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You're
here: MiBSAR's
home page :: MiBSAR's operations
log index page :: 2008 operations log page
2008 operations log
By
Michael Neiger
Marquette, Michigan
© Copyright 2010
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Top
of page
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Duration & date:
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7-days; June 28 - July 4, 2008
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Township
& County:
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Ontonagon County
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Nearest place-name:
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Silver City, Michigan
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General location:
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Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State
Park
Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan
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Trail:
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None
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SAR op training mission:
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Attempt to locate
the wreckage of a U.S. Army B-17 Flying Fortress that
crashed into the Porcupine Mountains in 1944. Also attempt
to locate several 135-year-old silver and copper mine
shafts.
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MiBSAR team
members & guests:
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Partner SAR
teams & assets:
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none
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SAR op training photos:
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Dennis
Waite with crumpled wreckage. Click on photo for
high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Dennis Waite) |
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Michael
Neiger with a rusty oxygen tank. Click on photo
for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Dennis
Waite) |
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Dennis
Waite with crumpled wreckage. Click on photo for
high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Dennis Waite) |
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Dennis
Waite with crumpled wreckage. Click on photo for
high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Dennis Waite) |
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Additional resources:
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• View photo
album from this SAR op training
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| SAR
op training journal: |
...Day 6: Up bright and early for the highlight
of our trip—an attempt to find the remote, 1944
wreckage of a WWII U.S. Army B-17, commonly referred
to as a Flying Fortress due in part to its 13, fifty-caliber
Browning machine guns—we watched the Carp River
tumble down the rocky gorge in front as we ate breakfast
and enjoyed some caffeine.
Our stomachs full, we reforded
the Carp River Inlet between the upper and lower falls,
and hiked north on the Government Peak Trail for what
would be our most-physically-challenging and navigationally-technical
day of the trip. Looking at the quads, we figured we'd
be trekking some 10.5 klicks before we could begin our
search for any sign of the plane that had crashed some
64 years ago.
A couple kilometers after we passed
the trail's junction with the Lost Creek Trail, Dennis'
sharp eyes on point spotted a black bear—one he
estimated at under 150 pounds—moving along the
trail and up the escarpment ahead of us. We followed
it for a while, but it eventually climbed a rocky face,
an apparent shortcut to the summit of the 1850-foot-high
Government Peak.
Once we'd climbed to the peak proper,
we checked out the two fire rings, a nice campsite,
and the foundations of the old Government Peak Fire
Tower. While we figured we'd run into the bear on the
peak, we never did cross paths with it again, even while
quietly eating lunch near the remains of the fire tower.
After lunch, we searched long and
hard for the brass benchmark that usually marks such
high points. Eventually, we found the remains of it:
a concrete-filled, cast-iron pipe buried securely in
the bedrock that is common thoroughout much of the Porcupine
Mountains. However, the hand-stamped, brass plate that
should have been affixed to the top of the permanent
marker was nowhere to be found. Seeing the shattered,
rusting edges of the quarter-inch-wall pipe, we figured
it may have been forcibly removed, looted by a thoughtless,
rogue ground-pounder many moons ago.
Before we descended from the summit
of Government Peak, we spent some more time taking in
the distant views from the sheer, northwest face of
the peak. Standing on this overlook of bedrock, we could
clearly see Lake Superior beyond Cloud Peak and Cuyahoga
Peak. Lake of the Clouds was obscured from view by Hill
407 and Hill 425.
Confident we'd taken in all the
peak had to offer us, Dennis led us down the southwestern
slope of Government Peak to a point where the Trail
cut the headwaters of the Carp River Inlet. From here,
he began what would be our longest and most complicated
bushwhack of our seven-day trip: a 12-leg, 4,800-meter-long
route to the B-17's probably location—a rugged,
thickly-forested hillside about 550 meters south of
Hill 541.
Before we cut into the bush, we
topped off our water stores as they would have to hold
us until dinner. At the midpoint of our afternoon of
bushwhacking we took a break atop Hill 521, which afforded
us a gorgeous view to the south and east. It offered
us a clear view of Hill 522 and Hill 507, two, seldom-visited
rocky outcrops we hoped to recon on a future trip.
