Houghton MI – Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) today forwarded its final proposed Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) for six Upper Peninsula hydroelectric flowages to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The plans were revised using information gathered from the public, agencies, and other stakeholders. Full SMPs will be available for view on UPPCO’s Web site (www.uppco.com) on Friday, November 30, and are being mailed to 17 area libraries (a list is on the Web site).
FERC may approve the SMPs as submitted or may modify the plans according to existing information and information it will collect. There is no exact timetable for a FERC decision.
Highlights of the SMP Revisions (by flowage)
All flowages: Prohibits removal of any eastern hemlock den-cavity nesting trees, wolf trees, and fruit- and mast-bearing trees. Eliminates electricity and permanent lights for docks.
AuTrain: Includes the waterfowl refuge area in the conservation category and provides future waterfowl hunting areas equivalent to the existing hunting areas.
Bond Falls: Reduces number of dock slips from 424 to 320. Modifies improvements at Little Falls, Deadman’s Creek, and Twin Lakes to a schedule dependent only upon future need.
Boney Falls: Reduces number of dock slips from 33 to 24. Designates entire east shoreline not used for hydro operation for existing public recreation and conservation.
Cataract: Prohibits enhanced view areas longer than 200 feet (i.e. areas in which trees and shrubbery less than two inches in diameter at a height of five feet can be removed – no clear cutting). Restricts motor size for watercraft stored at the proposed boat slips to 25 hp for all watercraft except pontoon boats (50 hp for pontoon boats).
Prickett: Eliminates proposed navigational channel. Eliminates enhanced view areas. Reduces the shoreline area eligible for dock placement
Victoria: Designates entire project property for conservation and existing recreational opportunities.
“Overall, UPPCO is satisfied we’re presenting a balanced approach to shoreline management,” said Shawn Puzen, environmental consultant for UPPCO. “We’re improving recreational opportunities while minimizing environmental impacts to the shorelines.”
For More Information, Contact:
- Shawn Puzen, Environmental Consultant
(920) 433-1094
UPPCO Customer Service
800-562-7680