Contact: Renee’ Ihlenfeldt
231-723-4325
renee@allianceforeconomicsuccess.com
GREAT LAKES FISHERY TRUST GRANT TO SUPPORT FISHING ACCESS IN MANISTEE COUNTY
ANNOUNCED BY ALLIANCE FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS
Manistee, Michigan – Manistee County’s robust reputation as a mecca for recreational sport anglers got a whopper of a shot in the arm today with the announcement by the Alliance for Economic Success of a $289,450 grant from the Great Lakes Fishery Trust to build two fishing piers on Manistee Lake.
Under the grant, new recreational fishing piers featuring universal access will be constructed and installed in 2008 near two sites on Manistee Lake: the Arthur Street boat launch in the City of Manistee that is near the mouth of the Big Manistee River and the Stronach boat launch in Stronach township, operated and maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), that is close to the mouth of the Little Manistee River. Both piers will accommodate about 20 anglers, providing access to some of the finest fishing in the Great Lakes basin for salmon and trout and other fish species.
The mission of the Great Lakes Fishery Trust is to provide funding to enhance, protect and rehabilitate Great Lakes fishery resources and to compensate for lost use and enjoyment caused by the operation of the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant. The Trust funds projects in the areas of fishing access, stewardship and research and also makes grants for special projects.
“Any salmon or steelhead bound for the Big Manistee or Little Manistee Rivers must migrate through Manistee Lake,” said MDNR Fisheries Management Biologist Mark Tonello. “At times, fishing for salmon and steelhead in Manistee Lake is phenomenal. We wholeheartedly support this effort.”
The grant was authored by Laura Heintzelman as part of a cooperative effort between the Alliance for Economic Success and the Manistee County Community Foundation to seek financial resources to implement Envision Manistee County, a 16-month county-wide visioning initiative involving over 700 people. The visioning initiative, as well as two independent surveys, identified recreational fishing access as a high priority to meet the county’s economic development and recreational goals.
Funding at both locations will be used to build the fishing piers, enhance walkways and parking and providing directional and educational signage. The grant also authorized $10,000 for planning to develop additional universal access projects to the Great Lakes fishery in Manistee County, complimenting a recent $20,000 grant from Michigan Easter Seals to the Manistee County Community Foundation to make the County a worldwide destination for universal access to lakes, streams, rivers and other fresh water resources.
“Universal access was a clear priority that emerged from our recent strategic planning process. The construction of a universally accessible fishing pier on Manistee Lake is a great addition for all who come and enjoy this phenomenal natural resource,” said Manistee City Manager Mitch Deisch.
Supporters of the grant application included: United States Senator Carl Levin, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division; the City of Manistee; the Manistee County Planning Commission; Michigan Charter Boat Association membership; Manistee Sport Fishing Association membership; Manistee resident Richard Knechtges; Easter Seals of Michigan, Inc.; and the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. The grant will be managed by the Alliance for Economic Success.
“This was another great example of how we can work together to bring new resources to Manistee County to support our economic well-being and quality of life,” said Renee’ Ihlenfeldt, Executive Director of the Alliance for Economic Success. “The combination of Lake Michigan, Manistee Lake, and the Big and Little Manistee Rivers are natural assets that are universally unique to Manistee County. This grant from the Great Lakes Fishery Trust enables us to more fully leverage these assets to provide countless opportunities for recreational angling, which is a mainstay of our economy and a vital part of the Manistee County legacy.”