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NEMCOG FF C 0 A S T A L M A N A G E I"I E N T P R 0 G R A M Northeast Michigan Couocil of Governments P. o eox 457 1 9 8 2 1 9 8 3 Gaviord, Michigan 49735 Phone: (517) 732-3551 Y E A R E N D R E P 0 R T ICAA- no. '5D,9.1 October, 1983 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 Coastal Zone Man- agement (OCZM), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce via the Michigan Department of Natural Re- sources, Land Resource Programs Division and in part, with funds from the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments. on V@ SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALPENA CHEBOYGAN CRAWFORD @ MONTMORENCY OSCODA - OTSEGO PRESQUE ISLE NEMCOG now 6 October 1933 Northeast Mjcn,qq3n Council of Governments Coastal Program Unit P. 0. Box 457 Land Resource Programs Division Gaylord, Michigan 49735 Department of Natural Resources Phone: (517) 732 3551 Lansing, Michigan 48909 Dear Sirs: The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments is pleased to submit its Year-End Report for its activities in Michigan's Coastal Management Program for 1982 - 1983. Thi-s. report is submitted in accordance with paragraph 6 of our Contract No. LRP-512 with your agency- This document provides detailed information regarding NEMCOG's activities in the development and implementation ofthe State's Coastal Management Program as well as the agency's involvement in various coastal issues in Northeast Michigan (Lake Huron) from October 1, 1982 through August 30, 1983. Once again, NEMCOG is pleased to have been a part of Michigan's Coastal Program during Fiscal Year 1983 and has appreciated your financial support of our regional efforts over the past nine years. Sincerely, W. Randolph Frykberg, Ph.D. d Executive Director WRF/ncd now SERVICE AGENCY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR THE COUNTIES OF: ALCONA ALPENA - CHEBOYGAN CRAWFORD - MONTMORENCY - OSCOOA @ OTSEGO - PRESQUE ISLE REVIEW OF COASTAL ACTIVITIES The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) continued to provide local technical and grants assistance to the various coastal communities within the region. With the anticipated budget reduction in the Michigan Coastal Pro- gram for fiscal year 1983, grants assistance became limited as only two commu- nities expressed interest in preparing and submitting funding requests to the Department of Natural Resources. For Mackinaw City, NEMCOG staff prepared a grant proposal for the low-cost construction of educational and/or interpretive facilities at Wawatam Park, a major municipally owned public access site on the Stratis of Mackinaw near the center of the community's central business dis- trict. Proposed improvements included the construction of a group_l@hterpretive kiosk, installation of connecting walkways to provide handicapped access to the facility and miscellaneous landscaping at appropriate locations on the park grounds. A second grant proposal was prepared by NEMCOG staff on behalf of the City of Cheboygan for the construction of an extension of the Cheboygan Marsh Interpretive Boardwalk at Gordon Turner Park, overlooking the Straits of Mackinaw. In addition to completing the woodea walkway some 820 feet to adjoin stable land, the project also proposes to construct a second observation platform to help alleviate crowded conditions at tne heavily-used first platform. It is also proposed to install eight additional educational and interpretive signs along the extension to further enhance the visitor's awareness and appreciation of this unique coastal ecosystem. The Cheboygan cattail marsh has been identified as the largest such marsh on the Great Lakes between Saginaw! Bay and Chicago. In addition to the above mentioned grant assistance services, NEMCOG provided limited technical assistance to a couple of local public organizations which were receiving funding assistance from the Michigan Coastal Management Program during the fiscal year. Assistance in preparing narrative to the Cheboygan Riverfront Development Plan was provided to the City of Cheboygan. Included as part of NEMCOG's involvement was a brief history of development along the community's riverbanks, an inventory of existing land use and land ownership patterns, traf- fic and corrulation patterns, and gathering of environmental data such as soil classification and capabilities. NEMCOG also served in a liaison role between city officials and the Coastal Program, particularly in transmitting communi- cations between the two contractual parties. Assistance was also rendered to the Alcona County Historical Society for the administration of a low-cost educational and interpretive construction project at the Sturgeon Point Light- house, a state-owned facility under the administration of the Parks Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The property was originally developed and mainLained by the U.S. Lighthouse Serviee and functioned as a life- saving station as well. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate an automatic, unmanned light in the tower but has deeded the rest of the property to the State. The DNR negotiated a long-term base agreement with the Alcona County Historical Society to provide local managerial functions and open house for public visitations. The Society has begun an extensive renovation project, primarily in the living quarters of the lighthouse structure and secured funding assistance from the Michigan Coastal Program to help defray cost of the efforts. The project included construction and installation of a bookcase in the "Marine Reading Room", shel- ving in both the "Fishing" and "Life Saving Service Room", preparation of a_photo- graphic display of historic photos, installation of highway informational signs and various outside displays of historic ship artifacts. Specifically, six arti- facts were acquired for display at the lighthouse, including an anchor, steam donkey engine, the wooden rudder from the vessel "Marine City" and others. NEMCOG also performed other activities related to improving local management and/or enhancing the public's appreciation of coastal resources. Efforts were made to secure state acquisition of a very important and highly ecologically I sensitive lakefront parcel of property. A land acquisition proposal was prepared and submitted to the Michigan Land Trust Fund to purchase the El Cajon Bay pro- perty, located just north of Alpena on Lake Huron and containing unique geologi-- cal formations of karst topography and possessing sensitive ecological charac- teristics as well. Tentative approval for its acquisition was given by the administering board of the Fund but final action is still pending from appropri- ate state agencies and the Michigan legislature. Participation in and assistance to local efforts in Alpena County was also had by NEMCOG personnel to pursue development of the Thunder Bay Underwater Pre- serve concept. Agency staff attended several meetings which culminated in the establishment of a local committee. The committee has been formed as a sub-com- mittee of the Alpena County Parks zRA-Recreation Commission to provide it legi- timacy in representing the local community and public concern in general as an extension of a governmental agency established under state statute. The com- mittee serves as a local forum for public opinion and as the recognized liaison on behalf of the community in dealing with appropriate state and federal agencies involved in the Thunder Bay designation. Additionally, the Alpena County Planning Commission continued their efforts to receive designation of the Thunder Bay bot- tomlands as a National Marine Sanctuary by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The site is currently still receiving favorable consideration under this federal program. Finally, efforts were put forth to assist the Coastal Counties Alliance of Northeast Michigan,' a private non-profit organization established for the purpose of improving tourism expenditures in their region with primary emphasis to better promotion and use of coastal resources. Specific tourists related activities addressed by the group included: Development of Negwegon State Park Increased fish plantings � -Improvement/enlargement of public access sites, primarily for boat --launching activities � Development of Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve � Promotion of historic Great Lakes lighthouses in region � Completion of Mill Creek site The organization has undergone structured changes to incorporate three inland counties in its tourism promotional campaign but continues to draw heavily upon coastal attractions to entice visitors to the region. 