Medication Disposal Boxes PRSRT STD Nonprofit Org. US ... · Butterflies of Michigan: Field Guide...

Mecosta Soil Conservation District18260 Northland DriveBig Rapids, Michigan 49307

PRSRT STDNonprofit Org.

US Postage PaidBig Rapids, MI 49307

Permit No. 62

Medication Disposal Boxes Bring your unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal. Do not flush medications.

MONITOR—keep track of all medications and number of re-fills. SECURE—lock up medications in a safe place. Do not store medications in bathrooms or kitchen cabinets. *70% of teens who abuse pre-scription drugs say they get them from family and friends. DISPOSE—dispose of medica-tions by turning them in to law enforcement. Do not flush medications down the toilet or throw them in the garbage. *Trace amounts of medications are being found in our drinking water

LOCATIONS available during lobby hours:

MECOSTA COUNTY:

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

BIG RAPIDS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

FSU DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

OSCEOLA COUNTY:


REED CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

EVART POLICE DEPARTMENT

For more information contact: Kim Livingston at 231-527-2000




MECOSTA COUNTY:




OSCEOLA COUNTY:








MECOSTA COUNTY:




OSCEOLA COUNTY:








MECOSTA COUNTY:




OSCEOLA COUNTY:








MECOSTA COUNTY:




OSCEOLA COUNTY:






MECOSTA COUNTY: SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT



OSCEOLA COUNTY: SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT


EVART POLICE DEPARTMENTMECOSTA AND OSCEOLA-LAKE

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS ANNUAL REPORT

CONSERVATIONNEWS 2017

Is your forestWORKING for

YOU?

1

2 CONSERVATION NEWS 2017

OSCEOLA-LAKE & MECOSTACONSERVATION DISTRICTS

Fall 2017 Seedling Price List

SIZE6-12”6-12”

12-18”6-12”6-12”6-12”

25$20$20$20$20$20$20

50$26$26$28$26$28$28

100$36$36$44$36$44$44

250$55$55$60$55$60$60

500$94$94$98$94$98$98

Red Pine (Pinus resinosa)White Pine (Pinus strobus)Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana)White Spruce (Picea glauca)Norway Spruce (Picea abies)Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

CONIFERS

12-24”12-18”12-24”12-18”12-18”

$28$38$32$28$25

$38$48$42$54$42

$56$60$60N/AN/A

$78$94$82N/AN/A

Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera)Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)

WILDLIFE SHRUBS

Geobin Home & Garden Compost Bin Price $38

Terra Sorb Root Gel Price: 1 oz. $2.00 8 oz. $8.00 1 lb. $15.00

NutriPak Fertilizer Packets Price: $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 Scientifically designed fertilizer packet formulated to continuously fertilize over a five year period.

Tree Planting Bars Price: $25.00 or $5/day rental Excellent tool used for planting seedlings in non-rocky soil that is easy to penetrate. Each bar has a footstep, handle and weighs approx. 7 lbs.

Tree Flags Price $0.20 each or 100 for $15.00 4” x 4.5” florescent flag on a 30 “ wire stake.

“Trees Planted” Signs Price $2.00 Made of heavy grade aluminum. Each sign measures 7.5” x 11”. Black print on high visibility yellow or orange background.

“No Trespassing” Signs Price $2.00 Made of heavy grade aluminum. Each sign measures 7.5” x 11”. Black print on high visibility yellow background.

Tree Shelters Price $5.00 each - 5 ft. max grow tube tree shelters to protect seedlings. Tree stakes not included.

Best 1 Hummingbird Feeder Price $13.95

Other Conservation Products

Books For SaleWildflowers of Michigan: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Price: $16.95

Birds of Michigan: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Price: $12.95

Trees of Michigan: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Price: 12.95

Mammals of Michigan: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Price: $14.95

Butterflies of Michigan: Field Guide by Jaret C. Daniels Price: $16.95

Reptiles & Amphibians of MN, WI, MI: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Price: $14.95

Wild Berries & Fruits of MN, WI, MI: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Price: $14.95The Muskegon, The Majesty and Tragedy of Michigan’s Rarest River by Jeff Alexander Price: $25.002015 Mecosta County Platbook Price: $25.002013 Osceola County Platbook Price: $25.002015 Lake County Platbook Price: $25.00

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CONSERVATION NEWS 2017 3

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Ordering deadline is Friday, September 22, 2017, 3:00 pm. Orders received after this date will be filled based on availability.

Quantities are limited and orders will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis.

We do not guarantee survival. Our liability ceases when seedlings are delivered to buyer or custom planter.

The district reserves the right to cancel orders and refund payments due to reasons beyond our control.

Name

Address

City, State Zip

Phone Email

If your property is located in Osceola County or the East half If your property is located in Mecosta Countyof Lake County mail to: mail to:

Quantity Species/Item

Subtotal

Payment by Check or Credit Card Add 6% Sales TaxVisa (or) MasterCard (Circle one) Tax Deductible Contribution(V code is last 3 digits on signature line on back of card) - V code example: 1234 567 Subtotal# ____________________________________ V code:_________ Required DepositExp. Date ____________________________ Balance Due

Cost

ORDER FORM***************************************************************************************

Osceola-Lake Conservation District138 W. Upton Ave, Suite 2

Reed City, MI 49677Phone orders: (231) 832-2950 Ext. 5

Fax orders: 855-790-7472

Mecosta Conservation District18260 Northland DriveBig Rapids, MI 49307

Phone orders: (231) 796-0909 Ext. 3Fax orders: 855-693-2483

***************************************************************************************

Complete the order form below. Send order form with full payment for orders under $50 or minimum $50 deposit for all other orders to the District in which your property is located. Balance due at time of pickup.Orders may be placed by mail, phone or fax and can be paid by check or credit card. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Please let us know if a tree planter will be picking up your order. The order must be paid in full prior to pickup.

"It is unlawful for these trees, shrubs and other plants to be resold with the roots attached in accordance with the Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act, P.A. 189 of 1931, as amended."

