Minutes of the Board of Directors’ Meeting August 2, 2008 Lake-Osceola State Bank, Baldwin Administrative 1. The meeting was called to order by President Fred McLane at 9:03 a.m. 2. Attendance: Paul Bigford, Jim Bos, Jill Engelman, Dave Gabrielson, Eric Lewis, Fred McLane, Dick Schwikert, Tom Seroczynski and Chuck Turk

Excused: Jay Barnhart, Jeff Carpenter, Rick Conney and Kevin Morlock

Absent: Clint Anderson, Steve Fraley and Grant Snider

Guests: Tom Curtin - C4C Chairman, Bill Sessions

3. Minutes of the June 7, 2008 Board of Directors’ Meeting were APPROVED. Motion/Seconded: Dick Schwikert/Tom Seroczynski

4. Minutes of the July 19, 2008 Annual Business Meeting were APPROVED. Motion/Seconded: Jim Bos/Dave Gabrielson

5. Election of Officers 2008 – 2009 – The Nominations Committee presented a slate of officers for election for the 2008-09 year. Paul Bigford – President Fred McLane – Vice President Jill Engelman – Secretary Jay Barnhart – Treasurer Following no additional nominations from the floor, the slate was voted unanimously by the Board. Motion/Seconded: Tom Seroczynski/Dave Gabrielson.

6. Past President Fred McLane turned the meeting over to the new President Paul Bigford.

Old Business 5. Financial Integrity: A. No Treasurer’s Report as Treasurer Jay Barnhart is on vacation. B. The 2008 membership drive has been successful with four (4) new life memberships and numerous new members joining those renewing membership in PMWC. It was suggested that PMWC investigate the option of placing the new life membership donations in the PMWC Endowment Fund to increase the return on investment. Jim Bos to consult with the attorneys for the Fund to confirm the possibility of this type of donation.

C. Chairman Jill Engelman reported that the Annual Banquet and Auction was a success this year with 111 people attending. The banquet, live and silent auction and bucket raffle proceeds totaled nearly $8,000 after expenses. Numerous people responded that the auction items were very desirable this year, although each seemed to be won for a price less than in years past – thought likely due to the state of the economy. The 50-50 Sweepstakes brought in a total of $390 with ½ being distributed to the winner – Larry Koontz of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The food service was noted to be much improved with the new caterer Brann’s. It was suggested that the raffle ticket sellers should be more proactive. Paul Bigford noted that the sellers were not the original persons slated for the position due to a last minute schedule conflict. The Board suggested that three (3) sellers be utilized next year. It was also suggested that the local Mason and Lake County Commissioners chair be offered a complimentary banquet ticket next year.

D. Tom Curtin, Chairman for the 2008 Cast for Conservation© Event reported that 15 teams fished. The event was termed a success with a net total profit of $5,600 being made for PMWC. There was a discussion of limiting the number of teams in the future due to the difficulty in obtaining 15 professional guides and keeping the number of boats in any one section of the river down to a minimum. Due to weather related water conditions this year several beats had more than one team fishing. There was also a discussion that raising the $500 donation to possibly $600 next year. A member asked Tom at the event this year if he would be able to “pre-pay” for a 10 year period of Cast for Conservation© Event. Discussion followed showing interest in this donation –members indicated that they would like to see the money invested to maximize the return. This topic of discussion to be continued at the next meeting.

6. Watershed Restoration: A. The Restoration Committee met July 8th. Among the topics covered were: • James Road/Forks Bridge – Lake County Road Commission to complete the rock placement Fall 2008. • Marquette Railroad Erosion Site –Visited by Fred McLane, Jim Bos, Mark Johnson of Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) and Railroad personnel. Awaiting response from the RR. Item to be added to PMWC River Restoration Project’s Listing. • Village of Baldwin Storm Drain Project – MDEQ Engineering review of the proposed storm water system is complete. Concern was shared with MDOT Engineers over the impacts of the high water table on the effectiveness of the propose infiltration system. Project seems to be on hold at this time. It was noted that the grant runs out the end of 2008 and it may be difficult to complete any project within the time allowed. • Tank Creek Dam Removal Project – permit application will be prepared shortly. Per Les Russell, USFS, a Section 7 Permit may be required. Project to continue through 2009. • Next meeting – September 9th at LSOB 10:00 am. Kolar, Terpstra and Grass Lake Sand Trap will be on the agenda. It was noted that most Board Members felt that PMWC should support the Grass Lake project as it will increase spawning for trout, but that Grass Lake needs to commit to funding for the long term with regards to the maintenance of the trap.

