Memorandum of Introduction to the report “2011 Campground Angler Survey: Upper Manistee and Pigeon Rivers”, a Michigan Trout Unlimited Research Report.

In 2010, discussions and public input was sought on the addition of new river miles to gearrestricted status. The Upper Manistee River from Highway 612 downstream to M72 was added to gear restricted status, with an increase in minimum length of brown trout, a decrease in bag limit of them, and a restriction on natural bait use, with continued use of artificial lures or flies allowed.  During this process, which followed criteria set forth in Fisheries Order 213, the MDNR State Forest Campground management expressed concern over a possible reduction in camping use at several campsites located within this reach of new gear restricted water. It was identified that a lack of information existed to adequately evaluate this, and that was the impetus for conducting the following study.

On December 8, 2012, a Memorandum of Agreement was entered into with various organizations, including Michigan Trout Unlimited, and the MDNR Fisheries and Forest Management Divisions. This MOA highlighted the possible concerns with the use of the campgrounds along the Upper Manistee River. Section II of the MOA stated that MITU would help collect information to determine if the new gear restrictions have negatively impacted campground revenue. This survey was our effort at addressing this question. Section III addresses the review of the information gained under II, in evaluating whether the regulations had impact and should be retained or removed. As will be addressed in this report, ample information is provided that clearly indicates that the new regulations cannot be claimed to have negatively impacted campground use or revenue. Section V of the MOA outlined assistance MITU would offer in promoting the use of state campgrounds on trout streams. In the spring/summer 2011 addition of the MICHIGAN TROUT magazine, an article was run promoting and displaying the locations of these campgrounds. This information is memorialized on the www.michigantu.org website. Collectively, we see our responsibilities under the MOA as now satisfied.

We enthusiastically present you the results of this survey of campground anglers on the Upper Manistee and Pigeon Rivers. The results of this study clearly illustrate the importance of using social science tools to understand the preferences of anglers today. While the results in many ways echo the results of other past research on this topic (such as motivations of anglers), the results also stand in stark contrast to many of the assertions we heard purported by many stakeholders, agency biologists and managers during the gear restrictions process. We hope this information not only closes a door on evaluation of the gear restrictions placed on the Upper Manistee from highway 612 to M72, but more importantly, opens up a new phase of discussion for trout management, one focused on better understanding of the desires and motivations of stakeholders and strategies for optimizing the value of the fisheries to them.

Bryan Burroughs – Executive Director – Michigan Trout Unlimited

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Our 42th Year!

2012 School Dates: June 8, 9 & 10, 2012

Location: Ranch Rudolph (12 miles south of Traverse City - on the Boardman River) - Visit their website!

The Michigan Trout Unlimited Fly Fishing School is indeed one of the country's finest. The school runs from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Beginners are instructed in the basics of fly casting and fly fishing and are introduced to a wide variety of angling interests. Experienced fly fishers will improve their skills, technique and knowledge of the sport. Even experts are sure to learn something new.

The School's courteous and highly talented instructors provide challenging and constructive guidance to students of all skill levels. More importantly, there are plenty of instructors on hand to assure very personalized attention.

Three levels of instruction are offered. The beginner level of instruction is for people who have never tried fly casting before. Intermediate instruction is designed for those with some fly fishing experience who want to brush up on fundamentals and casting techniques while learning more about their application. Advanced instruction is reserved for those whose skills are proficient and who want to learn more challenging techniques and methods.

The Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited is hosting the Michigan Youth Trout Camp July 8 - 12, 2012 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center on Higgins Lake, in the heart of Northern Michigan trout country. The four-day Camp is designed to educate our 12-16 year old boys and girls, who will become our next generation of conservation leaders, about the importance of protecting our coldwater resources.

For More information visit the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter website: www.kvctu.org