HIAWATHA NATURE AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY REPORT
The Hiawatha Nature and Historical Society is ready to put their exciting, interesting, and fun Summer plans into action.
On June 25th we will open both museums starting at 9:00 a.m. It takes lots of hands to get the HSC Museum and The Naomi Children’s Museum unpacked and ready for all HSC members and guests to enjoy this summer. Please put June 25th on your calendars and plan an hour or two that morning to come and help. Both museums will be open this summer on Sundays from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (an hour later than previous years) beginning June 29th.
Hiking trail maintenance begins June 30th. It’s experiencing the wonders and beauty of HSC at its best, being first on the hiking trails! A Bird Hike, the first hike of the season, is July 2nd. The first evening program, one of four, will be July 9th. Please check the “HNHS 2008 PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES” AND “HNHS EVENING PROGRAMS 2008” elsewhere in your Council Fire and come join in the fun and experience the natural beauty, history, and stewardship of HSC.
Those of you who so kindly offered various 1930s furnishings for the interior of the 1931 Club Cabin replica, please bring them with you when you come. Many thanks to those of you who have previously given your items. As soon as the snow melts plans to complete the interior of the construction of the replica will begin.
The Historian Committee has been busy working on the beautiful President’s Book, donated to the Museum by Mary and Bill Yost. Muriel Eifler, Ann Elms, and I have been tracing down information and pictures of HSC Past Presidents for this Book. There are some for whom we need more information and many are without portrait pictures. Please refer to “NEEDED INFORMATION AND PORTRAIT PICTURES OF HSC PAST PREDIDENTS’ elsewhere in the Council fire for the names. Hopefully you will know those listed. If so please contact Muriel Eifler at 477-6174 or me at 477-6730 or send it to the HSC Office in care of the HSC Museum.
I anyone has any ideas for the 2009 Dedication and Celebration of the new Museum Storage Building built in 2006 and the 1931 Club Cabin replica built in 2007, please contact any of our Officers listed under COMMITTEE STRUCTURE in your Council Fire on the last page or me.
We appreciate your input, help and your kind donations very much! We look forward to seeing all HSC members enjoying all of HNHS’s organized summer fun: children’s activities and crafts at The Naomi Children’s Museum, the exhibits and programs at the HSC Museum, plus hikes, picnics, a corn roast, and evening programs.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Ann Glascock
HNHS President
906-477-6730
ART REPORT
ART AND HOBBY SHOW 2008
Dates
Registration/set up; Friday August 1st
Show: Saturday August 2nd
Show: Sunday August 3rd
Eligibility
Any H.S.C. members’ family; which includes spouses, minor
children, great grandchildren, adults and in-laws. As so stated
in the H.S.C. Art Club minutes July 17, 2007.
Exhibition
All areas of Arts and Hobbies which may include painting,
drawing, jewelry, carving, collections, photography,
needle, textile and fiber Arts.
Demonstrations
If you have a special hobby we encourage your to demonstrate.
Share with us your talent.
Featured exhibitors 2008
Kay Graham (oil and acrylic painting) and Jim Rutledge (wood
carving).
Art Show Co-Chair Persons
Vi Wash (Thank You Vi) still needed co-chair #2.
Art Show Article
To learn more about your 2008 Featured Exhibitors Kay Graham
And Jim Rutledge refer to The Council Fire article “NATURE
EXPRESSED through ART.”
Respectfully submitted
Francie Dittrich, President
For more information or to volunteer for the position of Art
Show Co-Chair please contact Francie (517) 339-9671 before
May 19 or (906) 477-6755 after May 19.
TRAP RANGE REPORT
2008 TRAP RANGE SCHEDULE is as follows:
Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 3rd thru August 26th.
Sundays 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. July 6th thru August 31st.
2008 Turkey and Championship Shoot
Along with the Turkey and Championship Shoot we will have the second annual Eastern U.P. Trap Championship, which includes non-members of the eastern U.P. Due to the increased participation from the ladies, awards will also be available in a women’s division. This shoot will be held on July 12th, starting at 10:00 a.m. This early time will allow for more turkey shooters and more shooters for the championship shoots. Water and soda will be available for sale.