1vTAWAT.A_N1 PARK COASTAL INTERPRETIVE PROJECT Applicant Village of Mackinaw City Project Location 9, .%awatam Park, formerly known as Waterworks Park and Boulevard Park i'p'! 1 7 @!ackinaw Citv Design Studv), is located on the waterfront of Lake Huron on ne east Mackinaw City along Huron Boulevard. Low-cost construction improve- :7i@@iits @@ere completed at this site during fiscal years 1979-1980 and 1982 with financial assistance from the Michigan Coastal Management Program. 1.1e park is easily accessible to both the local residents and to the many --:)urists which viSir Mackinaw City every year. Because of its close prox- -@itv to the Central Business District and Marina facility which are the two -3--imarv tourist activity areas of the town, the park receives extremelv heavy ..se during the summer months. The Village has made a substantial financial commit-ent to this park over the last three vears, some without any state or cderal :-ranLs assistance. The -ark is also strongly supported bv local re- si@euts as evidenced by the turnout at the annual Steak Fr,v recently completed. The local LiDn's Club has ordered two more viewers to be installed at the park 'Decause of the use and the view of the Straits area (recently designated as a S@_ate Underwater Preserve) which this location offers at a cost of $280.00 each. '.@'awaLam Park is clearly the most popular locally-owned park in the Vil- -!--Iae and its heavy use has created the demand for more interpretive facilities @s well as measures to alleviate some of the problems related to the public's use of existing interpretive facilities. Project Description The Village of Mackinaw City wishes to offer additional interpretive facilities to park users as well as to implement corrective measures that will substantial- alleviate problems associated with the public's use of existing interpretive -acilities. As such, the Village proposes to undertake and complete the follow- ing coastal educational/interpretive low-cost construction activities [or the purpose of increasing the visitor's awareness of and appreciation for the unique coastal environment of the historic Straits of Mackinac. 1. Construction of a Group Interpretive Kiosk The Village will construct this facility which will be rectangular in shape and extend from the east wall of the existing public facility building to- ward the waterfront. This kiosk would have a covering so as to provide shade and benches which will provide a restful, scenic view of the Straits, Mackinaw Bridge and Mackinac Island. Additional interpretive displays can be located in close proximity of this facility as well. 2. Installation of Connecting Walkways So as to provide convenient and handicapped access to this kiosk with other existing facilities, the Village will install a concrete walkway between the restroom facility and the proposed kiosk and a second wal.kwav to connect the kiosk with the parking lot and extending to the water's edge. At this point, a wooden boardwalk, approximately 2, -50 feec iin length, will be com- U pleted to provide a safe leisurely walk along the shoreline. This walkway will complete a loop pedestrian system in the park, connecting the signi- ficant interpretive facilities currently on the parkgrounds, including the popular Interpretive Station/Observ'ation Platform located in the extreme northeast corner of the park, immediately behind the protected shoreline. 3. Landscaping The Village will install, or retain an acceptable local landscaping firm to install twelve (12) evergreen trees, preferably blue spruce, in proxi- mity to the group interpretive kiosk and connecting public utility struc- ture so as to provide adequate visual screening and contain occasional orders which eminate from the facility. 4. Other Activities The Village would also like to.install additional playground equipment in the play area of the park, install permanent wooden benches in appropriate, pre-selected areas along the walkwavs, and place additional top soil in low- lying areas of the park. The cost of these activities have not been includ- ed in the project's budget at this time but are asked to be considered for funding assistance. Budget Group Interpretive Kiosk $10,000 Pedestrian Walkwavs 8,000 Wooden Boardwalk $5,500 Landscaping 2,000 TOTAL EXPENSES $20,000 Requested Federal Funds $10,000 Local Match - Cash 5,000 Local Match - In-Kind Services 5,000 TOTAL ANTICIPATED REVENUES $20,000 Contact Person Ron Wallin Village of Mackinaw City Municipal Building 102 South Huron Avenue Mackinaw City, M1 49701 "Cross Roads of the Great Lakes" z4@ NOR r H jo fl TI-FILr- wo r4 me oi fN NL, EL o pit# C*Ale re D@T ,a rk 1 TA 1A wo A @? @rk GREAT7:5 CROSSROADS CHEBOYGAN MARSH INTERPRETIVE BOARDWALK EXTENSION Applicant City of Cheboygan Project Location The Cheboygan Marsh boardwalk is located in Gordon Turner Park on the west bank 0@. Cheboygan River at the rivermouth and abutts the shores of Lake Huron on the City's north side. Access to the park and existing boardwalk is via Huron Street, which travels in a northeasterly direction from Mackinaw Avenue (US-23). The boardwalk was constructed in 1981 and is approximately 370 feet in length. At the end of the boardwalk stands an observation platform some 17 feet above the lake level, looking down at cattails which stand 12 to 14 feet high. Several interpretive signs mounted along the boardwalk provide information to the visit- or about the environment of a cattail marsh and its inhabitors. The boardwalk ts heavily used by tourists and local residents alike durinu the summer months and offers many views of the Straits of Mackinac, including both the Bridge and Island. Project Description T'ne City of Cheboygan proposes to extend this interpretive boardwalk an additional 820 feet (approximately) in a west-southwesterly direction where it will adjoin s@able land, thereby providing a flow through for pedestrian traffic and eliminat- i:,.:, the need for visitors to back-trace along the boardwalk. The City would then Ile in a position to construct a loop trail network on stable land to connect with t`@e present boardwalk entrance in Gordon Turner Park. This project would include the design, manufacture and installation of several more, about eight in number, interpretive signs to be located on the boardwalk to further enha"ce the visitor's awareness of and appreciation for this unique coasLal ecosysLem. A second ob- servation platform would be constructed along this extension to provide a second vantage point to view the marsh and straits region and to alleviate crowding at the first platform, a problem currently being created by the heavy use of the boardwalk. Final construction drawings as to the layout of the extension would be done in consultation and with the advice of the DNR Great Lakes Shorelands Section be- cause of the environmental sensitivity of the cattail marsh and because of the need to secure the appropriate permits. Actual construction of the boardwalk would be similar to the original walkway, using 35 foot pilings for the walk and 50 foot pilings in construction of the observation platform. The pilings would be driven into the marsh bottomland during the winter when ice can sup- port the weight of the pile driver. Pressure treated lumber will be used in construction of the walkway's floors and railings. Driving of the pilings would require an outside contractor but actual construction of the boardwalk would be done with City DPW employees. Budget Purchase of pilings and driving- $50,400 Framing/construction of boardwalk & materials 44,800 Eight interpretive signs 2,500 TOTAL EXPENSES $97,700 Requested Federal Funds $48,850 Local Match - In-Kind Services 45,000 Local Match - Cash 3,850 TOTAL ANTICIPATED REVENUES $97,700 Contact Person William Chlopan, City Manager/Engineer Citv of Cheboygan City Hall Cheboygan, MI 49721 PIAR:'TiPt-L NAP_RA'rJVC- INTRODUCTION Purpose The Cheboygan River is not merely an environmental amenity which drains a large (1,461 square mile) watershed basin, but it is also a very special cultural resource to the community of Cheboygan. It is unique to this city because of its potential to provide diversified opportunities for economic development, public enjoyment and community identity. In fact, Cheboygan has already capitalized upon the riverfront in terms of strengthening its individuality by adopting the "Old Rivertown" theme for the community. Over the years, the Cheboygan Riverfront has experienced deterioration