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Western Upper Peninsula Citizen Advisory Council DNR Division Reports Date of Production: July 2017 This documentation is provided by Michigan DNR staff as a supplement to verbal reports that will be distributed to the Western UPCAC at the July 19th meeting in Harris, MI.

DNR Public Meetings July 13 Forestry Compartment Review-Baraga Unit, DNR Baraga Office, 9:00am July 13 Natural Resources Commission UP Meeting, Lansing July 20 Western UP Citizens’ Advisory Council Meeting, Harris, 5:00pm Central/6:00pm Eastern August 2 Forestry Open House-Escanaba Unit, Stephenson Field Office, 4:00pm Eastern August 10 Natural Resources Commission Meeting, Jackson August 15 Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board Meeting, Negaunee, 3:00pm August 16 Forestry Compartment Review-Escanaba Unit, Escanaba State Office Building, 9:00am DNR Pocket Park – UP State Fair in Escanaba – August 14 through August 20, 2017 WE NEED YOU! It’s never too early to start thinking about volunteering at the DNR Pocket Park in Escanaba during the week of the UP State Fair. Please consider volunteering with your group or family member(s) and help to teach a young girl or boy to catch a fish or shoot a pellet gun. Over 200 slots to fill! Create and nurture a new generation of young UP sportspersons! Call or email Kristi Dahlstrom (dahlstromk@michigan.gov / 906-226-1331) or Jo Ann Alexander (alexanderj7@michigan.gov / 906-786-2351) to reserve your volunteer slot NOW! U.P. State Park & State Sponsored Activities July 15 Baraga State Park-Kayaking 101 and 202 July 16 Indian Lake State Park-Street Chalk Art July 18 Michigan Iron Industry Museum-Magnificent Mansions and Courtly Cottages in the U.P. July 19 Indian Lake State Park-Outdoor Stories July 20-22 Indian Lake State Park-Christmas in July July 20-22 Van Riper State Park-Archery 101 July 21 Michigan Iron Industry Museum-Iron Ore Heritage Trail Bike Tour July 21 Indian Lake State Park-Bob Hausler/Singer, Musician, Songwriter July 21-22 Fayette Historic State Park-A Paranormal Event July 21-22 Wells State Park-Christmas in July

Upper Peninsula Regional Coordinator Update – Stacy Haughey, UP Regional Coordinator

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July 22 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park-Dyeing Yarn Using Natural Dyes July 23 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park-Exploring Lichens and Linen Stitch Knitting July 25 Michigan Iron Industry Museum-Wolf’s Mouth: Upper Peninsula POW Research Behind the Novel July 27 Indian Lake State Park-Honor Our Veterans July 28-30 Fort Wilkins Historic State Park-Battery D Michigan Light Artillery Living History Civil War Encampment July 28 Michigan Iron Industry Museum-Iron Ore Heritage Trail Bike Tour July 28-30 Baraga State Park-Christmas in July July 28 Indian Lake State Park-Intro to Turkey Hunting Clinic July 29 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park-Create a Simple Landscape with Watercolor July 29 Palms Book State Park-Family Fun Day / Intro to Turkey Hunting Clinic July 30 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park-Lake of the Clouds/A Stained Glass Creation Recent DNR Press Releases For full details, go to: www.michigan.gov/dnrpressroom

Boating access site to be improved in Iron County (7/10/17) Share ideas on state forest planning for Delta, Menominee counties (7/6/17) DNR confirms presence of a cougar in Lower Peninsula (6/29/17) Early detection is key to controlling Michigan’s aquatic invasive species (6/29/17) Line 5 alternatives draft resort available for public review (6/29/17) Guided tours take cyclists through U.P. countryside, into Michigan history (6/29/17) U.P. history in spotlight at Iron Industry Museum summer series (6/28/17) Conservation officers urge caution on U.P. waterways (6/23/17) Crystal Falls DNR office set to undergo extensive interior remodel (6/23/17) Trapping experts return to convention/expo in Delta County (6/22/17) Improvements made to Schoolcraft County wildlife viewing area (6/20/17) NRC’s Richardson to appear on ‘The Ryan Report’ (6/14/17) DNR replacing Culhane Lake boat ramp in Luce County (6/14/17) DNR reports moose survey results (6/12/17) Grant Contacts For other grant information, to go: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-58225---,00.html

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, carlockm@michigan.gov Recreation Passport Grant Merrie Carlock, 517-284-5931, carlockm@michigan.gov Aquatic Habitat Grant Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, parkerk4@michigan.gov Michigan Invasive Species Grant Kammy Frayre, 517-284-5970, frayrek1@michigan.gov Wildlife Habitat Grant Kelly Parker, 517-284-5957, parkerk4@michigan.gov U.P. Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Grant Bill Scullon, 906-563-9247, scullonh@michigan.gov The EUPCAC met on June 14th in Munising. Agenda items included reports on eastern UP trails, UP Wildlife Habitat Workgroup and CWD. A presentation was made by council member Tim Hass on how the North Country Trails Association benefits from Iron Belle trail grants and Michigan State Parks on the Air. A state park update was provided along with 2017 deer regulation recommendations. The next meeting of the EUPCAC will be on August 24th in Newberry.

Eastern UPCAC Update

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PA 39 of 2017 (SB 118) – Trail Sponsor and Limited Liability – Sen. Hansen This new act amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by amending Sections 72108 and 73301 and adding Section 73302 to allow the Department to become rail-trail sponsor and to expand liability coverage to individuals conducting work on Department trails and other lands. PA 60 of 2017 (HB 4082) – Require Notification of Department Prescribed Burns – Rep. Whiteford This new act amends Section 51501 and adds Section 51503c of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to require prior notice to a township supervisor and primary point of emergency contact of prescribed burns. SB 76 – Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) 2017 Appropriation – Sen. Booher Pursuant to the recommendation of the Natural Resources Trust Fund Board, SB 76, as introduced, would appropriate $47.6 million from the MNRTF for 27 acquisition projects (approximately $27.7 million) and 87 development projects (approximately $19.9 million). Total matching funds of $40.1 million result in total project costs of $87.7 million.

• This is before the Governor for consideration. • The Administration supports this legislation.

HB 4787 – Ice Shanty Removal – Rep. VanderWall This bill seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by amending Sections 46502, 46507, and 46508 to change requirements for how an ice shanty can be identified. Instead of an individual using their home address to identify their shanty, the bill would allow for the use of the owner’s driver license number or their sportcard to be posted on the outside of the shanty. The bill would also remove the dates in statute for when shanties are required to be removed from the ice and would allow for the Department to set this date instead.

