STURGEON NEWS
Sturgeon Spawning Update May 31, 2010
By John Bauman, MSU
We have captured 225 individuals in the spawning run and it appears that all is slowing down. Our last capture was last Thursday. We have a promising number of larvae in the hatchery from spawning adults for production. Additionally, larval drift has been going well and we continue to capture larvae every night. Recently, we captured over 700 larvae in one night.
Sturgeon resurgence on horizon?
BY ERIC SHARP
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
Sturgeon Spawning Update May 9, 2010
By John M. Bauman, MSU
We have captured nearly 140 individuals in the spawning run and it appears we are in between peaks. We expect to see a second run starting shortly.
Eggs from the first peak have hatched in the facility and will begin feeding within the next few days. Also, we will begin Larval Drift tomorrow evening (May 10).
On May 7, we documented spawning at two locations within area watersheds. Our egg deposition mats collected Lake Sturgeon eggs. Documenting spawning at these locations is a great example of how multi-agency contributions can aid in lake sturgeon rehabilitation on a Great Lakes scale.
Guardians keep vigil over ancient friends
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor , Onaway Outlook
http://www.piadvance.com/article/guardians+keep+vigil+over+ancient+friends.aspx
It's been a tough fight for the whisker-snouted sturgeon. The fish survived whatever killed the dinosaurs and have struggled against habitat destruction and overfishing.
Many of its 25 species are endangered, but scientists and concerned northern Michigan residents are going to great lengths to ensure the survival of one of the most valuable resources in Michigan. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment has strict spearing limits, poaching laws, restocking efforts and the well-protected spring spawning season. Volunteers get out each year to take part in the Sturgeon Guardian Program, sponsored by Sturgeon for Tomorrow (SFT).
EACH SPRING, mature lake sturgeon, a threatened fish species in Michigan and rare throughout the United States, briefly leave Black Lake in Cheboygan County, seeking sites in the remote and scenic Black River to spawn. The sturgeon is highly prized in our culture and when spawning on the shallow rocky beds, becomes vulnerable to poaching.
According to the SFT Website, for over a decade the Sturgeon Guarding Program has proven overwhelmingly that citizens who watch over the river and report any suspicious activity have greatly reduced the unlawful take of this valuable fish, thereby assuring protection and growth of the species.
“For a period of about six weeks, from late April through late May, these amazing fish, which can live up to 100 years and weigh over 200 pounds, swim up into the Black River to reproduce. Such a sight is incredible to witness, but even more rewarding is the role caring citizens can play to ensure the protection and enhancement if this species," stated Ann Feldhauser, a Department of Natural Resources retiree, who is helping to coordinate the volunteer aspect of the program.
WHILE THE sturgeon are in the river spawning, volunteers stand watch and, if necessary, use cellular phones which are provided by SFT, to contact conservation officers with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, who are patrolling the area in support of the SFT effort.
“My wife Ann and I are both retired from the State of Michigan and we are trying to give something back to the natural resources in the state,” said Mark Feldhauer, who camps for two weeks on the bluff, near the river overlook. “This is our second year. We are coordinating volunteers to spend four to six hours on a shift to watch over the sturgeon and look for any suspicious activity, and to just talk to people and give them information about the sturgeon program.”
“Seeing these ancient fish is quite impressive,” said Jim Terrian of Newberry, who was consistently spotting sturgeon swimming in the river with his mini binoculars. In addition, fisheries biologists with the DNRE, Michigan State University, and other agencies are always on hand during the spawning season, collecting biological data.
“WITH THE unseasonably warm temperatures, the snowfall wasn’t quite as great,” said Kim Scribner, professor from the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife and Department of Zoology. “We haven’t had any rain. So, this year the water levels are extremely low.” Scribner said the spawning season is much earlier. “The water levels are really affecting where the fish are,” he said. “The shallow depths are not allowing the fish to gain access to some of the areas that they normally would spawn in. It’s been a very different year.”
Shifts are available for those who wish to get involved, and coordinators are on site to assist and answer questions. In addition to “guarding” the fish, volunteers can also play a key role by recording the number of fish they see as well as their activity. __ For those who wish to volunteer and must travel to do so, several hotels, restaurants and Onaway State Park, located on Black Lake, are very close to the critical guarding locations on the Black River. Volunteers also are encouraged to set up their rustic camp along the banks of the Black River.
