The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service(Service), in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), invites the public to review and comment on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed Au Sable River Headwaters habitat restoration project near Grayling, Mich., in Crawford County. The draft EA evaluates several alternatives, including the proposed alternative of providing stream habitat restoration through targeted placement of large woody debris, and the removal of excess sediment at selected river reaches using sand/sediment traps.
The DNR has determined that there is a need to restore and enhance cold-water riverine habitats and populations of aquatic organisms of the Au Sable River Headwaters to improve cold-water riverine communities and ecological function. The purpose of the project is to restore channel roughness and diversity, and promote healthy stream ecosystem function.
The proposed alternative that would address this need involves; 1) the addition of large woody debris (primarily whole trees) in selected river reaches to provide instream habitat, and, 2) removal of excess sand/sediment at selected sites to restore spawning, nursery and rearing habitat in stream reaches where excesses are attributable to human activities, or where critical spawning habitat requires attention. The two other alternatives considered are the "No Action" alternative and an alternative where habitat improvement is accomplished through the construction of structures such as overhead log/sod structures, sunken log rafts, and artificial islands.
The EA was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which applies to the actions of all federal agencies. This project is proposed by the DNR for funding through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration (Dingell-Johnson) Act, administered by the Service.
Copies of the draft EA are available at the Gaylord DNR Operations Service Center, 1732 M32 West, Gaylord, MI 49735 (telephone 989-732-3541); and from Ms. Deborah Feldpausch, DNR Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 30446, Lansing, MI 48909 (telephone 517-373-3375). Written comments should be sent to Mr. Steven Sendek, (tel. 989-348-6371 ext. 7477) at Michigan DNR, 1955 N I75 (Business Loop), Grayling, MI 49738; via email to sendeks@state.mi.us; or via fax to 989-348-8825. Comments on the proposed habitat enhancement efforts are welcome and should be submitted in writing. Comments should be received by Mr. Sendek not later than March 7, 2002.
