Additional Petoskey US-31 detour
The US-31 project in Petoskey starts a new phase Tues. April 16^th (weather permitting).  The new phase will add a slight detour for southbound traffic; which previously flowed through the construction area unimpeded.  Now when you get to Lake Street (the traffic light) you will turn right onto Lake (down the hill and cross the river) for 4 blocks to Ingalls, turn left onto Ingalls for 2 blocks and then turn right, back onto US-31, Mitchell Street. 
What does this all mean?  It will take a bit more time coming from the lake to get to the west side of Petoskey; for example, to the McLaren Hospital complex.  Both the southbound and northbound detours are expected to be in place until mid-June, 2019.  So be patient and consider the safety for construction workers.  (contributed by Bill Hartwig)
Visual of detour can be seen on this traffic map from MDOT:
https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/map?constZone=true&incidents=true&lat=45.37858069846116&lon=-84.9514441969963&zoom=15
 

TOMWC Seeks Citizen Scientist Volunteers
            The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council (TOMWC) is offering training for its Spring Monitoring Programs.  Three separate training programs are offered to “citizen scientists” who volunteer to assist in Stream Monitoring, Lake Monitoring or Avian Botulism Monitoring.

Stream Monitors learn about general macroinvertebrate biology and the equipment used to collect important data about the health of our local stream streams. A hands-on practicum on the Bear River is included for volunteers “get their feet wet" before going out into the field. Volunteer Stream Monitoring Training is May 11th, 2019, 10am-1 pm at the TOMWC in Petoskey.

Volunteer Lake Monitoring involves collecting water quality data once a week during the summer months to help us assess the health of our lakes. The indoor component of training reviews the lake monitoring program and goes over collection methods. Afterwards volunteers have an opportunity to practice monitoring procedures.  After completing the training, volunteers receive the necessary equipment and supplies to complete a season of lake monitoring. Volunteer Lake Monitoring Training is May 20^th, 2019, 10 am – 1 pm.
           
Avian Botulism Training offers volunteers the opportunity to learn about the botulism toxin that accumulates in fish and birds and how it relates to Great Lake water quality. Volunteers help by taking weekly beach walks along Emmet and Charlevoix Counties and collecting data along the way from September through November.  A guest speaker will share information about his work with loons at one of the trainings. Historic data for our area will also be presented along with data collection tips. Avian Botulism Training will be offered in August, no date has been determined as yet.

Link to sign up for Volunteer Training is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1L_EOjEQPYv7I4JNIg5hvlFTHzFb527YPlm9P29iUk4E/viewform?edit_requested=true
You can also call TOMWC for more information about volunteer training programs at (231) 347-1181.
 

Aquatic Invasive Species Blitz Needs a Douglas Lake Volunteer
            DLIA needs a volunteer to permit Douglas Lake to serve as a host location for the DEQ’s (Department of Environmental Quality) 6^th Annual Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Landing Blitz. The AIS Landing Blitz is a collaborative outreach campaign to raise awareness about preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species through recreational boating and related activities.
            The Douglas Lake Host would meet with boaters during the event period to deliver messaging that includes:

• “Clean, Drain, Dry” and “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!”
• Clean Boats Clean Waters program information
• Boat washing & equipment decontamination procedures (With or without a boat wash station. A boat wash is NOT required for host locations and is NOT required to decontaminated boats and trailers.)
• Reporting protocols for Michigan’s watch list species and others
• Awareness of specific regulations (Part 413 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act PA 451 of 1994, Fisheries Order 245 Fish Disease Control, etc.)
• Proper bait disposal

 More specifically, as the Host Participant, you would need to commit to hosting the event at the Douglas Lake Boat Ramp Site on a date and time (this can range from 1 hour to 1 day) of your choosing between this year’s event period:  June 28-July 8, 2019 along with a couple of extra volunteers to interact with boaters and deliver the message.  DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) provides outreach materials (examples, key chains, rack cards, towels, etc.) and a digital event Handbook with messaging tips and FAQs.
DLIA has until May 31, 2019 to register as a Host Site.  So far, Douglas Lake is a healthy lake.  We want to involve more DLIA members in making sure our stewardship responsibilities are more than maintained, but are actively encouraged among the many boaters who enjoy the Lake.  Please give this opportunity serious consideration. For more information about logistics and what assistance is available to the Host to support DLIA’s participation, please email infor@douglaslake.org with the subject AIS Landing Blitz.  Thank you.

    

Farewell and Welcome
            In February, DLIA members Tom and Julie Kennedy sold their home on the North Shore to re-locate to Midland, Michigan, closer to family. Joanie and Sean Butler and their young family (children 16, 14 and 5) (see above picture of Julie and Tom with the Butler Family, minus one Butler child) are new Zone 101 DLIA members.  Ordinarily we find out about these transitions long after the fact but recently neighbor John Kafer sent a picture of the Kennedy’s move in deep winter expressing regret that the Kennedy’s were leaving Douglas Lake. He noted “I will miss Julie’s irrepressible optimism and energy and I have no idea what Tom will do without a forest to get his wood splitting exercise.”  Julie’s explanatory email commented “We had a wonderful 20 years at DL and love friends made.  Douglas Lake is the BEST Lake in Michigan.”  No argument there! Julie and Tom were energetic DLIA volunteers and participated in many DL activities.  They will be greatly missed and welcomed back for visits.  Welcome to the Butler Family. We wish you many years of ‘loving life at Douglas Lake.’