After a bit of rehydrating and
snacking, Dennis worked us down the southwest-facing
slope of Hill 521.
As he meticulously cut each of
the 12 azimuths required to get us close to the wreckage
south of Hill 541, my job was to keep close tabs on
the distance we'd traveled on each leg of our route
by tallying a pace count with a set of Ranger pacing
beads attached to the shoulder strap of my ruck. Each
time he'd covered another 100 meters of bush, I'd update
him. From time to time, he'd pause, orient his map to
north, and carefully compare and contrast the terrain
features confronting him with those that were represented
on his 1:24,000 quad.
To pull off this rather complicated,
4,800-meter-long, off-trail route, Dennis had carefully
preplotted each leg of our route using his topographic
map, baseplate compass, and metric distance scale: he'd
calculate the azimuth to an objective, measure the distance
in meters, and note the upcoming terrain features.
As the afternoon progressed according
to plan, we eventually crossed the uppermost reaches
of the Little Iron River. By dinnertime, Dennis had
us within striking distance of the probable location
of the Hill 541 wreck site.
Since it was getting late, we hurriedly
established our night bivouac on a park-like, hemlock-studded
knoll overlooking a small pond beneath Hill 541. Once
we'd secured our food from roving black bears—I
hung mine while Dennis secured his Ursack bear sack
to a tree trunk—we set off to recon the rugged
hillside of Hill 541 for any sign of the wreck.
Some 20 minutes later, and about
30 meters above and 400 meters west of our bivouac site,
we both nearly simultaneously tripped over fragmentary
pieces of the B-17's fuselage that were hidden under
the thick carpet of leaves and forest debris.
Having waited so long for this
moment, we were instantly reinvigorated. No longer were
we tired from a long, hot day of bushwhacking. And for
a moment, we were no longer famished due to the late
hour.
Noting the location of both pieces
of wreckage so we could establish a linear plot of the
planes probable crash path if we found more debris,
we each fanned out in cloverleaf-like search patterns,
straining our eyes for the tiniest bit of wreckage.
As the seconds turned into minutes,
we kept searching. Doubting ourselves, we regrouped
back at the site of our initial discovery once or twice.
Each time we would strike out a bit further, more determined
than before.
In short order, we hit upon a small
scatter of wreckage debris: a wing (or tail) flap; the
leading edge of a wing; pieces of fuselage neatly crumpled,
accordion-style, when they'd impacted an immovable tree
with tremendous force; melted piles of aluminum; pieces
of shredded fuselage, some with rivets intact, others
with lines of empty rivet holes from which rivets appeared
to have literally exploded out of on impact; and a variety
of other items scattered about....Some distance away,
there he stood, amid the mother load of crash wreckage
and debris....read
entire journal
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Duration & date:
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4-days; July 25-28, 2008
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Agency assisted:
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Township &
County:
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Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
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Nearest place-name:
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Paradise, Michigan
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General location:
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Trail:
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Victim:
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Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
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Case summary:
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Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing
on July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North
Country Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in
the eastern reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe
owned a log cabin in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail
in the park.
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Report a tip:
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Crime Stoppers
Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone:
1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
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Reward:
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Up to $1,000
reward for anonymous tips from
Northern International Crime Stoppers
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| Missing-Person
Poster |
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Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
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SAR op mission:
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Debrief lead detective
on case and Clewley family member; recon North Country
Trail (NCT) within search area; recon Coyote Den Swamp
south of NCT
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MiBSAR team
members:
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Partner SAR
teams & assets:
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Chippewa Co. Sheriff's Department personnel;
Clewley family members and friends
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SAR op results:
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Joe Clewley
was not located |
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SAR
op photos:
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Joe
Clewley's 1992, Oldsmobile, Silhouette van, after
having been removed from the North Country Trail trailhead
along the Tahqua Trail. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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Joe
Clewley's circa-1920, two-room, log cabin—The
Chippewa Hunting Post—along the north bank of
the Tahquamenon River. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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The
beaver pond located along the North Country Trail
on the upper west branch of Lynch Creek. Click
on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by
Michael Neiger) |
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Additional resources:
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• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
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Duration & date:
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3-days; August 1-3, 2008
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Agency assisted:
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Township &
County:
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Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
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Nearest place-name:
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Paradise, Michigan
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General location:
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Trail:
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Victim:
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Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
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Case summary:
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Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing
on July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North
Country Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in
the eastern reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe
owned a log cabin in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail
in the park.
