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t C19 NEMCOG - MICHIGAN -334 OCZM GRANT #0-4-8-MOI boll Subtask snip Northeast Michigan Council of Governments P. 0. Box 457 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-3551 SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO PRESQUE ISLE I ?-I ij N -MCOG E Northeast Michigan Council of Governments COASTAL MANAGEMENT P'0. Box 457 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 PROGRAM Phone: (517) 732-3551 1979 - 1980 YEAR-END REPORT ZZ 09 7Zr August 1980 Northeast Michigan Council of Governments This document was prepared through a grant provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, administered by the Office of Cloastal Zone Management (OCZM), National Oceanic and Atmos- pheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce via the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Land Resource Programs Division and in part, with funds from the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments. SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE 29 August 1980 Coastal Program Unit Northeast Michigan Council Land Resource Programs Division of Governments Department of Natural Resources P. 0. Box 457 Lansing, MI 48909 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-3551 Dear Sirs: The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments is pleased to submit its Year-End Report for Michigan's Coastal Management Program in Northeast Michigan for 1979-80. This document provides detailed information regarding NEMCOG's involvement and various activities in the development and implementation of the Coastal Management Program between October 1, 1979 through August 15, 1980. As in past years, NEMCOG is happy to have been a part of one of the finest Coastal Programs in the nation and looks forward to continued participation in Michigan's effort to preserve, protect and enhance our Great Lakes and the coastal resources they provide. Sincerely, Lew Steinbrecher Coastal Program Manager LS:dp Enclosure I 1W Ll SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA ALPENA CHEBOYGAN CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY OSCODA - OTSEGO PRESQUE ISLE TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter of Transmittal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Local Assistance Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Areas of Particular Concern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Special Coastal Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 News Media Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Coastal Program Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Staff Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 I f I I t - I I I I I I I I LOCAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS I I I I . . I I I I I I LOCAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS NEMCOG's Coastal Program for fiscal year 1980 focused heavily uRon local grants assistance. As in previous years, the Council co-sponsored a grants information workshop with the Northwest Michigan Regional Planning and Develop- ment Commission in Petoskey, In addition, NEMCOG conducted another workshop in Alpena for local officials on the eastern edge of the region. Both work- shops were well attended and could be considered successful in terms of answer- questions and generating ideas for local projects. The following pages illustrate the workshop announcement which was widely distributed and the attendance list for the Petoskey and Alpena workshops. NEMCOG staff made follow-up contacts which resulted in the drafting of seven local project proposals from within the region. Four of these proposals were written by NEMCOG staff as part of its grants assistance efforts. Those proposals were for the City of Cheboygan, Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission, the Harrisville Harbor Commission and the Alcona County Planning Co-imnission. The proposals as originally drafted by NEMCOG staff have been included in this section for reference purposes. A fifth proposal was written for the Alcona County Parks and Recreation Commission for low-cost construction at the Harrisville Recreation Area but was never submitted for consideration of funding to the Michigan Coastal Management Program because the proposal con- tained activities which were clearly ineligible to the program. NEMCOG also responded to several requests for technical assistance during the year. Some of those requests were from the Presque Isle County Planning Commission for zoning revisions, the Beaugrand Township Zoning Board for zoning revisions, the Alpena County Planning Commission for development of a natural areas preserve concept and greenbelting, Alpena Township regarding zoning of various properties along Lake Huron and Alcona Township for review of a recently developed Comprehensive Plan. E SHORELANDER A NORTHERN MICHIGAN COASTAL MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER LOCAL OFFICIALS COASTAL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE COME AND LEARN HOW YOUR COMMUNITY CAN OBTAIN FUNDING AND TECHNICAL ASSIST- ANCE FOR COASTAL RELATED PROJECTS. LEARN OF LOCAL COASTAL PROJECTS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN FUNDED IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN MEET REPRESENTATIVES FROM YOUR REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCIES. The'Northwest Michigan Regional Planning and Development Commission and the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments are jointly sponsoring a Coastal Workshop directed at local officials in northern lower Michigan. The purpose of the workshop is to inform local officials of project funding opportunities and technical assistance available to them through the State and Regional Coastal Management Programs. Included in the workshop program will be presen- tations on: - LOCAL COASTAL PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES - STATE AND REGIONAL COASTAL MANAGEMENT EFFORTS - LOCAL PROJECT FUNDING AND ASSISTANCE - 1980 MICHIGAN COASTAL MANAGEMENT SLIDE/TAPE PRESENTATION The workshop sessions will be held in: PETOSKEY, January 9 at the City Council Chambers, City/County Building MANISTEE, January 10 at the meeting room of the Dial-A-Ride Building ALPENA, January 11 at the City Council Chambers, 2nd floor of Alpena City Hall. All workshop sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will adjourn by I p.m. There is no registration fee, and all sessions are open to the public. The workshop agenda appears on the back of this sheet. These workshops are funded in part by the Northwest Michigan Regional Planning and Development Commission, the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHEAST MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF GOVER?TMENTS AND THE NORTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION LOCAL OFFICIALS COASTAL-WORKSHOP AGENDA 9:30 A.M. Coffee and Registration 10:00 A.M. Introduction and Welcome 10:05 A.M. Michigan's Coastal Management Program * 1980 Slide/Tape Presentation on Michigan's Coastal M-inagement Program (18 minutes) * 1980 Grant Process and Time Schedule * Request for Proposals and Grant Application Format A.H. Local Program Implementation Coastal Management Program Upper Great Lakes Regional Commission Kammer Land Trust Fund Land and Water Conservation Fund Others (DNR Waterways and Army Corps of Engineers) 11:45 A.M. Role of Regional Planning Commission Assistance from Coastal Planner Newsletter 12:00 P.M. Adjourn Informal discussion of specific project ideas 3 PETOSKEY'WORKSHOP 9 January 1980 NAME AFFILIATION/ADDRESS R. Boda Cheboygan L. LeBlanc Cheboygan Rush Cattell City of Cheboygan Manager John Hess Charlevoix Jim Brinke Charlevoix City Manager Lowell Kosloskey City of Petoskey Richard Gorman City of Petoskey Jim Graban Supervisor Bliss Twp. John McKinney Extension Marine Agent Jerry Felix City of Harbor Springs Susanne Dye Little Traverse Conservancy (N.C.M.C.) Petoskey Dave Turning Antrim County Planning Dept. Charles McKee Rogers City Manager James E. Leidlein Rogers City, Interim City Manager Ted Harold Petoskey Water Resources Commission Harry Pintarelli Cross Village 49723 Ronald E. Wallin Village of Mackinaw City President David Warner Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Div. Stan McRae Mackinaw City, Wawataw Township Supervisor George Shimek Traverse City, East Bay Township, Grand Traverse Co. Paul Conlen Traverse Bay Regional Planning, Traverse City Phil Becker Granger Engineering, 314 Haynes, Cadillac, Mi. 49601 Bill Smith @NMC Economic Development Center, Traverse City Larry Sullivan Northwest Mi. Regional Planning & Development Comm. Lew Steinbrecher Northeast Michigan Council of Governments ALPENA WORKSHOP 11 January 1980 NAME AFFILIATION-AODRESS Lew Steinbrecher NEMCOG, P.O. Box 457, Gaylord, Michigan!, 49735 John Schwartz District Marine Agency, Box 599, Tawas City, Mi. Ken Beloskur City of Harrisville, 49 Main St., 48740 George V. Lintz Presque Isle County Planning Clyde L. Soper City Clerk, East Tawas Harry L.Bacon Edmands Engineering Inc., Bay City John R. Edmands Edmands Engineering Inc., Bay City Bill Weaver @Wade, Trim and Associates, Taylor John F. Cusick Vilican-Leman & Associates, 29621 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield, Michigan 48034 Alan Bakalarski City of Alpena, Administrative Assistant, Planner Ron Thompson Jesse Besser Museum Dennis R. Bodem Jesse Besser Museum Howard L. Anderson Comp. Planning Serv., 113 E. White St., Alpena, Mi. 4971 Donald Read, Sr. Alcona County Commissioner David W. Rommelmann Granger Engineering Inc., Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Stan-James Alpena County Parks & Recreation Commission D.H. Riley Alpena Township Supervisor John Porter Alpena County Planning Commission, Chairman Bill Jackson WBKB-TV, Alpena, Michigan 49707 5 4c 71 Sa IcL LOW-COST CONSTRUCTION AT HARRISVILLE HARBOR PROJECT APPLICANT Harrisville Harbor Commission PROJECT LOCATION The Harrisville Harbor is located along the Lake Huron shoreline of Alcona County in the City of Harrisville. As the accompanying location map depicts, the Harbor is completely within the Coastal Zone boundary as defined by The Michigan Coastal Management Program. The harbor is owned by the City of Harris- ville and under the control of the Harrisville Harbor Commission, which is com- pri,sed of Alcona County residents. The Harbor is heavily used by boaters and fishermen and is accessible to the public by Lake Street with entrance roads and limited parking facilities at the main harbor entrance or at the DNR Waterways Division boat ramp facility (Dock Street). PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Harrisville Harbor was originally constructed as a joint venture between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the. DNR Waterways Commission and the City of Harrisville. In 1978, the Corps of Engineers proposed improvements to the harbor to address four primary problems: 1) Shoreline erosion immediately south of the harbor along private property; 2) Excessive sedimentation caused by littoral drift inside the harbor's breakwaters; 3) Damage to moored boats from storm waves entering the harbor, and; 4) The lack of adequate mooring facilities. A diagram of the proposed improvements which have been approved by the Harrisville Harbor Commission is attached. Additionally, the DNR Waterways Commisston has been actively pursuing an acquisition program to purchase private holdings between their boat ramp facility and the main entrance road to the south. This additional land is planned to be utilized to accomodate the heavy parking demands during peak fishing periods. The Harbor Commission is striving to accelerate and compliment these state and federal improvements through implementation of its own improvement program on the city's property. Through the use of Coastal Management funds, the Harbor Commission proposes the following low-cost construction activities: I. Landscaping at the mouth of Mill Creek to stabilize the meandering which is presently occuring. This would be done through the place- ment of wood piling if and when the necessary state and federal per- mits were approved. 2. Planting of trees and shubbery to stabilize the steep slope from continued people erosion. This would restrict or discourage foot traffic up and down this beach ridge while directing traffic to stairways. It would also eliminate the danger of the grass mowing which is now necessary. 6 3. Rehabilitate and straighten the.existing stairway on the north side of the property and construct a new stairway south of the causeway. 4. Install a retainer wall at the foot of the slope to regulate un- controlled pedestrian traffic up and down the ridge and provide bench tops to accomodate users of the area. 5. Construct several wooden benches at the top of the ridge for resting and to offer an overview of the harbor and Lake Huron shoreline as well as its horizon. 6. Construct an U-shaped fence around the trash container to conceal rubbish generated at the site. 7. Provide a permanent setting for a historic artifact off of the shipwreck, The Marine Citywith a wooden sign describing this relic. 8. Placement of coarse gravel between the existing paved parking lot and split-rail fence at the top of the ridge on the north side of the pToperty to stabilize the earth from heavy foot traffic. 9'. Construct a small (about 2,000 sq. ft.) freespan shelter inland from the existing parking lot next to the abandoned house. The city plans to demolish this house next year to provide additional parking and park area consistent with use of this proposed pavilion'. The enclosed site plan identifies the location of the above described activiti es City DPW and CETA workers would be used to provide the necessary manual labor for these improvements. City equipment will be used for some of the landscaping, plantings, and other construction activities as needed. PROJECT SCHEDULE February 1, 1981 - Finalize budget based on material bids and order appropriate supplies April 1, 1981 - Materials arrive April 15, 1981 - City and Harbor Commission work crews begin construction activities July 15, 1981 - Construction of all approved projects completed PROJECT BUDGET Materials and Labor Mi'11 Creek Mouth Landscaping $ 2,500 Trees and Shrubbery Plantings 3,500 Stairways 2,000 Retainer Wall/Benches 5,500 Wooden Benches (8 @ $350 ea..) 2,800 Trash Fencing 11000 Shipwreck Display 1,000 Gravel Placement 11000 Park Shelter/Pavi'lion 8,4@QO TOTAL EXPECTED.,COSTS $27.700 _P_ 7 Requested Federal Funds $22,160 Local Match (in-kind contribution of materials, equipment, labor, and some cash) 5,540 TOTAL ANTICIPATED REVENUES $27,700 CONTACT PERSON Dick Sella Harrisville Harbor Commission 156 Everett Harrisville, Michigan 48740 (-417) - "W e @el 7) - AM J/ - -3- RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR LOW-COST CONSTRUCTION AT THE HARRISVILLE HARBOR OF REFUGE THROUGH THE MICHIGAN COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, The Harrisville Harbor Commission wishes to submit a project for inclusion on the list of projects to be funded by the Michigan Coastal Management Program, and; WHEREAS, This project is the construction of various coastal oriented -facilities to compliment use of the Harrisvi'lle Harbor of Refuge, and; WHEREAS, The total cost of this project is estimated to be $27,700, and; WHEREAS, The Harrisville Harbor Commission desires to secure financial assistance from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program to help defray the cost of this project to be matched with in-kind contribution of labor, equip- ment, material, and, if necessary, funds available from local sources; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Harrisville Harbor Commi ssion does hereby support and endorse this project and will provide the necessary local match with the Coastal Management Program funds to implement this project. Adopted at a meeting the of HarrisviZle Harbor Comnission on (date) by a vote of: Ayes Nayes Absent Attested by: Chaiman Secretary 28 March 1980 Northeast Michigan Council of Govern ments Mr. Dick Sella P. 0. Box 457 156 Everett GOVIord, Michigan 49735 Harrisville, MI 48740 Phone: (5171732-3551 Dear Dick: Per your request, I have reviewed the location of the Harrisville Harbor of Refuge and find this facility and its adjoining land to be completely within the defined coastal boundary as identified by Michi- gan's Coastal Management Program. The Harrisville Harbor has also been nominated as an Area of Parti- cular Concern (APC) under this program and has long been considered by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments as a high regional priority APC because of the numerous and complex problems associated with this facility. I believe that funding of this project which the Harbor Com- mission has proposed would do much to alleviate many of your problems. The regional significance of this facility alone deserves serious consider- ation of the low-cust construction projects you have developed. NEMCOG's Coastal Program supports this project and encourages the Harrisville Harbor Commission to actively pursue funding under Michigan's Coastal Management Program as they appear to be eligible. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Lew Steinbrecher Coastal Planner LS/jm Enclosure 10 SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF; ALCONA ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONfMORENCY OSCODA - OTSEGO PRESQUE ISLE *S-23 R-9-E rues'a oil "Mmew Le "W"a" VIP" T-26-N Hvqrs; Ile LAKE HURON ORION! 14 R-9- US-23 HARRISVILLE ONAPNIC SCALIE IN FECT Existing Pioposed 0 1ouo 0 0-5 Yr. 20 Yr. 30* monToICAST K41C:41r.Aft ME014"INAL III ANN 1411. /%fit) sEnvItE AREA NO C4,11.4hil'-WIN Ths cepatation sit 41tiv qvaotow SEWE. R LINES was rwncoo tlk#ouqh .- ol-dval LIFT STATION trom Me U.S. M-114rotivent TFICATMENT I . %.I Farnwis floone FACILITY A .,".A. gave a copy and originals of this package to rush cattell, city mgr.- 3/7/80 michigan coastal management program grant proposal for the cheboygan marsh - gordon turner park boardwalk project applicant the city of cheboygan project location the cheboygan marsh/gordon turner park is located on the west bank of the ceboygan river mouth and along the lake huron shores on the city's north side. the property is completely within the designated coastal zone boundary and is owned by the city of cheboygan. a map is attached which depicts the location of gordon turner park, the marsh and their relation to the coastal boundary. this cattail marsh is approximately 66 acres in size (excluding the park area) and is heavily used by hunters, predominately for ducks. it is the largest cattail marsh on the great lakes between sagniaw bay and chicago and has an abundant muskrat population. along with the cat- tails, this wetland area has a gradation of plant communities which can be described as a shallow sedge meadow and willows. in all, the area contains an interesting coastal wetland environment with a variety of plants, wild- life, amphibians, reptiles, and birds which would provide an excellent opportunity for natural interpretation by residents and visitors. low-cost construction of a boardwalk with a few observation platforms having proven themselves in other areas on the great lakes to be a safe, affective method of providing public access to wetlands while protecting these fragile environ- ments. the area is presently accessible by a paved city street which is scheduled for improvement because of anticipated traffic volume increases as a result of the new marina. scheduled improvements at gordon turner park and implementation of this boardwalk project. project description the cheboygan marsh boardwalk project proposesz the completion of construction drawings of the boardwalk platform, a mini-site analysis to determine the location and extent of the boardwalk and observation platforms and low-cost construction of the structure. the mini-site analysis may determine a longer boardwalk with par- tial construction in fy 81 and extension of the boardwalk to other areas of the marsh to be added in future years. a private firm would be selected to complete the construction drawings and mini-site analysis to determine the location and extent of the boardwalk/obser- vation platforms. this firm would be required to work with the department of natural resources regards to designation of the marsh as an "environmental area" under p.a. 245 of 1970 and for permits which may be necessary under the great lakes submerged this work would be completed by april 1, 1981 so that city employees and local service club volunteers could begin installation of the boardwalk by mid-april. the construction drawings and mini-site analysis would be approved by the cheboygan city council with review and upon the recommendation of the city planning commission. 12 Attached to this application is a resolution unanimously adopted by the City Council to endorse this project and commit the necessary local (20%) 10 match. Also attached is a true copy of the property deed showing city owner- ship of the Cheboygan marsh. The "i'ortheast Mi chi an Council of Governments has also supported this pro.- ject as evidenced in the enclosed letter from NEMCOG's Coastal Planner. It is also pointed out that this,is a regional endorsed Area of Particular Concern (APC) under Michigan's Coastal Management Program, and completion of this pro.- ject would be consistent with the management recommendation for this APC nomi.- nation. Project Schedule November 1, 1980 Select firm to complete construction drawings and mini-site analysis (selective bidding procedure waived due to small dollar amount of this portion of project), February 1, 1981 Firm completes work and submits material to City for planning commission review and City Council approval March 15, 1981 - Review and approval by City complete and order necessary building materials April 1, 1981 - Material arrives (wood already treated) April 15, 1981 - City begins construction of boardwalk June 30, 1981 - Boardwalks completed in accordance with mini- Project Budget site analysis Contractual Services $ 11000 (constmction drawings and mi,ni-site analysis) Boardwalk Materials (710 ft.) $39,000 T1vL'_-e - 6' at $329) Manual Labor $ 5,000 z--rL,1o,,ees Wages) Total Project Cost $45,000 Requested Federal Funds $36,000 Local Match $ 91000 contil-`bution of labor & some materials) TOTAL.ANTICIPATED REVENUES $45,000 13 Contact Person Mr. City Manager City Hall Cheboygan, Michigan .49721 Phone: (616) 627-9931 14 Vol A _71 717 ro '14 15 RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR A COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT WHEREAS, The City of Cheboygan wishes to submit a project for inclusion on the list of projects to be funded by the Michigan Coastal Manage- ment Program, and; WHereas, This project is the design, engineering, and construction of a boardwalk and observation platform in the area known as the Cheboygan Marsh, and; Whereas, The total cost of this project is estimated to be $45,000, and; WHereas, The City of Cheboygan desires to secure financial assistance from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program to help defray the cost of this project to be matched with in-kind contribution of labor and material and, if necessary, funds available from local sources; therefore be IT RESOLVED., that the City of Cheboygan does hereby support and endorse this project and will provide the necessary local match with the Coastal Management Program funds to implement this project. Adopted a meeting of the City Council of the City of Cheboygan on (date) by a vote of: Ayes nayes absent Mayor Clerk 16 NEMCOG bib. 6 March 1980 Ellip L Mr. Rush Cattell, City Manager Northeast Michigan C )uncil 'izy Hall of Government: Cheboygan, 49721 P. 0. Box 457 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-3551 Dear Rush, Per your request, I have reviewed the location of the Cheboygan Ma'rsh - Gordon Turner Park property near the mouth of the Cheboygan River, and find it to be entirely 1OLated within the coastal boundary as identified in Michigan's Coastal Management Program. I also wish to certify that this property is a regionally endorsed Area of Particular Concern (APC) by this agency's Natural Resources Advisory Committee and Board of Directors. It appears that completion of this proposed project would not only implement the management recom- mendation which has been developed for this APC nomination, but would also be a tremendous asset to your community and a regional attraction in Northeast Michigan. NEMCOG's Coastal Program strongly supports this project and en- courages the Department of Natural Resources to seriously consider the funding of it under the Michigan Coastal Management Program. Sincerely, ,@@ -5--z@" Lew Steinbrecher Coastal Planner LS/jm 17 SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA ALPEr-4A - CHEBOYGAN CRAWFORO - MONTMORENCY OSCODA - OTSEGO PRESQUE ISLE HARRIS AREA SPORTS FISHERY EMSTING AND POTENTIAL ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY Project Applicant Alcona County Planning Commission Project Location The Harrisville Area Sports Fishery Existing and Potential Economic Impact Study will focus upon the Lake Huron sport fishing industry as it relates to Alcona County, primarily between Black River and Greenbush. This study area includes the City of Harrisville and is depected on the enclosed location -map. rhe property affected by the many fishing related problems as well as revenues are numerous and include both private and public. lands. Project Description How important is the sports fisheries to the economy of the Harrisville area? Estimates range from 30% to 70% of the business comes from people who are fishing on Lake Huron. what special demands for services and facilities does this fishing industry create? How do the Harrisville people benefit and pay the cost coming from fishing? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have approved plans to improve facilities at Black River and Harrisville, but have yet to begin implementing those plans. DNR agencies, including Parks, Water- ways and Fisheries Divisions have programs which attract many people into these communities. The Waterways Commission through their boat ramp program, and he Fisheries Division with the salmon and lake trout plantings are having the greatest impacts. The Harrisville Harbor Commission is attempting to answer some of the concerns being expressed as,well. The Harrisville State Park experienced a 433% use increase of that facility between the fall of 1970 and the fall of 1976. An increasing demand for limited facilities is creating many diverse and complex problems for a very small community of 638 (1980 estimate) people. Law enforcement has a serious problem with overnnight camping along Lake Huron in Alcona County. It is cheaper for campers to pay over- night parking fines than to use the State Parks or rent a motel room. Additionally, there is a need to better understand the type of people who are fishing in this area to determine the kinds of improvements they think are necessary to solve some of these problems. It is important to begin question- ing the fishermen by September 15, 1980 because the early sports fisherman is generally a boater while later in the season, they are usually snaggers and these two groups may perceive the' situation differently. A spring questionnaire would be very useful as well because the lake trout fishermen comprise a third group of sports fishermen. By improving and expanding certain facilities, more finger- ings could perhaps be planted to attract more tourists into the community. Establishment of an adequate size parking lot further inland with shuttle bus service to the waterfront during peak fishing periods may be another appropriate alternative. 18 In short, the sports fishing industry is bo(,ming in Alcona County and no one knows what all of the physical, economic and social impacts of the business has on these Lake Huron communities. The Harrisville Area Sports Fishery Existing and Potential Economic Impact Study would address all of the above concerns and develop a strategy to solve existing problems while enhaticing potential opportunities. This proposed study is supported by many people in- cluding Chamber of Commerce, private commercial establishments, residents, Lake Huron Sports Fishing Association, local officials and others. This study would encompass the following activities: A) A market survey of the tourists to determine what the visiting fishermen perceive to be deficiencies in present facilities, both public and private, and thpir solution to the parking problems. (Three different samplings - fall salmon, spring lake trout near shore and summer lake trout off-shore fishermen). B) A community questionnaire to understand the local attitutdes towards the revenues and problems generated by the sports fishing industry. C) A commercial business survey to determine the importance of the sports fisheries on the economy of Lake Huron communities. D) Develop a strategy to encourage the various state, federal and local agencies to implement their role in solving these various problems and/or enhancing opportunities which are now untapped or under utilized. (Identify responsibilities). E) Establish a steering committee of state, federal, local, private, commercial, fishing interest representatives and various resource people to guide development of this study and report findings to the planning commissio n. F) Develop a time frame for the implementation of the strategy for the proper timing of necessary improvements and their anticipated impacts for increasing or decreasing recreational opportunities. G) Address the impacts of rail passenger service on the sports fisheries along Lake Huron in Alcona County. H) Investigate other funding sources such as the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Upper Great Lakes Regional Commission (UGLRC) for local project responsibilities. Project Schedule September 1, 1980 - Establish steering committee and hold at least six meetings before June 1, 1981. September 15, 1980 - Conduct survey of fisherman (this is important to do immediately because of the fall salmon run which usually begins in the middle of September). 19 No.vember 1, 1980 - Conduct comunity questionnaire of residents and commercial establishments. December 1, 1980 to July 1, 1981 - Develop straLegy, identifying,role of each involved agency, including certain timp frames for specific task assignments. March 15, 1981 Preliminary report or working paper presented to steering committee and Planning Commission for review and comments. April 1981 to June 1981 - Conduct questionnaire of the spring lake trout fishermen (near shore). Weekend8 ol JulyjAugust 1981 - Conduct questionnaire of weekend lake trout fishermen (off shore). August 1, 1981 Incorporate impact of rail passenger service potential and possible outside funding sources to assist com- munities to implement local responsibilities into the publication of a study document. August 15, 1981 Approval of report by Alpena County Parke and Recreation Commission and submittal to DNR. July - August 1981 Conduct weekend questionnaire of the off shore lake trout fishermen. (This group is generalJ.y more affluent with the large pleasure crafts and bigger wallets). Project Budget Per them of Perits an and Steering Committee $ 1,200 Travel 400 Contractual Services (Universi ty of Michigan or Michigan State University) 12,000 Printing 600 TOTAL EXPECTED COSTS $14,200 Requested Federal Funds $11,360 Local Match (In-kind contribution of labor and necessary cash) TOTAL ANTICIPATED REVENUES 2,840 $14,200 20 Contact Person John Grzeskowiak 3182 Lake ';hore Dr. Harri.8ville, Michigan 48740 (517) 724-5282 Chairman of the Alcona County Planning Commission 21. 000 41110001101110 " Avoobwpmw zz 'see AVMW.XH 1"3N39 a ON @r- NO 10, I an s' "I . / Vw@l A. of ON to ON a NO NO NO so 48 ma ON so 64 -mmo- ON ON a on A N. law. 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I 3 540 ALCONA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION concerning HARRISVILLE SPORTS FISHERY ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY WHEREAS, The Alcona County Planning Commission recognizes both the importance of the sports fish- ing industry to the economy of Lake Huron coastal communities as well as the problems generated by this industry, and; WHEREAS, The Alcona County Planning Commission wishes to apply for financial assistance through. the Michigan Coastal Management Program to conduct an economic impact study and will provide the neces- sary local match to secure this financial assistance, and; WHEREAS, The total cost of this study is estimated to be $14,200; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alcona County Planning Commission does hereby announce its de- sire to apply for funds through the Michigan Coastal Management Program to help defray the cost of this study on an 8O% Federal/20% local matching basis to conduct the Harrisville Area Sports Fisheries Economic Impact Study and will provide the necessary local match to secure these funds. Moved by , supported by to adopt the above resolution at a meeting of the Alcona County Planning Commission held on 4-3-80 (date) and a vote of: Aye unanimous Nays attested by (Chairman) Alcona County Planning Commission 23 LOW-COST CONSTRUCTION AT JOE LAMARRE PARK ON THE THUND ER BAY RIVER, ALPENA Project Applicant Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission Project Location The Joe LaMarre Park is located on the south bank of the Thunder Bay River in the City of Alpena, downstream from the Ninth Street bridge. The park is located in its entirety within the coastal zone boundary as defined by Michigan's Coastal Management Program., The property is owned and maintained by the Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission. Please refer to the attached map which depicts the location of The. LaMarre Park in relationship to the Coastal boundary. Project Description The proposal calls for implementation of the site design of LaMarre Park through the following low-cost construction activities: 1. The placement of approximately 1000 feet of cedar- post split-rail fencing along the ridge of the river bank to discourage foot traffic up and down the slope (prevent people erosion)and to direct automobile traffic to the desired parking area at the entrance of the park. 2. Construction and placement of eight wooden benches eight (8) feet in length behind the split-rail fence along the ridge of the riverbank to provide scenic waterfront views of the Thunder Bay River. 3. Construction of a 13,000 square foot (approximate) park shelter in'the center of the property to serve as a focal point for numerous passive recreation activities which is the primary purpose of this park. 4. Placement of top soil on the slope of the riverbank and in various locations of the park and other land- scaping (including the removal of existing driveway) to stabilize and promote the growth of grass and other vegetation in the park. 24 2 5. Planting of trees and shrubbery (iacluding creeping ivy) and grass seeding@-@ ILI pre-determined locations to enhance the attractiveness of the park for passive-oriented recreational opportunities. 6. Construction and placement of an approximately 300 foot wooden dock/boardwalk between the two existing' stairways for use by fishermen casting into the Thunder Bay River (deep channel just off shore), tie-ups for boats and other watercraft (frequently used by fishermen), pedestrian traffic and other similar uses. This dock would be hinged so as to be placed on shore during the winter months and prevent damage by ice and currents. 7. Construction and placement of six picnic tables on the park property in the general area of the proposed pavilion. The Parks and Recreation Commission has a full-time Parks and Recreation Coordinator totally paid out of its local budget and who is a skilled craftsman who is able to and has constructed pavilions, benches and picnic tables for use at other county parks and would be used to construct these same structures at the LaMarre Park. The Parks and Recreation Commission also has several CETA employees who would be used for manual labor but would not be considered local match to this project. The plantings of trees and some landscaping would most likely be done by a local nursery, but the placing of top soil, grass seeding, and construction of wooden structures would be completed by the Coordinator and the CETA employees whom he supervises. It is also planned to have these employees clean up the concrete blocks and other trash which is along the shoreline and partially underwater. This work, however, is not intended to be used as local match in this proposal but rather to show the commitment which the Parks and Recreation Commission has to develop this property for wateTfront-oriented recrea- tion activities. Project Schedule. October, 1980 Obtain wood through cutting of cedar trees at other county parks, contribution, and if necessary, purchase at lumber yards. November, 1980- March, 1981 Parks Coordinator builds picnic tables, benches, and as much as possible, the park shelter and prepares cedar for the split-rail fencing. 25 3 February, 1981 Secure contract with local nursery for purchase of top soil, shrubbery, and grass seeding to be used by employees in spring. March, 1981 Locate and contract with local nursery for the planting of several trees on the property. April, 1981 Nursery plants trees and employees begin work on the installation of wooden structures on the pioperty (including shingles for the park shelter). July 1, 1981 Construction and installation completed. Project Budget Coordinator's Salary (4 man months) $ 3,700 Lumber material for benches, picnic tables, dock pavilion and split-rail fencing 13,000 Top soil and grass/shrubbery 3,500 Tree planting/landscaping (sub-contract) 6,000 TOTAL EXPECTED COSTS $26,200 Requested Federal F unds $20 960 Local Match (in-kind contribution of material and labor) 5,240 TOTAL ANTICIPATED REVENUES $26,200 Contact Person Mr. Joe LaMarre Peoples Bank and Trust of Alpena 200 W. Chisholm Street Alpena, Michigan 49707 .Telephone (517) 356-2241 Note: A resolution to confirm the Parks and Recreation Commission's support and commitment of local match will be forwarded upon passage at the next meeting. 26 GIL z CL -EMENS; A COUNTY =rTy JAIL CDLLEGG ALPENA dc ZZ z ENERAL 0 w Z - RDIkAL X., cm cr 0_j 0 ROBIN m AND HOSP TAL 3t ki . > 00 0 0: 'n 0 ao APALMM 90 x III PARX A 0 ]SOL T2L__ WILD FOWL MON ROE So OF SANCTUARY TAY OR FAP GROUNDS N, 1A W_ T HI WASHING ON ER sc T 6MAU 604T lfft@ a-mcT um SENKISt H*H -qCHWL 4m x 2ND t.., IST lz EEN MWO I I I I I I I I I I AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN I I I I I I I I I 1 1 - :, - - - @ I AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments maintained and augmented its files on ninety-nine Areas of Particular Concern (APC) for the Lake Huron coastline in the region. NEMCOG staff and its,Natural Resources Advisory Committee reviewed and took regional action on three new APC nominations and several existing nominations. The Surf Park Plat Dakota Lane was one of the new nominations because of a proposed fill activity in a coastal wetland. Another new APC, the Marine Recording Station in Mackinaw City, was nominated by its owner because of its historic significance as the first marine recording station on the Great Lakes. This historical landmark was also entered into the National Register of Historical Places during May 1980. The third new APC nomination was the Harrisville Recreation Area because of its multi- purpose recreational values which have not yet been totally developed. The Alcona County Parks and Recreation Commission, .caretakers of the site, seriously considered submitting a low-cost construction grant proposal to the Michigan Coastal Management Program (see Local Assistance Programs). Documentation on these APC's appear on the next few pages. At least three other existing Area of Particular Concern nominations were reviewed by NEMCOG during the last year as part of the Michigan Coastal Management Program. These APC's reviewed were the Presque Isle Lighthouse for its consideration to the National Register of Historic Places, the Rockport Sinkholes because of the management study and related efforts by NEMCOG, and the El Cajon Bay Sinkholes for its land acquisition proposal before the Michigan Land Trust Fund Board. Miscel- laneous materials such as letters,newspaper clippings and other pertinent information was added to the files of a number of other APC nominations and copies forwarded to the DNR Coastal Program at the time such material was placed in NEMCOG files. 