• This bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. • The Administration has not taken a position on this legislation.

If you would like to learn more about these and other bills, you can access the Michigan Legislature website at www.legislature.mi.gov. The Natural Resources Commission met in Lansing on July 13, 2017. Major actions taken:

• The commission finalized deer regulations for the next three years, approving antlerless deer license quotas and deer management assistance permits and antler point restrictions. The commission departed from proposed changes to the Wildlife Conservation Order that had been on the agenda in several ways:

The commission extended a five-county Deer Management Assistance Permit pilot program – which had been scheduled to sunset this year – for one additional year.

The department had recommended a three-point-on-a-side antler point restriction in DMUs 487 and 452 in the bovine tuberculosis region of the Lower Peninsula. The commission declined to institute antler point restrictions in these DMUs on deer licenses or deer combination licenses.

The department had recommended changing the dates for hunting on South Fox Island. The commission chose to retain current dates for hunting on the island.

• Director Keith Creagh approved four land transactions. Details of those transactions can be found

linked in the NRC agenda online. The day began with a meeting of the Policy Committee on Finance and Operations. Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter presented the Fisheries Division Fiscal Year 2016 annual report. The Fisheries budget for FY 2016 totaled $29.2 million. Jim’s report was structured around Fisheries' strategic goals: healthy aquatic ecosystems and

July 2017 NRC Meeting Summary – Ed Golder, Public Information Officer

July Legislative Update – Anna Mooney, Legislative & Legal Affairs Office

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sustainable fish populations; diverse fishing opportunities; strategic resource partnerships; strategically focused assessment and decision support tools; and efficient division operations. Among other accomplishments in FY 2016, Fisheries issued $1.25 million in Aquatic Habitat Grants, $350,000 in Dam Management Grants and $278,000 in Habitat Improvement Account grants, which mitigate resource impacts from hydropower dams. Fisheries stocked 32 million fish, launched Michigan's Arctic Grayling Initiative and interviewed some 80,000 anglers to collect valuable management data. Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler presented his division's 2017 annual report, which uses data from the 2016 calendar year consistent with how other law enforcement agencies report data. LED's FY 2016 budget totaled $39.5 million. LED's strategic goals are: preserve and protect; promote and enhance public safety; improve and enhance public understanding of what we do; develop and foster beneficial partnerships; serve as effective stewards of funding sources; attract, maintain and support highly trained officers and staff; increase efficiency and effectiveness. Among other actions in 2016, LED supported response to the Flint water crisis, hired and trained 17 new conservation officers, responded to the threat of invasive species and wildlife diseases and spearheaded the Youth Conservation Academy in Detroit. The division gave seven life-saving awards during 2016, a measure of the benefit provided by additional General Fund investment in DNR law enforcement. LED made 429,117 contacts through the year. The vast majority of those contacts did not result in any enforcement action. LED certified roughly 30,000 students in hunter education and marine, snowmobile and ORV safety. Wildlife Chief Russ Mason presented his division's Fiscal Year 2016 annual report. Wildlife had a budget of $39.4 million in FY 2016. Wildlife has 12 strategic goals and Russ focused on three of them: manage for sustainable populations of wildlife species; manage habitat for sustainable wildlife populations in a changing environment; improve communications and engagement with the public regarding wildlife issues. Wildlife spent $1.7 million managing wildlife disease, including chronic wasting disease, bovine tuberculosis and highly pathogenic avian influenza. The division tested 7,592 deer for CWD and 11,968 deer for bovine TB. The division issued $910,000 in Wildlife Habitat Grants, spent $84,429 through the Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative and spent $31,120 through the Deer Private Land Assistance Network. The division had more than 500 media interactions, conducted 82 school programs that reached over 8,600 students, and saw over 600 teachers use wildlife developed curriculum that reached over 20,000 students. Erik Eklund from Finance and Operations told the committee that the department's FY 2018 budget has been passed by lawmakers rand is awaiting the governor's signature. The final budget largely mirrors the governor's recommendations for DNR funding, with a few notable changes. The governor sought to add $10 million in General Fund investment for state park infrastructure and the Legislature approved $7 million General Fund for this purpose. The governor recommended $2 million to close abandoned mine shafts on DNR-managed public lands, and the Legislature did not approve any funding for that purpose. The Legislature added $3.25 million for DNR projects that had not been part of the governor’s recommendation, including $1 million for CWD response. Next the Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries met. Chief Jim Dexter told the committee that the Fisheries Division has tried to print a two-year Fishing Guide to reflect a two-year fishing regulation cycle. However, printing the two-year guide hasn't been successful in part because retailers tend to jettison guides at the end of the first year. The Division will return to printing one-year guides, but is urging people to download digital guides to have the most up-to-date information on regulations and prices. Nick Popoff of Fisheries updated commissioners on proposed changes to state-licensed commercial fishing regulations. The changes, a proposed director's order, involve trap net depths, lake whitefish seasons and size limits and other matters. Tom Goniea of Fisheries updated the committee on the system the DNR launched in 2016 for registering fishing tournaments. The Web-based system will help the department understand the number and impact of fishing tournaments. Last year 2,096 bass fishing tournaments registered with the state. About 84 percent of tournaments complied with the cost-free but mandatory registration requirement. Registrations for this year have already exceeded registrations from last year, Tom said, illustrating increasing compliance.

