Program Contact: Scott Koproski ( Scott_Koproski@fws.gov )

Background

Federal-Tribal trust responsibilities and implementation of tribal self-governance have been identified as priorities for all Department of Interior (DOI) bureaus. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) provides technical assistance and support for federally recognized tribes in Michigan through the Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (Alpena FWCO). Great Lakes fishery resources are important to the culture of native peoples for food and spiritual purposes. Because of the linkage, the Service views its trust responsibilities to the Great Lakes fishery resources and the tribal governments as one in the same. read more >

Recent Activities

New! Alpena FWCO Repairs Gillnets

During the winter and spring months, Fishery Biologists Adam Kowalski and Scott Koproski mended approximately 13,000 ft of assessment gillnet. These nets consist of 100 ft panels of 2” to 6” stretch mesh strung in 1/2” increments and are used by Alpena FWCO for the annual fishery independent lake whitefish assessment in 1836 Treaty waters. Mending consists of inspecting every net for holes, broken floats, and broken ties. Holes are repaired by either sewing in new twine across gaps or by replacing large holes with new sections of net. If nets are damaged beyond repair, replacement nets are built. read more >

New! Aging Work Completed for 2008 Lake Whitefish and Lake Trout Surveys

During the month of January 2009, Fishery Biologists Scott Koproski and Adam Kowalski finished aging samples collected during the 2008 fishery independent lake whitefish and fall lake trout spawning surveys. As a signatory of the 2000 Consent Decree, the Service is responsible for working with State and Tribal agencies to establish safe harvest limits of lake whitefish and lake trout in 1836 Treaty waters. Alpena FWCO fulfills the Service’s responsibilities in northern Lake Huron by assessing lake whitefish and lake trout populations in two management units: WFH-04 and WFH-05. The study sampling design was established by the Modeling Subcommittee (MSC) of the Technical Fisheries Committee (TFC). The MSC uses data collected from each management unit to establish safe harvest limits using catch-at-age models. read more >

Resource Materials

2000 Consent Decree - View the Consent Decree

Treaty Fishery Assistance Poster Presentation (pdf - 163 Kb)

Useful Websites

USFWS Native American Liasion Website - http://nativeamerican.fws.gov/

USFWS Midwest Region Tribal Grants Website - http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Tribal/

Bureau of Indian Affairs Website - http://www.doi.gov/bia/

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