as a result of old age, underutilization, and lack of public/private in- vestment. Chanaes in technology and patterns of commerce have altered the appearance and use of the waterfront areas. However, Cheboygan has re- discovt_-r,:@d its riverfront withi- the past several vears and has beeun to reinvest into this vital resource. The purpose of this Riverfront Develop- ment Plan is to guide and assist Cheboygan in planning for the effective reuse of its waterfront sites and to better understand opportunities for and factors which influence waterfront development. More specifically, the Cheboygan Riverfront Development Plan is designed to fulfill the following goals: � To increase the public's awareness of and appreciation for the Cheboygan Riverfront area � To identify problems and opportunities associated with the future use and management of the City's waterfront � To evaluate the potential and feasibility of new economic development projects along the riverfront � To plan for the improvement of public access sites, parking and visual quality of the riverfront area. Coastal Area Cheboygan's Coastal Zone Boundary begins along the city's eastern limits at US-23 and extends southeasterly along Mackinaw Avenue until intersecting Todd Street, where it turns to the northeast. The Boundary then follows Front Street to Dresser Street, then Lake Street to Huron Street. After following Huron Street for a block, the boundary turns toward the river for one bulock allong INTest Stre-et, then turns to the southwest, traveling along Main Street (Downtown area) for five blocks. At Elm Street, the boundary extends another block off the river to Huron Street again until reaching Taylor Street. At this point, the boundary crosses over the Cheboygan River just behind the Proctor and Gamble plant, over the locks and dam, then fol- lowing the western bank of the river to Lincoln Avenue. From Lincoln Avenue, the boundarv turns north on South Street to begin the other side of the river, then jogs onto East Street for two blocks until intersecting Cleveland Avenue, where it again turns north. The city street takes a slight bend to the northeast and becomes known as Coast Guard Drive. The boundary proceeds along this street in a northeasterlv direction all the way to First Street where it turns to the southeast, then to Duncan Avenue. At Eastern Avenue, tile boundary Lurns south and extends to US-23 where it travels west until reaching Cbehnvgan's western city limits. The Study Area for this Develop- ment Plan is located within this defined boundary except near the southern portion of the boundary where the Study Area continues upstream along the western bank to include an additional waterfront site known as the Riverside Drive Condominium Development. The Study Area is depicted on the map on tile next page. Location Cheboygan is located in the extreme northern tip of Michigan's lower peninsula, located on the southern channel of the historic Straits of Mackinac in northern Lake Huron. It is about 272 miles north of Detroit and about 16 miles to the southeast of the Mackinac Bridge. Cheboygan, in terms of population, is the second largest municipality in Northeast Michigan with 5,553 persons residing in the city limits, according to 1980 Census figures. The City is the county-seat for the County of Cheboygan. Historical Perspective of Riverfront The Indians, primarily the Ottawas, were the first to inhabit the banks of the Cheboygan River. The river offered safe confines from the open waters of Lake Huron while also providing access to other coastal shores as well as inland waters. The first European to settle along the riverfront of Cheboygan was Jacob Sammons from Chicago in 1844, who constructed a cabin near the present corner of Water and State Streets. Other settlers soon followed, most of them com- ing from Mackinac Island where a settlement had long been established. Com- mercial fishing and construction of fish barrels for shipping was the first industry in Cheboygan. This was soon followed by a water lumber mill built during the winter of 1845-46 which could cut between ten to fifteen thousand board feet of lumber per day. This was followed by the construction of a steam saw mill in 1847 at the mouth of the river on the west side. Between the two mills, over one million feet of lumber was cut annually, most of which vas shipped to Chicago. More lumber mills were built along the Cheboygan River and nearby Duncan Bay, with six saw mills accounting for over 35 million board feet annually in 1872. Navigation up the Cheboygan River to Mullet and Burt Lakes provided water trnnspc@rtatio_- _@-_rcss the northern end of the lower peninsula to Little Tra- verse Bay. Other natural advantages such as direct access to the Straits of Mackinac from a safe harbor and abundant forest lands made Cheboygan a prime location for industry and commerce during the early development of northern Michigan and its eastern shore. The construction of a railroad connected the populated areas to the south with the iron and copper mines of Lake Superior. The Cheboygan River, of course, was a major factor in this develop- ment and its natural harbor conditions were improved by a deepening of the channel to accommodate all sized vessels. Its strategic location on the Great Lakes was further supported with the decision of the Coast Guard to locate the home port of the U.S.C.G. cutter "Mackinac" at the mouth of the Cheboygan River. The River played an important role in the development of the City of Cheboygan and has continued to be a vital resource to the community over the years. The Riverfront area has been transformed over time beginning with the construction of industrial uses such as lumber mills. With the decreased importance of water transportation, however, the riverbanks area was some- what abandoned as buildings were left to decay and be demolished. Land uses not requiring waterfront locations replaced these original structures while those water-based industries which remain are considered unsightly by today's standards. Not to be entirely forgotten, the community of Cheboygan has rediscovered its riverfront and the value of this resource in its efforts to redevelop its banks. A commitment on the part of the municipality to foster the most appro- priate use and management of this valuable amenity isa necessary beginning to @a comprehensive redevelopment effort for the Cheboygan Riverfront area. COASTAL AREA PROFILE Inventory and Analysis of Riverfront For the purposes of this study, it is appropriate to identify three separate study areas and analyze each in terms of land use and zoning, natural and physical features, and problems and opportunities. To accomplish this, the riverfront was divided into the rivermouth area, extending from the open waters upstream to the State Street Bridge, the Downtown area which covers both banks from the bridge to Locust Street and, thirdly, the Upper River area, including the locks and dam extending to the upper limits of the study area. Overview of Phvsical Conditions. Generally, the riverfront area in Cheboygan has been undergoing a very gradual trans[ormation from industrial to commercial and recreational uses. Nhile there still exist several strong industrial activities along the. river- front, their have been a number of parcels redeveloped for commercial/recre- ation to indicate this trend, however slow. The soils in the area are pce- dominately poorly drained and are far from ideal to support development. None the less, considerable fill has been placed along the river banks since the community's earliest development and this same area provided numerous industrial locations, particularly during the lumber era of the late 1800's. Additionally, with the advent of community water and sewer facilities, the most severe limitations of the soil characteristics have been overcome. Proper filling and foundation preparation will alleviate most of the remain- ing developmental limitations. The threat of flooding does not appear to be a major factor to the community and although much of the riverfront study area has been identified on the Flood Hazard Boundary Map of Cheboygan as prepared by the Federal Insurance Administration of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop- ment, a detailed flood insurance study has not been conducted to deter-mine the degree of flood hazard within these identified hazard areas. There also exist "Environmental Areas" as designated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources under provisions of the Shorelands Protection and Management