MILC Session 5 Fisheries

Did you know that in the past, most lakes in Michigan probably had a fallen tree in the water every 20 -130 feet? Over the course of time, those fallen trees have been removed for navigation, swimming, and aesthetics. On top of that, trees that once grew in high densities along the shoreline were removed and thinned through a history of logging and conversion to manicured, waterfront lawns and shorelines. The loss of woody habitat has the potential to significantly affect the fish, birds, frogs, and other wildlife that make lakeshores such a special place. In this session, we’ll hear from Craig Kivi, a property owner on Portage Lake (Washtenaw and Livingston Counties), about his experiences and results from installing woody habitat structures along his shoreline. Next, Joe Nohner, DNR Fisheries, will share information about woody habitat, the role it plays in our lake, the benefits we’d expect from woody habitat rehabilitation projects, and resources to implement a project. Then, Eric Calabro, EGLE Water Resources Division, will share information about the Fish Sticks protocol being used in Michigan, permitting considerations, and lessons learned from the field. The session will close with a panel discussion based on questions from the audience.

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