UKE HURON BASIN
QA/ate/r(D/tientec(
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake Central Region Ann Arbor, Michigan
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w.
LAKE HURON BASIN
Michigan
prepared for:
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Great Lakes Region, Chicago, Illinois
by:
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Lake Central Region
Ann Arbor, Michigan
UNITED
S DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION
LAKE CENTRAL REGION
IN REPLY REFER TO: 3553 RESEARCH PARK DRIVE
D6427GL ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 43104
October 10. 1969
H. W. Poston, Regional Director
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Great Lakes Region
33 East Congress Parkway
Chicago, Illinois 60605
Dear Mr. Poston:
Enclosed is our report on the outdoor recreational aspects of the Lake Huron
Basin. This report has been prepared under basic authorization contained in
Public Law 88-29, 88th Congress, enacted May 28, 1963, and in response to
your request for our participation in the Great Lakes -Illinois River Basins
Project.
The Lake Huron Basin supports considerable outdoor recreational use at the
present time and possesses sufficient resources to meet many of the future
demands for recreational use in the basin if proper planning and development
of outdoor recreational facilities are provided. A number of environmental
problems do exist in the basin, however. These have the effect of impairing
existing outdoor recreational activity and limiting additional recreation use.
This report discusses the effects which industrial and municipal pollutants
have had on outdoor recreation activity. In one instance, it was determined
that the presence of pollutants at a single southern Michigan beach has resulted
in a loss of nearly 20,000 swimming occasions annually. Adequate information
was not available to assess the loss of swimming participation for the entire
basin as a result of low water quality. Similarly, it is impossible to measure
the loss of participant satisfaction and enjoyment that occurs in water-enhanced
activities, as well as in other water-dependent activities, as a result of water
quality impairment.
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The presence of considerable algal growths in lakes and streams in portions
of the lower basin, the existence of industrial air pollutants near a number
of cities, and attendant natural gas vapors associated with oil wells found at
several locations inland from Saginaw Bay are all problems affecting the
basin's environmental quality. In addition, the large numbers of cottages
and seasonal homes utilizing septic tank systems along the shorelines of
inland lakes and streams and Lake Huron itself are contaminating the basin's
waters to an unknown degree. In many cases, these structures are extremely
close to each other and to the water's edge and are impairing the esthetic
quality of lake and stream shorelines. They also limit the development of
additional public access sites.
Despite these environmental problems, there are indications that some progress
is being made. The recent passage of Federal and State water pollution legis-
lation and the establishment of interstate and intrastate water quality standards
have laid a foundation for increased control over water pollution. Indicative of
some progress in the control of water pollution has been the upgrading of some
basin municipal and industrial waste treatment systems. It is still evident
that much can be done to improve not only the quality of waters, but the entire
environmental landscape of the basin so that a greater degree of leisure time
enjoyment can be gained by the outdoor recreating public.
We have appreciated the opportunity to participate in this study, and it is our
hope that the findings presented in this report will aid in attaining the highest
possible water quality for outdoor recreational use and esthetic appreciation.
Sincerely yours,
/^7,7«W "•
Roman H. Koenings
Regional Director
(J~«/--l
/I
Enclosure
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Foreword
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Syllabus
The United States portion of the Lake Huron Basin lies entirely within the heart of
Michigan and comprises 9,100 square miles of water surface and 16,371 square
miles of drainage basin land. A moderate climate, 208,000 acres of inland lakes,
an 8,800-mile tributary system, and five million acres of forested land all contri-
bute to creating a desirable recreational resource base. The basin is sparsely
populated with 1. 2 million people. The people are mobile, most have a high school
education, and their income is generally below regional averages. Manufacturing
employs the largest number of workers, followed by services, trade and sales, gov-
ernments, and agriculture in that order.
Heavy demands are being placed on recreation resources, particularly in the south-
ern more densely populated portion of the basin. Heavy vacation and nonresident
pressures are evident in the northern subbasins. The current annual recreation
demand is estimated at nearly 22 million recreation days. By the year 2000 this
amount will more than triple, and by 2020 a five-fold increase is anticipated. Ap-
proximately two-fifths of the present demand can be attributed to vacation use.
There are 2. 5 million acres of land and water in public ownership, of which 14, 000
acres are intensively developed for outdoor recreation activities. These public
lands are distributed among 257 individual recreation areas with 78 percent pro-
viding water-dependent facilities. Discrepancies between supply and demand are
most evident in the southern subbasins. Presently there is a need for an additional
17,000 developed acres. Projected requirements for developed recreation lands in
the year 2020 are estimated to be nearly 150,000 acres. Large unmet demands for
water-oriented facilities emphasize the importance of protecting recreational waters
from incompatible uses.
VI
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A significant threat to the basin's ability to satisfy future recreation demands is the
unregulated proliferation of seasonal and rural residences. A small number of such
homes can consume disproportionately large acreages of valuable recreation lands.
Existing trends exhibit an increasing demand for this type of development.
Municipal sanitary wastes, industrial processing effluents, and septic tank drains
have polluted many of the basin's lakes, rivers, and portions of Lake Huron. Agri-
cultural runoff carrying soils and nutrients has seriously affected aquatic environ-
ments and created an esthetically undesirable situation. Every major city and many
of the smaller towns and villages in the basin suffer from water quality problems.
A single beach located on a 200-acre reservoir in Flint, closed to the public several
years ago as a result of inefficient septic systems, results in an annual loss of
nearly 20,000 swimming occasions.
Other environment problems are also apparent. The inadequate provision for neces-
sary recreation lands near basin cities, air pollution, an increasing competition for
land and water resources among outdoor recreation activities, the destruction of de-
sirable wildlife habitat, and an increasing loss of valuable hunting and fishing lands
to private interest groups are some of the more notable examples. These situations
could have been avoided and in many instances .can be corrected if the basin's re-
sources are managed and developed in a manner cognizant of man's total relationship
to his environment.
The Federal Water Quality Act of 1965, Clean Water Restoration Act of 1966, and
the Michigan Water Resources Commission Act of 1965 as amended in 1966 provide
some of the necessary governmental tools which, when enforced, should abate water
pollution problems in the Lake Huron Basin. Public" interest and support are needed
to encourage the application of necessary enforcement measures which will insure
the solving of all types of environmental problems.
VII
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Contents
P;it-c
FOREWORD v
SYLLABUS vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS viii
Index of Tables x
Index of Plates xii
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION 1-1
Authorization 1-1
Purpose 1-1
Scope 1-2
Background 1-2
Definitions 1-3
Acknowledgements 1-5
Chapter 2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION 2-1
Physical 2-1
Location 2-1
Climate 2-1
The Land 2-4
The Water 2-7
Land Use 2-9
Socio-Economic Factors 2-13
Basin Development 2-13
Present Economic Foundation 2-13
Population 2-14
Income 2-14
Leisure Time 2-17
Mobility 2-17
Other Demographic Characteristics 2-19
Vacationing Population 2-22
Chapter 3. DEMAND 3-1
Recreation Market Area 3-1
Methodology 3-1
Influencing Factors 3-2
Socio-Economic 3-2
Opportunity 3-2
Quality of Facilities 3-2
Present Demand 3-2
Future Demand 3-3
Zone Demand 3-5
Chapter 4. SUPPLY 4-1
Present Recreation Facilities 4-1
Public 4-1
Private 4-1
Recreation Facilities by Zone 4-7
Recreation Activities 4-11
Water-Dependent Activities 4-11
Water-Enhanced Activities 4-17
Winter Sports 4-29
VIII
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Proposed and Potential Recreation Areas 4-32
Public 4-32
Projected Private Developments 4-34
Chapter 5. NEEDS 5-1
General 5-1
Present Needs 5-1
Future Needs 5-3
Chapters. WATER QUALITY INFLUENCES . 6-1
General 6-1
Basin Water Quality 6-1
Sources of Pollution 6-1
Effects of Water Quality on Recreation 6-3
Swimming 6-3
Hunting and Fishing 6-3
Boating 6-4
Water Enhanced Activities 6-4
Water Quality Parameters 6-4
Representative Case Studies 6-6
Flint 6-6
Saginaw 6-7
Bay City 6-8
Alpena 6-8
Harbor Beach 6-9
Small Lakes in the Southern Shiawassee River Basin,
Genesee County 6-10
Water Quality Impairment 6-11
Present Abatement Programs 6-13
Chapter 7. OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN 7-1
Appraisal of Recreation Potentials 7-1
Supplemental Consideration 7-3
Location of Recreation Facilities 7-3
Resource Aptitude 7-3
Permanent and Seasonal Home Development 7-3
Wild Land Trends • 7-4
Zoning Considerations 7-5
Air Pollution 7-6
Problems Confronting Private Recreation Enterprises 7-7
Limitation of International Boundary 7-9
Action Programs 7-9
Federal 7-9
State 7-12
Chapter 8. CONCLUSIONS 8-1
Chapter 9. RECOMMENDATIONS 9-1
Appendix A. SUPPLY DATA . A-l
Appendix B. METHODOLOGY B-l
Appendix C. INVENTORY OF EXISTING RECREATION AREAS C-l
Appendix D. BIBLIOGRAPHY D-l
IX
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Tables
Table Page
2-1 Mean Maximum and Minimum Temperatures for
Selected Months 2-2
2-2 Summer Precipitation Record for Three Weather
Stations 2-2
2-3 Land use in the Lake Huron Basin - 1958 2-11
2-4 Present and Projected Population 2-16
2-5 Comparison of Nation-Basin Automobiles Per Capita
(1960) 2-19
2-6 Present and Future Urban-Rural Relationship 2-20
2-7 Present and Future Age Distribution 2-23
2-8 Comparison of U. S. - Basin Levels of Educational