Act of 1972 (P.A. 245) within Cheboygan, primarily fronting the open waters of Lake Huron. A portion of these designated "environmental areas" are--1-0- ca-t-ed within the studv area, that being near the mouth of the Chebovgan River to both the east and west. These areas are currently protected from develop- ment under state statute and local ordinance. The City of Cheboygan has built a marsh boardwalk, with financial assistance from the Michigan Coastal Manage- ment Program, to advance the public's awareness of these sensitive coastal environments. The riverfront area is adequately served by the existing local street network and there are two bridges which cross the river. The State Street drawbridge is located along the U.S. 23 Highway corridor and provides direct access to the downtown business district from the east. It also allows for larger watercraft and sailboats to gain access to marinas, the locks and in- land waterwavs upstream and Lake Huron downstream. The Lincoln Avenue bridge was constructed in 1979. Average dai1v traffic counts for 1981 as reported by the Bureau o-Y-7-rans- portation Planning of the Michigan Department of Transportation indicate a considerable amount of vehicular activity in and around ticle area of the bridge crossing. This activity reflects the obvious importance of these two bridges and their affect on traffic patterns in the community. TABLE 1981 AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC COUNTS - CHEBOYGAN Station Location Vehicles Per Dav 100 feet east of M-27 (Main St.) and US-23 (State St.) intersection 9,500 Joint US-23/M-27 block (Main St.) in downtown area 7,300 US-23, 300 feet west of Fulton St. 5,900 M-27 (Main St.), 100 feet north of Lincoln Ave. 11,600 These figures indicate heavy traffic over and in the immediate vicinity of these two bridges. There appears to be adequate public access to the riverfront within the community, but there is an apparent lack of improved facilities at these state and local access sites. Rail services are available at two riverfront locations, at Dorocher Dock and Dredge Company near the mouth and Charmin Paper Company further upstream near the dam and lock. Both locations are situated on the west bank and are served by the Detroit and Mackinac Railway Company. The com- munity is also served by an existing general aviation airport which provides a basic level of air service and is located west of the downtown and river- front study area. Analvsis of Rivermouth Area This area is bounded by the State Street drawbridge to the south and extends to the breakwater at the mouth of the Cheboygan River. The area also extends landward to the limits of the study area, Coast Guard Drive to the east and Huron Street to the west. It includes the Gordon Turner Park, Che- boy-an Cattail Marsh, Dorocher Dock and Dredge, and the home port of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter "Mackinaw". An identification of the present users of the riverfront can provide information as to how this area is currently serving the needs of the commu- nity in terms of both recreation and commerce, which can help locate defi- ciencies in existing facilities. A close examination of this study area reveals a varietv of mixed land uses which appear to be incompatible at first observation. Beginning at the northwestern end of the rivermouth, there is Gordon Turner Park, a local community park with a swimming beach, playground equipment and picnic area. Two outdoor soccer fields were recently constructed by the City along the west edge of Huron Street. Beginning at the edge of this park and extending out into a large Great Lakes cattail marsh, some 370 feet, is the Cheboygan Marsh Boardwalk. At the terminus of this wooden walkway is an elevated observation platform which affords the visitor an excellent view of the Straits of Mackinaw, several lighthouses, Bois Blanc Island and, on a clear day, the Mackinac Bridge, some 15 miles to the northwest. The park it- self does not lie along the river, but is located to the west and fronts the open water of Lake Huron on the Straits of Mackinac. Immediately on the west bank, at the rivermouth, is a privately owned, acre parcel of land which is currently vacant. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed breakwater extends northeasterly from this parcel about 775 feet into the lake, providing protection to the channel at the mouth for navigation. The Countv of Cheboygan owns the adjacent, upstream parcel which is currentlv vacant with an unimproved access road on gravel and limestone chip residue and stone piles along the water's edge. However, the County is in the process of securing funds to develop a recreational boating marina. An area approximately 400 feet by 400 feet will be dredged to form an eight foot deep marina basin and the banks will be protected with riprap. TheEu are two floating main piers with 38 finger piers proposed for mooring slips. Adjacent to this proposed marina is an existing boat launch facility owned by tne City of Cheboygan. Upstream from this facility, the next parcel of land, approxi- mately acres in size is privated owned and presently used for industrial purposes as a work and storage yard by a marine construction company. This parcel is served by a railroad spur and the business occassionally uses this service. Extending further upstream in a southwesterly direction, there are a couple of other industrial uses, including an oil company with gasoline and home fuel storage tanks. This area is curreatly zoned Water Front Marina by the City and its current use is considered non-conforming. The final block of this study sub-area before reaching State Street and the existing draw- bridge is comprised primarily of the Cheboygan Light Station maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. A couple of small commercial establishments are also located in this block along the riverfront. A small bait and tackle shop with parking at the river's edge is located on the east bank at the drawbridge. The property to the northeast along the river, downstream from the fishing supply store is presently vacant and deter- iorated until reaching the Shell Oil storage tank facility. The rivermouth area along the east bank is entirely owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and main- tained as the home port for the U.S.C.G. Cutter "Mackinaw". There is also a 21 foot deep, 400 foot wide turning basin immediately upstream from the mooring dock of this vessel which was constructed by the Coast Guard for navigational purposes. The entire riverfront of this study area is classified by the Michigan Department of Transportation as a Great Lakes port because of its commercial activity with other inter-lake and St. Lawrence River ports, its ability to accommodate lake vessels with a draft of at least 18 feet, and because there are at least two users. The river's channel is 21 feet deep from the outer end of the west breakwater pier to the turning basin and 18.5 feet ueep from ti-iis point upstream to State Street drawbridge. Soil characteristics -vary somewhat along the riverfront area, ranging from a mixed organic and mineral soil which is ponded most of the year in the immediate river-mouth area on both the east and west banks, to a loamy soil transported in and used as fill material to make land and elevate low-lying shoreline areas. Some natural soils are also found which are classified as a Rudvard silty loam and are somewhat poorly drained consisting of clay material. This soil has limited capability for building development because of wetness and tendency to shrink and swell. It also has little strength to support local roads and streets. Surface drainage flows to the river except at the rivermouth on the east and west sides where the oroanic soils form lacustrine wetlands abut- cing Lake Huron waters. LIST OF MEETINGS ATTENDED BY NFMCOG October 4-5, 1982 Meeting of the Michigan Shorelands Advisory Council in Alpena with tour of site inspections in Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Rogers City and various points of interest in Alpena vicinity to have first hand look at numerous low-cost construction projects funded by the Coastal ManagemenL Program. NEMCOG staff gave presentation on past involvement in the program, including local technical and grants assistance and special studies such as the Rockport Manage- ment Study. November 3, Alpena - Meeting of the Alpena County Planning Commission to dis- cuss progress of the National Marine Sanctuary designation/nomi- nation process for the Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve bottomlands. November 11, Mackinaw City - Meeting with Ron 'Vallin, Mayor of Village to discuss completion of coastal land use study and possible projects for future funding. - December 14, Lansing - Met with Mike Kessler and Dave Warner of Michigan Coastal Management Program to review status of state approval of the Che- boygan County Zoning Ordinance which 4ncluded provisions from set back required in DNR desginated "High Risk Erosion Areas" under authority of the Michigan Shorelands Protection and Management Act. A portion of the ordinance was developed with funds from a grant by the Michigan Coastal Management Program in fiscal year 1982. December 15, Harrisville - Meeting of the Alcona County Economic Development Corpo- ration to discuss follow-up activities and distribution of the Alcona County Great Lakes Sports Fishing Facilities Study, including contact with various state and federal agencies with coastal land management responsibilities in the county. December 17, Cheboygan - Met with Cheboygan City Manager to discuss framework of the Riverfront Development Plan and reviewed various proposed land development alternatives already under consideration. December 21, Cheboygan - Meeting of the Cheboygan County Planning Commission where status of state approval of the new county zoning ordinance, includ- ing the various management tools for guiding development in the coastal zone. 1983 January 28, Northeast Michigan - Traveled with Mike Kessler of Michigan Coastal Management Program to visit with local officials receiving grants. Met with Chairman of the Presque Isle Township Planning Commission to review and discuss work tasks for low-cost educational and inter- pretive construction activities, including trail development, at the Presque Isle Township Lighthouse Park property. Then met with Cheboygan City Manager to discuss format and project requirements for the Cheboygan Riverfront Development Plan. February 10, Alpena - Met with DNR personnel from Coastal Programs Unit and Shorelands Section along with state retained private consultant to discuss pending litigation opposing DNR designation of property on Partridge Point as an "Environmental Area" under authority of of the Michigan Shoi@elands Protection and Management Act. Performed site inspection of the affected property to view and discuss the sensitive environmental qualities associated with the site. February 14, Mackinaw City - Attended oint meeting of the Mackinaw City Villa e i 9 Council and Village Planning Commission to discuss future develop- ment plans for the community, particularly its waterfront area and the role of each body in the planning of this development. March 1, Cheboygan - Attended public hearing on the Cheboygan Riverfront Development Plan conducted by the City Planning Commission where City Manager highlighted proposed developments along the river- banks and welcomed public comments and/or suggestions. April 27 Cheboygan - Meet with Cheboygan City Manager to go over progress on the Riverfront Development Plan and performed site inspections of several developments occurring within the study area of the plan. May 3, Cheboygan - Attended second public hearing of Cheboygan City Plan- ning Commission where proposed plan for tne riverfront area was again reviewed and discussed and public comments encouraged. May 11, Mackinaw City - Met with Village Mayor to inspect progress of several coastal-prarks in the community and- discuss possible fund- ing for further low-cost construction for additional interpreLive facilities. May 11, Alpena - Attended meeting of the Coastal Counties Alliance where discussion was held on improving and promoting coastal attractions along Lake Huron in Northeast Michigan. May 24, Gaylord - Met with new Michigan Sea Grant agent for Northeast Michigan and provided considerable background information on past coastal management and planning activities. June 21, Alpena - Attended meeting sponsored by DNR Shorelands Section to discuss designation of certain coastline in Alpena County as "High Risk Erosion Areas" under the Michigan Shorelands Protection and Management Act and to offer department's assistance to governmental units in the preparation and adoption of local zoning regulations to implement state developed set back requirements in designated areas. June 28, Alpena - Attended special meeting sponsored by the MSU Cooperative Extension Service office in Alpena where a professor from the Parks and Recreation Resources Department at Michigan State University, East Lansing was the featured speaker to discuss local inititive in promoting and developing the Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve concept for the Alpena community. The final recommendation, which came from the meeting was to establish a subcommittee of the Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission to serve as a local representative organization for Alpena. July 18, Alcona County - Met.with project director of the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse renovation project for the Alcona County Historical Society to review progress made to date and assist the organization in preparing administrative and financial reports required under a Coastal Program grant agreement and submit information to the August 11, -Alpena - Attended meeting of the Alpena County Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss the establishment of a Thunder Bay Underwater Preserve sub-committee to their agency as a liaison organization to represent the interests of the Alpena community in dealing with various state and federal agencies having management and/or regu- latory authority in this particular coastal resource. CHEBOYGAI@ DAILY TRIBUNE April 20, 1983 Page 19 tate bemms procedures 'hor S traits underwater S preserve By LINDA A. NORLOCK now," Nielson replied. one man in the audience 'took exception, with Tribune Staff,Writer Charboneau'sjL,,-qsest- - . . 1i MACKINAW CT-7Y- The state!s- Natdral.Reso@` a the as V'_ l&W=t-ie y3*'uta=ei_biwk 4tWSAW . k 'r "W'W, prbdm intended he k Gmmis@idn hdi officlaft 6ee Q - -1 4 m.the to iecognize a gbodportion of the Sft-dtts-of Mackinat you put rwe-M& I ft. i trz up to ft Peo*10, iw as a Great Lakes bottomlands preserve, involved. Why- does the state always have to foot the. A public hearing in Mackinaw City last night drew bill for what private people want?" more than 20 participants, some from as far as Detroit I Another man, who said he's developed the bends four and Grand Rapids. The proposal to designate the times, indicatect a &amber was just the -itart in Straits as a preserve would prohibit any person from formulating a successful rescue operation. As a deep. recovering abandoned property from the bottonilands sea diver, hi said "62 percent of the fatality rate on an: in this area. oil rig is just not being able to get them to the The.preserve is established by Act No. 184 of the chamber." Public Acts of 1980. "The law as it stands right Alpena, which itself is attracting the tourist trade to now ... actually says that the department shall establish the Thunder Bay . Preserve there, gained its these preserves, and we're trying to follow that recompression chamber from privately-raised funds. mandate," said Mo Nielson, chairman of the state's Dykman said. Advertising campaigns will begin to Underwater Salvage Committee and a Department of draw divers into- UlAe area for the summer of 1964. Natural Resources official. Dykman also said Alpena is moving forward to The act provides an administrative rules process to establish its preserve as an underwater park. designate as much as 5 percent of Michigan-owned A park differs from a preserve in its organization. A bottomlands as underwater preserves. If the Straits preserve basically has none. The park, however, is area is approved as a preserve, 28 percent of that total organized muc Ih like an on-land. state park, with alJowed by law will have been designated as a personnel to supervise and police the area. preserve. Even that abandoned property which is not located in Those who attended the meeting agreed that the a preserve may not be removed from the bottomlands; preserve status would boost tourism to the Straits according to Act 184 without receipt of a permit issued area. "We could draw more people from out of state," jointly by the DNR and the secretary of state. said Robert Heilman. The act, however, * has been declared Bill Dykinan, a Southfield resident who is president unconstitutional by 53rd Circuit Court Judge Robert C. of the Council of Michigan Skin Divers, said many Livo in Cheboygan and is currently going through the divers do not travel to the Straits area because so little state appeals process. Probate Judge Richard E. is known about wrecks located on the bottomlands. He Meden, acting in the 89th District Court in Alpena, also indicated that only one of 10 divers from the metropol- declared the la(w unconstitutional. That decision was tan Detroit area have taken dives in the Straits, mainly reversed by the circuit court in Alpena. because they have little knowledge of some 20 wrecks Livo announbed his decision after a jury found Mark located beneath the water., .. 