Many volunteer dates are open, and interested persons should contact Ann Feldhauser at (906) 346-9511 or (906) 201-2484 or Brenda Archambo at (231) 625-2776 for more information. The SFT Web site also is available at www.sturgeonfortomorrow.org
March 13, 2010
Sturgeon Guarding Program Seeks Volunteers
The Sturgeon for Tomorrow (SFT) Program is seeking individual citizens, as well as groups, businesses and organizations to step forward to help protect one of the most valuable resources in Michigan.
Each spring, mature lake sturgeon, a threatened fish species in Michigan and rare throughout the United States, briefly leave Black Lake in Cheboygan County, seeking sites in the remote and scenic Black River to spawn. The sturgeon is highly prized in our culture and when spawning on the shallow rocky beds, become vulnerable to poaching. For over a decade the Sturgeon Guarding Program has proven overwhelmingly that citizens who watch over the river and report any suspicious activity have greatly reduced the unlawful take of this valuable fish, thereby assuring protection and growth of the species.
"For a period of about six weeks, from late April through late May, these amazing fish, which can live up to 100 years and weigh over 200 pounds, swim up into the Black River to reproduce. Such a sight is incredible to witness, but even more rewarding is the role caring citizens can play to ensure the protection and enhancement if this species," said Ann Feldhauser, a Department of Natural Resources retiree, who is helping to coordinate the volunteer aspect of the program.
While the sturgeon are in the river spawning, volunteers stand watch and, if necessary, use cellular phones which are provided by SFT, to contact conservation officers with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources , who are patrolling the area in support of the Sturgeon for Tomorrow effort. In addition, fisheries biologists with the DNR, Michigan State University, and other agencies are always on hand during the spawning season, collecting biological data. Shifts are available for those who wish to get involved, and coordinators are on site to assist and answer questions. In addition to "guarding" the fish, volunteers can also play a key role by recording the number of fish they see as well as their activity.
For those who wish to volunteer and must travel to do so, several hotels, restaurants and Onaway State Park, located on Black Lake, are very close to the critical guarding locations on the Black River. Volunteers are also encouraged to set up their rustic camp along the banks of the Black River.
Many volunteer dates are open, and interested persons should contact Ann Feldhauser at (906) 346-9511 or (906) 201-2484 or Brenda Archambo at (231) 625-2776 for more information. The SFT Web site also is available at www.sturgeonfortomorrow.org
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February 7, 2010
2010 Black Lake Sturgeon Season lasts 1 day and 30 minutes
Fish # Date Length (in) Weight (lbs) Pit Tag Gender Age
1. Tebo 2/6 75.0 104.0 yes F
2. Zeller 2/6 50.5 28.0 yes F
3. Motto 2/6 73.5 100.5 yes F
4. Stroup 2/6 57.0 48.0 no F
5. Archambo 2/7 70.0 102.5 yes F
Day 1 - 255 anglers registered for sturgeon
Day 2 - 169 anglers registered for sturgeon
11th Annual Sturgeon For Tomorrow Banquet held on September 12, 2009 a huge success!
The continuing success of Sturgeon For Tomorrow demonstrates that you Northern Michigan care deeply about Michigan's Lake Sturgeon. Please join us in thanking the following contributors, including our guests, who have given generously to support our programming. Our success is most certainly your success. THANK YOU!
