The Cheboygan County Road Commission plans to close Silver Strand Rd for approximately half day Thursday, November 8^th to replace a culvert.  It’s unclear exactly when the road will be closed but if you use Silver Strand between Ingleside and Van Road, best take an alternative route Thursday.  Recently caution markers have been placed in the road in an area of high water – whether the clogged culvert drains are due to beavers or other impediments is unknown.  (Thanks to Bill Hartwig who was attending the CCRC meeting for the ‘heads up.’)

                The north tower of the Mackinac Bridge will showcase a special 30-foot by 60-foot American flag to honor veterans on November 11^th.  Purchased in 2016 and first flown from the bridge’s south tower on Memorial Day 2017, the flag is displayed on six holidays each year: Memorial Day, Flag Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Patriots Day, and Veterans Day.  Previous to this year, hanging the flag required stopping traffic and roughly a dozen staff to unroll it as it was hoisted beneath the tower. Removing it each time took about the same time and effort, also delaying traffic in the process.  A new device designed and built by Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) staff – plus a little outside expertise – now takes just one person to unfurl and fly.The device also stores the flag and protects it from the elements when not in use.  The maintenance staff painted the device, matching the iconic ivory of the bridge towers. Installation on the tower took several days of calm weather to complete. It was first used on July 4, 2019.

A video detailing how the device was designed and built has been posted on the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) YouTube channel and the MBA website, www.MackinacBridge.org

         Here’s a way to keep your nostalgia for our beloved northern Michigan lakes satisfied whether you are enjoying snow or warm sunshine this winter.  MSU Extension’s popular Introduction to Lakes course is now open for registration. The six-week on line, self-paced class is being offered January 2020 and registration is now open. The class is designed for lake users, lakefront property owners, and professionals who want to improve their understanding of lakes and their protection and management.
      The 2020 course runs January 14^th-March 13^th. The cost of the course is $115/person. Register by December 20, 2019 for an early bird discounted price of $95/person.  Registration is open now through January 8, 2020.
      The course covers lake ecology, lakes and their watersheds, shorelines, Michigan water law, aquatic plant management, and community involvement.  The on-line format offers week-by-week, 24-7 access to six on-line units that are complete with video lectures, activities, resources, discussion forums, quizzes, and Ask-an-Expert webinar sessions with professionals from MSU and the MI Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. 
   Those who complete the course receive a free, one-year membership to Michigan Lake Stewardship Association, including four issues of The Michigan Riparian magazine.
     For more details about the course and to register visit the MSU Extension Introduction to Lakes web page at http://www.canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.

     Trees and forests play an incredible role in our watersheds by reducing runoff, filtering sediment, removing pollutants, strengthening and stabilizing streambanks, providing shade, and creating critical habitat for many species of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Wild Roots is a large-scale reforestation initiative that aims to improve watershed function and natural habitats by offering trees to landowners at a discounted rate.
      Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA), supported by grants from Consumers Energy Foundation, U.S. Forest Service’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and others – is offering a variety of packages of 100 tree seedlings for only $30. The order period is November 1-30, 2019 and payment is due when you place your order.  The trees are available for pick-up in later April, 2020. CRA will notify participants of pick-up locations in early spring.
      There are six different packages available: each containing 100 total native seedlings that have been selected based on their ability to thrive in specific environments. 
Some examples:
Riparian Package 1 includes American Crabapple, Nannyberry, Ninebark and Northern White Cedar –these have been selected due to their ability to thrive in proximity to the river’s edge and floodplain.

Upland Package I includes 100 total native seedlings selected to grow where drainage is sufficient and soils do not become saturated for extended periods. Tree species include Balsam Fir, Sugar Maple, Shagbark Hickory, and White Oak.

Wildlife Package I consists of 100 total native seedlings that attract various forms of wildlife to your riparian property – tree species include American Crabapple, Highbush Cranberry, Ninebark, and Paper Birch. There are 3 other packages with other seedlings and particular planting site preferences.

100 seedlings beyond your property needs?? Consider getting together with neighbors or other Douglas Lake property owners to take advantage of these well-priced packages.  Improve our watershed by planting native trees and restoring the landscape for future generations. Your ‘wild roots’ will be grateful.
For additional questions, please call Erin or Michael at CRA at 231-946-6817.
Click HERE to download the order form