    [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

                                   NORTHEAST LAKE HURON SPORT
                                   FISHERY SHORE FACILITY
                                   STUDY

                                                               Michigan

                                                                  1987

                     SH
                     219.7
                     -H87
                     N67
                     1987

                             NORTHEAST LAKE HURON SPORT FISHERY SHORE FACILITY STUDY/

                             An Assessment of the Sport Fishery Impacts on Northeast
                                        Lake Huron Fishing Access Sites.

                                          A Research Report Prepared By

                                    Northeast Michigan Council of Governments
                                                  P.O. Box 457
                                          123 W. Main Street, Suite 332
                                            Gaylord, Michigan 49735
                                            Telephone: (517) 732-3551

                                                 F 0 R E W 0 R D

                      This study is made possible by a grant from Michigan Department of
                  Natural Resources' Coastal Management Program in conjunction with matching@
                  funds from the Michigan Department of Transportation, the U.S. Economic
                  Development Administration, and NEMCOG Member Units of Government.

                      NEMCOG wishes to thank all of the people who provided information,
                  opinions, and recommendations by responding to the Questionnaire,
                  participating in interviews, attending meetings, and reviewing the Draft
                  Report. NEMCOG would like to thank, especially, Mike Kessler of the DNR's
                  Coastal Management Program for his overall support and guidance in completing
                  this report.

                                                     TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                   Page

                   FOREWORD   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                   INTRODUCTION    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                       Research Methodology     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                   NELH REGIONAL SPORTS FISHING ACTIVITY     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         3

                       NELH Future Fish Stocking Program     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         7

                   NELH FISHING ACCESS SITES    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          7

                       Future NELH Fishing Access Sites      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        17

                   COASTAL COMMUNITY ATTRIBUTES      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        17

                   CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS       . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        18

                                                       LIST OF TABLES

                   TABLE I     NORTHEAST LAKE HURON    FISH PLANTS  . . . . . . . . . . . .........  4
                   TABLE 2     TOTAL NUMBER OF FISH    PLANTED EACH YEAR BY COUNTY    . . . . .      4

                   TABLE 3     DNR CREEL CENSUS ESTIMATED SPOT CATCH AND EFFORT FOR

                                  ROCKPORT, ROGERS CITY AND HARRISVILLE FOR 1985 AND

                                  1986    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          6

                   TABLE 4     MICHIGAN  DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES YEARLY TARGET

                                  STOCKING LEVELS FOR TROUT AND SALMON THROUGH 1990 -

                                  LAKE HURON  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          8
                   TABLE 5     NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE INVENTORY       . . . .     10
                   TABLE 6     NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE AREAS OF CONCERN.'          14

                   TABLE 7     PROPOSED NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES       . . . .     18

                   TABLE 8     NORTHEAST LAKE HURON CONASTAL COMMUNITY ATTRIBUTES       . . . .     21

                                                       LIST OF FIGURES

                   FIGURE 1    NORTHEAST LAKE HURON    STUDY AREA  . . . . . . . . . . . . .         2
                   FIGURE 2    NORTHEAST LAKE HURON    FISH PLANTING SITES    . .. . . . . . .       5

                   FIGURE 3    NORTHEAST LAKE HURON    FISHING ACCESS SITES   . . . . . . . .        9

                   FIGURE 4    PROPOSED NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES MAP               20

                   APPENDIX    SHORE FACILITY STUDY QUESTIONNAIRE      . . . . . . ... . . .        25

                                                   INTRODUCTION

                      In 1983, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) doubled the
                  number of trout and salmon being planted in the Norltheast Lake Huron (NELH)
                  area. At that time , many people predicted that, in two to four years, the
                  sport fishing public would be placing a great demand on the fishing access
                  sites along the NELH shoreline. Now, four years later, this report looks at
                  the impacts from the increased fish stocking program "through the eyes" of
                  locally involved individuals. The area under study  includes the 191 miles of
                  Lake Huron Shoreline (see map on page 2) within the four counties of Alcona,
                  Alpena, Cheboygan, and Presque Isle.

                      The purpose of this study is to provide community decision makers and
                  other interested parties with locally derived information regarding the
                  expected sport fishing activity and the current sport fishery shore facility
                  concerns. The specific shore facilities being studied include: public
                  marinas and boat launches, and private marinas and boat launches that allow
                  use by the general public. Although the Northeast Lake Huron Shoreline is
                  one of the last sport fishing areas to be developed in the Lower Peninsula,
                  the area already enjoys wide-spread popularity. Many of the features which
                  make the area popular, (i.e. good fishing in relatively uncrowded condi-
                  tions), are already beginning to change. All of the NELH area marinas have a
                  waiting list of people requesting boat slips. Many of the area  's boat launch
                  sites are experiencing periodic overcrowding and long waits to launch/
                  retrieve a boat.

                      This study presents information on the existing fishing access sites and
                  on proposed new sites and site modifications; area fish stocking data and
                  sport fishing activity; and opinions on community attributes which may impact
                  the ability of communities to attract the sport fishing public. It is hoped
                  that this information will aid coastal communities in their efforts to
                  develop the wise use of the NELH sport fishery.

                  Research Methodology

                      Over a four month period, May through August 1987, information regarding
                  Northeast Lake Huron (NELH) fishing access sites, sport fishing activity, and
                  community attributes which might impact angler's decisions to visit the area
                  was provided by over 100 individuals representing local government, busi-
                  nesses, charter boat operators, Great Lakes fishermen, MDNR representatives,
                  and shoreline property owners. A questionnaire was mailed to community
                  businesses, officials, and residents who expressed interest in the project
                  and to a selected group of participants from the 1987 Alpena Brown Trout
                  Derby. The questionnaire was also placed on the windshield of vehicles with
                  boat trailers at NELH boat launch sites. A copy of the questionnaire is
                  included in the Appendix. Of the 185 questionnaires distributed, 69 (37%)
                  were returned.

                                                        FIGURE 1

         AC KINAW C I-rY

                                                                NOR  THEAS    T LAKE HURON

                            HEBOYGAN
                                                                       STUDY AREA

            CHEBOYGAN

                13 INDIAN
                  RIVER                                       ROGERS CITY

                                       WONAWAY
                                                  P RIE-S Q U-E       I.SLE

                                                                         UPOSEN

                                                                       ALPENA _--nALPENA

                                                                                   OSSINEKE

                                                                         ALCONA                LINCOLN

                                                                                         HARRISVILLE

                     Additional information and opinions were obtained through interviews
                  conducted with fishermen, DNR district staff, access site administrators,
                  charter,boat captains, and interested community leaders. In an effort to
                  explore the issues and concerns in greater detail, interested local residents
                  were invited to attend meetings that were held in each of the impacted
                  counties.

                     It should be noted that the opinions and concerns expressed in this
                  report are a compilation of individual responses and do not necessarily
                  represent attitudes of any single group or community faction. As a reminder,
                  the purpose of this research project was to share locally obtained infor-
                  mation and recommendations with involved state agencies and the impacted
                  coastal communities.

