A proposal is being considered by the Antrim County Board of Commissioners to "enhance" a primitive boat launch in the Antrim Creek Natural Area (ACNA). The scope of work would include destruction of the natural shore line by dredging, placement of concrete slabs into Lake Michigan and grading of the beach to facilitate water access for vehicles towing larger boats. The existing launch site has been utilized by small watercraft for more than 20 years.
At one mile and 156 acres, the ACNA is the largest expanse of undeveloped shore line left on Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay. The mission of the ACNA is "to manage the site as a natural area, to protect the diversity and fragile natural features found on the property and keep it accessible for recreational and educational use by the public." Swans, geese, ducks, heron, plover and other birds ply the shores of the ACNA. These birds as well as fish, reptiles, amphibians and shellfish would be negatively impacted by the proposed actions. Also, greater access for large recreational boats will disturb the serenity and sanctuary of ACNA as a whole. Both the Board of ACNA and Antrim County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board have voted NOT to support this proposal.
Wildlife everywhere, but especially in northern Michigan, is facing increasing pressure from human incursion into wild places. The proposed action is unnecessary and ill-advised on several levels, but most problematic to the plants and animals that were to be protected by the establishment of the ACNA.
To the Antrim County Board of Commissioners:
We the undersigned request that the proposal to alter the beach and shoreline at the boat launch area within Antrim Creek Natural Area (ACNA) be abandoned and that no future action is taken to improve or enhance vehicle or boat access to Lake Michigan within ACNA.