Attainment-1960 2-23
3-1 Summary of Water-Oriented Recreation Demand, 1960 3-3
3-2 Projected Summer Outdoor Recreation Demand 3-5
3-3 Summary of Zone Demands, 1960 3-6
.4-1 Number of Seasonal Homes by Zone 4-11
4-2 Comparison of Visitation Statistics, 1963 4-12
5-1 Requirements for Developed Recreation Acreage, 1960 5-2
5-2 Additional Needed Developed Acreage and Facilities, 1960 5-3
5-3 Future Requirements for Developed Recreation Acreage 5-4
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Table Page
6-1 Contaminants and Effects 6-5
6-2 Attendance Trends of Bay City State Park and the
Michigan State Park System 1961-1966 6-8
6-3 Bacteriological Data for Harbor Beach 6-10
A-l Supply Summary A-3
A-2 Private Group Camps A-4
A-3 Private Campgrounds A-4
A-4 Ski Facilities A-5
A-5 Private Shooting Preserves A-6
A-6 Seasonal Homes in Lake Huron Basin A-7
A-7 Potential and Proposed Recreation Land Acquisition A-8
A-8 Trails by County A-9
A-9 Tributary Streams A-10
A-10 Inland Lakes-County Acreage in Basin A-ll
B-l Demand for Selected Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreational
Activities (Day and Overnight or Weekend Sectors) B-5
B-2 Demand for Selected Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreational
Activities (Vacation Sector) B-6
B-3 Expected Summer Participation in Selected Water-Oriented
Activities in 2000 and 2020 B-7
B-4 Existing Developed Acreages B-8
XI
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Illustrations
Plate Page
2-1 Reference Map 1-8
2-2 Michigan Shoreline Recreation Climate 2-3
2-3 Forest Types 2-5
2-4 Elks 2-6
2-5 Lowering of Lake Level Discourages Use of Beach 2-7
2-6 Lake Shore Classification 2-8
2-7 Drainage Map 2-10
2-8 Population Distribution by County 2-15
2-9 Comparison of Land Area and Population by Zone 2-16
2-10 Interstate Highway System 2-18
2-11 Present and Future Distribution of Occupation Groups 2-21
3-1 Demand for Selected Water-Oriented Activities 3-4
3-2 Demand for Winter Activities 3-5
4-1 Existing Federal and State Recreational Areas 4-2
4-2 Existing Local Recreation Areas 4-3
4-3 Existing Private Group Camps 4-4
4-4 Existing Private Campgrounds 4-5
4-5 Private Residence on Lakeshore 4-10
4-6 Beach in Vicinity of Tawas City 4-12
4-7 Canoe Stream 4-15
4-8 Sailing on Lake Huron 4-15
4-9 Fishing 4-16
4-10 Perch Fishing 4-17
XII
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4-11 Water Access Sites and Harbors of Refuge 4-18
4-12 Picnicking 4-19
4-13 Camping Scene 4-20
4-14 Camping Scene 4-20
4-15 Mackinac Island Historic Sites 4-21
4-16 Sightseers Attracted by Waterfalls 4-21
4-17 Kirtlands Warbler 4-22
4-18 Nature Talk 4-23
4-19 Trails for Recreational Activities 4-24
4-20 Deer Hunting 4-26
4-21 Existing Canoe Trails and Riding-Hiking Trails 4-27
4-22 Duck Hunting 4-28
4-23 Skiing 4-29
4-24 Existing Ski Facilities 4-30
4-25 Snowmobiling 4-31
4-26 Private Vacation Homes 4-34
6-1 Undeveloped Beach Area 6-7
6-2 A Sign Seen Often in Lake Huron Basin 6-8
6-3 Alpena Beach 6-9
6-4 Alpena Beach 6-9
6-5 County Drain into Lake Fenton 6-10
6-6 Water Quality Impairment Map 6-12
6-7 Clean Water and Recreation 6-14
B-l Market Area Demand Flowchart B-2
XIII
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Chapter 1
Introduction
AUTHORIZATION
"Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreation in the Lake Huron Basin" was prepared by the
Lake Central Region, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Department of the Interior, at
the request of Mr. William Q. Kehr, Project Director, Great Lakes-Illinois River
Basins Project, Great Lakes Region, Federal Water Pollution Control Administra-
tion* Department of the Interior, by letter of July 15, 1963. The Bureau of Outdoor
Recreation made the study under basic authorization contained in Public Law 88-29,
88th Congress, enacted May 28, 1963.
PURPOSE
This report serves as an appendix to the Lake Huron portion of the Great Lakes-
Illinois River Basins Comprehensive Study conducted by the Federal Water Pollu-
tion Control Administration. The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation's contribution to
this comprehensive project is to plan and coordinate in the development and use of
the United States portion of the basin's natural resources in such a fashion that the
quantity and quality of outdoor recreation can be optimized. More specifically, the
purposes of this study are to; (1) inventory existing recreation resources in the
basin, (2) identify proposed and potential recreation areas, (3) determine use press-
ures on existing facilities and the demand for additional developments, (4) discuss
water quality influences on present and future outdoor recreation use, (5) establish
objectives for meeting outdoor recreation needs within the basin, and (6) recom-
mend action and/or programs to increase present and future resource capabilities
for satisfying recreation requirements. The accomplishment of these objectives
will emphasize deficiencies in available recreation opportunities and will provide a
framework for the development and improvement of the basin's recreation resources.
* Formerly the Public Health Service, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
1-1
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SCOPE
This report considers only water-oriented outdoor recreation within the United States
portion of the Lake Huron Basin. For reporting purposes, the following river basins
were grouped into three zones:
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3
St. Marys Tittabawassee Saginaw
Cheboygan Shiawassee Saginaw Bay Tributary
Thunder Bay Flint
Au Sable Cass
Small streams tributary to Lake Huron north of losco County have been included in
Zone 1. A reference map delineating the study area is on Plate 2-1.
The inventory of recreation facilities is based on information contained in the Mich-
igan State recreation plan and on data compiled for the Nationwide Plan being prepar-
ed by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. Emphasis has been placed on public beaches,
large marinas, campgrounds, ski resorts, trails, group camps, and other popular
recreation facilities. Although hunting and fishing are considered as activities in this
report, the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife is preparing a report specifically
concerned with water quality and its effect on fish and wildlife in the Lake Huron
Basin. No evaluation was made of children's playgrounds, amusement parks, and
city parks that do not provide facilities for water-oriented recreation.
Projected use is estimated by considering existing, proposed, and potential area
developments and their capacity to satisfy a projected demand. Certain areas where
low water quality has had significant impact in limiting recreation use are discussed.
After the recreation resource needs of the basin have been determined, objectives
are formulated, and action mechanisms to implement the objectives are suggested.
The views of cooperating agencies have been considered in recommending programs
or actions to be taken to improve the basin's water recreation opportunities.
BACKGROUND
In late I960, after authorization by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Section
2(a), Public Law 86-660, the Great Lakes-Illinois River Basins Project was initiated
by the Public Health Service. There are three points in the act pertinent to this study:
(1) a comprehensive water control program should be developed; (2) it is recognized
that the primary responsibility for water pollution control rests with the states and
directs that the comprehensive studies be carried out in cooperation with the states
1-2
GPO 915—303—2
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and other agencies, both the federal and local; and (3) in the development of such
comprehensive programs;, due regard shall.be given to the improvements necessary
to conserve such waters for all uses, including recreation.
Early in 1962 the National Park Service was invited to participate as a cooperating
agency in the comprehensive study. It initiated the study on the Illinois River Basin.
During the latter part of 1962, its responsibility for the project was transferred to
the newly formed Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. The Illinois River Basin study was
then completed by the Bureau's Northeast Regional Office located in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Due to regional boundary adjustments, responsibility for the remain-
ing portion of the GLIRB project was transferred to the Lake Central Regional Office,
Ann Arbor, Michigan. Subsequent studies were completed for the Lake Michigan
Basin in October 1965, the Lake Erie Basin in August 1966, and the Lake Ontario
Basin in April 1967.
DEFINITIONS
In this report the following definitions are applied to outdoor recreation terminology:
ACTIVITY OCCASION - The participation by one person in one outdoor recreational
activity during all or any part of one day. Thus, one person participating in sev-
eral activities during a day could account for several activity occasions.
COLIFORM COUNTS -An estimate of the most probable number (MPN) of Coli organ-
isms per 100 milliters. Used as an indication of bacteriological contamination.
DAY-USE ZONE - Within a 40-mile radius of the central city of an SMSA.
EFFECTIVE POPULATION - That portion of the total population of the recreation
market area which would seek recreation opportunity in the basin.
IMPROVED WATER QUALITY - Water which has been recovered through pollution
prevention and abatement measures to the point where its chemical and physical
characteristics and esthetic appearance are pleasing to the senses of sight, smell,
taste, and feel. In addition, such waters must also have been improved bacteri-
ologically to a condition that permits them to meet criteria for whole body contact
water recreational activities.
LATENT DEMAND - That recreation demand which is inherent in the population but
not reflected in the use of existing facilities; additional participation which could
be expected to occur if adequate facilities are made available.
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LOW WATER DATUM-A plane of reference to which design dredged depths and the
depths recorded in charts and navigational aids are usually related. The actual
levels of the lake surface may be higher or lower than the LWD plane.
OUTDOOR RECREATION - Leisure time activities which utilize outdoor recreation
resources and facilities (52)*.
OUTDOOR RECREATION RESOURCES - Land and water resources capable of pro-
viding outdoor recreation opportunity (52).
PARTICIPATION RATE -The number of occasions within a given time during which
individuals participate in the various outdoor recreational activities as set forth
in the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission (ORRRC) Study Report.
No. 19.
RECREATION DAY - A visit by one individual to a recreation development or area
for recreational purposes during a reasonable portion or all of a 24-hour period.