Important Ordering and Pickup Information

Pickup location will be at the Paris Park Fish Hatchery. Pickup Date: Friday, September 29, 2017, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Orders are not shipped. For those who place an order a reminder email or phone call will be made regarding pickup date and time.

If you are unable to pickup your order on the scheduled date you must make other arrangements. We will not be responsible for lost or stolen trees that are not picked up on the scheduled pickup date.





Name

Address

City, State Zip

Phone Email

If your property is located in Osceola County or the East half If your property is located in Mecosta Countyof Lake County mail to: mail to:

Quantity Species/Item

Subtotal

Payment by Check or Credit Card Add 6% Sales TaxVisa (or) MasterCard (Circle one) Tax Deductible Contribution(V code is last 3 digits on signature line on back of card) - V code example: 1234 567 Subtotal# ____________________________________ V code:_________ Required DepositExp. Date ____________________________ Balance Due

Cost

ORDER FORM***************************************************************************************

Osceola-Lake Conservation District138 W. Upton Ave, Suite 2

Reed City, MI 49677Phone orders: (231) 832-2950 Ext. 5

Fax orders: 855-790-7472

Mecosta Conservation District18260 Northland DriveBig Rapids, MI 49307

Phone orders: (231) 796-0909 Ext. 3Fax orders: 855-693-2483

***************************************************************************************

Complete the order form below. Send order form with full payment for orders under $50 or minimum $50 deposit for all other orders to the District in which your property is located. Balance due at time of pickup.Orders may be placed by mail, phone or fax and can be paid by check or credit card. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.


"It is unlawful for these trees, shrubs and other plants to be resold with the roots attached in accordance with the Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act, P.A. 189 of 1931, as amended."

Important Ordering and Pickup Information



***************************************************************************Important Ordering and Pickup Information

Complete the order form below. Send order form with full payment for orders under $50 or minimum $50 deposit for all other orders to the District in which your property is located. Balance due at time of pickup. Orders may be placed by mail, phone or fax and can be paid by check or credit card. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.




“It is unlawful for these trees, shrubs and other plants to be resold with the roots attached in accordance with the Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act, P.A. 189 of 1931, as amended.”





****************************************

ORDER FORMName _____________________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________ Email ________________________________


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OSCEOLA-LAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICT

138 W. Upton, Suite #2 Reed City, MI 49677

Phone: (231) 832-2950 Ext. 5 Fax: 855-790-7472

Email: [email protected] Web site: www.osceolalakecd.org

District DirectorsShawn Gingrich, Chairman

Mark Bontekoe, Vice-Chairman Dave Randall, Treasurer Patrick Kailing, Secretary L.D. Hesselink, Member

District StaffCharmaine Lucas, District Manager

Rick Lucas, District Forester Karen Ickes, MAEAP Technician

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

Greg White, District Conservationist

Board MeetingsRegular board meetings are held the second

Thursday of the month at the USDA Service Center in Reed City.

Call to confirm dates and times. Open to the public.

MECOSTA CONSERVATION DISTRICT

18260 Northland Drive Big Rapids, MI 49307

Phone: (231) 796-0909 Ext. 3 Fax: 855-693-2483

Email: [email protected] Web site: www.mecostacd.org

District DirectorsDon Henning, Chairman

Clare Cook, Vice-Chairman Karen Motawi, Treasurer Tom Samuel, Secretary

William Jernstadt, Member

District StaffCharmaine Lucas, District Manager

Rick Lucas, District Forester Tony Wernette, MAEAP Technician

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

Jennifer Taylor, District Conservationist Frank Terrance, Soil Conservationist

Board MeetingsRegular board meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at the USDA Service Center in Big Rapids.

Call to confirm dates and times. Open to the public.

DISTRICT INFORMATION

All programs and services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race,

color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap.

School Forest Planting Project

Last November, Lakeview Community Schools began a timber harvest on their 80-acre school forest in Altona, in Mecosta County. That’s just below the ring finger if you hold up your mitten. Teacher and Leadership Advisor, Dan Willison, and students from his Leadership Class were already planning site visits for forestry-related education and to explore the need for replanting. Before Christmas break, logger Joe Doyle and I each visited the leadership class to introduce major concepts of forestry and the considerations for planting on their property.

Harley Kahl, a senior, applied for and received a Wheels-to-Woods grant from the Michigan Tree Farm Program to help get his classmates out to their school forest. Many students had never seen the school forest. The Wheels-to-Woods grant covers the cost of transportation for educational forest visits, providing a critical need. Transportation is often a limiting factor when it comes to the opportunity for outdoor education.

Fast forward to spring. Ask any Conservation District forester, when

they think spring, they think trees, baby trees, and the inevitable days of packing thousands and thousands of them for tree sales.

Spring is a wonderful time of year, and as it turns out, we’re not the only creatures in the woods this time of year thinking about babies, but that’s neither here nor there. A CD forester wears many hats, but a sizeable chunk of early spring is dedicated to helping anxious landowners shake the winter blues and get back on their land to discuss this year’s crop of trees to be planted for cover and improve habitat for those wildlife babies.

Spring came pretty early for the Southern Lower Peninsula and it didn’t take long for evidence of a truly functioning and extensive network of people, who care about the future of our forests and youth, to emerge and play a role in a fairly large planting project. Out of the woodwork (pun always intended), educators, students, foresters, loggers, MAEAP technicians and NRCS staff came together to assist nearly 200 students from Lakeview Community Schools plant over 4,000 red pine in recently harvested areas of

their school forest. Rows were eight-feet apart. To maintain in-row spacing, six-foot sticks were cut from scattered slash. Buckets of water were gathered from a nearby marsh. Groups of three worked in their row to prep and plant tree after tree.

