Tahquamenon River Assessment Released

Hamilton Reef · Post by **Hamilton Reef** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 1:15 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2007

Contacts: Jim Waybrant 906-293-5033 or Ann Wilson 906-228-6561
Draft Tahquamenon River Assessment Released for Public Review

A comprehensive report outlining the physical and biological characteristics and activities associated with the Tahquamenon River watershed is now available for public review. The Tahquamenon River Assessment is one in a series of river assessments being prepared by the Fisheries Division of the Department of Natural Resources.

To ensure that all those with interest have opportunity to learn about the river study and provide comments, a public meeting will take place at the Newberry Public Library at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20.

“Public review and comment is an integral component of the river assessment process,” said Jim Waybrant, DNR senior fisheries management biologist in Newberry. “These public comments will be incorporated into the final document which will guide management of the watershed for many years.”

Currently, the document is posted on the DNR Web site, at www.michigan.gov/dnr then click on Fisheries. For those without a home computer, access is available at any local library.

The draft Tahquamenon River Assessment addresses geography, history, geology, soils and land use, dams and barriers, water quality, biological communities, fisheries management, recreational use and citizen involvement, as well as other aspects of the river watershed. Management options are identified to allow for a foundation for public discussion, setting of priorities, and to assist in ultimately planning the future of the Tahquamenon River.

The Tahquamenon River basin is located centrally between St. Ignace, Manistique, Munising and Sault Ste Marie in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The basin drains an area of 790 square miles, which includes an abundance of publicly owned land.

The public comment period will remain open through Nov. 15, 2007. For more information, contact Jim Waybrant at 906-293-5033.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, enhancement, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.