                                       NELH REGIONAL SPORT FISHING ACTIVITY

                      The fish stocking program for Lake Huron began with Lake Trout, in the
                  mid 1960's. In the early 70's Chinook and Coho Salmon were added, along with
                  other species of trout. According to Regional DNR personnel, the goal of the
                  NELH stocking program is to develop a quality open lake and near shore fish-
                  ery which provides good fishing throughout the entire spring, summer and fall
                  fishing season. Within the four county,study area of.Alcona, Alpena, Cheboy-
                  gan and Presque Isle, a total of 10 different species have been planted.
                  Since 1972, almost 22 million fish have been stocked. Tables 1 and 2, on
                  page 4, present, respectively, summary data on the number of fish planted by
                  species for each county and the total number of fish planted each year, by
                  county. As Table 2 indicates, beginning in 1983, the DNR increased the
                  number of trout and salmon being stocked from approximately 1,000,000 fish
                  (except for 1973) to over 2,000,000 fish per year. Figure 2, on page 5,
                  shows the locations of the 1972-1987 fish planting sites for the Northeast
                  Lake Huron area. Because of the significant increase in sustained plantings,
                  the sports fishing public and the DNR anticipated a large increase in fishing
                  activity and improved fish catch rates within the NELH area during the period
                  1985-87. Generally speaking, no one was disappointed. A good illustration
                  of this point can be found by comparing the results of the 1984 and 1987
                  Alpena Brown Trout Derby. In 1984 a total of 1100 trout and salmon were
                  caught, averaging 5 1/2 pounds each. In 1987, over 2700 fish were caught,
                  with the average weight of each fish almost 11 1/2 pounds

                      In an effort to track the fishing activity and the fishing success of
                  anglers, the DNR began a creel census program at Rockport and Rogers City in
                  1985 and at Harrisivlle in 1986. Table 3, on page 6, presents the DNR's
                  Creel Census estimate of the sport fish catch and effort at the three ports
                  for the two most prominent species, Lake Trout and Chinook Salmon. As this
                  Table indicates, there was a significant increase in both angling effort and
                  fish catching success between 1985 and 1986. The Alpena/Thunder Bay area
                  has the most extensive fishing data within the NELH region, however, this
                  data, which spans 13 years, could not be compiled in a timely manner for this
                  report. The DNR did indicate that the Alpena data would be available in a
                  report format, sometime in 1988.

                                                       3

                                            NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISH PLANTS

                                    Table 1      Number of Fish Planted   by Species
                                          and County for the Years 1972-1987

                   Species           Alcona      Alpena      Cheboygan      Presque Isle          Totals

                Atlantic Salmon                    30,404                                           30,404
                Brook Trout            --          --            --                61,748           61,748
                Brown Trout           102,046    2,181,939       10,000          312,347       2,606,332
                Chinook Salmon      4,088,134     132,200        --           4,677,295        8,897,629
                Coho Salmon                        --            --
                                            1                                    776,525          776,525
               *Lake Trout          2,725,753    2,084,900      271,165       2,030,700        7,112,518
                Rainbow Trout          82,746     506,454        85,029          275,957          950,186
                Splake (Mich.)         50,000      50,000        --                50,000         150,000
                Steelhead              54,652     257,061       545,136          421,225       1,278,074
                Walleye                --         100,000        --                --             100,000

                TOTALS              7,103,331    5,342,958    .911,330,       8,605,797        21,963,416

                   *Does not include 1987 Lake Trout plantings.

                             Table 2     Total Number of Fish Planted Each Year by County

                Year            Alcona      Alpena         Cheboygan        Presque Isle          Totals

                *1987         333,189       156,628          20,000           1,072,503        1,582,320
                1986          585,621       805,924          20,000           1,238,716        2,650,261
                1985          577,733       328,750          20,000           1,263,485        2,189,968
                1984          524,735       365,270          22,000           1,288,960        2,200,965
                1983          549,945       385,542          30,000           1,225,238        2,190,725
                1982          550,400       275,313          10,017             236,032        1,071,762
                1981          423,900       152,000          10,000             217,5,74          803,474
                1980          555,182       220,002          10,000             262,400        1,047,584
                1979          540,000       155,000          25,000             200,000           920,000
                1978          509,000       386,187          36,000             205,581        1,136,768
                1977          341,299       208,573          32,560             229,865           812,297
                1976          365,790       383,525          30,184             215,707           995,206
                1975          361,256       204,052          31,069             234,345           830,722
                1974          308,225       297,978          104,252            152,076           862,531
                1973          370,975       847,784          445,764            548,195        2,212,718
                1972          206,081       170,430         -64,484    .....     15,120           456,115

                TOTALS       7,103,331    5,342,958          911,330          8                21,963,416
                                                                                605,797

                   *Does not include   1987 Lake Trout plantings.

                                                             4

                                                                FIGURE 2

             A INAW CITY
                                                                    NORTHEAST LAKE HURON

                                2
                                                                    FISH PLANTING, SITES
                                CHEBOYGAN

                CHEBOYGAN                               5              6    7
                    0 INDIAN                                                       9
                       RIVER                                          ROGERS Cl

                                             WONAWAY

                                                         PRESQUE               ISL

                                                                                  UPOSEN

                                                                                                                12

                             TROUT PLANT
                             SALMON PLANT
                             WALLEYE PLANT                                             ENA
                                                                               ALP"                        ENA  13
                         1.   REYNOLDS REEF                                                            14           0%
                         2.   DUNCAN BAY
                         3.   CHEBOYGAN RIVER
                         4.   HAMMOND BAY                                                                *16
                         5.   OCQUEOC RIVER
                         6.   NAGELS CREEK
                         7.   ROGERS CITY HARBOR                                             OSSINEKE        *17
                         8.   SWAN RIVER
                         9.   ADAMS POINT
                         10.  PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR
                         11.  ROCKPORT
                         12.  MIDDLE ISLAND                                                                 19
                         13.  EL CAJON BAY
                         14.  THUNDER BAY RIVER
                         15.  PARTRIDGE POINT                                                                 2
                         16.  THUNDER BAY(various)                               'ALCONA                 LINCOLN
                         17.  SCARECROW ISLAND
                         18.  BLACK RIVER ISLAND                                                    HARRISVILLE      22.
                         19.  BLACK RIVER                                                                   23
                         20.  STURGEON POINT
                         21.  STURGEON POINT REEF                                                                 24
                         22.  HARRISVILLE HARBOR                                                              -
                         23.  MILL CREEK
                         24.  GREENBUSH

                                                                   5

                                                    TABLE 3. DNR CREEL CENSUS ESTIMATED SPORT CATCH AND EFFORT
                                                     FOR ROCKPORT,_ROCERS CITY AND HARRISVILLE FOR 1985 AND 1986

                                                                             198@                                                  1986
                                                           Lake Trout    Chinook Salmon      Total               Lake Trout    Chinook Salmon      Total           Totals