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Report a tip:
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Crime Stoppers
Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone:
1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
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Reward:
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Up to $1,000
reward for anonymous tips from
Northern International Crime Stoppers
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| Missing-Person
Poster |
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Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
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SAR op mission:
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Tracking Chip; recon
upper main branch of Lynch Creek; view SAR op plan
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MiBSAR team
members:
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Partner SAR
teams & assets:
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Chippewa Co. Sheriff's Department personnel;
Clewley family members and friends; Michigan Department
of Corrections ERT squad; Michigan State Police K-9 Team;
Bay Mills P.D. K-9 Team
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SAR op results:
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Joe
Clewley was not located |
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SAR
op photos:
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Chris
Ozminski uses a sign-cutting (or tracking) stick to
find the next probable location of Chip's paw print,
as measured from a prior known print (not visible
in picture), on the North Country Trail, west of the
Lynch Creek Floodings. Chris has notched the stick
at the average length of Chip's stride to assist him
in finding subsequent tracks that are too faint to
see at first. For comparison purposes, an exact, to-scale
tracing (not visible in photo) of Chip's paw on a
piece of white paper is situated adjacent to the paw
print in question. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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Russell
Clewley (Joe Clewley's son), Chip, and Loraine Clewley
(Joe's wife), after Chip returned to the Clewley Cabin.
Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo
by Michael Neiger) |
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Chris
Ozminski searches the muddy bottom of the pond located
just north of the North Country Trail on the main
branch of Lynch Creek in the southeast quarter of
section 12. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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Additional resources:
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• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
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Duration & date:
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3-days; August 8-10, 2008
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Agency assisted:
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Township &
County:
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Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
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Nearest place-name:
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Paradise, Michigan
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General location:
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Trail:
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Victim:
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Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
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Case summary:
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Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing
on July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North
Country Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in
the eastern reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe
owned a log cabin in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail
in the park.
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Report a tip:
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Crime Stoppers
Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone:
1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
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Reward:
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Up to $1,000
reward for anonymous tips from
Northern International Crime Stoppers
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| Missing-Person
Poster |
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Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
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SAR op mission:
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Recon Tahquamenon River
and Lynch Creek channels/floodings; view SAR op plan
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MiBSAR team
members:
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Partner SAR
teams & assets:
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None
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SAR op results:
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Joe
Clewley was not located |
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SAR
op photos:
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Paddling
up the Tahqaumenon River from it mouth on Lake Superior's
Whitefish Bay. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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Combing
the north bank of the Tahquamenon River. Click
on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by
Michael Neiger) |
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Sunset
over Joe's Country, as viewed from Snug Harbor, which
is situated 3.5 miles downstream from the Clewley
log cabin. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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Additional resources:
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• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
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Duration & date:
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3-days; August 15-17, 2008
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Agency assisted:
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Township
& County:
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Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
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Nearest place-name:
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Paradise, Michigan
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General location:
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Trail:
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Victim:
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Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
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Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing
on July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North
Country Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail
in the eastern reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Joe owned a log cabin in the area and enjoyed hiking
off-trail in the park.