28 Nominator: Lew Steinbrecher, Coastal Planner Address: Northeast Michigan Council of Govt's P.O.Box 457, 408 W. Main St. Gaylord, Michigan 49735 COASTAL AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN NOMINATION FORM Name of area nominated: SURF PARK PLAT - DAKOTA LANE Location: County Presque Tsle County Township, City or Village Bearinger Township Boundary features (rivers, roads, section line, etc.) Surf Park Plot, lot numbers 35 thru 40 and 47 thru 49, Section 10 and 15, T37N, R2E. Present Ownership: Spens Construction Incorporated Under which category does this area qualify? (Please check only one) high risk erosion island flood hazard coastal lake, rivermouth, bay XX ecologically sensitive urban natural area mineral resource recreation area agricultural historic and archeologic, site prime industrial sand dune water transportation Why is this area of particular concern to you? (physical characteristics, damages opportunities, present use, problems, etc.) A fragile coastal wetland environment presently proposed to be filled in for residential development. What do you think should be done with the area? (public acquisition, local toning, preservation, etc.) Denial of Section 404 permit by Army Corps of Engineers denial of Great Lakes Submerged Lands permit by Michigan DNR and denial of 347 (Soil Erosion and Sedimentation permit by Presque Isle County. Other comments: There are sufficient subdivided parcels of land in this part of the County with more suitable soils for residential development than this piece of property. PLEASE RETURN TO: Citizen Shorelands Advisory Council NORTHEAST MICHIGAN Michigan Department of Natural Resources OR: COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Stevens T. Mason Building P. 0. BOX 457 Lansing, Michigan 48526 GAYLORD, MICHIGAN 49736 29 Nominator: Address: 516 N Huron Blvd Mackinaw City, Mich COASTAL AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN NOMINATION FORM Name of area nominate: Marine Recording Station- Built 1882 Location: County Chefaygan Township, City or Village Mackinaw City Boundary features (rivers, roads, section lines, etc.) Boundaries N. Huron Blvd as the South and The Straits of Mackinaw on the north Present Ownership: Fran and Louis Babcock- we restored the house and office- we only moderizie for convience Under which category does this area qualify? (Please check only one) used as a marker of the tip of the mut high risk erosion before the island flood hazard Rd Island coastal lake, rivermouth, bay ecologically sensitive Lighthouse urban natural area mineral resource recreation area agricultural XX historic and archeologic site prime industrial sand dune water transportation Why is this area of particular concern to you? (physical characteristics) damages opportunities, present use, problems, etc.) What do you think should be done with the area? (public acquisition, local zoning, preservation, etc.) Other comments: PLEASE RETURN TO: Citizen Shorelands Advisory Council NORTHEAST MICHIGAN Michigan Department of Natural Resources OR: COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Stevens T. Mason Building P. 0. BOX 457 Lansing, Michigan 48926 GAYLORD, MICHIGAN 49735 30 Nominator: Lew Ster recher Address: Northeast Council of Governments P.O. Box 457 Gaylord, 49735 COASTAL AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN NOMINATION FORM Name of area nominated: MARINE RECORDING STATION Location: County Cheboygan Township, City or Village Mackinaw City Boundary feature (rivers, roads, section lines, etc.) 516 North Huron Boulevard, east of the Mackinaw Lighthouse. Present Ownership: Fran and Lewis Babcock Under which category does this area qualify? (Please check only one) high risk erosion island flood hazard coastal lake, river mouth, bay ecologically sensitive urban natural area mineral resource recreation area agricultural XX historic and archeologic site prime industrial sand dune water transportation Why is this area of particular concern to you? (physical characteristics, damages opportunities, present use, problems, etc.) First marine recording station on the Great Lakes. A significant historic connected with the commerce ot Great Lakes Shipping activities. What do you think should be done with the area? (public acquisition local zoning, preservation, etc.) The structure should be seriously considered for placement on the National Register of Historic Places and preserved as part of the marine heritage of the State of Michigan and the nation. Other comments: Implementation of the above management recomendation would be consistent with the goals and objectives ot the Michigan Coastal Management Program as approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. PLEASE RETURN TO: Citizen Shorelands Advisory Council NORTHEAST MICHIGAN Michigan Department of Natural Resources OR: COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Stevens T. Mason Building P. 0. BOX 457 Lansing, Michigan 48926 GAYLORD, MICHIGAN 49735 31 M I C H I G A N D k A R I M E N T 0 V. S I A T E r LANSING RICHARD H. AUSTIN SECRETARY OF STATE MICHIGAN 48918 MICHIGAN HISTORY DIVISION ADMINISTRATION, ARCHIVES. HISTORIC SITES. AND PUBLICATIONS 3423 N! Logan Street 517-373-0510 May 29, 1980 STATE MUSEUM 505 N. Washington Avenue 617-373-0515 Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Babcock 516 North Huron Boulevard P.O. Box 187 Mackinaw City, MI 49701 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Babcock: It is my pleasure to join with the State Historic Preservation Review Board in informing you that the Forrest J. Stimpson House/Mackinaw City Marine Recording Station, Mackinaw City, Cheboygan County, has recently been entered in the National Register of Historic Places. The Forrest J. Stimpson House/Marine Recording Station was nominated for listing in the National Register because the Michigan History Division of the Department of State and the State Historic Preservation Review Board believed it to be a site of outstanding historical and architectural significance. It was formally accepted for registration by the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service, Department of the Interior, on May 12, 1980. Our office has appreciated the opportunity to work with you on the designation of this site. We hope that you will contact us if there is anything we can do to assist you in the future. Sincerely, Martha M. Bigelow Director, Michigan History Division and State Historic Preservation Officer MMB/cp cc: Village of Mackinaw City President and Councilmembers JDirector, Northeast Michigan Council of Governments President and Members, Historical Socoety of Cheboygan Co, Inc. Editor Chebo@gan DailX Tribune Editor:.The Cheboygan Observer. 0 ALCONA COUNTY PARKS AND Nominator: RECREACTION COMMISSION Address: COUNTY BUILDING NARRISVILLE, MI 48740 COASTAL ATLAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN NOMINATION FOM1 Name of area nominated: Harrisville recreation area Location:* County ALCONA Township, City or Village HARRISVILLE Boundary features (rivers, roads, section lines, etc.) 17 ACRES Present Ownership: ALCONA COUNTY Under which category does this area qualify? (Please check only one) high risk erosion island flood hazard coastal lake, rivermouth, bay ecologically sensitive urban natural area mineral resource Recreation area agricultural historic and archeologic site prime Industrial sand dune water transportation Why is this area of particular concern to you? (physical characteristics, damage opportunities, present use, problems, etc.)ARM NEWLY ACQUIRED BY COUNTY DEVELOPMENT NEEDED TO ATTRACT MORE TRANSCENT/TOURIST AND LOCAL RESIDENT USE. AREA HAS MANY POSSIBLITIES WAS PREVIOUSLY USED AS A FAIRGROUND What do you think should be done with the area? (public acquisition, local zoning, preservation, etc.)AREA SHOULD BE DEVELOPED AS A SCENIC PICNIC AND MULTI- PURPOSE RECREATION AREA HIGHLIGHTING ITS SPLENDID VIEW OF LAKE HURAN. POSSIBLY A GOOD SITE FOR AN OBSERVATION TOWER. Other comments: *SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS PLEASE RETURN TO: Citizen Shorelands Advisory Council NORTHEAST MICHIGAN Michigan Department of Natural Resources OR: COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Stevens T. Mason Building P. 0. BOX 457 Lansing. Michigan 48926 GAYL0RD, MICHIGAN 49736 33 Address:- C6j;@71y-Twjrthouse 4% Harrisville, Michigan 48740 COASTAL AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN NOMINATION FORM Name of area nominated: HARRISVILLE RECREATION AREA Location: county Alcona Township', City or Village City of Marrisville Boundary features (rivers, roads, section lines, etc.) North end of Lake Street near the city's northern limits. Present Ownership: Alcona County (Parks and Recreation Commission) Under which category does this area qualify? (Please check only one) high risk erosion island flood hazard ------ coastal lake, rivermoiith, bay ecologically sensitive urban natural area mineral resource XX recreation area agricultural historic and archeologic site prime industrial sand dune water transportation 'Why is this area of particular concern to you? (physical characteristics, damages opportunities, present use, problems, etc.) I r_xcellant site to accomodate many outdoor recreational needs in the Har-@,:isville community including the problems associ.,ted with the sports fishi'n isE g tour industry in the area/ What do you think should be done with the area? (public acquisition, local zoning, preservation, etc.) Support efforts 6f fhe Parks and Recreation Commisgion to devel6p Me n9signs and construction of necessar-y-75-cilities to meet the needs presently being placed upon the property. Other comments: PLEASE RETURN TO: NORTHEAST MICHIGAN Citizen Shorelands Advisory Council COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Michigan Department of Natural Resources OR: Stevens T. Mason Building P. 0. BOX 457 Lansing, Michigan 48926 GAYLORD, MICHIGAN 49735P 3/1 I .. I I I I I I I I SPECIAL COASTAL ACTIVITIES I I I I I I I I I I SPECIAL COAST.@Jf, ACTIVITIES In addition to the local grants and technical assistance efforts and the Areas of Particular Concern (APC) processes, NEMCOG staff perf ormed a'variety of special activities related to coastal program matters. These efforts are summarized in this section of the Year-End Report. Rockport Sinkholes The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments completed work on the Rock- port Sinkhole Management Study during the past year. The project was essenti- ally terminated during March 1980 when Consumers Power Company withdrew its offer to lease the property around the sinkholes because no governmental agency or responsible organization was willing to enter into such an agree- ment to make the area accessible to the public. A number of documents have been incorporated into this report on the following pages to reference specific activities as part of this study. While there was considerable support locally for the project, the Rockport Sinkhole Nature Center concept was not received well by the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners (the only local group to not support the project) and a couple of State agencies. Wh ile both the DNR Parks Division and the DNR Forest Management Division thought the concept,was a good one, neither were receptive to the suggestion that they enter the lease agreement with Consumers Power Company to develop and maintain nature trails to the sinkholes. The NEMCOG study recommended one of these two state agencies because of the in- ability of local units of government or organization to adequately undertake the project and their inability or unwillingness to jointly develop the nature trail concept. Toward the end of the study, NEMCOG staff was contacted by Gilbert/ Commonwealth, a private consultant from Jackson, Michigan retained by Consumers Power Company, for various information on the Rockport property. This infor- mation was being used in an evaluation of the site to determine the potential of the area for construction and operation of an electrical generating plant. Consumers Power Company had openly stated in the early development of the NEMCOG Sinkhole Study that the 3600 acre Rockport site was one of eight sites 35 in Michigan under consideration by-the utility for the location of their next power plant. No results of that.study nor decision regarding the selection of the Rockport property for power plant development has been made known to NEMCOG at this time. THE SEN'ATE STATE SENATOR MITCH IRWIN MEMBER OF COMMITTEES ON: 37TH DISTRICT MUNICIPALITIES AND ELECTIONS, STATE CAPITOL STATE 01F MICHIC.AN CHAIR@IMAN LANSING, MICHIGAN 48909 HEALTH AP40 SOCIAL SERVICES, TELEPHONE: 517-373-172S VICE-CHAIRMAN TR^NSPU0TATICN AND TOURIST INDUSTRY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEE 1. AG INO' VICE-CHAIRMAN December 7, 1979 Dr. W. Randolph Frykberg Acting Director Northeast Michigan Council of Governments P. 0. Box 457 Gaylord, MI 49735 Dcar Dr. Frykberg: In response to your letter of November 14, 1 want to offer you my support and interest in your endeavors. Further, I think that your meeting with Mr. Harry Whiteley of the Natural Resource Commission and members of a steering committee concerned about the preservation of the fragile Rockport sinkholes and scenic Perron Point shoreline is a positive step. In an effort to be further informed and to provide you with whatever assistance may be helpful in negotiating the lease agreement, I will be represented at your meeting on December 11 by Kathy Pelleran of my staff, who is a district representative for northeast Michigan. I've asked Kathy to make herself available to listen, learn and help in any way possible. You have an impressive list of allies with Dr. Kane, Mr. Lamy and others, and I wish you the best. Please advise me as to how I can be of help. Sincerely, Mitch Irwin State Senator MI:mk 37 ALPENA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION ,%egaAding THE ROCKPORT SINKHOLE AND FERRON POINT PROPERTY WHEREAS, The Alpena County Planning Commission has reviewed the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as completed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Govern- ments under Michigan's Coastal Management Program, and; WHEREAS, After review of this document and analysis of the resources associated with this property as addressed in the NEMCOG Study, the Alpena County Planning Commission (--oncludes that these resources should be properly managed so as to'preserve these amenities for future generations, and; WHEREAS, Consumers Power Company, as owner of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property, has announced their desire to negotiate a lease agree- ment with a responsible public agency, and; WHEREAS, The Alpena County Planning Commission concurs with the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks Division is the most appropriate public agency to enter into such a lease arrangement for the purpose of preserving and managing these natural resources in the interest of the citizens of the State of Michigan;. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alpena County Planning Commission does hereby endorse the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as developed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Alpena County Planning Commission does hereby encourage the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to direct its Parks Division to step forward as the lead management agency, with funding assistance from the Michigan Coastal Management Program, for, the preservation and management of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property. The above Raotution w" pa6.6ed by the Atpena County PZanning Commiz4ion on (date) by motion 4xom --,e 4L-1- zuppotted by and a vote o4: Aye,s Nayez Attezt;e@d@ .y: an, Ze @@ AZpena County PZanning Commi.6.6ion THE THUNDER BAY AUDUBON SOCIETY RESOLUTION tega)Ld@ng THE ROCKPORT SINKHOLE AND FERRON POIN'T PROPERTY WHEREAS, The Thunder Bay Audubon Society has reviewed the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as completed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments under Michigan's Coastal Management Program, and; WHEREAS, After review of this document and analysis of the resources associated with this property as addressed in the NEMCOG study, the Thunder BaLy Audubon Society concludes that these resources should be oroperly managed so as to preserve these amenities for future generations, and; WHEREAS, Consumers Power Company as owner of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property has announced their desire to negotiate a lease agree- ment with a responsible public agency, and; WHEREAS, Consumers Power Company,as owner of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property has announced their desire to negotiate a lease agree- ment with a responsible public agency, and; WHEREAS, The Thunder Bay Audubon Society concurs with the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks Division is the most appropriate public agency to enter into such a lease arrangement for the purpose of preserving and managing these natural resources in the interest of the citizens of the State of Michigan; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Thunder Bay Audubon Society does hereby endorse the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as developed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Thunder Bay Audubon Society does hereby en- courage the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to direct its Parks Division to step forward as the lead management agency, with funding assistance from the Michigan Coastal Management Program, for the preservation and management of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property. The above tesotution waz pa6zed by the ThundeA Bay Audubon Society on @)(date) by motion 6,tom s ug otted by.,Lx_P_V_V_ and a vote o6: Ayes d c Naye6 Attested by: Z_t5ail -T&WeA Bay Audubon Society 39 THE ALPENA COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION RESOLUTION tega,%ding THE ROCKPORT SINKHOLE AND FERRON POINT PROPERTY WHEREAS, The Al,pena County Parks and Recreation Commission has reviewed the Rock ort Sinkhole Management Study as completed by the North- east Michigan Council of Governments under Michigan's Coastal Management Program, and; WHEREAS, After review of this document and analysis of the resources as- sociated with this property as addressed in the NEMCOG study, the Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission concludes that these resources should be properly managed so as to preserve these amenities for future generations, and; WHEREAS, Consumers Power Company as owner of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property has announced their desire to negotiate a lease agreement with a responsible public agency, and; WHEREAS, The Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission believes that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks Division is the most appropriate public agency to enter into such a lease arrange- ment for the purpose of preserving and managing these natural re- sources in the interest of the citizens of the State of Michigan; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alpena County Parks and Recreation Com- mission does hereby endorse the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as developed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, arid; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission does hereby encourage the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to direct its Parks Division to step forward as the lead management agency, with funding assistance from the Michigan Coastal Manage- ment Program, for the preservation and management of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property. The above kesotution w" pa,6.6ed by the Atpena County PoAU and RecAeationi Comirmizzion on / - /0 (date), by motion 6,tom ", Ae&4oA(W*4,L ,suppo@uted by ljliAw and a vote oj: Ayes Naya Attested by: /WaAi (ChaiAman) 4 r- 0 THE PRESQUE ISLE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES RESOLUTION reguarding THE ROCKPORT SINKHOLES AND FERRON POINT PROPERTY WHEREAS, The Presque Isle Township Board of Trustees has reviewed the.Rockport Sink- holes Management Study as completed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments under Michigan's Coastal Management Program, and; WHEREAS, After review of this document and analysis of the resources associated with this property as addressed in the NEMCOG study, the Presque Isle Township Board of Trustees concludes that these resources should be properly man- aged so as to preserve these amenities for future generations , and; WHEREAS, Consumers Power Company, as owner of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property has announced their desire to negotiate a lease agreement with a responsible public agency, and; WHEREAS, The Presque Isle Township Board of Trustees concurs with the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments' conclusion that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks Division is the most appropriate public agency to enter into such a lease arrangement for the purpose of preserving and managing these natural resources in the interest of the citizens of the State of Michigan; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Presque Isle Township Board of Trustees does hereby endorse the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as developed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Presque Isle Township Board of Trustees does hereby encourage the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to direct its Parks Division to step forward as the lead management agency, with funding assistance from the Michigan Coastal Management Program, for the preser- vation and management of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property. The above resolution was passed by the Presque Isle Township Board of Trustees on Jan 14, 1980 (date) by motion from CRAME supported by BARNETT, and a vote of: Ayes 3 supervisor Barnett Nayes 1 trustee crame treasurer thadajoser attested by: Mrihad barnett 41 THE PRESQUE ISLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSiJN RESOLUTION &egatding THE ROCKPORT SINKHOLE AND FERRON POINT PROPERTY WHEREAS, The Presque Isle Township Planning Commission has reviewed the Rockport Sinkhole Man2,aement Study as completed by the Northeast Michigan Councill of Governments under Michigan's Coastal Management Program, and; WHEREAS, After review of this document and analysis of the resources associated with. this property as addressed in the NEMCOG study, the Presque Isle Township Planning Commission concludes that these resources should be properly man- aged so as to preserve these amenities for future generations, and; WHEREAS, Consumers Power Company, as owner of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property has annouced their desire to negotiate a lease agreement with a responsible public agency, and; WHEREAS, The Presque Isle Township Planning Commission believes that 1-he Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks Division is the most appropriate public agency to enter into such a lease agreement for the purpose of preserving and managing these natural resources in the interest of the citizens of the State of Michigan; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Presque Isle Township Planning Commission does hereby endorse the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as developed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments., and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Presque Isle Township Planning Commission does hereby encourage the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to direct its Parks Division to step forward as the lead management agency, with funding assist- ance from the Michigan Coastal Management Program, for the preservation and management of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property. The above te,6otution was po-6.6ed by the Ptesque 1.6te Township Ptanning commi,6sion on 1-15-80 - (date) by motion 6,%om Aw-r-4ar" lwvaee @suppo,tted by & and a vote o6: A y es Naye,s Attated by: haiAman The League of Women Voters of Alpena County supports the preservation of the sinkhole area on Consumers Power property in Presque Isle Township. The League believes that this can be best accomplished with the develppment of an interpretative center and trails which would encompass the sinkholes and Ferron Point. The parks division of the DNR would be the best agency to serve as leasee. 43 THE PRESQUE TS11 -,,_.'1UNTY,PLANNIN1G COMMISSION R E S 0 L U T 1 0 N Aegatding THE ROCKPORT SINKHOLE AND FERRON POINT PROPERTY WHEREAS, The Presque Isle County Planning Commission has reviewed the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as completed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Government under Michigan's Coastal Management Program, and; WHEREAS, After review of this document and analysis of the resources associated,with this property as addressed in the NEMCOG study, the Presque Isle County Planning Commission concludes that these resources should be properly managed so as to preserve these amenities for future generations, and; -WHEREAS, Consumers Power Company as owner of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property has announced their desire to negotiate a lease agreement with a responsible public agency,,and; WHEREAS, The Presque Isle County Planning Commission believes that the Michigan Depart- ment of Natural Resources Parks Division is the most appropriate public agency to enter into such a lease arrangement for the purpose of preserving and managing these natural resources in the interest of the citizens of the State of Michigan; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Presque Isle County Planning Commission does hereby endorse the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as developed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Government, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Presque Isle County Planning Commission does hereby encourage the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to direct its Parks Division to step forward as the lead management agency, with funding assistance from the Michigan Coastal Management Program, for the preservation and manage- ment of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property. The above itezotution wa,6 p".6ed by the P&esque 1.6te County PtAnning Commi,6.6ion on motion Jtom Q@@_@/,J/178,0(datej by ,suppoxted by and a vote oj: Aye,6 Naye,s A6SEtJ T_ Atte,6ted by: haiAman 44 THE ALPENA TOWNSHIP PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION RESOLUTION @Legatding THE ROCKPORT SINKHOLE AND FERRON POINT PROPERTY WHEREAS, The Alpena Township Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as completed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments under MicFigan's Coastal Management Program and; WHEREAS, After review of this document and analysis of the resources associated with this property as addressed in the NEMCOG study, the Alpena Township Planning and Zoning Commission concludes that these resources should be properly managed so as to preserve these amenities for future generations, and; WHEREAS, Consumers Power Company, as owner of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property has announced their desire to negotiate a lease agree- ment with a responsible public agency, and; WHEREAS, The Alpena Township Planning and Zoning Commission believes that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks Division is the most appropriate public agency to enter into such a lease arrangement for the purpose of preserving and managing these natural resources in the interest of the citizens of the State of Michigan; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alpena Township Planning and Zoning Commission does hereby endorse the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as developed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Alpena Township Planning and Zoning Commission does hereby encourage the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to direct its Parks Division to step forward as the lead management agency, with funding assistance from the Michigan Coastal Management Program, for the preservation and management of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property. The above tuotution wa,6 p".6ed by the AZpena Tow"hip Ptanning and Zoning Commi,64ion on January 18, 198o (date) by motion &%om Riley .6uppoxted by Carr and a vote oj: Aym 5 Nayes 0 Attested by: rmaiAman) 45 NEMCOG FULL COUNCIL NORTHEAST MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS an A RESOLUTION endou,ing THE ROCKPORT SINKHOLE MANAGEMENT STUDY WHEREAS, the staff of the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments Northeast Michigan Cc uncil has prepared, with assistance and coordination from Consumers of Government$ Power Company, Thunder Bay Audubon Society, Alpena League P. 0. Box 457 rd, a 735 of Women Voters, Department of Natural Resources and others, Gaylo Michig n 49' the 'Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as part of the Phone: 1517) 732-3551 Michigan Coastal Management Program, and; WHEREAS, the NEMCOG Natural Resources Advisory Committee, a duly organized advisory committee to the Full Council under the NEMCOG Bylaws, has reviewed and endorsed this study and has recommended similar action by the Full Council, of NEMCOG, and; WHEREAS, the development of a nature interpretive center at Rockport has received much local support, and; WHEREAS, based upon the advice of the Natural Resources Advisory Committee and NEMCOG staff, and with the knowledge that Consumers Power Company has announced their desire to negotiate a lease arrangement with some public agency to provide public access and nature interpretation to the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property, the NEMCOG Full Counci*l believes that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Parks Division, is the most appropriate agency to enter into a lease agreement and develop such an interpretive center; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Full Council of the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments does hereby endorse the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as part of the Michigan's Coastal Management Program, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Full Council of the Northeast Michigan Council of Govern- ments does hereby direct and encourage its staff to pursue i'mplementation of the Rockport Nature Interpretive Center concept under the authority of this agency's Coastal Management Program. Above Ruotution wos pasAed by the Futt Councit o6 the NoAtheazt Alichigan Councit o6 GoveAnment,6 at itz @tegutoA meeting o6 15 January 1980 (date) by motion @tom J. Burch 5UPPo&t-eaT-Fy-----K-.-T- psey and a vote o6: Ayes 16 Nayu 0 Attated by Thorhc@6 MaA Xe.6 e Ab,6tained 4 NEMCOG SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA - ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE ALPENA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION tegatd@ng THE ROCKPORT SINKHOLE AND FERRON POINT PROPERTY WHEREAS, The Alpena County Board of Commissioners has reviewed the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as completed by the Northeast Mi gan Council of Governments under Michigan's Coastal Managemei-.t Program, and; WHEREAS, After review of this document and analysis of the resources associated with this property as addressed in the NEMCOG Study, the Alpena County Board of Commissioners concludes that these resources should be pro- perly managed so as to preserve these amenities for future generations, and; WHEREAS, Consumers Power Company, as owner of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property, has announced their desire to negotiate a lease agree- merit with a responsible public agency, and; WHEREAS, The Alpena County Board of Commissioners concurs with the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks Division is the most appropriate public agency to enter into such a lease arrangement for the purpose of preserving and managing these natural resources in the interest of the citizens of the State of Michigan; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alpena County Board of Commissioners does here- by endorse the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as developed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Alpena County Board of Commissioners does hereby encourage the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to direct its Parks Division to step forward as the lead management agency, with funding assistance from the.Michigan Coastal Management Program, for the preser- vation and management of the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property. The above Resof-ution waz pa6zed by the Atpena County BoaAd oj Commizzionw on January 2'1-80 (date) by inotion 6Aom Commissioner PhiiiiPguppoxted by Comms1r MacNall and a vote o6: Ayn 9 Naym 2 Attated by: -@@hai,,vnan, AXpena County Soak o6 CommizAioneAA 47 NEMCOG 30 January 1980 Mr. Richard Dahlquist .Consumers Power Company Northeast MIrM4igan Cc ncil 305 South St. of Governments Cheboygan, Michigan 49721 P. 0. Box 457 Gaylord, Michipn 49736 Dear Dick, Phone: f517) 732-3561 1 would like to thank you and your company for the interest and cooperation which has been extended to me, NEMCOG and the Alpena citizens group during the past one and a half years on the Rockport Sinkhole project. Since the Company's annoucement last October to negotiate a lease with a responsible public agency for this property, I have been working on locating and encouraging a number of governmental entities to take the lead on this project. I believe that for the time being, all feasible alternatives have been exhausted and it may be some tiTie yet before a governmental agency will step for- ward on this project. However, the concept of a nature trail at the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property has been well received and has much local Bind state support. There are a number of concerns which have been expressed by localand state! agencies which cannot be adequately addressed. The power plant location, use of adjoining state land, length and location of the trails and tax relief are issues which are outside the role of NEMCOG. With this and limited financial assistance under the Coastal Management Program will greatly decrease my continued involvement in this project. I also realize that the lease offer can not be extended indefinitely. As such, I am not very optimistic about the immediate future of this project. NEMCOG has also been criticized for influencing Consumers Power Company's decision-making process for the selection of Rockport as the next power plant location. While I do not believe this is true, I do not want it to appear as though it has. I hope you will transmit this information to the appropriate people in your Jackson office. Again, thank you for the cooperative attitude it has been a pleasure to work with you on this project. Sincerely, Lew Steinbrecher Coastal Planner LS/ncd SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OFt ALCONAe ALPENA - CHE90YGAN CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO PRESQUE ISLE 4P General Offices: 212 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson. Michigan 49201 (517) 788-0550 March 12, 1980 Mr Lew Steinbrecher Coastal Planner Northeast Michigan Council of Governments Po Box 457 Gaylord, mi 49735 Dear Lew This will confirm our telephone conversation of March 11, 1980, in which you advised me that you were no longer interested in pursuing the lease of the Sinkhole and Ferron Point areas at our Rockport Generating Plant Site, inasmuch as you could not find a governmental agency willing to assume the lease responsibilities. Thus, the Company withdraws its offer to make this property available. We have appreciated the opportunity to work with you on this matter and are sorry that it could not be brought to a satisfying conclusion. Sincerely yours W L Reid Manager of Land and Right of Way WLR/cjk cc: JJRochow JGGoense RGDahlquist REAlbrecht MRPutnam NEMCOG > lift, DATE: 18 March 1980 TO: All Involved Participants Northeast Michigan C u cil FROM: Lew Steinbrecher, Coastal Planner of Gover@rnents P. 0. Box 457 RE: Rockport Sinkhole Project GaVlord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-3551 I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that Consumers Power Company has withdrawn its offer to lease the Rockport Sinkhole and Ferron Property for public access. This action was taken upon my recommendation to the utility company that no public agency would step forward to develop the prODosed nature trail in the foreseeable future. Other reasons for this recommendation include 1) lack of local governmental support,, 2) concern for loss of tax revenues, 3) uncertainty of public opini -on of the proposal, 4) lack of support by several DNR agencies, and, 5) undue criti*cism of Consumers Power Company Additionally, my continued involvement in this project is essentially complete because of other activities with the Coastal Management Program, particularly local grants assistance, which must be performed within the limits of the budget. I greatly appreciate the thoughts, concerns, and interest you have expressed during the development of the Rockport Project. Thank you for your time and efforts. SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE NEMCOG ENID ROCKPORT SINKHOLE STEERING COMMITTEE MINUTES 11 December 1979 Northeast Michigan Council Jason's Gaslight Lounge of Governments Rogers City, Michigan 49779 P. 0. Box 457 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-3551 CALL TO ORDER: Persons involved in the Rockport Sinkhole and Nature Interpretive Center project convened at 12:20 p.m. to discuss and review recent developments in Rockport Sinkhole project with Mr. Harry Whiteley of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. ATTENDANCE: Bob Allen (area resident), Dennis Boden (Jesse Besser Museum), Dick Dahl- quist (Consumers Power Company), Dorris Doutt (Alpena League of Women Voters), O.B. Eustis (Thunder Bay Audubon Society), Jitr 11-amy (Wilderness and Natural Area Advisory Board), Kathy Pelleran (Senator @rwln's representative), Lew Steinbrecher (NEMCOG), Chuck Volz (DNR Area Forester - Atlanta), David Warner (DNR Coastal Management Program - Lansing), and Harry Whiteley (Natural Resources Commissioner). OPEN DISCUSSION: The meeting opened with Dick Dahlquist oroviding the people in attendance with a brief background of Consumers Power position with regard to negogiating a lease arranagement with some responsible agency or organization for part of the utility's property at Rockport. Mr. Dahlquist emphasized a couple of con- cerns expressed by Mr. Reid (Consumers Power Company - Jackson office) at the 30 October 1979 meeting, including the one dollar per year provision and that the leasee would be responsible for providing adequate I Tabi I ity insurance coverage. He also read from an inter-departmental memo from the company's environmental research department which addressed itself to the possibility of threatened or endangered plant species in the Ferran Point area of the Rockport property. Discussion followed regarding other considerations which were discussed at the 30 October meeting with O.B. Eustis mentioning that Consumers would prefer major capital improvements such as parking lots, rest- rooms and the nature interpretive center to be located on the adjoining state land and not the Rockport property. Also discussed was a provision to allow Consumers to terminate the lease should they decide to sell the land sometime in the future, but it was explained that this possibility was not being con- sidered by the company at this time. SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA - ALPENA CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE 51 2 Mr. Eustis explained why he though the DNR Parks Division was the most appropriate agency to step forward and take the lead on this project, pointing to that agency's experience and background in the nature interpretive area. It was also brought out that once the Rockport Nature Interpetive center was developed, it would be necessary to station a full-time naturalist at the center. Only the DNR Parks Division would be of sufficient size to financially support such a position. David Warner explained that the Parks Division would require fee simple ownership before committing any major improvements or staff to the center, pointing out that even should these Tniprovements be made on the adjoin- ing state land, the features which would attract the public is on Consumers Power property and should the lease be terminated, for any reason, the useful- ness of the center would be severely limited. Discussion focused on the other possible management agencies, including the Presque Isle County Parks Commission, the Township of Presque Isle and the DNR Forest Management Division. However, because of lack of interest or inability to maintain the center once developed, these agencies would be unlikely participants. Kathy Pelleran, Senator Irwin's representative for Northeast Michigan, introduced herself and expressed the Senator's interest and willingness to help in implementing this project. Mr. Whiteley suggested that perhaps NEMCOG could put together a well though-out presentation on the center and the advantages and disadvantages of alternative management agencies for a future Natural Resources Commission meeting. Discussion on this topic expanded Into listing the alternative agencies. One idea was to select a local uniL- :-,` government to improve and operate the center as a 2 or 3 year experiment *-o see if the project was feasible as a long term development. O.B. Eust-'s though this was a good idea, but that initial costs fcr access roads, park',ig lots, trail development would be too excessive to justif fy a 2 or 3 year effor,-. at the site. Dennis Boden expressed his concern that Presque Isle Tjwnshlp would have to help by reducing the property tax as the key to this entire project, and that without this, there would be little hope for success. There was a general concurrance among everyone present that once the center was developed, it would be a tremendous asset to the area and would have beneficial impacts at the regional level. A number of ideas and thoughts were then expresscad regarding material for the presentation expressed regarding material for the presentation to the Natural Resources Cc;mm!ss*?o,!. These ideas 7,ncluded: 1. A funding maL@harlsm to finance the project once the lead management agency signzd the lease agreement with Consumer's Power 2. Connectlon cf thIs project with Be 17 @fnes (Besser Natural Area) and T@ompson's Harbor projects. 