Unofficial Meeting Notes - July 27, 2019
Karen Johnson (president) opened the meeting introducing all the board members. She also thanked Emma Murphy & Ginny Graybill for creating this year’s Michigamme Messenger. In addition, she thanked Nancy Rowe for keeping the LMPO website up-to-date with fun facts, calendar events and keeping everyone aware of things for sale and well as things found around the lake need a home. She applauded these three women for the extra effort and time they put forth to produce the Messenger and the website. Karen also mentioned that the LMPO
facebook had a lot of good information as well. The LMPO sponsored the boat parade in Michigamme on July 3rd There were 6 participants this year. The event was received very well so the LMPO is considering sponsoring the boat parade again next year.
Guest Speaker today was Katie O’Shea. She is a student at NMU and the explorer guide at Van Riper State Park.
Katie brought with her antlers (which can weigh up to 90lbs) and a jaw from a moose that had died of natural
causes at Van Riper’s primitive camp ground a few years ago. She explained that the first drop of 71 moose came
from Isle Royale, however, they did not fare well. In 1987, a drop of 59 moose from Canada is thriving in our
area. These 59 moose were given radio collars in order to keep track of the areas they populated as well to
determine how well they were adapting to this area. Aerial count is done while snow is on the ground to better
see the moose as well as getting a fairly accurate count. The last count was done in 2017. At that time they
counted between 420 & 470 moose in Marquette, Baraga and Iron Counties. Moose are cold weather animals so
when the temperature is above 80 degrees, they can be found laying in marshy or lake areas. Best time to see
them is shortly after dawn or before dusk, but they feed all day. Moose can run as fast as 55mph. They have poor eyesight, but very good sense of smell. The State of Maine has the largest population of moose which now exceeds 30,000 at last count. Katie also spoke of invasive species both on land and water and shared photos of those species.
Republic Township (Mr. Orich) spoke of the size of the Michigamme/Republic School which has dwindled but still is a viable number to keep the school open. Also of the closing of local bank and credit union. The flooding of last winter/spring & its effect on Republic. He also invited everyone to the celebration in 2020 of Republic being 150 yrs old. They are planning the celebration for Labor Day weekend of 2020 with fun things for the entire family and hope all will celebrate with them.
Michigamme Township (Mr. Sepanen) spoke about the museum needing additional funding to complete the museum’s engine building. He also spoke of upcoming events... Aug 5- Joe Perry is conducting a CPR class at the township, Aug 8- National Night Out at township park, Aug 24- Pig Roast from 4-7 with all proceeds going toward next year’s fireworks. He ended asking that all cans & plastic be rinsed before putting in recycling trucks, boxes be flattened and a third truck will be made available next year for glass.
Old Business... the discussion of fish crib placements as well as what we can do to encourage a better variety of fish in our lake. Plus the current water testing of lake water as it continues to be very clean.
New Business.. Nomination & election of LMPO officers. The 4 people who had terms ending all agreed to remain on the board. Neil Hansen will continue as treasurer, Nancy Bergin will remain on the board but will relinquish her Vice Presidency to Pam Borlace, Don Ostola & Susan Alexander remain as board members.
The meeting was adjourned followed by a wonderful picnic luncheon. As usual, a good time was had by all.