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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted July 28, 2004 Text © 2004 Michele Anderson, with information from Michigan Department of Natural Resources, courtesy Ron Yesney.

Keweenaw Point Advisory Committee: Recommendations approved at July 6 meeting

At the July 6 meeting the committee approved several recommendations on roads:

Using computer maps provided by DNR staff, Bill Deephouse, KPAC chair, points out a location on the Mandan Road during his presentation of road recommendations at the July 6 KPAC meeting in the Allouez Community Center. (Photo © 2004 Michele Anderson)

1. Mandan Road -- KPAC recommends obtaining legal easements (across private properties) on the entire portion of the Mandan Road accessing Tip property. Minimal maintenance and improvements would include some ditching and water runouts. A new bridge or arch culvert should be built over Schlatter Creek (where it crosses the Mandan) with improved approaches on both sides and ditching and drainage to protect the creek from sediment input.

2. High Rock Bay Road -- The committee approved obtaining a legal easement across a private parcel, keeping roads narrow with minimal upgrades and minimal maintenance and requiring signage at the High Rock-Mandan intersection. They also recommended improving approaches to two stream crossings, including ditching and directing road drainage away from Schlatter Creek, and constructing new crossings -- either timber bridges or large arch culverts. Water runoffs should be constructed to eliminate the larger puddles and mudholes along the road. A parking area should be constructed near High Rock Bay Point but 100 to 200 yards from Lake Superior. 

3. Schlatter Lake (West) Road -- The committee recommended eliminating a mudhole by improved drainage or a bridge/arch culvert. This will improve access to motorized primitive campsites along the west shore of the lake. Signs will also be required. 

4. Keystone Bay Road -- One recommendation is to eliminate a large mudhole by improved drainage, removing an old beaver dam or re-routing the road around the mudhole. A road leading into private land should be closed, and a new route to the beach on an old existing network of logging roads should be created. It should end at least 200-300 yards from the lake, with a parking lot to be constructed at the end of the road. Again, minimal maintenance and improvements are recommended for other portions of road, but the road should be kept narrow.

5. Hoar Lake Access Road -- Since the Hoar Lake Loop Road is entirely on IP land, no recommendations are needed for it. This road is in satisfactory shape as is. The access road to this lake is very short, but rutted and narrow, leading to an existing motorized primitive campsite. 

6. Fish Cove Road -- This is a spur off the Hoar Lake Loop Road. Minimal improvements are needed, with better drainage in several places. A parking lot should be constructed ¼ mile from Lake Superior. The existing trail should be blocked to prevent ATV use in this sensitive area.

7. All Other Existing Roads, Two-tracks, Old Logging Roads -- The committee recommended monitoring present uses. If overuse, abuse of the land, or habitat destruction occur, then gating or other types of closure will have to be used for control.

On the subject of enforcement, the committee discussed the the creation of a new Conservation Officer (CO) position primarily for Keweenaw County. However, Marty Nelson, DNR pointed out that Michigan's poor financial state makes it more likely that, rather than hiring a new employee, the DNR will give present COs overtime to add additional patrols.

The next KPAC meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, at the Mohawk School gymnasium, 3rd Street, in Mohawk. 

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Editor's notes: Anyone who wishes to contact KPAC or the DNR and express concerns or offer input, may do so by addressing written comments to: Keweenaw Point Committee, c/o MDNR, 1990 US 41 South, Marquette, MI 49855. Please include the date and your name, address and telephone number. Your e-mail address is optional. Response forms for this purpose are also available at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. Keweenaw Now is providing this Michigan Department of Natural Resources information as a public service.