SPONSORS
Rick Ackerberg/Kathy Bezotte
Archambo Electric
Gil/Brenda Archambo
Ed/Sandy Ardanowski
Black River Sand & Gravel
Bill/Sharon Church
Dan Brown/Diane Libby
James /Jean Deurwearder
Ellenberger Lumber
Anne Marie Farrell
George/Anita Fox
Jim Gahn Construction
Bob/Beth Garner
Dave/Linda Gregg
Hammond Bay Area Anglers Assn
Dick/Bette Hopkins
Ryan/Kerry Howell
Indian River Lions Club
Jay’s Sporting Goods
Dave Kujawa
McKay Builders
Tom/Nancy Madison
Bryan Madision/Jan Vandyck
Michigan Hydraulic Dredging
Todd/Donna Merchant
Fred Moulder/Linda Green
Susan Muschell
Stan/Mary Neff
Jim/Nancy Norton
South End Party Mart
David/Linda Steenstra
Straits Area Federal Credit Union
Sunrise Communications
Bob and Jackie Williams
Jay/Mary Kay Woiderski
BIG SPENDERS
Roy/Donna Berry
Sally Biggings
Bob/Mary Bonner
Dave/Lorraine Borowicz
Dave Cowper
Timothy/Kathleen Dann
Jim Delay
Ron/Sharon Dulak
Morley/Carolyn Johnson
Randy Lee
Dock/Gail McCall
Pete Rash
Jay/Ginny Robarge
Harley/Pam Schaedig
Carla Skuse
ARTISAN GALLERY
Brenda Archambo
John Archambo
Chuck Chapman
Mark/Ann Feldhauser
Jim Felgenauer
Mary Ann Heidemann
Rick Herring
Kelly Key
Arden McNeil
Moran Iron Works
Morley Johnson
Gene Reck
Tom Richards
Cill Taylor
Rusty Veihl
Greg Wickert
Jason Woiderski
CENTERPIECES
Gail McCall
CONTRIBUTORS
Rick Ackerberg/Kathy Bezotte
Senator Jason Allen
Gil/Brenda Archambo
Billies Fashions
The Ark Bookstore
Betsie Bay Marine
Black Lake Sportsman’s Club
Bob/Mary Bonner
Dave Borgeson
The Bow Hole-Pat & Gary’s
BoxFit
The Brown Trout
Cheboygan Used Books
Cheboygan Lumber Company
Chillermania
Dar’s Hallmark
Dona Crist
Cross in the Woods
Dairy Queen-Cheboygan
Dunham’s-Cheboygan
Fabric Stach
Frank’s Party Supply
Ehmann’s Quick Lube
Bob/Beth Garner
Glen’s-Cheboygan
Craig Gronda
Indian River Golf Club
Johnson’s Camera Shop
Kaygenes
Keith’s Hunting & Fishing
Linde Furniture
Indian River Auto Care
Indian River Sports Center
Logmark Bookstore
Mackinac Bridge Authority
Market Square
Deb McCall
Kathy McCall
Modern Pharmacy
Mullett Lake Country Club
New Creation Hair Design
North Star Gardens
Nancy Norton
O’Keefe’s Reef
Onaway CarQuest
Parrott’s Outpost
Peeble’s
John Rash
Rachel Savenkoff
Schell’s Auto Center
Dr. Kelley Smith
Shanty Boy
Stoney Links Golf Course
Straits Are Printing
Studio 27 Salon and Nails
Sturgeon For Tomorrow -WI Chapters
Sunrise Communications
Topinabee Market
UAW Black Lake Golf Club
UAW Family Education Center
Viau’s Clothing
Doug/Ellie Wilson
Wilson’s River Edge
Jason/Stacy Woiderski
Jay/Mary Kay Woiderski
Larry Wood
Woodwinds Restaurant
Xcel Physical Therapy
And anyone else regrettably omitted
Mark Your Calendars now for our 12th Annual Sturgeon For Tomorrow Banquet Saturday, September 11, 2010, K of C Hall, Cheboygan, MI
September 1, 2009
11th Annual Sturgeon For Tomorrow Banquet
Saturday, September 12, 2009, K of C Hall - Cheboygan, MI
STURGEON FOR TOMORROW will host their 11th Annual Banquet on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Cheboygan. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with dinner served at 6:00 p.m.
Proceeds from this signature event will be utilized to fund lake sturgeon research, streamside rearing/hatchery, habitat conservation, and outreach programming.
Bob Garner, Chairman of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board will be the master of ceremonies.
Activities for this year’s event include raffles, games, silent auction, door prizes, a youth, woman’s and men’s drawing and cash bar. Prizes include a huge array of firearms, hunting, fishing and camping equipment, signature wildlife prints, decoys, and exclusive outdoor decor.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND will be our Artisan Gallery of exclusive, one of kind handmade items. Artists and craftsmen and women are encouraged to showcase their art to a collective audience while investing their works for auction and game prizes. Artisan Gallery donations are tax deductible.