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Wildlife Chief Russ Mason told the commission about the continued success of the Pheasant Restoration Initiative, a new "Adopt a State Game Area" program initiated with Pheasants Forever, and a new specialty license plate celebrating 100 years of elk in Michigan. Last month the DNR dedicated the Augusta Creek State Wildlife Area as the Dr. Gordon Guyer Augusta Creek State Wildlife Area, named for the former director of the DNR and Department of Agriculture and and former president of Michigan State University. Dr. Guyer died last year at age 89. Russ also reported on an order to re-designate Bay City State Recreation Area as Bay City State Park. The order will be before Director Creagh for action next month. The change will expand hunting opportunities -- with appropriate safeguards -- in areas of the park that had traditionally been opened to hunting. Chad Stewart of Wildlife reviewed data regarding antler point restrictions for deer hunting in 12 Northwest Michigan counties – Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Osceola and Wexford. Hunter support for APRs has grown in those counties, Chad said, from 68.5 percent of hunters supporting in 2012 to 77 percent of hunters supporting today. The Northwest 12 antler point restrictions – which had been slated to sunset -- remained in place as part of the deer regulations approved today. Next, Chad discussed antler point restrictions in deer management units 487 and 452, multi-county management units in the northern Lower Peninsula created to address bovine tuberculosis. He also discussed deer regulations on Drummond Island and South Fox Island, and a pilot project for Deer Management Assistance Permits in five counties -- Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse and Leelenau. The DMAP pilot project will continue for one more year based on today’s commission action. The commission altered the department’s recommendations on DMUs 487 and 452 as well as the recommendations for South Fox Island, as noted above. In the Committee of the Whole, Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson gave a general parks update. Recreation Passport sales are projected to hit 34.5 percent of registered vehicles in 2017, Ron said, which would be an all-time high. Alcohol-fueled unrest at Grand Haven State Park on July 3 and July 4 resulted in the temporary closure of the beach there. Fireworks viewing at Belle Isle Park went very well this year, as did Metro Detroit Youth Day, which on Wednesday drew 35,000 youth to Belle Isle. The department is considering a new firewood policy for state parks with the aim of minimizing the introduction of invasive species. That draft firewood policy is still under discussion. There will be further public discussion and department review before it is finalized. Law Enforcement Chief Gary Hagler presented a Lifesaving Award to Conservation Officer Ben Shively of Oceana County. While on patrol in March, CO Shively stopped an erratic driver only to discover the man had cut his arm badly with a chainsaw. CO Shively applied a tourniquet and elevated the arm to contain the bleeding until EMS arrived. The wound required 42 staples on the outside of the arm and an unknown number of stitches inside the arm, close to an artery that was severed. The man is recovering well thanks to CO Shively’s quick action. Chief Hagler also presented a Life Saving Award to Conservation Officer Michael Evink of Schoolcraft County. In January, CO Evink responded to a call and found two men who had suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. One man had no pulse. CO Evink was able to save the other man. Chief Hagler noted that just four days prior to this life-saving event, CO Evink was part of a search-and-rescue operation involving two stranded snowmobilers. Chief Hagler called CO Evink “a great example of the capable type of person we train our officers to be.” In addition, Chief Hagler recognized hunter safety instructors Chester Dymon of Oakland County and Robert Fey of Genesee County for teaching hunter safety for more than 40 years each. He recognized Tod Switala of Sterling as Hunter Education Volunteer Instructor of the Year. Wildlife Chief Russ Mason and Matt Pedigo of the Michigan Bear Hunters Association unveiled this year’s Bear Management Cooperator Patch.

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Forest Resources Division Chief Bill O’Neill updated the commission on Public Act 288, which opens state forest roads to ORVs in the Lower Peninsula. The law requires the department to inventory state forest roads, identify proposed restrictions and annually post a map and mileage of the roads. The draft proposed map is online – it can be found on the Road Inventory Project page -- and is available for public comment. It will be finalized by year’s end. Todd Grischke of Fisheries and Frank Beaver, director of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians' Natural Resources Department, unveiled the action plan for the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative. The plan charts the course for restoring self-sustaining populations of this iconic native fish. The plan details the initiative’s goals and various actions to be taken over the next several years. Thirty-two organizations are partners in the effort. For more information on the history of Arctic grayling in Michigan and to view the Arctic Grayling Action Plan visit the initiative’s newly launched website, migrayling.org. Wildlife Division: Terry Minzey, Wildlife Supervisor Tough Spring for Wildlife: While the spring break up arrived early this spring and helped deer disperse from the

confinement of deer wintering complexes and Canada geese nest early, the weather abruptly turned unseasonable cold and very wet in May and into late June. This may have an impact on late ground nesting birds such as turkeys, grouse, loons and some species of ducks. Anecdotal information from biologist’s observations and cooperators suggest the cold wet conditions could impact production. Insect availability is very important for the early growth and success of the chicks of many species. Coupled with very high water and nest flooding, the spring conditions may have been unfavorable for chick production. Conversely, many are reporting fair to normal fawn production in many areas.

Goose Banding: As part of our Mississippi Flyway obligation,

the UP Region has a Canada goose banding quota of 300 birds. To distribute the quota across the region we target 100 geese in the east end out of the Sault St. Marie office, 100 out of the central UP from either Marquette or the Escanaba offices, and 100 from the west end out of the Baraga office. Around the end of June, the adult geese molt their flight feathers for about a two-week period while they have young and will not leave them. This creates and unique opportunity to easily capture and band large numbers of birds. Using boats, canoes and kayaks, staff can “round them up” using patience and some tried and practiced experience. The geese are herded into a catch pen on shore and then quickly processed to determine age and sex. Each bird old enough to carry a band will be banded with a unique band number. This number can be used to track the bird over its’ lifetime from place of origin to death. This also is a unique chance for the public to see wildlife managers in action and even become involved in handling some of the birds with a little training and where appropriate. This year UPR crews banded 348 geese in three days with the assistance of LED, PRD, FOD, and FRD staff. Pictured to the left is 9 year old volunteer Nate Scullon with Marquette Wildlife Assistant Kyle McGillviray, below is the WLD crew escorting a 100 plus geese on the Menominee River into the catch pen.

Division Updates

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Bear nuisance complaints: This spring, staff have been busier than last year dealing with more nuisance bear complaints resulting in staff trapping and relocating more nuisance bears. The poor spring conditions and delayed spring green up may have played a part in the seasonal phenomenon. There is no evidence that this is related to a population increase but more so to weather impacts on food availability. Some of this may have also been associated with public sensitivity to the presence of bears after a black bear attack on a bird surveyor near Florence, Wisconsin this spring. Complaints have been less since fawns started hitting the ground in late May and June.

Habitat work: Staff from all wildlife units are working on a number of habitat improvement projects across the UP

ranging from planting small grains for migrating waterfowl in Baraga at the Sturgeon River Sloughs Wildlife Management Area to hunter walking trails and wildlife openings in Dickinson County. Share croppers are busy at the AuTrain Wildlife Area where Escanaba staff are working on improvements to the Portage marsh infrastructure. Staff recently completed planting over 2500 oak saplings across the UP in addition to hundreds of apples and wildlife shrubs at many locations. The wet conditions are making it difficult for some projects but there still is a lot of the summer season left.

Forest inventory: Staffers are also involved in the annual forest inventory process in which 10% of the state forest is

assessed annually. Biologists and technicians work with foresters to ensure wildlife values are incorporated into prescriptions and timber sale specifications. Wildlife staff also attentive to being wildlife intentional with prescription on purchased lands, following deer winter complex guidance and numerous habitat plans. Baraga, Escanaba, Crystal Falls, Marquette, Cusino, Newberry and Sault staff are all engaged in this annual and ongoing process which shapes not only future wildlife habitat but impacts wildlife populations.