It is assumed that the average person participates in 2.5 activities during an
average visit to a recreational area. Therefore, 2.5 activity occasions equal one
recreation day.
RECREATION DEMAND - The expression of people's interest in outdoor recreation
opportunities.
RECREATION FACILITIES- Developed structures or conveniences for specific out-
door recreation activities in a designated area (52).
RECREATION MARKET AREA -The zone of projected influence from which 80 per-
cent or more of the people are drawn on one-day outings and/or weekend (over-
night) trips (58).
RECREATION NEEDS - The difference between demand and supply expressed in
terms of resource requirements.
RECREATION RESOURCE AREAS-Those geographic areas having favorable physi-
cal features and land use patterns to accommodate extensive recreation develop-
ment and use (52).
RECREATION SUPPLY - The resources and facilities capable of providing outdoor
recreation opportunities.
* Number in parentheses refers to Bibliography in Appendix D.
1-4
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RESIDENT POPULATION - That population residing within a prescribed geographic
area.
RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS - Acres of land and water required to satisfy the rec-
reation needs of the population affecting the study area.
STANDARD METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA (SMSA) - A county or group of
contiguous counties which contain at least one city of 50,000 inhabitants or more
or "twin cities" with a combined population of at least 50, 000. In addition to the
county (or counties) containing such a city (or cities), contiguous counties are in-
cluded in an SMSA if, according to certain criteria, they are essentially metro-
politan in character and are socially and economically integrated with the central
city (46). For a more detailed description, refer to the definition reported in
U. S. Bureau of the Census publications.
VACATION FARM - A private farm where urbanites may spend a vacation in a rur-
al setting. Income derived from vacationers must supplement farm earnings.
VACATION-USE ZONE - Areas beyond the weekend-use zone (125 miles).
WATER-DEPENDENT ACTIVITY - A recreational activity which could not be car-
ried out without the use of a body of water, water being the essential element to
conduct the activity.
WATER -ENHANCED ACTIVITY - A recreational activity which is enhanced by the
presence of a body of water but which can be carried out in the absence of water.
WATER-ORIENT ED ACTIVITY - An all-inclusive term embracing water-dependent,
water-enhanced, and any other outdoor recreation activities in which water aug-
ments the recreation experience.
WATER POLLUTION - The addition of any material or any change in quality or
character of a body of water which interferes with, lessens, or destroys a desired
use.
WEEKEND-USE ZONE - The area between two circles with 40-mile and 125-mile
radii having a common center point with day-use zone.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Lake Central Regional Office has worked closely with federal, state, and local
agencies in the preparation of this report. The compilation of information, statis-
1-5
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tical data, etc. would not have been possible without the full cooperation of gov-
ernmental agencies, universities, quasi-public organizations, and private groups.
Special thanks are extended to all those who loaned' photographs whether or not
they appeared in the final report. Although many people with agencies and organi-
zations named below gave willingly of their time to answer questions and to pro-
vide information required for this report, they are too numerous to acknowledge
individually; but their efforts are gratefully appreciated.
FEDERAL
U. S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Soil Conservation Service
U. S. Department of the Army
Corps of Engineers
U. S. Department of Commerce
Weather Bureau
U. S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Commercial Fisheries
Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
STATE
Department of Natural Resources
Water Resource Commission
Recreation Resource Planning Division
Michigan Tourist Council
Parks Division
Department of Commerce
Office of Economic Expansion
LOCAL
Genesee County Planning Commission
City of Flint
Recreation and Park Board
Department of Public Works
Metropolitan Planning Commission
City of Saginaw
Department of Parks and Recreation
City of Midland
Department of Parks and Recreation
City of Alpena
Department of Parks and Recreation
City of Cheboygan
Recreation Department
1-6
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PRIVATE
Blintz Fruit Farm
Boyne Mountain
Dow Chemical Company
Flint Journal
Leonard Refineries, Inc.
Otsego Ski Club
The Bay City Times
The Ponemah-Squaw-Tupper Lakes Improvement Association
Thunder Mountain
1-7
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REFERENCE MAP
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 2-1
,. btsego| sf ! Alpena
11. ZONE*!
j ; Montmorency
it—
Osceola
i - /«*%;:,. zc
Roscommon | '••««
.J_^XL.._J_..V,—•
U Arenac
' jjfi / J.V-, j-<~f^
r \
^ - Isabella.] ';-x \
Mecosta) I MIDLAND
( \ \ --***
[ \! Midlandj '%
! x !
j_Mpntcalm 0 ^
~~| jGra^bi
«=r
\{
I ^^
ohiawasseei FLINTj
i Lapeer Saint
1 :
•N-
DETROIT AND
SUBURBS
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Chapter 2
General Description
PHYSICAL
Location. The United States portion of the Lake Huron Basin lies entirely within the
state of Michigan and comprises 9,100 square miles of water surface and 16,371
square miles of drainage basin land (61). Two-thirds of the eastern half of Michigan
and a small section of the Upper Peninsula drain into Lake Huron. The basin has
been divided into three zones which are portrayed on Plate 2-1. A description of
the location and extent of these zones follows:
Zone I encompasses the northeastern portion of lower Michigan and the southeast-
ern tip of the Upper Peninsula. The Cheboygan, Thunder Bay, Au Sable, Saint Marys,
Carp, Pine, Munuscong, and Ocqueoc River Basins comprise 7,033 square miles (59).
Zone 2 is located in south central Michigan and contains the Tittabawassee, Shia-
wassee, Flint, and Cass River Basins. This land-locked area of 6,082 square miles
has no rivers which drain directly into Lake Huron (61).
Zone 3 borders Saginaw Bay and includes the periphery of Michigan's agricultural
"thumb". With the exception of the Saginaw River, the basins of this zone are
drained primarily by small streams and rivers flowing directly into Lake Huron.
The zone's total area is 3,256 square miles.
Climate. The climate of the Lake Huron Basin is a Humid Continental-Micro-
thermal type*. Prevailing westerly winds passing over adjacent Lake Michigan
have a modifying effect on the Lake Huron Basin resulting in summer and winter
temperatures that are more moderate than those experienced by states directly to
the west of Lake Michigan. Table 2-1 lists the basin's mean maximum and minumum
temperatures for summer and winter months. Winter temperatures are excellent
for recreation activities requiring cold but mild conditions. Moderate summer
temperatures in the northern portion of the basin tend to restrict water contact
sports; however, they attract many recreationists seeking relief from the warm,
humid clinrrte to the south.
* Koppen Climate Classification System.
2-1
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Table 2-1
MEAN MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES
FOR SELECTED MONTHS
Lake Huron Basin
Months Maximum Minimum
June 74 52
July 80 58
August 78 57
December 32 19
January 28 14
February 30 15
Source: (64),
Precipitation averages 30 inches per year and is distributed over 146 days; the
summer months account for 30 of these days. Average annual snowfall in the winter
months ranges from 40 inches in the southern portion of the basin to 100 inches in
the Sault Ste. .Marie area (33). (See Plate 2-2.) Normally summer precipitation
hinders outdoor recreation activity, but it should not be assumed that 30 summer
days are lost because of rainfall. To qualify as a precipitation day only . 01 inch
precipitation is required. Rain totaling . 02 inch could fall for a two-hour period
beginning at 11 p.m. and thereby qualify as two precipitation days. The detrimen-
tal effect of this rainfall upon recreation would be negligible. To illustrate this
point, precipitation records for 1963 and 1965 from the Alpena, Flint, and Sebewa-
ing weather are averaged and presented in Table 2-2.
Table 2-2
SUMMER PRECIPITATION RECORD FOR THREE WEATHER STATIONS
Lake Huron Basin 1963 and 1965
In recreation
season*
92
2,208
Precipitation
Occurred
25
96
Percent
Precipitation
Occurred during
recreation season
27.2
4.3
Number of Days
Number of Hours
Source: (50)
* Recreation season implies June, July, and August.
2-2
-------
WATER AND AIR TEMPERATURES
•
i
\
•x
o
O '
m^
/
O
1
^s
<
9
/
\
)
•
o
•
}
0 (
1
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
10
20 30 40 90 60
TEMPERATURE (F°)
LEGEND
TEMPERATURES
o Water Surface
(mean monthly)
• Air (mean daily)
PHYSICAL FACTORS
(No bar equals 0 or trace)
P - All precipitation types
S - Snow
F - Fog
G - Wind over 30 mph
W - Waves over 1 ft
Source: (35)
MICHIGAN SHORELINE
RECREATION CLIMATE
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 2-2
LIMITING PHYSICAL FACTORS
70 80
aentuaj c
W
B
G
W
6
8
W
W
W
W
W
«
1
W
B
1
g
i
'
_ '
"•"
' " ' :
-
^~
_^^__
—
__
_____
__
— —
_____
—
==
^^^
— '
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
4 6 8 10 IZ
MEAN'NUMBER OF DAYS
2-3
-------
Approximately 50 percent of the summer precipitation occurred between 8 p. m.
and 8 a. m. The 50 percent (or 48 hours of precipitation) occurring between 8 a. m.
and 8 p.m. is distributed over 1,104 hours (50). This means only 4.3 percent of
the summer recreation season is directly affected by precipitation. Therefore,
precipitation effects upon outdoor recreation are of small consequence.
The number of days which dense fog occurs annually ranges from 10 days in the
vicinity of Port Huron to 20 days in the Mackinac Straits area. This is generally
morning fog which burns off shortly after sunup. Winds average from 8 to 10 miles
per hour with the greatest velocities occurring along the Lake Huron Shoreline (33).
The western Lake Huron shoreline is shielded from the prevailing southwesterly
winds by the land mass. This sheltering effect permits greater participation in
water-dependent activities along the shoreline.
The Land.