Deadline for donations is September 5. Please contact Brenda at 231-625-2776 or email brenda@sturgeonfortomorrow.org.
Dinner Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth 14 y.o. and under. Sponsor and Big Spender packages are available. For additional information call (231) 625-2776 or log onto www.sturgeonfortomorow.org
August 4, 2009
Public Tours of Sturgeon Hatchery on Black River Now Offered; Provides Unique Opportunity to See Sturgeon Fingerlings
The Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership and Sturgeon for Tomorrow will host sturgeon hatchery tours at the Black River facility near Onaway on Wednesday, Aug. 12, and Thursday, Aug. 13. Tours will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days.
Tours are free of charge. Group tours of 10 or more participants are asked to pre-register by calling 231-625-2776. Meeting arrangements will be made upon registration. The hatchery is located in Cheboygan County’s Upper Black River on Twin School Road adjacent to the Kleber Dam.
Sturgeon researchers from the DNR and MSU will be on hand to talk about lake sturgeon biology, reproductive ecology and current year’s research. Sturgeon for Tomorrow representatives will discuss restoration work to improve sturgeon spawning habitat, sturgeon conservation and outreach programming.
“On the tour we will see the three month old sturgeon currently in the hatchery, and learn about early life history and how we can all play a role to keep this fish in our lakes,” said David Borgeson, Northern Lake Huron Unit supervisor with the DNR.
“Through DNR and federal funding, MSU and the DNR are conducting research on rearing sturgeon in a streamside culture facility to determine growth and survival,” said Ben Rook, MSU doctorate student.
Results will provide much needed guidance for managers involved in lake sturgeon restoration efforts, while improving the effectiveness of lake sturgeon culture and stocking efforts. The sturgeon fingerlings produced at the hatchery will be reintroduced to Black Lake and potentially other large local lakes with known sturgeon populations on Aug. 15.
The Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership entered into an agreement with the DNR and have provided the land and invested in the building of this facility.
“The commitment Tower-Kleber demonstrated in constructing the facility this year in time to allow for fish production is outstanding,” said Kurt Newman, Lake Huron Basin coordinator with the DNR.
“The primary purpose of the facility is to rear lake sturgeon to assist in the species’ rehabilitation,” said Nate Sayers, Tower-Kleber project manager.
The lake sturgeon has a long history in the lakes and rivers of Michigan. In fact, sturgeon have been cruising lake waters since the time of the dinosaurs -- about 136 million years ago -- and was a common fish in Great Lakes waters 120 years ago. However, many stresses threaten their survival. The lake sturgeon is now considered an uncommon fish, and is a state listed threatened species. Sturgeon can live to be over 100 years old, grow to eight feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds.
A ceremony to celebrate the successful construction of the facility and the stocking of the young lake sturgeon will be held at 11 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15, at Kleber Dam.
June 17, 2009
Another Successful Spring for Black River Sturgeon Program
The sturgeon spawning season on the Black River in Cheboygan County concluded earlier this month, and those involved with protecting the fish and collecting data have declared the season highly successful.
“Through the efforts of Michigan State University, 200 sturgeon were netted, tagged and cataloged,” said Dr. Kim Scribner, lead sturgeon researcher with MSU. “Additionally, our research team collected eggs and milt from numerous sturgeon to raise in our newly developed streamside hatchery.”
The MSU team has also been working long nights collecting newly hatched larval sturgeon that have begun drifting downstream from the spawning areas and transferring them to the rearing facility.
The hatchery, a collaborative effort by Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership, MSU and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is now home to between 5,000 and 6,000 newly hatched sturgeon, which are destined to be stocked in Black Lake.
Data indicated that of the 200 sturgeon netted and released during this spring’s spawning season, 46 were sturgeon never before captured, while the remainder were recaptures from previous spawning season efforts. This information indicates that new generations of sturgeon are reaching maturity in Black Lake, a sign that the population is slowly recovering.
“The sturgeon effort in Black Lake and on the Black River is one that we all take great pride in,” said Dave Borgeson, Northern Lake Huron Management Unit Supervisor for the DNR in Gaylord. “This program is a role model for other programs nationwide in that it involves all aspects of resource management that are necessary for recovery of lake sturgeon in Black Lake.”