0 A. Massey, an Alpena salvage diver, guilty of receiving Dykman said the skin diving council will publish and and concealing artifacts stolen from the Great Lakes' handle the distribution of brochures for the area if the Massey had been charged with the theft of an afichof straits is designated as an underwater preserve. The believed taken from the schooner the Richard Winslow council would pay for the pamphlets and distribute which sank in the Straits in 1896. The area is located in them,throughout Midwest dive shops he said. the area which would be west of the preserve. About 16 of the 21 present endorsed the proposal to Dr. Charles Feltner, an at large member of the designate the Straits as a preserve. Most local Underwater Salvage Committee and engineer for Ford residents, however, expressed concern that there are Motor Co. in Dearborn, engineered the project and set inadequate local facilities to treat those divers who the boundaries for the preserve. A diver for six years, develop the bends-a disorder caused by too rapid Feltner said there are 20 wrecks in the area, one o( return from the high pressure, in deep water to the which, the Sandusky, is uncharted. Feltner found " pressure at the surface. Treatment requires a wreck of the Sandusky, but has not disclosed its recompression chamber, the nearest of which is location. located in Alpena, 79 milft away., Nielson said the process will include reviewing Cheboygan diver Richard Charboneau said, "One of comments made at Tuesday's hearing, as well as any. the local hospitals ought to start wort now to get a written comments received by May 6. The NRC will chamber and people who know how to run it...You're then become involved in the process of designating the creating an area of diving and tourists, and you're Straits as a preserve area, which ultimately ends with, going to have accidents." the governor and the secretary,of state. Charboneau asked Nielson what kind of funding Tbose who wish to comment on the underwater- might be available f6r the chamber to be placed at an preserve may write to the DNR, Department of Land area hospital. Natural Resources, P.O. Rox V.", TAnsi@g, Mich. ff zh, .4- ire moiftmir .1 IN 2f 4F. N., .6- Iwx 171 IV WL 3AVM3@d GNVIWOJ-LOS DVNDIOM .40 SMVHIS Page 1B The Algeria News 20 April 1983 Reveal plans for massive fish plantings A massive fish-planting program of brown and lake trout, steelhead, Chinook salmon and tiger muskelhunge is set this spring in Alpena, Alcona and Presque Isle counties. Stephen Swan, Department of Natural Resources district fisheries biologis at Gaylord, has announced the planting of 285,000 yearlings in various waters of Alpena County and 240,000 yearlings and fingerlings in Presque Isle County, while Alcona County is to get 450,000 yearlings and fingerlings. The DNR is planning th planting of an additional 500,000 newly hatched Chinook salmon at Rogers City, the proposed site to be Swan River. Another 44,550 yearlings and fingerlings are set for planting in Montmorency County's inland waters. In Alpena County,Swan says, the DNR plans the planting of 25,000 brown trout at Rockport; 70,000 lake trout off Middle Island; 100,000 brown trout in Thunder Bay; 70,000 lake trout off Scare Crow Island; and 20,000 steelhead in Thunder Bay River. In Presque Isle County, the DNR has targeted 1,000 rainbow trout yearlins for Ferdelman Lake; 15,000 tiger muskel fall fingerings for Grand Lake; 25,000 brown trout fall fingerlings, 70,000 lake trout yearlings for Lake Huron at Rogers City; 70,000 lake trout yearlings for Lake Huron at Hammond Bay; 10,000 steelhead yearlings for the Ocqueoc River; 3,000 rainbow trout yearlings for Shoepack Lake; and 1,000 brown trout yearlings for Trout Creek Pond. Another 500,000 newly-hatched Chinook salmon may be planted around May 1 at Rogers City and northern pike, raised in pike marshes operated by area lake associations, will be released in Presque Isle County's Grand Lake, Alpena County's Beaver Lake, and Long lake which lies in both countries. In Alcona County, the DNR is projecting the planting of 300,000 young Chinook salmon and 10,000 rainbows in the Harrisville Mill Pond, and 70,000 lake trout each for Lake Huron at Greenbush, Sturgeon Point and Black River Island. The Montmorency County plants include 9,300 yearling rainbow trout and 7,500 splake at Lake Avalon; 6,500 yearing rainbow trout at Clear Lake; 3,000 yearling brown trout at Lake 15; 1,500 northern pike fingerlings at Gaylanta Lake; 250 tiger muskellunge fingerlings at Little Wolfe Lake; 10,000 rainbow trout yearlings at Long Lake; 4,000 brown trout yearling at McCormick Lake; 1,500 yearling brook trout and 1,000 yearling rainbows at Sage Lake. The fish plantings in most cases are just part of an on-going program, Swan says, but the stocking of brown trout in Lake Huron is being significantly increase. "We've been in a state of flux with our plants," Swan says. "The brown trout plant is the most controversial. About 5 years ago we made big plants that significantly improved the fishing, but we couldn't maintain them. Now we're back to a level we're comfortable with and that should establish a good brown trout fishery in Thunder Bay." The survival rate of any planting of yearlings is about 50 percent, Swan says, "but that's a rough figure." Size of the fish maturity depends on the species, the smaller ones at 20 lbs. and the larger, 50 lbs. Record-holders in the state, Swan says, are 31-lb. brown, a 26-lb. steelhead, a 46-lb. Chinook, a 53-lb muskie and (this one set a very long time ago) a 53-lb. laker. Swan says the statewide planting is in operation right now and will continue until the end of May. The time to plant is largely determined by water temperature - the fish have to go in during the spring when water temperatures are down. With salmon, Swan says, instincts are the determining factor. The fish have to be planted before they get the urge to migrate. The decision on which fish go where is made by DNR biologists who study the habitat in each body of water. "Thunder Bay is shallow and rocky and great for brown trout. The deeper water is better for lake trout. For tiger muskies, we looked at the lake to see if it could hndle another predator fish." Swan says. Swan, who studies the Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay River indicate the habitat is good far walleye, is working with the Thunder Bay Watershed Council, the Seven-Mile Impoundment Association, and Steelheaders Association to establish walleye rearing ponds in the river. "We've got the site located the thing is designed and approved butwe don't have the money yet," Swan says. "These are toughtt times." Histonc status sought f.or Cheboygan's cn"b light By LINDA NORLOCK "We feel it has -historic value to _Mibune Staff Writer our community,- City manager already leaning light. CHEBOYGAN-While the U.S. William E. Chlopan said, "and at a The Coast Guard's alternatives to Caut Guard would like to remove time that we're asking everyone to the crib light include placing a the Cheboygan River crib light from come forward to renovate our Old lighted tower at the end of the its location in the Straits of Macki- RivertOwn, destroying a landmark fisherman's walkway which would nac, 0wboygan Mayor Ellis N. like the crib light would be a long direct boats to the mouth of the Olson has filed the necessary appli- step backwards in that effort.