|
 Upper Black River, Tower, Michigan
A series of three erosion sites on the banks of the Black River, MI, just upstream from Black Lake, are threatening the ecological integrity of this stretch of high-quality, cold water habitat. In addition to the ecological degradation associated with an increase in sediment input to streams, these sites are of particular interest in that this stretch of the Black River is known spawning habitat of the state-threatened lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens. Preventing the further erosion of these sites and resultant input of sediment to the stream will help protect and restore the sensitive spawning habitat of lake sturgeon.
The three erosion sites affecting the sturgeon spawning habitat were identified in the Black Lake Watershed Stewardship Management Plan, approved by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) in 2001. The position of the sites in relation to the river and direction of flow, the presence of heavy foot traffic from the general public, and gullying associated with stormwater runoff were all cited as the sources of the erosion. In the Black Lake Watershed Management Plan these sites were listed as “severe” erosion sites and it was noted that they are contributing to the sediment load, the Black River’s number one pollutant. To successfully protect this site from continued deterioration and preserve the integrity of neighboring spawning grounds of the lake sturgeon there are three tasks that must be implemented:
 Objectives:
- Stabilize the shoreline and prevent further erosion and sedimentation using bioengineering techniques. This project will focus on using Large Woody Debris (LWD), coconut fiber logs, terracing, and live plantings to minimize further erosion.
- Manage the source causing the increased erosion of the streambanks: human traffic viewing the sturgeon and accessing the river.
- Provide educational/interpretive materials to the general public to teach about the environmental damage caused by unrestricted access to the site and the importance of using the designated path or viewing area. This is also a great opportunity to educate users about the watershed and its management, non-point source pollution, and habitat for endangered species.
Current Status and Future Activities:
 Project partners, including the Sturgeon For Tomorrow, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Huron Pines are working dilligently to raise the remaining matching funds, summing $23,000. Current funding for the project has increased to $53,000 with the most recent award of $15,000 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The original $38,000 os beimg provided through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Site plans have been created for the three erosion sites and those plans will continue to be reevaluated and revised as the project partners address the changing resource issues. The next planning meeting is scheduled for the middle of September. During that meeting partners plan to solidify everyone's role and continue the efforts of raising match funding.
Implementation of the project is planned for early Spring 2008.
For more information on this project, please contact:
Patrick Ertel, Project Manager
Huron Pines
(989) 348-9319 ext. 19
patrick@huronpines.org
|
