July 26, 2002
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is recruiting citizens to assist DNR Conservation Officers in monitoring the fall salmon runs on the Manistee River near Tippy Dam.
"We are asking all citizens who have an interest in protecting our salmon fishery to take our brief training course, then work in teams near the dam during peak periods, especially the last two weekends in September and the first two weekends in October," said Sgt. Nick Heary, DNR Law Enforcement Division.
Citizen volunteers have successfully assisted conservation officers to help deter illegal activity in other areas of the state, and the Tippy Dam effort is organized to reduce illegal activities such as snagging, improperly hooked fish and other violations.
?The Riverwatch Program provides a good, visible presence on the river, and especially at the Dam, where fish tend to congregate,? Heary said. ?We are certain it deterred some less-than-ethical activity.?
The mandatory training session will be held Saturday Aug. 24, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Manistee Regional Math and Science Center, 1070 Nursery Road, Wellston. Heary said the average shift is four hours, so many volunteers will be needed to fill all the scheduled slots.
To register for a training session and for more information, contact the Cadillac DNR Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727.