                Rockport
                     Total Fish Caught (C)                       74           1938           2012                   283                          7863              .9875
                     Total Angler Hours (H)                   32,173         32,354         64,527                55,490          55,572       111,062            175,589
                     Fish Catch Rate (C/H)                    0.0023         0.0599         0.0312                0.0051          0.1364        0.0708             0.0562

                Rogers City
                     Total  Fish Caught (C)                      1861         7670           9531                  3410           19,052        22,462             31,993
                     Total Angler Hours (H)                  101,694         101,455       203,149               160,849          160,640      321,489            524,638
                     Fish Catch Rate (C/H)                    0.0183         0.0756         0.0469                0.0212          0.1186        0.0699             0.0610

                Harrisville
                     Total Fish Caught (C)                     N/A            N/A                                  9544              6077       15,621             15,621
                     Total Angler Hours (H)                    N/A            N/A                                134,233          134,150      268,383            268,383
                   .Fish Catch Rate (C/H)                      N/A            N/A                                 0.0711          0.0453        0.0582             0.0582

                Totals
                     Total. Fish Caught (C)                      1935        9608            11,543               13,237          32,709        45,946             57,489
                     Total Angler Hours (H)                   133,867       133,809         267,676              350,572          350,362      700,934            968,610
                     Fish Catch Rate (C/H)                    0.0145         0.0718          0.0417               0.0378          0.0934        0.0655             0.0594

                      Another factor which indicated the change in fishing activity in the NELH
                  area, is the number of people that participated in the region's major fishing
                  tournaments. Tournament directors indicated that all of the tournaments
                 .experienced record growth in the number of participants for 1987. Unfortu-
                  nately, most of the data on the fishing tournaments has never been adequately
                  perserved, and therefore, was not available for making comparisons in this
                  report.

                      Respondents to the questionnaire also felt that fishing activity has been
                  increasing over the last four years and that it will continue to do so (see
                  Questions 5 and 6 on the questionnaire). The reasons given for this expecta-
                  tion include: DNR's fish stocking program; overall area fishing success;
                  better area promotion; existence of fishing tournaments; recent improvements
                  to harbor and launch facilities; the number of boats being sold to fishermen
                  is increasing, reaction to overcrowding in northwest Michigan, and generally
                  people have more time and money to spend on activities such as fishing.

                  NELH Future Fish Stocking Program

                      In April, 1986, DNR Fisheries Division issued a memo outlining their
                  Great Lakes and Anadromous Fish Planning Program targets for the period 1986
                  to 1990. Table 4 on page 8, summarizes the level of stocking by Site and
                  County for each fish species. The actual yearly planting schedule may vary.---,--
                  and will depend on the following factors: 1) recommendations from DNR field
                  biologists; 2) hatchery rearing capacity for the existing mix and size of
                  species combined with needs for future egg production; 3) balancing plantings
                  to the available forage fish; 4) settlement of the treaty Indian fishing
                  dispute; and 5) commitments toward Lake Trout rehabilitation. Generally
                  speaking, the proposed plantings sites and stocking volumes within the
                  Northeast Lake Huron area will remain relatively constant and approximate the
                  1983-87 levels. Anyone with questions regarding the fish stocking program
                  should contact the DNR Fisheries Division at (517) 373-3375.

                                             NELH FISHING ACCESS SITES

                      Based on information obtained during all phases of the study and after
                  conducting an on site tour of the NELH shoreline, a total of 26 fishing
                  access sites were identified as being used by the sport fishing public. The
                  sites range in quality from an unimproved dirt road access point, up to, full
                  service marinas, complete with bath houses and fish cleaning stations.
                  Figure 3, page 9, graphically represents the locations and type of site along
                  with the major.interstate, U.S. and state highways that provide access to
                  these sites. A site inventory was then prepared. Table 5, on pages 10-13,
                  lists the site name, ownership, location, and basic site information. Eleven
                  .of the twenty-six sites are marinas, which provide 469 boat slips and tie up
                  dockage for 57 boats. Twenty-one sites provide boat launch capability with
                  47 total ramps; 42 of which are hard surface ramps; 3 gravel ramps and 2
                  unimproved dirt sites. .                                                             I
                      Throughout the study, participants were asked to state their opinions on
                  the problems or concerns they have regarding the fishing access sites that
                  they were knowledgeable about. Table 6 on pages 14-16 list the participants
                  areas of concern. It should be noted that the most popular access sites
                  received the most comments. For this reason, the number of comments does not
                  reflect the quality of the site but most likely reflects interest in the
                  site.                                                    - @ I                       I
                                                       7

                                         TABLE 4 - MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
                          YEARLY TARGET STOCKING LEVELS FOR TROUT AND SALMON THROUGH 1990      1 -  LAKE HURON

                                                          Brook     Lake
                         Area               County        Trout     Trout 2    Chinook Steelhead@ Rainbow       Brown

                   ROCKPORT               Alpena                   150,000                                      15,000

                   THUNDER BAY:
                    North Point           Alpena                    90,000

                    River @ 9th  Street   Alpena                                           30,000

                    Boat Harbor           Alpena                                                      15,000
                    Partridge Point       Alpena                                                                100,000
                                                                                                                50,000

                    Scarecrow Island      Alpena                   120,000

                   BLACK RIVER ISLAND     Alcona                   120,000

                   STURGEON POINT REEF    Alcona                   150,000

                   GREENBUSH              Alcona                   150,000

                   HARRISVILLE            Alcona                                300,000sf             10,000    10,000

                   CHEBOYGAN RIVER        Cheboygan                                        20,000

                   HAMMOND BAY            Presque                                                     351000    20,000
                                          Isle

                   OCQUEOC RIVER          Presque                                          10,000
                                          Isle

                   40 MILE POINT          Presque                   90,000
                                          Isle

                   ROGERS CITY            Presque                                                     30,000    20,000
                                          Isle                                                                  30,000

                   SWAN RIVER             Presque                               900,000sf
                                          Isle

                   ADAMS POINT            Presque                  120,000
                                          Isle

                   PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR    Presque        20,000
                                          Isle

                   SIX FATHAM. BANK                                210,000ff

                   1Yearling aged'fish are stocked unless indicated as --@-sf (spring. fingerling) or ff-     (fall).
                   Actual number stocked may vary according to inventory. Adjustments up or down are made
                   during stocking season if surplus or shortages occur based on a priority system. That
                   system is designed to assure that those waters stocked will rece      ive at least the minimum
                   of fish to provide a fishery.
                   2Lake Trout will come from.both Federal   and State-facilities. Target projections are for
                   1987-1990.
                   3Target levels include summer steelhead. Summer steelhead are an experimental program;
                   therefore, individual port targets may be adjusted from year to ye'@r depending on avail-
                   ability of fish and the success-of the    proqram.