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Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers
Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone:
1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
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Reward:
|
Up to $1,000
reward for anonymous tips from
Northern International Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
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Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
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SAR op mission:
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Recon upper Lynch
Creek Watershed; view SAR op plan
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MiBSAR team
members:
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Partner SAR
teams & assets:
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None
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SAR op results:
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Joe
Clewley was not located |
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SAR
op photos:
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Northbound
on Lynch Creek Trail along the remains of the old
Lynch Creek Grade, just north of the North Country
Trail. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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Chris
Ozminski standing inside a massive eastern-white-pine
stump he came across, west of the old Lynch Creek
Grade in the northeast quarter of Section 12.
Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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The
view of Joe's Country and the Tahquamenon River
Valley from atop a high ridge--the Panicles--in
the northeast quarter of Section 12, about two miles
north of Joe's Chippewa Hunting Post. Click on
photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by
Michael Neiger) |
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Additional resources:
|
• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
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Duration & date:
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3-days; August 22-24, 2008
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Agency
assisted:
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Township
& County:
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Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
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Nearest place-name:
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Paradise, Michigan
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General location:
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Trail:
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Victim:
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Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
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Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went
missing on July 13, 2008. His van was found parked
at the North Country Trail (NCT) trailhead along the
Tahqua Trail in the eastern reaches of Tahquamenon
Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin in the area
and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
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Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers
Anonymous Tip Line:
1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone:
1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail:
mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000
reward for anonymous tips from
Northern International Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
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|
SAR op mission:
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Recon upper Lynch Creek Watershed;
view SAR op plan |
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MiBSAR
team members:
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Partner
SAR teams & assets:
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None
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SAR op results:
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Joe
Clewley was not located |
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SAR
op photos:
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The
blueberries in Joe's Country were ripe and plentiful.
Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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Sunrise
over Lake 716 in the chain of lakes known as the
Camp 10 Lakes. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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The
west end of Lake 708 in the chain of lakes known
as the Camp 10 Lakes. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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Additional resources:
|
• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
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Duration & date:
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1-day; August 23, 2009
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Township &
County:
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Chippewa County
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Nearest place-name:
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Paradise, Michigan
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General location:
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Trail:
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SAR op training mission:
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MiBSAR team members:
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| SAR
op training results: |
Team MiBSAR completed the 15-mile (25-km) rugged trail
run without incident. Michael finished 35th out of a field
of 74 runners.
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Duration & date:
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3-days; August 29-31, 2008
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Agency assisted:
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Township & County:
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Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
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Nearest place-name:
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Paradise, Michigan
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General location:
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Trail:
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Victim:
|
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Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on
July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country
Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern
reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin
in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward
for anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Recon the Lynch Creek Headwaters
Swamp and points north; view SAR op plan
|
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MiBSAR team members:
|
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Partner SAR teams
& assets:
|
None
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|
SAR op results:
|
Joe
Clewley was not located |
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SAR op photos:
|
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The
expansive, game-trail-laden, heart of the Lynch Creek Headwaters
Swamp. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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In
the thick of the Lynch Creek Headwaters Swamp. Click
on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael
Neiger) |
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A
painted turtle shell found adjacent to the Lynch Creek Grade
Pond. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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Additional resources:
|
• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
|
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Duration & date:
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1-day; September 4, 2008
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Township & County:
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Marquette County
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Nearest place-name:
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Marquette, Michigan
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General location:
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Northern Michigan University
Superior Dome
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| Trail: |
None |
| SAR
op training mission: |
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MiBSAR team members
|
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| SAR
op training journal: |
None
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Duration & date:
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2-days; September 5-6, 2008
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Township & County:
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Marquette County
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|
Nearest place-name:
|
Marquette, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
Northern Michigan University
Superior Dome
|
|
Trail:
|
None
|
| SAR
op training mission: |
|
|
MiBSAR team members
|
|
| SAR
op training journal: |
None
|
|
|
|
|
|
Duration & date:
|
2-days; September 7-8, 2008
|
|
Agency assisted:
|
|
|
Township & County:
|
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
|
|
Nearest place-name:
|
Paradise, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
|
|
Trail:
|
|
|
Victim:
|
|
|
Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on
July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country
Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern
reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin
in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward
for anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Recon southern limit of Lynch
Creek Headwaters Swamp; recon both banks of Lynch Creek, downstream
of the NCT; view SAR op plan
|
|
MiBSAR team members:
|
|
|
Partner SAR teams
& assets:
|
None
|
|
SAR op results:
|
Joe
Clewley was not located |
|
SAR op photos:
|
 |
|
Fungus
is a common site along Lynch Creek riverbanks, which are
studded with huge specimens old growth eastern white pine
and eastern hemlock. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
The
footbridge over the main branch of Lynch Creek along the
old logging road turned foot-trail opposite the Monte Cabin.
Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo
by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
The
marshy river channel along the upper west branch of Lynch
Creek, just south of the North Country Trail (NCT). Click
on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael
Neiger) |
|
|
Additional resources:
|
• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
|
|
|
|
Duration & date:
|
2-days; September 12-13, 2008
|
|
Agency assisted:
|
|
|
Township & County:
|
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
|
|
Nearest place-name:
|
Paradise, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
|
|
Trail:
|
|
|
Victim:
|
|
|
Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on
July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country
Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern
reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin
in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward
for anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Recon Lynch Creek Watershed;
view SAR op plan
|
|
MiBSAR team members:
|
|
|
Partner SAR teams
& assets:
|
None
|
|
SAR op results:
|
Joe
Clewley was not located |
|
SAR op photos:
|
 |
|
Chris
Ozminski pauses beside the massive root ball of a toppled
tree. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Chris Ozminski) |
|
|
|
 |
|
Old-growth-turned-dugout
tree. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
An
old railroad grade Chris Ozminski spotted on satellite imagery
and located in the bush, southeast of the Lynch Creek Headwaters
Pond. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
Additional resources:
|
• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
|
|
|
|
Duration & date:
|
2-days; September 15-16, 2008
|
|
Agency assisted:
|
|
|
Township & County:
|
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
|
|
Nearest place-name:
|
Paradise, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
|
|
Trail:
|
|
|
Victim:
|
|
|
Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on
July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country
Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern
reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin
in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward
for anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Recon east Camp 10 Lakes
Area; view SAR op plan
|
|
MiBSAR team members:
|
|
|
Partner SAR teams
& assets:
|
None
|
|
SAR op results:
|
Joe
Clewley was not located |
|
SAR op photos:
|
 |
|
A
recently-emerged mushroom near the Camp 10 Lakes. Click
on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael
Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
Remnants
of an old railroad grade where it crossed a wetland in the
southeastern corner of Lake 716 in the Camp 10 Lakes. Click
on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael
Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
Sunset
over Lake 716 in the Camp 10 Lakes. Click on photo
for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
Additional resources:
|
• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
|
|
|
|
Duration & date:
|
5-days; September 24-28, 2008
|
|
Agency assisted:
|
|
|
Township & County:
|
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
|
|
Nearest place-name:
|
Paradise, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
|
|
Trail:
|
|
|
Victim:
|
|
|
Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on
July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country
Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern
reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin
in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward
for anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Recon east Camp 10 Lakes
Area and Lynch Creek Watershed; view SAR op plan
|
|
MiBSAR team members:
|
|
|
Partner SAR teams
& assets:
|
None
|
|
SAR op results:
|
Joe
Clewley was not located |
|
SAR op photos:
|
 |
|
Storm
clouds mask the setting over the Tahquamenon River. Click
on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael
Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
View
43-second
video of Chris Ozminski reconning the depths of one
of two bear dens he and Michael Neiger found along the eastern
limit of the marsh on the upper west branch of Lynch Creek,
just upstream of the North Country Trail (NCT). Click
on image to view video. (Video by Chris Ozminski) |
|
|
|
 |
|
Chris
Ozminski fixes breakfast at his bivouac on the Lynch Creek
Grade Headwaters Pond. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
Additional resources:
|
• Vew photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
|
|
|
|
Duration & date:
|
2-days; October 9-10, 2008
|
|
Agency assisted:
|
|
|
Township & County:
|
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
|
|
Nearest place-name:
|
Paradise, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
|
|
Trail:
|
|
|
Victim:
|
|
|
Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on
July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country
Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern
reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin
in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward
for anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Recon North
bank of Tahquamenon River & Upper Lynch Creek Watershed
area; view SAR op plan
|
|
MiBSAR team members:
|
|
|
Partner SAR teams
& assets:
|
None
|
|
SAR op results:
|
Joe
Clewley was not located |
|
SAR op photos:
|
 |
|
The
weathered bones of a moose along the north bank of the Tahquamenon
River. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
Chris
Ozminski standing inside a giant, burned-out, old growth
specimen. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
The
view of Joe's Country from atop the Pinnacles, north of
the headwaters of the Lynch Creek Watershed. Click on
photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael
Neiger) |
|
|
Additional resources:
|
• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
|
|
|
|
Duration & date:
|
2-days; October 11-12, 2008
|
|
Agency assisted:
|
|
|
Township & County:
|
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
|
|
Nearest place-name:
|
Paradise, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
|
|
Trail:
|
|
|
Victim:
|
|
|
Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on
July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country
Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern
reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin
in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward
for anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Provide field support &
technical land nav to K-9 teams; view SAR op plan
|
|
MiBSAR team members:
|
|
|
Partner SAR teams
& assets:
|
|
|
SAR op results:
|
Joe Clewley was
not located |
|
SAR op photos:
|
 |
|
The
20-plus SAR crew (Chris Ozminski kneeling). Click on
photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael
Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
Sunrise
over Joe's Country along the north bank of the Tahquamenon
River. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
MiSAR's
Dave Holcomb and Tyche, his senior wilderness air scent
K-9. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
Additional resources:
|
• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
|
|
|
|
Duration & date:
|
3-days; October 16-18, 2008
|
|
Agency assisted:
|
|
|
Township & County:
|
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
|
|
Nearest place-name:
|
Paradise, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
|
|
Trail:
|
|
|
Victim:
|
|
|
Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on
July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country
Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern
reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin
in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward
for anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Recon upper Lynch Creek Watershed;
view SAR op plan
|
|
MiBSAR team members:
|
|
|
Partner SAR teams
& assets:
|
None
|
|
SAR op results:
|
Joe Clewley was
not located |
|
SAR op photos:
|
 |
|
Sunset
over Joe's Country from the eastern fringe of the expansive
marsh along the upper west branch of Lynch Creek. Click
on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael
Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
A
small mammal skull found in the swamp east of the Lynch
Creek Grade. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
Storm
clouds over Joe's Country. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
Additional resources:
|
• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional photos
from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
|
|
|
|
Duration & date:
|
3-days; October 22-24, 2008
|
|
Agency assisted:
|
|
|
Township & County:
|
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
|
|
Nearest place-name:
|
Paradise, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
|
|
Trail:
|
|
|
Victim:
|
|
|
Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on
July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country
Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern
reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin
in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward
for anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Recon upper Lynch Creek Watershed;
view SAR op plan
|
|
MiBSAR team members:
|
|
|
Partner SAR teams
& assets:
|
None
|
|
SAR op results:
|
Joe Clewley was
not located |
|
SAR op photos:
|
 |
|
A
scatter of moose bones found deep within the Lynch Creek
Headwaters Swamp. Bones assembled for photographic purposes;
24-inch rule included. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
A
scatter of moose bones--including the business-end of a
hoof (rightmost photo)--found deep within the Lynch Creek
Headwaters Swamp. Bones assembled for photographic purposes;
24-inch rule included. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
|
 |
|
Sunrise
over the Lynch Creek Grade Pond. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
Additional resources:
|
• View photo-journal
from this SAR op
• View additional
photos from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
|
|
|
|
Duration & date:
|
2-days; November 1-2, 2008
|
|
Agency assisted:
|
|
|
Township & County:
|
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
|
|
Nearest place-name:
|
Paradise, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
|
|
Trail:
|
|
|
Victim:
|
|
|
Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on
July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country
Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern
reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin
in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward
for anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Provide field support &
technical land nav to K-9 teams; view SAR op plan
|
|
MiBSAR team members:
|
|
|
Partner SAR teams
& assets:
|
6 cadaver K-9 teams and base support from Michigan
Search and Rescue (MiSAR); inflatable raft; Chippewa Co.
