Little Manistee Watershed Council Meeting
May 1, 2010
Eden Township Hall, Irons, Michigan
Tim Phillips called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.
Attendance: John Gorys, Tim Phillips, Kaye Mac Donald, Dan Sernick, David Spruance, Gordon Lewis, Roger Buckingham, Dave Gendler, Evelyn Furman, Jim Squier, Tom Bastion.
Absent: Greg Block
ADMINSTRATIVE: Minutes of the April, 2010 secretary report were approved with the corrections requested by Dave Gendler. Tim Phillips will now be referred to as president not acting president.
Treasurers Report: read and motion to approve made by John Gorys and second by Gordon Lewis hearing to dissentions motion carried.
Tim covered the fish projects that are scheduled for this year. The dates are July 17, and August 14, 2010, these are permitted under the Fox Bridge permit. Tim contacted Shawn and is willing to do the 100 foot section on the north side, this will be accomplished through CRA using CRA funds for processing and LMWCC will fund the actual costs for Shawn. This will then complete the Fox Bridge access area projects.
The sites selected for 2011 is above Indian Bridge. Other sites to be considered are Spencer’s Bridge, Carrieville DNR Campground, others could also be considered.
Syers Creek from M37 to the confluence is in process. Nate met with Chris who is the leader at NFS for obtaining NEPA approval. Currently there are no guarantees however, an approval could occur for the spring of 2011. Pat Rusz @ Mich Wildlife Conservancy is a possibility for financial support; Pat is interested in Brook Trout (Brown or Rainbow).
Merryville and 4 mile bank stabilization remains on hold; Tim is looking into when this could become possible.
Tim is currently awaiting a report from CRA on possible bank stabilizations site needing to be worked. He informed CRA that we have several volunteers available to assist in any new sites that need attention. We need CRA to provide us with a schedule and will see who, where and when we can provide this service.
The bug survey was scheduled for May 7-8- and 9, most of the survey was completed prior two the rain; however the remainder will be completed when the weather cooperates. Water quality is scheduled for July 5, 2010. The cost of breakfast and lunch will be paid for the volunteers participating in this service. The motion to cover these costs was made by John Gorys, second by Dave Spurance hearing no dissentions the motion carried.
Currently the thinking from the National Forest Service is phasing out sand traps or sand removal projects over time and implementing (this is due to the amount of sand removed does not really create enough clearing above or below the traps), this is an issue that has been discussed by our committee many time. Some watersheds believe that this should be discussed at a symposium. The NFS believes that re-doing road crossing and using large woody debris is the best path to follow in rivers and tributaries, coupled with bank stabilization.
The Watershed feels that keeping in touch with Chris Riley would be an asset to the council. Chris indicated that he would appreciate remaining in touch with us and keeping us informed, however, we would need to invite him to meet with the council.
OLD BUSINESS
Signs- Dave Gendler is still working on this project, however, he as been checking other watersheds to see what they have identifying the sites.
Newsletter- David Spurance has taken this project and has some ideas for articles for this newsletter which will be ready prior to the annual meeting.
Salmon in the Classroom- the salmon will be placed in the river sometime during the first week of May weather permitting.
June 19 “Spirit of the Woods”, booth $25.00 Dave Gendler needs assistance. Motion to cover the $25.00 made by John Gorys, second by Roger Buckingham, hearing no dissentions motion carried. Jim, Lou, Jim and Dave offered to sell tickets.
Suggestion to sell tickets at the Irons Flea and OX roast was made, must sell tickets outside Skinner Park. Memorial Day weekend is date of Roast. June 26 at is another date however, you must sell outside Skinner park,.
Website update- none.
Annual meeting- Time begins at 10:00. Skinner Park
Council will meet at 9:00 am
Speaker – Devon Schindler- will speak on Asian Carp at 11:00 am. He is a Professor from Cooley Law School- led appeal the decision not to close the Chicago Canal.
Jim Squier- Chief cook- See Mr. Collins at the Park, caretaker.
Jean Jones offered to help. We will all need to help with the clean up.
Menu: Potato Salad, beans, chips, brats, coffee, coffeemaker, cookies, doughnuts, etc. and condiments, and juice for children.
Raffle at 12:00
Luncheon will follow raffle.
Estimate about 150 people.
June meeting is scheduled for June 5th, 2010 at 9:00am Eden twp Hall.
Tim adjourned the meeting at 10:25am
Respectfully submitted,
Evelyn Furman - Secretary
