Protecting Sturgeon Spawning Habitat

Huron Pines Secures Grant, Seeking Matching Funds

Protecting Sturgeon Spawning Habitat

A series of three erosion sites on the banks of the Upper Black River, just upstream from Black Lake, are threatening the ecological integrity of this stretch of high-quality, cold water habitat. In addition to the ecological degradation associated with an increase in sediment input to streams, these sites are of particular interest in that this stretch of the Black River is known spawning habitat of the state-threatened lake sturgeon. Preventing the further erosion of these sites and resultant input of sediment to the stream will help protect and restore the sensitive spawning habitat of lake sturgeon.

The three erosion sites affecting the sturgeon spawning habitat were identified in the Black Lake Watershed Stewardship Management Plan, approved by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) in 2001. The position of the sites in relation to the river and direction of flow, the presence of heavy foot traffic from the general public, and gullying associated with stormwater runoff were all cited as the sources of the erosion. In the Black Lake Watershed Management Plan these sites were listed as “severe” erosion sites and it was noted that they are contributing to the sediment load, the Black River's number one pollutant.

To successfully protect these sites from continued deterioration and preserve the integrity of neighboring spawning grounds of the lake sturgeon there are three tasks that must be implemented:

Objectives:

  • Stabilize the shoreline and prevent further erosion and sedimentation using bioengineering techniques. This project will focus on using Large Woody Debris (LWD), coconut fiber logs, terracing, and live plantings to minimize further erosion.
  • Manage the source causing the increased erosion of the streambanks: human traffic viewing the sturgeon and accessing the river.
  • Provide educational/interpretive materials to the general public to teach about the environmental damage caused by unrestricted access to the site and the importance of using the designated path or viewing area. This is also a great opportunity to educate users about the watershed and its management, non-point source pollution, and habitat for endangered species.

Current Status and Future Activities:

Project partners, including Sturgeon For Tomorrow, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Huron Pines are working diligently to raise matching funds. Current funding for the project stands at $38,000, provided through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

For more information on this project, please contact: Patrick Ertel, Project Manager, Huron Pines, (989) 348-9319 ext. 19.