2017 Moose Survey: The 2017 moose population survey started January 3rd and normally would be completed by

the end of January. However, the UP winter complicated this year’s survey effort. Because of mild weather, the survey was extended into early February. Eventually due to prolonged poor weather conditions, we made the decision to terminate the survey as the timeframe had moved beyond the survey protocol window. This year we were five low density plots shy of completing the entire survey, but we were able to complete all of the high density moose plots so we were able to make a partial population estimate. In the core area in the western Upper Peninsula, we estimated a population of 378 animals, up from 285 in 2015 (the last time the survey was completed) and similar to the survey estimate of 451 moose in 2013. Extrapolating this winter’s data it looks like if we had completed the entire survey we would have generated a population estimate of between 420 and 470 animals. The percentage of calves in the moose population was 22 percent in 2013, 17 percent in 2015 and 19 percent this year. The DNR will continue to monitor the percentage of calves in the population as this is an important indicator of the viability of the moose population over the long-term. Given the uncertainty of the moose population and the Moose Hunting Advisory Council’s recommendation to only allow hunting if a growth rate of greater than 3 percent is maintained, the DNR is not recommending implementing a moose harvest.

Chronic Wasting Disease: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed

deer, mule deer, elk and moose. Currently it has not been detected in the UP; however, it is knocking on the door from Wisconsin, Minnesota and the southern Lower Peninsula. In response, the DNR is testing 300 animals from along the border counties in the UP. A seasonal staffer has been employed to collect heads from road kills and crop

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damage permit taken deer this summer. During the fall hunting season’s additional measures will be taken to collect heads at check stations, from deer processors, and concerned citizens.

The DNR will hold a statewide CWD Symposium later this fall, likely in the Lansing area on a date to be determined. The objective of this meeting is to bring in national experts on research and management of this disease to provide up-to-date information on the status of CWD around the country. The information provided by these experts will likely be important in developing some of the “next steps” in combatting this disease. The plan is to extend specific invitations to valued partners, while leaving availability for others not affiliated with organizations an opportunity to attend as well. Logistics of the meeting are still being worked out; more information will be forthcoming. More about CWD is available on the DNR web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Parks & Recreation Division: Doug Rich, WUP District Supervisor State Park/Recreation Area/Scenic Site/Forest Rec Units Baraga Field Office: Demo of the picnic building at McLain State Park was completed as well as the headquarters

building roof replacement. Evaluated the Craig Lake State Park culvert replacement project and worked on the Wells State Park drainage problem.

Baraga State Park: Camping (9%) and day use has been down due to very frequent rains that have been causing wet campsites and ponding. The Village of Baraga was called in to assist with pumps to remove ponded water. A partnership kayaking event was held on Memorial Day weekend with Portage Health Foundation for their Experience the Keweenaw event which was held over a four-county area. Forest campgrounds have also been quieter than normal with the rain.

Bewabic State Park: Bewabic was full May 27th. Attendance for the months of May and June were generally within two percent of the previous season. Total Woman in the Outdoors partner event with Aspirus Iron River Hospital was postponed till August. Heavy rains did considerable road, day use, and campsite damage. The headquarters roof was leaking and had to be patched; roof is in very poor repair and should be addressed through FY2017 funding.

Bond Falls Scenic Site: Day use has been down slightly due to frequent rains. Use is down about 8% at the site. There have been two use permit weddings at the site.

Craig Lake State Park: Backcountry camping has increased 20 nights YTD; rustic cabin nights are down 10 nights YTD; yurt nights decreased 8 nights YTD. Construction began late June on the NCT/CL boardwalk.

Escanaba Field Office: Staff assisted with the replacement of Van Riper State Park Headquarters roof, as well as alleviated drainage issues at Wells State Park in attempt to dry the campground after constant rain event. Staff also began planning for a large culvert replacement at Craig Lake State Park. A hazard tree survey was completed by staff as well as tree removal within state forest campgrounds managed by Escanaba Field Office.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: The campground has been very busy this year. To date, we have had 2374 camps this year versus 2071 camps at this date last year. This is an increase of 12.7%. We were two campsites shy of filling on Memorial Day. Just about every week we have more camps than last year. Cool and rain has kept our day use numbers low.

Lake Gogebic State Park: One citation was written for possession of Ash wood in a state park. Poor drainage in conjunction with heavy spring rain has caused the closure of 40 sites until mid-July, lagoon irrigation system updated. Camping numbers are up slightly.

McLain State Park: The park has been on the slow side with camping and day use numbers so far this year. A combination or rainy weather and the possibility that we wouldn't have a modern bathroom building have kept some people away.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Backcountry check-in procedure continues to be working thus far. It recently helped more quickly resolve a small search and rescue. The Ski Hill Chalet roof project is complete and the project went smoothly. Improvements were also made to secondary roofs. Stone chimney was restored. Camping and visitation is similar to last year. It is surprising considering weather thus far weather has been wet and rainy. Visitor Center restroom repairs are complete. Baraga Field Office assisted with drainage and road ditching in the area of the winter sports complex and music festival areas.

Menominee State Recreation Area: Use has been a little slow with rain and high water levels. Van Riper State Park: Camping is down by 311 camp nights. Overnight lodging nights have increased by 18 nights

YTD. This is most likely attributed to the amount of rainfall we have had; however, the Empire Mine closing and

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laying off over 200 people in October 2016 may also have a contributing factor as we have a high percentage of local campers. Little Presque Isle/Harlow Lake cabins located in Marquette have had an increase of 91 nights YTD. Headquarters/shop roof replacement completed, with a special work crew from various other units in the district.

Twin Lakes State Park: Camping has been steady even with the rainy weather and constant hatch of bugs. Day-use has been slow with these low temperatures. All activities have been slowed down by lack of warm weather.

Wells State Park: Attendance is down in camping, due to the rain over the last month. We closed between 50-80 sites multiple times during the month due to unusable sites for campers. Escanaba and Baraga construction crew assisted in the removal of water in the campground over the last few days and is making a difference to the sites that are too wet and saturated to use. A long term drainage solution will be addressed in the fall, when camping slows down.

Boating Reports (BAS = Boating Access Sites) Baraga Field Office: Graded some boating access sites, evaluated at the Indian Lake BAS ramp project, had Grader

training for the new grader and took delivery of the new grader. Copper Harbor State Harbor: The Longest Day Fishing Tournament was held at Lac Le Belle, Copper harbor, Gratiot

Lake and Eagle Harbor. Escanaba Field Office: Staff replaced numerous signs within unit BAS's and completed painting maintenance

projects at the vault toilets. Clean up at Kipling and Ford River was completed, with removal of brush, trees and debris hauled away. Hazard trees were removed from multiple sites managed by Escanaba Field Office. Yearly inspections were also completed by staff.

