michigan office of the great lakes, march 2012 newsletter

8/2/2019 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

[email protected]

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

Read more >

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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


2/4www.michigan.gov/deqog

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/


3/4www.michigan.gov/deqog

$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 Michiga

http://www.naturenearby.org/http://www.naturenearby.org/


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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

michigan office of the great lakes, march 2012 newsletter

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