Geology. Like all of the Great Lakes Basins, the Lake Huron Basin is the result
of Pleistocene glaciation which shaped its present topography. Physiographically,
it is classified as part of the Central Lowlands exemplified by the rather flat ter-
rain of the "thumb" area of Zone 3. In the northwestern portion of the basin, an
exception to this general condition occurs where hilly, sandy, morainal uplands
predominate.
Flora and Fauna. There are four forest types in the basin and each consists of two
or more tree species. Listed below are forest types by zone. (See Plate 2-3.)
Zone 1
1. Birch, Beech, Maple, and Hemlock
2. Spruce and Fir
3. Jack, Red, and White Pine
Zone 2
1. Oak and Hickory
2. Birch, Beech, Maple, and Hemlock
Zone 3
1. Oak and Hickory
2. Birch, Beech, Maple, and Hemlock
Much of the area originally covered with deciduous trees is presently used for
agricultural purposes. Those lands with coniferous species were once cut over to
facilitate farming but have since reverted to a forested vegetative cover.
2-4
-------
FOREST TYPES
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 2-3
LEGEND
Spruce & fir
Oak & hickory
Jack, red, ££?
& white pine
pjl:::| Birch, beech, maple
& hemlock
-N-
Source: (12)
-------
Plate 2-4
The majestic elk was successfully reintroduced into the basin and is
an attraction to tourists and nature observers in addition to pro-
viding restricted hunting. Photo by Mich. Dept. of Conservation.
The basin has a wide variety of wildlife including several species of songbirds, up-
land game birds, waterfowl, turkey, furbearers, and three big game animals (white
tailed deer, elk, and black bear) (21). As a form of recreation, hunting is one of the
major uses of wildlife in the basin; however, non-consumptive uses, i.e., photog-
raphy and wildlife observation, are engaged in by thousands of basin residents and
visitors. The basin's inland lakes, rivers, and streams support a wide range of
fish species. Commonly found are walleye, yellow perch, bulegill, northern pike,
trout, bass, and muskellunge (21).
Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay provides excellent habitat for thousands of ducks and
geese and offers hunting and fishing opportunities accessible to the sportsmen of
southeastern Michigan. A more intensive treatment of the basin's fish and wildlife
composition can be found in the U. S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife report
concerning water quality and its effect on fish and wildlife in the Lake Huron Basin.
2-6
-------
Plate 2-5
The Water.
The lowering of lake levels has exposed this rock strewn
sediment based wet beach which discourages use of the
entire beach area. Photo by Bureau of Outdoor Recrea-
tion.
Lake Huron. Lake Huron is the second largest of the Great Lakes and its water
surface is 23, 000 square miles (42). Its surface is 579 feet above mean sea level.
Maximum recorded depth is 752 feet; the average depth is 208 feet (43). Lake
Huron has more islands than any other inland lake in the world and contains Canada's
Manitoulin Island which is reputed to be the world's largest fresh water island (14).
Fluctuations in water levels are attributable to three principal causes: precipita-
tion and evaporation, seiches, and lunar tides. Seiches and lunar tides are respon-
sible for short-term fluctuations, whereas variances in precipitation and evapora-
tion occur over a longer time interval. Seiches do not prevail on Lake Huron to the
extent or amplitude found in relatively shallow Lake Erie. The lunar tides cause
1 1/2 to 3 inches of variation in the lake level, considerably less than the water
displacement caused by seiches. Both seiches and lunar tides are insignificant
from a recreational standpoint on Lake Huron.
2-7
-------
*&J>
^s
LAKE SHORE CLASSIFICATION
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 2-6
\r
X
5~V
\r\
fe-v^i
^
o»
^
<
"^ "
fe,^
X
/r
1
i-n
I
~P
^3- ,f
/
r'~^
I/L,
-p.-
1
f
LEG-END
r~
r " i_..
">»
o
I/ 1^
-4--iw
J.--X-L--
^ Marsh
Rock
tj 1 <
\ f^^U
\^r' | pi
../
/
Note: Information not available for
upper peninsula shoreline.
-N-
-------
Season fluctuations in Lake Huron water levels averaged 1.17 feet annually dur-
ing the ten-year period, 1957-66 (44). The low period normally falls in the winter
months, December-February, while the high water period occurs during May-July.
Long term fluctuations resulting in high or low water cycles are caused by varia-
tions in precipitation over extended periods of time. These fluctuations have a
pronounced effect on recreational use of the lake. The lake is presently recovering
from the low cycle of 1964 and 1965 when water levels fell below Low Water Datum.
During low periods marinas and other boating facilities are often inoperable be-
cause water levels are too low to permit boat traffic. During 1952-53 extremely
high levels were reached and many recreation facilities, especially those on private
lands, were extensively damaged. A study by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
on the effects of Great Lakes water level fluctuation on recreation is currently
under way.
The Shoreline. The United States shoreline of Lake Huron (including islands) is 740
miles in length. Of this total, 564 miles are mainland miles; 45 miles are on the
Lake Huron side of Drummond Island; and 131 miles are on other islands in Lake
Huron (32). The shoreline is characterized by sand and gravel beaches, marsh,
clay bluffs, and sporadic rock outcrops. (See Plate 2-6.) Lake Huron has an excep-
tionally gradual shoreline relief which is considered desirable for recreational pur-
poses. However, the offshore bottom land areas consist of limestone overlain with
erodable glacial material (62). When exposed by low water levels, this physical
shoreline characteristic is detrimental to water-dependent activities.
Inland Bodies of Water. The Lake Huron Basin has 208,000 acres (26) of inland
lakes and approximately 8,000 miles of streams and rivers. The lakes range in
size from thousands of acres to small glacial ponds measuring a tenth of an acre.
These waters are heavily used for recreation. Boating, swimming, fishing, and
other recreation activities dominate the lakes and the adjoining shoreline. The riv-
ers are generally small due to their shallow drainage basins. Waste assimilations,
domestic and industrial water supply, recreation, and power generation are some
of the benefits derived from the basin's rivers. This multiple use of the inland
waterways causes conflicts generally related to water quantity and quality which
will be discussed in Chapter 6.
Land Use.
Urban. Table 2-3 indicates that 5 percent of the basin's land area has been devel-
2-9
-------
DRAINAGE
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 2-7
I
-N-
GPO 815— 3O3—3
-------
oped for urban uses. The major urban and built-up areas are in Genesee, Bay, and
Saginaw Counties. Other centers of urban development border the Lake Huron shore-
line. This strip development ceases a short distance from the lake and the predom-
inant land uses change to cropland, pasture, or forest. By 1975 it is estimated
280,000 additional acres of land will be needed for urban and construction purposes
(25). Where and how this land is developed will be of utmost importance to the
basin's future recreational growth.
Table 2-3 '
LAND USE IN THE LAKE HURON BASIN 1958
Acres Square Miles Percentage
Rural
Cropland
Pasture
Forest
Other*
Subtotal
Inland Lake
Urban & Built-up Areas
Total 10,477,440 16,371 100.0
Source: (25,26)
* Other land - farmsteads, idle land, wildlife areas, and other areas not classified
into cropland, pasture, forest and woodland, and urban and built-up areas. Idle
land includes land formerly used for crops and pasture, now abandoned, and not
yet reforested or put to other use.
Rural. Michigan's "thumb" and the Saginaw Bay area are the basin's most impor-
tant agricultural regions. Cropland and pasture account for over one-third of the
total basin area. Dairy produce, livestock, and various cash crops including sugar
beets, beans, and potatoes are the basin's major agricultural product. Unproductive
soils inhibit farming activity in most of Zone 1.
Forest land accounts for over one-half of the land designated as rural and for 47. 8
percent of the basin's total land mass. That portion of the land which is forested
varies from about 20 percent in Zones 2 and 3 to nearly 85 percent in Zone 1. The
pulp and paper industry is the primary consumer of the basin's forest resources.
An additional value of these woodlands is the recreational resources.
2-11
3,225,000
583,800
5,004,500
931,040
9,744,340
208,000
525,100
5,039
912
7,820
1,455
15,226
325
820
30.8
5.6
47.8
8.8
93.0
2.0
5.0
-------
Recreational. Recreation land use is not directly associated with a separate type of
resource base. By their nature, agriculture, forestry, and urbanization are con-
flicting elements of land utilization. Recreation can be, to a degree, compatible with
all three of these uses and is absorbed in the land categories listed in Table 2-3.
Zone 1. Outstanding recreational features of Zone 1 include extensive forests, a
multitude of lakes and streams, topography which lends itself to winter sports, and
the last vestiges of an undeveloped Lake Huron shoreline. The soils do not lend
themselves to intensive agricultural uses, and timber harvests can be conducted in
a manner which does not conflict with most outdoor recreation activities. Urban
development is not significant and what little does exist is primarily related to rec-
reation.
At the northern end of Lake Huron within Zone 1 lies Drummond Island and its large
number of associated scenic islands in Potagannissing Bay. This group of 51 islands
and the accompanying waters of Potagannissing Bay contain approximately 114, 000
acres offering excellent opportunities for diverse water-based recreational activi-
ties on a regional scale. The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation has recently completed
a study of the recreational potential of the Drummond Island group as part of the
Bureau's special island program.
Zone 2. River valleys, forested areas in the north, and glacial moraines in the south-
ern portion of Zone 2 support heavy recreational activity. The Tittabawassee, Shia-
wassee, Flint, and Cass Rivers and their tributaries offer a significant recreation
resource base. This area is not as esthetically attractive as Zone 1, but the afore-
mentioned rivers possess exceptional potential for recreational development due to
their nearness to large concentrations of people. The forested northern sectionlends
itself well to camping, hunting, and other recreation activities that depend upon a
natural environment. With the exception of its southern extremity, Zone 2 is largely
devoid of natural lakes.
