Manistee Riders Take National Honors

Shelby Shockley, age 13, and Cassie Solberg, age 8, competed in the Morgan Grand National and World Championship Horse Show, October 6-13.

More than 1250 horses and riders from 45 states and four countries vied for honors in Oklahoma City. Competition included Western and English pleasure riding, dressage, carriage driving, reining, jumping, and parade horse.

Shockley, on "Bing" brought home the World Champion Hunter Pleasure in the 13 and under class. She also earned third place in Hunter Pleasure and Hunter Pleasure Equitation for 13-year-olds. Bing's full name is LCS Strategically Speaking.

Solberg earned Reserve Grand National Title, and World Champion Hunt Seat Equitation for 8 and 9-year-olds.

Both girls train under Bre Schultz, trainer and owner of Northern Winds Stable, Freesoil Michigan.

Schultz commended the girls for their consistent hard work.

from an article in the Ludington Daily News, October 27, 2007
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DNR - Tribal Hunting, Fishing Consent Decree

In 1976 Abe LeBlanc of the Sault Tribe of Ottawa Indians asserted that he had tribal rights to fish in Lake Superior with a net, under an 1836 treaty. His challenge has been upheld repeatedly in the courts. However, this does not mean that Native Americans can fish whenever and wherever they want, for any species.

In 2005 negotiations began between the tribes and Michigan conservation groups to agree on principles by which the treaty would be honored while protecting natural resources.

Last weekend, a consent decree was signed between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and five tribes of Native Americans.

Key points of the consent decree:

Fishing:
Tribes may regulate their own subsistence fishing (and hunting, and gathering). In most cases the tribes agreed to limit harvest to 10% of the harvestable surplus of fish and game species. Tribes may use nets, seines, or spears, but not gill nets or snagging. Permits for fishing will be issued through the tribes.

Area rivers specifically protected for brood stock of Chinook and coho salmon are the Little Manistee and the Platte. Tribes will be allowed a "graduated harvest" on these rivers. As the salmon run progresses, additional fishing will be allowed. Steelhead in other streams will be similarly protected.

On inland lakes the DNR's primary concern was for walleye which can dip below critical populations. Tribal regulations will apply, since the harvest quotas are set from the same formulas used by the DNR.

Hunting:
Tribal members may take five deer (as may Michigan residents if they are willing to buy tags in various regions). The tribal deer seasons are longer than state seasons. Hunting deer with dogs, or with lights is not allowed.

Gathering: Small scale commercial operations to collect vegetation for wreaths, or maple sap for syrup are allowed.

In general commercial activity is not allowed. No fish or game may be sold commercially.

Harvested fish and game numbers will be reported to the DNR to allow for unified resource management.

This decree was signed by the Little River, Grand Traverse Bay, Little Traverse Bay, Sault and Bay Mills tribes of the Ottawa Nation.

from an article in the Ludington Daily News, October 24, 2007
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Michigan Great Outdoors Names Leaders

Michigan Great Outdoors is the name chosen for a five-county cooperative effort to promote tourism in Mason, Manistee, Lake, Oceana and Newaygo Counties in western Michigan.

The Mason County division will be led by Sara Kronlein, vice president of the Ludington Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Kronlein is sure that the wealth of opportunities available within a one-hour driving radius in these counties will draw people to the area. That is, she adds, if the marketing presence is heard.

Partnership will be key. Legislators are more likely to listen to a collective voice.

Co-chair of Michigan Great Outdoors is Sandy Crandall, owner of Northern Escape Lodge, and president of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.

Both women bring great energy and enthusiasm to this project. I have had opportunity to work with each of them. West Michigan should expect great things!

by Joan H. Young

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Ludington Avenue West End Set For Big Changes

Ludington City Council heard the details of seven phases of changes coming to the west end of Ludington Avenue, where the road reaches Lake Michigan. The project was discussed at the October 22, 2007 Council meeting.

$1.76 Million dollars worth of changes will be made to the south end of Stearns Park. City Manager John Shay says that the timing of each phase will depend upon funding. The phases may not occur in numerical order.

Phase 1- Court Street at Lakeshore Drive will have sidewalk and diagonal parking added. This is near the present playground, and the proposed Skate Park. Cost: $99K

Phase 2- Landscaping and walkways south of the Loomis Street Boat Ramps. Cost: $130K

Phase 3- Traffic Circle and pedestrian lanes where Ludington Avenue meets Stearns Outer Drive. Cost $549K

Phase 4- Extending the walkway through the Loomis Street parking area, and additional parking. Cost $248K

Phase 5- The south concession stand in Stearns Park, and the fish cleaning stations will have patios added. Cost $238K

Phase 6- A walkway from Ludington Avenue to the breakwater will be built. Cost $183K

Phase 7- A parking lot will be added near the old Coast Guard Station. Cost $265K

from an article in the Ludington Daily News, October 20, 2007

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