3. DNR @,Jaterqays Division ease with Consumers PoANer on another part of the Rockport property which provides public access and boat launching ramps on Lake Huron (old harbor area). 4. DNR Fisheries Division program which is planting lake trout at the old Rockport Harbor. 52 3 David Warner stated that the Michigan Coastal Management Program would be very interested in providing low cost construction funds for trail develop- ment in both the sinkhole area and at the Ferran Point coastline. A few last thoughts were expressed, including another field trip to the Sinkholes and Ferran Point in early spring 1980 and a question about the liability issue. Kathy Pelleran once again expressed Senator Irwin's interest in this project and invited the group to ask for his assistance. ADJOURN: The meeting informally adjourned at 1:15 P.m. 53 NEMCOG 61111h. Now THE ROCKPORT SINKHOLES Minutes of the Northeast Michigan Council INITIAL LEASE ARRANGEMENT MEETING of Governments 30 October 1979 P. 0. Box 457 Presque Isle Township Hall Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-3551 CONVENED: Representatives from Consumers Power Company, the Rockport Nature Center Steering Committee, Presque Isle Township, the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments and other interested individuals gathered together at 4:00 p.m. for the purpose of informally discussing a possible lease arrangement of the Rockport Sinkhole property between Consumers Power Company and some appropriate management agency. ATTENDANCE: Michael Barnett (Presque Isle Township Supervisor), Dennis Bodem (Jesse Besser Museum), Dick Dahlquist (Consumers Power Company), Dorris Doutt (League of Women Voters), Randy Eshenroder (Thunder Bay Audubon Society), O.B. Eustis (Thunder Bay Audubon Society), Nick Evers (NEMCOG), Jim Lamy (Wilderness and Natural Area Advisory Board), George Lintz (Chairman, Presque Isle Township Planning Commission), Jim Lyons (Presque Isle Township Planning Commission), Vernie Nethercut (League of Women Voters), John Porter @L`hairman, Alpena County Planning Commission), Bill Reid (Consumers Power Company), Robin Spencer (Presque Isle Township Clerk) and Lew Steinbrecher (NEACOG). CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY'S PRESENTATION: After calling the meeting to order, Lew Steinbrecher tunred the floor over to Consumers Power Company officials. Bill Reid, Manager of the Land and Right of Way Department with Consumers began with some background information, noting that the Rockport property was purchased about eight years ago. He also explained that Rockport was only one of eight sites within Michigan being considered for the Utility's next generating facility and that a decision on which site to locate such a plant could be made as early as next year. Actual construction of the next plant at whichever site is chosen would not begin until 1989 or 1990. Mr. Reid also expressed his company's commitment to preserve environmentally sensitive areas such as the sinkholes and looked forward to working with Lhis group toward that end. Mr. Reid then made reference to the recently published Rockpc,-t Sinkhole Management Study, directing attention to the North Entrance 'Alternative via State Land (illustrated on page 35 of the document) as the alternative favored SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA - ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE 54 2 by Consumers Power Company. This alternative was selected as the most app ro-. priate by the Utility for the following reasons: (1) motorized traffic would be directed unto state owned land off a primary road (Grand Lake Road); (2) Off- Road Vehicle activities would be minimized and possibly eliminated around the sinkhole area, and; (3) development would be minimal on Consumers Power property and would affect a small portion,thus preserving the remainder of the Rockport property for the company. Discussion then focused on the primary elements to be considered under a lease agreement. Those elements included: 1) 'The primary lease site would be centered around the area of sinkhole concentration, either in a square or triangle shaped parcel of property. 2) The land area to be leased would be of sufficient acreage to adequately accommodate anticipated pedestrian traffic volumes to and from the sinkhole area. 3) The cost of the lease would be $1.00 per year. 4) The Company would be relieved of property taxes either through reim.- bursement by the lessee or by the leased property being removed from the tax roll. 5) The lessee would assume responsibility and liability and provide ade- quate insurance of same. (The lessee may either provide its own in- surance or reimburse the company for premiums under its policy). 6) Terms would be for an initial 20 year lease with a year to year renewal thereafter. 7) Consumers Power would retain the rights to util-ize the leased property for transmission lines should that be necessa@,@ .-)metime in the future. 8) Consumers Power would retain the right to tarlfl',nate the lease should the property become unsafe for the visiting public or should the environ- mental preservation of the sinkholes become threatened or destroyed. OPEN DISCUSSION: Regarding item number 8 above, Mr. Dahlquist mentioned that since the recent publicity about the Rockport Sinkholes and the NEMCOG study, he had received many inquiries about the sinholes and how to get to them. It was pointed out that the more people who visit the sinkholes in their present condition, the better the chances of personal injury and damage to the sinkholes and vegetation. Discussion then focused upon the term "Exclusionary Zone" in regards to Nuclear Power Reactors and what affect this would have on the leased property. Mr. Re explained that presently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires a control area of one-half mile radius around nuclear power plants which the operators of such facilities can evacuate all people within this zone in very short time in the event of an accident. With regard to Rockport and a lease agreement, Consumers Power would retain the right to evacuate people from the leased property should a nuclear plant ever be built at Rockport and should such an emergency ever arise. 55 3 Mr.Eustis explained that tiI2 nature interpretive concept as proposed by the Jim Bull Alternative needed to be diversified to adequately treat the many natural qualities of the Rockport property and to justify the existence of a full-time naturalist at the center. He pointed out that the sinkholes may not be enough to put the property to its full use for nature study and interpretation, particularly the Ferron Point area on Lake Huron with its qualities. Mr. Reid agreed that trail development to the Ferron Point area was acceptable to Consumers Power, but that in general, the more development on the Rockport property itself (especially major construction activities such as nature center building, parking, lots, restrooms, towers, etc.) may interfere with final development plans which the company may decide upon in the -future. Mr. Reid suggested that the trail network as illustrated on page 35 of the Rockport Sinkholes M&@-,agement Study report be extended into the Ferron Point area. Mr. Eustis explained that he had talked to the DNR Parks Division personnel and they were very interested in this type of proposal for Rockport and would be receptive to further suggestions. Mr. Reid then commented on the current lease negotiation with the DNR Waterways Division for the old Rockport Harbor area as a public access for boaters and fishermen and suggested the two lease agreements be coordinated with one another. Mr. Barnett asked what role or involvement Presque Isle Township might have in this lease arrangement. Mr. Reid suggested that the Township may wish to be- come the lessee with advise and assistance from both NEMCOG and the DNR. Mr. Eustis suggested that perhaps the DNR might be the most appropriate governmental agency to become the lessee and that the Parks Division would be interested in such an arrangement. Discussion then centered on other possible additions to the North Entrance Alternative via State Land including a nature trail connecticn to the Besser Natural Area to the north along Lake Huron. Mr. Eust-:'s asked Consumers reaction to the proposal to construct a tower on the Rockport which.would offer an excellent view of the shoreline, Middle Island, b-@S.@, s-tilkholes and the unusual topography of the area. Mr. Reid responded -1, ii;' -r Consumers might allow such a tower if they were to reserve the right to remove it should it interfere with any development plans the company may have in the future. Current management practices by the DNR Forest Management Division on the abutting state land included some timber sales this year which resulted in a logging trail down to the Rockport property line. It was thought that additional timber sales and harvest operations would continue on the property next year as well. Mr. Porter asked what type of campground facility was 2-nvisioned for the property. Mr. Eustis explained that a campground was not re-corr4-nerded in the original proposal, but rather a day use facility. It was generally agreed that development should be limited to day use facilities for -the na.@'-Urs center area. Mr. Barnett askec' iilhat plans Consumers Power Company had iormulated for that part of the Rockport property which lies outside of the boundary for probable power plant development as depicted on the maps in the Rockport Sinkhole Manage- ment Study report. Mr. Reid responded that there were no formal plans for that property other than use as a buffer zone and transmission line rig_hts-of-way in the event a power plant should be built there some day. 56 4 Discussion then focused on the liability and relief of property taxes elements as being very crucial in the negotiation of a lease agreement. Mr. Reid explained that Consumers Power would reserve the right to terminate the lease after sufficien advan,e notice should the lessee abuse the agreement and then, only as a last resorl if problems with the lease couldn't be resolved. Mr. Bodem asked for more information regarding Consumers Power's Ludington Pump Storage Facility and the lease agreement at that site. Mr. Reid explained that it was a 20 year lease with the Mason County Parks and Recreation Commission (another possibility for the Rockport property) with both day use and campground facilities. While the day use facilities are quite heavily utilized, the 48 campsites are seldom filled, even during the tourist months. Jim Lyons asked what the future of the Rockport property would be if Consumers Power decided not to build a generating plant there. Mr. Reid said the Company would probably sell the land, giving first option to buy to the lessee. However, if the property were sold to another owner, the lease would be assigned to -the new owner and still be valid. Mr. Reid noted, however, that selling the property is not being considered by Consumers Power at this time. ADJOURN: There being no further questions or comments, the meeting informally adjourned at 5:00 p.m. to a showing of the Rockport Nature Center slide/tape presentation by Mrs. Doutt of the Alpena League of Women Voters. It was noted by several people that there was no discussion of the proposed Presque Isle Township Zoning Ordinance and its regulation of Consumers Power property at Rockport. 57 NEMCOG MINUTES 27 June 1979 ROCKPORT SINKHOLE FIELD TRIP AND MEETING Northeast Michigan Council of Governments P. 0. Box 467 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-3551 CONVENED: The participants of the Rockport Sinkhole Field Trip convened at 9:40 a.m. in the parking lot of the Presque Isle Township Hall by Lew Steinbrecher, Coastal Planner with NEMCOG. Everyone introduced themselves and their affili- ation before leaving for the tour. Randy Eshenroder of the Thunder Bay Audubon Society served as tour guide. PARTICIPANTS: Ed Browning (Consumers Power Company), Dick Dahlquist (Consumers Power Com- pany), Gary Dawson (Consumers Power Company), Larry Elliott (WBKB-TV Alpena), Randy Eshenroder (Thunder Bay Audubon Society), O.B. Eustis (Naturalist), Irvin Kuehner (DNR - Geological Survey Division), Vernie Nethercut (Alpena League of Women Voters), Lew Steinbrecher (NEMCOG), Bob Wagner (NEMCOG), Carol Warren (NEMCOG) and Betsy Willis (Alpena League of Women Voters). FIELD TRIP: The group entered the Rockport Property from the east and observed five of the eight sinkholes. The accompanying map shows the approximate path of the tour and order of sinkholes observed, with the number 1 being the first sinkhole looked at. Randy Eshenroder pointed out an old gravel pit from the first settlers to the area. The group observed an earth crack at the first sinkhole, typically found at the edge of most sinkholes, The diagram below illustrates the earth crack. earth crack sink le + k"*, earth crack The second sinkhole observed by the group is the largest of the eight lo- cated on the Rockport property. There were signs of considerable people pressure and it was pointed out that four-wheel drive vehicles could make it to the edge of this sinkhole. Local residents used the sink as a swimming hole as well. The /@:th c3 bottom of the sinkhole was measured at fifty feet below the water level. SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA - ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE 58 wetlands ROCKPORT SINKHOLE AREA JUNE 27, 1979 FIELD TRIP PATH AND Lake ORDER OF SINKHOLE OBSERVATION :04 II I existing 138 KV powerline Huron right-of-way old railroad grade 2. 3. 40 5 0 -3- Sinkhole number 3 had the steepest slope and was more characteristic of those sinkholes found further inland, such as those along Leer Road in Long Rapids Township. Randy Eshenroder remembered a small cave at the bottom of this particular sinkhole but wasn't sure because of possible recent rock falls from the walls of the sinkhole. Sinkholes number 4 and 5 were similar to the first one and both had water in them, as did all five observed. It was pointed out by Gary Dawson that when the water is drained from all the sinkholes, except number 3, (a natural process which occurs in late July, early August) some species of fern and moss appear which are naturally found much further north in Canada. The bottom of the sink- holes is the only place this far south where such flora can be found. Protection of these plants is essential to the total preservation theme for the sinkholes and their environment. INDOOR MEETING: The group recessed to the Fireside Inn on Grand Lake at 12:30 p.m. for lunch. Mr, Harry Whiteley (Natural Resources Commission) and Bob Allen (Presque Isle Corporation) joined the group at this time. Lew Steinbrecher reconvened the group shortly after 1:00 p.m. and briefly highlighted the morning's tour. Irv Kuehner stated that the Rockport Sinkholes were not as typical as those found further inland in terms of the limestone cliffs. However, these sinkholes afford easier access to the bottom without the use of climbing gear. Discussion was had on the various alternatives which could be implemented. Ideas mentioned ranged from construction of a modern nature center building to improved trail development to no action (do nothing). Consumers Power Company representatives were receptive to the various ideas discussed and stated they would listen and consider any proposal short of selling the land. The idea of a lease agreement similar to the one between Consumers and the DNR Waterways Division which provides public access and launching ramps at the old harbor of Rockport was also discussed. Another thought me-.tioned was the construction of a nature center on adjoining state land by an appropriate DNR Division with nature trails constructed to the sinkholes, It 'was suggested by NEMCOG staff that Consumers not be financially responsible for the construction of a nature center building. Other comments made included such matters as: future power plant develop- ment on the property; the "exclusionary zone" or area of control needed for nuclear power plants; the degree of public accessibility to the sinkholes; and financing of the proposals, Concluding the meeting, Mr. Whiteley posed the question of what should be done next. It was agreed upon that another proposal, short of the sale of any Rockport property, should be drafted and submitted to Consumers Power Company for their consideration and response. O.B. Eustis agreed to developing such a proposal. A response from Consumers could be forthcoming three weeks after re- ceiving any revised proposal. It was also suggested and agreed upon that O.B. Eustis make a presentation of the Rockport Sinkhole to the entire Michigan Natural Resources Commission at their 12 July 1979 meeting to be held in Gaylord. The meeting was informally adjourned at 2:15 p.m. Informal discussion followed. 60 El Cajon Bay Land Acquisition Proposal The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments also sponsored 4 land acqui- sition proposal to the Michigan Land Trust Fund created under the Kammer Recreational Land Trust Fund Act for the purchase of the El Cajon Bay property on Lake Huron in Alpena County. The propett'y contains approximately 363 acres of land and about five miles of Lake Huron-coastline because of the irregular shape of the bay. There are two under-water sinkholes on the bottomlands of the bay as wellone 300 feet in diameter and 75 feet deep and the other 250 feet in diameter and 20 feet deep. There are numerous fresh water springs both in the large sinkhole and on the land which typlifies the Karst topog- raphy of the region. There are also several interesting earth cracks located on the property, The fragile wetlands along the shoreline support a variety of plants, including the Pitcher Plant (one of a few insectiverous plants in the State) and the Dwarf Lake Iris (one of only two plants endemic to Michigan) both of which are endangered plant species. There are beautiful wild orchids, such as the Grass Pink and Rose Pegonia, found on the property. The proposal is supported by a number of state agencies, local organi- zations, environmental groups and politicians. This support includes the DNR Forest Management Division, the DNR Parks Division, the DNR Geological Survey Division, Michigan Coastal Management Program, Governor Milliken, State Senator Mitch Irwin, State Representative Steve Andrews, the Thunder Bay Audubon Society, Alpena County Planning Commission, The Alpena League of Woman Voters, Huron Pines Resource Conservation and Development Council, Michigan Interlakes Grotto, the National Speleological Society, Alpena Community College, Alpena Township, Great Lakes Camp and Trail Association, Michigan Natural Areas Council, the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, Nature Conser- vancy and the Jesse Besser Museum. The proposal is currently still under consideration by the Board as of August 1980. NEMCOG staff gave a coordinated slide presentation representing several of the groups mentioned above to the Board on 5 August 1980. Several documents follow to illustrate various specifics of the efforts and several articles onthe project are located in the News Media Coverage section of this report which further augments the projects. 61 rz 1.4 - AIL_ JON* 62 GREAT LAKES CAMP AND TRAIL ASSOC. P.O. BOX -10144 LANSING, Mi. 48901 May 21, 1980 Michigan Land Trust Fund Board C/o Mr. Ed Hagan Office of Budget and Federal Aid Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 30028 Lansing, MI 48909 Re: El Cajon Bay Property and Sinkholes Dear Mr. Hagan: The purpose of this letter is to express our support to the Michigan Land Trust Fund Board for the land acquisition proposal entitled "El Cajon Bay Property and Sinkholes". The Great Lakes Camp and Trail Association is an outings organization whose purpose is to provide opportunities for its members to discover the Great Lakes region, its natural and historical resources, and its environmental diversity. This is accomplished through year around recreational outings of an educational and challenging nature, conducted on foot or by canoe, in all parts of the region. During the course of previous outings in northeast lower Michigan, our group has hiked and canoed in the subject property, primarily to visit and inter- pret the significant and unique geological phenomena - earth cracks and a large underwater sinkhole - contained within its boundaries. Further attrac- tions of the area are its undisturbed natural appearance, its wetland biotic community including an extensive population of insectivorous pitcher plants, and the possible existence of white cave fish in the sinkhole. This combina- tion of features provides the type of experience which our group seeks, both for recreational and educational purposes. While on our most recent outing to the site on May 17 this year, we noticed survey lines cut through the trees to subdivide the property. We feel that if action to preserve the area is not taken in 1980, the citizens of Michigan will lose yet another precious and outstanding segment of Great Lakes shore- line and coastal wetland. This would be particularly disturbing in the "Year of the Coast", also a year when wetlands protection was finally enacted into law. It is our desire to see this area preserved in its existing natural condition for future outings and future members of our organization. By this letter, we support public acquisition of the El Cajon Bay Property and Sinkholes through the provisions of the Michigan Recreational Land Trust Fund Act. Sincerely, on behalf of our members, Lawrence L. Lemanski 63 MICHIGAN NATURAL AREAS COUNCIL May 22, 1980 Mr. Edward Ragan Additional Copy Sent To: Michigan Land Trust Fund Board Senator Mitch Irwin Office of Budget and Financial Aid 765 Senate office Building Department of Natural Resources Lansing, MI 48909 P.O. Box 30028 Lansing, MI 48909 Dear Mr. Hagan: At the May 19, 1980, meeting 6f the Michigan Natural Areas Council a resolution was adopted to once again endorse and support the proposal by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments for the acquisition of the El Cajon Bay Ptopetty And SinkhdLes, under the Kamer Recreational Land Trust Fund Act. The MNAC is concerned with the locating, studying, and preservation of choice natural areas in Michigan. Its efforts and accomplishments in this are well known to state, -local, and private agencies. While we have not ourselves conducted a study of the El Cajon property, we have been informed by several persons about the natural area values of the site, including the coastal wetlands, and the especially, unique karst landforms and artesian springs. The proposal from NEKCOG identifies the area as a rare, fragile, and scenic resource. Mr. Lew Steinbrecher's supporting memorandum of March 19, 1980, states that "after public acquisition, the possible development of a- nature trail and boardwalk would provide a recreational and scenic assest unlike any other in Northeast Michigan, and perhaps in the entire state". The MNAC would urge that, as soon as the property has been purchased, a management plan be developed that will protect to the maximum possible extent the natural features of the area. The MNAC would like to reiterate its! offer to assist in the development of such alplan by cooperati 'ng in the necessary botanical, zoological, geolo- gical, and ecological reconnaissance.of the site. Sinc y Richard W. Pippen, Chairperson RWP/amp Sinc Y' 1.7 14---- A *eAP Ac 140" lei cc Lew Steinbrecher The Michigan Natural Areas Council has as its goal the preservation of areas of outstanding scenic beauty or scientific value which are TtpYeJent4e4 of the full variety of Michigan's natural habitats. Alpena Community College 666 Johnson Street Alpena, Michigan 49707 Telephone:(517)3.56-9021 Ju1Y 39 1980 000UN/rp Thomas Nichols - Attorney Alpena, Viiehigan Dear Mr. Nichols, In regard to -your proprosal that a report be done on the general nature, condition and potential value of the property listed in the 1970 Land Plat Book as the John Harning property (which would be all but the NorthWest 40 of section 15, Town 31 NorthRange 9 East In Alpena Township of Alpena County.) It is my understanding that you'and others would like to see this property in public ownership. I have visited this property on several occasions in my ramblings and field trips as an instructor of botany, ecology, and conservation courses at Alpena Community College and agree that there is much that is uniqte, beautiful and worthy of pre- servation on this property and shoreline along Lake Huron. Being at the base of North Point, the property is cooled by the Lake and supports communities of plantlife that are becoming in- areasingly rare. This property also has numerous areas of lime- stone outoropring which also adds to the uniqiieness of the plant life there. The presence of a larre sinkhole, stream, and small harbor give it great potential value as a potential location for a research station at some future time. As I mentioned to you, I am very busy now, but upon my return from Wyoming on August 6# 1 shal '1 be Ible to begin a much more Offering An Expanding Program To Meet 77ieFducational Needs OfA LL People In Northeastern Mich igan 65 "A Nondiscriminatory EducationalInstitution and Employer" 0 Alpena Community College 666 Johnson Street Alpena, Michigan 49 0 Telephone (817)356-9021 Page 2 thorough study of the property In question . As a biologist ,and instructor of some 15 years experience and wandering over lands of NorthEastern Michigan I am vitally interested in efforts to preserve what can be obtained of the last blocks of acreage on the shores of' the Great Lakes. I have watched development proceed on these shorelands at a frightening pace and believe that these areas, with their unique biological communities, will be Of great value and much appreciated in the future. Respectfully, Russ Garlitz Instructor - Alpena Community College Dept. of Natural Science Offering An Expanding Program To Meet The Educational Needs of All People In Northeastern Michigan "A Nondiscriminatory Educational Institution and Employer" 661 Maritime Preservation Grants Program Staff of the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments inquired about, received and distributed information regarding the Maritime Preservation Grant Program, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This is a private, non-profit organization which works through a partnership involving a federal governmental agency, the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service. No known grants were applied for under this program during the year. Familiarity of the program may result in submission of a grant application next year to enhance the maritime history of Lake Huron coastal waters and lands. Island Management Study NENCOG staff provided assistance ind'informative material to planners with Johnson and Anderson, a private consulting firm which was under contract with the Michigan Coastal Management Program to develop a Great Lakes Island Management Study. This assistance included all pertinent information on file with NEMCOG's Areas of Particular Concern for each island nominated an an APC. Thunder Bay Underwater Park With the passage of Public Act 184 of 1980, being signed into law by Governor Milliken on July 2, 1980, the State of Michigan has authority to preserve and protect the bottomlands of the Great Lakes, including all abandoned property. Through the DNR Law Enforcement Division and the Michigan Department of State, certain bottomlands which display significant historical, recreational, geological and other values, can be designated as State Underwater Preserves. To this end, the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments sponsored a public meeting to discuss the possibility of designating the bottomlands of the Thunder Bay area of Lake Huron in Alpena County as such a preserve. There is much local support for the concept which has been talked about in the Alpena area since 1975 when an MSU Parks and Recreation Resources Department conducted a study to evaluate the potential of such a park for Thunder Bay, including the underwater sinkholes in El Cajon Bay. Attemps are presently underway to convince state Agencies to designate this area as an underwater preserve under the authority of P.A. 184 of 1980. 67 NEMCOG bib.. ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC MEETING Date: Wednesday, 27 August 1980 Northeast Michigan Council of Governments iEimr: 7:30 p.m. P. 0. Box 457 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 place: Council Chambers, City Hall Phone: (517) 732-3551 Alpena, Michigan Purpose: To discuss the possibility of desi-gnating the Thunder Bay in Lake Huron as an underwater preserve. Uditional 3nfiarmatian: The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments is sponsoring this public meeting to receive local input regarding the potential of the Thunder Bay bottom lands as an underwater park. Bruce Andrews of the DNR Law Enforcement Division will be present to explain P.A. 184 of 1980. This recently enacted State Law is intended to protect the historical and recreational values of Great Lakes bottom lands and to designate and regulate underwater perserves. John Schwartz, the Marine Agent for North- east Michigan with the Sea Grant Program, will present a slide program on an MSU Parks and Recreation Resources study of the Thunder Bay area bottom lands. Lew Steinbrecher, NEMCOG Coastal Planner, will serve as moderator. The meeting is being promoted as a "Year of the Coast 1980" event. T A SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COLINTIE5 OF; ALCONA ALPENA CHEBOYGAN- CRAWFORD MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - C)TSEGO PRESQUEISLE IlEnvironmental Areas" Program NEMCOG staff assisted DNR personnel from the Shorelands Section of the Land Resource Programs Division with information and local contacts regarding specific parcels of land being considered for designation as Ilenvironmental areas" under authority of Michigan's Shoreland Protection and Management Act (P.A. 245 of 1970). Most of this assistance was in the form of telephone conversations with DNR staff in Lansing but did entail a couple of field trips and/or local meetings during the designation process of the program. League of Women Voters NEMCOG staff assisted the Alpena League and the Michigan State League of Women Voters on two "Year of the Coast-1980" activities. Several slides depicting various coastal related problems and opportunities along the Lake Huron shore of Northeast Michigan were given to the Alpena League to be included in a slide/tape presentation being prepared at the state level. Additionally, maps depicting specific geographical locations of areas with geologic, historic or environmental interest, with erosion or flooding problems, or issues related to development pressure in sensitive areas and conflicts of use on the lake shore. A narrative of the site describing the geographical features, accessibility to the public and problems or opportunities associated with the parcel was also developed and submitted to the State League along the maps. Whitefish Bay - Crow Realty NEKCOG staff assisted Crow Realty in Alpena with the completion of a Land Acquisition proposal to the Michigan Land Trust Fund for property in Whitefish Bay, a smaller bay within Thunder Bay. Much of the property had been designated as "Environmental Area" under authority of the Michigan Shorelands Protection and Management Act. The Proposal was submitted to the Michigan Land Trust Fund Board but was removed from further consideration early in the reivew process for lack of a public agency to own and manage the property. 69 A-95 Clearinghouse and Natural Resources Advisory Committee NEMCOG staff reviewed and commented on a number of proposed projects located within the coastal zone of Northeast Michigan in terms of its consistency with the region's coastal management program. Staff also maintain its support to NEMCOG"s Natural Resources Advisory Committee, the agency's review board for natural resource matters. The committee reviewed permit applications, pending state legislation, areas of Particular Concern, the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study, the El Cajon Bay land acquisition proposal and other pertinent matters relating to the region's and state's coastal management program. Boy Scout "Year of the Coast" Merit Badges NEMCOG staff took the initiative to contact local scoutmasters in and near the coastal communities of Northea st Michigan to explain and discuss the earning of "Michigan Year of the Coast-1980" merit badges for boy scouts in their troops. NEMCOG is currently in the process of sponsoring local projects and activities along the Lake Huron coastline without the aid of coastal program funding. The actual field activities are being scheduled for October 1980, however. Such events will include clean-ups of local and state parks, natural, historic and geological interpretation of interesting coastal properties and hiking and camping along the Lake Huron shore. Review of Permit Applicat ions NEMCOG staff did review and comment upon several permit applications of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the authority of Section 404 (b) of the Clean Water Act of 1977. One such permit application was the filling in of a coastal wetland in Presque Isle County for purposes of mosquito control and residential development. The documents on the following pages make reference to the various concerns expressed regarding this activity. As a result, the permit application was denied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or withdrawn by the applicant. 70 NEMCOG @y 5 December 1979 Colonel Robert Vermillion District Engineer Detroit District Northent Michigan Council Army Corps of Engineers of Governments P.O. Box 1027 P. 0. Son 457 Detroit, Michigan 48231 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (6171732.3551 Dear Colonel Vermillion: After review of the public notice of proposed fill in of a wetland adjacent to Lake Huron near Gracel Michigan (Process No. 791192CI79-5-50), including inquiries to local contacts and a site inspection to the pro- perty of the proposed fill,activity, this agency (Northeast Michigan Council of Govermente) wishes to make the following comments: a. Spens Construction Incorporated has discussed with the Presque Isle County Zoning Administrator, a proposal to alter the course of the "drainage ditch" as referred to in the notice. This so called "drainage ditch" is a natural stream which runs through a low-lying cedar swamp area before entering a pond (propooed fill area #791192C) and then continues to Lake Huron. It appears that Spens Construction will soon make application to Presque Isle County for a 347 (SoiZ &oeion and Sedimentation Control) permit, but has failed to mention this proposed activity in its opplicatJon to your office, b. Filling of a coalstal wetland is in conflict with the goals and objectives of the Northeast Michiganis Coastal Management Program. The Michigan Coastal Management Program, Land Resource Programs Division, Department of Natural Resources, should be contacted re- garding this permit application for a determination as to whether or not this proposed activity is inconsistent with the federally approved Coastal Program. c. The Clean Water Plan for Northeast Michigan recognizes that certain activities, such as unplanned inland lake development or des- truction of wetlands, can have detrimental effects on water quality. This project, as presently proposed, would undermine local and regional efforts to restore and maintain water quality in Northeast Michigan. Therefore, this project is inconsistent with Northeast Michigan's certified Clean Water Plan. SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAt. GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF; ALCONA ALPENA - CHESOVGAN - CRAWFORD -'MONTMORENCY OSCODA - OTSEGO PRESQUE ISLE Colonel Robert Vermillion 2 5 December 1979 d. While the Presque Isle County Planning Commission has not speci- fically objected to this permit application to date, the countyls recently adopted comprehensive plan states the following on page 170: "Issue: Presque We County contains a number of natural and man-made onenities. Many of these amenities are related to the county's inland lake resources or Lake Huron shoreline, the same areas which have been moat prone to development pressures. Goal: To insure that population growth does not infringe on the quality or availability of environ- mental assets of the county. Objective: identify the unique natural and man- made resources of the county and implement pro- grams to protect them from destruction or from encroachment by incompatible land uses." It appears to this agency that the proposed projects would also be in conflict with,adopted county policy. e. There is a possibility that there may be endangered or threatened plant species located on the property as the Dwarf Lake Iris and the Pitcher Plant have been found in this vicinity. Contact should be made with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wild- life Division for further information and determination. f. The proposed work site to not a wooded marsh (awamp), but rather an open pond. A cedar swarAp does surround the proposed fill area, however. After a careful review of this proposed project, we would not agree that it would be in the pu@lic interest to fill in this coastal wetland. We request that a public hearing be held in Rogers City to consider this application for the following reasons: 1. To clearly determine local public policy regarding the project. 2. To determine the need of this project for the people of Presque Isle County. 3. To determine if any known endangered plant species or their habitat are located on the property. 4. To determine if an environmental impact study should be required prior to permit approval. 5. To clarify the entire scope of work to be completed by Spens Construction. 