferencehttp://www.mymlsa.org/mlsa-51st-annual-conferencehttp://www.iaglr.org/conference/http://www.iaglr.org/conference/http://www.michiganportcollaborative.com/events.asp?ait=ev&eid=8http://www.michiganportcollaborative.com/events.asp?ait=ev&eid=8http://www.michiganportcollaborative.com/events.asp?ait=ev&eid=8http://www.sprintandsplash.com/docs/Registration_Form.pdf?event=97cbb8ab-28fb-4c81-9bd1-0b2e06fc9c68.aspxhttp://www.stewardshipnetwork.org/http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-oea-envcalendar-032612_380116_7.pdfhttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-oea-envcalendar-032612_380116_7.pdfhttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-water-ogl-FY12-CMP-App-Grants_380075_7.pdfhttp://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3677_3696-11198--,00.htmlhttp://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3677_3696-11198--,00.htmlhttp://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3677_3696-11198--,00.htmlhttp://www.solecregistration.ca/en/indicator_reports.asphttp://www.solecregistration.ca/en/indicator_reports.asphttp://www.mi.gov/deqoglhttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-water-ogl-staff-nophotos_363495_7.pdfhttp://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3677_8314-274077--,00.htmlhttp://www.stewardshipnetwork.org/http://www.sprintandsplash.com/docs/Registration_Form.pdf?event=97cbb8ab-28fb-4c81-9bd1-0b2e06fc9c68.aspxhttp://www.michiganportcollaborative.com/events.asp?ait=ev&eid=8http://www.iaglr.org/conference/http://www.mymlsa.org/mlsa-51st-annual-conferencehttp://www.glc.org/caws/http://healthylakes.org/news-events/press-release/new-report-strong-farm-bill-key-to-great-lakes-restoration/http://www.iugls.org/http://www.solecregistration.ca/en/indicator_reports.asphttp://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3677_3696-11198--,00.htmlhttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-water-ogl-FY12-CMP-App-Grants_380075_7.pdfhttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-oea-envcalendar-032612_380116_7.pdfhttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-water-ogl-staff-nophotos_363495_7.pdfhttp://www.mi.gov/deqogl -
8/2/2019 Michigan Office of the Great Lakes, March 2012 newsletter
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Lakes provides a distinct advantage in fostering
an economically, environmentally, and socially
vibrant and resilient coastal community.
Results of a recent Land Policy Institute
report on Drivers of Economic Performance
in Michigan conrmed that a communitysnatural assets, including miles of Great
Lakes shoreline and access to outdoor
recreational opportunities have positive
effects on populations and jobs.
Another key asset for a communitys
vitality is access to Michigans ports and
small harbors for commercial shipping
and recreational boating. In 2010,
Michigan ports handled 61.3 million
metric tons of cargo generating $3.9
billion in business revenue contributing
signicantly to Michigans economy. To
support this asset, we must address the
aging infrastructure and lack of dredging
that threatens the viability of ports and
harbors. Over half of the states piers and
breakwaters are older than the design age
of 50 years. The United States Army Corps
of Engineers estimates that the annual cost
of dredging at Michigans 43 recreational
harbors - many of which require regular
maintenance because of natural sedimen-
tation, low water levels, storm events, and
other factors - at $5 million per year.
A healthy and productive environment is also
critical to a communitys social and economic
viability. Some communities along our coast
continue to face challenges as a result of
historical contamination from industrial
activities and development. Fourteen areas
in Michigan were designated Areas of
Concern (AOCs) under the Great Lakes
Water Quality Agreement in 1987 as areas
where pollution and habitat destruction have
seriously impaired human use and ecologic
health. The Great
Lakes Water Quality
Agreement is an
Executive Agreement
between the United
States and Canada
for joint environmental
protection of the Lakes.
Federal funding underthe Great Lakes
Restoration Act and
the Great Lakes
Legacy Act allows
us to address the pollution and habitat
destruction in these AOCs and presents an
opportunity to re-envision and change
our frame of reference for the areas
once known as toxic hotspots. This funding
also allows us to undertake activities that
support a resilient Great Lakes ecosystem
in other key areas of the state such as
restoration of sh passage.
