105 Post Street • Midland, MI 48640 • 989.835.4886 • www.littleforks.

org

For Immediate Release: August 11, 2020

Improving & Protecting Trout Habitat in the Cedar River

Gladwin – In the Northwest region of Gladwin County, the North Branch of the Cedar River
flows through the 270-acre Little Forks Conservancy George and Sue Lane Nature Preserve
allowing visitors to take in the important tributary. The Cedar River serves as both a vital
resource for the Gladwin County area and as a natural habitat for brown and brook trout. The
Leon P. Martuch Chapter of Trout Unlimited (LPMTU) aims to protect and increase exactly this
type of habitat.

A section of the Cedar River is accessible to the public at the George and Sue Lane Preserve,
which is owned by The Little Forks Conservancy (LFC) while the riparian area is managed in
partnership with LPMTU. Before an improvement plan could be drafted for the river frontage, a
baseline survey was first conducted to identify the trout population size.

“The initial baseline survey indicated that the trout population in the stream within the Lane
Preserve was good, but could certainly be improved. Natural reproduction was evident as at
least three generations of fish were observed,” explained Steve Wilkowski, Vice President of
LMPTU. “The Biologists from the Michigan DNR indicated that the trout numbers were slightly
below what was expected for the stream and recommended habitat improvements would likely
improve reproductive success and decrease predation, increasing the numbers and quality of
trout and other fish species on the Preserve.”

With the survey results in hand, LPMTU approached Josh Zuiderveen at South Peat
Environmental to create a habitat improvement plan and draft up the appropriate permits.
Working closely with Elan Lipschitz, Director of Land Conservation for The Little Forks
Conservancy, the partners were able to procure matching funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service through their Wildlife for Partners program. The funds were used to clean-up key areas
and install 6 habitat structures covering 1,100 linear feet of the shoreline along the Lane
Preserve.

“We designed and permitted 6 large habitat improvement sites in this portion of the stream,”
Josh Zuiderveen explained. “These habitat improvement sites consisted mainly of woody cover,
made up of logs with partial branches still attached. They appear natural while providing habitat
for both fish and macroinvertebrates.”

They also cleared a number of logjams throughout the entire property. These were largely made
up of dead ash trees that had fallen across the stream. Opening up the middle section of these
logjams will promote natural sediment passage and decrease erosion.

“This project would have made George Lane so happy as someone who spent his life trying to
improve and protect the North Branch of the Cedar River,” commented Elan Lipschitz. “This
project ties into the overall picture of the Lane Preserve to not only improve access to the river
but to work to improve habitat both within and near it.”
With nearly half of the shoreline projects completed, LPMTU is seeking grant money from their
national parent organization, Trout Unlimited, to complete the remaining stretch of river but also
to improve access to the river for more recreational opportunities. Increased knowledge of the
benefits of Michigan’s outdoor recreational industry – from health and community benefits to
economic development – access to natural environments has been key to creating more jobs
and bolstering local economies.

“Measuring the economic impact gained by these types of improvements is always challenging,
so it would be difficult to predict if access would bring more people and money into the local
economy,” commented Steve Wilkowski. “That said, the opportunity for people to enjoy the Lane
Preserve by increasing access and habitat quality certainly should help draw people to the
Gladwin area and enjoy the beautiful legacy left by George and Sue.”

While results may not be immediate, projects like this led by conservation- and community-
focused partners continue to raise awareness of our many natural environments where
recreational activities are available throughout Mid-Michigan and our state.

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To learn more about this please visit our website at www.littleforks.org or call our office at 989-
835-4886.

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The Little Forks Conservancy works to permanently protect and improve natural environments
in Mid-Michigan by leading and inspiring actions that conserve vital habitats and waterways for
the benefit of our entire community. The Conservancy has helped private landowners protect
nearly 4,000 acres in Mid-Michigan, including over 19 miles of waterways and shoreline.

Contact:
Alyssa Walters
Outreach Coordinator
105 Post Street
Midland, MI 48640
989-835-4886
awalters@littleforks.org