FRANKFORT — Salmon fishermen in Benzie County stand to lose a favored fishing hole, thanks to Lake Michigan water levels that are nearing an all-time record low.
On Monday, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said it plans to ban salmon fishing at the point the Betsie River feeds into Betsie Bay because the bay's water levels are too low. Shallow water and fishing pressure potentially could keep salmon from upstream spawning grounds.
"There's no real easy passage for the salmon into the Betsie River," said Todd Kalish, the DNR's acting director of the Lake Michigan basin. "There is still passage, but it's relatively shallow, and they are staging (in the bay) so they can find the most economical way into the Betsie River."
Kalish said fishermen walking on the shoreline — where the water used to be — are spooking fish. The fishing shutdown starts approximately 21 days from now, Kalish said, a move that prompted concern from fishermen and tourism-dependent businesses in the Frankfort-Elberta area.
"We are trying to support whatever remedy will help take care of the problem," said Joanne Bartley, executive director of the Frankfort-Elberta Chamber of Commerce. "There have been many recommendations, and some people are saying there is plenty of room for the fish to go through. We just want to support what's best for everyone — the fish and the fishermen."
The fishing closure is the latest fallout from significantly lower water levels in lakes Michigan and Huron. Lake Michigan water levels are 11 inches lower than last year, and if drought conditions continue, the lake could set a record low mark. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Detroit District is forecasting a range for water levels in Lake Michigan that could break the all-time record low set in 1964.
A comprehensive study on water levels in the Great Lakes, meanwhile, found Lake Michigan water levels will remain within their historical range. The $15 million International Upper Great Lakes study was commissioned by the U.S. and Canadian governments, and took 10 years to complete.
The study found the low levels of lakes Michigan and Huron are caused by increased heat, less rain and a reduction in ice cover, but those water losses, over the long haul, will be offset by increased precipitation as the climate warms.
Lake levels, the study said, "will remain within their historical range, and that changes in lake levels may not be as extreme as previously predicted."
"Just because levels are low now doesn't mean we can't forget about the potential for high water in the future," said John Nevin, a spokesman for the study.
The study recommends a comprehensive strategy to adapt to the changes in lake levels.
Some are issuing alarms over the lower lake levels, saying they are a serious threat to the region's economy. David Sweetnam is executive director of the Canadian nonprofit group Georgian Bay Forever. He said low water levels threaten drinking water supplies and harm shipping through losses in load capacity, and the group advocates for a comprehensive Great Lakes management strategy.
Such a strategy could include increased attention to water flows through the Upper Niagara and St. Clair rivers.
"If you don't do anything, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are going to continue to suffer, and they are the gateway to the industrial heartland of the region," Sweetnam said.
Mark Breederland, an extension educator with the Michigan Sea Grant in Traverse City, said the issue of low lake levels is important to all Michiganders, and we "should take care to be good stewards of our waterfronts and water dependent facilities."
"Transportation costs are a key part of our economy; historically, shipping on the lakes has been economical," Breederland said. "But without adequate repair of harbors and infrastructure, and light loading of boats, these costs will rise and be passed on to society."
Region
Related Photos
-
Salmon struggle to enter the mouth of the Betsie River Monday near Elberta, which officials plan to close to fishing in three weeks because of low water levels. Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump
-
Fishermen cast for salmon near the mouth of the Betsie River Monday near Elberta, which officials plan to close to fishing in three weeks because of low water levels. Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump
-
"This is the lowest I've ever seen it," North Star Marina owner Delbert Parsons said of the water levels in Betsie Bay at the mouth of the Betsie River near Elberta. "If it goes down more we've got problems." Officials plan to close that part of the river to salmon fishing in three weeks because low water levels are making it hard for the fish to make their fall runs upstream to spawn. Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump
Betsie River salmon fishing to be limited
Low water level plus fishing pressure could prevent spawning
-
-
Traverse City steps up parking enforcement
Barb Meredith recently had an expensive downtown Traverse City breakfast, but not from anything on the restaurant’s menu.
Continued ... -
Snyder, GOP lawmakers agree to budget targets
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder and leaders of the GOP majority in the Legislature reached a budget agreement Tuesday for next fiscal year that doesn’t include an expansion of government health insurance for low income-adults and puts Michigan’s unexpected surplus toward funding roads and K-12 education.