As residents of the Great Lakes state, we
have an opportunity to reect on our past
and plan for long-term future prosperity for
Michigan by supporting the growth of socially
and economically vibrant coastal communities.
Many communities and regions are already
recognizing this and taking steps to enhance
the quality of life by capitalizing on the
abundant natural resources in their area.
These communities share a common goal and
that is to dene a long-term regional vision
and align future efforts to achieve that vision.Some are using principles of smart growth
for their waterfront and capitalizing on their
history, culture, and location, recognizing that
historic preservation adds educational and
aesthetic value for visitors.
Determining how sustainable use of Great
lakes resources ts into a communitys long
term future requires working with engaged,
local citizens and collaborating across all
levels of government. It is important that this
March 2012 2
Michigan Sea Grant
Michigan Sea Grant
effort focuses on the areas history, cultural
traditions, specic natural assets, community
attitudes and leadership in charting their
future.
The Ofce of the Great Lakes is excited
to partner, encourage and support these
discussions and exploratory thinking aboutthe potential for social and sustainable
economic growth focused on our coasts and
Great Lakes freshwater resources.
While manufacturing will always be a part
of our economy, Michigans underlying
strength has always been its abundant natural
resources. I encourage you to join with us as
we work together to re-envision our coast and
take actions toward this transformation.
whats newNew Web Site Highlights Progress Toward Restoring Benecial Uses in Michigans Areas of ConcernWith the support of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, federal partners, and local stakeholders, Michigan is achieving remarkable
results in restoring benecial uses in the fourteen areas designated as AOCs. Recognizing the importance of keeping the public informed
of environmental progress in these areas along our coastline, the OGL has created a new Web site to provide the latest information
regarding restoration of benecial uses in Michigan AOCs. Benecial Use Impairments or BUIs as they are often known, include things as
restrictions on eating sh and wildlife, bird and animal deformities, restrictions on dredging activities, and beach closings.
The AOC Program anticipates this progress will continue and will be continuously updating this information to include the latest BUI remov-
als. For more information visit the Michigans AOC Program Web site at www.michigan.gov/deqaocprogram; then select Progress Toward
Restoring Benecial Uses in Michigans Areas of Concern.
Creating a Vibrant
Freshwater Coastcontd
Michigan Sea Grant
http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/glwqa/http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/glwqa/http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/glwqa/ -
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$3 Million Grant Completes Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area Acquisition- contdThe SHNA features 3,650 feet of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline, rare plant and animal species,
open dunes, interdunal wetlands, natural jack pine forest, hardwood-pine dune forest, Great Lakes
marsh, an oxbow lake, 1,650 feet of Kalamazoo River shoreline, and an historic site known locally as
Fishtown.
The new acquisition is the latest in a multi-phase, multi-partner effort to protect 1,700 acres of a
relatively undisturbed dune and river mouth ecosystem, much of which is now public parks and lands
placed under conservation easements. In addition to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, more than
900 private donors and lenders contributed to the total $22 million land purchase. Major project partners
include the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and Michigan Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
The City of Saugatuck will serve as the title holder andland manager for the SHNA and preserve it in perpetuity
for conservation and public use including non-motorized recreation such as swimming, beach
walking, hiking, shing, and photography. The charismatic dune landscape and exceptional
recreational opportunities are expected to lure tourists and other visitors year-round, making
the new preserve a win for the environment and local economy.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), awarded the DEQ the $3 million grant
through a national competition through NOAAs Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program
(CELCP) in 2010. Federal CELCP funds allow coastal states to acquire important coastal and estuarine
areas that have signicant conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, or aesthetic values, and place
them in public ownership. The OGL administers the CELCP for Michigan.
For additional information about this project contact Alisa Gonzales-Pennington, OGL, at 517-241-8280.
March 2012 3
features continued
What is Great Lakes Literacy?Being surrounded by 20% of all the
surface fresh water on Earth, there are
abundant opportunities in our Great Lakes
state to experience our natural resources.