72 Colonel Robert Vermillion 3 5 December 1979 6. To determine if there already exists sufficient building sites on more suitable soils in this area of Presque Isle County to accommodate expected growth of population and expected housing demands. 7. To clarify if the proposed fill area is wooded marsh (awamp) or open pond. 8. To provide an opportunity for the citizens of Presque Isle County to express their concerns as well as an opportunity for Spens Construction to explain the need for the additional building sites. This agency is not convinced of the justification of this project when only two or three lots will be created with so many undeveloped lots already located nearby. Thank you for this opportunity to comment on this permit application, and we look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, @;@ c=@".r 16ex Lew Steinbrecher Coastal Planner, NINCOG Bob Wagne Water Quality Specialist, NEMCOG LS:BW/q cc: P@-eeque Isle County Planning Comieeion Presque Isle County Zoning Comieeion Dave Warner, DNR Coastal Progr= Claudia Kerbawy, DNR Water Quality Division Wayne Veon, EPA Wayne Schnidt, MUCC 75 NEMCOG THE NORTHEAST MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS' NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY COMITTEE RESOLUTION conceAntng Northeast Michigan Council REGIONAL REVIEW OF THE of Governments SURF'PARY, PLAT '- DAKOTA LANE P. 0. Box 457 AREA OF P*ART1GtJtA_R CONCERN NOMINATION Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone; (517) 732-1551 WHEREAS, The Natural Resources Advisory Committee is a duly organized committee of the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments charged with the responsibility of reviewing Areas of Particular Concern (APC1s) under Michigan's Coastal Manage- ment Program as it relates to the Lake Huron coastline of Northeast Michigan, and; WHEREASS, This committee has reviewed the Surf Park Plat - Dakota Lane Area of Particu- lar Concern nomination and the public notice of proposed filling in of a coastal wetland on this property as a result of permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and; WHEREAS, After careful review, discussions and staff recommendations of this APC nomi- nation and public notice of permit application, the Natural Resources Advisory Committee finds this proposed land use activity to be in conflict with the goals and objectives of the region's coastal management planning efforts and in conflict with the Clean Water Plan for Northeast Michigan as certified by the Governor of the State of Michigan as well as other considerations which have not been adequately detailed in the public notice of the permit applicatil THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Natural Resources Advisory Committee does hereby place regional endorsement upon this APC nomination and assign high regional priority to same, and request the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit Dis- trict and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to deny this permit application. Moved by George Lintz, suppoAted by c. Merritt Clark to adopt the above 'tuotution at the AegutaA meeting o4 the NEMCOG Natwtat Re.6ouAces Advizoty Committee hetd on DecembeA 12,, 1979 and po-6,6ed by a vote o6: AY" All Nay,6 None ce), atte,6ted by( EaAt Hu@ 6, Vice'phai@wan Ate.6iding oveA")fhe meeting SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA - ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE, 74 NEMCOG 18 January 1980 Northeast Michigan Council of Governments Mr. William H. Davy, Jr. P. 0. Box 457 General Regulatory Branch GaVlord, Michigan 49735 Detroit District Phone: (5171 732,3551 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Box 1027 Detroit, Michigan 48231 RE: Application No. 791192C By: Spens Construction, Inc. Located: Grace, Michigan Dear Mr. Davy: With@ regard to the above referenced application, I have recently been contacted by Delmer Porter, representing Spens Construction, Inc., in an attempt to resolve the objections outlined in my 5 December 1979 letter to your office. After my discussion with Mr. Porter and another visit to the property proposed for fill, I wish to make the following observations and comments: a. It appears that information which was supplied in the permit application was not made available on the public notice. I make specific reference to the proposed alterations of the drainage ditch which was mentioned in the permit application, but not made available in the 26 November 1979 Public Notice. Spens Construction, as I understand, has decided not to alter the flow of this stream and I will, therefore, remove my ob- jection to this proposal. b. It is apparent that there is no local support or commitment for established county policy'as outlined in the Presque Isle County Comprehensive Plan. Without such support from the commission which adopted that policy, I will withdraw my con- cern that the proposed activity is in conflict of that local policy. c. My meeting with fir. Porter did not resolve the matter as to the existence of any endangered or threatened plant species in the proposed fill area. However, this is a relatively minor concern from a water quality perspective. I would think a final determination could be made by your office upon review of the DNR Wildlife Division. SE RVICL AGENCY F OR LOCAL GOVLRNMLN TS FOR THE COUNT11, S OP MON ALCON@ ALPENA CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD -75 TMORENCY - OSCODA OTSEGO P14f S(AA ISLA Page 2 Mr. William H. Davy, Or. 18 January 1980 d. It is my understanding that the proposed fill area is a burrowed pit which was excavated by the Michigan Highway Department in the late 1930's for stabilizing material when U.S. 23 was improved. While I can not condone the filling in of a coastal wetland, the fact that this proposed fill area was previously disturbed by man's activity lessens my objection to the permit application. e. The concept of filling in wetlands is contradictory of the goals of NEMCOG's Clean Water and Coastal Management Programs as esta- blished by the regional advisory committee and NEMCOG's governing board. As staff to this Council, it is my responsibility to express this concern regardless of the size of the proposed area to be filled. f. There are a number of lots which are affected by this proposal. However, this land was platted at a time when extremely small lots were accepted. As I now understand, there are only three owners comprising 14 of these small lots, and therefore only three building sites. This appears to be a much more reasonable proposal. Based upon my above comments, I will also withdraw my request for a public hearing of this permit application. There is no evidence to indicate that Spens Constructi Inc., has attempted to conceal any information regarding this proposal. Thank you for your suggestion to have the applicant contact me for discussion and d tailed explanation of this permit applicant. I hope my comments are taken into cont sideration when final review and decision is made on this application. Sincerely, 44 Lew Steinbrecher Coastal Planner, NEMCOG LS/jm cc: Delmer Porter, Spens Construction, Inc. David Warner, DNR Coastal Program 76 Coordination with Economic Planning Under the authority of Section 307 (d) of the Coastal Zone Manage- ment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-583), no Federal agency can approve assistance to a State or local government project that are inconsistent with a State's coastal management program. Since Michigan's program has been approved by the Federal government, NEMCOG economic development program, funded through the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, must be consistent with it. NEMCOG's coastal planner was also involved in the preparation of the District's Overall Economic Development Program. This involvement ensured that the interests and concerns of the coastal program were incorporated into the economic planning process. This involvement also resulted in a stronger, more comprehensive economic development program for the region because of the role which coastal resources and industries play in the economy of Northeast Michigan. A copy of the District's Overall Economic Development Program for 1980 has been submitted to the DNR Coastal Program Unit under separate cover. Request for Proposals . NEMCOG staff supplied the Michigan Coastal Management Program with names and addresses of local officials and regional contacts eligible to receive the program's Request for Proposal brochure. This brochure is used to complete and submit coastal projects to the Department of Natural Resources for funding consideration. NEMCOG staff also reviewed the contents of the brochure and made certain recommendations to the Department, aimed at clarifying or strengthening certain areas of the grant application process. The letter which was submitted to the Michigan Coastal Management Program appears on the next two pages. 77 NEMCOG 14, November, 1979 Mr. Chris Shafer, In Charge Northent Michigan C uncil Michigan Coastal Management Program of Governinont: Land Rqsource Programs Division P. 0. Box 457 Department of Natural Resources Gaylord, Michigan 49735 P.O. Box 30028 Phone: (5171732-3561 Lansing, Michigan 48909 Dear Chris; After reviewing last year's program request for proposal brochure, I would like to make the following comments: 1. page 1; Section B; Location - I would attempt to place more emphasis on the definition of the landward boundary. Most local projects are oriented toward land projectswhile water projectsare more often state sponsored agencies. The lake- ward boundary would probably be of little interest to local units; yet I realize the RFP will be used by some agencies which are very much interested in the lakeward boundary. 2. page 2; Section B; Eligible &Rlicants - Shouldn't quasi- governmental agencies such as school districts, historical societies and the like be mentioned?, 3. page 2; Section C; Project Location - A map of the project area is very useful and usually included with the formal proposal upon the request of your office. Perhaps this should also be mentioned. 4. page 2; Section C; Project DescriEtion - This is a very important section and perhaps the most reviewed part of the proposal by your staff. Perhaps this should be emphasized and a more detailed narr4tive describing this section written. 5. page 3; Section C; Other Consideration - Local resolutions of support for the proposal are required by your office, aren't they? The word 'should might be changed to must or the state- ment itself given more emphasis. An example resolution with appropriate wording may be very useful. SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA OTSEGO PRESQUE ISLE 78 Page 2 Mr. Chris Shafer November 14, 1979 6. page 3; Section C; Other Considerations " Are all projects reviewed by your staff in terms of implementing APC manage- ment recommendation? Perhaps the brochure could explain why APC documentation is considered. Additionally, I suggested at the workshop that those regional planning commission which send RFP's out should also include a list of the APC's within the local jurisdiction along with the mailing. This may help stimulate ideas for projects. 7. General Comments: Include an example proposal for a low-cost cpnstruction project in the RFP brochure. I hope you find these comments useful when preparing this year's RFP brochure and they are intended to be constructive. Sincerely, /4"d/ Lew Steinbrecher Coastal Planner LS/jm 79 I I I I I I I I I NEWS MEDIA COVERAGE I I I I I I I I I I SUMMARY OF TVjRADIO COVERAGE 11/27 WHSB-FM Radio, Alpena - Ran story on the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study conducted by NEMCOG. 12/26 WWTV Cadillac TV news announced upcoming Coastal grant workshops. 12/27 WWRM-Radio, Gaylord - Announced coastal grant workshops on news. ,12/28 WWRM-Radio, Gaylord - NEMCOG Coastal Planner interviewed on CoastAl. Program and upcoming,grant workshops to be aired on a 15 minute radio program called Horizons on 12/30/80 at 5:30 p.m. Also aired on WWRM's auxillary station in Petoskey. 12/28 WHSB-Radio, Alpena - Ran news release on daily newscast and announced upcoming workshop in Alpena. 12/29 WATZ-Radio, Alpena Newscast ann ounced upcoming coastal grant workshops. 12/29 WWRM-Radio, Gaylord Ran story in newscast on upcoming workshops. 12/30 WWRM-Radio, Gaylord 15 minute interview with NEMCOG Coastal Planner on program called Horizons. Discussed Michigan's Coastal Management Program and announced upcoming workshops. 12/31 WWRM-Radio, Gaylord - News ran same story as 12/29 broadcast and announced upcoming workshops. 1/3 WHSB-Radio, Alpena - Daily newscast ran story on Alpena County Planning Commission and their action on a resolution supporting the NE14COG Rockport Sinkhole Management Study and its efforts to develop a nature interpretive trail on the Rockport property. 1/11 WHSB-Radio, Alpena - Newscast reported action by Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission in the passage of a resolution supporting the nature trail concept at Rockport. The story included an interview with NEMCOG Coastal Planner about the Rockport Sinkhole Project and the possibility of a Coastal Program grant to develop the Joe LaMarre Park. 1/11 WBKB-TV, Alpena - Ran story on 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscast about the Coastal grant workshop for local officials held in Alpena. The news story included filmed interviews with NEMCOG Coastal Planner and State DNR Coastal Program staff. 1/15 WHSB-Radio, Alpena - Newscast reported on resolution passed by NEMCOG Full Council supporting the Rockport Sinkhole Nature Trail project and recommendation that the Michigan DNR become the lead management agency. 80 1/23 -WBKB-TV, Alpena - The 11:00 o'clock newscast reported on action taken by the Alpena County Board of Commissioners in support of the Rock- port Sinkhole Nature Trail project as developed by NEMCOG and recom- mended the Michigan DNR as the lead management agency in the project. 1/24 WHSB Radio Alpena - Morning news ran story on action by Alpena County Board of Commissioners supporting the Rockport Sinkhole Nature Trail Project. WHAK Radio, Rogers City - Newscast ran story on the NEMCOG presenta,tion of the Rockport Sinkhole project and the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners decision not to support the concept of a nature trail. 2/11 WHSB Radio, Alpena and WHAK Radio, Rogers City - Both stations announced pre-application deadline of 15 February 1980 for submitting intent to apply, postcards for the Michian Coastal Management Program grant .process. 3/6 WHSB Radio, Alpena - Morning newscasts ran story on the shelving of the Rockport Sinkhole Nature Trail Project from a status report given by NEMCOG's Coastal Planner to the Alpena County Planning Commission the night before. Project shelved for lack of local and state agency support. 8/13 WBKB-TV, Alpena - The 6:00 and 11:00 newscasts carried a story of the El Cajon Bay sinkholes-and property and the proposal before the Michigan Land Trust Fund to have the State purchase the property. Story included an interview with Lew Steinbrecher, NEMCOG Coastal Planner and aerial slides of the property. 8/13 WWRM Radio, Gaylord - Announced the 27 August meeting regarding the Thunder Bay bottomlands and the possibility of an underwater park because of the many shipwrecks in the area. 8/14 WHSB Radio, Alp ena and WATZ Radio, Alpena - Both radio stations carried report on the upcoming meeting regarding possibility of designating Thunder Bay bottomlands as an underwater preserve to better protect and preserve its historic and recreational values. 8/25 WW'RM Radio, Gaylord - Ran'story on upcoming public meeting in Alpena regarding possible designation of Thunder Bay bottomlands as an underwater preserve. Newscast included interview with NEMCOG coastal planner. 8/27 WBKB-TV, Alpena The 6:00 and 11:00 newscasts carried story on the public meeting in Alpena regarding designation of Thunder Bay as a possible underwater preserve. Story included TV interview with NEMCOG coastal planner. 0 ALCONA COUNTY REVIEW August 28, 1980 Coastal improvement grants Five Northeast Michigan co munities on Lake Huron receive grant monies throu Michigan's Cos" Manageme t mine the economic, 'social and Program to enhance coastal physical impacts that sports fish- sources and recreational. oppor- ing has on coastal communities in tunities. According to Lew Steh- that County. brecher, Coastal 4. City of Rogers City. $80,000 the Northeast Mic to implement the City's Coastal of Governments ( Zone Park System Plan through grant awards total various low cost construction This total is second only to activities such an trail develop- Detroit metropolitan area which ment at public shorefront parks received just a few thousand in the city. more and reflects the quality the local projects proposed by the various communities in the region, Steinbrecher added. Tbose communities which receive funds beginning 1. The Alpena County and Recreation Commission $21,000 for low-cost activities, including a new way and dock area at LaMarre Park along the Thunder Bay River in Alpena. 2. Harrisville Harbor Commmis- sion. $22,000 for needed land- seeping and other onshore im- provements at the Harrisville Harbor of Refuge. 3. Alcona County Planning Commission, $15,000 to conduct a Grad Lakes Worts fisheries economic impact study to deter- I Ste 8 82 August 27, 1980 Dam improvement groups meet City, county, state. and federal auth- said Tom Fisher, who is in charge of the. orities will get together Tuesday, Sep-. Cheboygan County of the Soil tember 2 at the County Building in Conservation District. Cheboygan at a meeting called to "By having the DNR present at our coordinate a movement for improve- meeting, we can ask him what is ments at the Cheboygan river dam. holding it.up -and when the project can This is a prime fishing area, but the start", Mr. Fisher said. steep banks make fishing difficult and The project would be funded 75 dangerous, and the banks are eroding. percent federal and 25 percent local. 'The eight-county Huron Pipes Re- Because of priority given by B.C. source, Conservation, and Develop- and D, the federal funding 'is being ment district of, the Soil Conservation counted on.The main difficulty seen is Service has made improvements to the securing state funding. site its number one project. Mr. Fisher said he is hopeful that the Michigan has four R,C, and D dis- project can be started in 1981. tricts. The Cheboygan site is one of their top projects for the entire state. The meeting will be, beld in the Commissioners Room of the County Building at 7:30. Among those expected art representatives of the Department of Natural Resources/Huron Pines Coordinator Carl Stamm, the County Planning Commission, zoning adminis- trator, the Cheboygan city manager and councilmen, and the Cheboygan County Soil Conservation District board. The various groups will tell what they would like to have included in the project. Proposals have been made for sloping the banks a fishermen's wharf, stairway, parking area, restrooms, and seeding. The project has been in the limelight for years, and has been tentatively scheduled at various times, held back by lack of funds. "The proposal was signed In 1976, and' it has been worked on since the 60's". 82 THE ALPENA NEWS August 23, 1980 PUBLIC HEARING SET WEDNESDAY K,,@pose Thunder Bay as underwater presv-,@@ The Department of Natural "Recreational diving is not affected designation, another public meeting will Resources, in cooperation with the Nor- by designation," he emphasizes. be held for local citizens to provide fur- theast Michigan Council of Govern- "Divers could still dive in the bay, but ther comment and discussion on the ments, has scheduled a public meeting they would not be allowed to bring designation plan," he adds. in Alpena Wednesday to discuss the anything up to the surface without a per- Andrews, who chairs the DNR's possibility of designating Thunder Bay mit." Underwater Salvage Committee, says in Lake Huron as an underwater Intent a( the legislation is simply to the Committee hopes to have at least pre5erve. give the State a chanceto review any ar- two areas in the state ready for designa- The meeting will begin at 7:3D p.m. in tifacts recovered by divers for historical tion by the state's Natural Resources the city hall council chambers. value. Andrews explains. Commission in October. Under a new law, Public Act 184 of A meeting held lut month in Munising Besides Munising Bay and Thunder 1980, the DNR is raquired to establish on designation of Munising Bay in Lake Great Lakes' bottomland preserves that Superior drew 40 persons. "As a result Bay, nine other areas in the state have have historical or recreatimial value. of that meeting the local Chamber of been suggested for possible designation. Prior to pa@,&age of the ict, historical ar- Commerce and area citizens have form- Mey are: Whitefish Bay new Sault Ste. tifacts i-esl@ing on Great Lakes' bot- ed a committee to support designation of Marie, Keweenaw Point near Copper tortilands %;%@.,re not protected by statute the bay as an underwater preserve," he Harbor, the Mackinac Straits, the law. Act 184 now requires divers to ob- says. Beaver Is" area, the Manitou Island tain permit5 and provides for a misde- Since that meeting divers in the bay area, Pt. Aux Barques near Port Austin, meanor penalty for salvaging abandon- found an old ship's anchor and asked the the Port Sanilac area, the St. Joseph ed property without a permit. DNR for permission to bring it to share. area, and the Muskegon area. A 1975 study of Thunder Bay by "We gave them permission, divers in Under the act, the DNR may Michigan State University verified 26 the area recovered it, and plans are now designate up to five percent of the Great Shipwrecks. According to historical underway for the State to place the an- Lakes as underwater preserves. . re,earrh, an acklitional 57 wrecks may chor with Munising's Chamber of Com- The DNR's Underwater Salvage Com- a Lso rest in the bay. merce for long-term loan for display," mittee includes members from the Bruce Andrews of the DNR's Law Andrews says. "Munising area divers department's Parks Division, Mackinac Division in Lansing is coordinating and local officials have given us ex- Island State Park Commission, the designation of underwater preserves in cellent cooperation in beginning the Secretary of State's History Division, ,Michigan. lie says designation of designation process for the bay and,with the MSU Parks and Recreation Depart- F@o.,-Aer Pay would hot hinder sport d@v- this most recent recovery. ment, and the Michigan United Con- 3 Uictl in anyway. "Once an area is officially selected for servation Clubs. 83 CHEBOYGAN DAILY TRIBUNE August 23, 1980 M1,611 Creek dam iluildi*ng begins Work is commencing on construc- the dam site. tion of a dam across Mill Creek in An information center and Indian the new 500 acre historical park Village are part of the plans. south of Mackinaw City. There is a possibility that work The Darrow company cleared out may be suspended next year unless the stream bed Thursday, scooping additional grant aid is received. a huge amount of material out of the The original dam was built of log creek and heaping it on shore. and board cribs. The new dam will The Mackinac Island Park Com- be of cement, but covered with mission will send workers to build earth. the dam, Tom Ford, field supervis- A sign at the site says that the or, said the work will probably take project is funded by the Deputment about four weeks. of Natural Resources in cooperaUon He said the dam will be 8 feet high. with the National Oceanographic it is being built on site of the and Atmospheric Administration previous dam built about 200 years and Michigan Coastal Management ago, which supplied water power for Program. a grist mill at a little settlement The new entrance road cannot be there. The grist mill will be con- used yet. As explained to the TRI- structed later as part of the plans to BUNE, permission has not been develop the park. received yet from the railroad to A $%,500 grant from the Upper cross the tracks. Rustic gates have Great Lakes Regional Commission been across the road, but are locked. made it possible to start the park Archaeology has continued on the project this year. The Mackinac site this summer. Archaeologists Island State Park Commission early have discovered location of a black- this year said that hopefully the park smith shop and houses that were could be fully operational by 1982. situated there when the grist mill was in operation, providing )umber This year as part of the project a and flour for the town of Mackinac parking area has been cleared out, Island. an observation lookout point cleared The mill was abandoned about off, selective tree cutting done to i8n, and in time all traces of the improve viewing, and a new en- settlement disappeared until the trance road built from US 23 to the location was discovered by Ellis Old Mackinac Road which leads to Olson. 84 CHEBOYGAN DAILY TRIBUNE August 22, 198o Cheboygan gets grant for marshland walkway Word was received today that the city River in Alpena. low-Cost construction activities such as of Cheboygan has been granted $30,000 2) Harrisville Harbor Commission - trail development at public shorefront through Michigan's Coastal Manage- $22,000 for needed landscaping and parks in the city. ment program to construct an interpre- other onshore improvements at the tive boardwalk through the marsh Harrisville Harbor of Refuge, In addition to these local projects, the bordering the Gordon Turner park. Michigan Coastal Program also award- The boardwalk is to advance the 3) Alcona County Planning Commis- ed a small grant to the Northeast public's understanding of Great Lakes Sion - $15,000 to conduct a Great Michigan Council of Governments. The Lakes coastal setlands and their value. Many sports fisheries economic impact study grant will be used by the agency to help kinds of wildlife have their home in the to determine the economic, social and local communities develop grant pro- marsh. The marsh also is a natural physical impacts that sports fishing has posals for next year, provided technical filter and important to the environ- on coastal communities in that County. assistance for waterfront planning and ment. zoning, sponser various meeting on Mayor Ellis N. Olson said he under- 4) City of Rogers City $30,000 to eoastal issues and respond to other stands That construction will start in the implement the City's Coastal Zone requests dealing with Lake Huron Fall. Park System Plan through various shoreline matters. The city has also applied to the Department of ( Natural Resources for a Want to extend the park southerly to the wastewater treatment plant. Mayor Olson said word on the application is expected after Labor Day. A pavillion with restrooms would be constructed in the expansion area. Picnic facilities would be provided, and athletic facilities developed. The Soc- cer Association has asked to build two soccer fields there. Cheboygan was one of five Northeast ,Michigan communities on Lake Huron to be allocated grants through the Coastal Management program at this time. According to Lew Steinbrecher,Coas- tal Planner with the Northeast Michi- gan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), the grant awards total $118,000. This total is second only to the .Detroit metropolitan area which receiv ed Just a few thousand more and reflects the quality of the local projects proposed by the various communities in the region, Steinbrecher added. Other communities which will re- ceive funds beginning October 1, 1980 are: 1) The Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission - $21,000 for low-cost construction activities, includ- ing a new stairway and dock area at the LaMarre Park along the Thunder Bay 85 THE ALPENA NEWS August 22, 1980 Award coastal grants to northeast cities Five northeast Michigan communities on Lake Huron, including Alpena, will receive grant monies through Michigan's Coastal Management Pro- gram to enhance coastal resources and recreational opportunities. According to Lew Steinbrecher, coastal planner with the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, the grant awards total $118,000. The total is second only to the Detroit metropolitan area which received just a few thousand more and reflects the quality of the local projects proposed by the various com- munities in the region, Steinbrecher said. Those communities which will receive funds beginning Oct. 1 are: I -Alpena County Parks and Recrea- tion Commission-$21,000 for low-cost construction activities, including a new stairway and dock at the LaMarre Park along Thunder Bay River in Alpena. --Harrisville Harbor Commis- sion-$22,000 for needed landscaping and other on-shore improvements at the Harrisville Harbor of Refuge. -Alcona County Planning Commis- sion-$15,O0O to conduct a Great Lakes sports fisheries economic impact study to determine the economic, social and physical impacts that sports fishing has on coastal communities in that county, ---City of Rogers City-$30,000 to im- plement the city's coastal zone park system plan through various low-cost construction activities such as trail development at public shorefront parks in the city. -Cheboygan-$30,000 to construct an interpretive boardwalk in te Cheboygan marsh to advance the public's understanding of the Great Lakes coastal wetlands and its value, In addition, the coastal program also awarded a small grant to NEMCOG to help communities develop grant pro- posals next year, provide technical assistance for waterfront planning and zoning, sponsor various meetings on coastal issues and respond to other re- quests, dealing with Lake Huron sh matters 86 "The Paper for people who love the North" 50C VOL. 25 NO. 9 LATE AUGUST EDITION $10 YEAR Ell Ca' Jon under water sinks may be lost to developers Unidentified white fish reported in cave The threat of real estate-development has spurred cobblestone beach, small stream and geologically support for a proposal to purchase Lake Huron interesting earth cracks. property adjacent to two unique underwater caver- It is five miles north of Alpena, between Crooked ns north of Alpena. Island ard Potter Point. The Michigan Land Trust Board has been asked The Michigan Coastal Zone Management to nominate the 36-acre El Cajon Bay property for . program identifies El Cajon Bay as ecologically acquisition. With about five miles of lakes Lake sensitive area that should be preserved in its Huron frontage, the property's stand-out feature is natural condition. the underwater sink holes, or caverns. Steinbcecher, who is coordinating the preser- The biggest of the two sinks is 300 feet in diameter vation Ufa-t for local government agencies, warns and 75 feet deep. A cave reportedly extends horizon- that "such things as motels, hotels, mobile homes, tally from its base inland. multiple-family housing and marinas" are a threat, as well as single-family residential development. Skindivers have reported seeing unusual, When the Land Trust Fund Board failed to seemingly all white, fish in the bottom of the sink nominate El Cajon Bay for purchase last year, it and the cave. These could be a species of fish was sold to a developer. The property has since unknown elsewhere. There has been no scientific been subdivided into lots, but none have been sold. verification or identification of the fish. The new owner, Steinbrecher says, is willing to Uw Steinbrecher, Gaylord, coastal planner for retain the property in a single tract until the Land the Northeast Michigan Council Of Governments, Trust Board acts on the request that it be purchased says the El Cajon Bay tract is "one of the most by the state. unique and interesting parcels of land in the state, .El Cajon is named after a box canyon in southern or anywhere along the Great Lakes. California, Steinbrecher explains. A Spanish word, Russ Garltiz', a biology instructor at Alpena meaning a narrow canyon with vertical sides, it is Community College, says he has 11 watched develop- correctly pronounced El Ka Hone, but commonly ment @roceed on these (nearby) shorelands at a called El Ka Jon in the Alpena area. frightening pace cnd believes that these areas, with It acquired its name about 1902 When the land was their unique'biological communities, win be of great purchased by a group of Detroit and Toledo area in- value and much appreciated in the future." vestors to construct a cement plant and quarry. One Purchase of the tract in time to head off develop- of the Investors was familiar with the California ment is supported by the Dept. of Natural Resour. canyon and liked the name. ces and numerous local organizations and state The cement plant had a short life, due to lack of conservation groups. capital. Some remains can still be found, Stein- tA k lIi Much of the property is wetland. There is a scerdc brecher says.. 87 NEMCOG I> NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 1980 Northeast Michigan ouncil COASTAL GRANTS AWARDED of Governments P. 0. Box 457 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-35151 Five Northeast Michigan communities on Lake Huron will receive grant monies through Michigan's Coastal Management Program to enhance coastal resources and recre- ational opportunities. According to Lew Steinbrecher, Coastal Planner with the North- east Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), the grant awards total $118,000. This total is second only to the Detroit metropolitan area which received just a few thou- sand more and reflects the quality of the local projects proposed by the various com- munities in the region, Steinbrecher added. Those communities which will receive funds beginning October 1, 1980 are: 1) The Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission - $21,000 for low-cost construction activities, including a new stairway and dock area at the LaMarre Park along the Thunder Bay River in Alpena. 2) Harrisville Harbor Commission - $22,000 for needed landscaping and other on- shore improvements at the Harrisville Harbor of Refuge. 3) Alcona County Planning Commission - $15,000 to conduct a Great Lakes sports fisheries economic impact study to determine the economic, social and physical impacts that sports fishing has on coastal communities in that County. 4) City of Rogers City - $30,000 to implement the City's Coastal Zone Park System Plan through various low-cost construction activities such as trail develop- ment at public shorefront parks in the city. 5) City of Cheboygan - $30,000 to construct an interpretive boardwalk in the Cheboygan Marsh to advance the public's understanding of Great Lakes coastal wetlands and their value. In addition to these local projects, the Michigan Coastal Program also awarded a small grant to the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments. The grant will be used by the agency to help local communities develop grant proposals for next year, provided C technical assistance for waterfront planning and zoning, sponsor various meeting on. coastal issues and respond to other requests dealing with Lake Huron shoreline matters. SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA - ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE DISTRIBUTION LIST A 88 THE ALPENA NEWS August 14, 1980 Hearing set on pvposed uniderwater pt in My A public hearing on a proposal to establish an uniderwater park on the hot- tomWxb of Thunder Bay, sponsored by the Northeast Wchgan Comil of Governments (NEMCOG), is set f6r 7:30 p.m. Aug 27 in the council chambers at the city hall, Alpena. Bruce Andrews of the DNR I.Aw En- forcement Division will be present to ex- plain Public Law 184 of 1980. This law is intended to protect the historical and recreational value of Great Lakes bot- tomlands and to designate and regulate underwater preserves. John Schwartz, marine agent for nor- theast Michigan with the Sea Grant Prgram, will present a slide program on an MSU Parks and Recreation Resources study of the Thunder Bay area bottomlands. Lew Steinbrecher, NEMCOG coastal planner, will serve@as moderator. The hearing, planned to gather local input on the proposed underwater preserve, is being promoted as a "Year of the Coast-1980" event. 89 THE ALPENA NEWS AUGUST 2. 1980 Town T-a'1k SINKHOLE FORMATIONS, groundwater pollution, and the do's and don'ts of sinkhole exploration are the major themes to be presented in a special Jesse Besser Museum planetarium program running Aug. 1 through 16. The .presentation can be seen on Friday and Saturday afternoons at 2. The show will feature the life history of a sinkhole, including the early for- mation, evolution, and collapsing of limestone which leads to the for- mation of a sinkhole. The in- troduction of plant and animal life to the sinkhole area will also be covered. Sinkholes are closely tied to subterranian water systems; therefore materials dumped into them could conceivably pollute residential water supplies. The need stop the dumping of trash and garbage into them will be'covered. Most sinkholes are located on private property, and ih many cases, climbing around and down into them can be dangeroui. The legalities and dangers of sinkhole exploration will also be dealt with. The program was written by Matt Linke, biology major at Central, Michigan University, and Ken D*mke, geology major at Eastem Michigan University. 90 THE ALPENA NEWS JULY 31, 1980 RETURNING TO NATIONAL GYPSUM FLEET 82w@`e'dtw6ld M. Fordowborn 090*1n,'. @y STURGEON BAY, Wis. - OnVay 25, After cement removal, and between WS, one month to the day after Presi- winter storms, the vessel was towedto dent McKinley declared 'war on Spain, the Bay Shipbuilding Corp. here where following the sinking of the battleship an around-the-clock repair effort was in- Maine in Havana harbor, the launching augurated to transform the battered and 9f the Steamer Presque Isle took Place nearly-destroyed ship to her prior 60i- in Loraine, Ohio. tion. - Today, 82 years later and in less The E.M. Ford began her career tumultuous times, the Presque Isle, now under the Presque Isle Transportation, named E.M. Ford of National Gypsum's Co. Flag. Until 1910 she sailed as the Cement Division Great Lakes fleet, flagship of the Cleveland Cliffs Steam- again is the center of attention. This ship Co., which was part owner and m9rning, at a shipyard here, officials manager of the vessel. Because of her and.dignitaries gathered to view first hull design, she was considered one of hand the rebirth of venerable Great the faster boats on the lakes and plied Lakes matriarch. the waters efficiently, carrying iron ore A long and productive life appeared to from the Cleveland Cliffs docks at be at an end for the Ford last Christmas Escanaba and Marquette to feed the eye, when the vessel suffered a near- burgeoning steel industry at the.10wer fatal battering at the hands of a severe Lakes. The Presque Isle operated con- northeast winter storm, finuously for 55 years in the iron ore and coal trades, delivering over 17 million While in layup in Milwaukee, Wis. for tons of cargo. the Christmas holidays, with most of her In* 1955 the Huron Portland Cement crew home with their families, the Ford Co., which later 'became the Cement was hit by high winds and waves and Division of National Gypsum, purchas- repeatedly dashed against the docks. ed the vessel. In thb same year, Christy After more than 24 hours of gallant bat- Shipbuilding was awarded the contract tling against the elements, she finally to update the vessel and convert her to a settled to the bottom of the slip at Jones self-unloading - bulk cement carrier. On Island dock. Watch crewmen escaped July 24,1956 in'ceremonies at the Bob-Lo unharmed, after it became evident they docks in Detroit, she was re-christoned were fighting a losing battle. the E.M. Ford in honor of the compafty's National Gypsum's resolve to bring Chairman of the Board, Emory M. Ford, the ship back to her former grandeur ac- and immediately joined other ships of counts for today's celebration to witness the Huron fleet. . her return to service. During the period from 1956 until the Crews of specialists were at the sink. fateful Christmas eve, the@Ford was a ing site Christmas day to assess the continuous and faithful performer, car- damage and evaluate repair rying over seven million tons of bulk ee- possibilities. Withing a week after the ment to terminals located around the Ford went to the bottom, divers'surveys Great Lakes ifi Duluth, Minn; Superior, supported the company's decision' to Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wis.; proceed with repairs and an all-out ef- Waukegan, Ill.; St. Joseph, Muskegon, fort was immediately initiated work Saginaw and Detroit in Michigan; which resulted in bringing the vessel to Toledo and Cleveland, Ohio; and Buffalo the surface Jan. 20. Then came the task and Oswego, N.Y. The Ford's home port of removing 5,850 tons of cement cargo, is Alpena, site of the largest cement pro- much of which had been exposed to dueing plant in the western hemisphere. water and hardened within the holds. Said a company spokesman. "Respect of age is normally a trait ap- plied only to humans. However, there E may be an exception with the E.M. Ford, where respect can easily be used in describing the admiration knowledgeable lake people have for this vessel. Many have joined in wishing her 91 another 80 years of proud service.." 