Zone 3. Excepting the shoreline areas of Lake Huron, Zone 3 lacks the natural re-
source features necessary to provide varied recreational opportunities. The most
intensively developed shoreline on Lake Huron lies within this zone. Residential
development is prevalent along the southern shore but seldom extends more than one-
quarter mile inland from the lakeshore. Portions of Saginaw Bay are marshy and
2-12
-------
support large numbers of waterfowl. Bay waters also sustain a popular Great Lakes
sport fishery. Since there are few inland lakes in this zone, Lake Huron is used
extensively for recreational boating.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
Basin Development. The French fur traders were the first white men to enter the
Lake Huron Basin. Mackinaw Island was a center for the fur trade industry, primar-
ily because it was near large concentrations of fur bearing animals and furnished
access to water transportation. Since the French were only interested in pelts, they
made no effort to establish permanent homes in the basin (23).
In 1760, as a result of the French-Indian War, the Lake Huron Basin, among other
territories, was placed under British jurisdiction. Like the French, the British
encouraged fur trading and dissuaded farming and domestication of the land. The
British maintained defacto control of the basin until 1828. Two years later the fur
trade reached its peak, thereafter giving way to an expanding lumber industry. Sag-
inaw's location, adjacent to 6,000 square miles of forest land, assured continued
prosperity for east central Michigan. Cheboygan, Alpena, and other small commu-
nities thrived on the "inexhaustible" supply of white pine. As the land was stripped
of trees, immigrant farmers from the east began raising crops and livestock. Those
in the southern portion of the basin were usually successful, but the soils in the
north were largely unproductive; thereby causing the economic demise of many ru-
ral families (13,14).
Through wise resource management, the basin is recovering from these early ex-
ploitations. The forests have been reestablished, and agriculture is prospering in
those areas suitable for crop and livestock production. In the first half of this cen-
tury, manufacturing was firmly established as the basin's principal industry. More
recently, the natural resources of the basin have been advantageously used to help
develop a thriving recreation industry.
Present Economic Foundation. The economic base of the Lake Huron Basin is in-
fluenced by a variety of resources and industries. Pulp cutting, gypsum mining, and
a chemical industry based on subterranean brine deposits bolster the economy of
Midland, Alpena, Alcona, and Presque Isle Counties. Heavy and light manufacturing
complexes are located in the three principal cities: Bay City, Saginaw, and Flint.
2-13
-------
Adding balance to the economic complexion is a prospering agricultural industry
supplying a multitude of food products from the basin's central lowlands. A service
industry consisting of restaurants, overnight accommodations, entertainment and
recreation facilities, and automobile maintenance centers has grown to meet the
demands of local residents and visitors. These four factors complement each other
and contribute toward the goal of a stable, prosperous economic'foundation.
Population. In 1960 the resident population of the Lake Huron Basin approached 1.2
million (Table A-l, Appendix A). The relative distribution of the basin's population
shows that all of the populated counties (greater than 50, 000) are clustered in the
southern portion and that each county in the northern portion has fewer than 25,000
people except for Alpena and Chippewa Counties. (See Plate 2-8.)
The basin's Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSA), Bay City, Flint, and
Saginaw, comprise 57 percent of the population. Two counties within the basin lost
population during the period 1940 to 1950, and from 1950 to 1960 a decline occurred
in two other counties. Three-fourths of the counties gained population at an increas-
ing rate in the 1950-60 decade.
Table 2-4 shows the present and projected population of the Lake Huron Basin. The
basin's population is expected to increase 62 percent by 1990 and will nearly triple
by the year 2020 (61). Also it is apparent that Zones 1 and 3 will at least double
their populations within the 60-year period while Zone 2 is expected to increase 214
percent.
Zone 1 is the basin's largest zone in terms of land area, but it is the least populous.
It is estimated that this zone's population percentage will drop from 13 percent to 9
percent of the basin total by 2020. Zone 2, which makes up 37 percent of the basin's
land mass, accounts for three-fifths of the population. Zone 3 is the smallest of the
three zones with only 20 percent of the basin's land area, and it presently contains
313,000 people or approximately26 percent of the basin's population. (SeePlate 2-9.)
Income. The total aggregate income for the basin in 1960 was approximately 1.6
billion dollars. Manufacturing contributed about 80 percent of this income; mining,
agriculture, forestry, recreation, and others supplied the remaining 20 percent (13).
The basin's 1960 per capita income of $1730 compares rather unfavorably with that
of $2317 for the state of Michigan and $2217 for the nation. Oakland County had the
highest percapita income ($2217) in the basin, while Montmorency, located in the
2-14
-------
POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
BY COUNTY
1960
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 2-8
100,000 or more •
50,000 - 100.000 !.._
§|| 25,000 - 50,000
}l^ 25,000 or less
-------
Table 2-4
Basin
PRESENT AND PROJECTED POPULATION
OF THE LAKE HURON BASIN
(in thousands)
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
1960
152
730
313
1990
210
1,272
460
1960-1990
% increase
38
74
46.9
2020
304
2,290
690
1960-2020
% increase
100
213
120
1,195
Source: (61)
1,942
62
3,284
174
Plate 2-9
COMPARISON OF LAND AREA AND POPULATION BY ZONE
LAKE HURON BASIN
LAND AREA
I960 POPULATION
2020 POPULATION
2-16
-------
forested interior of Zone 1, reported a per capita income of only $1130. Marginal
farming, unwise resource utilization, and seasonal employment are factors which
contribute to the low per capita income (49). Since income greatly influences the de-
gree to which people participate in outdoor recreation activities, it can be assumed
that people of the Lake Huron Basin do not participate in outdoor recreation activi-
ties as often as people in the rest of the states of the nation.
Leisure Time. In 1959-60 a national study was made to determine the use of
leisure time. Of all leisure time activities selected by each respondent, outdoor
recreation activities were mentioned one-sixth of the time. Those responding
listed insufficient time as a factor limiting recreational participation more than
three times as often as income (37). Clawson (11) estimates that outdoor recrea-
tion occupies about 7 percent of our leisure time. The amount of leisure time
devoted to outdoor recreation has risen greatly in recent decades and presumably
will continue to do so in the future.
Education, income, and age composition are variables which separately or in com-
bination affect the amount of leisure time available and to what degree this time
will be devoted to outdoor recreation. Other factors which have a definite effect
upon the use of leisure time are occupation, availability of facilities, and place of
residence. As indicated in the previous section, the basin per capita income is
quite low in comparison to the state and the nation. This indicates that lower than
average amounts of leisure time are probably devoted to outdoor recreation. Even
though projected income, education trends, and an abundant resource base promise
more leisure time in the future, participation in outdoor recreation by residents
will still continue to lag behind that of the state and nation.
Mobility. The automobile has proven important both as a source of transportation
and a form of recreation. Interstate highways carry large volumes of traffic from
origin to destination while single lane scenic roads and parkways can be a destina-
tion in themselves. Approximately 110,000 miles of federal, state, county, and
local roads comprise the basin's highway network (21). Of this total, 375 miles
are an integral part of the nation's interstate highway system. A study by the
U. S. Department of Commerce reports that the state of Michigan has proposed
that 505 miles of thoroughfare be designated as scenic roads and parkways in the
Lake Huron Basin. (See Plate 2-10).
2-17
-------
INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 2-10
•V
X _A-L_
LEGEND
I
-N-
Interstate
U. S. Highway
Q State Highway
Proposed Highway
.... Proposed Scenic Road
or Parkway
-------
Table 2-5 indicates that the Lake Huron Basin has 0.6 percent of the nation's people
and 0.8 percent of the nations' automobiles. Montmorency County has the highest
automobile per capita ownership rate with 0, 95 cars per person. Saginaw and Isa-
bella Counties share the lowest rate of 0.25 automobiles per person.
Table 2-5
COMPAEISON OF NATION-BASIN AUTOMOBILES
PER CAPITA (1960)
United States
Population 179, 323, 175
Number of Automobiles 58,258,031
Automobiles per capita 0. 32
Lake Huron
Basin
1,194,650
484,000
0.40
Percent of
Nation
0.6
0.8
Source: (46)
There are five airports in the basin which accommodate commercial flights, and
54 smaller fields used primarily by noncommercial traffic (21). The size and loca-
tion of the basin and its excellent highway system have generally precluded exten-
sive air travel for recreation purposes. Intrabasin travel will probably continue
this pattern with most transportation confined to ground systems, but interbasin
commuting may, with improved facilities, follow national trends of increased air
travel.
Other Demographic Characteristics.
Employment. Occupations of the basin's inhabitants provide an indication of their
propensity to participate in outdoor recreation. For instance, ORRRC Study Report
No. 19 lists participation rates for various outdoor recreation pursuits by indus-
trial employment groups. Plate 2-11 represents the present and future distribution
of occupation groups in the basin.
The manufacturing segment presently accounts for two-fifths of the basin's employ-
ed population. Although this group will still maintain its lead by the year 2000, it
is anticipated that there will be significant gains in services, trade, and sales. The
government sector will grow gradually while agriculture and other categories are
expected to experience declines. The number of persons engaged in manufacturing
will decline relative to the other occupation groups. However, it is estimated that
during the next four decades a higher income and a greater amount of -leisure time
2-19
-------
will continue to accrue to those employed in manufacturing: therefore, participation
in recreation activities will remain high for this group. According to "Outdoor
Recreation for America", the trade and sales group ranks above the average in
outdoor recreation participation, and it appears this trend will continue to the year
2000. The expected increase in the size of the services sector, especially the sub-
group of professional and technical personnel, indicates that the average income of
employees in this sector will rise; thereby increasing the influence of this group
on total recreation demand. Agricultural workers make a relatively small contri-
bution to the total demand for outdoor recreation. Government and other categories
will exhibit gradual increases in income and leisure.