Lake Gogebic State Park: Boat washing at access sites continues to raise awareness regarding invasive species. Menominee State Recreation Area: High water on all lakes and rivers. Menominee River is at dangerous

levels/flow. One skid pier on the Menominee became completely submerged after heavy rain fall caused the river to rise.

Wells State Park: Most of our BAS ramps that are located on rivers had to be moved multiple times because the rivers were above flood stage during our rain events.

Other Issues, Challenges or Items of Note Baraga State Park: Having issues with significantly wet campsites. Bewabic State Park: The Park had a difficult time finding enough applicants to fill all short term worker positions,

but was lucky to have some great ones returning from the previous year. We filled the last opening June 27th. Rain has caused a lot of road and day use issues making mowing in some areas impossible.

Escanaba Field Office: Local rain events continue nearly daily, and water levels are very high, with no signs of stopping in the future. Camping numbers reflect this weather. The high water levels and rain have caused numerous issues, including skid piers needing adjusting, washouts, and down trees on pathways. Two short term workers have been hired and the search continues to use allocated hours for BAS and state forest campgrounds.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: The park is having difficulties finding summer park staff. We are three short term workers short as of this writing. There continues to be lead in the water issues at various drinking fountains in the east campground and one of our well pump motors had to be replaced. We found it could not keep the water pressure up over the Memorial Day Weekend. The park store has a new concessionaire. She said in her first month, she did more sales here than all last summer at McLain State Park. Ice Cream and Deli sandwiches are her big items and they were never sold here before.

McLain State Park: The park has been short staffed due to one of the rangers having to help at the Porkies and at Van Riper on projects. Recent funding will allow us to hire one extra short term worker for the rest of the season this should help with staffing for this year.

Menominee State Recreation Area: Working on a cost estimate to replace two small walking bridges at Piers Gorge. Falling tree destroyed main facility sign at Piers Gorge.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Current known larger infrastructure repairs/failures include wet well pump at Union Bay campground repaired, culvert at Visitor Center in place and working well with wet summer, foot bridge at Presque Isle still in disrepair no time table on repair currently, sewer line collapse at Ski Hill repaired, well house collapse at Speakers Cabin being monitored, large door at historic mechanic shop repaired. Water booster pump to ski hill has failed; currently getting bids for pump to do the replacement. Footbridge on cloud peak trail repaired. Large May ice storm resulted in hundreds of tree's on roads, campsites, parking lots and hiking trails.

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Cleanup mostly complete in easy to access areas and about 60% of the 90 miles of hiking trails cleared. Union Bay campsite flooding and pooling continues to be a problem with heavy rainfall. We are working with the planning section to implement permanent improvements to the most critical areas.

Twin Lakes State Park: Not finding enough employees to fill our positions, too far away from populations, drive is too far.

Van Riper State Park: Supervisor participated in 'Ask the DNR’. Park Supervisor partnered with FRD and Wildlife to discuss with Russian Foresters visiting the area. Contract approved and awarded to UPEA for the park water treatment facility. MRS crew began working June 26, 2017 and we are excited to have them on the team again this year.

Wells State Park: Equestrian group BAMSAR installed another horse corral out at the Cedar River North State Forest Campground and will continue construction of the last one this coming fall.

Multi-Use Trails Rains over the last few months have been taxing the infrastructure on the rail grades and many culverts have been

failing. Nearly a dozen culverts are currently being permitted, repaired or replaced. Beaver are causing more trail issues than typical, mostly due to heavy rains. Sponsors have trappers working hard

and USDA Wildlife Services were contracted by DNR in some of the more difficult situations. The Ontonagon-Rockland grade will be pulverized and graded in July which will allow the trail to officially open to

ORV traffic. The project is being administered through a MI-TRALE sponsor grant. Bridge repairs on the South Branch of Ontonagon Bridge are going ahead of schedule. Foundation and site work is

nearly complete and decking will begin in July. This bridge is on the Bergland to Sidnaw grade in Ewen. Culvert repairs on the Baraga to Arnheim grade are currently out for bid and should be complete by late fall. The

three culverts will allow the snowmobile trail to move onto part of the grade and out of the wetland area that is hard to freeze during winter.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: The Keweenaw Adventure Company held a Memorial Day mountain bicycle event and about 60 of the participants stayed in our group area.

Twin Lakes State Park: ORV traffic has been steady over the spring and seems to be increasing each year; trails are taking a beating with wet and rainy weather.

Van Riper State Park: Deconstructed closed trails at Little Presque Isle; volunteer at Little Presque Isle logged over 700 hours.

Baraga Field Office: Worked on ditching on Houghton-Chassell rail trail. ORV Trails Five new trail sections have been approved in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Keweenaw ATV club is currently

working on two of those trails in order to bring them up to standards for opening. Grants have been requested for development funds for next year on the remaining route development.

Baraga State Park: There has been a fair amount of ORV use at the park and on the Baraga Plains ORV trail. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: Copper Harbor trails are quite busy. Twin Lakes State Park: Twin Lakes sport ride was a success again this year, even with rain and 40 MPH winds.

Riders traveled over 90 miles, only break down this season was a flat tire, three miles from the finish. Thanks again to MI-TRALE for their assistance in this year’s ride.

Baraga Field Office: Refurbished Baraga Plains ORV parking area pit toilet. Snowmobile Trails The snowmobile clubs in the western UP met in late June for the first time to reastablish the western UP

snowmobile club coalition. The coalition goal is to share ideas and promote the western UP snowmobiling oportunities.

Twin Lakes State Park: Combined meetings with snowmobile and ORV clubs that share trails seems to be helping get more projects accomplished with no overlapping. These partnerships help everyone involved and make wise use of our funding.

Baraga Field Office worked on ditching snowmobile trail by Calumet.

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Equestrian Trails DNR staff have met with members of MI-TRALE assisting with the routes and trail proposal development for trail

expansion at both the Courtney Lake Trail system and the proposed Pike Lake area. Work is underway for hosting an equestrian workshop this fall in the Marquette area. Twin Lakes State Park: The MI-TRALE Equestrian group was able to get in a small ride between rain and hail that

came down during their first ride to scout the Pike Lake Boating Access Site. Two other rides were canceled because of the weather. The July 8 ride will hopefully have good weather and the rest of the area will be scouted. Members like the riding area and will make a decision in the future.