                                             FIGURE 3

               NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES

          ACKINAW CITY
                       3   14

          1-75   5           A         10
                          8
                            us

                           -33
                         M
                                             3:.
              C 'EBO"MAN                             14
                                            M-68
                                                    ROGERS CITY
                                                                          5

                                 A
                                                                           6
                                          PRESQUE I            E

                                       33
                                                             IM-65
                                  11"M
                                                                                17
                         LEGEND
               Unimproved Access site                          P            ALPENA
                                                                               1
                                                                 m- 32
               Gravel Launch Ramp-Limited water
               Depth                                                   19-    20
               Hard surface Launch Ramp-Limited
               Water Depth                                             2     022
                                                                    OSSINEKE

               Hard Surface Launch Ramp-Sufficient
               Water Depth For Most Trailered Boats
               Marina Or Refuge Harbor With No                          U S  2 3@--:. 24
               Boat Launch
                                                                                 .0
                                                                                 10
               Marina Or Refuge Harbor With Boat                                 '0
               Launch For:.fMost Trailered Boats
               State Highway.                              .-ALCONA            -2

                                                                         HARRISVILLE
               U.S. Highway                                       M-72               26

         W,ra  Interstate Highway
                                                              M-65

                                                  9

                                                      TABLE 5.

                                 NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE INVENTORY

                   Site                      Site Name
                    No.              Location and Administration                   Site Information   2 hard
                     1        MACKINAW CITY MARINA AND BOAT LAUNCH;       User fee, 106 boat slips,
                              located downtown and operated by            surface launch ramps, paved park-
                              Mackinaw City.                              ing for 54 vehicles.

                     2        CHEBOYGAN COUNTY MARINA BOAT LAUNCH;        No user fee, 4 hard surface
                              located downtown Cheboygan on west          launch ramps, paved parking for
                              side of Cheboygan River;  owned by          80 vehicles.
                              County of Cheboygan.

                     31       CITY OF CHEBOYGAN BOAT DOCKS;   located     user fee, tie-up dockage for 30
                              downtown on west side of Cheboygan          boats-, municipal parking-lot -
                              River, upstream of US-23 bridge;            nearby.
                              operated by City of Cheboygan.

                     4        CHEBOYGAN DAM AND LOC BOAT LAUNCH;          User fee at LOC,  2 hard surface
                              located in City of Cheboygan on             launch ramps, gravel parking for
                              east side of Cheboygan River, up-           20 vehicles.
                              stream of Cheboygan Dam; operated
                              by DNR Waterways Division.

                     5        CHEBOYGAN CITY WEST FIRST STREET            No user fee, 1 hard  surface
                              BOAT LAUNCH; located downtown on            launch ramp, gravel   parking,for
                              west side of Cheboygan River;               4 vehicles.
                              owned by City of Cheboygan.

                     6        LUND'S MARINA; located downtown             User fee 20 boat slips with
                              Cheboygan on east side of  Cheboygan        tie-up dockage for 10 boats,
                              River, upstream of US-23   bridge;          private Parking available.
                              privately owned.

                     7        CHEBOYGAN CITY EAST ELM STREET BOAT         No user fee, 1 gravel launch
                              LAUNCH; located downtown on east            ramp, gravel parking for 8
                              side of Cheboygan River;- owned by          vehicles.
                              City of Cheboygan.

                                                               10

                  TABLE 5 (continued)

                  Site                     Site Name
                   No.             Location and Administration                  Site Information

                     8      CAPTAIN'S THREE MARINA BOAT DOCKS;          User fee, tie-up dockage for
                            located downtown Cheboygan on west          7 boats, private parking
                            side of Cheboygan River, downstream         available.
                            of US-23 bridge; privately operated.

                     9      BUTLER ROAD (DUNCAN BAY) BOAT LAUNCH;       No user fee, 1 hard surface
                            located east of Cheboygan, 1/2 mile         launch ramp, dirt parking for
                            north of US-23 on Butler Road; owned        2 vehicles.
                            by Benton Township.

                   10       HAMMOND BAY REFUGE HARBOR AND BOAT          User fee, 12 boat slips and 2
                            LAUNCH; located on US-23 four miles         hard surface launch ramps,
                            southeast of Cheboygan-Presque Isle         gravel parking for 20 vehicles.
                            Counties boundary line; operated by
                            DNR Waterways Division.

                   11       GRACE HARBOR ROAD (ADAM'S PUB) ACCESS       No user fee, hard sand access
                            SITE; located on US-23 seven miles          site, dirt parking for 6
                            southeast of Cheboygan-Presque Isle         vehicles.
                            Counties boundary line; owned by
                            Presque Isle County.

                   12       HAMMOND BAY TRADING POST 130AT LAUNCH;      User fee, 2 gravel launch
                            located on Ocqueoc River at US-23,          ramps, private parking
                            fifteen miles northwest of Rogers           available.
                            City; privately operated.

                   13       HAMMOND POINT ACCESS SITE; located on       No user fee, hard sand access
                            Ray Road off of US-23, thirteen miles       site, dirt parking for 6
                            northwest of Rogers City.                   vehicles.

                   14       ROGERS CITY YACHT HARBOR AND.BOAT           User fee, 79 boat slips, 4
                            LAUNCH; located downtown Rogers City;       hard surface launch ramps,
                            operated by Rogers City.                    paved parking for 100 vehicles
                                                                        with gravel overflow parking
                                                                        for 150 vehicles, fish
                                                                        cleaning station.

                  TABLE 5 (continued)

                  Site                     Site Name
                   No.              Location and Admini stration                Site Information

                   15        PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR BOAT LAUNCH; loca-     User fee, 1 hard surface   launch
                             ted 5 miles east of US-23 'on County       ramp, gravel parking for   20
                             Road 638, fifteen miles southeast of       vehicles.
                             Rogers City; owned by DNR Waterways
                             Division, privately operated.

                   16        PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR PIER; located five     User fee, tie-up dockage for 10
                             miles east of US-23 on County Road 638,    boats, private parking available.
                             fifteen miles southeast of Rogers City;
                             owned by DNR Waterways Division, pri-
                             vately operated.

                   17        ROCKPORT BOAT LAUNCH; located on Rock-     No user fee, 2 hard surface
                             port Road 3-1/2 miles east of US-23,       launch ramps, gravel parking for
                             10 miles north of Alpena; owned by         70 vehicles.--.
                             Consumers Power Company, operated by
                             DNR Waterways Division.

                   18        ALPENA NORTH PARK BOAT LAUNCH; located     User fee, 2 hard surface launch
                             downtown Alpena on north side of           ramps, paved parking for 40
                             Thunder Bay River; operated by City        vehicles.
                             of Alpena.

                   19        ALPENA MUNICIPAL MARINA AND BOAT           User fee, 55 boat slips, 8 hard
                             LAUNCH;,located downtown Alpena,           surface launch ramps, gra
                             south of Thunder Bay River mouth;          parking for 126 vehicles, fish
                             operated by City of Alpena.                cleaning station.

                   20        PARTRIDGE POINT MARINA AND BOAT            User fee, 100 boat slips, 3
                             LAUNCH;. located on Partridge Point        hard surface launch ramps ,
                             Road, east of US-23, three miles           private parking available.
                             south of Alpena; privately operated.

