2001 Sturgeon Guarding Program

Volunteer for the current Guarding Program.

350 Volunteers Contribute 3,800 hours to Preserve Spawning Sturgeon

The SGP gets bigger and better every year. 2001 PARTNERS include but are not limited to: SFT, Michigan Army National Guard (volunteer off-duty), Vietnam Veterans of America # 274, CellularOne, Chaskey's Septic Service, Onaway State Park, Ferrell Gas, Greg Spencley, Pete Rash, Cheboygan County Sheriff's Department, Citizen's National Bank, Harrison Boy Scout Troop # 645, Pellston Boy Scout Troop # 2, Cornerstone Christian School, Onaway Area High School, and Buckley Schools Environment 101 & 102 classes. In shifts of 2 or more, a total of 30 MDNR Law Enforcement Officers representing 6 districts patrolled the area 24 hours a day.

: Harrison Boy Scout Troop #645

Volunteers were scheduled in shifts from April 26 through May 27. Water temperature readings began on April 13, the temporary weir, video and VCR equipment was put in on April 22, and the first sturgeon appeared on video April 24.

Video's were reviewed on a daily basis. One hundred and five, 8-hour videotapes have been accumulated. Information regarding the number of sturgeon in the system on a given day was provided to volunteers. This information was used to know how many sturgeons were in the system and how many to be on the look out for.

: Buckley Schools Environment 101 & 102 Classes

Based on video documentation, it appears many of the sturgeon migrate upstream in groups. There were 4 separate surges of sturgeon migration during patrols. Some days there were 30 to 40 sturgeon concentrated in a small area. What a sight to behold, nature at it's finest.

Volunteers also lent a hand to assist researchers with netting and data collection. There were no reports of illegal activity.

: Cornerstone Christian School - Kindergarten Class

Video's were reviewed on a daily basis. One hundred and five 8-hour videotapes have been accumulated. Information regarding the number of sturgeon in the system on a given day was provided to volunteers. This information was used to know how many sturgeons were in the system and how many to be on the look out for.

: Dr. Edward Baker and Kregg Smith

The SGP Committee are seeking additional sport and civic organizations to Adopt-The-River. If you would like to know more about the Adopt-The-River Program, please contact Jay Woiderski by calling (231) 420-1237.

~ Previous Guarding Programs ~