Van Riper State Park: Met with concerned citizens regarding the Thunder Valley Equestrian Trail extension. Wells State Park: Trails and the road into the state forest campground have been affected by the logging that

occurred over during the winter. Pathways Escanaba Field Office: Complaints of downed trees continue on Days River Pathway and the removal of those trees

is nearly constant, possibly due to saturated soils not properly anchoring these trees. Flooding has occurred in the last loop of the Days River Pathway due to the Days River being over the bank.

Lake Mary Plains Pathway signage is at the printer and should be ready for installation later this season.

Trespass and Acquisition Report Twin Lakes State Park: No new action has taken place on the acquisition for property on the south of the park; it’s

possibly on the 2018 review list. Working with Trails to deal with trespass issues on the ORV trail and with logging activities.

Planning Report Baraga State Park: Bid process has been completed and an engineering firm has been selected for the electrical

design project for the campground at the park. Bergland Boating Access Site: Parking lot, dock, and ADA site improvements completed August 1, 2016. Additional

asphalt paving and site lighting improvements are proposed for fall of 2017 or spring/early summer of 2018. Design is 95% complete and is anticipated to be bid out in July.

Bewabic State Park: Bids have been received for 1,000 yards of 23a for campground road projects. We have received one formal bid, waiting on several others, for headquarters and booth roof replacements, and cedar shake ridge cap install on our historic beach building. We are working with Eric Cadeau on an ADA shower remodeling project, scheduled to go out on Buy4Michigan mid-July. We have also priced materials for the Headquarters roof replacement. Upgrades to the campground electrical and wet well have received design funding. Engineering and architectural proposals have been evaluated and a contract is being offered.

Copper Harbor State Harbor: Design of masonry repairs to the Copper Harbor historic lighthouse and light keepers residence are underway. $50,000.00 allocated. Design is 50% complete. Engineering design for sea wall repairs and an investigation of settle bin walls has been funded. A request for proposals is being written.

Eagle Harbor: Engineering and analysis of the State Harbor is proposed in 2017. Improvements to the site utilities, mooring facility, and harbor master building are being considered. Professional engineering and architectural service proposals are being evaluated. A design contract will be awarded soon.

Escanaba Field Office: Planning continues for the replacement of Indian Lake BAS ramp as well as the culvert replacement at Craig Lake and the dam removal at Union Springs. A new cold storage building is proposed at the Escanaba Field Office to support PRD's major maintenance crew and equipment. Design is 90% complete.

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: History is still working on the new displays for the hospital ward room in the Fort. They are a month behind schedule. Michigan Tech did an archaeology study at the Astor Hotel location, Range light keepers Privy and wash house. Some samples were found and sent in for analysis. A report will be due in September.

Lake Gogebic State Park: Continuing the process to open this park up to ORV's. McLain State Park: Phase 1 design is 100% complete and has been submitted for DEQ permit review (Inland Lakes

and Streams, Wetlands, and Campground Rules) and LARA Plan Review (for code compliance with building permits.) The project is anticipated to be bid out in July for construction beginning the end of September. Phase 2 construction is 40% complete. To date: $2,700,000.00 has been allocated for design and construction.

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Menominee River Recreation Area: The management plan has received its final approvals by the Wisconsin DNR. The joint management plan will be presented to the Director of Michigan's DNR for his signature.

Oman Creek Boating Access Site: $170,000.00 has been awarded for the design of a groin. The groin design will be informed by a littoral drift study. A request for proposals is being written.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Planning for sportsman’s’ club improvements underway and planning for Bergland BAS paving is nearing completion. Porkies Ski Chalet Roof Replacement - Design = 100% complete. Construction became substantially complete on June 28, 2017.

Van Riper State Park - Upgrades to the water treatment plant and water supply systems - $140,000.00 has been allocated for design and construction. A design kick-off meeting is proposed for July 10th.

Fisheries Division: George Madison, Western Lake Superior Management Unit The following are the western Upper Peninsula fisheries division highlights for the period of May 3-July 18, 2017: Escanaba Field Office (Darren Kramer) Assisted Wisconsin DNR with an electrofishing survey in the Menominee River above the Hydraulic Falls Dam Staff operated the lake sturgeon lift at the Menominee Dam until May 12th. A total of 45 adult lake sturgeon were

transferred upstream of the Menominee and Park Mill dams. Met with WU Dickinson County and WU Iron County (Pres only) to discuss FF walleye stockings. Participated in a field trip at Pine Creek in Dickinson County with the Iron Mountain Middle School as part of a MSU

Extension Outreach program. Gave presentations on fisheries and water resources topics to Iron Mountain 6th graders and high schoolers. Participated in the Brule River Kid’s Float Trip Outreach…teamed up with Wisconsin DNR and conservation offices

from WI and MI. Planning is underway with Trout Unlimited and USFS-Ottawa National Forest for a stream habitat project on Cooks

Run, Iron County. Complete fisheries surveys on Lake Michigamme, Snipe Lake, Shakey Lakes, Smoky Lake, Vermillac Lake, and Tourist

Park Basin. Attended the annual Michigan-Wisconsin Boundary Water to coordinate management activities on the Menominee

River. Harvested and stocked spring fingerling walleye in UP waters the last two weeks of June. Continued operation of the lake sturgeon streamside rearing facilities at the Cedar and Whitefish Rivers. Participated in Escanaba Forest Management Unit compartment pre-review. Baraga Customer Service Center (George Madison) West UP DNR-Fisheries staff met with Frank Pearson and West UP CAC Fisheries subcommittee Chair Dave Anthony

to discuss questions that Mr. Pearson presented at the May 2nd CAC meeting in Crystal Falls. Attended Priority Brook Trout water meeting in Kenton. Reviewed geophysical survey timing restrictions for Marquette metallic mineral exploration. Site visit to artesian well blowout on Beaver Creek, north of Kenton. Deployed in-stream temperature loggers to record summer 2017 brook trout stream temperature regimes. Lake Superior Basin Team meeting. NRC meeting in Houghton. Baraga Forest Management Unit open house. Presented at the Michigan DNR Fish Production Section meeting in Houghton Attended a joint Michigan – Wisconsin DNR-Fisheries Division meeting. Began new schedule of working at the Marquette Customer Service Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reviewed and developed proposals for brook trout fishing regulation of allowing a 10-fish possession limit on select

waters. Site visit to a land acquisition of a waterfall in Marquette County. Presented at the Duck Lake property owners meeting. Crystal Falls crew harvested the walleye rearing ponds and stocked pre-designated lakes with fingerlings.