- river. cation to have the dummy light They've also suggested placing a considered as a historic site. Local residents met here with lighted and sounded buoy to guide Freeborn in February,' at which Inste'ad of destroying the 99-year- boats into the harbor. Olson said old marker, some members of time the captain said the structure high winds and storms can easily Cheboygan's City Council have will continue to list and could be move these buoys, which are as suggested that the Coast Guard destroyed, with debris coming to large as an automobile and two- build a rock "island" around three rest in the shipping channel. He said thirds submerged. sides of the crib light t@ halt the foundation is in an "advanced Although Freeborn believes it additional damage by wind and ice state of decay and failure." would cost M,000 to repair the crib pressure in the straits. The Coast Olson disagrees. "That's been light, Chlopan, Muschell and Olson Guard owns the crib light, which listing since I was a kid," he said. estimate it would cost $75,000 for the May be the only remaining free Olson also believes the structure is rock rip-rap procedure..nearly equal standing crib light in the upper far enough away from the shipping to the cost of demolishing the Great 'Lakes region. channeL--about 2,500 feet-that a structure. Captain D.H. Freeborn, chief of possible collapse would not hinder Muschell has also been involved in the Aids to Navigation branch of the shipping in or out of Cheboygan. a similar project in which the Round U S.' Coast Guard, informA-d the Councilman James Muschell, Island Light House was restored by 4.9wil by letter that the Coast local engineer, does not believe tne the Mackinaw Island Historical Coaard wants to remove the light. base of the criblight has deterio- Society. Muschell's firm-United ereetpurn said he was certain the ice rated. Muschell speculates that the Design Associates, Inc.---engineered forces on the substructure of the crib is a bottomless container, the plans to place rock rip-rap lightwould destroy it. placed under water and filled with around the island. 11be Coast Guard has suggested rocks. He said a concrete cap was Unlike the Round Island Light alternate plans for navigational probably then poured on the crib, House, the crib light has never been marking which Olson said are good. and the light structure built on top of manned 24 hours a day, hence Qie He believes, however, there is still a that. Muschell said the structure nickname of dummy light. Before need for the crib light to mark the. does not deteriorate under water. the light was electrified, Olson said Cairy to the Cheboygan River harbor Olson said the crib foundation is the harbor master traveled once And to indicate where the narrow made of reinforced concrete and daily to light the kerosene lantern shipping channel is located. The brick, and is under 10 feet of water. which lit the beacon and to clean the harbor marks the entry to the When ice and wind pushed against lenses. In times of heavy fog, 40-mile inland waterway to Conway, the crib light causing it to lean, however, Olson said it was not a water route frequented by boaters. Muschell said some of the rocks fell Larger ships with sophisticated out of the bottom of its crib. Because radar systems have no need for the of that, Muschell doubts that the crib unusual for a person to stay at the ,marker, Olson said, but small light could be straightened. crib light for several days at a time, Pleasure boat owners use the light to Instead, Muschell proposes that a making sure the lantern remained guide them. "We've had craft on the rock "island" be placed around the lighted. beach out here that have missed the crib light on three sides, leaving the fourth side in the direction which the channel," he said. The boats have According to Freeborn's letter, drifted into the' beach , area at light lists without the rock barrier: the crib's superstructure will be Gordon Turner Park. The Coast This process, building a rock examined early this spring and its Guard has 00 record of these rip-rap protective barrier, would condition will be compared to other beached boats, Olson said, because alleviate the pressure placed on the data the Coast Guard has collected. .they are often removed with crib light by winter's expanding ice Once that has been done, he said a Vreckers, Placed upon trailers and final decision on the crib light's fate then launched again, in safe waters. formations. Rocks are sloped wW be made. If the city is successful * ha , around the structure, with smaller "I'd like to see some proof that it's in ving rocks and filter material under- the light -mad as a state or federal moved," said Chlopan. "I don't I I historic landmark, Olson said no neath, topped with cover stones, thij* they're talking about anything federal money may be used to each weighing from the three to five in the immediate future." tons. When ice forms and pushes remove it. towards the light, the slope will force the ice to bend as it freezes. Those points where the ice bends are weaker, and the ice will crack there. 4i ALCONA COUNTY REVIEW April 5, 1983 New Sea Grant agent for area JOn Paul Peterson of East Natural Resources during He will have the primary Lansing has been appointed 1979-80 and a graduate assis- responsibility for developing the Michigan State University tant in the Department of management Programs for Cooperative Extension Ser- Resource Development at People interested in coastal vice Sea Grant agent fOr MSU during 1980-81. resources, especially sports northeast Michigan, effective and commercial fishing, char- March 14. He will work closely with ter boat and marina manage- Peterson received a bache- county Extension staff mem- ment, water quality for tour- lor's degree in environmental bers and residents in the Lake ism and recreational boating. science in 1977 and a master's Huron coastal counties of Bay, The Michigan Sea Grant degree in resource develop- Arenac, Iosco, Alcona, Al- College Program is a joint ment in 1982 from MSU. pena, Presque Isle and Che- effort between the University boygan to plan and conduct Peterson was an aide for educational programs. Peter- of Michigan and MSU. the Michigan Department of son will be based in Iosco 'Straits Bottomlan'd Preserve Museut-11 run erwater buffs By LANI WIEGAND determined to continue navigating." the 113-sq4are mile AJSer Great particularly since the DNR has few LANSING (UPI) - There won't Famous wrecks in the area lying LAkes Bottomland Preserve in LAke conservation offices available to be any evidence of buccaneers or between Mackinaw City and St. Superior. monitor diving. gold doubloons, but lovers of Ignace include the Eberward, an The three sites are the results of a Diving is generally self-policed by bfichigan's nautical history can soon 1888 propeller vessel which sunk 1980 law intended to protect sub- the charter boat operators working take A tour of the state's third un- west of the Mackinac Bridge after merged artifacts from unauthorized out of Cheboygan, Mackinaw City derwater "museum." hitting an ice floe in 1909. scavengers, a problem which * has and St. Ignace. The removal 0( The state, Natural Resources "This gives official recognition to intensified with the growing valued small items, such as coins, watches Commission is expected this week to those parts that are unique with a of antique items from sunken ships. and.ship hardware can easily'be endorse the Straits of Mackinac relatively large number of diveable And although the law was written concealed, however, and other Great Lakes Bottoinland Preserve, wrecks," Neilsen said. before the state's heavy in- artifacts like lanterns are not dif- a 148 square mile underwater park The newest of the ill-fated vessels volvement with travel promotion, ficult to take, Neilsen said. encompassing the area linking lakes docked for the final time up to 200 the availability of the underwater Michigan and Huron. feet below the rough surface of the preserves and their growing So far, two people have been Divers from across the country five-mile wide straits is the ship popularity among divers may be convicted of illegal scavenging. are already making the trip to see Cedarville. Built in 1927, the capitalized upon. Those cases are now befpre the the 19th and 20th century wrecks Cedarville sunk in 1965 after' The law was intended to give the Michigan Court ot Appeals. mired on the lake bottom. colliding with a Norwegian vessel. state more control over diving ex- I lbere already has been a great Michigan's shipwrecks are peditions. It is generally ill.egal to ' Officially, the new straits deal of interest," said Mogens generally not caches of valuable remove items from the wrecks, preser ve stretches on the south from Neilsen of the state Department of jewels or other precious materials. which technically belong to the Stony Point in Lake Huron to near Nattiral Resources' lands divisl "They're carrying everything StatA. on, Station Point Cabin in LAke estimating 20 to 25 shipwrecks lie at from corn to lumber to iron," Neilsen said historical and Michigan. The northern perimeters the bottom of the straits. Neilsen said. scientific