Mainstream and North Branch In-Stream Structure Project

The Angler’s have dedicated many human and financial resources for habitat improvment since their inception. Significant habitat projects require careful planning, hard work, the cooperation of groups and individuals and dollars. Many sections of The Au Sable system have benefited from these projects over the years and it has been well documented that fishing has improved partly as a result of these efforts.

Habitat improvement can be realized in several creative ways. The introduction of Large Woody Debris (LWD) structures that are properly installed at beneficial locations is one of the best forms of habitat improvement. The benefits of LWD have been covered in this newsletter and other publications over recent years. Cedar sweepers, storm blowdowns, beaver activity and other circumstances can naturally introduce LWD into the system. Unfortunately, much of this naturally occurring debris can easily be pushed to the banks by unknowing fisherman, property owners, or by other human activity. However, excessive commercial canoe traffic has the most significant adverse impact on both naturally occurring and introduced LWD structures. The Anglers advocate a "per trip user fee" for commercial canoe traffic to at least partially cover the costs associated with restoring such habitat loss. Restoring LWD structures to the River is expensive and time consuming and is a work-in-progress in the Au Sable System.

Over the past 6 years several groups have worked together on a major in-stream structure program both on the Mainstream and the North Branch. The Anglers of the Au Sable, The Michigan Flyfishing Club, the Paul Young as well as the Mershon and George Mason Chapters of Trout Unlimited, The Federation of Flyfishers and a host of other groups and individuals have contributed to this effort. These financial contributions have been matched by several Inland Fisheries Grants with the help of Huron Pines RC&D. The result of this cooperative effort is an investment that approaches $200,000 for placing new, or repairing, over 1,000 LWD structures in the Mainstream and North Branch. Following is a table showing the 6 year chronology of this project.

1995 Mainstream, Grayling to Burtons Landing $12,000

1996 Mainstream, Burtons to Stephan Bridge $35,000

1997 Mainstream, Stephans to Wakely Bridge $40,000

1998 North Branch, Dam 4 to Kelloggs Bridge $35,000

1999 North Branch, Kelloggs to Mainstream $35,000

2000 North Branch, Sheep Ranch to Dam 4 $35,000

This project has had a positive impact on a combined 29 miles of the Mainstream and the North Branch!

There are several types of structures that have been placed. The term "trout hotels" has been used to describe them. These "trout hotels" generally fall into two categories: bank-side overhanging cover and mid-channel structure. These structures can be as simple as existing debris that is along the stream bank that has been pulled into the river and secured, or manmade structures that are strategically placed in the river. Two photographs of typical structures are shown. For these structures to be successful they must be in the proper location, well secured to the streambed and naturally appearing. To accomplish the task good planning and experienced use of the proper equipment is required.

On the North Branch project alone over 30 cords of six inch (and larger) diameter logs, 3,000 eight inch timber spikes, 3,200 labor hours and $25,000 worth of other supplies were used in the building and installation of 800 LWD structures. Projects of this size also require the use of specialized equipment such as power winches, chain saws, jet pumps and cargo boats. The purchase and maintenance of this equipment also requires funding that is provided by the various organizations.

This is a tremendous effort by all parties involved and was greatly benefited by The Anglers’ supportive membership. Inland Fisheries Grants are provided through the Fisheries Division of the Michigan DNR and can only be used if they are matched by private contributions. In 2001 we have additional grants available that will be used to place additional LWD structures and whole trees (via the helicopter drops that you may have read about). There is still more to accomplish "to preserve, protect and enhance the Au Sable River system for future generations." We need everyone’s continued support to make these projects successful. RWOL

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