The Sturgeon Guarding Program, which draws upon volunteers from all over Michigan to protect the sturgeon from poaching, also saw a banner year and is rallying more help for the spring spawning season in 2010.
“The DNR’s Law Enforcement Division is proud to work with so many dedicated volunteers, to protect this very valuable resource,” said Sgt. Greg Drogowski, DNR Law Enforcement supervisor, who is responsible for coordinating the DNR’s law enforcement efforts with volunteers in the Sturgeon Guarding Program.
“Literally hundreds of volunteers kept watch over the spawning grounds on the Black River, and we are all very grateful for the increasing level of support,” said Ann Feldhauser, DNR retiree and Sturgeon Guarding Program volunteer coordinator. “We count on that and even more support in the years to come.”
Brenda Archambo, who spearheads the Sturgeon for Tomorrow Program on Black Lake, also gave tribute to a concerted habitat restoration project undertaken in early May by the Huron Pines Youth Program, in cooperation with AmeriCorps.
“These volunteers did a lot of river bank stabilization and planted over 3,000 native plants at critical areas along the river to help restore eroded sand banks,” said Archambo. “All in all, it was a terrific year for the sturgeon and the Black River, and it is very gratifying to see this program grow in so many new and exciting aspects.”
For more information, log on to the Sturgeon for Tomorrow Web site at www.sturgeonfortomorrow.org, or the DNR Web site, www.michigan.gov/dnr. Dr. Kim Scribner can be reached at his MSU office at 517- 353-3288, and Brenda Archambo can be reached at 231- 625-2776.
Protecting Critical Species Habitat
Saturday, May 9th, 10 am to 2 pm
Huron Pines, Sturgeon For Tomorrow and AmeriCorps will be facilitating a Spring Service Project scheduled for May 9th, 10 am to 2 pm at the Upper Black River lake sturgeon spawning sites. The recovery of the threatened Lake Sturgeon is of huge economic and ecologic importance in this region. On this day, we will celebrate our accomplishments while spending time with volunteers to plant native shrubs and to stabilize the streambank and protect spawning habitat. This event is part of AmeriCorps Week - a week long, nationwide event designed to bring more Americans into service, salute AmeriCorps members, thank community partners and continue to make a powerful impact.
Guided Sturgeon Viewing Tours
Thursday, May 7, from 1-3pm
The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and Sturgeon for Tomorrow will host a Sturgeon Viewing Guided Tour. Experts from the Watershed Council, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Sturgeon for Tomorrow will be on hand to talk about lake sturgeon, poaching enforcement, research, and restoration work to improve sturgeon habitat.
“The Black River Watershed is special because it contains the largest self-sustaining population of lake sturgeon in Michigan. We will walk along the banks of the Upper Black River and not only learn about threats to the lake sturgeon, but also how we can all play a role to keep this fish in our lakes,” said Valerie Olinik-Damstra, Watershed Coordinator at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council in Petoskey. “This free guided tour will provide a unique opportunity to potentially observe this fascinating fish while they spawn, as well as learn more about lake sturgeon biology, ecology and research.”
Participants are asked to pre-register by calling Valerie Olinik-Damstra, (231) 347-1181 ext. 111, or by email valerie@watershedcouncil.org. Meeting arrangements will be made upon registration.
Research
Netting/Tagging, Streamside Rearing, Larval Sampling, Mullett-Burt Lake Assessments
Research is funded through the National Sport Fish Restoration Act with additional funds contributed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division.
Michigan DNR, Michigan State University and other agencies will be collecting biological data on adult sturgeon. Data collected: date, length, weight, girth, gender, and river capture location. A small fin sample is taken for genetics and aging. Each new fish is tagged with a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag. A PIT tag is about the size of rice and has a unique 10 digit, alpha-numeric code that is read with an electronic reader. Each fish is also tagged with a numbered floy tag; a 4 inch spaghetti-type external marker. The floy tag is an external marker that identifies when a fish has been tagged this field season and data collected.
Streamside Rearing Facility
Land and facility funded by the Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership
The purpose of the facility is for enhancing the lake sturgeon population in the Cheboygan River Watershed and for additional research on lake sturgeon culture, genetics, and early life history.
Gamete takes and naturally drifting larvae will be utilized in rearing. The facility is located at the Kleber Dam.