41 1 4's 4 READ f TO SAIL AGAIN-It was only seven months awaiting authorization to sail from Sturgeon Bay, ago thut,.'ha stc@arner E.M. Ford of National Gypsurn's t@'is. for Alpena to take on a cargo of cement, Below Cement 'tlivi.;ion fleet sank in a vicious winter storm is the vessel, as it appeared in 1900, carrying Iron Ore under the name "Presque Isle." while w doc, 'n Milwaukee, Wis. Abovels the Ford as it appears today, following extensive repairs, 4 92 ALCONA COUNTY REVIEW July 29, 1980 4" co *r wo tt iti N 41, 7 WOW tr 43 1 4oo@ cr '16 4dl- CHEBOYGAN DAILY TRIBUNE July 24, 1980 Mackinaw to Develop 4 Beach Parks This Summer This is one of the four viewing sites at street ends in Mackinaw City that will be developed this summer into a shore park, utilizing frontage on the Straits of Mackinac. Mackinaw City is prepar- terworks park, and the four president, said he, expects, Ing, to establish and develop new street-end parks, on the the work will be done on all four mini parks this summer route to the state park picnic four parks by some time in in a three block area on the areas. August.. beach of the Straits of Mack- In this area the 80-foot The artists' design calls inac. wide streets dead-end at Hur for building semi-circular The locations are present on street. At. end of each benches, set, in shrubbery. viewing sites at end of Ja- street, the shore frontage Some benches will be,built met, Sinclair, Depeyster, between Huron street and with railroad ties stood on and Henry streets. the Straits is at present a end, and some with split ,They lie between Huron viewing area where folks can stone. Flowers, grass, and avenue boulevard and the relax on the beach and enjoy shrubbery will be planted Shore. the view of, the Straits and Each little park will have a The project, 'which is ex- the Bridge. Telescopes are telescope to add to enjoy- pected to be completed in set up on shore, opposite ment of viewing. August, could make Huron Jarnet, Sinclair, and Henry The project includes ten street, north of the downtown streets. interpretive displays, one or business district, a famous Mackinaw City applied for more of which will be at each walkway, following the shore and got a $16,000 grant a year park. They will be on stand- from busy Central avenue to ago from Michigan Coastal ards anchored in concrete,. the state park, Mackinac Management for planning, A and fi ber-glassed over. Bridge, and Fort Michi1i- planning and design firm Topincs, all of a historical mackinac. from East Lansing was hired nature, will include such Mackinaw will have one of for the design. Another grant things as the -Chief Wawa the finest, coastal park sys- was secured from Michigan tam, railroads, and shipping. tems of any city in the state. Coastal Management for a Location of all, ten has not In a short walk will be the $25,000 project to implement been decided yet. downtown city park, the wa- the plan. Twenty thousand Huron street is itself a' dollars was a grant. Mack- lovely boulevard, a divided inaw's 20 percent matching highway, where the Wom- share of $5,000 will be pro- en's Club is carrying out an vided in labor and services. outstanding project of land- Materials have been or- scaping.and beautifying the dered, and work will start median. shortly. Ron,Wallin, village, . . . 94 BOYGA-N Al t 5 Rivertown Hoine Port Of The Coast Guard Cutter MACKINAW FR**IDAY, JULY 18, 1980 Mack. Council Sets Plans on Waterfront,1111 Tracks Mackinaw City Council road crossings at South Huron and Nicolet is sla. last night at their regular ted to begin shortly after meeting set more laws 50 Labor Day. that work could begin on The half million dollar their waterfront design pro. project to improve thecurbs ject and also finalized more and approaches to the plans for 'their new water tracks will be 90 percent tank and repairing the rail- Federal funded and 10 perp road crossings. cent of local funds. Council gave Waterfront Council decided to paint Planning and Design per- their new water tower mission to contact Frede- cream color with a royal rick Sikkens on cost for blue logo with the words stone to be brought in to "Great Lakes Cross Roo build a border around some ads." of, the areas where the Bids on the project are waterfront Improvement expected to be let In Sep- is being done. tember. Part of the work will be The D & M Railroad ag. done to improve the water. reed to give the Village front near the present the bricks that are around water tower and more will the depot at no cost. The be improved at the public village plans to remove the access off of Huron Boule- bricks and store them for vard. future use in the new park. Work on repairing the raili. . . . D LY TR BuNEI]D 95 Presque Isle County Coastal study shows Lakeside Park could be city attraction I (Editor's note: The Rogers City manager Jim Leidlein three acres, of undeveloped the idea was brought out at a sites other than Lakeside Park City Planning Commission, in said the Lakeside Park de- land behind the Driftwood public hearing in April, where include nature trail improve- conjunction with the Coastal velopment portion of the plan Motel located on North Third some 70 people expressed ment, interpretive signage Zone Management program, could potentially be the major Street, and land located near ' ideas concerning how the area indicating names of trees and has nearly completed a' study project stemming from the the wastewater treatment could be developed. other flora, benches, new analyzing six parcels of land ,study. The plan, only in tenta- center near Vogelheim Lum- Leidlein said the city has -baseball diamonds and other D within city limits for recrea- tive stages, would call for a ber Co. on First Street. applied for a grant to cover neighborhood recreational tional development. This boardwalk to be constructed Ideas for degrees of rec- costs for developing the facilities. article is first in a series of over Lake Huron waters direct- reational development in the coastal areas. He said the Currently, Leidlein said city looks at the parcels and ways ly cast of the Rogers City areas are part of the study, Coastal Zone Management officials have titled designated the commission is studying to Harbor parking lot. Leidlein done by Snell Environmental Program has looked "very development land "parcel develop the areas.) said the structure would be Group of Lansing. Leidlein favorably" at the study, and one ... .. parcel two" and so on. constructed in separate I0x1O said the firm has nearly com- added the chances of the city New titles for the areas are Concession shops, arts and feet sections -to be removed pleted a $30,000 analysis of receiving funding for the proj- being sought and Leidlein en- crafts stores and resort-like after the summer months, to characteristics of the coastal ects "looks pretty good." couraged any citizen with areas to relax in may someday house small shops selling lands, including what develop- Eighty percent of the funding ideas for names of the poten- be a part of Lakeside Park, if goods such as candies, leather ment the areas would be best for the initial study, Leidlein tial park areas to drop sug- some long-range plans can be crafts and snacks. suited for. explained, was provided by gestions off at City Hall. implemented by city officials. The plans also would He stressed the boardwalk the state, with the city picking The plans are part of the include general landscaping aspect of the plan was "strictly up the remaining 20 percent. city's Comprehensive Coastal work, expanded parking, a long range" and no cost He added state and federal Zone Management Plan, ini- move of the band shell to estimates have yet ' been officials have taken an interest tiated in January by the nearer the pavilion so specta- determined. Leidlein added in the plan because "Rogers Rogers City Planning Com- tors could use the natural other projects included in the City has the unique distinction mission to study means of slope of ground for seating and plan, such as landscaping of -owning more shoreline development for publicly refurbished tennis courts. work and tennis court re- within its borders than any 'VA ?i C owned lakefront property. The Parcels of land included in the furbishing, could be com- other city on the Great Lakes. "Im-i i. +h@ -- f'.+-- -;A A-AA f-A@ U. plan outlines d1cvcIopmcnt comprehensive pian are thre ideas for six parcels of land Lakeside Park area, two areas -;'The boardwalk area is a approved, plans could begin located within the borders of near Seagull Point located on long-range goal-and time will on three of the development the city. the west fringe of the city, tell if and when we could do areas as early as thefall. it," Leidlein said. He added Ideas for improvements on THE DETROIT NEWS July 15, 1980 S ta te village to depict era of By JAMES L KERWM U S. re volution from a swampy am on a high pla, MACKINAW CITY - Crews of Interpretative trails are being cut teau. archeologists this summer are re- through the dense forest this sum. The new park site includes prime creating a Revolutionary War era set- mer along with the reconstruction of tlement near here that will become a 30-foot earthen dam at the exact the latest tourist attraction for this site used by Pioneers. Some lop still historic region. remain from the original dam, built The site was discovered nearly a more than 200 years ago. decade ago when Ellis Olson, a histo. ry teacher, began searching for mill- THE NEW PARK is expected to be U.P. stones. open to visitors in the summer of At the time he had no idea. he was 1982, although a visitors, center and 5 stumbling upon archeological re- the working grist mill - which used mains that help explain how pio the millstones Olson sought may neers obtained the materials to build not be completed until later. their fortified trading posts in There will be an observation plat. northernmichigan. form on a Wfoot high bluff and an Equipped with a metal detector, Indian village along with other Olson, who also is mayor of neighbor- buildings, a parking lot and picnic ing Cheboygan, probed the thick area to accommodate tourists. underbrush around Mill Creek, a fast Teams of archeologists are careful-' flowing waterway four miles south- ly digging up sites used nearly two east of Mackinaw City along US-23. centuries ago. It's amadn how much material Lake HE WMD STAR officials after we're finding," aid David Amour, Pat finding buttons and gun parts dating who oversees the project. back to the War of 1912. The state More than $163,000 already has only recently secured sufficient funding to develop the site. been spent in planning and early Olson and friends uncovered arti- construction at the site that over- lake frontage and raw about 1% facts pinpointing buried remnants of miles Wand. It has been part of the lumbering and grist milb that were A hhrWy towhor lookino Hardwood State Forest, where huge first used in the 1790's to help con- cedar trees thrive. struct fortifications and homes - for ndUston" discovorod The Mill Creek settlement thrived and provide provisions - for nearby dw dto 10 yoore ago. throught the 18201s. A quarry was Fort Michilimackinac and the garri- operated at the site later. But the son on Mackinac Island. property reverted to the date for State historians consider the site looks Lake Huron and Mackinac Is. back taxes and eventually was ac- so significant, it is being restored as land. The next phase will cost $145,- quired by the island park commis. Michigan's newest attraction at the 000. sion. Straits of Mackinac, where British While reconstructing the old forts Armour said the project will show iind American forces squared off dur- at the Straits, Amour and other re- how In&W used the land to gather Ing the Revolutonary War. searchers suspected Mill Creek prob. berries, tap maple trees for syrup and Federal and state funds are being ably was the site of a lumber mill. use birch in making canoes. There used by the Mackinac bland State will be demonstrations on how to Park Commission to develop the SOO. "rr WAS THE only place to generate smoke fish and meat and weave mats acre site as the earliest known indus- enough water power for a mill," said The park restoration is expected to trial development in the Upper Great Armour. Mill Creek drop about 50 create more than SO new jobs and Lakes. feet in its descent to Lake Huron generate SLS million in tourism 97 spendina. , HE LPENA EWi NorthEastern Michigan's Newspaper ALPENA, MICHIGAN, SATURDAY, JULY 12,1980 Tow n Ta I k JACQUES COUSTEAUternoted marine biologist and master of underwater pho,.ography wl@o has produced some fascinating television shows on undersea life, will be. sailing the Great Lakes this summer to film a docurnefitaq, but the cosuteau So,?iety isn't revealing his itinerary. A society researcher reportedly been seeking in- formation on the Great Lakes, asking particularly about petroglyphs in the Port Austin area, the reefs around Pointe Aux Barques, shipwrecks in Saginaw Bay and Thunder Bay and the ar- tifacts found-dfoiffid76int Lookout. Maybe we'll get a look at the famed underwater explorer (his associates call Costeau simply "The Captain") if he decides to search out the shipwrecks that lie on the bottom of Lake Huron off Alpena. N 98 THE NORTH WOODS CALL July 9, 1980 Photos of Mich. coast sought A "1980 Michigan Year of the position, creativity, quality and Coast" photo contest is being general appeal. All entries must sponsored by the Coastal be postmarked by August 1. Management Program, Dept. of Natural Resources. Governor Milliken declared 1980 "Michigan Year of the Coast" to promote coastal aware- 1980 ness and encourage effective MICHIGAN management and protection of year of the Michigan's Great Lakes coastal coast resources. Photo subject matter should be an appropriate coastal scene Plaques will be awarded to fir- along on of Michigan's Great st, second and third place win- Lakes. ners by September 15. The contest is open to all The top photos will be printed photographers. Name, address and displayed throughout and phone number should be Michigan, and may be used in printed on each of not more than publications to promote public five slides. Send them to the understanding of Great Lakes Coastal Management Program, shoreline problem and opportun- Division of Land Resource itties. Programs, Department of Further information about the Natural Resources, Box 30028, contest may be obtained by Lansing, Mich 45909. phoning 517-373-1950. Entrants are asked to send only color slide prints. It has been found that 35 millimeter Kodachrorne film is best for color reproduction. Photographers should provide a description of where each photograpgh was taken. Photos published prior to the contest are unacceptable. A panel of photographers and artists will judge the enteries, and selections will be based on com- 99 THE NORTH WOODS CALL July 9, 1980 Shipwrecks unlock history The many shipwrecks on the According to Trotter, the ship lies on its starboard side at a 90- bottom of the Great Lakes tell degree angle. much about the history of "We could find very little Michigan. The cold, fresh waters damage to the hull," he noted. preserve things so well that they "But the telegraph machine in may contain the best kept ar- the engine room leads us to tifacts left of early shipping days. believe that they had given up Many people in the Tawas City and shut off the engine before the area had a glimpse of these ship sank. sunken treasures when they at- "Our assumption is that they tended a presentation by the made it past Isle Royale In the Shipwreck History Inspection storm and headed down past and Preservation Society Thunder Bay, but the storm (SHIPS). rolled her (the ship's) stack off The event, featured slide-tape and, with no power to make shows and displays two ship- steam, the ship was pushed back wrecks in lakes Huron and to Isle Royale, where she rested Superior at 12 O'clock Point." The Canloops, which sailed the Though the Canloops had no Great Lakes from 1924 to 1927, survivors, there is evidence that disappeared during a storm near some of the crew made it ashore Isle Royale, leaving no survivors. but did not survive the night. SHIPS member David Trotter Temperatures were recorded at said the ship rested on the lake -16 degrees in Duluth that night. bottom until a diver discovered Larry Coplin, also a member of its remains in 1977. SHIPS, told the crowd a story Even after 50 years in Lake that was closer to home. He Superior's icy waters, much of described a dive on the Daniel J. the ship's cargo was still in good Morrell, which sank ap- shape. The divers found such proximately 30 miles east of things as baskets, shoes and Oscoda on Nov. 29,1966, during a baking powder on the ship and an huge gale. Only one of the 28- intact lifeboat lying near the ship member-crew survived. in 50 feet of water. Coplin and his crew searched for the bow of this ship. They eventually found it seven miles from the stern. The reason for its sinking is still not known. In the bow section, the divers found two windows which still contained glass, a pair of binoculars and a number of other articles in good shape. Pictures taken during the dive reveal that much of the ship remains intact, with signs on doors and appliances clearly readable. 100 CHEBOYGAN DAILY TRIBUNE JUNE 21, 1980 Start Being Made on Big Mill Creek Project Work is starting at Mill Oxen or horses would Search for remains of the Creek 4 miles south-east of haul lumber and flour for mill have been in vain. Mackinaw City on develop- boat shippment to Mackinac Tom Ford believes that quar- ment and construction of a Island, or possibly across rying for limestone, which 500 acre historical park the ice in winter. gouged out part of the Creek that should be a tremen- A 300 foot crib dam back- shore, destroyed all traces dous tourist attraction. ed up water into a pond of the mill. Mr. Ford said On the program for this about one acre in size. The quarrying there was prob- year are reconstruction of pond site is being cleared ably abandoned because the a dam and building a this summer. limestone was not as good waterpower grist mill. A little of the dam re- quality as at Rogers City. An observation platform will mains. Water pounging The probable site has been be built, and John Volmer, over the dam turned the determined, based on where Mackinac Island State Park wheels of the sawmill and the waterwheels would be Commission employee, is at grist mill to provide power. located with respect to the work cutting down tall trees The industry was aban- dam. that would interfere with the doned about 1839, says Even the stone water- view. Mr. Ford, probably as wheels were gone when the Already a parking lot has result of the recession in site was explored. Mr. Ol- been cleared about a hund- the Panic in 1837. son found a stone water red yards from the creek. The saw mill, it is rea- wheel at Myers Creek, and Trees were left at inter- soned, was a small scale believes it was taken from vals in the lot. operation and could not com- Mill Creek. The Old Mackinac Road pete with the new sawmills Working at Mill Creek leads through the 500 acre being built throughout the at present are a group park. A connecting road north woods as the lumber- of history students from will be cut from it to US ing industry flourished. as far away as Univer- 23. Eventually nearly all tra- sity of Florida and Uni- Adjacent to the parking lot ces of the Campbell Indus- versity of Georgia will be an information cen- try disappeared. Upper Great Lakes Re- ter. A few years ago Ellis N. gional Commissions say Plan also call for con- Olson, Cheboygan history the park is erected to at- structing an Indian villa- teacher and present mayor, tract 168,000 additional vi- ge. became interested and exp- sitors annually to the Inmates from the Pellston lored for it. He was suc- Straits, creating more than Prison Camp will clear na- cessful In finding the site 50 new jobs and $1.5 ture trails. in 1972. million in yearly tourism Tom Ford, field super- Considerable work has spending. visor, speculated that the been done on the project by complete project might take the Mackinac Island State several years to accomplish. Park Commission and others The work is being helped in exploring and studying by a $56,500 grant from the site, and planning res- the Upper Great Lakes Re- toration. A feasibility stu- gional Commission, which dy was funded by the Na- expects that the project co- tional Endowment for the uld be fully operational in Humanities. More than 1982 $160,000 has already been The park is on the site of spent in planning and early the earliest known indus- construction. The next pha- trial development in the Up- se will cost $144,950. per Great Lakes Region. The property was owned by Robert Campbell, who built a sawmill and grist mill and produced lumber and flour for the town of Ma- ckinac Island and nearby settlers. 101 ALCONA COUNTY HERALD JUNE 19, 1980 Pot Luck At Lighthouse The Sturgeon Point Lighthouse was established in 1869 (khe' same year that Alcona was made a cou_ nty) and was called Sturgeon Point because of the large numbers of great sturgeon in the waters ar- 6und the point. The sturgeonwere so numero s that they became a hazard andun,isance to the small boats. Men would go out on the point, kill the fish with clubs, and haul them in, stacking them like cordwood on the beach. This scene provided an apt name Ibr the area and the lighthouse, aW a rather fragrant source of tree fertilizer. There are other stories about the lighthouse and Great Lakes shipping and shipwrecks. YOU Can bear some of these stort4bs on June 22 at the pot luck dinner sp- onsered by the Alcona County His- torical Society. The dinner will he held at the Sturgeon Point Light - house. Doris Gauthier will share tales about the lighthouse and Ge- orge weyhing will tell us about some of the shipwrecks of the La- kes. Bill skrobak, the State Park manager, will conduct a tour of the lighthouse itself. The dinner will start at 2:00 Everyone Is welcome, bring ser- vice, beverage and a dish to pass. This one of a series of events planned by the Historical Society to share some of the highlights and interesting sites in thehistory of Alcona County. 102 H BOYGA, MONDAY, MAY 5. 1980 Welcome to Give Muck* 1"aw Season -or Ceremonies for launching the Welcome start Mackin- Fort Michilimackinac Qp_ aw City off this month on a ens fok the season on May 15, great summer season. and will be open daily until Traditionally, the Mackin- Oct. 15. aw season begins with the Archeology will again be Fort Michilimackinac pa- under Way, exploring and geant, held on Decoration locating in the ground where Day weekend. But this year houses and Military build- the season gets off to an ings stood before the fort was earlier start with a cere- burned and evacuated 200 MOny on May 16 to launch years ago. the replica of the 200 year ago sloop Welcome, that serv The major attractions of ed as a British warship on Mackinaw City are the fort the Straits during the Revo- and the Mackinac Bridge. lutionary War. The climax of the season The Mackinaw City Coun- comes with the Mackinac cil has designated the week- Bridge Walk on Labor Dq,, end of May 16-18 as "Historic when some 30,000 people WIR Sloop Welcome Weekend". walk from the St. Igrii& t6- Chief Justice Mary Cole- the Mackinaw City side. man of the Michigan Su- People drive hundreds of preme Court is coming and mileg to walk these five will crack a bottle of cham- Miles, exulting in an ua- pagne over the bow in the paralled chance to view the traditional ceremony. The beautiful Straits. program is at 11 a.m. . . . The Fort Michilimackinac Pageant will be presented. for the 18th year May 24, 25, and 26. Each day the history of the fort under French and British ownership will be re-enacted. The climax comes when Indians, seemingly assem- bled to play an innocent ball game, storm through the stockade in 1763 and mas- sacre or capture all the garrison. The grand parade is Sat- urday, May 24 at 1 O.m. C N DAILY TRIBuNE A Mid summer event will be the 8th annual Waterfront, Art Fair on July 19 at the Village Marina only. Artists, original designs will be dis. played. 103 THE ALPENA NEWS May 7, 1980 PLAN COMMISSION ACTS Favor natural area for riverfront park By BRUCEMAXWELL A plan to make the North Riverfront Park into a natural area designed for "passive" use won out over a proposal to make the park into a boat launching facility at the City Plan Commission meeting Tuesday night. The Plan Commission's recommendation now goes to the City Council for final action. The proposed park, located on the shore of the Thunder Bay River near the post office, would feature 15 parking stalls. fishing and boat observation areas. a small shelter with built-in seating, boat mooring facilities and a seawall under the proposal recom- mended bv the Plan Commission. The park is designed for use by foot traffic and incoming boaters. according to John Cusick, downtown development proj(ct manager for Vilican-Leman & Associates. Inc.. city planning con- sultants. The proposal to make the park a natural area won over a plan to make the area a boat launching facilitiy with a double boat ramp and 34 parking stalls. The park is in the planning stage, but funds for construction are not now available. The primary construction cost wit] be building the seawall. 104 PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY ADVANCE May 1, 1980 The Welcome will float again During the 1770's a 55-ft armed sloop, The Welcome, was built near Fort Michili mackinac for use by John Askin, a wealthy fur trader Two hundred years later in 1980 an exact replica of that ship will float again on the Straits of Mackinac between Lakes Huron and Michigan. The Welcome II, under the direction of the Mackinac Island State Park commission, will be a further attraction to this historic area of Michigan. Construction of the Welcome II began in 1975 as a bi- centennial project. After five years of steady work the 45 ton ship is now ready to be launched. The launching date is May 16 Once in file water the twin- masted vessel will be further equipped to handle the tourist crowds who'll be given guided tours between July 1 and Labor Dav. Interperters in British Navy uniforms will cover the history of the Straits and the roll that the original Welcome played during the American Revolution. Admis- sion will be $1.50 for adults, $1 for teenagers and children 12 and under accompanied with a parent will be allowed to board for free. Season tickets are available for $2.50. For further information re- garding the Welcome II and her launching, contact the Mackinac Island State Park Commission Mackinac Island. 105 Harrisville City Council meeting: MESC move, park di*scussed lowered by M. TartagHa the a Igces nd@gj eparation tion Area" (old la 1@ , nu nfd He and recommends that it be sl%j pr explained the tot f S'as to when is being done. 0 and tre ment. ' a un the other work "0 Employment Security finance the park, except for the City resident, Gordon Jensen, C(!Cmhiiff'on (MESC) represent- Harbor Grant Beth McGregor Memorial Fund tage before the council to state t ativ will b:ffmupying the covering the construction of a g sold his home on Church 0 es, In for Street he is building a new home on Harrisville Tity the Councilman Ken Beloskur in- woman's hall diamond. He asked the 7th Street in the city. There is a )se of issuing unemployment formed the council that at the last council to donate the use of city deep ditch in front of his new = to area residents. Harbor Commission meeting with equipment and manpower to instaU The Harrisville City Council Lew Steinbrecher of NEMCOG in sewer, water and electric lines into y which he would like to fill = questioned the need for a 00 n agreed to allow the return of attendance the commission decided the area; and a waiver of the $300 C3 culvert in that area. Council gave MESC at their regular monthly to apply for a $30,000 grant for the sewer tap in fee. Mayor Gall said he Jensen permission to leave his meeting Tuesday evening. Several Harbor. The funds would be used to was certain, but would check with temporary drive in place without months ago the MESC moved to fix the creek with iling so it will not the attorney, that the city can not the drain tube to wait and see if Maria Hall due to lack of space in erode, place beneges on top of the waive the tap-in fee for anyone even the city building. They must now hill, build a pavilion by the garbage itself. Gall $aid the city had to pay to there is a water problem. Should leave Maria Hall and have been cans and erect a pavilion on to I have its own buildings hooked in. there be a problem the tube will unable to locate another building in O?t 0 Council decided to furnish the city have to be installed with the city the hill on the city lot north he furnishing the section of tube Harrisville. driveway entrance to the harbor. equipment and men as re uested as Mayor Edward Gall stated, "It NEMCOG has suggested that as their contribution towar2 the con- approximately 10 feet long that goes does present a problem with our part of the city's money contribution struction of the recreation area. under the driveway only. office and I think if we do agree we toward the grant the city house Grzeskowiak informed the council will have to close our office on the could be torn down and the cost of that the rest rooms will be up and days that they are here." Council- tearing it down could be part of the functioning this summer. He said woman Pat Sysak commented, "We city's match for the grant with the that Harrisville Township gave $500 are supposed to represent all rest of the cit portion of the cost toward the cost of tap in fees with people, including people in business, coming from Ye general fund. any funds left over to be applied to an the business people would like the cost of the rest rooms. Grzes- to have them here in town." Ken EkrrisvMe Park kowiak also declared that he will be Beloskur concurred, "We should do working all summer at the site and all we can to keep them here 'in John Grzeskowiak representing he has a lot of promised donations of Harrisville." After considerable dis- the Parks and Recreation Commis- work and materials from friends in cussion the council aereed to accept sion addressed the council relative Alpena. Gall advised that the e-;-* - the MESC every otliir Thursday "in to plans for the "Harrisville Recrea- ing water line to the are-a'is too _hig`4 ALCONA COUNTY REVIEW April 10, 1980 Recreation issue settled at meetiong Future planning for the Alcona "We are working for you people; As discussion continued, the 9MUP Recreation Area will be the respon- we need your direction. " Planning agreed that in the f uture the sibility of the Alcona Planning Commission member Robert Planning Commission would be Commission. This decision was Reames advised, "All we have had sponsible for handling ARA in Alcona County so far is reaction re reached In an amicable joint We need to plan these things so yoi planning with the information to be meeting of toe Alcona County Board people can decide where the money passed on to the Board of Com- of Commissioners and the'Alcona will go. We,i nAssioners for final action. Planning Commission held are not supposed to be NEMCOG representative, Lew" Thursday night. Lack of communi- looking at tomorrow; we are looking at 10 or 20 years down the road." Steinbrecher, stated, "There is no cation between the two Boards was textbook example of the responsi- determined to be the major, possibly Grzeskowiak mentioned that what bility of a Parks and Recreation only, problem. he felt was needed was "a letter Commission. They could be. respon- Planning Commission member from the Commissioners to the Plan. sible for planning, development, Ralph Mills opened the discussion ning Commission so that everyone operation, slid maintenance for stating, "We have to have the knows what is going on". The Parks in the county." He observed, cooperation of the Board of Com- Commissioners agreed and a letter ,you are kind of in a spot where you missioners. I have felt that we could will be prepared and given to the can't afford to plan and you can't be more helpful to the Board. We did Planning Commission containing afford not to plan." a study on the Airport and worked on specific mandates and requests. the sanitary landfill and we also did One area of contention between the research on the recently the two above-named Boards and organized Economic Development the Parks and Recreation Corporation to determine how to Commission, Is the development, As n, r, @ ITa .7m ql7cl r4 ni .112ffil&2 organizean EDC, its function,, and planning, guidance and ported to the Board that he felt 1717 the rules and regulations govern- 'WU ing its operation." Continuing, "It administration of the Alcona had an excellent chance to Lk'XVI '" appears that we are heading for a Recreation Area in Lincoln which is an Upper Great Lakes grant to Study problem with our shopping center. It presently under the control of the Fishing Impact on the area. The would have been better in the Building and Grounds Committee of grant application is A= J beginning if a study would have been the Board of Commissioners. Grze- completed and with a few ni=l done then. We are quite far along skowiak cornmented, "The 'ARA is changes it is ready to be now to do a study because Mr. still in the hands of the County if the Board acts to undertake 1-74 Pridnia has spent over $200,000 on Commissioners. What are we study. The study would consist 4 hissite.11 supposed to do with the $5,000 you polling the fishermen in the area to Planning Commission Chairman appropriated? We are at a loss detqrmine their preferences 4ol-I John Grzeskowiak commented, between the Parks and Recreation discuss issues with bait shops, 77 3 "There is a need for the and Planning Commissions. Parks ware stores, and other -6iowiiiiitiOl Commissioners to look at the and Recreation cannot administer It businesses. because they have no control over The Board Passed the resolution r.1 Planning Commission as a tool to use to enable them to make deci- the ARA; the ARA is not part of make application for the 1. 1. sio1w" Parks and Recreation." Impact Study grant which 'A111 County Comrhissioner Kenneth Gerald Jasinski, Chairman of the necessitate $2,800 in matching MT I Board of Commissioners observed, to receive the $14,000 grant. Trower remarked,"This year we "We have $300,000 to $M,000 tied up have no money. Grants are out of the in the ARA. I would not be in favor of question because we can't match spending any funds on the ARA until them. The three most important we know where we stand in spending things now are transportation, as a county; we are in a tight money energy and solid waste. The trans- crunch. We are not in a position for portation study that NEMCOG is any funding on any major talking about now is not DIAL A expansion." RIDE-they are talking highways, buses, trains, boats, etc." 107 Thursday, March 20,1980 Haffisvitie Park plan adopted byMari=TarU4W invite the Mayor of the City of AlconA Parks and Recreation Harrisville, a member of the Harris- ville Township Board and a delegate Commission tentatively adopted the from the McGregor Fund to come to Plan for the Harrisville Recreation the April 10th meeting of Parks & Afta as prepared by Michigan State Rec. to review the tentative plans University students at their regular for the park and discuss the possibil- monthly meeting in the county Commission chairman, Jack itY of additional financial support. building on March 13th. Houghton, commented "I talked to a John Grzeskowiak presented plan couple of council persons and they Gillard said, "We need to have some say that people in Harrisville are continuity with local government." sketches and a detailed blackboard very interested in the area, if we receive a coastal fund grant for diagram to the commission explain- need to we can 90 back to the city the park beeause,"In order council," adding "The city will allow t: ing various aspects of the plan. The qualify for this grant there must b area, consisting of 17.2 acres, will us to hook up to the city sewer, and receive a -costal funding grant for contain 3 ball diamonds, hardcourts, the water is already there." Grzes- the park because," In order to a building and varking for 30 kowiak stated that he is scheduled qualify for this grant there must be vehicles. The parking area was coastal related items included in the established to accommodate the to meet with the Harrisville Lions at a their next meeting to request their form of passive recreation such S visitors for park functions as well as scenic view, an observation plat- for fishermen. There * will be no help. charge for parking, but the lot will Don Gillard recommended that all form, steps and a walk leading observe the same parking regula- details concerning the Harrisville directly to the lake shore, hiking tiOn8 as On city streets and in other County Park be set down in a trails along the coast or split rag written agreement with the City fencing, not ball diamonds and hard county parking lots located in the courts." Steinbrecher continued, "I City of Harrisville. The lot will be and any other officials involved would suggest that you not pursue closed from 3 to 5 a. m. with rather than a verbal contract. it because you will be tprned down," violators being towed away and Gillard then made the motion to adding, "If you should decide to fines imposeo. pursue the coastal funding I wia the only fund available for the help you all I can; nothing in Alcona Park at present is the $3500 Beth County has ever been funded with MacGregor Memorial Fund which is coastal funds and there are millions to be used for the Women's ball to give in grants." When it was diamond. The park will develop as suggested that steps and a path he ftmds become available. Grzesicow- inserted in an easement leading to M stated, "We don't have any the lake in order to qualify for the Aicona count%/, Review money but we do have lots of free grant Gillard replied, "Let's not put help,,and donations of equipment to any more people on the beach in use. Harrisville." The, commission voted not to pursue the Coastal Grant. 108 PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY ADVANCE February 28, 1980 ROCKPORT SINKHOLE NATURE CENTER 3:17 p.m. Lew Steinbrecher, coastal program manager of NEMCOG, presented a slide presentation on the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study for the board's consideration and endorsement. Moved by Commissioner Goats and supported by Com- missioner Quade to adopt the following resolution. Resolution WHEREAS, The Presque Isle County Board of Commis- sioners has reviewed the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as completed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments under Michigan's Coastal Management Program, and; WHEREAS, After review of this document and analysis of the resources associated with this property as addressed in the NEMCOG study, the Presque Isle County Board of Com- missioners concluded that these resources should be properly managed so as to preserve these amenities for future generations, and: WHEREAS, Consumers Power Companym as owner of the Rockport sinkholes and Ferron Point property has announced their desire to negotiate a lease agreement with a responsible public agency, and: WHEREAS, The Presque Isle County Board of Commis- sioners believes that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks Division is the most appropriate public agency to enter into such a lease arrangement for the purpose of preserving and managing these natural resources in the interest of the citizens of the State of Michigan; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners does hereby endorse the Rockport Sinkhole Management Study as developed by the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Preque Isle County Board of Commissioners does hereby encourage the Michigan Natural Resources Commission to direct its Parks Division to step forward as the lead management agency, with funding assistance from the Michigan Coastal Management Program, for the preservation and management of the Rockport sinkholes and Ferron Point property. Ayes: Commissioners Goetz, Quade and Klein. Nays: Commissioners LaBita, Grynlewicz, Taratuta, LaFava, Hitchcock, Darga, Plath and Chairman Whitsitt. Absent: Comissioner Maler. Motion defeated by roll call vote. CHEBOYGAN DAILY TRIBUNE March 7, 1980 Mackinaw City ReadY to Begin 2nd Phase of Lake Shore Development Plan The Mackinaw City @ Vil- building of parL b2nebes. lage Council voted last night council also voted to pur- at their regular meeting to chase one ha If of a I ot in back re-hire the Land Planning of Central Avvnuc from Bur- and Development Company nard Dann at a co: t of $3,300 to continue upgrading the and then to spend $7,000 in lake shore. improving an alley where A plan and design has been the'@ half of a lot is at, made by the company and charging the cost to 14 bus- accepted by the Council and inesses and two hom(m near now some of the ideas will the alley. begin taking form. City Clerk Dorothy Wallen Mackinaw City was given said that the $11,500 needed grants for $15,000 with a to buy the land and make matching $15,000 paid by the improvements on the alley City from the Land and will be taxed to the bus- Water Conservation fund inesses and homes as a and also a $20,000 grant from special assessment. Costal Management which is She said that the 16 involv.