Contact: Tim Ervin
231-794-0089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VISITOR’S CENTER CONSTRUCTION BEGINS AT LITTLE MANISTEE WEIR
MANISTEE, MICHIGAN – In August, visitors to the Little Manistee Weir will be greeted by new
facilities that will make it an even greater destination for people of all ages, needs and abilities
to see the annual migration of salmon and trout and learn about how the weir and egg taking
operation are key to angler success throughout the Great Lakes.
The project is part of the growing Explore the Shores program, a joint initiative coordinated by
the Alliance for Economic Success and Manistee County Community Foundation. The vision of
the program is to attract one million new visitors to the County by 2020 to enjoy world-class
recreation on the County’s bounty of lakes, streams, wetlands and Lake Michigan beaches.
Construction includes a universally accessible observation deck over the river to view the thousands of
salmon and trout that return each year in the Fall and Spring; universally accessible walkways for guided
and self-guided facility tours; unisex universally accessible restrooms and parking; and interpretive and
educational signage. Construction is schedule to be completed in August before the surge of salmon
and steelhead.
A grant of $300,000 was secured from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund through a cooperative
effort involving the Alliance for Economic Success in Manistee and the Department of Natural Resources
Fisheries Division. Construction is schedule to be completed in August before the surge of salmon and
steelhead.
“This is a terrific example of an investment that meets both resource management and economic
development goals,” said Jim Dexter, Chief of the DNR Fisheries Division. “Just as we are creating these
opportunities for visitors to see and learn about our fishery and the programs that support it, so too are
we seeking added resources to upgrade the operations to meet the increased demand for steelhead
production. The angling industry supports nearly 38,000 Michigan jobs and there is a $166 return to
Michigan’s economy for every dollar spent by the DNR Fisheries Division. This all adds up to common
sense investing that will benefit Manistee County and all of Michigan.”
“We already have thousands of visitors to the property yearly,” said Scott Heintzelman who oversees
the weir and egg taking operation for the DNR Fisheries Division. “With these new facilities, we hope to
be swamped with people interested in learning about the importance of the Great Lakes fishery in
Michigan’s economy and the crucial role of the Little Manistee weir in supporting the fishery. The weir
sits on over 100 acres of DNR-owned land and it’s a beautiful place to visit year-round. Anglers can
enjoy the fishery throughout the year from April 1 to December 31 and some great fishing spots are
available both upstream and downstream from the weir.”