Remember when the Whos from Whoville came together around the Christmas tree and started singing even after their presents were stolen? No, it wasn’t quite like that, but it kind of felt like that to me. However, I am not sure the feeling was mutual, especially on the first day when the thermometer struggled to reach 50 degrees as we embraced a steady and refreshing horizontal rain. Despite the cold and wet, the students did excellent work. Turns out the cold weather and rain combo does wonders for suppressing distractions and side conversations,

by Nick SaNchezMONTCALM, CD FORESTER

Continued on page 5


LOBS

Lake OsceolaState Bank

Customer CareCommunity Support

Offices at: Baldwin • Big Rapids • Irons • Luther • Reed City • Tustin • Walkerville • Wellston

217 S. Chestnut St.P.O. Box 175Reed City, MI 49677

Voice: 231-832-0022Fax: 231-832-1384

A BIG THANKS to our volunteers and all those who supported the

2016 Household Hazardous Waste Collection.42,602 pounds of toxic and hazardous

materials were collected!Mecosta County SupportersAetna TownshipAustin TownshipBig Rapids Farm & GardenBig Rapids TownshipChippewa TownshipCity of Big RapidsColfax TownshipCounty of MecostaDeerfield TownshipFork TownshipGrant TownshipGreen Charter TownshipHinton TownshipMartiny TownshipMecosta County Senior CenterMecosta County Sheriff’s PosseMecosta TownshipMillbrook TownshipMorton TownshipNestle Waters North AmericaRecycle of Mecosta CountySheridan Township

Lake County SupportersBig Bass Little Bass Lake AssociationChase TownshipCherry Valley TownshipCounty of LakeDover TownshipEden TownshipElk TownshipEllsworth TownshipLake Co. Riverside Property Assoc.Lake TownshipNewkirk TownshipPeacock Township

Pere Marquette Watershed CouncilPinora TownshipPleasant Plains TownshipSauble TownshipSweetwater TownshipWebber TownshipVillage of Baldwin

Osceola County SupportersBurdell TownshipCargill Hersey LLCCedar TownshipCity of EvartCity of Reed CityCounty of OsceolaEvart TownshipHersey TownshipHighland TownshipLeRoy TownshipLincoln TownshipMarion TownshipOrient TownshipOsceola County Community Foun-dationOsceola County Road CommissionOsceola TownshipRecycle of Osceola CountyRichmond TownshipRose Lake TownshipSherman TownshipSylvan TownshipVillage of HerseyVillage of MarionVillage of Tustin

Newaygo County SupporterLilley Township

5 BLACK

provides great planting conditions, and ignites a palpable desire to plant trees just to keep warm. Truly inspiring. As a fairly green forester, I learned to never wish for a “nice” planting day again.

Day two provided much better photo opportunities. Nothing like blue skies, the trickle of nearby Shinglebolt Creek, and four age classes of red pine. At 9:00 sharp, reinforcements had arrived. Wheels-to-Woods had delivered one hundred fresh recruits from Lakeview. A beautiful day inspires completely different attitudes and motivations. By 11:00, space to plant became more and more scarce. Reforestation efforts complete, for now at least. It was a critical step in sustainable forestry.

We discussed follow-up, the need for monitoring, and possibilities for educational opportunities. Equally as critical as a reforestation effort, was the need to introduce tomorrow’s landowners, voters, and citizens of the world to forest stewardship.

Spend more than twenty minutes in any classroom and it’s easy to appreciate how special our educators are. This project would have never gotten off the ground without Lakeview teacher Dan Willison. He went the extra mile at every step, knowing the full value of such a project for his students. He was even spotted hauling old tires and an ancient refrigerator out of the forest at the end of some fairly long days.

Big thanks to Mike Smalligan and Rick Lucas for coaching me on project organization, lending a big hand during planting, and providing access to resources through well-established connections. More thanks to the hardworking staff at the Wyman nursery in Manistique for donating the red pine seedlings, and to Scott Throop for well-timed delivery. I am sure thankful for the cooperation on all levels and, of course, for another couple of great days in the woods. It was exactly what I signed up for.

Lakeview schools should be proud of their excellent work in planting a fairly serious number of trees, and with any luck it’s a project the students will never forget.


6 BLACK

Tree Farm Field DayForestry Assistance Program (FAP)

foresters Josh Shields and Rick Lucas, both of whom are Certified Tree Farm Inspectors teamed up to deliver a Tree Farm (TF) Field Day titled “Managing Your Forest for Timber and Wildlife” during the month of June. The American Tree Farm System (ATFS), is a voluntary forest certification program for family forest owners. TF field days are educational opportunities sponsored by the Michigan Tree Farm Committee. Field day gatherings are a great opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and have fun in the process.

Thirty-four participants gathered for the morning session held at the Sweetwater Township hall in western Lake County. During the classroom session, the ATFS Standards were presented and discussed in detail. Conversations among landowners and professionals enabled all participants to learn more about the Standards and put them in the context of specific examples, including how they would apply to the field session in the afternoon.

Following a very unique lunch experience, where more than 20 pizzas were cooked by our host Paul and Maude Bigford using an outdoor wood burning oven built by Paul, participants toured the Tank Creek Tree Farm owned by Paul and Maude. During the outdoor session, industry forester Tom Jennett and consulting forester Ken Ford joined the discussion of activities on the Bigford property.

A particularly compelling lesson learned during this workshop is how to integrate multiple programs on a single parcel to address the many objectives of the landowner. The Bigford’s TF situation is exemplary. The Bigford’s utilize forest management to manage for habitat and wildlife (management

of red pine and aspen were specifically discussed) and has utilized the Qualified Forest Program (QFP) as a catalyst for obtaining a forest management plan.

The Bigford’s are also not interested in further development (in terms of development of buildings) so they have enrolled the parcel in a conservation easement. In addition to obtaining certification in ATFS, the Bigford’s obtained verification in Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Forest, Wetlands, Habitat A*Syst as a way to address the non-forested areas in more detail.

Furthermore, the Bigford’s have utilized cost share dollars through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement Forest Stand Improvement (F.S.I.) practices (specifically girdling of trees) and to plant grasses and wildflowers to promote habitat for wildlife in forested and non-forested areas. Another important lesson during the workshop was how to manage a parcel that borders a State Natural River and Federal Wild and Scenic River (in this case the Pere Marquette River).