Sheriff's Office personnel; Clewley family members & friends |
| SAR
op results: |
Joe Clewley was
not located |
|
SAR op photos:
|
 |
|
Team Cota--Chris
Ozminski of Michigan Backcountry Search and Rescue; and
K-9 Cota and Rayanne of Michigan Search and Rescue--assisted
by Josiah, at the North Country Trail Footbridge over the
main branch of Lynch Creek. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
| |
 |
|
Team Cota--Chris
Ozminski of Michigan Backcountry Search and Rescue, poling;
and K-9 Cota and Rayanne of Michigan Search and Rescue--working
their way down stream along the main branch of Lynch Creek.
Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by
Michael Neiger) |
|
| |
 |
|
Team Jackie--K-9
Jackie and handler Josiah of Michigan Search and Rescue--working
a tangled, swampy area in section 13 for any sign of Joe
Clewley. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
|
|
Additional resources:
|
• No journal available
• View photo
album from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
|
|
|
Top
of page
|
Duration & date:
|
2-days; November 30 - December 1, 2008
|
|
Agency assisted:
|
|
|
Township & County:
|
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
|
|
Nearest place-name:
|
Paradise, Michigan
|
|
General location:
|
|
|
Trail:
|
|
|
Victim:
|
|
|
Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
|
|
Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on July
13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country Trail
(NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern reaches
of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin in the
area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
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Report a tip:
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Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
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Reward:
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Up to $1,000 reward for
anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
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Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
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SAR op mission:
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Track coyotes and wolves thru
bush in hopes they'll pass by Joe Clewley's final resting place;
view SAR op plan
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MiBSAR team members:
|
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Partner SAR teams &
assets:
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none
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| SAR
op results: |
Joe Clewley was not
located |
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SAR op photos:
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 |
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The main
branch of Lynch Creek, just downstream of the North Country
Trail (NCT) bridge over the Lynch. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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The deeply-drifted
North Country Trail (NCT) bridge over Lynch Creek, during
blizzard. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery.
(Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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 |
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Michael Neiger's
drifted-in van along the Tahqua Trail. Click on photo for
high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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Additional resources:
|
• View photo
album from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
| SAR
op journal: |
Arrived
to find Joe's Country blanketed by about 8 inches of snow. After
shouldering my rucksack, I headed northwest along the North Country
Trail (NCT). Once at the Lynch Creek Railroad Grade, I turned north
in search of coyotes and wolves.
As Mother Nature's K-9 teams, the plan was to track these quadrupeds
in the hope their ultra-sensitive noses and inquisitive nature
might lead me past Joe's final resting place.
When I reached the site of the cabin ruins, I spotted a set of
coyote tracks heading east, into the swamp. I immediately began
working these tracks, following them through the swamp and into
the marsh just upstream of the Headwaters Pond on the main branch
of Lynch Creek.
From the dam on the pond, I picked up another set of coyote tracks
and worked them back towards the cabin ruins. Just north of the
cabin ruins, I picked up another set of coyote tracks and worked
them northeast along the overgrown grade.
With the last hint of light fading fast, I strung my tarp between
some evergreen trees, spread out my bedroll, and began melting
snow for a hot drink and dinner.
Dinner finished, I boiled up some more snow for a mug of rich
Chai tea to enjoy as I read Tom Clancy's Without Remorse.
With snow swirling around me after 11 p.m., I crawled in my bivy
sack, blew out the candle, and drifted off to sleep in Joe's Country.
During the night, I could feel snow falling on my face from time
to time.
When I awoke the next morning, my overhead tarp was nearly pressed
against my face due the weight of accumulated snow.
