7846

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7846
• Author: American River Management Society
• Title: Editor
• USFW Year: Series
• USFW - Doc Type: 1994
• Copyright Material: NO

49

- limits of acceptable change;
- planning and study requirements, including state laws;
- time engineering and management;

· developing a uniform set of standards and guidelines;

· selection of a standardized GIS system for all plans and studies;

· contracted with Ohio State University for "videography:"
- $ 58,000 for just under 1,000 miles of river corridor;
- enhanced aerial photography of river corridors;
- 3/4 mile wide corridor @ 5000' elevation;
- experiment with differing focal lengths and angles;
- enhanced optical discs and geographic index;
- digitize and mapping of river corridors;
- software, equipment loan and training;

· drafted procedure for Section 7 reviews:
- integrates Michigan's computerized regulatory program, including administration of Section
404 permitting;
- developing "desk reference" for all affected offices;

· developed public information strategy;
- slide/tape program for each offIce;
- large portable display for each offIce;
- Flowin~ Waters news letter - 10,000 distribution;

· developed nomination package for Congressional study committees:
- contacted some 4,000 citizens, organizations and local governments in recruitment effort;
- evaluated, coordinated and forwarded nominations to Secretary of Agriculture;
- 198 nominations, representing various categories
- timber, local government, sporting/environmental, general citizen,
property owner, USFS and DNR; and,

· developed training program and notebooks for the 11 study committees.

While the law commits the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to an active leadership role, no federal
monies have been provided. However, training and travel costs for state members of the MIST team are being
provided by the Michigan national forests.

In plan development and Congressional river studies, the major strategy will be to examine how the state and
federal programs, along with those of local government and the private sector, can work. concurrently and in
combination, to complement each other and provide the best possible protection package for Michigan's unique
riverine resources. In fact, most knowledgeable observers (including many in the Forest Service and members of
Congress), are viewing Michigan's Natural Rivers Act as perhaps the best tool to achieve the desired results.

This is the challenge facing the MIST team and others of us committed to protection of Michigan's outstanding
rivers, and one we enthusiastically embrace. The Michigan Scenic Rivers Act of 1991, along with the joint
commitment of the Forest Service and the states of Michigan and Wisconsin, provides an excellent opportunity
for this to occur. And I'm confidant that, with active citizen input and support, we will be successful in
protecting these fine examples of Michigan's outstanding stream systems for the use and enjoyment of this
nation's citizens, both today and in the future.

Rivers Without Boundaries 1994