Projects
Here's just a few projects we are currently working on…
Restoring the Trout River, Rogers City
With the help of one of our community partners, Huron Pines, we have started the planning process of restoring the Trout River to it’s natural state within our Herman Vogler Conservation Area.
Urban Forestry Project, Rogers City & Onaway
With generous funding provided by the Michigan DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Program, the Conservation District has been working on a project called “Reinvigorating Northeast Michigan’s Urban Tree Canopy. We have partnered with the City of Rogers City, the City of Onaway, and Huron Pines to make this effort possible.
Northeast Michigan’s urban tree canopies are suffering due to climate change, invasive species, and strapped budgets. Through this urban forestry effort we are working to protect water resources, reduce heat stress, and buffer against sever storms by planting a diverse mix of 100 trees in Onaway and 100 trees in Rogers City. Additionally, we are removing 50 declining and potentially hazardous trees in Rogers City and providing training on best tree establishment and pruning practices to local Departments of Public Works.
If you are interested in getting involved with planting and caring for trees in our urban landscapes, please contact us!
Herman Vogler Conservation Area Trails
The Presque Isle Conservation District proudly stewards the Herman Vogler Conservation Area (HVCA). Management has been largely hands-off for many years, however aging infrastructure and new interests have led to this current trail-improvement project.
The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and Rogers City Department of Public Works made possible a new segment of puncheon adjacent to the upper reaches of the Trout River within HVCA. This new puncheon hikers’ feet dry and protects wetland areas by elevating the walking surface using on-site-harvested cedar mud sill logs to allow natural water flow avoid soil compaction.
Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co-op’s Communities First Fund has contributed important funds to buy materials for expanded trails and trails rerouted out of wetland areas to minimize wetland impacts.