                   21        SANBORN TOWNSHIP BOAT LAUNCH; located      No user fee"  1 hard surface
                             at the mouth of Devil's River in           launch ramp, gravel*parking
                             Ossineke; owned by Township of             for 10 vehicles.
                             Sanborn.

                                                             12

                TABLE 5 (concluded)

                                          Site Name
                  No.              Location and Administration                 Site Information
                 site

                  22       DEKETT'S MARINA AND BOAT LAUNCH; located User fee, 6 boat slips, 1 hard
                           on Washington Avenue in ossineke at the     surface launch ramp, private
                           mouth of Devil's River; privately           parking available.
                           operated.

                  23       SNUG HARBOR BOAT LAUNCH; located two        No user fee, 1 hard surface
                           miles south of Ossineke on Nicholson        launch ramp, dirt parking for
                           Hill Road, 3 miles east of US-23;           10 vehicles.
                           operated by DNR Waterways Division.

                  24       BLACK RIVER MOUTH BOAT LAUNCH; located      No user fee, 1 hard surface
                           three miles each of US-23 on Black          launch ramp, dirt parking for
                           River Road,  north side of Black River;     .10 vehicles.'
                           operated by  DNR Waterways Division.

                  25       HARRISVILLE BOAT LAUNCH; located down-      User fee, 6 hard surface launch
                           town Harrisville, north of marina;          ramps, paved parking for 130
                           operated by DNR Waterways Division.         vehicles.

                  26       HARRISVILLE HARBOR MARINA; located          User fee, 97 boat slips, paved
                           downtown Harrisville, south of DNR's        parking for 70 vehicles.
                           *boat launch site; operated by City
                           of Harrisville.

                                                       13

                                                        TABLE 6

                               NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE AREAS OF CONCERN

                   Site
                    No.       Site Name                 Concerns

                    1,        Mackinaw City Marina &    No fish cleaning station; parking during
                              Boat Launch               periodic peak periods and slip space is
                                                        limited; need marina expansion which caters
                                                        to fisherman because capacity of current
                                                        facility is taken up by recreational
                                                        boaters.

                    2.        Cheboygan County Marina   No fish cleaning station; bathrooms not al-
                              Boat Launch               ways open; need more launch ramps.

                    3.        City of Cheboygan Boat    No comments received.
                              Docks

                    4.        Cheboygan Dam and Lock    No comments received.
                              Boat Launch

                    5.        Cheboygan City West       No comments received.
                              First Street Board
                              Launch

                    6.        Chebo7gan-Lund's Marina   No comments received.

                    7.        Cheboygan City East Elm   No comments received.
                              Street Boat Launch

                    8.        Chebo7gan-Captain's       No comments received.
                              Three Marina Boat Docks

                    9.        Butler Road (Duncan Bay)  Ramp is silted in; launch area needs
                              Boat Launch               dredging.

                   10.        Hammond Bay  Refuge       Launch area.silts up frequently; no fish
                              Harbor & Boat Launch      cleaning station; commercial fishing nets
                                                        are a problem; if Air Froce bombing range
                                                        is developed, the site would go unused due
                                                        to noise and jet fuel smell; needs better
                                                        highway signs; launch area needs dredging;
                                                        needs seasonal slips for locals.

                   11.        Grace Harbor Road         No comments received
                              Adam's Pub) Access
                              Site

                   12.        Hammond Bay Trading       River needs dredging; limited parking;
                              Post Boat Launch          launch ramp needs improvement

                   13.        Hammond Point Access      No comments received.
                              Site

                                                         14

                  TABLE 6. NORTHEAST LAKE HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE AREAS OF CONCERN (continued)

                   Site       Site Nam                   Concerns

                    14.       Rogers City Yacht Harbor   Experiences limited parking and slip spaces
                              and Boat   Launch          during period peak fishing periods; needs
                                                         direction signs in Rogers City; during
                                                         periodic overcrowding, site needs improved
                                                         management in the area of traffic control
                                                         and marine safety.

                    15.       Presque  Isle Harbor       Launch areas needs dredging; needs fish
                              Boat Launch                cleaning station; needs more parking or
                                                         area will only serve local property owners;
                                                         needs dock; needs improved launch ramp;
                                                         rough access road; needs improved
                                                         directional signs.

                    16.       Presque Isle Harbor        No garbage container; piers need repair;
                              Pier                       rough access road.

                    17.       Rockport Boat Launch       Needs fish cleaning station; dock too short
                                                         narrow channel; not enough launch ramps and
                                                         needs dredging; parking spaces to accom-
                                                         modate peak fishing periods; needs harbor
                                                         location lights; needs improved road signs;
                                                         at times rough access road; needs parking
                    18.       Alpena North Park Boat     lot lights.
                                                         No restrooms; needs directional signs in
                              Launch                     city.

                    19.       Alpena  Municipal Marina   Needs longer docks; needs additional slips
                              and Boat Launch            and parking to accommodate peak fishing
                                                         periods; needs to complete breakwall.

                    20.       Partridge Point  Marina    No comments
                              and Boat Launch

                    21.       Sanborn Township Boat      Ramp silted in - shallow water; needs di-
                              Launch                     rectional signs in Ossineke and U.S. 23;
                                                         needs additional parking.

                    22.       DeKetts Marina and         No comments
                              Boat Launch

                    23.       Snug Harbor Boat           Area needs dredging; launch ramp needs im-
                              Launch                     proving; parking needs improving; needs
                                                         highway directional signs on U.S. 23 and
                                                         access road.

                                                        15

                  TABLE 6. NORTHEAST LAKE   HURON FISHING ACCESS SITE AREAS OF CONCERN (continued)

                   Site       Site Name                Concerns

                    24.       Black River Mouth        Launch ramp needs upgrading; inadequate
                              Boat Launch              docking; poor care of toilets; no fish
                                                      .cleaning station; needs directional road
                                                       signs; needs breakwall.

                    25.       Harrisville Boat         Not enough launch ramps; needs fish clean-
                              Launch                   ing station; needs new ashphalt in launch
                                                       area; needs highway directional signs;
                                                       needs "no wake" signs.

                    26.       Harrisville Harbor       Needs more seasonal slips and parking to
                              Marina                   accommodate peak periods; harbor needs
                                                       deepening; needs fish cleaning station;
                                                       needs improved dock security; has poor gas
                                                       pump set-up; needs harbor location light
                                                       good to six miles out; needs 60 amp 220
                                                       volts electrical hookups at docks; needs
                                                       overflow parking signs for upper parking
                                                       area.

                                                         16

                  Future NELH Fishinit Access Sites

                      Information generated during the study identified 18 potential fishing
                  access site projects for the NELH area. Table 7 on pages 18 and 19 describe
                  the potential projects. If constructed, these projects would add approxi-
                  mately 385 boat slips and 10 boat launch ramps to the present system. The
                  project site locations are graphically presented in Figure 4 on page 20.

