Headwaters Chapter 315
Trout Unlimited
PO Box 1873
Gaylord, MI 49734

Stream Keepers Program

Headwaters Chapter – Stream Keepers Program has a goal of documenting conditions of our streams. It includes an “Alert” reporting system through our website. The prime purpose will be to create a restoration plan for each of our rivers that will enable us to design, fund and carry out projects.

Phase One
Using our stream survey report, each of our rivers will be inspected by a Headwaters TU team. Using GPS units; we will identify and locate each point source erosion site, stretches of river that lack woody debris, conditions, such as beaver dams, that might raise water temperatures, stretches that lack trout habitat including overhead cover and the lack of deeper holes and other conditions that limit the number and size of trout.

A lead “Stream Keeper” will be appointed for each stream. The Stream Keeper will; create a team to conduct the survey, obtain GPS training, organized the initial river survey, create a report with the results of the survey and, with the CPR Committee, prioritize the project needs. The CPR Committee, working with the DNR, will design each project and seek implementation.

Phase Two
Our website team will create an “Alert” section on the HeadwatersTU.org website to allow TU members to report unusual occurrences on each river. The Stream Keeper will periodically check the website to review the reports and if necessary, conduct a field check. The “Alert” will allow for reporting of erosion, high water temperatures, fish kills, unusual water conditions and other “Yellow Flags” that might be a threat to our river systems. This “Alert” may also be used for a RAP (Report All Poaching) line.

Phase Three
As needed, the CPR Committee will contact the DNR and develop a list of potential restoration or stream improvement projects. Each year, the CPR Committee will prioritize all potential projects and select five as the most critical or that have the highest rate of return. Detailed plans will be created for each of those five projects. Each project will have a team leader. The planning template will be used for all projects. The Headwaters Chapter will complete all projects and/or seek partnership in each project.


CPR (Projects) Committee – Conserve, Protect, Restore