Summary of Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Conservation

MUSKEGON RIVER – A joint presentation was made by Dr. Bryan Burroughs, Executive Director of Michigan Trout Unlimited and Marty Holtgren on data that has been assembled from temperature loggers that recorded data for the summer months for four years from 2018-2021. They explained how temperature scoring is evaluated for this data. This information is being evaluated for future use in determining possible ways to move forward in advancing decisions from everything from fish stocking to structure placement.

ROGUE RIVER – The Kent County Drain Commissioner is interested in discussing work that could be done to make Nash Creek, a tributary of the Rogue River, a viable Trout stream.

COLDWATER RIVER – A presentation was made for a shovel-ready project to plant 23, 6-10 foot trees and 150, 3-5 foot scrubs along the banks of the Pratt Lake Drain, a tributary of the Coldwater River. The property owner, the Swanson Family Farm, has given us permission to complete these plantings.

This would be a financial joint venture between the Coldwater River Watershed Council and Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited. This project was given the green light via a motion that was passed by the board. Schrems will be providing $5,500 and the Watershed Council $2,500 toward the completion of this project.

Board Membership

Jeff Edwards, previous board member and past president of our chapter, has been appointed to fill a vacant board seat, previously held by Fred Wicht.

Upcoming Events

LAKESHORE SCHREMS EVENT – On Thursday, April 13, 2023, the chapter will host a gathering of chapter members and friends at the North Grove Brewery in Montague. Our special guest will be Michigan Trout Unlimited Executive Director Bryan Burroughs.

YOUTH CAMP – Schrems would like to sponsor a couple of youths between 12 and 16 years old for the annual Trout Youth Camp on June 22-26, 2023, in Roscommon. Please get in touch with us if you have a candidate for this great experience.

Women on the Water: There are still openings available for this event for women at the Pere Marquette River Lodge in Baldwin May 12-14, 2023. Any women who are interested, please check the Schrems website.

Fly Fishing Film Tour: The tour will be making a stop at the Wealthy Theatre for one show at 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

Wa Wa Sum weekend – this year’s dates are Thursday, June 22 -Monday, June 26, 2023. We have added a fourth night, Sunday night, for those interested in an extended stay. Get registration info here.

Cast n Blast – Our annual event, partnered with the Ruffed Grouse Society, will be Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the Kent County Conservation League. Details should be available on our website shortly.

2024 ANNUAL FUNDRAISING BANQUET – The date has been set for our next fundraising banquet to be held Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the Watermark Country Club in Grand Rapids.