Regardless of where we live in Michigan,
we all live within the Great Lakes watershed
and everything we do drains to the Lakes,
both literally and guratively. That createsa responsibility at both the community and
individual level to be a Great Lakes steward.
In order to really appreciate, value and fully
understand our relationship to the Great
Lakes, we need to experience them. Essen-
tially, we need to be Great Lakes literate.
What is Great Lakes literacy? Great Lakes
literacy is an understanding of the Great
Lakes inuence on you and your inuence
on the Great Lakes.
A Great Lakes literate person:
Understands the essential principles and
fundamental concepts about the charact
eristics, functioning and value of the
Great Lakes.
Can communicate accurately about theGreat Lakes inuence on systems and
people in and beyond their watershed.
Is able to make informed and responsible
decisions regarding the Great Lakes and
the resources of their watershed.
The Great Lakes literacy initiative grew out
of the broader Ocean Literacy initiative,
a movement by hundreds of scientists and
educators who developed a framework
for explaining the most important science
principals and the interconnected concepts
that all people show know. In 2010, leaders
from the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network
produced principles and concepts about the
Great Lakes that are especially important
to understand for those of us who call the
Great Lakes Home. These principles arebeing used today in Great Lakes education
programs, traveling exhibits, and curricula
throughout the region.
For more information about Great Lakes
Literacy visit www.greatlakesliteracy.net or
contact Mr. Steve Stewart, Michigan Sea
Grant Extension at 586-469-7431.
whats new continued
Land Conservancy of West Michigan
Land Conservancy of West Michiga
Land Conservancy of West Michigan
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Draft AIS State Management PlanReleased for Public CommentOn March 20, 2012, the State of
Michigan released an updated version
of the Michigan Aquatic Invasive Species
(AIS) State Management Plan for public
comment. Michigans aquatic ecosystems and
economy are negatively impacted by AIS
that are already here and are continually
threatened by new invasions. The 2012
Plan update details existing and proposed
strategic actions that are needed to prevent
the introduction and spread of AIS, and to
limit the harmful effects in Michigan waters.
Michigans original AIS State Management
Plan was completed in 1996 under the
auspices of the National Invasive Species Act
and was last updated in 2002. Since the last
update, state agencies have solicited input
from partners and stakeholders to identify
gaps and strengthen the overall plan. This
important feedback also helped to build
the foundation of the current plan.
The 2012 Plan update is a collaborative
effort between several state agencies,including the Michigan Departments
of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Environmental Quality, Natural Resources,
and Transportation. The 2012 Plan Update
is available for review at
www.michigan.gov\deqaquaticinvasives.
Instructions for submitting comments are
posted on the Web site. Comments on the
draft plan will be accepted through
May 1, 2012.
In addition, a Partner Meeting will be held on
Thursday, April 12, 12:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.,
at the Best Western Plus in Lansing, Michigan
and is open to the public. This meeting will
provide additional background on the AIS
State Management Plan and allow for an
www.michigan.gov/deqogMarch 2012 4
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
diver places a sh egg-collection net on
articial reefs in Thunder Bay. Photo
credit: NOAA, Thunder Bay NMS
opportunity to provide feedback and
comments.
The meeting is intended for anyone with
a vested interest and/or concern for AIS
issues within Michigan, including other
government agencies, tribal entities,
environmental organizations, affected
industry, riparian land owners, anglers,boaters, resource managers, researchers,
and others to discuss the AIS State
Management Plan and partner with
the state to further plan development
and implementation. Breakout sessions will
provide meeting participants opportunities
to present comments on AIS issues associated
with boating and ballast water, organisms in
trade and habitat alteration, AIS manage-
ment and control, and early detection and
rapid response.
While there is no fee to attend the meeting,
advance registration is required. To register
and view additional meeting details, visit
www.michigan.gov/deqaquaticinvasives.
For more information, contact Sarah LeSage
MDEQ at 517-241-7931.features continued
whats new continued
Center for Great Lakes and Aquatic Sciences