- to be matched by $5,000 from ed have agreed to the special the City in work by city assessment in order to have employees or other contribut the improvements made on ing ways. the alley. Plans call for new rest. Plans to improve the alley rooms in Waterworks Park include blacktopping and to and also landscaping and widen the alley. The Council was informed last night that they have been paired off with Burr (..,.ik which is a town in southern Michigan for may- ors exchange day. President Ron Wallen re- ceived competition Wedngs- day when Paul Desy an- nounced he plans to run for President in the March 10 election so it will not he known who will be making the exchange with Burr Oak until after the election. Although at the last last regular meeting council plan ned to vote on a new water tower with possibly a view- ing platform it was again postponed last night. + + THE ALPENA NEWS February 26, 1990 Town Ta I k it seems as though a plan that would ensure protection of the sinkholes north of Alpena, with help from the Department of Natural Itesources, has gone down the drain. According to an article In the Feb. 6 edition of the North Woods Call, Jack Butterfield, the DNR's parks division chie;, told the group trying to save the sinkholes that its plan is not worthy of department involvement. The plan called for the leasing of some 200-300 acres of Consumers Power Co. land on which the sinkholes are located (Rockport tract) and developing a nature center type complex with trails and related facilites on ad- ,joining DNR land. There atre eight sinkholes within a few hundred yards of each other on the Con- sumers tract; it is the only sinkhole site where a NEMCOG - study committee believes there is a ehance to protect these geological rarities. The Alpena Leagie of Women Voters, Thunder Bay Audubon Society and others, working through NEMCOG and In cooperation with Consumers Power @!o. put considerable time and effort into developing the plan. PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY ADVANCE Thursday, February 21, 1980 Yours and ours Asks comm issioners to put aside their preju Dear Harry: Each sinkhole is uniL, w tti an environment I write this about your county commissioners' and plant life all its owl, J cy ;ire marvelous to rebuff of the Rockport sinkhole projects and study and impressive t@- view. 'rhis gives them Your comments about it. My concern stems appeal to a great many people, regardless of from years of work with Thunder Bay Audubon what some commissioners may think of them. Society and the League of Women Voters in The Rockport sinks are so located and to well their efforts to preserve the sinkholes of preserved that they can become the nucleus of a northea.%tern Michigan. tourist attract ion and - educational center of I can appreciate your commissioners' tremendous value to our part of the country. I frustration at theweniingly endless ways found visualize an eventual facility that will rival it, %pend taxpayers' money. As a recently Hoffmeister State Park, We do not have their appointed member of the Alpena County sand dunes, but we ao have the sinks, Planning Commission, I am getting an educa- prehistoric Lake Huron beaches, the Bell Pines lion on the multitude of bureaus, grants and and plenty of forests, A nature center to giveaway programs that big government finds interpret these and to guide visitors could lo tl%e our money, almost always with a little attract thousand,, of people. Our scenery is not local "seed" money. My first inclination was to the %anic as western Michigan, but it is equally L'Ondenin till of them. Surely we have far too beautiful. Regardless of how we feel about it, much government, but at least for the present much of the future wealth of northeastern WV must accept it as a fact of life., As Michigan must be brought here from outside. responsible citizens we must use this bureau- We must make our land as attractive as possible cratic hodge-podgc wherever we can to provide by preserving its outstanding features and llic good life in our little part of the world I making them accessible to the public. think your commissioners have let their NEMCOG and the DNR are far from perfect, '111(agoi tit they do some things very well. NEMCOG's iiism' against federal (NEMCOG) and <inkhole.study was very helpful in persuading %tate (DNR) agencies blind them to a very Consumers Power to agree to lease the land. valtiablea%set of Presque Isle County. The DNR's park% division is one of the best in Sinkholes are not just holes in the ground, the country. Our state parks are as well run as and thev are not indestructible. Michigan is one tiny anywhere. We need. their help on this of the few states that have them, and almost all project. ofours are in Presque Isle and Alpena counties. The very least you should expect from your Those in Alpena County are more- accessible commissioners is that they put aside their and we have abused many of them badly. One prejudices and take an objective look at the has been completely filled as a township dump. Rockport sinkholes project. They might start by Others are being irreparably damaged by illegal viewing the Alpena League of Women Voters' dumping. Drainage from these sinks becomes a sinkhole slide show. I'm sure they would be part of our ground water. As our pure water glad to show it in Rogers City. demands grow with our population, pollution Yours very truly, from this thoughtless dumping will inevitably O.B. Eustis come back to haunt us. Lachine, Mich. 112 THE NORTH WOODS CALL February 20, 1980 EDITORIAL PAGE Sinking our sinkholes Refusal of state parks chief Jack Butter- modern campgrounds, parking lots, field to participate in a plan to save even beaches, playgrounds and all those things a handful of Michigan's unique sinkholes--a that bring in lots of people and lots of true natural wonder--is outrageous. It is dollars. He has no time for piddling around grossly irresponsible, a flagrant violation of with something like a few holes in the his assignment as keeper of Michigan's state ground, even if they are like no other holes park system. in the ground anywhere in the state--and After nine years of frustrating effort by hardly anywhere else. dozens--maybe hundreds--of northeastern In sending the sinkhole plan delegation Lower Peninsula conservationists, citizens packing, Butterfield made it clear he's still and Consumers Power Co. agreed to miffed that Alpena conservationists put establish a nature preserve to protect eight together the statewide protest to the parks of the sinkholes. These are the only eight division bid to save Negwegon State Park, the group feels are savable. They are close at the south end of Thunder Bay and inten- together and under one ownership--Con- ds to "get even" with them. Until they let sumers Power Co. the cement trucks into this precious natural Consumers, in a move for which it area, Butterfield will allow off-road should be widely applauded, agreed to lease vehicles, and anyone else, maul it to shreds. the 200 to 300 acres for $1. Because the Butterfield's claim that there is no money utility's investors purchased the 3,600-acre to develop an inexpensive, rustic, nature tracdt-the old Rockport quarry--as a poten- center and hiking trail complex at the tial generating plant site, the company can- Rockport sinks and operate the center is an not responsbily sell it at this time. It may be excuse. Sure things are tight. But with DNR for sale if future studies show it is not suited backing, the legislature would come for a power plant, which is highly probable. through with a few bucks to save the sinkholes. The only logical agency to manage and Rarely has there been an opportunity to operate the sinkhole preserve is the DNR's accomplish so much with no controversy state park division. That's what it was and hardly any money. Rarely has there established to do: obtain and retain the been an opportunity to demonstrate how state's natural wonders for all citizens, of all important a partner industry (Consumers generations, to enjoy and learn from. Power Co.) can be in the conservation That's not the way Butterfield sees his movement. job. He gave the citizens' group the cold The only opposition comes from the shoulder. If he can't outright gain owner- DNR's parks division. ship of the entire Rockport tract on Lake Huron he isn't interested. He wants to build 113 PRESQUE ISLE: COUNTY ADVANCE: Thursday, February 14, 1980 The same lettel appeared in then February 13, 1980 edition of THE ONAWAY OUTLOOK oln 7,k: Yours and ours NEMCOG frustrates board chairman Dear Editor: assume they have been there since shortly after Due to the articles in The Onaway Outlook the Ice Age which leads me to believe they will and the Advance and having been present at survive for several thousand more years to the discussion concerning the "Sink Holes" come. Frankly, I have not been conditioned to and, the study made by NEMCOG, I feel I appreciate the beatrty that I have been told is should state my impression of the whole there and as to the attraction for tourist or the incident. local residents the late Arthur Poch could First of all, there wasn't any visible testify, he tried it. representative from either of your papers so I Did you have the privilege of seeing the must assume that the information you based catalogue type of brochure that was compiled your article on was from someone else, that I and printed to be handed out to justify the feel must have overemphasized some of the expenditure of thousands of tax dollars that I points you made. consider to be a complete waste? The report on Radio Station WHAK and the . It was more than 20 pages of maps and article in the Alpena News, that both had printed material bound in a soft cover with a people there, did not reflect the vindictive flexible plastic binding. It certainly demon- attitude that appeared to me to be very strated the lack of respect for tax dollars. prevalent in your articles. Concerning the DNR and the management of NEMCOG is a federally funded agency but lands, frankly most people in my district feel they must have local tax dollars for seed money there is already enough if not too much of our to qualify them to apply for federal funding for local tax base removed from the ad valorem tax their several projects' operational costs. The list because the land is under the control of the results at the best in my estimation are very DNR especially in northeastern Michigan. minimal. . I belive even you will admit that the rules It appears after asking a lot of questions that imposed by the DNR in certain areas and the NEMCOG can apply for and receive project attitude of some of the enforcers of them can be funding at the suggestion of a very few people very irritating at times. I cannot speak for Mr. for most any immaterial or whimsical sug- Darga but in LaFave's case I am sure his gestion to conduct a study regardless of cost or position is a direct reflection of that of his value. This is why the Presque Isle Board of constituents, which is the duty and respon- Commissioners became so upset. It seems we sibility of a good public servant, according to have no veto power nor are we consulted at all my values. Sincerely, prior'to spending part of the appropriation of Neil Whitsitt' Chairman tax dollars that we had caused to be part of the expense of Presque Isib County government by Presque Isle Board of Co;@Qssioners putting it in the budget. Then they come along (Editor's note: We had a representative at L 0* 1 GVievt/p, and expect wholehearted support for spending your meeting but you just didn't recognize him. tax dollars to tell us the "sink holes" are I understand your frustrations but the fact eroding rapidly and unless they are protected remains that Mr. LaFave was blatantly unfair in and properly regulated would disappear into making accusations that were unfounded and oblivion in a very short time. It is reasonable to did not relate to the facts. 114 PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY ADVANCE This same letter Thursday, February 14, 1980 appeared in the February 13, 1980 edition of THE ONAWAY OUTLOOK. LaFave...,ieplies to bmsrhamwe Dear Editor: coulq*appen in future if !%went along wo, This letter condirns your' most recent the pRiposal. InNhe past there were stories PUBLISHER'S CORNER story, labeled "Per- about a possibility of a generating plant on,the sonal bias erodes Commissioner's usefulness." property in question. Would it be nice if the I hate to dignify the article by commenting on portion in Presque .Isle County were used for a it; however, it misleads, tends to evade the tourist attraction while the@ real tax base, the facts, twist the truth and puzzles those who 'generating plant was built in Alpena County. were in attendance which did not include Yes, this would be nice for Alpena County; yourself. In fact, I can remember very few however, my concern is for my own county of meetings which you have been at in the most Presque Isle. I also asked if it was a possibility recent several years. Both the WHAK Radio that once we had our tourist attraction leased Station and the Alpena News reported the Sink from Consumers Power they might come to Hole story which seemed fair, factual and so Preshue Isle County and ask for property tax different from your own. relief. The fact of the matter is that you have been I went on to say that we need industry in our area. I hate to see our children forced to le&Ve upset ever since our Board of Commissioners the area to find work in order to' support unanimously passed a resolution which .1 themselves. Tourism is important to our area presented in support of Senator Mack for his and does help the business and all of us either opposition to what I label "The Anti-Norther" directly or indirectly; however, there are other Michigan" WETLANDS BILL, of which you are important areas that must be developed too. so proud. Your rage. was vented to the What good would it do for us to spend the chairman, Neil Whitsitt, against the person who money we have on our industrial park, then presented the resolution and rest of the board blunder on a parcel of property with a better for voting for it. Your letter, Mr. Whiteitt's known potential, for no gain at all? reply and my own reply were never made I did take a cut at the DNR when it was public. I am most satisfied with my posi#on suggested that they become the agency to enter against the Wetlands Bill. People will no doubt into the agreement with, b6cause they were the forget my position; however, I feel they @rill most appropriate agency. It had just been never forget yours and your role in it. It is one announced that they were closing 37 parks in thing for a person to sign away their rights to a the state. Please note that when I refer to the parcel of property; howevqr, it is another thing taxpayer and voter's feelings about the DNR, it when you lose your rights to your overtaxed is intended for the department and not our fine private property, to a bureaucratic department local men such as Mr. Phillips and Mr. Van Stec of the state which does not have to answer to any voter or taxpayer. and many others who are a compliment to the department and an asset to their community. Now in regard to the Sink Hole issue, we At one point I assured Mr. Steinbrecher that heard from Mr. Lew Steinbrecher of NEMCOi '0 had he misunderstood me, my apology was. concerning his proposal. We were reminded extended, that I telt he had been given a job to that the land in question was a part of a parcel do and that he had executed it well. I further of property owned by Consumers Power stated that the NEMCOG office would serve the Company approximately 3,700 acres in siz4, area better if they were to stop planning and Part of this parcel is in Presque Isle County and each grab a handful of tree seedlings and plant the balance is in Alpena County. The Sink Holes them on both private and state waste land. In a are next to the county line. The proposal was to few years we would have more than plans; we develop the Sink Holes as a tourist attraction would be assisting the greatest industry in the along with foot trails and request the DNR to north, the wood industry. enter into a lease agreement with Consumers Even though you feel that you can no longer Power Company if both parties agreed. use me, Harry, I will attempt to vote in a My question to Mr. Steinbrecher was, "Who manner which I feel is agreeable with the voters started this idea?" I was informed that it was a' and taxpayers in my district. group from Alpena County. Mrs. Doyle made Sincerely, the statement that some of thi? people in her Leonard L. LaFave area were interested also. It was about at this, County Commissioner, Dist. #5 point that I stated that I had suspicions of what Onaway, Mich. 115 PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY ADVANCE February ii, lYbld edItIon ot TfIE Thursday, February 14, 1980 ONAWAY OUTLOOK Publisher's Comer Rolmlies weU intended but they missed the point by Harry whnotey On the accompanying page are four letters to letter, there would have been no need or desire began to be established in 1837. the year the editor, all in response to a column I wrote to expose what you really said. Michigan became a state, and have been added last week in which I criticized county commis- And then there was a third letter from Dan to ever since. They now fill two very thick sioner Leonard LaFave for making what some Darga.... books. Never has either the. commission or the considered false and uncalled for accusations The fourth letter comes from a man who department tried to exercise power or authority against Consumers Power Company and the requests that his name be withheld from not granted by the people. Department of Natural Resources in a matter in publication. Normally, we throw those in the I could go on at length to refute the many which neither as yet had become involved. wastebasket. This letter, however, deserves an specific issues raised. I could point out. for The first letter comes from board chairman answer because the writer obviously doesn't example, that the lands which the DNR owns Neil Whitsitt. He gives his colleague a gentle fully understand how government functions. and manages in the public intereEt were, in pat on the back for uttering what he considers a Hopefully, an explanation might just be the more than 85% of all cases, deeded to the state reflection of LaFave's constituents' thinking, catalyst that could bring about a better after private individuals tried and failed to but the general tone is an airing of his understanding for all concerned. make a living from them. I could point out that frustrations with NEMCOG. No argument The Department of Natural Resources is a you can't cut trees for firewood and grow those there. very powerful age@cy, influencing the lives of same trees into timber for the lumber industry. more people in more ways than any other entity You can't have unrestricted hunting, 6shing, The next letter is from LaFave but he skirts of. state. government. On that point, we agree. camping, boating, swimming, ORVs, or snow- making any response to our specific criticism. As a ni@nibeT -of the,,commission which sets mobiling. Those activities have to be regulated Instead, he throws brickbats at the writer, goes policy for the departme ,nt, I share an awesome if only to keep people from interfering with each all around Robin Hood's barn talking about responsibility at no salary and take a lot. -of other. wetlands legislation, industrial development, abuse. The notion that the Natural Resources taxation and everything else unrelated to my Whether it is right or wrong for a commission Commission or the DNR is in any way specific complaint. He gives you that old or a department to have so much authority is responsible for current prices of gasoline or fuel song-and-dance about my article being mis- not for me to say. The fact is that we do have oil is preposterous. Michigan imports more leading, tending to evade the facts and twisting that authority. and we are required by law to than 95% of its energy fuels - a very the truth. He winds up by saying any ill feeling discharge it. worrisome statistic if you stop to think about it he portrays for the DNR is for the "depart- The laws under which the commission and - and nothing we do or don't do in the Pigeon ment, " not for the fine local men in it. That, I department function were in all instances River Country State Forest will change that. guess, could be construed to mean that he likes enacted by the Legislature and signed by the When it comes to energy, Michigan is entirely the guys who work there but not the buggers governor. Some have been interpreted by the at the merev of outside influences beyond our who run it! Supreme Court. control. Well, it's nice to be able to rephrase your Important in all this is that the Legislature, You refer to a "silent majority.- Maybe the comments in flowery fbm, water them down the governor and the Supreme Court are all trouble is that the in#rity has been silent for' and serve them up again but that, Mr. LaFave, elected by the people of Michigan. Those of us too long. Ours is a government of majority rule, is NOT ALL THAT YOU SAID OR W'HAT YOU in subordinate roles are simply carrying out the the essence of democracy. Perhaps you , might SAID. You castigated and condemned an orders given to us by the elected repre- better address your questions to your elected agency and a utility without regard for the facts, sentatives of the people who vote. That is the representatives in government and, if you do and showed your personal bias. And that's what wav our svqtem of aovernment works. - '_ @f +h. ;V I _- -_ - we criticized you for and all that we criticized you for. Had your statements at the commission The laws governing the operations of the @e`mocratic process to replace them with meeting been as rational as those made in your Natural Resources Commission and the DNR persons who will better reflect your views. THE ALPENA NEWS February 12, 1980 Decdline near for shoreline, grants Local units of government the construction of seawalls along the Great Lakes or non-coastal related shoreline in Michigan have facilities such as ball until Feb. 15 to submit pre- diamonds. application grant proposals Northeast Michigan com- to the Department of Natural munities which have received Resources for financial Coastal Program grants in assistance under the State's the past include Mackinaw Coastal Management Pro- City for the design and low- gram. cost construction for the Funds must be used for village's east site waterfront coastal related projects such parks, the City of Alpena for as water front park designs the design of the Thunder Bay or feasibility studies, River North Bank Park and engineering for lake-front the City of Rogers City for the development, improving development of its coastal public access oi recreation zone park system. are,is, restoration and Once the pre-applications pr..; . rvation of unique are submitted, local units coastal historic sites, comple- have until April 4, 1980 to tion of coastal section for develop and submit formal local recreation plans or grant proposals. For more econom and industrial information or assistance in deve,oX ent design con- completing and submitting cepts. grant applications to the Coastal Program monies Coastal Management Pro- cannot be used for land gram, contact Lew Stein- acquistion, the purchase of brecher, NIFAWOG, P.O. Box recreational equipment, or 457, Giylord, Nfich. 49735. 117 Publisher's Comer _M MW Personal bias erodes Commissioner's usefulness by Harry Whfteley On more than one occasion, we have said that about them. Thus, the concept of nature trails offered it for $1 per year. For that they were the present Board of County Commissioners is and an interpretive center came into being. condemned. one of the best we have had. They have Much of the land where the -sinkholes lie is When the NEMCOG spokesman suggested responded to many situations with vision and in ownership of Consumers Power Company_ that the Parks Division of the Department of cn td competence and have operated in a very so if the area were available for publi,. use, who Natural Resources might be the most appro- ;0 M businesslike, rather than political way. would administer it and how? These were priate agency with whom to negotiate the lease, Recently, however, that image is becoming a questions that were being asked. LaFave again spoke without knowing what,he bit tarnished by the constant mouthings of The next step, however, was to proceed with was talking about. several of the members who seem intent on a study or a comprehensive plan, something He berated the DNR and accused them of hearing themselves talk. We refer to Commis- that could be presented and something which wanting to "gobble up" and control more land sioners Leonard LaFave and Daniel Darga, the might have the support of individuals and in the county, when in fact the Department of latter having recently stated that his opinion organizations in the area. Natural Resources had no involvement whatso- was just as good as the State Attorney The study was completed by the Northeast ever in the project. They had not even been `J 4, General's. Michigan Council of Governments and a repre- asked at that point to be a party to the lease Z sentative of that agency, Lew Steinbrecher, agreement. And it's again safe to say, that they- :@; 0 Both are pretty good eggs who obviously began making a series of presentations to the too, like Consumers Power, could well become co mean well but we feel for them when they pop various governmenW units within Alpena and reluctant partners in the project. Yet they were@ CD Off with their one -liners that make little Presque Isle counties.'All were enthusiastic and publicly condemned. reference to the facts. endorsed the concept of preserving, managing A case in point is the recent meeting of the and protecting the sinkholes. To some it looked Though we have an association with thi Commission when a presentation was made like a boost for tourism. DNR. we are not out to defend it. We have' concerning a, proposal that was intended to When Steinbrecher made his pitch in Rogers misgivings about the value of NEMCOG and we protect and preserve the historic sinkholes that City, however, it was a different story. carry no torch for Consumers Power. We're not lie in the confines of Presque Isle and Alpena Right off the bat LaFave and Darga criticized out to promote anything either, and if thi counties. him for not talking to them first. The poor guy environment and recreational development are The sinkholes, in some cases are being used had to start someplace but these two wanted to not high priority items of the board, we can as dumping grounds. There are people who be first. understand that. would like to see them and have an interest in When the NEMCOG spokesman mentioned We do think, however, that regardless, of their geological and historical significance. Yet, Consumers Power, LaFave said that he thought whom their targets are. the outbursts of Darga they are, to a degree, inaccessible. it was an attempt by Consumers to get property and LaFave, in particular (who incidentally -are A few years ago, a small group began to seek tax relief, when in fact Consumers had bee-, making Frank LaBita look like a pussycat" in out ways of protecting and managing the REQUESTED to lease their property for public companson) are unwarranted and in poor taste sinkholes with the thought in mind that people use. If the truth was known, they probably were when unrelated to the facts, and thus erode ought to have the opportunity to learn more reluctant to do so but as a good--will gesture their usefulness as county commissioners. Michigan's vanishing sinkholes LIME6TONE 8 T 0 0 WATERFALL MICHIGAN'S UNIOUE SINKHOLES are formed as groun- @q, dwater carves a cave in underground limestone and the shallow topsoil falls into the hole. The water dissolves the 71- 4" stone, creating caverns up to 200 feet deep and 300 feet wide. Only about 200 sinkholes exist, though more are being 0 formed by nature. The "Rockport sinks" are said to be the Co 0) only ones the state has a chance to preserve. (Drawing from Michigan Natural Resources Magazine.) > DNR parks chief CD W A %, iL vetoes plan to save sinkholes The dis-interest of state parks officials in helping cifizens and Consumers Power Co. protect the most valuable of noMwastern 0. N Lower Michigan's unique sinkholes has stymied the project. 3 Jack Butterfield, Dept. of Natural Resources parks division Z chief, has told the group trying to save the sinkholes that their plan is not worthy ot deparUnent involvement. N The proposal calls for leasing about 200 to 300 acres of Consumers Power Co. land on which the sinkholes are located and developing a 0 > nature center type complex, with hiking trails and related facilities, on adjoining DNR land. There are eight sinkholes within a few hundred yards of each other on the Consumers' property north of Alpena. Called the Rockport tract, it is the only site on which so many sinkholes are in such close proximity and the only one where members of the Nor- theast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) study com- mittee believes there is a practical chance to protect them. All of the other sinkholes-which are found in few other places in the world-are on small tracts of private land and are widely scat- tered, mostly in Presque Isle and Alpena counties. Many have already been badly abused, having been used as trash and garbage (Continued on Page 8) 119 DNJ? chief vetoes (Continued from rl ront) dumps. One small village filled a sinkhole near town by using it as the public garbage dump. The sinkholes range from 100 to 300 feet in diameter at their widest point and are up to 150 feet deep. The top of the hole may be only a few feet wide up to a couple hundred. Most are coneehaped, with the small end at the top. They are formed as water wears an underground cavern in limestone. This cavern grows until the surface is so thin that it collapses. There are thought to be many sinkholes that have not been exposed because the "roof " i-ws not collapsed. The heavy deposit of limestone runs from the Rogers City-Alpena area west to the Petoskey-Charlevoix area. On the west side of the peninsula, top soil and glacial drift are thick enough that it has not fallen in to expose the underground caverns. in addition to their geologic uniqueness, the sinks are the home of rare plants, some that are reportedly found nowhere else in North America. After at least 15 years work by the Alpena League of Women Voters, the Thunder Bay Audubon Club and others, working recen- tly through NEMCOG, a plan was developed with the cooperation of Consumers Power Co. to protect the Rdckport sinkholes. The Natural Resources Commission last summer encouraged the group to come forth with a plan. Butterfield, however, told the group that unless the state could have complete ownership of the Rockport property (Consumers has 3,600 acres there along Lake Huron) he would not participate. The plan calls for developing minimal facilities to support a trail and nature interpretation system, with all but trail development on adjoining state land. The development work and staffing was to be provided by the DNR. O.B. Eustis, a spokesman for the group. points out that the DNR has the expertise and can obtain public funding for such a project. He adds that it clearly has statewide significance. Though the DNR appears to have turned its back on what may be NUchigan's last chance to preserve a few of the state's sinkholes in their natural state, EusW- says the Alpena area group has not given UP. Consumers district manager Dick Dalilquist, Cheboygan, says the company will keep lease offer on the table, but would like to see some action. The public, he explains, freely us" the Consumers lands at Rockport. Off-road vehicles and foot traffic is killing fragile, and in some cases rare, vegetation and causing erosion at the sinkholes. littering and trash dumping are another problem. Consumers purchased the former Rockport quarry and harbor, with nearly five miles of Lake Huron frontage, nine years ago as a potential site for a nuclear or coal-fired generating plant. The quarry has been mined since 1948. The company has not decided if it will build on the site. If it does, construction would not start until 1989 or 1990. There would be no actual construction near the sinkholes, Dahlquist points out. Establishing a nature study and appreciaUon area around the sinkholes would not interfer with construction or operation of the plant. The company, however, feels it must retain ownership of all of the land as a buffer for the plant, if it is built. ' The NEMCOG study committee endorsed this cooperative ap- proach with the company, citing it as an opportunity to demon- strate that industry and nature can co-exist. Eustis says the study group will now seek the cooperation of the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners to obtain a federal Coastal Zone Management grant to develop detailed estimates of the cost of building trails, a nature center with restrooms and parking lots. When this is completed, the group may return to the DNR or seek grants to go ahead with development and organize a non-profit group to sign the lease with Consumers. Uldimtely, the project can succeed only if it is managed by the DNR, Eustis insists. The one-time cost of developf;i,int, he says, might be covered by grants, from foundations or individuals, but the annual maintenance and operating costs would be too high for a purely local volunteer group. 120 NEMCOG C091 0 \40 Now NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 4, 1980 COASTAL GRANT PRE-APPLICATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15, 1980 Northeast Michigan Council of Governments P. 0. Box 457 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-3551 Local units of government along the Great Lakes shoreline in Michigan have until February 15, 1980 to submit pre-application grant proposals to the Department of Natural Resources for financial assistance under the State's Coastal Management Program* Funds must be used for coastal related projects such as waterfront park designs or feasibility studies, engineering for lake- front development, improving public access or recreation areas, restoration and preservation of unique coastal historic sites, completion of coastal section for local recreation plans or economic and industrial development design concepts. Coastal Program monies can not be used for land acquisition, the purchase of recreational equipment, or the construction of seawalls or non-coastal related facilities such as ball diamonds. Northeast Michigan communities which have received Coastal Program grants in the past include Mackinaw City for the design and low-cost construction for the village's east site waterfront parks, the City of Alpena for the design of the Thunder Bay River North Bank Park and the City of Rogers City for the development of their coastal zone park system. Once the pre-applications are submitted, local units have until April 4, 1980 to develop and submit formal grant proposals. For more information SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA - ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE 121 NEWS RELEASE 2 February 4, 1980 or assistance in completing and submitting grant applications to the Coastal Management Program, contact Lew Steinbrecher, NEMCOG, P.O. Box 457, Gaylord, Michigan 49735 or phone (517) 732-3551. Contact Person: Lew Steinbrecher Distribution: Coastal Management Mailing List COO e 100 122 PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY ADVANCE January 31, 1980 Commissioners'rebuff a a s "khole project m area in, A proposal to support the fie further reported that he What really apparently concept of managing. preserv- thought the Parks Division of ticked off the board was the ing and protecting the historic the Department of Natural Re- fact that Steinbrecher had not sinkholes, which lie primarily sources would be the most come to them to explain the in the confines of Presque Isle appropriate agency to accept study before he went to the County, met with oppositioq the lease and manage the Alpena board and other when it was presented to the project because of their having groups. The Alpena Board, Board of Commissioners at the expertise to do the. job. Tbv P@taiiVe Islejakubip and the -%their regular monthly meeting DNR, howcvcr..,,.at.thJ&_paUxL @W&(Pe Islit"CodaO Plaming held Friday in Rogers City. has not been contacted. Commission afon@'with seve- The presentation. made by Commissioner Leonard La- ral other groups had already Lew Steinbrecher of the North- Fave said that he thought it endorsed the project. east Michigan Council of was an attempt by Consumers Commissioner Frink LaBita Governments, the agency Power Company to get some said he hoped Steinbrecher making a study of the project, property tax relief. He also would not fall into the foot- provided a forum for several of stated that he was opposed to steps of former NEMCOG the commissioners to verbally the DNR being placed in Director Rodney Parker. "it lambaste the Department of charge -of anything. "Every.. seenis that Plirker ai,l some- Natural Resources and Con thing the DNR does always thing for everyone except sumers Power Company. turns sour. if I was to vote for Presque Isle County," LaBita The proposai, first sug- the DNR in such a program, I said. gested by a group of citizens would be voted out of office. Commissioner Leo Goetz interested in the historical and probably impeached. That's defended Steinbrecher, saying geological significance of the how the people of my area feel that he didn't think it right for sinkholes and a desire to pro- about the DNR,- he con. the commissioners to attack tect them, became known tinued. him and as far as he was con. several years ago and interest Commissioner Dan Darga cerned the NEMCOG repre- from others has increased then took NEMCOG to task, sentative did the right thing by during the intervening time. stating that he hadn't seen going to Presque Isle Town- S(cinbrecher explained that NEMCOG help Presq@e Isle ship first. the study developed by NEM- County develop anything but Steinbrecher concluded his COG explored the possibility sinkholes, nature trails and presentation by saying that if of providing nature trails and bike trails. "What we need is Consumers Power negotiated picnic and camping areas and some way to keep our young a lease it would be for $1 per an interpretive center, all people here, not send them year for 20 years, with a available for public use. away when they graduate." he renewal option. "Few people have seen the Commissioner Goetz moved sinkholes and some have been said. "If NEMCOG was doing adoption of the resolution but devastated by use of a careless something about that then I it failed 8-3 with Edwin Quade, public as mere 'dumping would say they are doing Mel Klein and Goetz in favor grounds.' Thus the concept something, " ;ind Darga, LaFave, Edwin Steinbrecher said it was not Faratuta, Emil Plath, LaBita, evolved that they be protected imperative that the DNR be Adam Gryniewicz, Neil Whit- and utilized for the public the managing agency and if silt and Ray Hitchcock oppos- good," he said. the board just wanted to ing. Steinbrecher told the group approve the concept it would that the project became , be alright. He then went on to possibility when Consumers explain that the Rockport Power Company, owners Of property owned by Consumers much of the land involved near Power is one of eight sites Rockport, agreed to a request being considered for a nuclear for a lease arrangement with power plant, but any decision some appropriate manage- in that regard is at least 10 ment agency. Although no years away. such agreement has been signed, he said that Con- sumers would do so if there was enough interest to go through with the project. 