                                           COASTAL COWMTY ATTRIBUTES

                      One of the areas of interest, during the study was the opinions people
                  had regarding the coastal communities themselves. The major ports within the
                  four county study area, which serve as the base of operations for most of the
                  sport fishing public, include Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Rogers City, Alpena,
                  and Harrisville. Because these communities provide the necessary fishing
                  support services, they play a crucial role in the fishing access site
                  selection process. Listed in Table 8 on pages 21 and 22 are the comments
                  that were received concerning community attributes. Again, it should be
                  noted that the opinions and concerns expressed do not necessarily represent
                  the majority of any single group or community faction. The information
                  presented is intended to assist local communities, state agencies, and other
                  interested parties with the overall sport fishery planning process.

                                          CONCLUSIONS AND RECON41ROATIONS

                      In a 1986 DNR study, the Economic Value of the Lake Huron Sport Fishery
                  was placed at $62.7 million. Using this figure as a yardstick, the value to
                  the NELH local and state economy, just from the 1986 effort anglers made to
                  catch Lake Trout and Chinook Salmon (700,934 hours) at Harrisville, Rockport
                  and Rogers City, equates to over $9 million. It is clear that sport fishing
                  means big business to the Northeast Lake Huron region.

                      Based on input received during this study, it is evident that the sport
                  fishery along the NELH shoreline is divided into two zones. Zone 1 is an
                  area where the sport fishery already is in high gear, due to numerous plant-
                  ing sites and high numbers of fish being planted, and the concerns expressed
                  represent an interest toward improving this resource. Zone 1 includes the
                  NELH shoreline from Greenbush in southern Alcona County northward to Hammond
                  Bay, which is located northwest of Rogers City. Zone 2 includes the shore-
                  line from Hammond Bay northwest to Mackinaw City.. This zone is characterized
                  by an Indian commercial gill net fishery, few planting sites and lower
                  stocking rates. For these reasons Zone 2 is an area where the sport fishery
                  has yet to be developed. It is evident from the opinions expressed that the
                  attitudes and concerns vary dramatically between these two zones.

                      The demand on sport fishing shore' facilities in the NELH area should
                  continue to "increase as the number of anglers visitng the region continues to
                  rise. For this reason, coastal communities should continue to pursue
                  additional access sites and plan for developing necessary fishing support
                  services and facilities (i.e. restaurants open during fishing hours and
                  establishing public or private campgrounds.

                                                      17

                                                     TABLE 7.

                               PROPOSED NORTHEAST I-An HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES

                 Site No.*    Site Location and Description

                     1        Mackinaw City - Local citizens and municipal officials are investi-
                              gating the potential of building a boat launch ramp at the site of
                              the old State Ferry Dock. Status: Seeking additional local sup-
                              port and funding sources.

                     2-       Mackinaw City - Local citizens and municipal officials are investi-
                              gating the potential of developing the old State Ferry Dock into
                              a public fishing pier. Status: Seeking additional local support
                              and funding sources.

                     3        Cheboygan - The Cheboygan State Park is considering a plan to locate
                              a boat launch ramp within the park. Status: Discussion of project
                              is on-going.

                     4        Cheboygan - Cheboygan County in cooperation with MDNR Recreation
                              Division plans to construct an 86 slip public marina on the west
                              side of the Cheboygan Rivermouth. Status: Money for Phase I
                              Construction is in DNR's 87-88 Budget.

                     5        Cheboygan - Walstrom Marine of Harbor Springs is developing-a-39
                              slip private Marina on the east side of the Cheboygan River down-
                              stream of the U.S. 23 Bridge. The Marina will serve as a boat
                              sales, service and storage facility. Status: Under construction.

                     6        Ocqueoc River - DNR has considered purchasing land along the river
                              to locate a boat launch ramp. Status: Unknown.

                     7        Rogers City - Citizens have suggested locating a primati-4e.- boat
                              launch ramp for local use on the north side of town at Sea Gull
                              Point.  Status: Unknown.

                     8        Rogers City - A.private.developer is considering the development
                              of a 110 slip private marina to be located adjacent to the public
                              yacht harbor. Status: Feasibility study under way.

                     9        Rogers City - Citizens have suggested locating a primative boat
                              launch ramp for local use on the south side of town at the Little
                              League park. Status: Unknown.

                    10        Presque Isle Harbor - DNR is planning to construct, in phases, a
                              public refuge harbor with breatkwater, boat slips, boat launch ramp,
                              and 50 vehicle parking. Status: Phase I funding in DNR's 87-88
                              Budget'.

                   .11        Rockport - DNR is planning to construct two additional boat launch
                              ramps and expand the parking area. Status: Money for project is
                              in DNR's 87-88 Budget.

                                                           18

                                                   TABLE 7.

                PROPOSED NORTHEAST 1JM HURON FISHING ACCESS SITES (concluded)

                Site No.*      Site Location and Description
                   12          Thunder Bay @sland - Citizens have suggested locating refuge harbor
                               at this island so that boats don't-have to make the long run into
                               Alpena. Status: Unknown.

                   13          Alpena - City of Alpena, in conjunction with State and Federal
                               agencies, is planning to expand, in phases, the existing harbor
                               to include breakwater extension and an addition of 100 boat slips.
                               Status: Phase I funding in DNR's 87-83 Budget.

                   14          Partridge Point - DNR has considered purchasing land on Partridge
                               Point to locate a boat launch ramp. Status: Unknown.

                   15          Snug Harbor - DNR is planning to construct a boat launch facility,
                               including breakwater, ramps, and a 20 vehicle parking lot. Status:
                               Proposed for DNR's 88-89 Budget.

                   16          Black River - Alcona Township is improving the launch site at the
                               mouth of the Black River. Status: Dredging has been completed and
                               the township is seeking a permit to construct a 50 ft. finger pier
                               to help control erosion and sedimentation.

                   17          Harrisville - Area Charter Boat operators have suggested developing
                               their own docking slips within the existing harbor. Status: Seek-
                               ing informational and financial assistance.

                   18          Harrisville - DNR Fisheries Division is proposing the development of
                               the harbor breakwater into a public fishing pier. Status: Discus-
                               sion of project is ongoing.

                   NOTE: Site numbers correspond to the Project locations on the map (Figure 4),
                           on page 20.

                                                        19

                                                                FIGURE 4

              ACKINAW CITY                                                    PROPOSED
                 2             3                               NORTHEAST            LAKE HURON
                        4       CHEBOYGAN                     FISHING ACCESS SITES
                                 5

                CHEBOYGAN                           6                     8    9
                    0 INDIAN                                        7
                       RIVER                 UONAWAY                  ROGERS CITY                   10
                                                         PRESQU-E ISLE

                                                                                  NPOSEN

                                                                                                            11

                                                                               ALPENA                 ALPENA
                             LEGEND

                                                                                                         14

                  PLANNED 14ARIIIA PROJECTS                                                 OSSINEKE        15

                  PLANNED BOAT LAUNCH PROJECTS

                  PLANNED FISHING PIER PROJECTS

                  SUGGESTED MARINA PROJECTS
             0 SUGGESTED BOAT LAUNCH PROJECTS                                    ALCONA               Is LINCOLN1
                                                                                                  HARRISVILLE
                                                                                                                    18

                                                               20

                               TABLE 8. NORTHEAST LAKE HURON COASTAL COMMMTY ATTRIBUTES

                    Community                 Favorable            Attributes         Unfavorable

                    Mackinaw City      Good fishing; variety of    tou-   Community support (public &
                                       rist attractions available;        private) for general tourism
                                       good motels & restaurants;         is much stronger than for
                                       good harbor facilities; deep       sports fishing; currently has
                                       water fishing near shore;          only fair fishing because    it
                                       marine repair facility avail-      has not promoted properly; to
                                       able; not just a parking lot       many nonfishing tourists.
                                       for Mackinaw Island.

