Douglas Lake eNews 11/29/2015

Maple River Dam issues addressed

Our last eNews reported that the Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) is working on a project to remove the Maple River Dam. The original dam was built around 1903, and there was a failure November 8, 1951, when about 100â€™ of roadway washed out. A new dam was built sometime between 1960 and 1967. We are still gathering information for that time period.
Douglas Lake is a natural lake that exists as the headwaters to the East Branch Maple River. Some believe the water level of Douglas Lake will change when the current dam is removed. However, three sources (the CRA, the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council (TOMWC), and the DNR) agree the flows will remain the same, and the dam removal will have no impact on DLâ€™s water level. From available data, average water levels of Douglas Lake follow:
Douglas Lake Average Water Levels

Of course, Lake Kathleen (the lake above the dam) will reduce and this will cause a reduction in the flow downstream.
Another concern is invasive species. CRA biologist Chris Pierce, says, â€œSea Lamprey do spawn in the Maple River and with full removal of the dam there would be opportunity for invasive sea lamprey to go upstream. The current design for dam removal incorporates a low head sea lamprey barrier. We have been working with USFWS Fish Passage Program and Sea Lamprey Program on design measure that allow for some species to pass while not allowing others. USGS, USFWS, and Army Corps have been looking at feasibility of sea lamprey blockage at the Cheboygan Locks. They also have been conducting research in the inland waterway and believe that there may be a small breeding population of sea lamprey that are not leaving and going back to Lake Huron. We will also monitor bottomlands for invasive species that might show up and perform appropriate measures if detected.â€ DNR Fisheries biologist Neal Godby agreed with Chris, and added that since the adult sea lamprey population estimate in the upper Cheboygan River watershed (Burt and Mullett Lakes, Maple River, Sturgeon River, Pigeon River) is so low, USGS and USFWS are investigating ways to further reduce or eradicate that population.

Thinking Christmas? Think DL Merchandise

1 - Download the catalog and order form.
2 - Select your items.
3 - Email your order to Marilyn. Click here to begin

Order early while inventory lasts.

Orders must be received by December 18^th for Holiday shipping.

Merchandise Manager, Marilyn Kelemen, kelemenm44@gmail.com

Release those images from your phone, tablet or camera !!!
Submit them for the 2017 Douglas Lake calendar.
We encourage all art forms to participate.
Due to copyright laws, all entries must be your own or with permission of the owner. Include the name of the artist and a description.
Send your entries to info@douglaslake.org
Contact Marilyn at merchandise_manager@douglaslake.org or 231-420-4579 with any questions.

Douglas Lake Improvement Association â”€ Dues are $25 a year
Mail dues to DLIA, PO Box 472, Pellston, MI 49769

New Member/Update Member Form

President - Holly Gedert
Vice President - Frank Beaver
Secretary - Joan Hartwig
Treasurer - Susan Klaas

Membership updates to membership@douglaslake.org

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The eNews is published twice a month on-season and
as needed (once a month) off-season.
The DLIA Newsletter is published twice a year - Fall and Spring.
Deadline for news and obituaries is 4/30/2016 for our Spring Newsletter.
We appreciate the obituaries being brief and relevant to Douglas Lake.

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