123 OSCODA COUNW NEWS January 31, 1980 NE COG N RAmh'TRAC On January 23, 1980 the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) held a Natural Resources Advi- %ory Committee (NATRAC) meeting in thc Ponderosa Steak House Meeting Room, Alpena. The NATRAC Commit- tee reviewed a new Area of Particular Concern (APC) nomination known as the Harrisville Recrea- tion Area. The APC was nominated by the Alcona county Parks and Recre, ation commission which intends to apply for a grant under the Michigan Coastal Management Program to develop the 17 acre property for rec reational purposes. The Committee placed re- gional endorsement on th the nomination and as. signed high regional pri- ority to the site. In another coastal re- lated matter, Lew Stein- brecher, NEMCOG, re- ported to the Committee on recent developments in the Rockport Sinkhole Nature Trail Project. "Considerable local, re- and statewide s.up port now exists for the concept." Steinbrecher told the Committee. He informed the members that a presentation was being prepared for the Natural Resources Com- mission, DNR's govern. ing board. NEMCOG's recommendation is for the DNR Parks Division to become the lead man- agement agency in the project. Consumers Power Company, owner of the Rockport Sink- holes, announced their willingfies% to negotiate a lease for public access to the area last October. 124 THE ALPENA NEWS Saturday, January 26, 1980 resque isle board balks at . - I opening Rockport nature 'area By SUSAN GRUtXE #dyoupre helping the DNR go"',up ROGERS CITY - The Presque Isle and control more land in this county," County Board of Commissioners, never charged Leonard LaFave. He question- known to simply "rubber stamp" ed whether the DNR was the best agen- jects just because someone else do:: cy to head up the project, and said he continued that tradition Friday. fears Consumers Power would,ask tax The board voted 8-3 against endorsing relief for the property after it had been a proposal to make the Rockport leased for public use. sinkhole area in the sourthern part of LaFave pointed out that Consumers the county available for public use. En- has designated an area. just east and dorsement for the project had come south of the sinkhole area as a possible from the Alpena County Commission, site. for a power plant. He charied that Presque Isle County Planning Commis- Alpena County residents are pushing the sioa quid Presque Isle Township, among sinkhole project for ue Isle County other governmental units. so that if a I er is built, It would In voicing opposition, the board be in Alpinweemna Coun nd Alpena C6un- benefit nefit criticized Northeast Michigan Council of ty would benefit taxes it Would Governments (NEMCOG) and the generate. Department of Natural Resources. But EdW,111 Taratuta, often a critic of Using most of all, commissioners were miffed fede*94nonies, said Consumers POwer that their endorsement was being should pay for the project and charge sought after support had already been admission for the public's use, rather gained from other groups. than utilizing federal funds. Lew Steinbrechbr of NEMCOG ak LaFave and Daniel Darga said that in- peared to explain the project to the stead of promoting developments of board. A study developed by NEMCOG natural areas, NEMCOG staff should be staffers, with input from Presque Isle worldng to attract industry to Presque Township and Alpena County residents, Isle County. explored the posbibility of providing Speaking in favor of the project were nature trails and picnic and camping commissioner Leo Goetz and County areas in the sinkhole area to encourage Clerk Ruth M. Doyli;'who noted Fmr- use of the land by the public. que Isle township explored the pos4W- Consumers Power Co. owns the ty of # nabie area or park as long a's 15 parcel. It is in the center of some 3,700 years ago. acres owned by the utility, with the total Goetz offered the motion to adopt a property divided about equally between resolution of endorsement. Voting with Presque Isle and Alpena counties. The him in favor of it were Edwin Quade, nature area, however, would be contain- and Mel Klein. Opposing it were Darga, ed entirely in Presque Isle County. LaFave, Taratuta, Emit Plath, Jr., The study proposal calls for the Parks Frank LaBita, Adam Gryniewicz, Neil Division of the DNR to act as the lead. Whitsitt and Raymond Hitchcock. -." management agency in the project, with Although Steinbrecher was placed in 80 percent of the project cost to be pro- the position of defending the DNR and vided by federal funds through the NEMCOG, commissioners stressed they Michigan Coastal Management Pro- weren't condernining. '@teinbreqlier's gram. work on the project. DNR involvement in the project He will appear, before the DNR com- brought objections from the board., mission Feb. 7 to seek approval of the Parks Division as management agency for the proposed project. He said he didn't know if the board's action Friday will have a bearing on the DNR commis- Presq, f4 ,tn, sion's decision. 125 THE ALPENA NEWS January 24, 1980 Alpena County to revise revenue sharing budget Following a presentation by Lew Steinbrecher of the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, the board en- dorsed a plan to seek state backing of a wilderness area in Presque Isle County, adjacent to Rockport property owned by Consumers Power Co. Steinbrecher said access would be from Grand Lake Road, and that a lease agreement might be worked out with Consumers to make Rockport land and the sinkholes there available to the public. Steinbrecher will be making a similar presentation before the Natural Resources Commission in February, and is seeking local support prior to that time. This story was part of a larger article found under the above headline regarding a meeting of the Alpena County Board of Commissioners 126 PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY ADVANCE January 24, 1980 Rockport project gains support The Full Council of the 'Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), at its meeting in Alpena on January 15. passed a resolu- tion to officially adopt the Rockport Sinkhole Manage- ment Study as part of the Northeast Michigan's Coastal Management Program. According to Lew Stein- brecher. NEMCOG's Coastal Program. the study addresses several design and manage- ment alternatives as to nature trail development to the sink- holes avid a nature interpretive center. In October of 1979, Con sumers Power Co. indicated their willingness, to least part of the Rockpan property to provide public access to the sinkholes. After a review of various local and state agen- cies. Steinbrecher recom- Parks Division as possibly the most appropriate management agency to implement the Rock- port Project. The recommen- dation did not receive unani- mous support. Four council members abstained because of their disagreement with that staff recommendation. Similar resolutions of support for the Rockport Sink- hole Study, including the recommendation of the DNR Parks Division to be the lead management agency have been passed by the Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission. the Presque Isle Township Planning Commis- ston. the Presque Isle County Planning Commission and other local agencies. Steinbrecher plans to make a presentation to the state's Natural Resources Commis- sion on February 7 and for- mally recommend the Parks Division as lead management agency for the project at that time. 127 THE ALPENA NEWS January 22, 1980 Presque Isle Board meets Friday The Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners will meet Friday in its first regular monthly session of the year. Agenda items include a finance committee report by commissioner Mel Klein; a presentation by Lew Stein- brecher of Northeast Michigan Council of Governments on plans for develop- Tent of a natural area at the Rockport sinkholes; a quarterly report from the District 4 Health Department; and a billing from NEMCOG. The session starts at 10 a.m. in the county cour- thouse in Rogers City, A Coastal Zone Management grant of $15,300, administered through the DNR, was accepted by the council to finance planning and design of a riverfront park on the northaids of Thunder Bay River behind the post office. The city will pro- vide $3,900 toward the $19,500 cost of the plan-design project. Vilican-Leman Associates will do the design. 128 PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY ADVANCE Thursday, January 17, 1980 Hearing on shoreline parks in Rogers City area is well attended Some 50 persons were on made of the phsical features general consensus that the hand Monday evening to - vegetation. soils. surface cost of maintenance and participate in a hearing at water. crosion, etc.. and then policing would be prohibitive which the public had been include public input regarding and further. that adequate invited to express their views desires for activities, and facili- facilities are already available on proposed shoreline park ties on a site-by-site basis. at Hoeft State Park, one of the development in Rogers City After the information has all few in Michigan that is rarely The project constitutes an been assembled. another filled to capacity. agreement between the Citv of public hearing will be held and The area alongside Calcite Rogers City and Snell Environ- eventually the final working Road that is now used pri- mental Group. a Lansing drawings and specifications based consulting firm. to pro- will be prepared, These will marily for Little League acti- vide planning and site design then be available to the con- vities got the most attention on seven parcels of lakeshore tractor for the actual work on with input being provided property within the city limits the ddvelopment of proposed from a group of Little League The effort is a part of facilities managers who pointed out the Mich,igan's Department of The hearing turned out to be inadequacy of the present Natural Resources Coastal pretty much of a review of setup. "We'have a program in Zone Management Program what most local people already which 300 kids participate but which provides for coordina- knew about the physical only two fields on which they tion between local units of characteristics of each parcel can play," said Jack Myers. government with state and of lakeshore property. but it Many possibilities exist for federal agencies. The Study did provide those in atten- each of the various parcels will be funded through a dance with an Understanding ranging from portable fishing federal coastal management of what the project in atten- piers, expanded swimming grant and local matching funds One thing was most evident beaches. picnic facilities, totaling $29.209 with a com- from the comments made and skating rinks. playground ex- pletion date designated as that way the desire of local pansion. or just leaving the August 31. 1980 people to keep two or three of fragile areas in their present In substance the Snell the tracts pretty much state. group is to come up with a natural state. Rogers City has more Lake master plan for the develop- Establishing campsites in a Huron shoreland property ment of each of the seven couple of the areas was than the four adjacent counties parcels An inventors will be brought up but it as the combined and the study will eventually prescribe what compatible uses can be made of them. 129 THE ALPENA NEWS Friday, January 11, 1980 Wo lake @ levels could cause property domage HARRISVILLE-Recent United States Amy Corps*of Engineers data on take levels shows projections for February, March and April, 1980 on Lakes Michigan, Huron, St, Clair, and Erie within one-half to I foot of the all time 1973 levels. Also, actual recorded levels continue to be from I to 1Y2 feet above the 19WI978 average. According to Alcona County Civil Defense Director Donald L. Williams, to whose office this information was pro- vided by the Emergency Services Divi- sion of the Michigan State Police, the high lake levels projected could have serious impact on Lake Huron-fronted property and dwellings in Alcona Coun- ty. Williams ren-dnds those property owners of the difficulties that existed with the 1973 lake levels when trees, sep- tic systems, and frontage were lost and the foundations of some homes and businesses immediately Wmtened. Affected prop" owners should ex- plore construction and insurance alter natives before again being faced with a similar situation, Williams advised. 130 CHEBOYGAN DAILY TRIBUNE Wednesday, January 9, 1980 tity. to Seek Grant- to .Expand. Turner. City manager Rush,cattell, and Councilman Louis Le- Blanc planned. today to at- .tend a meeting in Petoskey with NEMCOG and other irant.officials in attempts to get funding to expand, and improve the Gordon Park on North Huron=, Mr. Cattell told Coundii last night at their regular meeting that funding for the park looks very promfisirig. Among things proposed by Mr. Cattell to improve the park would be two ballfields, a pavillion with better bath- room facilities and more picnic area with more grills f9r picnicers, and play- ground equipmenL Mr. Cattill said he thought the grant would fund 80 percent of the project and that the City would have to pay for the other 20 percent. He said however the'City would not haveto pay the 20 percent in cash money, but instead could -pay part of the obst by using City labor and perhaps some of the local industries or business would help in the way of -material donations or material reduc- tions, which could all be used as part of the City's cost. . . The meeting today in Pet- oskey is to try and find the funding available foir a grant. In a previous meeting a spokesman for NEMCOG at the Council meeting said it looked very promising for Cheboygan to receive the grant. 131 PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY ADVANCE Thursday, January 3, 1980 Coastal grant workshops to be held The Northeast Michigan Rogers City and Alpena were Council of Governments northern Michigan communi- (NEMCOG) will be holding ties which received grants two grant workshops for local under the program. Colleges, officials on Great Lakes coastal school districts, road commis- projects. Thefirst workshop is sions and some non-profit co-sponsored with the North- organizations are also eligible west Michigan Regional Plan- applicants and are encouraged :ning and Development Com- to attend the workshops. For mission and is scheduled for more information contact LeW January 9, 1980 in Petoskey at Steinbrecher, Coastal Planner, the Council Chambers of the NEMCOG, P.O., Box .457, "City/County Building. The Gaylord, Michigan 49,73@@, second workshop is planned phone (517) 732-3551. for Alpena on January 11, 1980 in the City Council Chambers (2nd Floor) of the Alpena City Hall. Both workshops will beginat9:30a.m. Included on the agenda will be David Warner from Michi- gan's Coastal Management Program to discuss State and Federal requirements in sub. mitting grant proposals, and to explain the time schedule for the. granting process. Also scheduled to appear will be representative of the Upper Great Lakes Regional Com- mission (UGLRC) to discuss the use of that program for capital improvements of pastal projects. Other State and Federal funding programs will be highlighted to inform local officials of, a variety of grant opportunities to assist communities in their develop- ing and implementing coastal opportunities. This marks the third year local governments have been eligible to receive grants from the Michigan Coastal Manage- ment Program. Last year. Petoskey, Mackinaw Ci1v 132 ALCONA COUNTY REVIEW January 3, 1980 NEMCOG to hold coastal workshops The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) will be hokling two grant workshops for local officials an Great Lakes coastal projects. The first workshop is scheduled for January 9, 1980 in Petoskey. The second workshop is planned for Alpena an January 11, in the City Council Chambers (2nd Floor) of the Alpena City Hall Both workshops will begin at 9:30 a.m. with registration and coffee. Included on the agenda will be Mr. David Warner from Michigan's Coastal Management Program to discuss State and Federal require- ments in submitting grant proposals, and to exp1ain the time schedule for the granting process. Also scheduled to appear will be a representative of the Upper Great Lakes Regional Commission UGLRC) to discuss the an of that program for capital improvements of coastal projects. Other State and Federal funding program will be highlighted to inform local officials of a variety of grant opportunities to assist communities in their develop- ing and implementing coastal oppor- tunities. This marks the third year local governments have been eligible to receive grants from the Michigan Coastal Management Program. Last year, Petoskey, Mackinaw City, Rogers City and Alpena were northern Michigan communities which received grants under the program. Colleges, school districts, road commissions and some non- profit organizations are also eligible applicants and are encouraged to attend the workshops. For more information, contact Lew Stein- brecher, Coastal Planner, NEMCOG, P.O. Box 457, Gaylord, Michigan 49735, phone 517-732-3551. 133 THE ALPENA NEWS NorthEastern Michigan's Newspaper 2-A-Saturday, December 29,1979 TODAY IN BRIEF: City and region,,,' Granid Worshop slated The Michigan Council on Governments will hold a grand workshop for local officials on Great Lakes coastal projects in the council chambers of Alpena City Hall Jan. 11, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with registration, This marks the third year local govern- ments have been eligible to receive grants under the Michigan Coastal Management Program. last year Rogers City and Alpena were recipients of funds under do program. -X- 134 NEMCOG NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 27 DECEMBER 1979 Northeast Michigan Council NEMCOG TO CONDUCT COASTAL GRANT WORKSHOP of Governments P. 0. Box 457 Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-3551 The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) will be holding two grant workshops for local officials on Great Lakes coastal projects. The first workshop is co-sponsored with the Northwest Michigan Regional Planning and Development Commission, and is scheduled.for January 9, 1980 in Petoskey at the Council Chambers of the City/County Building. The second workshop is planned for Alpena on January 11, 1980 in the City Council Chambers (2nd Floor) of the Alpena City Hall. Both workshops will begin at 9:30 a.m. with registration and coffee. Included on the agenda will be Mr. David Warner from Michigan's Coastal Management Program to discuss State and Federal requirements in submitting grant proposals, and to explain the time schedule for the granting process, Also scheduled to appear will be a representative of the Upper Great Lakes Regional Commission (UGLRC) to discuss the use of that program for capital improvements of coastal projects. Other State and Federal funding programs will be highlighted to inform local officials of a variety of grant oppor- tunities to assist communities in their developing and implementing coastal opportunities This marks the third year local governments have been eligible to receive grants from the Michigan Coastal Management Program. Last year, Petoskey, Mackinaw City, Rogers City and Alpena were northern Michigan communities which received grants under the program. Colleges, school districts, road commissions and some non-profit organizations are also eligible applicants and are encouraged to attend the worksbops. For more information contact Lew Steinbrecher, Coastal Planner, NEMOOG, P.O. Box 457, Gaylord, Michigan 49735, a phone (517) 732-3551. SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF; ALCONA - ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN - CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCODA - OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE 135 THE ALPENA NEWS December 8. 1979 Shoreline setback" rule provides protection from erosion damage EAST LANSING-Heavy To determine the rate at manmade structures affect the lake levels, it has been losses Of property aims which a bluff along a found that they account for Michigan's Great Lakes shoreline is receding, the less than two inches of shorelines may be prevented DNR compares aerial change photographs from two time not fluctuate in the future. Lake level I To reduce the damage Periods. From these the according to a cycle but am caused by shoreline erosion, distance the shoreline has affected by weather condi- the Division of Land moved is determined and the dion, Pistis says. If a large Resource Programs of the average annual recession amount of rain falls over a Michigan Department of rate over a 30 year period is period of time, the lakes will Natural Resources (DNR) is calculated to establish a set rise; when there is less implementing the Shorelands back distance that will pro. precipitation, they will drop. Protection and Management tect a structure for at least 30 Seasonal changes affect the Act. years. lake levels throughout the "The act was designed to In addition, the property year, though their impact is protect private property, as owner Is provided with a not felt immediately. In Mar- well as to reduce public costs recommended setback ch, the lakes are relatively which are incurred from ero- distance calculated to pro- low, and theeffects of melted sion damage, through wise vide even longer protection. &now do not become apparent management and planning," "Though the property until late August or early says Chuck Pistis, owner don not have to comp- September, when the lakes state University el ly with the recommended set- are at a high level. tension marine agent in back, as he must with the re- Pistis notes that his Grand Haven. quired one, he should take it district, which borders the Over the years, Into consideration when southeast shore of Lake construction along the build' a shoreline proper. Michigan, has experienced a shoreline has often coincided ty." Pistis says. grea t deal of erosion in recent with the rising and falling In some situations, a parcel years. levels of the lake, he ex- of land which was established In Lake Michigan, the or- plains. During periods 'of before the land was dinary high water mark, high water levels, people are designated as & high-risk am which divides the state- made aware of the extensive Mon am does not have owned bottomlands of the damage which erosion can enough footage from the lakes from the shore area, is cause, but when lake levels shore to allow a structure to 579.8 feet above sea level. In recede, people return to be built upon It 1964, the lake was as low as building homes and other In these cases, persons 573.35 feet. In 1974, it rose to structures close to the may be allowed to build a 581.1 fed. As of September water's edge. structure which can be 1979, the level was 579.84 feet Under the Shoreland moved before it Is damaged "As the lake has fluctuated, Management and Protection by erosion," Pistis explains, Act, the DNR Is responsible when this type of building is a great deal of beach area has for establishing a approved, it must be built as been covered and many setback requirement which far from shore a possible homes have washed into the property owners must comp. and all septic systems must lake," pistis points out. ly with before building on be located to the landward Owners of high risk erosion their shoreline property. side of the building." property are notified by the The setback requirement building in high-risk ero- DNR and provided with an establishes the shortest sion areas may also be possi- opportunity to appeal the set allowable distances from 'a, ble If a DNR approved public back requirement. These bluff line upon which a per- structure prevents the cam are heard by the manent structure can I be building from damage caused Natural Resources commi- built. It applies only to those, by wave action. sion, which in composed of areas determined to be high- Pistis says manmade in- citizen appointed by th risk erosion area, or areas terfereces, cause little governor,- that suffer more than one toot change in the lake levels. The process of establishing of erosion per year. Basically we are deal setback requirements may be ION turned over to the local with a natural phenomenon, be says. through a couple of township roning board, pistis says, The restrictions Of the roaning board may be more or has rigid than those of the DNR, but they must have DNr approval. 136 THE ALPENA NEWS November 28, 1979 Plan boat launching romp at Rockport The Deapartment of Natural Resources has applied to. the Detorit District Army Corps of Engineers for permission to construct a boat launching ramp in Rockport Harbor. The site is located 2112 miles northeast of the village of Lakewood, Alpena Township. In its application, the DNR proposed to dredge approximately 100 cubic yards of clay in site preparation work; con- struct a 60 x 364oot ramp of precast concrete planks bolted together; and place some 25 yards of riprap off the sides of the ramp for bank protection. The Corps of Engineers has deter- mined that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required for the proposed project. Any person may request, in writing. within the comment period specified (no later than 4:30 p.m, Dec. 3) that a public hearing be held to consider this ap- plication. Those who have any objections to the proposed project can file their com- ments in writing to: District Engineer. Detroit District, Corps of Engineers. P.O. Box 1027 Detroit 4841; or the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Land Resources Program Division, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing 48909 137 THE ALPENA NEWS November 23, 1979 Name marine agent for northeast vegion EAST IANSING-John Schwartz has been appointed district extension marine agent for northeast Michigan effective Dec. 1, pending Michigan State University Board of Trustees'approval. The position, headquartered in the losco County Extension offices in Tawas City, is a Cooperative Extension Service position funded by the Federal Sea Grant Program, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. A 1976 graduate of the University of Michigan, Schwartz will receive his master's degree in marine recreation and resource development from Texas A&M University in December. Schwartz will assist both large and s mail business interests and individual E no owners in water resource p rty p lems such as erosion control, coastal development, commercial and sports fisher3& pollution and marina management. His district will include 11 of the shoreline counties from Bay = Presque Isle County. He will become the fifth marine agent in Michigan, joining others located in South Haven, Mount Clemens, Marquette and Travqme City. Working with specialists, researchers and administrators at MSU and the University of Michigan, Schwartz will organize and implement educational programs which will assist community and governmental officials, organizations and citizens in their un- derstanding of marina management issues and problems. 138 CHEBOYGAN DAILY TRIBUNE November 2,1979 At Mackinaw City Firm Hired for Dredging to Dock Welcome The Mackinaw City Coun- cil last night at their regular Mackinaw City Great meeting hired Martin con- tartle Arts Council will soon struction to begin. dredging begin a drive in attempts to bring the Art Train to Mack- work in prepation for dock inaw city next summer. ing the Welcome. The art train consists of The construction firm will several railroad cars loaded begin dredging operations at with different types of art the village Marina to accom- modate for the sled next such as juating and sculp- ture spring, Gene and Ken Tey- The train would come in on sen were appointed by the the D&M tracks. council to fill two vacancies on the planning Commis- The Welcome is in the sion . They will replace Stanley Marine area of Fort, Michi- Darling and Ray Desy, limackimac where it has been whose term have expired. under construction for sev- Mr. Teysen and Mr. Kapp eral years. Launching in an- ticipated next summer wilL serve for three years. Appointed to the Planning warship on the Greatlakes during the Revolutionary commission as representa- tives for the Council were War. It was used to carry Police chief Robert Fuller- material when the fort was ton and Martha Da at Mackinaw city Both will only representa- and moved to Mackinaw Is- tives and will not be allowed land. + + + 139 139 THE ALPEAA NEWS NorthEastern Michigan's Newspaper 'An 1-8-Thursday, September 27,1979 ce t an&or havuled from Thunder Cay By PETE KAROLY to 60 feet of heavy chain attached to After three exhausting days of the weight. hying to raise a massive old anchor "We got the anchor to the surface from the depths of Thunder Bay, twice, but it kept sinking," Olson Chet Olson and Merl Melton said. "Once, I went to the surface discovered one thing-it is possible and, all of a sudden, the anchor was to sweat under water. next to me, I went back it took 25 tanks -of air, 11 55-gallon = congratulate Merl and the drums, five dives and lots of elbow anchor was back there when I got to grease, but the result of their labor him." is now resting on the comer of When the anchor was finally Chisholm and State in front of The retrieved, it took a crPne to get it out Ski Rack. of the water, It is not known how old The old anchor was discovered the anchor is, but Olson noted the last week during normal sounding wooden top was bolted together operations by the National Oceanic instead of being banded with metal, and Atmospheric Administration the usual method of constructing ship, Peirce. The ship, which is anchors in the early days. charting the harbor and bay, makes "The anchor is in great shape," investigations of any unusual Olson said. "The wood has not protuberances more than two feet rotted because it was buried in the off the bottom, The anchor was bottom and preserved." found buried in the rock and clay Another monumental task now with only one fluke exposed. awaits the pair: identifying the When they got word of the anchor, anchor. Melton said research would Melton, an Air National Guardsman probably start at the Jesse Besser at Capt, Phelps Coffins Field and a Museum. scuba instructor, and Olson, of C & "They have an anchor at the K Lafayette Store, made plans to museum and they may be able to raise it, The pair were assisted by help us identify this one," Melton Olson's wife, Karne, and Dave said. "There may be some Moulds, of 720 Ford. markings or numbers on the an- The anchor, which was located chor, but it will have to be sand- about three miles out in Thunder blasted to get through the barnacles Bay, was marked with a buoy and and growth on it." Melton and Olson prepared the With the excitement of the salvage operation. recovery operation over, Melton has A submersible pump and 11 55- now returned to his home in gallon drums were used to lift the Indiana. He had been prepared to anchor off the bottom of the bay. leave when word of the discovery The air used by the divers was reached him donated by The Ski Rack. Melton "I was ready to go back to and Olson made two dives Saturday, Indiana, but finding the anchor was two Sunday and one Monday before a special event and I decided to bringing up the anchor. It is stay," Melton said. "I can estimated the anchor weighs bet- guarantee you, I won't find one like ween 3,000 and 3,500 pounds with 50 this in'Indiana." @31 @A S Al 0"D IV' Y 4 RELIC OF PAST-1 took three days of concentrated effort, but Chet Olson (left) and Merl Melton finally succeeded in bringing this massive anchor up from its resting place on the bottom of Thunder Bay. The old relic, which is now In front of The Ski Rack at 224 E. Chisholm, was descovered last week by the weather ship, Peirce, which is taking soundings of the lake bottom. (News Photo) 141 THE ALPENA NEWS October, 4, 1979 -to update entire .County master plan The Alpena County Plan Commission, at work this year on updating the land use portion of the county master plan, decided Wednesday to expand the effort and updaate the entire master plan. John Porter sherman of the com- mission, said to group had entered into a contract with southeast michigan Council of Government to review the county's land use plan. NEMCOG supplied information on land use to the commission, but Porter said the effort had become so long and involved the commission decided to update the entire master plan instead. Porter said the commission will terminate its contract with NEMCOG regarding the land use review and will turn its attention to the master plan drawn up, but never officially accepted, in 1968. Porter said work on the plan will begin in 1980 and should conclude af ter 1980 census data becomes available. "We're talking about a two-year project," Porter said. "Once we get it done, we should have a document that would be able to guide the growth and develop- ment of the county for a good number of years." The commission also reviewed the "areas of particular concern" in NEMCOG's coastal zone management program. The commission was asked by NEMCOG to look over 32 areas of coastal lands and to prioritize those for zone management programs. Porter said the group prioritized all 32 And singled out five areas - the mouth of Devil's River; the mouth of Thunder Bay River; the Small Boat Harbor; the At Rockport sinkholes; and Squaw Bay. 142 I I I I I I I I I COASTAL PROGRAM MEETINGS I I I I I I I I I I - Ii I I I NEMCOG COASTAL PROGRAM MEETINGS - FY 1980 October 1979 10/3 Alpena Alpena County Courthouse Alpena County Planning Commission - Lew Steinbrecher attended regular monthly meeting and gave status report on the Rockport Sinkhole manage- ment study, including recent announcement by Consumers Power Company to negotiate lease arrangement for public access. (15 people) 10/12 Lansing - Stevens T. Mason Building DNR Land Resource Programs Division - Lew Steinbrecher met with David Warner to submit year-end report and Rockport Sinkhole Management Study and discuss work program for FY 1980 Coastal contract. (2 people) 10/18 Mackinaw City and Rogers City NEMCOG/DNR Field Inspections - Lew Steinbrecher met with Dave Warner to visit Mackinaw City property for coastal grant and discussed work - elements with city officials. Met with Rogers City official in after- noon to review work program for lakefront park design project. Attended meeting of Presque Isle County Planning Commission in evening to dis- cuss innovative zoning techniques for Lake Huron property and the Coastal Grant process. (14 people) 10/19 Rockport and City of Alpena NEMCOG/DNR Field Inspections - Lew Steinbrecher and Dave Warner visited Rockport Sinkholes and met with Al Bakalarski, Alpena City Planner, to finalize work program on Coastal Grant for riverfront park design. 10/23 Cheboygan - Cheboygan County Building Cheboygan County Planning Commission - Lew Steinbrecher attended regular monthly -_-eting to discuss possible grant proposal for Michigan's Coastal Management Program.(13 people) 10/30 Presque Isle - Presque Isle Township Hall Rockport Sinkhole Steering Committee - Lew Steinbrecher scheduled meet!ng with committee members, Township officials and representatives of Con- sumers Power Company where the utility announced their desire to negoti- ate a lease with some responsible public agency to provide public access to the Rockport Sinkholes and Ferron Point property. (15 people) November 1979 11/1 and 11/2 Higgins Lake Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center DNR/Regional Coastal Workshop - Lew Steinbrecher attended two day seminar sponsored by DNR Coastal Program Unit to review past accomplishments and new directions for the Michigan Coastal Program (approximately 30 people) 11/5 Atlanta - Canada Creek Ranch Lodge NEMCOG's Natural Resources Advisory Committee - Lew Steinbrecher gave status report on Rockport Sinkhole project and recommended regional action on 10 APC nominations. (21 people) 143 NEMCOG COASTAL PROGRAM MEETINGS - FY 1980 continued 11/13 Traverse City - Northwest Michigau Regional Planning and Development Commission office NEMCOG/NWI,MP&DC - Lew Steinbrecher met with Larry Sullivan to discuss Coastal Grant workshops and articles for regional newsletter. (2 people) 11/27 Cheboygan- Cheboygan City Hall Cheboygan City Council - Lew Steinbrecher met with City Council to dis.- cuss Coastal Program and grant procedures for possible proposal for Cheboygan Marsh Boardwalk Project. Considerable local interest and support expressed. (18 people) 11/28 Alpena - City Hall and Township Civic Building City and Township Officials - Lew Steinbrecher met with Al Bakalarski to discuss Coastal grant for riverfront park project and then with D.H. Riley for possible grant proposal for Squaw Bay Recreational Development Study. December 1979 12/4 Rogers City - Soil Conservation Service Office Presque Isle County Soil Conservation District - Lew Steinbrecher met with District to discuss possible Coastal Grant proposal for boat launch- ing facility in Hammond Bay and Spens Construction permit application to file coastal wetland. (9 people). Visited proposed fill area for on- site inspection. 12/10 Gaylord - NEMCOG Office Ron Wallin visited Lew Steinbrecher and Dave Warner to discuss final work product for FY 1979 grant and revise work elements for FY 1980 Coastal gi-nt project. 12/11 Rogers City - Jason's Gaslight Lounge Rockport Sinkhole Steering Committee - Lew Steinbrecher and Dave Warner met with committee members and Harry Whiteley, Natural Resources Commis- sioner to discuss recent development in project and chart course of action for implementation. (11 people). 12/12 Douglas Lake - University of Michigan Biological Station NEMCOG's Natural Resources Advisory Committee - Lew Steinbrecher gave status report on the Rockport Sinkhole Nature Trail Project and recommended regional action through passage of a resolution and new ,APC nomination. (26 people). 12/13 Harrisville - Alcona County Building Alcona County Parks and Recreation Commission - Lew Steinbrecher attended regular monthly meeting to explain grant procedures under Michigan Coastal Program. Commission nominated the Harrisville Recreation Area as an APC and expressed interest in applying for low-cost construction grant. (11 people) NEMCOG COASTAL PROGRAM MEETINGS - FY 1980 continued January__1980 1/2 Alpena Alpena County Courthouse Alpena County Planning Commission - Lew Steinbrecher presented a pro- posal for Rockport Sinkhole and Ferron Point project and asked for support by passage of resolution. (16 people) 1/3 Harrisville - Alcona County Building Alcona County Planning Commission - Lew Steinbrecher discussed coastal grant procedure and informed commission of possible proposal for the Harrisville Recreation Area by the Alcona County Parks and Recreation Commission. (12 people). 