                    Cheboygan          Downtown area within walking       Tribal commercial fishing in
                                       distance; access to Cheboygan      the area; not enough fish
                                       River system and its ameni-        being planted; need a variety
                                       ties.                              of species planted; limited
                                                                          dockage & facilities; area
                                                                          does not have a favorable
                                                                          fishing image.

                    Rogers City        Good fish stocking rate; deep      Slow two lane access road dur-
                                       water fishing near shore;          ing peak season; harbor-too-
                                       good harbor facilities; few        small for a good charter boat
                                       nets to navigate; good fish-       fishing business; not enough
                                       ing; good water quality;           lodging facilities; no over-
                                       friendly port; some tourist        night camper parking facili-
                                       attractions available; good        ties; no full service marine
                                       restaurants.                       repair facility.

                    Alpena             Good Brown Trout fishery;          No tourist attractions; poor
                                       friendly port; good shop-          salmon plants; far from deep
                                       ping; adequate motels;             water fishing; slow two lane
                                       good fishing; inexpensive          access road during peak sea-
                                       to stay in area; good res-         son; city government needs to
                                       taurants, marine repair            promote the area's fishing;
                                       facilities available; harbor       most camping and motel accom-
                                       close to downtown; sheltered       modations are distant from the
                                       harbor.                            harbor.

                    Harrisville        Good harbor; good fishing;         Need private camping  ;accommo-
                                       friendly community; state          dations; lacks land based
                                       park camping available;            radio during late hours; slow
                                       good charter boats; busi-          two lane access road during
                                       ness community now interested      peak season; not enough motel
                                       in providing needs of the          accommodations during peak
                                       anglers.                           fishing season; security
                                                                          lighting needed around bath
                                                                          house and beach area.

                                                           21

                   TABU 8. NORTHEAST LAKE HURON COASTAL COMMUNM ATTRIBUTES (continued)

                   Regional Comments:

                       Good overall water quality; need to promote the region's fishing tourna-
                   ments in the Midwest; need to assign promotion of fishing to a professional
                   organization and not have it tied to DNR; charter boat operators believe slip
                   rentals are too high; DNR needs to coordinate information on proven facility
                   designs (i.e. a fish cleaning station or dock e'xtension, etc.) within the
                   various divisions involved so that the information can be easily disseminated
                   to coastal communities; need better radio and newspaper coverage for Lake Huron
                   area specifically; need to conduct a spring and fall offshore fish locating
                   scan (similar to the scan done in July of this year off of Alcona County) at
                   the major ports so that fisherman will become involved in an expanded great
                   lakes fishing season.

                                                         22

                      Listed below are recommendations for the Northeast Lake Huron area  and
                  its coastal communities which this author believes would improve the regions
                  sport fishery resource.

                  1.  Coastal communities need to collect and preserve sport fishery informa-
                      tion from all sources and then pool this information to provide effective
                      area promotion. During this study it was generally found that historical
                      data concerning the sport fishery was either not available or could not
                      be produced without difficulty.

                  2.  The coastal communities should cooperatively develop a regional promo-
                      tional strategy to attract the sport fishing public into the area. The
                      NELH region is a unique area that needs to develop and promote its own
                      identity. One method that was suggested involved creating a "Triple
                      Crown" fishing tournament which ties together the regions three largest
                      tournaments; Harrisville's Lake Trout Festival, Alpena's Brown Trout
                      Derby; and Rogers City's Salmon Derby.

                  3.  Information on downstate and out of state visitors should be collected
                      from area launch sites, marinas, and fishing tournaments and then
                      reviewed to determine the best marketing areas and to determine what the
                      main intersts are of the fishermen and their families. Alpena's Chamber
                      of Commerce conducted a small study similar to this concept using infor-
                      mation from their 1986 fishing tournament.

                  4.  The coastal communities should explore potentials for private sector
                      involvement and public-private cooperation in developing sport fishery
                      shore facilities. Funding for many of the potential NELH projects (see
                      Table 7) will come from local sources in combination with Federal/State
                      funding from one or more of the following programs; 1) Michigan Natural
                      Resources Trust Fund - a State program which provide funding to help buy
                      land and develop recreation facilities; 2) Land and Water Conservation
                      Fund - a Federal program which provides funding for similar purposes as 1
                      above; 3) Waterways Program - a State program which provides funding to
                      construct harbor facilities and boat launching access sites; 4) Urban
                      Waterfront Recreation Program - a State program designed to help coastal
                      communities develop and redevelop their urban waterfronts for public
                      recreation use; 5) State Park Improvement Fund - State program that uses
                      revenue from State Park Motor Vehicle Permits to develop or refurbish
                      State Park facilities. Could have potential to develop launch facilities
                      at state parks along NELH shoreline; and 6) Coastal Management Program -
                      a joint Federal/State program which provides funding for planning recre-
                      ation/economic development opportunities. All NELH coastal communities
                      should contact the DNR's Recreation Services Division to obtain more
                      detailed information on these programs.

                  5.  Each community within the NELH region needs to develop its "Total
                      Attraction Package". In addition to the fishing "draw", communities need
                      to promote their unique scenic and geographical features and attractions.
                      Fishing alone, generally, will not support building a new motel or camp-
                      ground. Communities must promote a mix of things-to-do, so that tourists
                      (fishermen and their families) will be more likely to visit during the
                      off-peak fishing periods, as well as, during the on-peak periods.

                                                       23

                      In summary, the information, opinions, concerns and recommendations,
                  included in this report are meant to be shared and hopefully discussed among
                  and between community decision makers and other interested par,ties, so that
                  the sport fishery planning process for the Northeast Lake Huron Region may be
                  improved.

                                                        24

       I
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    I                     APPENDIX
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    I
    I

                             NORTHEAST LAKE HURON SPORTS FISHERY SHORE FACILITY STUDY

                              Sponsored by: Northeast Michigan Council of Governments

                            Return Questionnaire to:  Doug Hyde
                                                      N.E.M.C.O.G.
                                                      P.O. Box 457
                                                      Gaylord, MI 49735
                                                      Phone: (517) 732-3551

                            PLEASE RETURN THIS QUESTIONNAIRE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 7, 1987

                   Background Statement

                        The purpose of this study, which is made possible by a grant to NEMCOG
                   from the Coastal Management Program of the Michigan Department of Natural
                   Resources, is to estimate what the expected increase in sports fishing
                   activity will be for Northeast Lake Huron and to project what shore access
                   facilities may be required by the impacted coastal communities to adequately
                   accommodate the sports fishing public. This study includes the Lake Huron
                   coastal area within the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, and Presque
                   Isle.