Venturing out to grab my grub, which had been hung from a tree
limb with rope to keep it safe from bears, wolves, and coyotes,
I discovered Joe's Country had been buried by a blizzard.
After a breakfast of hot granola washed down with hot chocolate,
I stuffed my gear in my ruck and headed out in search of more
coyote and wolf sign. Quickly determining nothing would be moving
until the blizzard blew through in a day or two, I backtracked
through the knee-deep snow to my van.
When I arrived at the Tahqua Trail, I discovered my van was buried
and the road was unplowed and untracked.
Hoping my all-wheel-drive van was up to the task, I headed off
for the five-mile drive to M-123, which I expected to be plowed.
Along the way, I had to stop to clear a foot-high pile of snow
off the hood--the snow was so deep on the road that it piled up
in front of the bumper and grill, rolling onto the hood!
If I was lucky, my next search effort in Joe's Country would
not be cut short by freshly falling snow, which obliterates all
sign of passing quadrupeds.
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Top
of page
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Duration & date:
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3-days; December 17-19, 2008
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Agency assisted:
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Township & County:
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Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
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Nearest place-name:
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Paradise, Michigan
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General location:
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Trail:
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Victim:
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Name:
Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs |
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Case summary:
|
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on July
13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country Trail
(NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern reaches
of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin in the
area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
|
|
Report a tip:
|
Crime Stoppers Anonymous
Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
|
|
Reward:
|
Up to $1,000 reward for
anonymous tips from Northern International
Crime Stoppers
|
| Missing-Person
Poster |
|
|
Click on image to view
or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color missing-person
poster for Joe Clewley .
|
|
|
SAR op mission:
|
Track coyotes and wolves thru
bush in hopes they'll pass by Joe Clewley's final resting place;
view SAR op plan
|
|
MiBSAR team members:
|
|
|
Partner SAR teams &
assets:
|
none
|
| SAR
op results: |
Joe Clewley was not
located |
|
SAR op photos:
|
 |
|
Sunset over
the Tahquamenon River near Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay.
Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by
Michael Neiger) |
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 |
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Joe's log
cabin, The Chippewa Hunt Post. Click on photo for high-resolution
imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) |
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| |
 |
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Tracking
a lone coyote west of the Timberlost Trail in Joe's Country.
Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by
Michael Neiger) |
|
|
Additional resources:
|
• View photo
album from this SAR op
• Learn more
about this investigation
• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web
site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web
site and Internet
blog for victim
|
| SAR
op journal: |
Arrived to find Joe's Country blanketed by about 18 inches of
snow, and more snow falling. After loading my cargo sledge and
donning my Ojibwa snowshoes, I headed into Joe's Country to track
wolves, coyotes, and foxes in hopes their ultra-sensitive noses
and inquisitive nature might lead me past Joe's final resting
place.
Nearing the main branch of Lynch Creek, I picked up my first
coyote track. I worked it to the northwest. When darkness fell
upon the track, I mounted my CGI LED light on my leg, just below
my knee, to maintain some semblance of night vision. This low
placement illuminated the 'yote tracks nicely, creating plenty
of easy-to-follow, heavily-shadowed, high-contrast tracks. It
also eliminated the eye strain created by brightly-lit snow flakes
falling in front of my face.
After three hours of night tracking, I established a SAR base
bivouac in a deep valley just south of the Camp 10 Lakes. At 4:00
a.m. the temp was zero degrees.
For the next two days, I worked various coyote and fox tracks
around the Camp 10 Lakes area as well as to the west of the Timberlost
Trail. While I found and investigated several quadruped excavations
in the extremely-crusty snow, I was unable to uncover any sign
of Joe Clewley.
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Click here to view MiBSAR's 2009 operations
log |
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In God's
wilderness
lies the hope of the world,
the great, fresh, unblighted,
unredeemed wilderness.
—
John Muir, 1838-1914
Alaska Wilderness, 1890
If
you've been able to read this Web page...
thank a Teacher;
If you've been able to read this Web page in English...
thank a Veteran.
—Author
unknown
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2010-05-06
by Michael A. Neiger
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