B. Paul Bigford reported that there were no new Riparian Rehab requests this month. Bill Sessions relayed that there was work outstanding on his streambank project and expressed concern that it would be completed by Labor Day 2008. Dick Schwikert to contact Kim Balke, CRA to determine their schedule. Three (3) photos, taken at his property in July, were circulated which showed the status of the work.

C. The Michigan State Legislature passed the ORV Ordinance. The Lake County Commissioners voted 6 to 2 to NOT adopt the State’s ordinance. Following the Commissioner’s meeting the Chamber of Commerce expressed objection and the issue will be revisited at the next meeting. PMWC to attend the meeting.

D. Chuck Turk recently spoke with Tom Rozich, MDNR regarding Lake Kenosha. It appears that the MDNR needs additional data to move forward with consideration of making this a quality trout lake. A survey of the fish population is needed. Fred McLane to contact Mike McKinney of West Shore Community College (WSCC) to see if the students might be able to take on this project.

E. PMWC River Restoration Project Listing – No report.

F. West Shore Community College (WSCC) is in the process of collecting temperature data for the Lincoln River, small stream and pond. A complete report will be given in September of the data to date.

G. Dick Schwikert relayed that Joe Rathbun from MDEQ had indicated that they have EPA grant money that may be able to be obtained for the maintenance of the Bell Sand Trap if PMWC can prove the effect of sand in the river. Dick to follow-up.

H. Recently it was reported that there was netting going on in Lake Cecilia by the Tribes. It was determined they can obtain a permit to allow them to net for two (2) days – this per a telephone conversation between Dick Schwikert and Tom Rozich, MDNR. It was also noted that during steelhead season that the tribes were noted to have being spearing fish within the Pere Marquette Watershed.

7. Unified Management: A. Dick Schwikert, Jim Bos and Paul Bigford met with USFS and MDNR on July 29th to begin the discussion of Unified Management of the Pere Marquette River. Dick relayed that everyone felt the meeting met its goal of continuing the conversation between the two entities. Both agreed that controls must be in place to protect the river. One idea discussed was the leasing of state lands to the USFS with a time limit in place. Once unified management is reached several issues, i.e.: number of guides (state or US), allocation of watercraft in various river sections, etc. needs to be resolved, etc.

In his absence, an email from Director, Kevin Morlock was read stating his concern for all directors to be invited to be a part of the unified management process. In past meetings all directors were asked to participate in outlining the format for the planned meetings.

Future meetings are planned to continue the conversation between MDNR and USFS. B. Paul Bigford, PM Natural River Zoning Review Board, reported that two (2) properties were reviewed at the last meeting June 16th. The Behler property was reviewed for a variance to operate a newly built short term rental cabin 145 feet from the Little South Branch – Denied. The Clement property was also reviewed for a request that a permit be granted for a new “ground level” walkway and dock following the removal of the original structures. The property is on the Baldwin River - Denied. This request may be resubmitted with a revised proposal for the walkway. No requests received for August.

C. Attorney General Pam Stevenson relayed to Dick Schwikert that the Pagura’s have filed an appeal on the final judgment previously issued. The November deadline still remains as there has not been a “stay” on the judgment.

D. At the June circuit court meeting, the Henry’s Campground case was reviewed in detail with expert technical witness testimony. Jefferson Henry represented himself and indicated that they would work with the MDEQ. The judge fined the Henry’s $500 for contempt charges as no work had been started or engineering data submitted by the established date. It was noted by a PMWC Director that a surveyor had been seen on site, so it appears that the Henry’s are now indeed moving forward in compliance with the judge’s order.