                        The shore facilities being studied are the fishing access sites including
                   public marinas and boat launches, as well as private marinas and boat
                   launches that allow use by the general public.

                        This questionnaire has been prepared to obtain information from local
                   residents and users of the Northeast Lake Huron fishing access sites.    The
                   information and opinions that you supply are vital to this project. Should
                   you have any questions, please write or call NEMCOG at the above address and
                   phone number.                                c7r--                   @- --L -
                                                                                                - L

                   Please complete the following questions:

                   1. Where is your ermanent residence?
                                                                                               'G" 15
       From.;                               i@@ -Li@-,
                        City                                 State

                   2.   What is your involvement with the Northeast Lake Huron Fishing Access
                        Sites? Check all that apply.
                   dq   A.  Great Lakes Sports Angler
                        B.  Local Business Person
                        C.  Charter Boat Operator
                        D.  Local Government Official (County, Township  Municipal)
                        E.  Access Site Administrator
                        F. -DNR Personnel
                    -7 G.   Lake Huron Shoreline or Rivermouth Property Owner
                        H.- Other   Specify 92-j P 4Q]k:;, 111-115@ya   C, I
                                                                         I
                                                                        Z&7

                                                        25

                   3.   Following is a list of fishing access sites in the counties of Alcona,
                        Alpena, Presque Isle and Cheboygan. Please indicate which of the
                        site you have considerable knowledge about. Check all that apply.

                        Harrisville Marina                       Presque Isle Harbor Pier
                        Harrisville Boat Launch                  Presque Isle Harbor Boat   Launch
                        Black River Boat Launch                  Rogers City Yacht Harbor
                        Partridge Point Marina                   Rogers City Yacht Harbor   Boat
                        Partridge Point Marina  Boat              Launch
                         Launch                               /0 Hammond Bay Trading Post   Boat
                        Snug Harbor Boat Launch                   Launch (Ocqueoc River)
                    2/ Alpena Municipal Marina               Zy  Hammond Bay Refuge Harbor
                   = Alpena Municipal Marina     Boat        LZ  Hammond Bay Refuge Harbor Boat
                    T7-
                         Launch                                   Launch
                        Alpena North Park Boat Launch        /0  Cheboygan City Marina
                        Rockport Boat Launch                     Cheboygan County Marina Boat
                   _1,2-Mackinaw City Marina                      Launch
                        Mackinaw City Marina  Boat               Cheboygan Dam Boat Launch
                         Launch                                  Other: Specif
                                                                                 acc@ ;zi@;-               A,
                                                                      -acL e.  -6                    ajPA.U4-
                   4.   For any of the access sites you checked in 6uestion #3, please list
                        any concerns or deficiencies in their usefulness or in the services
                        provided at the sites. For example, a deficiency in usefulness might
                        be inadequate road signs that provide direction to the site or
                        shallow water depth at the site. Examples of a deficiency in
                        service might be no fish cleaning station or not enough docking
                        slips at a marina. Please list additional sites on back page.

                        A. Site Name
                            Deficiency
                        B.  Site Name                              62
                            Deficienc

                        C.  Site Name
                            Deficienc

                   5.   In your opinion, to  what degree has the number of sport fishing
                        anglers changed at the sites you are familiar with ... over the last
                        year... and over the last 4 years? Check appropriate lines.
                                                                     .Last 4 yrs.     1986-1987

                        A.  Decreased a Great Deal                                       q
                        B.  Decreased Somewhat
                        C.  Remained the Same
                        D.  increased Somewhat                            19
                        E.  Increased a Great Deal
                        F.  I do not know 0140 0WA;"'

                                                         26

                Currently, very little historical data is available regarding the usage
                patterns at Northeast Lake Huron Eishing Access Sites.

                6. Based on your experience and observations, do you anticipate that the
                    number of sport fishing boats using these access sites will increase
                    over the next 5 years?   EZ'Yes          No           'q;'WkO-C4
                I.
                    Please state your reasons why.

                    In your opinion, are additional access sites needed along the North-
                    east Lake Huron Shoreline?    36 Yes      J;L No    il 17c? aw-0 et),eA

                    If you have any sites in mind, please indicate where you believe the
                    sites are needed by listing the County, nearest Community, and the
                    name of the body of water where the site should be located, i.e. the
                    name of a bay, river, harbor, point, etc.

                           County               Community            Body of Water

                                                     7

                Periodically, access sites are modified by increasing the number of parking
                spaces, ramps, and marina slips or by adding services, such as a fish-
                cleaning station.

                8.  To your knowledge, are any capital improvements or additions being
                    planned by Eederal or State Agencies or a local community for the
                    fishing access sites in Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, or Presque Isle
                    counties?     z R Yes    _,)LN o  _15',no a Z4kW V7

                    If Yes, to the extent of your knowledge, please complete the chart
                    below.

                       Site Name           Responsible Agency         Planned Change

                                                     27

                     The reasons anglers choose or do not choose a particular community or loca-
                     tion to fish the Great Lakes, obviously, depends on many more factors than
                     just the quality of the fishing access sites.  Factors such as travel dis-
                     tance, fish species, boat repair facilitiesl overnight accommodations, water
                     quality, area geography, mix of businesses, tourist attractions and condition
                     of highways, etc., may all play a role in the decision-making process.
                     9.1 Based on your knowledge of individual Northeast Lake Huron coastal
                         communities, please list the main attributes which you believe
                       i enhance that community's ability to draw the sport fishing public
                         into their area.

                                 Community                    Attributes

                                                       _7
                                            7

                     10. With reference to Question 9, please list the major factors which you
                         believe have inhibited a community's ability to draw the sport fishing
                         public into the area.

                               Community                       Factors

                                   SZE       A

                     If you have any additional comments, please provide them in the space
                     below:

                     Thank you for your time and valuable information.

                                                       28

                   The reasons anglers choose or do not cho ose a particular community or loca-
                   tion to fish the Great Lakes, obviously, depends on many more factors than
                   just the quality of the f ishing access sites. Factors such as travel dis-
                   tance, fish species, boat repair facilities, overnight accommodations, water
                   quality, area geography, mix of businesses, tourist attractions and condition
                   of highways, etc., may all play a role in the decision-making process.

                   9. Based on your knowledge of individual Northeast Lake Huron coastal
                       communities, please list the main attributes which you believe
                       enhance that community's ability to draw the sport fishing public
                       into their area.

                               Community                   Attributes

                   10. With reference to Question 9, please list the major factors which you
                       believe have inhibited a community's ability to draw the sport fishing
                       public into the area.

                             Community                       Factors

                                           A--

                   If you have any additional comments, please provide them in the space
                   below:

                   Thank you for your time and valuable information.

                                                        29

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