Amateur training will be upon request; the same for special groups and families for opening the trap, other than regularly scheduled shoots. Please contact Dennis Goerke at 477-1150 to schedule times and dates. 12 gauge shells are available at market price.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dennis D. Goerke, Chairman
TAX, LEGAL AND AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
TAXES:
Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club’s Winter Property Taxes in Mackinac County in the amount of $137,861.73 were timely paid to Garfield Township.
LEGAL:
No Report.
AUDIT:
The Audit Team from Smolinski and Christman, P.C. will be on the premises starting on April 21, 2008 to perform the Annual Audit of the Club.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward Middleton, Chairman
GARFIELD/MILLECOQUIN LAKE IMPORVEMENT REPORT
The Garfield / Millecoquins Lake Improvement Committee has received two bids for harvesting approximately 100 acres of aquatic plants in a north south "recreation lane" in the Millecoquins Lake. The purpose of the project is to assess the impact of the use of a weed harvester to provide improved recreational opportunities on this lake. We are also seeking approval from the township board along with a permit from the DNR.
We hope funding for the project can come from funds paid to the club through the carbon offset program.
A special thank you is due to John MacFarland for his time and efforts given to obtaining the bids.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Rutledge and Jim Hayes, Co-Chairmen
Garfield – Millecoquins Lake Improvement Committee
PROGRAM REPORT
Annual Dinner Dance:
Preparations for the HSC Annual Dinner Dance on June 28, 2008 are in progress. Committee members met with Ethel from the Beary Patch in January to plan the menu and the always popular band "Best Friends" will be playing the dance tunes.
The Theme this year is "A Sportsman's Paradise". The decorations will reflect the many activities and outdoor sports this great Hiawatha Club offers. Those attending the event are encouraged to arrive dressed for their favorite 'Club' activities.
Horace Waters Fly-Fishing School
The Horace Waters Fly-fishing School will be held on Friday, July 11, 2008 at the Activity Building from 10 to 3 o'clock. There is no cost for this event and we even provide lunch. All fishing equipment is furnished or you may bring your own.
Participants need to sign up at the club office by July 9. HSC members who would like to volunteer as instructors may contact Jim or Lynda Rutledge at 477-0035
Respectfully Submitted,
Lynda Rutledge
NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT
The revised forest type map and the revised aspen policy have been posted on the website, www.hiawatha.com.
The status of timbering on the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club is as follows:
2-01 Polegate winter aspen modified clear cut of 7 acres is finished.
2-01 Polegate winter aspen modified clear cut of 4 acres is finished.
2-01 Polegate winter aspen modified clear cut of 45 acres and 1,500 cords finished.
2-04 H-40 winter aspen Modified clear cut of 28 acres and 580 cords is finished.
3-04 F Trail aspen modified clear cut is on hold.
7-04 Peterson hardwood thinning of 85 acres and 950 cords will be finished in summer 2008.
2-05 Section 13 sale of 23 acres thinned is planned.
2-05 Section 13 modified clear cut of 15 acres is planned.
8-06 Pershinske aspen is on hold.
1-07 West of Polegate modified clear cut of 45 acres is finished.
1-07 West of Polegate thinning of 8 acres and 1,530 cords is finished.
2-08 A-B aspen modified clear cut of 51 acres and 1,100 cords is started.
3-08 Section 27 aspen modified clear cut of 51 acres and 1,00 cords is started.
Note: 800 acres+ are still at risk for Jack Pine Budworm Disease.
We had our meeting Tuesday, April 15 to discuss the HSC/Newpage contract and negotiate new stumpage prices. We negotiated a 5% increase in the aspen pulpwood price and a 6% increase in the hardwood pulpwood price. Logs were mostly the same with a decrease in pine logs and an increase in birch logs.
Respectfully submitted
Dan Crandall
FISH REPORT
We had planned to work with Lake Superior State University
in mid April to finish up trap netting in Cranberry Lake. This had to be postponed due to ice conditions. LSSU is in the process of putting together a crew to do netting after school is out in early May.
The purpose of netting Cranberry is to provide data to LSSU and the club to help in planning future plants. We still plan to net bullheads from Pullup Lake. Exact dates of this project will depend on when LSSU finishes. Volunteers are welcome and would be appreciated.