Urban-Rural Ratio. For comparative purposes, the urban-rural ratio provides an
indicator of expected recreation activity by a given population. The ORRRC Studies
(34, 36) reveal that urban people are more active in outdoor recreation pursuits than
rural people. Furthermore, suburbanites participate more actively than do persons
from the central city. As indicated in the preceding section, rural farm residents
have the lowest rates of participation. (See Table 2-6.)
The basin's population is expected to nearly double by the year 2000. During this
period the rural sector will experience an 8 percent drop in proportion to the total
basin's population, although it will gain people in absolute terms. The rural farm
segment will also gain residents but will lose in proportion to the urban sector. In
1960 Oakland County had the highest urban-rural ratio (8 to 1) of all counties in the
basin. On the other hand, eleven counties had no population classified as urban.*
Table 2-6
PRESENT AND FUTURE URBAN-RURAL RELATIONSHIP
LAKE HURON BASIN
1960 2000
Population 1,194,650 2,389,000
Percent Urban 63 71
Percent Rural 37 29
Percent Rural Farm** 6 4
**Rural Farm is also included in rural sector.
Source: (38,47)
* According to the Bureau of Census definition, an area must contain 2,500 inhabitants or
more to be classified as an "urban place". These counties had no incorporated or unin-
corporated place this size.
2-20
-------
PRESENT AND FUTURE DISTRIBUTION
OF OCCUPATION GROUPS
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 2-11
30
20
10
39%
18%
18%
7%
5%
1960
13%
30
20
10
22%
20%
1976
11%
30
20
10
30%
26%
24%
9%
3%.
2000
Manufacturing Services Trade & Sales Government Agriculture Other*
Source: (38,47)
*Inc hides mining, construction, communications,
utilities, finance, insurance, and real estate.
2-21
-------
Age. Assuming other factors are equal, age has a significant influence on partici-
pation in certain outdoor recreation activities. As people grow older, they tend to
select less strenous types of recreation activities (34). The Lake Huron Basin has
a median age of 26.8 years as compared to the national median of 29. 5 years (48).
Table 2-7 shows the present and future distribution of age groups in the basin. The
15-34 age group is the most active in outdoor recreation pursuits (36). Table 2-7
indicates that this group will increase in proportion to the total population while the
next older category will decline.
Education. Education affects participation in outdoor recreational pursuits in much
the same way as income, i.e., the higher the educational attainment, the greater
a person's participation tends to be. This is particularly true in the case of swim-
ming, playing games, sightseeing, and walking and driving for pleasure (34). Table
2-8 indicates that the median school years completed for adults in the basin is slight-
ly above the national level. However, the percent of basin adults completing four or
more years of college is less than half that of the nation.
Vacationing Population. In 1964 an estimated 1.8 million vacationists came to the
Lake Huron Basin for the primary purpose of outdoor recreation (derived in Appen-
dix B). This approximation includes Michigan residents as well as nonresidents.
A 1964 study by the Michigan State Highway Department reports that the average trip
cost of tourist parties was $116, and the average expenditure per day had approached
$25 (24). The average length of stay was 5 days and the average size of party was
3. 5 persons (24). The typical tourist:
• Resided in Michigan or one of the neighboring states of Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, and Wisconsin.
• Drove the family car on his vacation trip.
• Liked to view scenery in his travels and especially preferred to follow
Michigan's shoreline highways on circle tours of the Great Lakes.
• Made his vacation visit in June, July, or August.
• Preferred motel accommodation in his travels although camping-out is
gaining in popularity.
Another segment of the vacationing recreation population to be considered is the
summer resident. Approximately 44,000 seasonal vacation homes are located in the
basin (21). The largest concentration of these homes is in the counties adjacent to
2-22
-------
Table 2-7
PRESENT AND FUTURE AGE DISTRIBUTION
LAKE HURON BASIN
Age Group
Under 15
15-34
35-64
65 and over
1960
35%
26%
31%
2000
36%
30%
27%
Source: (38,48)
Lake Huron. losco County has over 3,200 seasonal vacation homes while Cheboygan,
Clare, Huron, Montmorency, Oakland, Ogemaw, and Sanilac Counties have 2,000 or
more vacation homes each. Most of the summer cottages and cabins are adjacent to
bodies of water.
Table 2-8
COMPARISON OF U. S. - BASIN
LEVELS OF EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT-1960
(persons 25 years and over)
United States Lake Huron Basin
Median School Years Completed
Percent completed one or more
years of college
Source: (46)
10.6
7.7
10.9
3.7
2-23
-------
Muskegori
Muskeg
Height
STANDARD METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS
-------
Chapter 3
Demand
RECREATION MARKET AREA
By definition the recreation market area is that source from which approximately
80 percent of the people are drawn on one-day outings or weekend (overnight) trips
to the program area under consideration. For the purpose of this report, the Lake
Huron Basin and the SMSA's within a 125-mile radius of its boundaries comprise
the recreation market area. The basin itself represents the program area.
METHODOLOGY
Recreation demand is an expression of total participation in general outdoor rec-
reation activities that could be expected if adequate opportunities were available.
Demand, therefore, is composed of two elements: (1) the expressed demand rep-
resented by use of existing facilities, and (2) the latent or unexpressed demand
which is inherent in a population but not reflected in the use of existing facilities.
Generally speaking, use records are inadequate or unreliable for many of the rec-
reation facilities operated by local units of government. Latent demand, on the
other hand, is not directly measureable because of its dependence on the individual
desires of people. Consequently, indirect methods have been used for the measure-
ment of present and future demand (52).
In the analysis of the recreation demand in the basin, it was found that the ORRRC
Studies presented the most applicable information. The demand methodology des-
cribed in Appendix B utilizes participation rates to facilitate estimating the number
of occasions a person will participate in various activities during a year. Since
participation is at its peak for most water-oriented activities during the summer,
activity occasions were determined for the three-month summer period as well.
3-1
-------
Outdoor recreation activities considered in this chapter include:
Water-Dependent Water-Enhanced
Swimming Ice Fishing Camping
Fishing Ice Skating Picnicking
Boating Snow Skiing Sightseeing
• Water-skiing Sledding Nature Walks
Canoeing Snowmobiling Hiking
Sailing Hunting
These activities are obviously not all the recreation activities engaged in, but
they represent those considered most important in association with water and water
quality.
INFLUENCING FACTORS
Socio-Economic. The present and future demand for outdoor recreation oppor-
tunities is dependent upon a number of continually changing socio-economic factors.
Carlson et al (10), indicates seven factors that may influence future recreation
demands: (a) automation and new sources of power, (b) increased leisure, (c) in-
creased income, (d) greater health and longevity, (e) a higher standard of living,
(f) greater mobility, and (g) population changes.
As presented in the preceding chapter, the basin socio-economic factors considered
in the recreation demand analysis are population, income, leisure, and mobility.
Collectively, these factors have a tremendous impact on demand.
Opportunity. If the opportunity for participation in a selected activity is available,
people will tend to participate more than they would otherwise. When opportunity
for participation in any of the selected activities exists to some extent somewhere
in the basin, the opportunity factor is represented by a time-distance element which
is discussed in the demand methodology in Appendix B.
Quality of Facilities. Closely allied with the opportunity factor is the quality of the
available facilities. Results of a survey discussed in ORRRC Study Report No. 20
infer that participation in most activities tends to increase in proportion to the
quality of the supporting facilities. There are instances, however, where relatively
poor facilities receive heavy use because these facilities are the only ones avail-
able to the people in the vicinity.
PRESENT DEMAND
There are approximately 54 million recreation activity occasions of demand within
the Lake Huron Basin. (See Table 3-1.) Of this annual recreation demand computed
3-2
GPO 815-303-4
-------
for the base year 1960, approximately 67 percent was devoted to summer recrea-
tion activities. Water-dependent activities comprise nearly 42 percent of the yearly
demand total and about 50 percent of the total summer demand.
The figures shown below are a consolidation of the demand estimates for the modi-
-fied recreation market area and for the vacation sector. See Tables B-l and B-2
in Appendix B for a detailed breakdown by activity and by sector. Annual and sum-
mer demand by outdoor recreation activities is graphically portrayed in Plate 3-1.
Winter activities are shown in Plate 3-2.
Table 3-1
SUMMARY OF WATER-ORIENTED RECREATION DEMAND
LAKE HURON BASIN, 1960
Annual Summer Summer as
Activity Occasions Activity Occasions a Percent of
Activity Type (1,000) (1.000) Annual
Water-dependent 22,526 18,138 81
Water-enhanced 29,436 18,102 62
Winter sports 2,037 n.a.* —
Total Water-oriented 53,999 36,240 67
* Not applicable
FUTURE DEMAND
Demand for recreational activities within the basin has been projected to the year
2020. Using ORRRC Study Report No. 26 as a source for future demand projections
it was necessary to extend data for the years 1976 and 2000 to obtain projected de-
mand figures for the year 2020. Both "with" and "without" opportunity projections
were calculated in order to present a range of probable activity occasions for water-
oriented activities. (See Table B-3, Appendix B.) "With" opportunity (as defined
in ORRRC Study Report No. 26) assumes an improvement from 1960 quality and
quantity of facilities on a per capita basis, while "without" opportunity assumes a
continuation of present quality and quantity of facilities. These terms are applied
nationwide and are relevant to the specific quality and quantity of facilities offered
by public and private agencies within the basin. The use of these terms offers an
opportunity to present a range for projecting recreation demand.
