The Michigan white cedars along the river's banks provide needed shade to maintain the cold water fishery of the Au Sable River. The presence of the cedar sweepers at the water line provides protection for the fish, increases the amount of large woody debris in the water, and provides for the preservation of the river bank.
There is virtually no natural regeneration of Michigan white cedar along the Au Sable River system due to the tremendous deer populations. Many river property owners have long recognized the complete absence of any young cedars in our area. They have attempted to plant replacement cedar seedlings only to have deer and hares eat them again.
Recognizing that this problem exists and a solution needed to be found, volunteer members of the Au Sable River System Property Owners Association (ARSPOA) prepackaged Michigan White Cedar seedlings into a "planting kit." Included in this plant-ing kit were: ten Michigan White Cedar seedlings, protective fencing material, wooden stakes, ties to secure fence; and complete planting instructions. Committee members included Bill Halliday, Bernie Fowler, Brian Benjamin, Bill Kessel, Ed Parks, and Howard N. Johnson.
Sixty Au Sable River property owners have purchased the "kits" and have planted 1,000 young cedar seedlings this fall in an effort to preserve and protect the cold water fishery of the Au Sable River, improve the scenic beauty of the entire Au Sable River watershed, and help maintain the delicate balance of the river's ecological system. Each property owner planted, protected, and will care for the trees on their own property. The young cedars will have to be protected by their three-foot high wire fence for five to seven years. After that time, it will be necessary to continue protecting the cedar with a higher fence for up to fifteen years.
The actual cost for all the material in the "Cedar Tree Kit" was substantially more than the asking price of $15.00. The purchase price was subsidized by the George W. Mason Chapter (Grayling) of Trout Unlimited, the William B. Mershon Chapter (Saginaw) of Trout Unlimited, the Paul H. Young Chapter (Detroit) of Trout Unlimited, The Anglers of the Au Sable (Grayling), and Mr. Craig Hinkle, Re/Max of Grayling. Many local businesses also helped with the project. RWOL
© Copyright 1997 - , Anglers of the Au Sable, Inc. All rights reserved. Last modified: February 4, 2002