We plan to increase access to club fishing by installing five new fishing docks on club ponds. We plan to put two at the QGM pond, two at Three Mile Pond, and one more at Cold Creek Pond. Also, you will be seeing our new HSC fishing surveys available
at numerous fishing sites and at the club office. Anyone eligible to fish club waters can turn one in each month starting In May and ending the end of September. You can include the last week of April in May’s survey. There is no limit on how many times you can win; the prize is $50.00 cash each month. The data will be analyzed by the club and LSSU to help us decide what fish to plant and where.
We piloted a fishing report this winter that was posted in the club office and on our web site. It was well received by our members. It would be nice if it could be continued during the spring and summer.
We need more volunteers who would be willing to share information
for this to continue. If interested please contact me at (989) 413-1598
The Michigan D.N.R. was contacted this winter to see if they would establish a VHS boat disinfecting station for boats launched at the public launch on Lake Millecoquin. The D.N.R. is working on a permit for this and will let us know when this is done. VHS is still a threat but has not moved as fast as was once projected. The only inland lake that has been found to be infected is Budd Lake in Clare County.
The state has divided the state into three areas of concern, our area falls into the one labeled VHSv Surveillance Management Area. We consulted two senior fish biologists from the D.N.R. as well as an independent fish biologist from Lake Superior State University concerning the new state regulations. All three had positive comments on the new regulations. The Fish, Game, and Fowl Committee has made recommendations to make changes to four of our fishing regulations to continue to protect club waters. They will be discussed later in the meeting.
“The fish planting schedule for 2008 is available at the club office. The first plant is scheduled for April 24, 2008, weather permitting.”
Respectfully Submitted:
John MacFarland
Co-chair Fish, Game, and Fowl Committee
GAME AND FOWL REPORT
At the last two Fish, Game and Fowl Committee meetings held February 16th and March 29th 2008 our committee members covered and planned for some important projects, both long term and short term in scope. All of these plans are designed to benefit our Club Members; more importantly, some of these projects are designed to benefit the wildlife that inhabit the Club. Imagine if you will for a moment what our Club would be like if we were not good stewards of the land. Imagine what the Club would be like if all the creatures that lived here vanished. Imagine! Wildlife is part of the glue that bonds this great Club together, and without it I believe our Club would have difficulty surviving. Today, we are at a crossroads in wildlife conservation that will require the support of our Members, of our Finance Committee, and of our Governors.
As many of you know the forest over time changes, and when changes occur in the forest, changes can occur in wildlife populations. Club Forester Gerald Grossman attended the February 16, 2008 Fish, Game and Fowl Committee Meeting and gave a brief recap on HSC forest ecology. Gerald pointed out that the forest is much different than it was in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Many of the open grass lands that once appeared on the Club have filled in with trees; this over time has reduced grazing areas for the deer. Gerald also pointed out that currently the forest has a good amount of browse available for deer and other wildlife; and in the next three to four years we will see maximum browse at the Club. On the negative side; beech trees and their nuts will be gone within five years due to disease and harvest. All of us need to remember that the beech nut crop is a huge food source on the Club which many of our creatures depend on; and it’s about to disappear. Gerald also pointed out that our timber harvest is about to level out on HSC with fewer peaks and valleys; and that the aspen harvest will remain high for a while. Young regenerated aspen is another source of food for our wildlife.
Club Wildlife Biologist Jim Hammill also spoke to us at the February 16th meeting. Whenever we ask Jim what is the single biggest thing we can do as a Club to enhance or help our deer herd; Jim will always answer, “develop more food plots as it is the single biggest thing you can do to enhance your whitetail deer development at HSC.” Jim pointed out that we need a balanced sustainable forest which combines browse with food plots, designed to benefit whitetails in the following order. Food plots are for grazing, and deer need these first and foremost in order to get to maximum physical condition in an 8 month period.
Food plots and grazing will provide the optimum nutrition needed to carry the whitetails through the winter. Browse is a secondary food during the leaf off period; December through March. Browse is much lower in nutritional value and is classified more as a sustainable food for the deer. As I stated earlier, Jim has suggested that we continue to develop more food plots. He recommends that we target for 350 acres in food plots spread out on the HSC with the largest plots located in the center of the Club. It is also recommended that the Club continue to develop new logging trails into food plots where possible. Jim also warned us that this is no small undertaking as this idea equates to that of managing a large farm. We currently have about 130 acres of food plots established at HSC and adding another 220 acres will require a detailed plan, commitment, and resources.