1/9 Petoskey - City/County Building, Council Chambers Coastal Grant Workshop - NEMCOG/NWMRP&DC sponsored workshop to discuss and explain grant process under Michigan's Coastal Program and use of other funding programs to implement coastal projects. (25 people) 1/1.0 Alpena - Alpena County Courthouse Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission - Lew Steinbrecher and Dave Warner met with Commission to discuss possible coastal grant to design the Joe LaMarre Park along the Thunder Bay River. (14 people) 1/11 Alpena - City Hall, Council Chambers Coastal Grant Workshop - NEMCOG sponsored workshop to discuss and explain grant process under Michigan's Coastal Management Program and use of other funding programs to implement coastal projects. (19 people) 1/14 Presque Isle - Presque Isle Township Hall Presque Isle Township Board of Trustees " Lew Steinbrecher explained Rock- port Sinkhole and Ferron Point Nature Trails concept and asked for support by passage of resolution. (31 people) 1/15 Alpena - Grove Restaurant NEMCOG Full Council - Lew Steinbrecher explained Rockport Sinkhole and Ferron Point Nature Trail concept and asked for support by passage of resolution. (29 people) 1/15 Presque Isle - Presque Isle Township Hall Presque Isle Township Planning Commission - Lew Steinbrecher explained Rock- port Sinkhole and Ferro@n Point Nature Trails concept and asked for support by passage of resolution. (10 people) 1/17 Bearinger Township - Surf Park Subdivision Spens Construction Co., Inc. - Lew Steinbrecher met with Delmer Porter to review NEMCOG objections to permit application to fill coastal wet- land. Visit included another site inspection to property. 1/18 Alpena - Alpena Township Hall Alpena Township Planning and Zoning Commission - Lew Steinbrecher pre- sented Rockport Sinkhole and. Feiron Point Nature Trail proposal and asked for local support through passage of resolution. Also discussed Squaw Bay - Partridge Point recreational development project and township asked NEMCOG to apply for coastal grant to conduct feasibility study. (9 people). 41 145 NEMCOG COASTAL PROCRAM MEETINGS FY 1980 continued 1/23 Alpena Ponderosa Steak House NEMCOG's Natural Resources Advisory Committee - Lew Steinbrecher gave committee status report on the Rockport Sinkhole and Ferron Point Nature Trail concept and recommended regional endorsement of the Harrisville Recreation Area APC nomination. (23 people) 1/23 Alpena - Alpena County Courthouse Alpena County Board of Connissioners - Lew Steinbrecher explained Rock- port Sinkhole and Ferron Point Nature Trail concept and asked for sup- port by passage of resolution. (about 33 people) 1/25 Rogers City - Presque Isle County Courthouse Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners - Lew Steinbrecher explained Rockport Sinkhole and Ferron Point Nature Trail concept and asked for support by passage of resolution. The Board did not take such action. (16 people) 1/28 Lansing - Stevens T. Mason Lew Steinbrecher met with DNR personnel from various Divisions to dis- cuss the Rockport Sinkhole Nature Trail Project. (12 people) February 1980 2/7 Alpena - Crow Realty Office Lew Steinbrecber rnet with Les Washburn to discuss use of Michigan Land Trust Fund for public acquisition of Lake Huron property in Squaw Bay and Whitefish Bay. (2 people) 2/7 Harrisville - Alcona County Building Alcona County Planning Commission - Lew Steinbrecher attended regular monthly meeting and discussed possible Coastal Management grant for the Harrisville Recreation Area. (11 people) 2/14 Harrisville - Alcona County Building Alcona County Parks and Recreation Commission - Lew Steinbrecher met with Commission to discuss four -alternative site designs developed by MSU graduate students and use of Micbigar, Coastal Management Program funds to implement. certain portions of planned improvements. (18 people) 2/26 Cheboygan - Cheboygan eity Hall Lew Steinbrecher met with Rush Cattell (City Manager) to discuss details of the Cheboygan Marsh/Gordon Turner Park Boardwalk project for Coastal Management Program grant proposal. (2 people) 2/26 Mackinaw City - Village Hall Lew Steinbrecher met with Ron Wallin, Village President, to discuss pro- gress with the FY 80 Coastal Management grant for low-cost construction at the lakefront parks. (2 peopl e) 146 NEMCOG COASTAL PROGRAM MEETINGS - FY 1980 continued March 1980 3/12 Gaylord - Northlands Sportsman's Club NEMCOG Natural Resources Advisory Committee - Lew Steinbrecher provided NATRAC members with a report on proposals for Coastal Management Program funds. A resolution of support for the City of Alpena's Thunder Bay River Land Use andDesign Study was introduced,discussed and passed. NATRAC also endorsed a new APC nomination from Cheboygan County. (21 people) 3/13 Harrisville - Alcona County Building Alcona County Parks and Recreation Commission - Lew Steinbrecher discussed the use of Coastal Program funds at the Harrisville Recreation Site and recommended that the commission not apply for low-cost construction funds because the proposed construction clearly did not meet the program's eligibility requirements. A brief discussion of a Harrisville Sports Fishery Economic Study and use of Coastal funding,was then had. (12 people) 3/0 Harrisville - Alcona County Building, Cooperative Extension Servic'e Harrisville Sports Fishery Interest Group - Lew Steinbrecher met with representatives from various interests in the Great Lakes Sports Fishing Industry to discuss the possibility of applying for Coastal Management funds to conduct an economic impact study in the Harrisville area. (9 people) 3/13 Harrisville - Harrisville Fire Hall - Clerk's Office Harrisville Harbor Commission - Lew Steinbrecher met with Commission to draft proposal to be submitted to DNR for Coastal Management Programs funds for low cost construction on land.in the harbor of refuge. (9 people) April 1980 4/2 Alpena - People's Bank & Trust Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission - Lew Steinbrecher met with three members of the commission to finalize the Coastal Grant pro- posal regarding low-cost construction of the Joe LaMarre Park along the Thunder Bay River in Alpena. (4 people) 4/3 Harrisville - Alcona County Building Alcona County Planning.Commission - Lew Steinbrecher met with George Byelich, Alcona County Cooperative Extension Director and Planning Com- Inission to sponsor the Sports Fisheries Economic Impact Study for Alcona County shoreline communities. May 1980 5/14 Alpena - Joe LaMarre Park Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission - Lew Steinbrecher met with Dave Warner (DNR Coastal Program) and three members of the commission for a site inspection of the LaMarre Park and discuss the low-cost construction proposal for the site. (5 people) 147 NEMCOG COASTAL PROGRAM MEETINGS FY 1980 continued 5/15 Rogers City Rogers City Hall City Manager Lew Steinbrechermet with Dave Warner (DNR Coastal Program) and Jim Leidlein (City Manager) to discuss progress of this year's coastal project and site visits to lakefront parks to review proposed low-cost construction activities for FY 1981. (3 people) 5/15 Alpena - Congregati onal Church Alpena League of Women Voters - Lew Steinbrecher met with the League to discuss the organization's support of the El Cajon Bay property land acquisition proposal to the Michigan Land Trust Fund Board. Also discussed the League's effort to produce a slide/tape presentation as a "Year of the Coast" Project. (16 people) 5/16 Mackinaw City - Village Hall Lew Steinbrecher met with Dave Warner (DNR Coastal Program) and Ron Wallin (Village President) to discuss status of this year's low-cost .construction activities and to view the launching of the "Welcome" by the Mackinaw Island State Park Commission. (3 people) 5/22 Beaugrand Township - Beaugrand Township Hall Beaugrand Township Zoning Board - Lew Steinbrecher met with Board to review and comment on the proposed Township Zoning Ordinance. (7 people) June 1980 No Meetings July 1980 7/9 Cheboygan City Hall Cheboygan City Council Lew Steinbrecher attended special council meet- ing where Chris Shafer and Hugh Sellack appeared to discuss and explain the difference between the "Environmental Area" designhtions in the Cheboygan Marsh area and the coastal grant proposal for construction of a boardwalk in the marsh. (10 people) 7129 Alpena - Nickels Professional Building Lew Steinbrecher met with Gerry Tracy to discuss El Cajon Bay property and develop slide presentation for the Michigan Land Trust Fund Board. Also visited property. (2 people) August 1980 8/5 Lansing - Law Building Michigan Land Trust Fund Board - Lew Steinbrecher gave a slide presenta- tion on the El Cajon Bay land acquisition proposal to try to convince the Board to purchase the property. (About 35 people) 8/7 Harrisville - Alcona County Building Alcona County Planning Commission Lew Steinbrecher attended meeting to give a status report on the Sports Fisheries Economic Impact Study pro- posed for Coastal Program funding. (8 people) 148 NEMCOG COASTAL PROGRAM MEETINGS - FY 1980 concluded 8/13 Natural Resources Advisory Committee Lew Steinbrecber gave staff report on local projects expected.to be funded in FY 1981 and a slide presentation on the El Cajon Bay property and its underwater sinkholes. The committee was also taken on a field trip to the property. (21 people) 149 I I I I I I I I I STAFF CONTACTS I I I I I I I I I I Date Person Contacted Affiliation Mode Subject Comment 10/2 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R FY'80 CMP Work Elements 10/3 John Porter Alpena Co. P.C. T-R CMP Alpena Co. APC's 10/3 Carol Buxtom WWRM T-R CMP Program Information 10/4 Tom Smith DNR/LRPD T-R Presque Isle Zoning Revisions County 10/4 Peg Kohring Nature Conservancy T-W Sinkholes Acquisition 10/10 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R CMP FY'80 site inspection, 10/12 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC CMP FY'80 local proposals 10/12 Tom Smith DNR/LRPD PC P.I. Co. Zoning recommenda- Zoning tion 10/15 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City T-R CMP Funding Site'inspection 10/15 Mark Wyckoff DNR/LRPD T-R P.I. Co. Revisions/Amend- Zoning ments 10/15 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R CMP FY'80 Field In- speCLion 10/17 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City T-R CMP Proposal Field inspections 10/18 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City PC CMP Proposal Review proposal 10/18 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC FY'80 CMP Local projects 10/18 Chuck McKee Rogers City PC CMP Proposal Work program 10/18 - Ray Alanen P.I. Co. P.C. PC Zoning Review ordinance 10/19 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC FY'80 CMP Local projects 10/19 Al Bakalarski City of Alpena PC CMP Proposal Review work scope 10/22 Mindy Koch DNR/LRPD T-R CMP Year-end report 10/22 Roger Rehberg UGLRC T-R Mill Creek UGLRC funding 10/23 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power Co. T-R Rockport Sink- Possible lease holes arrangement 10/23 Tom Smith DNR/LRPD T-R Zoning Adoption of Ordi- nance 10/23 Dave Warner DNR-LRPD T-W Rockport Sink- Intei-est by Con- holes sumers Power 10/23 O.B. Eustis Thunder Bay Audubon T-W Rockport Sink- Meeting 10/30 holes 10/23 Dorris Doutt Alpena L.W.V. T-W Rockport Sink- Meeting 10/30 holes 10/23 Harry Whiteley NRC L-S Rockport Sink- Meeting 10/30 holes 10/24 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R Rockport Sink- Nature trails holes 10/24 Bob Allen Presque Isle Corp. T-W Rockport Sink- Meeting 10/30 holes 10/24 Rane Curl Michigan Speologi- L-S Rockport Sink- Report and cal Soc. holes Meeting 10/24 George Lintz P.I. Twp. P.C. T-W Rockport Sink- Meeting 10/30 holes 10/24 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power Co. T-T Rockport Sink- Meeting 10/30 holes 10/26 Bob Allen -Presque Isle Corp. T-R Rockport Sink- Meeting 10/30 holes 10./29 Peg Kohring Nature Conservancy T-R Sinkholes Purchase or Mystery Valley 10/30 Irv Kuehner DNR-Geologist T-R Rockport Sink- possible lease with holes Consumers 150 Date Person Contacted Affiliation Mode Subject Comment 11/1 Dave Warner. DNR/LRPD PC CMP FY 80 Work 11/1 Chris Shafer DNR/LRPD PC CMP Workshop 11/2 Mindy Koch DNR/LRPD PC, CMP P.I. Twp. proposao 11/5 Dick Dablquist Consumers Power PC Rockport Comments on Studyn 11/5 George Lintz P.I. Twp. P.C. PC CMP P.I. Twp. CMP Proposal 11/5 John Moeller U.S. Steel PC P.I. Co. Zon- Zone District fo ing U.S. Steel Pro- perty 11/5 Mindy Koch DNR/LRPD L-S Rockport Sink- NATRAC Resolutionj holes 11/6 Dorris Doutt League of Women T-R El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund Voters Sinkholes Application 11/7 Ray Alanen P.I. Co. P.C. T-R P.I. Co. Zoning Revisions 11/7 Tom Smith DNR/LRPD T-W P.I. Co. Zoning Revisions 11/7 Chuck Volz DNR Forester-Alpena L-S Rockport Sink- Nature trail devlfF holes ment 11/8 Tom Smith DNR/LRPD T-R P.I. Co. Zoning Need for revisions 11/8 John Moeller U.S. Steel T-W P.I. Co. Zoning Mineral Resource District 11/9 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC T-IR CMP Plan for Workshoi 11/9 Chuck Volz DNR Forester T-R Rockport Sink- Involvement in holes Study 11/13 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC PC CMP Workshops 11/13 Mindy Koch DNR/LRPD T-W CMP FY 80 Workshop 11/13 Ruth Ogawa Watershed Council T-R Wetlands Zoning Ordinance 11/14 Harry Whiteley NR Commissioner T-W Rockport Sink- Meeting 12/11/79 holes 11/14 Rush Cattell Cheb. City Mgr. T-T CMP FY 81 Proposal 11/14 Charles Heilman Citizen T-R Historic Pre- Purchase of old servation schooner 11/14 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Rockport and Con- tract 11/14 Senator M. Irwin State Senator L-@S Rockport Sink- Support holes 11/14 Steve Andrews State Representative L-S Rockport Sink- Support holes 11/19 Jack Houghton Alcona Co. P&RC T-W CMP Harrisville Park Property 11/19 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Project Proposal 11/19 D.H. Riley Alpena Twp. Supv. T-W CMP FY 81 Project A posal 11/20 Tom, Smith DNR/LRPD T-W Zoning Presque 'Isle CO. 11/20 Mark Wycoff DNR/LRPD T-W Zoning Presque 'Isle Co. 11/20 Tom Tolland WHSB Radio T-R Rockport Nature Center Con- cept 11/26 Mike Kavanaugh Cheb. Co. P.C. T-R SUP's & PUD's Different througi Zoning 11/26 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC T-T CMP Petoskey Workshop 11/26 Fred Becker Alcona Co. Rd. Comm. T-W CMP Road ends propos 11/26 Ray Alanen Presque Isle Co. P.C. T-W Zoning Revisions to Ordl nance 11/26 Bob Allen Ossineke Twp.. T-R US-23 Alternatives Trustee Date Person Contacted Affiliation Mode Subject Comment 11/26 Howard Anderson CPS T-W Alpena Twp. Zoning at Rockport 11/27 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R CMP Cheboygan Project 11/27 Al Bakalarski Alpena City Planner T-W CMP Thunder Bay River Project 11/28 Al Bakalarski Alpena City Planner PC Thunder Bay Property Ownership River 11/28 Howard Anderson CPS PC Alpena Twp. No environmeutal Zoning regulations 11/28 D.H. Riley Alpena Twp. Supr. PC CMP Squaw Bay Proposal 11/28 Chuck McKee Rogers City Mgr. PC CMP Rogers City Project 11/28 Ray Alanen P.I. Co. P.C. PC Presque Isle Revisions Zoning 11/28 Mark Wyckoff DNR/LRPD PC Presque Isle Needed revisions Zoning 11/28 Dick Long Coop. Ext. Service PC P.I. Zoning Needed revisions 11/29 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC T-T CMP January Workshop 11/29 Denny Vitton DNR-Forest Mgt. T-W Rockport Division's interest 11/30 Bob Allen Presque Isle Corp. T-R Rockport Meeting in December 11/30 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W Coastal Wet- Fill permit appli- lands cation 11/30 Carla Campbell Presque Isle SCS T-W Zoning Ordi- Agricultural Dis- nance trict 12/3 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R Rockport Sinkhole meeting 12/3 Perry Hewitt Senator Irwin's T-W Rockport Sinkhole project office 12/3 Rush Cattell Cheb. City Mgr. T-T CMP Cheboygan Marsh 12/3 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power T-T Rockport Sinkhole project 12/3 Randy Essenroder Thunder Bay Audubon T-W Rockport Sinkhole project 12/3 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City T-R CMP Appointment with DNR 12/4 Herm Vogler P.I. Co. SCD PC, P.I. Co. Zon- Agricultural lands ing 12/4 Dick Long P.I. Co. CES PC P.I. Co. Zon- Agricultural lands ing 12/4 Harold Bauman P.I. Co. Zoning PC P.I. Co. Zon- Redistricting Administrator ing 12/4 Bob Peltz County Park Care- PC Presque Isle Restoration of taker Park lighthouse 12/4 Louis King U.S.F.W.S. PC Surf Park Plat Filling in of Coastal wetland 12/4 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power Co. T-T Rockport Meeting on 12/11 12/4 John Porter Alpena Co. P.C. T-R Greenbelts Preservation 12/5 Wil1lard Schaedig P.I. Co. Parks Comm. T-W CMP Grant for County Park 12/5 Denny Vitton DNR/Forest Mgt. T-W Rockport Sink- Division's position holes 12/6 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R CMP Site inspections & Rockport 12/6 Ray Rustum MUCC T-R Coastal Wetland Permit application to fill 12/'7 Roger Rehberg UGLRC PC EDA OEDP revisions 12/7 John Collis U.S. Army C.O.E. T-R Cheboygan Dredge proposal Harbor for 1980 152 Date Person Contacted Affiliation Mode Subject Comment 12/10 John Collis U.S. Arii;y C.O.E. T-T Cheboygan Har- Send copy bor 12/10 Ray Alanen P.T. Co. P.C. T-W Coastal Wetland Permit applicatiol . to fill, 12/10 Fred Becker Alcona Co. Rd. Comm. T-W CMP Agenda for 1/15/80 meeting; 1.2/10 Rush Cattell. Cheb. City Mgr. PC CMP Coastal grant forl boardwalk 12/10 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC Coastal Wetland Permit to fill at Surf Park Sub . 1 12/10 Chuck McKee Rogers City Mgr. PC CMP R.C.'coastal park system project 12/11 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC Rockport Sink- Field trip to si holes holes 4 12/11 Harry Whiteley Natural Resources PC Rockport Sink- Lead management Comm. holes agency 12/11 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power Co. PC Rockport Sink- Color slides of holes area 12/11 O.B. Eustis Thunder Bay Audubon PC Rockport Sink- Presentation to Society holes NRC 12/11 Kathy Pelleran Sen. Irwin's Ofc. PC Rockport Sink- Help frora Senator holes 12/11 Chuck Volz DNR-Forest Mgt. PC Rockport Sink- Adjacent state holes land 12/12 Dave Warner DNR./LRPD T-R CMP Change date of Januarv workshco 12/12 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC T-T CIOX Workshop Change d;3ite 12/12 Jack Houghteii Alcona Parks & Rec. T-W CMP FY 81 Pro- Meeting confirmed Commission posal 12/13 Fred Becker Alcona Co. Rd. Comm. T-W CMP FY 81 Pro- Attend 1,115/80 posal meeting 12/13 Carla Campbell P.I. Co. SCS T-W P.I. Co. Zoning Agricultural land 12/14 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Local workshops 12/14 Al Bakalarski Alpena City Planner T-W CMP Workshop Alpena on Jan. 11 12/14 Roger Rehberg UGLRC T-Local CMP Workshop Attend Jan. workshor, 12/14 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC T-T CMP Workshop Get Bill Smith f UGLRC 12/17 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power PC Rockport Sinkhole lease 12/18 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC PC CMP Workshops Announcement & 12/18 Agenda Jack Collis U.S. Army C.O.E. L-S Cheboygan Har- Proposed dredging bor 12/18 John Porter Alpena Co. P.C. PC CMP Alpena Workshop 12/18 John Schwartz NE Mi. Marine Agent L-S Sea Grant Alpena Workshop 12/19 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Workshops & Rock- port 12/19 Bob Allen P.I. Corporation T-R Rockport Sink-' NRC Presentation holes 12/19 Chris Duncan DNR/LRPD T-W CEIP Rockport 12/20 Howard Anderson CPS T-R Act 116 Info. for townsh 12/21 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power. T-R Rockport Extra copies of Report 153 Date Person Contacted Affiliation Mode Subject Comment 12/21 Jim Hane DNR/l,arks T-R Rockport Interpretive center 12/21 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R Rockport Interpretive center 12/26 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC PC CMP Workshops & news- letter 12/27 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R Request for Mailing list needed Proposals 12/27 Barb Stantamore Alpena Bd. of T-W Rockport January agenda Commissioners 12/27 Mike Kessler DNR/LRPD T-W Rockport Wilderness & Natural Area 12/28 Mike Kent WWRM-Radio T-R CMP Upcoming grantwork- shops 12/28 Chuck McKee Rogers City Mgr. T-R CMP Attend Alpena work- shop 12/28 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power L-S Rockport Study 4 copies of 2nd edition JANUARY 1980 1/2 Rodney Cob DNR/LRPD T-R Avery Twp. Zoning Ordinance 1/2 D.H. Riley Alpena Twp. Supr. T-W Rockport Resolution of Support 1/2 Ruth Doyle P.I. Co. Clerk T-W Rockport Study Board of Commis- sioners 1/2 George Lintz P.I. Twp. P.C. T-W Rockport Study Resolution of Support 1/2 Tom Freeman Monroe Co. P.C. T-T Coastal Program Coastal efforts by Staff . CounLy P.C. 1/2 Barb Stantamore Alpena Co. Clerk T-R Rockport Study Address County Commissioners 1/2 Robin Spencer P.I. Twp. Clerk T-R Rockport Study 'Agenda for Twp. Board Meeting 1/3 Carl Stamm Huron Pines RC&D T-R CMP Action Measure Proposal 1/3 Mike Barnett P.I. Twp. Supr. L-S Rockport Study Resolution of Support 1/3 Dave Rommelman Granger Engineer- T-R CMP Grant workshop ing in Alpena 1/3 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power PC Rockport Study Copies of report Company 1/3 Joe LaMarre Alpena Co. P&R T-W CMP Grant proposal Commission 1/3 Mike Kessler DNR/LRPD T-R Rockport Study Comments on report 1/3 John Robertson NRC Secretary T-W NRC Meeting February agenda 1/3 Jack Houghton Alcona Co. P&RC PC CMP Harrisville Recre- ation Area 1/4 Ella Dalwitz Alcona Co. P&RC T-W CMP Workshop Harrisville Recre- ation Area Proj. 1/4. Carl Stamm Huron Pines RC&D PC CMP Action Measure Proposals-15 1/4 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Workshops 1/7 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC T-R CMP Petoskey workshop 1/7 John Robertson NRC Secretary, L-S Rockport Study Copy for each NR Commissioners 154 Date Person Contacted Affilix!_' Mode Subject Comment 1/7 Steve Swan DNR Fisheries T-L Rockport Fish planting at harbor 1/7 Randy Eshenroder DNR-Great Lakes T-W Rockport Harbor Fish planting Fisheries program 1/7 Don Williams Alcona Co. Coordi- T-R CMP-APC Harrisville recre- nator ation a.rea 1/7 O.B. Eustis Thunder Bay Audubon T-W Rockport Resolution of Society Support. 1/8 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R OF Workshops; this we* 1/8 Bob Reszka DNR-Geologist. T-W Rockport Abandoned quarry 1/8 Phil Becker Granger Engineering T-R CMP Petoskey Workshop Cadillac -1/9 Dave Warner LRPD/DNR PC CMP Coastal grant workshop 1/9 Chuck McKee Rogers City Mgr. PC CMP Coastal grant workshop 119 Jim Leidlein New Rogers City Mgr. PC CMP Coastal grant workshop 1/9 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City Pres. PC CMP Coastal grant workshop 1/9 Rush Cattell Cheboygan City Mgr. PC CMP Workshop Grant proposal 1/9 Louis LeBlanc Cheboygan City PC CMP Workshop Grant proposal 1/9 Councilman rkshopi Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC PC CMP Petoskey Wo 1/9 Joe LaMarre Alpena Co. P&RC TR P&RC Meeting Rockport and LaMarrE Park 1/9 Sen. Mitch Irwin State Senator T-W Rockport Support for propoll 1/9 Kathy Pellergn Senate Aide T-W Rockport Inquiry to DNR=ParkE 1/10 Matt Linke Jesse Besser Museum T-R CMP Alpena Workshop 1/10 Joe LaMarre Alpena Co. P&RC PC, CMP Grant proposal i/11 Davf. Warner DNR/LRPD PC CMP Alpena grant work- shop 1/11 Bill Jackson WBKB-TV PC CMP Workshop TV interview 1/11 John Swartz Marine Agent PC CMP Sea Grant Alpena Workshop 1/11 D.H. Riley Alpena Twp. Supr. PC CMP Alpena Workshop 1/11 Del Porter Spens Construction T-R Coastal Wet- Proposed filling land 1/14 Mike Barnett P.I. Twp. Supr. PC Rockport Township support 1/14 Russ Moore P.I. Twp. P.C. PC Rockport Local support 1/14 Ella Dalwitz Alcona Co. P&RC T-R Harrisville Coastal Grant Rec. Area Proposal 1/15 Jim McGuire P.I. Twp. P.C. PC Rockport Study Resolution of . I Chairman Support 1/16 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R Rockport Study NRC Presentation 1/16 John Porter Alpena Co. P.C. T-W Greenbelt Tonight's presenta- tion 1/16 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R Rockport Study Departmental Meet 1/16 Harry Whiteley Natural Resources T-W Rockport Study Concerns of Parks Commission Division 1/16 O.B. Eustis Thunder Bay Audubon T-W Rockport Study Departmental Mee f Society I 1/16 Irv Kuehner DNR Geologist T-W Rockport Sink- Departmental Meetinj holes +56 15,!@ Date Person Contacted Affiliation Mode Subject Comment 1/16 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC T-R CMP Workshop Petoskey attendance list 1/16 Agnus Filpur Alpena League Women PC Rockport Sink- Letter of Support Voters holes 1/17 Del Porter Spens Construction PC Coastal Wet- U.S. Army Corp of lands Engineers 1/17 Ray Alahen P.I. Co. P.C. PC Rockport 'Resolution of Support 1/18 D.H. Riley Alpena Twp. Supr. PC Rockport & Project proposal Squaw Bay 1/21 Harry Whiteley NRC T-W Rockport News article 1/21 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W Rockport Divisional meeting 1/22 Dan Darga P.I. Co. Bd. of T-W Rockport Sink- County support for Commissioners holes project 1/22 Jack Butterfield DNR/Parks T-W Rockport Sink- Meeting in Lansing holes 1-1/22 Barb Stantamore Alpena Co. Bd. of T-W Rockport Sink- Preserntation before Commissioners holes Board 1/22 Jim Bartel Commonwealth Assoc. T-W Rockport Doing study for I Consumers Power 1/23 Casey Cohen Alpena Chamber of PC El Cajon Bay Property for sale Commerce again 1/23 Gerry Tracy Nickel Realty PC El Cajon Bay Property for sale now 1/24 Mel Klein P.I. Co. Commis- T-R Rockport Presentation to sioner Board 1/24 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W Rockport Meeting on Monday 1/24 Ed Hagen DNR T-W El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund 1/24 Perry Hewitt Sen. Irwin's ofc. T-W El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund 1/25 O.B. Eustis Thunder Bay Audubon T-W Rockport Sink- Meeting in Lansing Society holes 1/25 D.H. Riley Alpena Twp. Supr. T-R Whitefish Bay Recreation swimming beach 1/25 Susan Grulke Alpena News reporter PC Rockport Sink- P.I. Board of Com- holes missioners 1/28 O.B. Eustis Thunder Bay Audubon PC Rockport Sink- Meeting with DNR holes 1/28 Jack Butterfield DNR Parks Div. PC Rockport Sink- Possible State Park holes 1/28 Chris Shafer DNR/LRPD PC Rockport Sink- Coastal Program holes funding 1/28 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC Rockport Sink- Coastal Program holes funding 1/28 Bill Pierce DNR-Recreational PC Rockport Sink- Construction cost Section holes estimates 1/29 Rush Cattell Cheboygan City Mgr. T-R CMP Grant proposal 1/29 O.B. Eustis Thunder Bay Audubon T-R Rockport Sink- Possible field trip holes in spring 1/29 Mitch Irwin State Senator L-R Rockport Sink- Letter of support holes for project 1/29 Harry Whiteley NRC T-W Rockport Sink- NRC Presentation holes 1/29 John Robertson NRC Secretary T-W Rockport Sink- Off NRC agenda holes Date Person Contacted Affiliation YI(Ae Subject Comment 1/29 Hugh Selle ck DNR/LRPD T-R Act 245 Environmental are i 1/29 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R Rockport Sink- No NRC Presentati 1/30 holes Neil. Whitsitt P.I. Co. Bd. of L-S Rockport Sink- Nature Trail pro- Commissioners holes posal 1/30 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power Co. L-S Rockport Sink- Nature Trail proj t holes 1 1/30 Willard Schaedig P.I. Co. Rd. Comm. L-S CMP-Grant 40 Mile Pt. Light- house Park 2/1 Lee Washburn Crow Realty T-R Recreation land Whitefish Bay 2/1' Ron Wallin Mackinaw City T-R CMP Coastal grant con- tract 2/1 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC T-R CNP Shorelander 2/4 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W Mackinaw City Grant proposal rel vision 2/4 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate T-R El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund application 2/4 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City T-T CMP grant Low-cost constructio budget 2/7 Larry Sullivan NWMRP&DC T-T CMP Articles for Sbor lander 2/7 Dave Warner DNR-LRPD T-R CNP Grant Proposals 2/7 Lee Washburn Crow Realty PC Land Trust Fund Whitefish Bay pro posal 2/12 Mike Moore DNR-Forest Mgt. Div. T-W Land Trust Fund El Cajon Bay pro- posal 2/14 Ella Dalwitz Alcona Co. P&RC T-W CMP Grant Harrisville Rec. Area 2/14 Larry wullivan NWMRP&DC T-T CMP Shorelander artic 2/14 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Grant Local proposals f Northeast 2/-14 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate PC El Cajon Bay Mi. Land Trust Fund. 2/15 John Greskowiak AlconA Co. P&RC T-R CMP Grant Harrisville Rec. Area 1 2/19 Howard Anderson CPS T-W El Cajon Bay Alpena To7p. Zoning of property 2/19 Gerry Tracy Nichels Real Estate T-W El Cajon Bay Utilities at propit 2/19 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Review of' FY 81 proposals 2/20 Bob Allen Presque Isle Corp. L-R Rockport Sink- Mi. Land Trust Put holes 2/20 John Crzeskowiak Alcona Co. P&RC L-S CMP Grant Pro- Harrisville Rec. posal Area 2/20 Rush Cattell Cheb. City Mgr. T-R CMP Grant Review proposal 2/25 Rush Cattell Cheb. City Mgr. T-T CMP & LAWCON In town tomorrow- Review proposal 2/26 Joe LaMarre Alpena Co. P&RC T-W CMP Proposal LaMarre Park 2/27 Dick Dahlquist Consumers Power Co. PC Rockport Sink- Withdrew lease offer holes 2/28 Fran Babcock Mackinaw City Ma rine T-T National Reg- Historic APC nomil Rec. ister nation 2/29 Bob Riecks Alpena Co. P&RC T-W CMP Grant Pro- Joe LaMarre Park posal 2/29 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Harrisville Rec. Area 157 Date Person Contacted Affiliation Mode Subject Comment 2/29 Chris Duncan DNR-LRPD T-W CEIP D&M Railroad-Coal 2/29 Walter Therber Commonwealth Assoc. T-R Rockport Presque Isle Twp. 3/3 Jim Beers DNR/Rec. Services T-W Low cost con- 1980 Const. cost struction summary 3/3 Walter O'Donnell Bay City State Park T-W Boardwalks Cost estimates 3/3 Bob Helmic DNR-Parks T-W Boardwalks Tawas Pt. work 3/3 Dave Ditts DNR-Reg. Parks Supr. T-W Boardwalks Cost estimates 3/3 Bill Kusey DNR-Reg. Parks T-R Boardwalks Cost estimates & drawings 3/3 Dave Warner DNR-LRPD T-R Boardwalks & Cost estimates & APC Marine Recording Station 3/4 Rush Cattell Cheb. City Mgr. T-R CMP Grant Pro- Boardwalk cost posal estimates 3/5 Nate Badder Alpena Co. P.C. PC CMP Grant Proposals 3/6 Tyrone Black DNR Geologist T-W El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund Proposal 3/10 George Byelich Alcona Co. Ext. Serv.T-R CMP Grant Harrisville Fishing Study 3/10 Dave Warner DNR-LRPD T-W CMP Review of Proposals 3/10 Rush Cattell Cheb. City Mgr. T-T Cheboygan Marsh CMP Project Proposal 3/10 Al Bakalarski Alpena City Plan ner T-R CMP Proposal Thunder Bay River Land Use Study 3/11 Bill Reid Consumers Power T-W Rockport Sinkhole Native Trail 3/12 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate PC El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund pro- posal 3/12 Al Bakalarski Alpena City Planner PC Thunder Bay CMP Grant Proposal River 3/12 Tom Freeman Johnson & Anderson T-R Great Lakes Management Study Island 3/12 Tyrone Black DNR Geologist T-R El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund Proposal 3/12 Dave Warner DNR-LRPD T-R CMP Grant Review proposals 3/12 John Grzeskowiak Alcona Co. P&RC T-W CMP Grant Proposal 3/12 Jim Wicks DNR-Recreation T-W ORV State's plan 3/19 Hugh Selleck DNR-LRPD T-R Act 245 EA's in Cheboygan 3/19 Tom Carroll Harrisville Harbor T-W CMP Grant Proposal Commission 1 3/19 Joe LaMarre Alpena P&RC T-W CMP Grant Proposal 3/24 George Byelich Alcona C.E.S. Agent T-R CMP Grant Harrisville Economic Study 3/24 Jim Leidlein Rogers City Mgr. T-W CMP Grant Regional review of Proposal 3/24 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City Pres. T-T CMP Grant Project Proposal 3/24 Jim Hane DNR Parks Div. T-W El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund 3/24 George Byelich Alcona Co. CES T-R CMP Grant Harrisville Pro- posal 3/25 Bob Reicks Alpena Co. P&RC T-R C.1,T Grant Joe LaMarre Park Proposal 3/25 Hugh Solleck DNR-Shoreland -T-W Act 245 "EA" designations 3/25 Dave Warner DNR-LRPD T-R CMP Review of local project proposals 3/25 Dick Sella Harrisville Harbor T-W CMP Proposal Low-cost construction Commission Date Person Contacted Affiliation Mode Subject Comment 3/27 George Byelich Alcona Co.,C.E.S. PC CMP Proposal Sports Fisheries Economic Impact Study 3/27 John Schwartz N.E. MI. Sea Grant PC CMP Proposal Sports Fisheries Agent Economic Impact Study Harbol 3/27 Dick Sella Harrisville Harbor PC CMP Grant Harrisville Commission Proposal Project'. 3/28 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City Pres. PC CMP Grant Low cost construc 0 Proposal 1 3/31 Tyrone Black DNR Geologist T-R El Cajon Bay Land'Trust Fund 3/31 Dorris Doutt Alpena L.W.V. T-R El Cajon Bay League Support fo Proposal roposal 3/31 Jack Houghton Alcona Co. P&RC T-W Sports Fishery CMP Grant: P Study 4/1 Gerry Tracy Nickles Real Estate T-W El Cajon Bay Field trip oint 4/1 D.H. Riley Alpena Twp- Supr. T-R CMP Proposal Partridge P Acquisition 4/1 Dick Moreau Alpena Community T-W El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund Collegd 4/2 Steve Andrews State Representa- L-R El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund tive and Trust Fund 4/2 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R El Cajon Bay L 4/2 Jim Leidlein Rogers City Mgr. T-R NATRAC Presentation to Committee 4/2 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate PC El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund 4/2 John Porter Alpena Co. P.C. PC El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund 4/3 George Byelich Coop. Ext. Service T-R CMP Grant Pro- Harrisville Sports posal Fisheries 4/3 Dick Sella Harrisville Harbor T-W CMP Grant Pro- Low-cost construct Commission posal 4/3 Mike Moore DNR-Forest Mgt. Div. T-R El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund 4/3 George Byelich Alcbna Coop. Ext. PC CMP Proposal Sports Fisheries Study 4/3 Joe LaMarre Alpena Co. P&RC PC CMP Proposal LaMarre Park 4/3 John Grzeskowiak Alcona Co. P.C. PC CMP Proposal Sports Fisheries Study 4/10 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate T-W El Cajon Bay Lower asking price 4/10 Perry Hewitt Sen. Irwin's Aide T-W El Cajon Bay Land Trust Fund P r - posal 4/11 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate T-R El Cajon Bay Possible alt ernatt 4/14 Jim Ribbens DNR/LRPD T-W CM? Grant Mill Creek Site- MISPC 4/14 Tyrone Black DNR Geologist T-R El Cajon Bay Aerial p1hotographl of pro-erty P 4/15 Dorris Doutt Alpena L.W.V. T-W El Cajon Bay Canceled field tr 4/15 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Review local pro-[ posal 4/29. Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R CMP Tenative trip to Region 5/5 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R CMP Finalize trip to Region 159 Date Persoa Contacted Affiliation Mode Subject_ Comment 5/6 Dorris Doutt Alpena L.W.V. T-W El Cajon Bay Meeting on May 15 5/9 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R U11P Finalize itinerary 5/9 John Porter Alpena Co'. P.C. T-R El Cajon Bay Status Report 5/12 Al Bakalarski Alpena City Planner T-R CMP Meeting on 5/14/80 5/14 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC CMP Various site in- spections '5/14 Joe LaMarre Alpena Co. P&RC PC C11P Grant Pro- Low-cost constructiorL posal 5/14 Al Bakalarski Alpena City Planner PC CMF Grant Pro- Thunder Bay River posal Study 5/15 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC CMP Proposals Site'Inspections 5/15. Jim Leidlein Rogers City Mgr. PC CMP Grant Pro- Low-cost con- posal struction 5/15 George Paris Lighthouse keeper PC Old Presque APC Review Alpena L.W.V. Isle Light- house t 5/15 Dorris Doutt Alpena L.W.V. PC El Cajon Bay Land Acquisition Proposal 5/15 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate PC El Cajon Bay Land Acquisition Proposal 5/16 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City Pres. PC CHP Grant Pro- Site Inspection posal 5/16 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC CMP Launch of WELCOME 5/19 Perry Hewitt Sen. Irwin's Aide T-W El Cajon Bay Land Acquisition Pijposal 6/23 Steve Wright Cheb. City Mgr. T-T CMP Grant Cheb. Marsh Board- walk 6/24 Helen LaTarte P.I. Co. Resident T-R Rockport Sink- Send copy of report holes 6/24 Jim Ribbens DNR/LRPD T-R Johnson's Is- Never heard of it land 7/2 Ed Hagen DNR/MLTF T-W El Cajon Sink- August presentation holes 7/2 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP El Cajon Bay 7/3 Hugh Selleck DNR/LRPD T-R Environmental Designations in Areas Cheboygan 7/3 Steve Wright Cheboygan City Ngr. T-SW CMP & Act 245 Meeting of 7/9/80 7/8 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City Pres. PC CIQ grant Review proposal 7/11 Tom Freeman Johnson & Anderson T-R Island Mgt. Info on nature islands 7/11 Dorris Doutt Alpena League WV T-W El Cajon Bay League supported proposal 7/14 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Local grants 7/15 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate T-W MLTF El Cajon Bay Pro- posal 7/16 Don Williams Alcona Co. Coord. T-W Alcona Co. P.C. Sports Fisheries Study 7/17 Ed Hagen DNR/MLTF T-R El Cajon Bay 5 August presenta- Proposal tion 7/21 Ed Hagen NDR/NLTF L-R El Cajon Bay 5 August presenta- Proposal tion 7/24 Irv Kuehner DNR Geologist T-R El Cajon Bay 5 August presenta- Proposal tion 160 Date Person Contacted Affilir ,@tion Mode Subject Comment 7/24 Ty Dlack DNR-Geulogist T-R El Cajon Bay Slides of Proposal property 7/28 Dave Warner DNR/LkPD T-W CMP Local proposals 7/29 Gerry Tracy Nickels Peal Estate PC El Cajon Bay $trategy meeting Proposal 7/29 Dorris Doutt Alpena LWV PC Year of Coast Coastal slides 7/30 Irv Kuehner DNR Geologist T-R El Cajon Bay Strategy meeting 7/30 Ty Black DNR Geologist L-R El Cajon Bay Slides of property 7/30 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W El Cajon Bay MLTF Presentation 7/30 Hugh Selleck DNR/LRPD T-R El Cajon Bay Info on property 7/30 Perry Hewitt Sen. Irwin's Aide T-W El Cajon Bay Strategy meeting 7/30 D.H. Riley Alpena Twp. Supr. T-W NATRAC 8/13/80 meeting a Hall 7/31 Jerry Thiede DNR/Forest Mgt. T-W El Cajon Bay Strategy meeting -8/4 Irv Kuehner DNR/Geologist PC El Cajon Bay MLTF Presentation 8/4 -Larry Lemanski Great Lakes Camp PC El Cajon Bay MLTF Presentationi & Trail 8/4 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC El Cajon Bay MLTF Presentation 8/4 Jerry Thiede DNR/Forest Div. PC El Cajon Bay MLTF Presentations 8/5 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate PC El Cajon Bay MLTF Presentations 8/5 Perry Hewitt Sen. Irwin's office PC El Cajon Bay MLTF Presentation 8/5 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD PC El Cajon Bay MLTF Presentation- 8/5 Tom Smith DNR/LRPD PC Zoning review Beaugrand Twp. 8/5 Bruce Andrews DNR-Law Div. PC P.A. 184 of Thunder flay 1980 Shipwrecks 8/6 Larry Lemanski Great Lakes Camp T-W El Cajon Bay Publicity & Trail 8/7 George Byelich Alcona C.E.S. T-R CMP grant pro- Sports FJ sheries posal Study 8/7 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate T-W El Cajon Bay MLTF proposal 8/7 Susan Grulke Alpena News T-W El Cajon Bay NATRAC Meei.lng 8/7 Gill Jackson WBKB-TV T-W El Cajon Bay NATRAC Meeting 8/7 O.B. Eustis Thunder Bay Audubon T-W El Cajon Bay Tour of property Society 8/7 Dennis Badem Jesse Besser Museum T-W El Cajon Bay Tour of property 8/8 Glen Shepard North Woods Call T-SW El Cajon Bay Article on proper 8/11 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R CMP Year end report 8/11 Charlie Johnson Beaugrand Twp- T-SW Zoning Comments on ordinanc 8/11 John Swartz Sea Grant T-W Shipwrecks Underwater prese 8/11 Al Bakalarski Alpena City Planner T-W Shipwrecks Meeting at City 41 8/11 Don Elgas Ski Rack T-W Shipwrecks Underwater park concept 8/11 Gerry Tracey Nickels Real Estate T-R El Cajon Bay MLTF Proposal 8/11 Ty Black DNR Geologist PC El Cajon Bay MLTF Proposal 8/11 Ken Hoffmaster Property owner PC El Cajon Bay MLTF Proposal 8/11 Glen Shepard North Woods Call T-R El Cajon Bay Article on prope 8/12 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate T-R El Cajon Bay MLTF Proposal 8/12 Bob Haltiner Jesse Besser Museum T-W El Cajon Bay History of name 8/12@ Ann Taber Local historian T-W El Cajon Bay History of name 8/12 Glen Shepard North Woods Call T-SW El Cajon Bay History of name 8/13 Gerry Tracy Nickels Real Estate PC El Cajon Bay NATRAC meeting 8/13 Ann Taber Local historian PC El Cajon Bay History of prope t Date Person Contacted &ffiliation Mode Subject Comment 8/14 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-R CMP Local Projects, 8/14 Ed Hagen MLTF Board T-W El Cajon Bay Asking price lowered 8/14 Rane Curl U. of M. Professor T-SW El Cajon Bay MLTF Proposal 8/14 Ron Wallin Mackinaw City PC CMP Grant Low-cost construction 8/15 Tom Woiwode Nature Conservancy T-R El Cajon Bay MLTF Proposal 8/15 Bruce Maxwell Alpena News T-W El Cajon Bay News article 8/15 Dave Warner DNR/LRPD T-W CMP Alcona Co. Fisheries Study /15 Eric Sharp Detroit Magazine T-SW El Cajon Bay Possible story 8/15 Marge Schnell League of W.V. T-R CMP Specific areas of interest 8/15 Larry Losinski Alpena Health Dept. PC El Cajon Bay Development could occur 162 NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY 3 6668 14111939 8 A