Lexi Krupp reports on efforts to restore arctic grayling populations in Michigan
In a dim, out-of-the-way corner of the state fish hatchery in Marquette are a few thousand skinny, grey fish, each no more than nine inches long.
“They are skittish,” says Jim Aho, who runs the facility for the Department of Natural Resources. “Movement above them definitely puts stress on them, so they’re in a dark, quiet few tanks here.”
They’re arctic grayling, known as nmégos in Ojibwe a species that was once dominant in rivers and streams in northern Michigan, before they were wiped out from the state over a century ago.
Credit Department of Natural Resources
The Michigan History Center is looking for stories on local history from the public for a trail that will go through Grayling.
It will connect North Higgins Lake State Park with Hartwick Pines State Park.
Daniel Spegel with the Department of Natural Resources and Michigan History Center says this program began in 2013 when the state was looking for ways to expand recreation.
“[They got] a number of recommendations. One which included the integration of heritage with outdoor recreation, with trails in particular.” he said.
“What they can do is raise awareness of places of history to both local residents and visitors.”