At the February 16th meeting the FG&F Committee Members all agreed; this is a worthy cause. All members are committed to helping with food plot development and moving forward with a plan to achieve a goal that will enhance our wildlife, give back to the land, and add value to our membership. I have asked DeWayne Evans who heads up our food plot program and Wildlife Biologist Jim Hammill to put together a 10 year plan for food plot development which takes into consideration operating expenses, capital expenses, volunteer hours and action plans. Both have agreed to do this and I am happy to report that the plan is complete. It was covered with the Fish, Game and Fowl Committee Members at our March 29th meeting. After reviewing the plan the Fish, Game and Fowl Committee made a motion to have DeWayne Evans, and Jim Hammill present the proposed program to the Finance Committee for further input and consideration. Once we have the Finance Committees input and support, the Fish,
Game and Fowl Committee will meet again in May to address any concerns. I will be asking Jim Hammill and DeWayne Evans to make a formal presentation to the Governors and to the HSC Membership at the June and July Meetings.
I invite and encourage all Club Members to get involved with our current food plot program; it is a very rewarding experience to be able to look back at the fruits of your labor and see the wildlife enjoying the fields that you have prepared for them. Thank you for all of your past support; and we look forward to your future support!
Respectfully Submitted,
Walt Dark, Co-chairman Fish, Game and Fowl Committee
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
Present Status to 2008 Financial Budget
Following is a summary of the March 31, 2008 year to date actual revenues and expenses versus the 2008 financial budget.
Actual Budget
Revenues $860,158 $828,557
Expenses $202,496 $262,356
Net Income $657,662 $566,201
The $31,601 excess of revenue over budget is primarily made up of timber income ($30,362).
The Expenses are under budget by $59,760. This is comprised of insurance ($33,214 to be paid in May) and other expenses that will occur later in the year.
Net Income for the year is progressing according to plan.
Present Status of 2008 Capital Budget
Our Capital Plan for 2008 is $97,000. As of 3/31/08, we have purchased a snowmobile for $8,630.
Investment Status
Our Cash and Investments as of March 31, 2008 totaled $1,142,805. Our “Reserve” Accounts for Contingencies, Club Development and Memorials total $651,489. Therefore they are properly supported by our cash and investments.
The auditors will be arriving April 21, 2008 for our 2007 audit.
Respectfully Submitted,
Loyal Eldridge, Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair
GOLF REPORT
DATES FOR LEAGUE PLAY ARE AS FOLLOWS:
LADIES LEAGUE starts Thursday, June 12th, at 9:00 A.M.
MEN’S MORNING LEAGUE starts Tuesday, June 10th, at 8:30 A.M.
Sign up sheet at Pro Shop and Club Office, or contact Mike McElroy or John Streeter.
MEN’S EVENING LEAGUE starts Wednesday, June 11th, at 5:00 P.M. Golf Course will be closed at 4:00 P.M. Last years players will be contacted, others interested, sign up sheet will be at Pro Shop or Club Office.
DATES FOR THE TOURNMENTS FOR 2008 SEASON ARE AS FOLLOWS:
FIREWORKS FUND RAISER TOURNAMENT: Thursday, July 17th at 1:00 P.M.
HSC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP: Thursday, July 31st at 1:00 P.M.
M M & R TOURNAMENT: Thursday, August 14th at 1:00 P.M.
ENGADINE HIGH SCHOOL GOLF TEAM FUND RAISER: August 21st or September 6th. (Check Activity Sheet for exact date)
Respectfully submitted
Lowell Rice, Chairman
Golf Committee
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT
Transfers completed as of 4-14-08 10
Transfers in process 14
Dues and CF Billed for 2008 $739,615.00
Dues and CF Paid as of 4-15-08 $678,526.00
Dues and CF Owed as of 4-15-08 $ 61,089.00
Dues, CF & Penalty owed for 2007 $ 680.00
One Member with 3rd Tier lot is under repossession for 2007
1
One Member has Cabin on First Tier Lot
One Member has two First Tier Lots
One Member has one Third tier Lot
Total Memberships 1724
1st Tier 786
2nd Tier 214
3rd Tier 724
Total Members 1162
Under New Business – Proposal of Single Member Sponsorship and three References.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kevin Floria, Chairman
Membership Committee
GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Grievance Committee is pleased to report there are no grievances at this time. There have been no grievances filed so far in 2008. Hopefully 2008 can be a grievance free year.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Wileman, Chairman
Grievance Committee
BUILDING, HOUSE & GROUNDS REPORT
First I would like to thank the many volunteers, committee members and HSC staff for all the time and hard work. Without their efforts we would never be able t make many of the improvements that we enjoy.