expeditions are sometimes runfrom St. Helena Shoal Buoy near "There have been lots of ships that The Straits of Mackinac preserve given special permission to remoie to G'ros Cap in Lake Michigan and went down (in the straits). It's a will join the 288-square mile artifacts. include the western shoreline of rguTow area (and dangerous) ' if it Thunder Bay Great Lakes Bot- Neilsen said the effectiveness of Mackinac Island, Round Island and got fogbound and ships were tomland Preserve near Alnpnn PArl the law has not yet been proven, Bois Blanc Isle in Lake Huron. fo d Michigan gets a Mird underwafer 'museum NI WIEGAND bound and ships were deter- policed by the charter boat LZS"rNG (UPI) - There mined to continue operatoza ' working out of won't be any evidence of buc- navigating." Cheboygan, Mackinaw City cane-ers or gold doubloons Famouswrecks; Ithearea an,' St. Tgnace. The removal but lovers of Michiganl@l lying between MacidZw City of small items, such as coins, nautical history can soon. take and St. Ignace include the watches and ship hardware a tour of the state,s third Eberward, an 1388 propeller can easily be concealed, underwater "museum." vessel which sunk west of the however, and other artifacts The state Natural Mackinac Bridge after hit- like lanterns are not difficult Resources Commission this ting an ice floe;- 'Qm. to take, Neilsem said. week endorsed the Straits. of "This gives official So far, two people have Mackinac Great Lakes Bot- recognition to those parts been convicted of illegal tomland Preserve, a 14,8 .that are uniquu@ with a scavenging. Those cases are square mile underwater park relatively large number of now before the Michigan incompassing the area link- diveable wrecks," Neilsen . Court of Appeals. ing lakes Michigan and said. Officially, the new straits Huron. The newest of the ill-fated preserve stretches on the Divers from across the vessels docked for the final south from Stony Point in country are already making time up to 200 feetbelow the Lake Huron to near Station the trip to see the i9th and rough surface of the five-mile Point Cabin in Lake 20th century wrecks mired on wide straits is the ship Cedar- Michigan. The northern the lake bottom. ville. Built in 1927, the Cedar- perimeters run from St. "There already has been a ville sunk in 1965 after col- Helena Shoal Buoy near to great deal of interest," said liding with a Norwegian Gros Cap in Lake Michigan Mogens Neilsen of the state vessel. and include the western Department of Natural Michigan's shipwrecks are shoreline of Mackinac Island, Resources, lands division, generally not caches of Round Island and Bois Blanc estimating 2o to 25 ship. valuable jewels or o1her Isle in Lake Huron. wrecks he at the bottom of precious materials. the straits. I I T h e y'r e carrying "'Mere have been lots of everything from com to ships that went down (in the lumber to iron," Neilsen said. straits). It's a narrow area The Straits of Mackinac (and dangerous) if it got fog- preserve will join the 2W square mile Thunder Bay Great Lakes Bottomiand Preserve near Alpena and the 113-square mile Alger Great Lakes Botton-dand Preserve in Lake Superior. The three sites are the results of a 1980 law intended to protect submerged ar- tifacts from unauthorized scavengers, a problem which has intensified with the grow- ing valued of antique items from sunken ships. And although the law was written before the state's heavy involvement with travel promotion, the availability of the under- water preserves and their growing popularity among divers may be capitalized upon. The law was intended to tive the state more control over diving expeditions. it is generally illegal to remove items from the wrecks, which technically belong to the state. , Neilsen said historical and scientific expeditions are sometimes given special per- mission to remove artifacts. Neilsen said the effec- tiveness of the law has not yet been proven, particularly since the DNR has few. con- servation officei available to tfM@_tIb_Kj ..,Name seagrant. agent for northern' region Jon Paul Peterson, of East lansing, has been appointed the Michigan State University (MSU) Cooperative Extension Service Sea Grant agent for Northeast Michigan. Peterson will work closely with county extension staff members and residents in the Lake Huron coastal counties of Cheboygan, Bay, Arenac, losco, Alcona, Alpena and Presque Isle to plan and conduct educational programs. Peterson will be based in losco County. He will have the primary responsibility for developing management programs for people interested in coastal resourtm, especially sport and commercial fishing, charter boat and marina management, water quality for tourism and recreational boating. The Michigan Sea Grant College Program is a joint effort between the University of blichigan and MSU. The Marine Advisory Service of the Michigan Sea Grant CqUege Program is part of the MSU Cooperative Extension Service. Peterson received a bachelor's degree in environmental science in 1977 and a :master's degree in resource development irft9V from MSU. He was an aide for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources during 1979-80 and a graduate assistant in the Department of Resource Development at MSU during 19W41. 1PLK-ci, kuws Study feasibility:'00 building hotelarestourant at lakeshore By FAILTL RABITEAU State Waterways Commission, Robert The Development Concern, con- Munroe of the Downtown Development sultants to Alpena's Downtown Develop- Group, Darrell Miller of the Thunder ment Group, won't be asking the city Bay Steelbeaders, and John Porter of council for an exclusive lease option on the County Planning Commission. municipal waterfront property while Representatives of the city, while re- .U maining supportive of any effort to ttey study the feasibility of building a hotel-rektauratinnear Lake Huron. revitalize the central business district, They scrapped that plan after two expressed some concern over the prac- hours of discussion Tuesday afternoon ticality of locating the proposed com- with a dozen representatives of city plex near the small boat harbor. businessmen, fishermen, divers, and ci- Mayor Williarn Gilmet particularly ty and county government. opposed granting the lease option, but Instead, the developers and communi- said he would support a move to have ty spokesmen agreed to work together to the city put up some of the $10,000 local raise the $10,OW seed money needed to match for the feasibility study. obtain a $_rO,OOO federal match for the The mayor caged the waterfront "in- study. cidental to downtown." Developers Judson Allen and Nancy . "They (the hotel and other Planned Hendee explained that they wanted the Improvements) won't hurt business lease option as insurance in the event downtowh but I can't believe they'll that they would have to put up the save it," he said. $10,000 themselves to get the federal Gilmet and city councilman James match. Rau expressed doubt that the city pro- The proposed Wroom hotel and Perty around the small boat harbor was restaurant, if it's ever built, would be big enough to provide parking for in- the cornerstone of conimercial develop- creased traffic that would follow the ment in the vicinity of the small boat proposed hotel construction and addi- harbor, according to plans presented by tion of more docking spaces and launch developers. ramps. It's one of many options the planners In other related developments at the are pursuing in their effort to attract same meeting: boaters, fishermen, and other tourists - - Crow outlined plans for extendin and their money - to the downtown the breakwater at the harbor mouth to area by exploiting the natural attrac- Provide shelter for more docking, and tions of Thunder Bay and improving the suggested locating a maritime museum facilities at the harbor. near the harbor. None of the other interests - Porter reported on the progrers of represented at Tuesday's informal the movement to have Thunder Bay strategy ion - called by Allen to declared a National Marine Sanctuitry, identify community interests and coor- and informed the group of a recent study dinate activities aimed at raising money of the shoreline in Alpena County. for harbor improvements - objected to - Miller estimated that it would take the idea. docking for 200 more boats and six more Interested parties who spoke en- launching ramps to accommodate the -thusiastically about Allen's proposal in- volume of fishing activity the harbor cluded Commissioner A.B. Crow of the could draw. NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY 3 6668 141111942 2 - ` I