Based on the information shown in Table 3 in Appendix B it is anticipated that the
summer demand for outdoor recreation activities will increase 2.74 and 3.63 times
3-3
-------
DEMAND FOR SELECTED WATER-ORIENTED OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Activity (Day and Overnight or Weekend)
Occasions
9,000,000 f 1
LAKE HURON BASIN, 1960
PLATE 3-1
7,500,000 **"*"~~
LBGEM)
Anmial
•n
6,000,000
4,500,000 —
3,000,000
1,500,000-
rf
Fishing Water-Skiing Sailing Picnicking Hunting Hiking
Swimming Boating Canoeing Sightseeing Nature Walks Camping
-------
Table 3-2
PROJECTED SUMMER OUTDOOR RECREATION DEMAND
LAKE HURON BASIN
Activity Occasions (millions)
Index of Change
Year
1960
2000
2020
Without
Opportunity
19
52
69
With
Opportunity
19
66
90
Without
Opportunity
100
274
363
With
Opportunity
100
347
474
Source: Table B-3, Appendix B.
by 2000 and 2020, respectively, providing there will be a continuation of 1960 qual-
ity and quantity of facilities. If an improvement in present conditions occurs, the
three-month demand will increase 3.47 times
by 2000 and 4,74 times by the year 2020.
Table 3-2 shows projected demand for the
Lake Huron Basin.
PRESENT ESTIMATED DEMAND
WINTER ACTIVITY OCCASIONS
Lake Huron Basin
ZONE DEMAND
An attempt was made to disaggregate the ba-
sin demand for outdoor recreation activities
into the three subbasins. A method similar to
that used for determining the basin demand
was utilized, viz., an income index was deriv-
ed in order to gain an estimate of the propen-
sity for participation in the respective zones.
National forest campground and state park
attendance figures, as well as the number of
seasonal homes in each subbasin, were also
used in determining the demand for each zone.
An explanation of this procedure is found in
Appendix B. The results of the zone calcula-
tions are shown in Table 3-3.
Plate 3-2
1,500,000
•1,000,000
500,000—
Skating Sledding Skiing
3-5
-------
Table 3-3
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Basin
SUMMARY OF ZONE DEMANDS, 1960
(Activity Occasions - Thousands)
Market
Area Demand
3,335
25,665
7.250
36,250*
Vacation
Demand
17,749**
Total
Demand
13.. 008
29,836
11,155
53,999
Percent
of Basin
24
55
21
100
* Total of Column 4, Table B-l
** Total of Column 3, Table B-2
3-6
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Chapter 4
Supply
PRESENT RECREATION FACILITIES
Public. The Lake Huron Basin has 2,155,447 acres in public forest, park, and
wildlife lands. Only . 6 percent of the public domain (or . 01 percent of the total
basin) is developed for recreation pursuits. If access is available, hunting and
fishing activities can utilize undeveloped land; but most other recreation activities
require facility development, as shown in Table A-l.
In the past, governmental units have used their financial resources for the pur-
chase of land and assumed development could be undertaken at a later date. Today,
with the increasing numbers of recreationists and variety of recreational activi-
ties, more emphasis is being placed on the development of facilities. However,
acquisition still plays an important role in attempting to meet recreation demands.
Public programs and resources in the basin provide for almost every form of out-
door recreation. Appendix C provides acreage for visitation statistics, watershed
location, and a list of compatible activities for each publicly-owned recreational
facility. Plates 4-1 and 4-2 show locations of recreation areas.
Private. Private developments are a major source of outdoor recreation oppor-
tunity in the Lake Huron Basin. Commercial establishments, plus property pur-
chased for individual or family use, help to fulfill the demands of many resident
and nonresident recreators. Reliable inventory data are not available for a com-
plete analysis of the private sector; therefore, the study is 'limited to a more
general approach.
There are approximately 44,000 private seasonal homes in the basin (21). Most
vacation homes are concentrated in areas adjacent to or near water. Although
some seasonal residences are a source of recreational opportunity within them-
selves, most rely on resources beyond recognized property lines. Both public
4-1
-------
EXISTING
FEDERAL AND STATE
RECREATION AREAS
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 4-1
-------
LOCAL
EXISTING
RECREATION AREAS
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 4-2
LEGEND D&
>
• Local recreation area *•'
Note: Numbers refer to inventory
in Appendix C.
I
-------
EXISTING
PRIVATE GROUP CAMPS
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 4-3
\ U 1 ,- -*
.._ _J _
LEGEND
• Private group camp
Sources: (1,22)
-N-
-------
~~Y
EXISTING
PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 4-4
LEGEND
W
0 Private campground
Sources: (4,5,6,39)
I
-------
and commercial installations serve the desires of seasonal home owners with the
public agencies providing the more basic resources and the commercial establish-
ments serving those desiring specialized facilities. Commercial recreation enter-
prises can often supplement publicly-operated areas. Supplementation is in two
forms: providing opportunities not feasible for public agencies, and providing over-
flow accommodations when public facilities are filled to capacity.
Group and Organization Camps. There are approximately 120 group and organization
camps within the basin (22). Church, ethnic, fraternal, and service organizations
usually operate and maintain these camps. In certain instances government agen-
cies lease public land to these organizations with the understanding that any change
in the landscape must correspond with the leasing agency's prescribed standards.
Organization camps frequently provide the recreational and educational opportunities
to that segment of the population unable to utilize public or commercial facilities.
Transportation, lodging, food, and guidance are often provided at minimal cost.
With a daily capacity of 13.189 visitors, the group and organization camps area
significant and valuable contribution to the basin's recreational assets. Plate 4-3
indicates location of private group camps. Table 2 in Appendix A summarizes the
number and size of group camps by zone.
Private Campgrounds. Private campgrounds provide 2.304 campsites at 69 individ-
ual areas. (See Table A-3.) Being frequently located near public recreation facil-
ities, private campgrounds perform a dual function; they accommodate a class of
clientele preferring the atmosphere of a private installation and also absorb over-
flow from public areas during peak recreation seasons. The degree of development
ranges from a complete complement of sanitary, recreation, and service facilities
to little more than a field free of high brush. Plate 4-4 indicates the location of
private campgrounds.
Winter Sports. The large investment needed to develop and maintain a winter sports
area — especially one offering ski lifts, an ice skating rink, restaurant, lounge,
and lodging — requires that an area not lay dormant during the'warmer seasons.
For this reason, many of the winter sports areas assume a resort atmosphere from
June through September. Golf courses, riding stables, fishing and boating ponds,
youth programs, and chairlift replace skiing, tobagganing, and ice skating rides
4-6
-------
as the primary attractions. The 22 private winter sports resorts represent the
only developed skiing facilities in the Lake Huron Basin (21,27).
Boat Rental and Marina Facilities. Resorts and other privately operated tourist
accommodations offer boat rentals for the convenience of guests and as a means of
supplementing their income. The canoe liveries on the Au Sable River are an ex-
ception to this generalization in that they are a principal source of income for their
owners. On summer weekends literally thousands of canoes ply basin streams;
many of these canoes are rented from private boat liveries.
Marinas and harbors of refuge on Lake Huron are largely publicly owned and oper-
ated. However, in some areas privately owned facilities are available to service
recreational equipment and to satisfy the various needs of the people using marina
facilities. Privately owned marinas are more prevalent on inland waters where
public facilities are lacking.
Recreation Facilities by Zone.
Zone 1. Excellent natural features and limited urban developments have encour-
aged the use of Zone 1 for public acquisition and development of recreational lands.
Approximately 1, 756,368 acres are in public ownership, of which 3, 943 acres are
intensively developed for recreational purposes. Thirteen of the basin's 19 state
parks are located in Zone 1, and all offer opportunities for water-dependent activ-
ities. The 1,722,000 acres of state and federal forest land serve a multitude of
recreators interested in activities which require a remote atmosphere. Michigan's
Lake Huron Shore to Lake Michigan Shore Riding and Hiking Trail makes substantial
use of these relatively undeveloped lands. Campgrounds, interpretive trails, hunt-
ing and fishing opportunities, swimming beaches, and picnic grounds are also pro-
vided.
Lakes, rivers, and streams are well distributed throughout Zone 1. Access to these
waters is provided by 46 water access sites and 105 water-oriented public and
quasi-public recreation areas. A multitude of beaches, boat liveries, and camp-
grounds are also operated by private interests.
Mackinac Island, Straits of Mackinac, St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie, and several
other locations are representative of the established historic sites in the basin.
Many time additional recreational facilities have been developed in conjunction
with the area of historic interest. A noteworthy example is Mackinac Island which
4-7
-------
is well known for its bicycle trails, boat harbors, and a varied assortment of other
recreational facilities.
The same features which have encouraged public investment in Zone 1 have also
attracted private interests. Approximately 20,000 seasonal homes are concentrated
in this zone. The primary attractions are the forested landscape, Lake Huron's
shoreline, and the 147,000 acres of inland water. The same features have encour-
aged resort development and a service industry to accommodate the nonresident
recreator. Private investors have also taken advantage of the topography which
lends itself well to winter sports activities. Thirteen of the basin's 22 ski facilities
are located in Zone 1.
Zone 2. A marked characteristic of Zone 2 is its lack of Lake Huron shoreline.
This, in combination with zonal land-use patterns, significantly reduces its recrea-
tional potential. Unlike Zone 1, the primary impetus for purchasing and developing
land for recreation has not been an attractive resource base, but rather the demands
generated by a large population concentration. (In addition to serving the basin's
major cities, Zone 2 is also the first area encountered by visitors from southeastern
Michigan.) With the exception of the northern one-third, this zone supports primar-
ily day and weekend-use recreation areas.
Publicly-owned lands comprise 130,774 acres; 3,129 acres of this total are inten-
sively developed. Zone 2 contains four state recreation areas and only one state
park. Emphasis has been placed on the acquisition of land for game management
and hunting opportunity. The federal government through the Bureau of Sport Fish-
eries and Wildlife manages 8, 857 acres of refuge land; and the state of Michigan has
53,000 acres divided into nine state game areas. These lands also support other
activities such as fishing, hiking, nature study, and sightseeing. As in Zone 1,
state forests account for the largest share of government controlled lands.