Mullett Lake and Burt Lake Assessments
In Spring/Summer 2009 research assessments on the lake sturgeon populations in Burt and Mullett lakes will be conducted. These assessments will be similar to the research implemented on Black Lake. At this time very little is known about the Sturgeon populations in these lakes including the condition of critical life stage habitats in connecting rivers. When spawning adults are observed, researchers will be using larval drift nets in the rivers to determine if there is natural reproduction. Stay tuned…
Golf Scramble FUNdraiser to benefit lake sturgeon recovery efforts.
Contact: Ellie Wilson (231) 625-8148 or Jason Woiderski (231) 420-7853
Golfers of every ability are invited to participate in a Golf Scramble FUNdraiser that will benefit lake sturgeon recovery efforts in Black, Burt and Mullett Lakes.
Sturgeon For Tomorrow will host a Golf Scramble FUNdraiser at the beautiful Mullett Lake Country Club on Saturday, June 20, 2009. The Mullett Lake Country Club was voted the “2007 People’s Choice Best Golf Course”.
Play is limited to 18 teams. The four-person, 9-hole golf scramble will include green fees with cart, lunch, fun, prizes and cash awards. There will be additional contests and raffles. The day will consist of two shotgun starts: one at 8:30am and one at 10:30am. The registration fee for foursome is $160.
Several Corporate and tee-sign sponsorships are available to area businesses and supporters. “We sincerely appreciate the champions of the community to partner with us to save the sturgeon,” said Sturgeon For Tomorrow President Brenda Archambo. For sponsorship information, email Brenda at 231-625-2776.
February 10, 2009
2009 Black Lake Sturgeon Spearing Season Ended Today!
A total of 629 applicants registered for the 2009 spearing lottery.
There were 225 successful anglers chosen (25 anglers/day x 9 days).
The largest sturgeon harvested weighed 89.5 pounds and was 70.5 inches in length. The happy angler was Brian LePage from Hazel Park, Michigan.
Day 1 - Feb 7:
Fish # 1
Angler: Claude T. - Belmont, MI
Weight: 83#
Length: 67.25 inches
Day 2 - Feb 8:
Fish # 2
Angler: Gil A. - Cheboygan, MI
Weight: 66#
Length: 64.5"
Fish # 3
Angler: Bryan L. - Hazel Park, MI
Weight: 89.5#
Length: 70.5"
Day 3 - Feb 9
Fish # 4
Angler: John B. - Sand Lake, MI
Weight: 60#
Length: 63"
Day 4 - Feb 10
Fish # 5
Angler: Bruce F. - Fenton, MI
Weight: 35#
Length: 53"
February 6, 2009 -Excerpt from www.cheboygannews.com
The 2009 Black Lake sturgeon spearing season will open Saturday on Black Lake, and ice conditions are favorable.
No fish were harvested during the 2008 season — which lasted the full nine days — due to poor water clarity under the ice following a week of heavy rains prior to the season.
A total of 225 anglers, or 25 for each day, were selected to fish during the Black Lake sturgeon season via a lottery held Jan. 17. The season will run from Saturday through Feb. 15 or until a total harvest of five fish has been reached, whichever comes first. Twenty-five tags will be issued on a daily basis to applicants that were selected in the lottery until the maximum harvest level is reached or the season is completed.
A total of 629 people applied to participate in the lottery this year, a decrease from the 704 applicants in 2008.
Due to overfishing, habitat loss, the construction of dams and pollution, the lake sturgeon population was pushed to near extinction and is listed as threatened in Michigan. Locally, a group known as Sturgeon For Tomorrow was founded as a means to help revive the population of sturgeon in Black Lake, as well as in Mullett and Burt.
A group of locals banded together in the 1990s after the Department of Natural Resources considered closing the lake sturgeon spearing season down. In an effort to save the sport and the fish, they asked Lansing officials to continue allowing legitimate anglers a chance to spear and agreed to protect the sturgeon from poaching while they were spawning to help the population.
As a result, an annual harvest was allowed to continue and the lottery and limits were established in 1999. Sturgeon For Tomorrow will be starting research on sturgeon populations in Mullett and Burt lakes in the spring of 2009, with the eventual goal of creating a world-class fishery in all three lakes.