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Marquette and Thompson State Fish Hatcheries (Mr. Jan VanAmberg) Thompson State Fish Hatchery

Culture The USFWS mass marking trailer AD clipped 280,000 Chinook in May. Began testing hydrogen sulfide levels in our geothermal wells to determine its efficiency and to provide baseline

data to determine if addition of new deep well through capital outlay will affect efficiency. Tonka degassing unit was thoroughly cleaned for the first time since installation (1999). Took the whole crew

four days. Tested formaldehyde in the effluent for 21 days during egg incubation as required by new NPDES permit. Cost

for testing was $3,550. Determined peak concentration in effluent to be 0.3 mg/l which is about 1/5 of the effluent limit for formaldehyde. Requested to be relieved of obligation for further testing. Awaiting response from DEQ.

Thompson completed spring stocking on June 5th. - stocked 605,000 steelhead yearlings averaging 11.0 fish per kg - stocked 280,000 Chinook spring fingerlings averaging 149 fish per kg - produced 6.18 million walleye fry for rearing ponds and direct plants

Fish culture staff is operating a nearby walleye pond for ELS to gain experience in pond management and to assist the unit.

Making logistical plans for steelhead mass marking starting September 2017. Face to face discussions with the USFWS will be occurring.

Multiple school group tours provided during stocking season. Providing 450 steelhead yearlings to State Park and US Forest Service campground for kid fishing events in June. Cleanup of stocking trucks, raceways, incubation, equipment is ongoing. Much time is devoted to Capital outlay planning- working with design firm, updating staff regarding decisions,

etc. Completed federal aid grant request for Fish Production and Stocking for FY18 and Jeanne is entering the FY16

annual report in TRACS. Maintenance New power supply lines installed by Cloverland Electric after the third blow-out in five years interrupted utility

power for a day. Emergency generator fuel lines replaced Spring clean-up of the grounds

Marquette State Fish Hatchery Culture Marquette completed 2017 fish stocking on May 15 meeting all allocations

- 3,425 book trout spring fingerlings - 70,693 brook trout yearlings - 1,798 brook trout Adults - 124,958 lake trout yearlings (Superior strain) - 204,684 lake trout yearlings (Seneca strain) - 225,230 splake yearlings

Summary - 662,960 fish - 29,750 kg - 20,077 miles - 517 hours - 1 unit driver for 1 week

Upper and Lower Production area has been power washed and disinfected All 2016 fish lots vaccinated for Aeromonas and BKD 2016 Fish lots are being moved outside the week of June 5th Provided 16 school groups and 617 humans tours during the spring season

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Maintenance Staff fabricating a new fish exclusion grate for the main culvert (prevents salmon for getting into the hatchery) Moving toward bidding phase on the culvert repair project at entrance road. Replacement no longer deemed

necessary so current budget expected at <or= $50,000 Spring clean-up of the grounds Winterized and put away winter equipment Beginning repairs and storage of fish stocking units State worker quit so we are shorthanded again. One of the perils of relying on temporary help. Interviews are schedule for the limited term maintenance mechanic position. 12 candidates, some very

qualified. Forest Resources Division: Don Mankee, WUP District Supervisor The 2019 Year of Entry (YOE) inventory is underway. Open house and compartment review schedules will be posted

online, along with other state forest inventory information at www.michigan.gov/forestry. Upcoming open houses include Escanaba on August 2nd, Gwinn on September 19th, and Crystal Falls on September 20th.

The division is continuing to monitor stands that are at high risk for loss due to the current outbreak of Spruce

Budworm. Aerial detection flights are being used to detect the hardest hit areas. These areas will be reviewed in the context of the whole resource, salvage sales maybe set up to utilize the trees before mortality occurs. For more information on this and other forest pests go to www.michigan.gov/foresthealth.

700 acres of blow down timber were identified in northeast Iron County as a result of severe storms this past spring.

Four timber sales have been prepared by Crystal Falls unit staff in an attempt to salvage this timber. One of those sales involved removing trees from the state forest road system, and is nearing completion. The remaining timber sales will be up for bid in the near future.

The division is continuing to work with the USFS on the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA). This year the GNA program

in the Western UP is growing as DNR foresters are currently preparing about 800 acres. As it did last year, GNA sale prep efforts on the Ottawa National Forest focus primarily on managing red pine in 2017.

As of June 15th, 336 timber sale contracts are open western-UP wide. This represents 622,059 cords of timber on

37,487 acres, valued at approximately $33.9 million.

Western UP units report 14 active timber sales totaling about 961 acres. Units report extremely wet conditions have hampered timber sale operation. With dryer weather conditions activity is expected to pick up.

Spring forest cultivation work has wrapped up in the western UP. Approximately 543,000 trees on 567 acres were

planted. Additionally, 152 acres have been trenched for preparation for planting in 2018 and 45 acres were treated with herbicide to eliminate competition.

The forest protection staff reports there were a total of 8 wildfires since the beginning of May. Three prescribed burns were completed in the western UP to achieve management goals on 847 acres. As of June 11th, we have completed 8,750 acres of prescribed burns statewide.

The UP fire outlook is on track for a low season at this point largely due to extensive rainfall throughout the region

this season. One UP single resource trainee has been dispatched to Arizona to help with fires there. The division has also dispatched seven staff as part of an interagency hand crew for dispatch to Colorado. We are also considering sending at least two engines out west. These engines would be staffed with three persons each, and committed for an extended period. Staff commitments are typically for two week periods, so fresh staff can be rotated for dispatch on a biweekly basis once the engines are deployed.

Protection staff across the western UP have been working on evaluating and repairing road damage due to the

heavy rains and storms experienced across the region.

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Public Information Office: John Pepin, Deputy Public Information Officer The summer is full of a great deal of activity with press releases issued on numerous subjects. Our Showcasing the DNR series is now offering bylines to writers. Getting story ideas put together for 2018 already. Please submit any ideas you have to me via email. I am very happy to work with new writers. If you are interested, let’s get you and your story idea published. Our Outdoors North column continues to be featured in Upper Peninsula newspapers — the Mining Journal, Escanaba Daily Press and Houghton Daily Mining Gazette — weekly. Working with a new camera lens to increase the number of good photos we have on hand of a wide range of nature and recreation subjects. If there is something you need photos of for a presentation, article or something else, please inquire. Law Enforcement Division (LED): Lt. Pete Wright, District 1 Law Supervisor Recruit School #8 is slated to begin on July 16th with a roster of 26 recruits beginning the 22 week training academy. The recruits who successfully complete the academy will spend the next 18 weeks field training and can be expected to hit the field in the spring of 2018. The following are a few of the incidents District 1 conservation officers have reported during the last couple of weeks: Conservation Officer Ethen Mapes (Ontonagon County) was nearing the end of his patrol when he noticed a vehicle

where the operator was struggling to keep his vehicle between the lines on the highway. After contact with the driver, it was found that the man had been drinking. Initial results showed the man to be over twice the legal limit. The driver was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor.