Paul Bigford discussed his approach

to implementing management while respecting the laws and best management practices that apply to waterways such as the Pere Marquette River. Finally, in the general sense, the most important lesson learned from this field day, is to have meetings and workshops where the participants represent a diversity of professional backgrounds.

This particular workshop also contained a large diversity of other participants, including other landowners, conservation district foresters, conservation district MAEAP technicians, conservation district administrators, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, NRCS staff, U.S. Forest Service staff, a consulting forester, and an industry forester. The combination of perspectives from these participants resulted in an overall integrated approach to discussing natural resources issues and management approaches and how they apply to ATFS Standards and other programs. A very fun day under an absolutely beautiful sunny sky at Tank Creek Tree Farm.

by Rick a. LucaSCF, CD FORESTER

Signage at the entrance of the Bigford property. (Photo courtesy of MCD)

Left to Right; Josh Shields, Paul Bigford, Rick Lucas (Photo courtesy of MCD)

Tom Jennett discussing Red Pine management. (Photo courtesy of MCD)


Buyers of Red Pine Pole Timber Leaders in Red Pine Management

6151 Gerwoude Dr.McBain, MI 49657

Phone: 231-825-2233Fax: 231-825-2107

Tony Furlich & Tony Hitch, Foresters

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7

Keeping Our Forests Healthy Michigan is one of the ten most

forested states in the nation. Estimates indicate that a little over half of the states’ landmass is found in forestland cover. When all forest ownership categories are summed up, Michigan is home to approximately 20 million acres of forestland. That’s a pretty impressive claim. But add to the mix, a world class freshwater resource, a variety and abundance of wildlife species, year round recreational opportunities and it’s no wonder our state is a destination for millions of visitors every year. And you know what, the quality of each of these natural resource attributes, is dependent on the health of our forests.

Trees in a managed forest are typically healthier than those occurring in an unmanaged forest. So often, one of the leading stressors in an unmanaged forest comes from there being too many trees for a given area. Competition for available space, water, and nutrients is shared equally amongst desirable, as well as, undesirable species found on the site. Stressed trees are more vulnerable to attack by insects and diseases.

Ownership of the forest has a lot to do with how that forest will be managed, both short-term, and into the future. Management decisions made for public lands (both state and federal ownership), as well as, decisions made for corporate ownership (industry, investment and real estate companies), are typically made well in advance of implementation; and only after thorough consideration and consultation with many natural resource professionals.

It is estimated that nearly forty percent of the forests in Michigan are owned by some 400,000 individuals and families. Collectively, they are the largest forest ownership category in the state. The average size of ownership by a private owner is greatest in the U.P. People own forests and woodlots for many different reasons. If you are among those owners who treasure encounters with deer, turkey, grouse, songbirds, or other wildlife in the woods, you would be among the majority when identifying the number one reason they own their forest.

There’s much talk given to private individual and family forest owners these days. Actually, these talks have been ongoing for many years now. It is only more recent that the attention has moved front and center stage. When we look at “what’s trending” in our forest resource across the state, we see: an ever growing present and potential list of damaging invasive insects, diseases, and understory plants; increasing parcelization; decreased production from federal lands; public set asides; restrictive policies; excessive deer damage to regeneration; and a greater demand on our private forest resource.

While some of these concerns only effect our public forests, all of them have a direct or indirect effect on our private forests.

The private forest resource has long been tagged as being under-managed and often mismanaged. Much of the harvest from private forests is done without the assistance of a qualified forester. Unfortunately, many owners are unaware of timber values and good forest management systems. Too often, discussions involving desired forest regeneration and considerations for other forest values (e.g. wildlife, water, soil, recreation, and aesthetics) are omitted or too casual in nature to address the full scope of their complexity. Long term threats lead to a site that’s less productive, healthy and sustainable. Nobody wins in that scenario.

Forest management is more important than ever right now. If we are going to have any chance at all in the battle against invasive insect, disease and plant species, we’re going to need the private forest owner to take a more active role with the management of their forests. So what exactly does that mean?

For forest owners that live off their land, if you own at least 20 acres, now would be a good time to give the Qualified Forest Program (QFP) a look. In some ways, the QFP is meant to be viewed as an estate planning tool. The longer your property is enrolled in the program, the greater the benefits to you; the longer the forest stays intact and functioning as a forest, the greater the benefits to society.

The first step in the process is to find out if your property is eligible for the QFP. Go to: www.michigan.

by Rick a. LucaSCF, CD FORESTER

Continued on page 8Photos courtesy of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development,

“Michigan’s Qualified Forest Program” brochure.


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8

gov/mdard/. Click on Environmental Programs then click Qualified Forest Program found under Private Forestland Initiative. From here scroll down and click on Forestry Assistance Program (FAP). If your property is located in any of the 50 some counties covered by a FAP forester, contact that individual to determine QFP eligibility, review of program requirements, and options for moving forward.

The QFP won’t be for everyone. Some will only see it as a tax break and a means to prevent the “uncapping” of the property’s taxable value. A closer look will reveal several other program benefits. For eligible parcels, a certified forest management plan (FMP) is required prior to enrollment. FMP’s must be written by qualified foresters.

The FMP will identify the natural resource needs for your property for the next 20 years. This helps you better understand what needs to be done, why it needs to be done, and when it needs to be done. Every decision you make with your property has consequences both short-term and long-term. A FMP will keep you better informed about your decisions before you set things in motion. Don’t underestimate the value

of a good forest management plan! There are several options for getting a management plan drawn up for your property, be sure to look at all of them before you make a choice.

With further regards to the QFP, when a prescribed management activity is due for implementation, you will be notified. In addition to being a reminder to your obligation(s) to the QFP, the notice is meant to serve as a reminder to revisit professional assistance options. Where a FAP forester is in place, now’s a good time to revisit this individual to review options for completing the activity.