E. Dick Schwikert learned at the recent Lake County Riverside Property Owners Association (LCRPOA) meeting July 19th that the USFS’s PM River Management Plan was put into effect on July 19, 2008 except for the issues that were appealed. The details of the appealed issues are not known. . F. Dick Schwikert brought up the proposed recreation rate increase being considered by the USFS. Following discussion, it was determined that the Board of Directors felt no need to formally comment on the proposal.

G. The MDNR will be electro shocking the Mouth of the Baldwin to Doc Green’s on September 2nd – 3rd. Volunteers are welcome, per Mark Tonello. Please contact Dick Schwikert if you are interested in helping.

H. If possible, Jim Bos will attend the MDNR Fall meeting that will review the Cold Water Regulations. The proposal to revise the current catch limits of five (5) salmon – with no more than three (3) of any one species to five (5) salmon with no more than five (5) of any one species will be considered. The steelhead regulation of the three (3) rod limit on the Great Lakes is proposed to be revised to read “state wide for all fish”. In addition, the extension of the length of quality water (catch & release) is under consideration. . 8. Communication and Information: A. Jill Engelman is collecting documents from directors to begin the process of updating the website.

B. The PowerPoint presentation shown at the Annual Banquet will be updated and redesigned by Jill Engelman for use at the next Fly-Fishing Show to be attended by PMWC.

C. Dick Schwikert is continuing to compile documents for the PMWC Indoctrination Manual.

D. Paul Bigford has turned over the editorship of the Mainstream Newsletter to Jill Engelman. Jill would appreciate rough drafted articles submitted from directors on pertinent projects, etc. The format of the newsletter will be similar to the prior issues with the addition of a listing of the Board of Directors on the last page. Topics for the Sept/Oct issue are: Water diversion, PM River clean-up project, Annual Banquet and Cast for Conservation© Event, recap of ORV legislation, new life members, membership opportunities.

E. PMWC has agreed to host the Watershed Volunteer Meeting in April of 2009. A volunteer chairman is needed for this event. All directors were asked to consider the position. Typically 20 people +/- attend. A relevant topic will be chosen as the focus of the meeting with speakers and presentations used to disseminating the information. Location to be determined.

9. Environmental Impact: A. The GEO prison project was halted for a short period of time over a misunderstanding of future federal prison bed needs. That issue was quickly resolved and work has restarted at a less frantic speed. The prison is due to open Fall 2008 – 2009.

B. There is currently no new legislation with regards to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). It was noted that the DEQ recently stopped a new CAFO in Southeast Michigan.

New Business

10. Dick Schwikert is continuing discussion with the assessor’s office in hopes of understanding the recent Lake County increase in property values. The amount of river frontage (actual distance or “by the crow flies”) is in question. Acreage appears not to be a part of the “formula”.

11. Eric Lewis reported on an Idlewild Lake project funded by the Natural Resources Trust Fund. Monica Terrell, MDNR Parks was able to receive funding from the Trust Fund in the neighborhood of $300,000 for the public use project at the Lake. It was suggested that PMWC could request funds from this source for future projects. Eric to investigate possible options.

12. Fred McLane reported that Bill Farr is the chairman for the Board of League of Conservation Voters. Fred will bring data to the September meeting illustrating the disbursement of information from this organization.

13. Jill Engelman distributed the updated Contact List of PMWC Directors to all attendees.

President Paul Bigford adjourned the meeting at 11:38 a.m. Motion/Seconded: Dick Schwikert/Tom Seroczynski. APPROVED.

Respectfully submitted, Jill Engelman Secretary

Next meeting: September 6, 2008 at 9:00 am, Lake-Osceola State Bank in Baldwin.

* Hard Copies of the following documents/handouts are on file in the PMWC office. 1. Minutes of the June 7, 2008 Board of Directors’ meeting. 2. Minutes of the July 19, 2008 Annual Business meeting. 3. PMWC Board of Directors Contact List.

APROVED AS CORRECTED 090608