Riparian Zone Management

[M. Tonello]

There have been some interesting debates recently in Michigan regarding riparian zone management along Michigan streams. Such topics as aspen clearcuts, Old Growth, Natural Rivers, Beavers vs. Trout, etc. have been prominent in the media in the last few years. Some other biologists and I wrote an article explaining the strategies that we use for managing the land along Michigan's trout streams, particularly on state owned land where we can control the activities that take place. It addresses all of those controversial topics I listed above. Although fisheries biologists wrote most of it, we also had help from some Foresters and Wildlife Biologists. Check it out if you are interested. Here's the link:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/RiparianZoneMgmt-TroutStreams_64164_7.pdf

Thanks!
Mark Tonello
Fisheries Management Biologist
Cadillac, MI

[Hamilton Reef]

Thanks Mark, I saved the site, printed it out, passed it on, and will use it for our watershed BMPs and education. I also have a WR zoning appeals hearing this afternoon. I'll take it with me to the NR meetings as needed. Your help is greatly appreciated.