Furthermore, once you have a certified plan for your property, you are also eligible to participate in the American Tree Farm Program (ATFP), the Forest, Wetlands and Habitat System (F,W,H) system verification of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, and USDA Farm Bill programs applicable to your site. Participation in the ATFP and FWH programs provide Right to Forest protection against nuisance lawsuits when participants conform to Generally Accepted Forest Management Practices outlined in

their plans.The QFP does not require you to

allow public access onto your property. Furthermore, the QFP is proving to be a layer of protection from the advances of unsolicited timber buyers and brokers. When approached, a simple indication that your property is under the management of a certified plan in the QFP, tends to end the pursuit.

For forest owners that live on their land, utilizing the QFP won’t be an option. However, employing professional assistance, developing a forest management plan and participating in eligible programs are all avenues that will serve you well. Where a FAP forester is in place, a visit with this individual will better prepare you for utilizing the services of a consulting forester, industry forester and any other private service provider you may utilize.

I know it sounds a bit trite, but trees are a renewable resource. When a forest is properly managed, they just keep coming back. How cool is that! A healthy forest is no act of nature. It includes many carefully planned and thought out processes. Being a good steward of the land is just as cool!

Continued from page 7, Health Forest

Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development


9

Butterfly Flyways: A Unified Effort

The plight of the Monarch is finally garnering attention and concerned citizens and organizations are joining efforts and sharing resources in an effort to make significant changes. This spring the Card Wildlife Education Center of Ferris State University was instrumental in bringing this issue to the attention of the residents of Mecosta County. The Card Center, in partnership with numerous Ferris and community groups along with the national organization, Save Our Monarchs, provided educational programs for community youth and partnered to plant over 6,000 pollinator plants in Mecosta County.

Save Our Monarchs is a national organization dedicated to pollinator education and conservation. Through the Card Center, they helped to provide educational programs to the Big Rapids Middle School science program, and to both the Riverview and Brookside Elementary classes. The Card Center provided supplies to the schools for the students to grow milkweed and to raise Monarchs from the pupae stage. The Card Center also provided an educational program to area scout troops that earned participants their conservation badge. In early June, the Save Our Monarchs organization provided 6,000 pollinator plants in which 2,000 plants were installed at Clay Cliffs over a two-day period with the help of all the school children who participated in the Monarch program. The remaining 4,000 plants were

installed on TransCanada property east of town on 150th Avenue in Rodney.

The City of Big Rapids joined conservation efforts by taking the Mayor’s Monarch pledge, a program that has been established by the National Wildlife Federation to promote awareness and to create habitat for pollinators. Big Rapids has initiated an action plan that will include steps such as reducing mowing in habitat areas and increasing planting of pollinator plants within the city. Through these organizations, along with numerous

others such as the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, The Big Rapids Garden Club, Pheasants Forever, Ferris Sustainability Alliance, Mecosta Conservation District, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service City of Big Rapids and the County of Mecosta have made a sizeable impact towards educating our citizens on how to take conservation into their own hands in an effort to empower every person to make our environment a friendly place for inhabitants of every size.

by caRRie WeiSMUSEUM & GALLERY DIRECTOR

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY

Pollinator Planting Day (Photo courtesy of MCD)


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10

Going away for the winter?PLEASE READ!

The Osceola-Lake and Mecosta Conservation Districts have two publications printed each year. The first is mailed in January and the second in August (that which you are reading right now). It was brought to our attention that over 600 pieces of mail are returned to the Post Office as undeliverable. Almost all of them were marked as, “Temporarily Away”. These most likely are folks who go away for the winter. Are you one of them?If you are on our mailing list, and were not at your primary residence in January, then you did not receive the publication we mailed to you. Our publications are mailed third class bulk mail and do not get forwarded.To help us save on costs and avoid these unnecessary mailings, we are asking for your help. If you go away in the winter (January) please consider the following options: n If you have internet access you can go to our website www.mecostacd.org or www.osceolalakecd.org. You will find both publications on these sites. n Send us your email address and we will send the publications to you via email. n If you do not have internet access, email capability, and prefer regular mail, no problem. If you have a secondary residence and want to receive our publication we will need the address to that residence. We need the specific address of where you will be residing in January and where you will be residing in August.Please complete the form below and mail, fax or email the information to us. (See district information)

Please check the appropriate box and provide the necessary information.All contact information is kept confidential and not shared with others.

Name__________________________________________ Phone # ______________________________

q Please remove me from your mailing list. I no longer wish to receive your publications.

q Please remove me from your mailing list. I will obtain your publications on your website.

q I would like to receive your publications by email. My email address is: ______________________________________

q I would like to receive your publications by mail:

My January address is: ____________________________________________________________

My August address is: ____________________________________________________________

Thank you for your cooperation.

Osceola-Lake and Mecosta Conservation

Districts Annual Meeting

Friday, September 29, 2017

Paris Park Fish Hatchery, in Paris

(Old Fish Hatchery Building north of Paris Park)

EVENTS WILL INCLUDE

(9 am to 4 pm):Seedling pickup

for those who placed an orderFree Nitrate &

Nitrite well water screening

(call either office for details)

DISTRICT DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

10 am to 12 Noon (Presentation):

Fresh From the Farm: The Benefits

of Locally Grown Food

(see Ad on page 15)

OPEN TO THE PUBLICFOR MORE

INFORMATION CALL Mecosta

Conservation District

(231) 796-0909 Ext. 3 or the

Osceola-Lake Conservation

District (231) 832-2950

Ext. 5.