CO Brian Bacon (Dickinson County) and Sgt. Marc Pomroy (Dickinson County) were called to the scene of a missing 17 year old swimmer in Dickinson County. The subject was part of a group of people swimming at the Badwater Impoundment along the Menominee River near Iron Mountain. The swimmer was overpowered by the current, from recent heavy rains, as he attempted to assist another swimmer struggling in the current. Divers located and recovered the victim shortly before dark.

CO Miller (Baraga County) assisted fire officers from various departments. The fire was located on private property and was a result of burning brush the day before. The strong winds reignited the blaze which became out of control for a short period of time. CO Miller assisted in transporting two injured firemen who needed medical attention.

CO Brian Lasanen (Ontonagon County) was checking a popular river for fishing activity. CO Lasanen was checking anglers as they were coming off the river and made contact with one fisherman who advised CO Lasanen he did really well. CO Lasanen could see the angler had a bucket full of fish, which turned out to be northern pike. As CO Lasanen started to measure the pike, the angler stated he had only kept two undersize pike. CO Lasanen confirmed this and also pointed out that the angler was in possession of an over limit of fish as well. Law enforcement action was taken.

CO Brian Bacon (Dickinson County) conducted a check of two shore fishermen he came across while on patrol. One subject produced his fishing license, while the other stated he was not fishing. CO Bacon advised he had been watching them and observed both in the act of fishing. While checking the license of the first subject, it was noticed that the license was just purchased an hour before. Further conversation found that they had stopped so the one subject could buy bait and a fishing license. The second subject chose to not buy a fishing license and was cited by CO Bacon.

CO Shannon Kritz (Iron County) received a dumping complaint earlier this spring along a section of ORV trail on public land. CO Kritz was unable to determine the person responsible for the dumping, but took the initiative to coordinate a cleanup effort with concerned citizens. A county wide cleanup program, sponsored by the Iron Range Trail Club from Iron River and the Chippewa Sno-Kats from Crystal Falls, assisted with the cleanup efforts.

CO Shannon Kritz (Iron County) received a call regarding a deer that had managed to squeeze itself into a narrow space between two buildings. The deer became stuck and was unable to move. CO Kritz found the deer lying on its back upside down. With the assistance of the building owner, the deer was eventually removed safely.

CO Nathan Sink (Gogebic County) and CO Ethen Mapes (Ontonagon County) were on patrol near Watersmeet when a call came across central dispatch of a group of lost campers. One camper had a laceration on their leg. CO Sink and CO Mapes responded to the call to assist Lac Vieux Desert Tribal Police and Watersmeet EMS. A short time later the campers were located and treated for their injuries.

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CO Brett DeLonge (Marquette County) was conducting a marine patrol during free fishing weekend on a reservoir in Marquette County when he observed a large group of kayakers. CO DeLonge made contact with the group and discussed recent fishing/boating activity on the reservoir. During the contact CO DeLonge observed that none of the kayakers possessed a personal floatation device. CO DeLonge explained the importance of having a PFD for each kayak and enforcement action was taken.

CO Jeffrey Dell (Menominee County) was patrolling a county road when he observed an ORV struggling to maintain a straight line of travel. As the rider approached, the CO could see that he was not wearing an ORV helmet and one of the front tires was flat. CO Dell initiated a stop to address the helmet violation. Further investigation showed the ORV did not have a valid ORV license affixed. The driver was also suspended through the Secretary of State. The rider was taken into custody for operating an ORV while license suspended.

CO Mark Leadman (Marquette County) arrived at Deer Lake in Ishpeming and located a family stranded at the dock when their boat would not start. The operator had just purchased the boat and this was his first time on any lake with the vessel. His children were anxiously awaiting a boat ride in the beautiful weather. CO Leadman assisted as the operator changed spark plugs and instructed him on the cold starting procedures of the boat motor. The very appreciative family was soon on their way out on the lake with their new boat.

Sgt. Marc Pomroy (Dickinson County) and MSP Sgt. John Flitton (Iron Mountain Post) were the first on scene of a call of two young girls in distress while attempting to tube down the Sturgeon River in Dickinson County. Due to recent heavy rainfall, rivers in the area are at near flood stage with dangerous currents. The girls floated only a short distance from their drop off point before being caught in a tree in the middle of the river. One of the victims had fallen out of the inner tube and was hanging onto a branch. The second victim was still in her inner tube, but was caught up in the current against the tree branches. The girls were cold and scared and the officers devised a safety plan to retrieve the girls. Safety lines were attached and one at a time the girls were assisted back to shore with the guidance of Sgt. Flitton who fought the current to get to the girls. Sgt. Pomroy manned safety lines attached to Sgt. Flitton and the girls in case they broke free from the tree being used to combat the strong currents. The girls were returned to shore and waiting EMS to be evaluated for the onset of hypothermia.

CO Shannon Kritz (Iron County) was on a marine patrol on Lake Gogebic when she observed two jet skis jumping wakes of boats in the area. The jet skis were being operated in a careless manner and eventually jumped the wake of CO Kritz’ s boat at a distance of less than 5 feet. A stop was made of the operators and enforcement action was taken.

CO Nathan Sink (Gogebic County) was on patrol when a call came across central dispatch of a possible drowning. CO Sink responded to the location to assist officers already on scene. CO Sink patrolled the lake in his kayak looking for the victim until darkness set in. The search resumed the following morning and the victim was located.

CO Jared Ferguson (Dickinson County) was called to a local farm for a personal injury accident involving an ORV. CO Ferguson was able to stabilize and provide medical attention to the victim until paramedics arrived.

Conservation Officers Dave Miller (Baraga County), Brett DeLonge (Marquette County), Brian Lasanen (Ontonagon County) and Doug Hermanson (Houghton/Keweenaw County) worked a joint patrol with the National Park Service around Isle Royale this past weekend. The officers made several contacts and compliance was high with only a few minor violations noted. The officers also assisted National Park Rangers with removing a navigational hazard and locating a hiker whose family was trying to get a message to regarding a medical emergency at home.