Continued ... -
TCAPS contract talks continue
Traverse City Area Public Schools educators picketed outside the district’s main office building in a display of opposition to TCAPS administrators’ proposed collective bargaining contract.
Continued ... -
Panera Bread is on its way
A Panera Bread franchise likely will rise in Garfield Township despite what some planning officials consider a stale project design.
Continued ... -
Woman retraces father's steps to Indian marker trees
Dennis Downes traveled 200,000 miles over three decades, a journey to locate Indian trail tree markers around the Great Lakes, including two in Traverse City – one at the Civic Center and another at a Washington Street residence.
Continued ... -
Police looking into assault find 960 pot plants
Investigation into a domestic assault complaint led Antrim County authorities to a "sophisticated" marijuana grow operation and nearly 1,000 plants.
Continued ... -
Man gets prison for heroin possession
An Antrim County man found in possession of about 20 packets of heroin will spend at least 18 months in prison.
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 21, 2013
-
Bear sighted at Mancelona Middle School
Chad Culver, the school's principal, spied the large mammal on Monday about 9 a.m. when he looked out his window as he met with a teacher.
Continued ... -
Property owners sue over flooding
A group of Boardman River property owners filed a lawsuit over removal of the Brown Bridge Dam, saying their property values dropped when the river’s water levels rose.
Continued ... -
TCL&P may spend $15K on land it doesn't want
The city’s electric utility will spend up to $15,000 on a piece of property it hopes to never own — just in case public opposition foils its preferred location for an electrical substation.
Continued ... -
Teens admit to lewd elevator act
Traverse City police are investigating a report of sexual contact between two teens in a Traverse City Central High School elevator.
Continued ... -
Fired Munson clinic employee settles lawsuit
A former Munson Medical Center worker recently settled a lawsuit that alleged her civil rights were violated when she was fired from her job at an HIV-AIDS clinic.
Continued ... -
Free yard waste drop-off offered in Garfield
Garfield Township residents can dispose of yard waste for free starting later this month. No-charge waste passes will be available at Garfield Township Hall starting today through June 4.
Continued ... -
Forecast: More storms followed by cool temps
Meteorologists say to expect more severe thunderstorms coming through the Grand Traverse region.
Continued ... -
TC resident wins $5K Art Van Award of Hope
Cecilia Chesney, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan, received $5,000 for her organization and was given the chance to compete for an additional $25,000 through the Art Van Charity Challenge.
Continued ... - Monday, May 20, 2013
-
Family of woman killed by drunk driver: 'It's just not fair'
Paul Shafer had questions for the drunk driver who killed his wife and mother of his three children. Did he know what it's like to take his children to a graveyard on Mother's Day? Did he know what it's like to have a young daughter ask, "'I don't have a mommy anymore?'"
Continued ... -
Severe weather possible this afternoon
The spring’s first severe weather could hit the Grand Traverse region today.
Continued ... -
Sewer rates likely to rise for city residents
City homeowners can expect their base sewer charge to jump over 6 percent beginning in July under a budget proposal before the city commission.
Continued ... -
Great weather draws thousands to NMC Barbecue
Mother Nature dished up a glorious day for the Northwestern Michigan College Barbecue, the college's annual fundraiser that attracts thousands to its wooded campus.
Continued ... -
A chance to learn about Peace Ranch
The Senior Center Network and Peace Ranch are partnering for a Spring Hoedown, with square dancing and live entertainment.
Continued ... -
Leelanau center upgrades old building
The Leelanau Community Cultural Center is keeping stride with modern technology while maintaining the original vintage charm of its Old Art Building.
Continued ... -
Northern Notes: Visitor seeks car ferry photos for DVD
Frequent northern Michigan vacationer Ted Hayes has put his love for the area into poetry and song and is moving forward with his second DVD featuring the area.
Continued ... - Sunday, May 19, 2013
-
New TC manager earned his gray along the way
Jered Ottenwess described himself during his interview for Traverse City manager as soft-spoken, lacking years of experience and perhaps not the most charismatic person.
Continued ... -
Ex-oil exec sees perilous energy future for U.S.
America is headed for an energy crisis filled with power blackouts and gasoline shortages, making today’s gas prices something to fear for in coming years.
Continued ... -
Townships settle 12-year-old lawsuit with Cherryland
Three holdout local townships finally settled a drawn-out tax dispute with Cherryland Electric Cooperative prior to a full hearing before the Michigan Supreme Court.
Continued ...
-