Tile LayingDozer Work

Excavator WorkGPS-RTK Design

37 Years Experience

BIEWER FOREST MANAGEMENT, LLC

BUYERS OF ALL PINE SPECIESPROFESSIONAL FORESTRY ASSISTANCE

Biewer Forest Management, LLC 6251 West Gerwoude Drive, McBain, MI 49657

Ph: 231-825-2855 ext. 117 • Fax: 231-825-8113

11 BLACK

FOREST PRODUCTSBuyer of Standing TimberSelect cutting and chippingStanding timber - Firewood

Industrial Lumber - Grade Lumber

Joe Doyle, Owner(231) 832-5586

21364 Meceola Rd. • Paris, MI 49338

60 Years in the Forestry Business!

MRWA and Recycle of Mecosta County: Partners in Trash

Numbers do not lie and these figures point to a highly successful recycling effort in Mecosta County: • Total recycling volume increased by 8 tons per month • Three semi - trailers stuffed with discarded tires • Two trailers filled with obsolete and broken electronic components • Hours of operation increased to over 100 per month These results are obviously impressive and very meaningful when you consider the alternative: old tires and TVs scarring the landscape and poisoning the environment; and tons of reusable materials crammed into overcrowded landfills. The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly is pleased to report the good news but our organization is only one member of an effective coalition. Once we had secured $92,000 in funding from the DEQ Community Pollution Prevention Grant Program, we needed a partner equal to the task. In Recycle of Mecosta County, we found an organization with expertise gained from 28 years of experience servicing the citizens of the county, combined with a passionate concern for the local environment. In short, a perfect partner. In addition to increasing the hours of operation of their permanent recycling facility from 7.5 to 25.5 hours per week, Recycle of Mecosta County also stepped up full service mobile recycling throughout the county every month. To support higher volume, they recruited dedicated volunteers who in total provided 80 hours of service each week. Education and outreach typically play a major role in any successful campaign and together we went to great lengths to ensure that Mecosta County residents knew when where why and how to recycle:

• 10,000 post cards mailed between January and March • Extensive coverage on social media • Flyers distributed to multiple locations throughout the county Beyond the obvious benefits to the local environment, it is always a good idea to achieve the goals defined in a state government grant. It may be the most important factor in establishing a reputation as an effective environmental organization. You have to keep your promises and by any measure, the MRWA exceeded the DEQ requirements in this project. “The MRWA enjoyed partnering with Recycle Mecosta on this project and we appreciate their dedication. Together we have protected the watershed by removing tons of materials in a safe and responsible way.” Julie Chamberlain, Executive Director, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly. With questions, please contact Marty Holtgren, project manager, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly at [email protected] . Or visit www.mrwa.org

by DoN heNNiNgMRWA TREASURER

Earth Day 2017 E;electronics Collection (Photo courtesy of MRWA)


High Lean PorkMain Office:1652 11 Mile Rd. • Remus, MI(989) 967-3669 • Fax (989) 967-8258Corporate Office:11304 Edgewater Dr., Suite AAllendale, MI 49401(616) 895-7493 • Fax (616) 895-4008

Lee Carte, Production Coordinator

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Advances in Regional Invasive Species Management:

Your Input Needed

The North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (NCCISMA) covers six counties in the region, including Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford. NCCISMA is a collective of concerned partners addressing regional problems associated with invasive species. Since its inception in 2015, NCCISMA has done much to raise awareness of invasive species within the region. This increased awareness has led to control efforts by partners including road commissions and local land conservancies. In addition to large organizational partners initiating invasive species control, NCCISMA has advised numerous members of the general public on the best management practices to control invasive species on their own property, thus preserving their property value and improving the environment. NCCISMA is fully funded by grants, and relies on strong partnerships to grow and thrive. To help focus its collective efforts moving forward, NCCISMA is working on a formal strategic plan. NCCISMA has retained JMB Associates to moderate this process. On August 21st NCCISMA is hosting a partner work meeting to garner participation in the organization, and gain input from partners on priorities they would like to see NCCISMA address in the future. This meeting will be held at the Reed City Depot, and is open to the public. NCCISMA was begun with funding through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (MISGP) administered

by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This first grant, which funded the program through September 2016, allowed NCCISMA to hire a full-time program coordinator and establish partnerships to initiate the base of the organization. To date, NCCISMA includes 32 active partnering organizations, including the five Conservation Districts within its boundaries, the Huron-Manistee National Forest (HMNF), the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, Cadillac Area Land Conservancy, several county road commissions, and numerous lake associations. During this first grant period NCCISMA participated in 35 outreach events, contributed to 60 publications on invasive species awareness, and helped with over 150 invasive species removal efforts within our region. In September of 2016, NCCISMA began work on another MISGP funded project, with a grant titled “Pathways of Spread”. To address the pathways of spread for invasive species, this project focuses primarily on recreational trails and access sites. Work on this grant has relied heavily on our partnerships with the North Country Trail Association, the DNR, and the Huron-Manistee National Forest. Invasive species surveys of the North Country Trail where it crosses through NCCISMA’s geographical boundaries were performed the summer of 2016, and during the current summer mechanical removal of some of the invasive species found on the trail were performed. The Pathways grant has also enabled NCCISMA to purchase and install a variety of educational

by Vicki SWickiNORTH COUNTRY

CISMA COORDINATOR

Continued on page 13


Red Wing Boots • Muck Boots • Hand tools & storagePower tools (DeWalt, Makita, etc.)

WE ARE MORE THAN JUST A FARM STORE! WE CARRY:Drysdale Forestry & Consulting, LLC

Woodland Inventories & AppraisalsTree & Landscape ConsultationStreet & Park Tree Inventories

GPS MappingManagement Plans

Timber Sale preparation

Paul Drysdale, CFRegistered Forester #660Certified Arborist MI-0721

231-779-2989 Cell (586) 531-2866 www.drysdaleforestry.comCadillac, MI

For Chapter information, banquet information,

membership or to order seedPlease Call:

(231) 796-1844

MECOSTA COUNTY CHAPTER OF PHEASANTS FOREVER

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signage. Ten large bootbrush stations were purchased for installation at high traffic hiking trails within our boundaries. Smaller educational signs have also been purchased, and are available free-of-charge to partners within our boundaries. The signs we currently have available include a 9”x12” version of the bootbrush sign (and includes the brush to hang alongside it); a garlic mustard treatment location sign; and a general informational sign addressing cleaning recreational equipment, using weed-free hay, and not moving firewood; this sign is suitable for campgrounds, ORV trailheads, and horse-trails. NCCISMA can also assist partners in getting “Clean, Drain, Dry” and New Zealand Mudsnail educational signs from the DEQ. Interested organizations should contact NCCISMA. Complimentary to the Pathways of Spread grant, NCCISMA recently received a grant through the U.S. Forest Service for a project titled “Community Parklands Invasives Initiative”. With this project NCCISMA is surveying for invasive species at 23 parks within the six counties they serve, producing related invasive species management plans that will be presented to park

management, and initiating control of high priority invasive species found during the surveys. Surveys for this project have begun with the county parks of Mecosta County. This project will continue over the next two years. At the partnership strategic plan development meeting on August 21st, NCCISMA is hoping to see representatives from current partnering organizations as well as interested potential partners including county road commissions, local utility companies, environmental organizations, parks commissions, trail organizations, lake associations, drain commissions, and other governmental units, as well as concerned members of the general public. The more input NCCISMA can get in developing a strategic plan, the more effective an organization it can be, and the greater the good for the environment, infrastructure, property values, and outdoor recreation in the region. The strategic planning meeting will be held at the Reed City Depot. There are two possible work sessions that you can attend. The first is from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. with lunch following, the second is from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

with lunch before. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. is the lunch hour for both sessions, and will also allow time for networking between all of the participants. Please RSVP with NCCISMA if you will be attending, including which session, a.m. or p.m. that you plan to attend. NCCISMA may be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 231-429-5072.

Continued from page 12, Advances in Regional


Located at: 14514 220th Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307231-796-7100

Just over the Freeway, turn South on 220th and we are a 1/2 mile down on the left side.

Store Hours: M-F 9-7, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-2

“What we do here makes a difference out there.”

Trigger Time Outfitters• Complete Hunting Inventory • Archery and Accessories

• Fishing, outdoor apparel and much more.

Pullen’s Fertilizer & LimeKim Pullen

Owner508 North Main Street

P.O. Box 9Hersey, MI 49639

231-832-5356 Business

Custom Blends & Spreader Rentals AvailableHours: Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • April thru November

BIG RAPIDS FARM & GARDEN310 North Fourth • 231-796-6363

• Complete Line of Ortho Products• Bulk Garden Seeds • Flower Bulbs• Custom Blended Fertilizer • Lime

DRIVE THRU FEED STORE

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Recovery of the Muskegon River Sturgeon

The Muskegon River is one of the few rivers on the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan where a remnant population of lake sturgeon are slowly recovering through natural reproduction. Each year since the early 2000’s research has focused on determining how the sturgeon population is faring. A small and dedicated group has contributed to these assessments including the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Little River Band of Ottawa Indians (LRBOI), Grand Valley State University (GVSU), the University of Georgia and many volunteers. This research has been supplemented by valuable reports from people that enjoy the river and lake, as we have received numerous calls when sturgeon are observed by fisherman, fishing guides and people out enjoying the water. Because every sturgeon does not spawn every year, the annual spring migration of spawning sturgeon to the Muskegon River is thought to be less than 50 fish, even though the total population is likely between 150 and 200 adults. This population is much smaller than historical accounts and the low number demonstrates the need for protection. The estimated abundance of sturgeon is from Mark-Recapture surveys conducted in Muskegon Lake where sturgeon are captured and marked prior to entering the river to spawn. Fish are also captured and examined for a mark when they exit the river after spawning. In 2005,

during one of these assessments, a 6’3” female sturgeon weighing 135 pounds and carrying over one-million eggs was captured, measured, tagged and released. To evaluate natural reproduction and recruitment of young sturgeon to the population, surveys have been developed to target 4-7 month old sturgeon in the Muskegon River and older juveniles and adults in Muskegon Lake. The good news is that during both types of surveys we have captured sturgeon and documented natural reproduction. For the in-river surveys researchers go out at night with spotlights in hand and slowly navigate upriver until a small sturgeon is observed. After one is captured the fish will be measured, implanted with a small tag, and a genetic sample

collected before being released. In 2014, 70 sturgeon were caught ranging from 5½ to 10 inches in length. During 2015, less effort was put into sampling and a total of 7 fish were captured ranging from 8 to 10 inches in length. Although for both years the numbers were relatively low the findings show that natural reproduction is occurring, the fish were growing well and a good portion were likely to survive. After spending the first few months of life in the river the juvenile sturgeon exit into Muskegon Lake. Over the past decade GVSU, DNR and other partners have used gill netting in Muskegon Lake during the fall to survey juvenile and adult sturgeon. The nets are set for a short period of time, to

by MaRty hoLtgReNMRWA PROJECT MANAGER

Juvenile Sturgeon (Photo courtesy of MRWA)

Continued on page 15


New Location 21130 22 Mile Rd. Paris, MI 49338

“SPECIALIZED IN TOP QUALITY USED FARM EQUIPMENT”

“70 YEARS OF USED EQUIPMENT EXPERIENCE”

Joe • Eric • Kyle 231-660-9020

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Brandon Harris with Sturgeon (Photo courtesy of MRWA)

avoid killing the sturgeon. Throughout the surveys 27 different year classes were captured, with 2007-2009 and 2011 being the most represented. Not many sub-adult sturgeon (around 10 years old) were captured, however, this should be interpreted carefully as one of the difficulties in sampling this life-stage is how only a portion stay in Muskegon Lake, while some exit into Lake Michigan where targeted sampling is difficult. The last study of this type was conducted in 2015 where a total of 46 lake sturgeon (30 of which were unique and had never been captured before) were captured in only 6 overnight sets of net. The average age of fish captured was 2.8 years old indicating that juveniles produced upriver are surviving well. Certainly there are threats to this small but persistent population. One concern is how sea lamprey treatments cause sturgeon mortality in both the Muskegon and Manistee rivers. The Muskegon River is a large producer of sea lamprey and is a primary stream where their population must be controlled. In 2017, the river will be treated for sea lamprey and the DNR, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and US Fish and Wildlife Service will be partnering on a unique project. Biologists from the respective agencies will head out in September and capture juvenile sturgeon at night by targeting them from boats while scanning the river bottom with spotlights. Once spotted, the fish will be collected with dip nets and transported to a holding pen where they will not be exposed to the chemicals used during the sea lamprey treatment. The fish will be returned back to their capture location when the river is clear of the chemical. In 2016, similar efforts were conducted in the Manistee River where 107 fish were protected during the sea lamprey treatment. Although there was mortality found in uncaptured fish the multi-agency and partner effort made a large difference to the number

of surviving sturgeon. There is reason to be cautiously optimistic about a slow recovery of the Muskegon River sturgeon population. Because sturgeon are slow to mature and the population is small, this will take time, but research suggests the population is moving in a positive direction. The Muskegon Watershed Assembly and other watershed partners have long demonstrated

an interest and commitment to the Muskegon River and its sturgeon. This has helped bring understanding to the public about how unique and important sturgeon are to our ecosystem. For those interested in exploring opportunities to assist in protecting sturgeon during the sea lamprey treatment, please contact the Michigan DNR.

