letter of support

Kalamazoo River Sturgeon for Tomorrow


September 25, 2015

Mr. Todd Parker
Delta Institute
35 E. Wacker Blvd. Ste. 1200
Chicago, IL.  60601

Dear Mr. Parker

The Kalamazoo River Sturgeon for Tomorrow is pleased to support the Delta Institute on the proposed project in Allegan County.  This project, Performance-based Agricultural Conservation in the Kalamazoo River Watershed, will benefit our work rehabilitating the threatened lake sturgeon population of the Kalamazoo River.

The Kalamazoo River Sturgeon for Tomorrow was incorporated in 2008 and works collaboratively with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Gun Lake Pottawatomi Tribe.  The survival of lake sturgeon depends on improved water quality, protecting habitat to enhance spawning success and the creation of new spawning sites.   A streamside rearing facility was funded in 2011 at the New Richmond, Allegan County Park.  Additional spawning sites are being constructed.  Our organization has gathered boy scouts to perform sturgeon guarding exercises, assembled egg sampling equipment, participated in collecting population data, searched for spawning activity, posted informational signage and done many educational sessions for the community.  

Sediment entering the river system through cropland erosion is fouling spawning sites which require clean cobble.  Heavy phosphorus loads impair the water quality.  This proposed project would greatly improve river conditions for successful sturgeon spawning and is consistent with the goals of our organization.  We would gladly partner with you; offering our membership's familiarity of the river, sharing sturgeon habitat data and supporting your outreach efforts.

We look forward to taking river conditions for successful spawning to the next level.  Thank you for this opportunity and we welcome additional inquiries about our work.

Yours sincerely,

Alan Weener, President

6176 122^nd Avenue, Fennville, Michigan  49408                     www.kazoosturgeon.com