To list some of the improvements that have been completed or are very near completion:
The Recreation Center
U.S.2 Entrance
Drown Cabin Replica
Rowe Memorial
Electrical Upgrade and Microwaves in the Rental Cabins
Plus, many other projects by volunteers, too numerous to name.
2008 continues to bring in ideas and projects for volunteers and the HSC staff.
Some of the projects on the busy schedule for 2008 are:
Cranberry Lodge: stain, repairs, and corrosion protection.
Roofs on the second group of cabins are scheduled for June 2nd.
Budget and Design for new cabins at the fourth group.
Repair the Trap Range.
Dock at the Old Launch Site.
Dock at Boat Slips at Recreation Center.
Dump Stations at the Camp Ground.
Beaver House Trail Improvements.
The 2008 Cabin Specials have been posted along with a change for check-in time. The new check-in time will be 4:00 P.M.
Under New Business I will be making a motion to lease the Hooker House.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kurt Larson, Chairman
BH&G Committee
MANAGER’S REPORT
Winter just doesn’t want to let go of its grip on the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club this year with snow still littering the landscape and preventing our maintenance crew from getting started on several of the projects that we have on our agenda.
The long cold winter was great for outdoor recreation and we had snowmobiles on the club nearly a month later than last year but it was a very difficult season for wildlife and in particular, our Whitetail Deer. The winter severity index was very similar to 1996-97. During this winter we had significant die off. We are hoping that with the smaller herd, it will not be impacted as greatly but it was a very long and cold winter and fawn production will most likely be impacted.
Several projects are planned at the golf course to improve our course. We are going to expand our cart storage in to the old pro shop, rework the sand traps and repair the cart paths along with several smaller items that have been identified by the Golf Committee. Now that winter is finally leaving we can get busy getting the course in shape for our busy summer.
We also have a list of improvements that have been requested by the Fish, Game and Fowl Committee. We are going to install new docks at the QGMU Pond and Three Mile Pond. These docks are being added to give better access to the fishing opportunities at these locations. We are also going to replace the dock at the spillway of Cold Creek to accommodate wheelchairs.
We have wireless DSL at the Recreation Building. Anyone wishing to get online can simply take their laptop with them to the Recreation Building and log on thru the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club wireless router. There are no passwords required and a nearly unlimited number of people should be able to use it at the same time.
We are going to install a dump station at the campground this spring. This will allow campers to empty their tanks during their stay or before departing. Prior to us installing it, campers would have to go to Newberry to empty their holding tanks or return home to find a dump station near their home.
With the showers and laundry faculties at the Rec. Building, this should make HSC a very convenient location for our camping members to vacation.
The boat launch that was installed beside the Recreation Building has not been very accommodating. The fact that it is a shallow launch has limited many of the boats from being able to use it. There has always been a need from members that do not own property on Lake Millecoquins to be able to keep boats on the Lake. Therefore, we are going to convert the boat launch to a slip pier for member use and Club use. Our two rental boats will be kept there and the remaining slips will be available for members to keep their boat there for their personal use. We are going to start out with no fees and no limit to how long a member may leave their boat docked there until we can determine what the actual demand is going to be. Hopefully this will be just one more way that our members can enjoy our Club.
We have hired a new Pro shop Manager. We had several good applicants but Vicky Huyck from Moran was selected and has begun the daunting task of getting everything ready for our spring opening. Mrs. Huyck was employed at another local course and has a background in marketing and merchandising. She has taken over our purchasing for the pro shop and I think that we will all be very pleased with her efforts.
Sincerely submitted,
Lester Livermore, Manager