Continued from page 14, Recovery

Fresh From the Farm:

The Benefits of Locally Grown Food

Join us Friday, September 29th, 2017Paris Park Fish Hatchery, Paris, MI

(Old Fish Hatchery Building north of Paris Park)

Farm to Fork: Growing Local Food Presented by John Ward - Ward Vegetables

Farm to Fork: The Art of Healthy Soil Presented by Tony Wernette & Karen Ickes - MAEAP Technicians

Farm to Fork: The Nutritional Benefits of Locally Grown Food

Presented by Clinton Zimmerman - Owner Red Fox Market

Farm to Fork: Connecting to Your Food Enjoy a lunch made from locally grown produce while

discussing the days topics with local farmers. For more information call the Osceola-Lake Conservation

District at 231-832-2950 x5 or Mecosta Conservation District at 231-796-0909 x3

(Please RSVP by September 22nd)


Lake - Mecosta - Osceola Counties Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day

When: Saturday, October 14, 2017 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Where: Lake County Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin (behind Jones Ice Cream Parlor)

Mecosta County Fairgrounds, Big Rapids (540 West Ave., Big Rapids)

Osceola County Road Commission North Facility, Tustin (13353 20 Mile Rd., Tustin)

Cost: No charge, but donations are appreciated.

Household Hazardous Waste are materials that, if disposed of incorrectly, can cause environmental damage by contaminating ground and surface waters, threatening human health and wildlife.

Items such as: Oil based paint products (NO LATEX PAINT), glue, adhesives, pesticides, fertilizers, mercury, household cleaners, used motor oil (see note below), florescent light bulbs, unused medication, gasoline and antifreeze, to name but a few.

Note: Used motor oil will only be accepted in 5 gallon containers or less. No 55 gallon drums.

Pre-registration is not required unless you are bringing over 200 lbs of waste for disposal. For a list of acceptable and non-acceptable items call Lake County MSU Extension at (231) 745-2732, Osceola-Lake Conservation District at (231) 832-2950 Ext. 5 or Mecosta Conservation District at (231) 796-0909 Ext. 3, or go to our website at www.mecostacd.org or www.osceolalakecd.org.

This project is supported by the Mecosta and Osceola-Lake Conservation Districts, Lake, Mecosta and Osceola County MSU Extension, Michigan Water Stewardship “Clean Sweep” Program,

local units of government, municipalities, businesses, organizations, foundations and individual donations.

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New Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) verified farms are popping up all over Osceola and Mecosta counties. In the last year there have been 19 new farms verified across these two counties. An awareness of the importance of protecting our groundwater and reducing other environmental impacts are some reasons why farm owners want to get MAEAP verified. Farm businesses want to ensure their customers that the Ag related products they are purchasing were obtained in an environmentally friendly setting. Verification through MAEAP is completely voluntary and confidential with the option to re-verify in the program every five years.

The initial verification and re-verification process provides farm owners the protections and benefits of the program for implementing practices that manage and protect our environment. MAEAP has

recently added another option which includes both farm and non-farm landowners called Forest, Wetland and Habitat verification. This is unique as it combines two programs, MAEAP and the Forestry Assistance Program (FAP), to carry out the requirements of this verification. One requirement is a forest management plan. Landowners who currently participate in the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Qualified Forest Program (QFP) may be a step ahead in the process as a forest management plan is most likely already in place. For those who don’t, the Conservation District forester will be able to assist you in the

development of a plan. Also on the horizon, MAEAP technicians across the state will be administering new cost-share funds for environmental protection practices on farms to assist in achieving verification. Planning meetings with conservation partners will set the exact value and focus areas to tailor these funds to the area and participant’s needs. Target practices that will receive cost share funds will be determined by October 1st. Call your local MAEAP technician for more information. By becoming verified in any of the MAEAP Systems (Cropping, Farmstead, Livestock, Forest, Wetland and Habitat) you are playing a positive role in sustaining important natural resources and showing your community that you are a good steward of the environment.

What’s New with MAEAP

If you would like more information contact the Osceola-Lake or the Mecosta Conservation District and ask to speak with the MAEAP Technician.

Mecosta Conservation District Tony Wernette 231-796-0909 Ext 3

Osceola-Lake Conservation District Karen Ickes 231-465-8005

Ken Ford, with MAEAP Technician Karen Ickes and Forester Rick Lucas pictured in front of 1 of 5 properties

that Ken had verified this past spring.

The Lundborg’s newly verified property in Osceola County.

Mecosta Soil Conservation District18260 Northland DriveBig Rapids, Michigan 49307

PRSRT STDNonprofit Org.

US Postage PaidBig Rapids, MI 49307

Permit No. 62




MECOSTA COUNTY:




OSCEOLA COUNTY:








MECOSTA COUNTY:




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MECOSTA COUNTY:




OSCEOLA COUNTY:








MECOSTA COUNTY:




OSCEOLA COUNTY:








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MECOSTA COUNTY: SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT



OSCEOLA COUNTY: SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT


EVART POLICE DEPARTMENTMECOSTA AND OSCEOLA-LAKE

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS ANNUAL REPORT

CONSERVATIONNEWS 2017

Is your forestWORKING for

YOU?

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