Off-road vehicles (ORVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can have several negative impacts on natural and scenic watershed regions, including those in northern Michigan:
Soil Erosion and Compaction: The use of ORVs and ATVs can lead to soil erosion and compaction. This disrupts the natural soil structure, making it difficult for plants to grow and increasing the risk of erosion.
Water Quality Degradation: These vehicles can cause sedimentation in waterways, which can degrade water quality. Increased sediment can harm aquatic habitats and reduce the clarity of the water.
Habitat Destruction: The creation of unplanned trails and roads can fragment habitats, disrupt wildlife, and lead to the destruction of sensitive ecosystems such as wetlands and meadows.
Pollution: Inefficient combustion of gasoline and motor oil from these vehicles can lead to the contamination of soil and water with pollutants.
Vegetation Damage: ORVs and ATVs can damage vegetation, especially in sensitive areas like bogs and meadows. This can take years to recover from even minimal use.
These impacts highlight the importance of managing and regulating the use of ORVs and ATVs in natural areas to protect the environment and maintain the scenic beauty of regions like northern Michigan.
A **puffball mushroom** is a type of fungi that belongs to the Basidiomycota division. Puffballs are known for their distinctive round or pear-shaped appearance, with some species resembling small balls or even large, bulbous shapes. When they mature, puffballs release spores in a cloud-like “puff” when disturbed, which is how they get their name.
### Key characteristics:
- **Appearance**: Puffballs can range in size from tiny, marble-like forms to large, football-sized varieties. They are typically white or light-colored when young.
- **Spores**: Unlike other mushrooms, puffballs do not have gills. The spores are contained inside the mushroom, and when mature, the outer layer splits open to release them.
- **Edibility**: Some puffball species, such as the *giant puffball* (*Calvatia gigantea*), are edible when young (before the inside turns yellow or brown). However, they must be carefully identified, as they can be mistaken for toxic species like the young stages of *Amanita* mushrooms.
- **Habitat**: Puffballs grow in a variety of environments, from open fields to forests, often appearing in late summer or fall.
It’s important to be cautious when foraging, as some puffball-like mushrooms can be poisonous.
Many clients ask when we are underway if we are near a highway- when floating the river. We are miles from anything with pavement. The Upper Manistee- why did they call it that? Many feel the breeze in the trees has a portion of the origin.
The name “Manistee” is believed to come from a Native American term, though its exact meaning is debated. It likely derives from an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe or Chippewa) word. Some interpretations suggest that “Manistee” could mean “river with islands” or “spirit of the woods.” Another possibility is that it comes from the word *Ministigweyaa*, which means “crooked river” or “river at whose mouth there are islands.”
Though the precise translation remains uncertain, the name clearly reflects the natural characteristics and cultural significance of the area for the Native peoples.
#builtforthewild #forgettheforecast #getoutside #fishtheoriginal #tforods #LiveLifeLessSoft #flyfishingjunkie #flyfishingaddict #streamerjunkie #puremichigan #TrueNorthTrout
These places- need to be protected. #builtforthewild #forgettheforecast #getoutside #fishtheoriginal #tforods #LiveLifeLessSoft #flyfishingjunkie #flyfishingaddict #streamerjunkie #puremichigan #TrueNorthTrout
Small creeks play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems for several reasons:
1. **Biodiversity Hotspots**: Small creeks provide habitats for a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. They support diverse plant and animal life, including fish, amphibians, insects, birds, and mammals. Many species depend on these habitats for breeding, feeding, and shelter.
2. **Water Filtration**: Creeks act as natural filters, trapping sediments, pollutants, and nutrients before they reach larger water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans. This filtration process helps maintain water quality and protects downstream ecosystems.
3. **Nutrient Cycling**: Small creeks are involved in nutrient cycling, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. This process supports the growth of plants and microorganisms, which are essential for the food web.
4. **Erosion Control**: Vegetation along creek banks stabilizes the soil, preventing erosion. This helps maintain the shape of the creek and reduces the amount of sediment that can harm aquatic habitats downstream.
5. **Groundwater Recharge**: Creeks often contribute to the recharge of groundwater supplies. As water seeps through the creek bed, it percolates into the ground, replenishing aquifers that provide drinking water and support agriculture.
6. **Flood Mitigation**: During heavy rains, small creeks can help absorb and slow down the flow of water, reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. Their role in dispersing water helps protect both natural and human communities.
7. **Climate Regulation**: The vegetation and wetlands associated with small creeks act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate climate change.
8. **Support for Larger Water Bodies**: Creeks are often tributaries to larger rivers and lakes, contributing to their flow and health. The health of these larger systems depends on the integrity of the smaller cre
Sorry for the language. I was excited. This was early hex. She gulped on second drift and took me for a ride. This was the highlight of the season. #builtforthewild #forgettheforecast #getoutside #fishtheoriginal #tforods #LiveLifeLessSoft #flyfishingjunkie #flyfishingaddict #streamerjunkie #puremichigan #TrueNorthTrout
Same location. July 6, 2024
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Michigan Department of Natural Resourcesl
Current situation at the dam. Barely a trickle. Refilling the pond. Michigan Department of Natural Resources Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program established during the Great Depression, engaged in various conservation projects, including work on river habitats. Their efforts primarily focused on improving and restoring natural environments across the United States. Some of their river-related projects included:
1. **Erosion Control**: The CCC built structures such as check dams, terraces, and retaining walls to control soil erosion along riverbanks. This helped to prevent the loss of fertile soil into rivers and reduce sedimentation, which can harm aquatic habitats.
2. **Reforestation and Vegetation Planting**: CCC workers planted trees and other vegetation along rivers to stabilize banks, prevent erosion, and improve water quality by filtering pollutants before they entered waterways.
3. **Flood Control**: The CCC constructed levees, dams, and other flood control measures to protect communities and habitats from flooding. They also cleared debris from river channels to improve water flow.
4. **Fish Hatcheries and Stocking**: The CCC established fish hatcheries and worked to stock rivers and streams with fish to enhance local fisheries and improve biodiversity.
5. **Streambank Stabilization**: By reinforcing banks and removing obstructions like fallen trees, the CCC helped maintain healthier and more stable river systems, benefiting both the environment and local economies.
These activities not only improved river habitats but also provided jobs and skills training for thousands of unemployed young men during a challenging economic period.
Where are you fishing this weekend?
#builtforthewild #forgettheforecast #getoutside #fishtheoriginal #tforods #LiveLifeLessSoft #flyfishingjunkie #flyfishingaddict #streamerjunkie #puremichigan #TrueNorthTrout
You need some outdoor therapy. #builtforthewild #forgettheforecast #getoutside #fishtheoriginal #tforods #LiveLifeLessSoft #flyfishingjunkie #flyfishingaddict #streamerjunkie #puremichigan #TrueNorthTrout