Zone 2 is one of the state's most attractive areas for private development because
of .easy accessibility from southeastern Michigan. Fouteen thousand seasonal homes
are located in the zone, concentrated primarily in the extreme southern and north-
ern sectors where inland lakes are more numerous.
The number of group camps in Zone 2 nearly equals the combined total in Zones 1
and 3. This is largely attributable to the previously mentioned factor of access-
4-8
-------
ibility. These camps have a daily capacity of 6,400 persons. In a 90-day summer
recreation season, over 1,440,000 activity occasions are capable of being satisfied
by group camp facilities in Zone 2.
Another facility in which Zone 2 leads is the development of private shooting pre-
serves. Over 4,000 acres are devoted to controlled game management and sports-
men harvest. Some preserves are open to the public while others are operated as
private hunting clubs. To many hunters, the opportunity of having a quality hunting
experience close to home justifies the additional expense incurred for the use of
this type of facility.
Winter sports facilities are well dispersed throughout the zone. There are eight
ski areas; two of these also have toboggan runs. Most ice skating rinks, sled hills,
and additional toboggan runs are located in or near the densely populated areas.
Utility line right-of-ways, fire lanes, and service roads in the state forests offer
opportunities for snowmobiling. Other winter activities frequently associated with
these forests include snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and hunting. Ice fishing
is popular in the lake areas of the extreme southern and northern portions of the
zone.
Zone 3. The Lake Huron shoreline is the most important recreational resource of
Zone 3. Most of the rivers are too small for large-scale development, with the
exception of the Rifle and Saglnaw Rivers which are focal points of recreation
development. The five state parks in this zone are located on Lake Huron. In
addition, there are 14 local parks and 42 recreational harbors fronting on or con-
tiguous to Lake Huron. The renowned waterfowl habitat associated with the Sagi-
naw Bay area is preserved in part by the 12,300 acres designated as state game
and wildlife areas*. Saginaw Bay and the access provided by the aforementioned
facilities are popular with fishermen the year around.
This zone is particularly well suited for waterfowl hunting, fishing, boating, and
bathing. Water-enhanced activities, although evident, suffer from a lack of sig-
nificant recreational acreages. Much of the Lake Huron shoreline is heavily de-
veloped, thereby restricting public access and development. The interior portion
of Zone 3 is predominantly agricultural lands and not suited to extensive recrea-
tional development.
* 5,421 acres are located adjacent to Lake Huron.
4-9
-------
Plate 4-5
Mile upon mile of lakeshore frontage is consumed by pri-
vate residences, substantially limiting utilization by the
general public. Photo by Bureau of Outdoor Recreation.
North of Bay City the soils are less suited to agricultural production. Forest vege-
tation predominates providing opportunities for recreational development away from
the lake shore. The Rifle River is a focal point for both public and private develop-
ment. In this river basin there are four public fishing sites, two county parks, a
4,329-acre state recreation area, and 182,900 acres of state forest land. A com-
bined visitation of 814, 000 was reported for these eight units with 95 percent of the
use concentrated on the Ogemaw State Forest.
Seasonal homes dominate the private development. Comparing Zone 3 with Zones 1
and 2 shows the extent and concentration of private recreation residences. (See
Table 4-1.) This development is concentrated in a narrow band along the Lake
Huron shoreline representing the most heavily used recreational resource area in
the basin.
4-10
-------
Table 4-1
NUMBER OF SEASONAL HOMES BY ZONE
Lake Huron Basin
Seasonal
Zone homes
Zone 1 19,840
Zone 2 13,875
ZoneS 10,560
Source: (21)
RECREATION ACTIVITIES
The majority of recreation activities are water-oriented, including those directly
dependent on water, and those significantly enhanced by the presence of water.
Swimming, boating, and fishing are classed as water-dependent activities, while
hiking, camping, sightseeing, picnicking, and driving for pleasure are examples
of water-enhanced activities. The following discussion is concerned with the ba-
sin's ability to satisfy demands for various recreational opportunities with special
emphasis on water-oriented activities.
Water Dependent Activities.
Swimming. Of the recreation activities classed as water-dependent, swimming is
the most popular. Diving and skin diving attract additional participants and create
diverse demands on the basin's water resources. A swimmer usually desires more
than the basic resource of water. Sandy beaches, pleasant scenery, lifeguards,
litter-free facilities, and other amenities associated with a quality swimming area
are also expected. Lake Huron, with its 159 miles of beach and appealing scenery
provides many opportunities for swimming. There are also a number of formidable
deterrents: short seasons, cool temperatures, limited access, and biological pests
such as flies and mosquitoes.
Another valuable source of recreational water is the 208, 000 acres of inland lakes.
These lakes have certain inherent characteristics which contribute to their desir-
ibility such as warmer water and less wave action. Swimming in the basin's rivers
is negligible because of poor water quality and deceptive currents. Impoundments
have been constructed thus creating a more satisfactory water environment for
water-contact activities.
4-11
-------
Seventy-eight percent of the 257 public recreation areas in the Lake Huron Basin
provide swimming facilities. Visitation estimates for 168 of the 257 areas are
summarized in Table 4-2.
Table 4-2
COMPARISON OF VISITATION STATISTICS
LAKE HURON BASIN 1963
With swimming facilities
Without swimming facilities
Total
Source: Appendix C
Number of
Areas Reporting
68
100
168
Estimated Visitation
(millions)
10.5
2.5
13.0
Excellent quality beaches are located in the vicinity of
Tawas Cify. Photo courtesy of Mich. Tourist Council.
Plate 4-6
4-12
GPO 8I5-3O3— 5
-------
Boating. There are approximately 70,000 boats registered to residents of the
Lake Huron Basin (21). However, the actual number of watercraft using basin
waters is difficult to determine. Basin residents have access to waters outside
the basin, while large numbers of nonresident enthusiasts satisfy their boating
desires on Lake Huron and its tributary system. The Michigan Outdoor Recrea-
tion Plan estimates that boat ownership will increase to 77,500 units by 1980.
This addition of units, combined with increased use of existing craft, will exert
30 percent and 20 percent greater pressures on Lake Huron and inland lakes.
respectively (21). Because of the variety of boats and boating activities, each
facet will be discussed separately.
Power Boats. The internal combustion engine has been applied in a number of
ways to today's watercraft; outboard, inboard, stern drive, and water jets are
some of the more common forms of motorized propulsion. The availability of
these various power sources has encouraged the use and added to the flexibility
of today's watercraft. The versatility of powered boats has greatly increased the
number of activities available to the boating enthusiast. People not necessarily
interested in boating per se are using powered watercraft as a means to an end of
their own preference, of which water skiing, hunting, and fishing are examples.
The adaptation of internal combustion engines to recreational watercraft has cre-
ated complex recreation management problems. Powered boats have been a major
factor leading to the zoning of water surface acreage. The speed, noise, and in-
jury-inducing capacity of engine-driven craft usually render them incompatible
with many other recreation activities. Fishermen sometimes resent the noise and
wake of power boats; few swimmers have ever won a duel with a boat bow or motor
propeller. Things that might form a good habitat for wildlife —trees, stumps,
aquatic plants — would be dangerous to water skiers. Complicating this problem
is the vast amount of surface area required for the operation of motorized boats
and their related activities. While one acre of suitable water will accommodate
350 swimmers, a boat pulling a water skier requires approximately 24 acres of
useable water for safe operation. The problems are apparent, and some effort
has been put forth to solve them.
Zoning has been applied in two forms -- time and area. Time zoning designates
specific hours, days, or seasons, etc., in which certain activities are allowed
4-13
-------
and others prohibited. An example of this would be the reserving of early morning
and late evening hours for fishing and allowing the more active recreational pursuits
access during the intervening time. Area zoning is implemented by prohibiting
certain activities on a body of water or a portion thereof. Horsepower limitations,
controlled traffic patterns, speed limits, and other approaches are commonly
applied to areas or activities experiencing overuse and conflicting interests. The
development of new facilities and the acquisition of land and water can postpone
these restrictive actions, but not indefinitely. Constructing new reservoirs and
access points often increases participation rather than alleviating pressure on
existing waters. Although this problem is common to recreation in general, it has
proven a particularly acute one for boating.
Canoeing. The Lake Huron Basin contains one of Michigan's most popular canoe
trails, the Au Sable River, Boat liveries on the Au Sable have 1, 500 canoes avail-
able for rental (21). On ideal canoeing weekends it is estimated that privately
owned canoes on the Au Sable nearly equal the number of rental craft. Presently
there are 814 miles of waterways designated as canoe trails (Plate 4-19)(21). En-
ticing the water voyager to other streams in the basin will require time, legisla-
tion, development, and promotion. Some rivers in the basin, or significant portions
thereof, offer no more than bare, eroded banks and poorly developed flood plains.
The esthetic experience desired by canoeists can be maintained by a wilderness
shoreline environment. This partially accounts for the Au Sable's popularity and
the meager use being made of many other waterways in the basin.
i
Sailing. Certain inate characteristics associated with sailing tend to discourage
many people from becoming active enthusiasts. The more important limiting fac-
tors are initial expenses, time and money for craft maintenance, and the high de-
gree of skill required to operate a sailing vessel. Some efforts are being made to
reduce initial and maintenance costs. However, these prohibitive aspects remain
in sufficient degree to hinder active participation by many potential yachtsmen.
What sailing lacks in participating numbers, it gains in shoreside spectators. Thou-
sands throng the shoreline during the annual Port Huron to Mackinac Island Yacht
Race. If income and leisure time projections prove accurate, many shoreline
spectators may be freed from their landward posts and able to participate actively
in this sport. The possibility of Lake Huron's becoming crowded with sailboats is
4-14
-------
Michigan's proposed wild
rivers program could play
an important role in pre-
serving the basin's scenic
and challenging canoe
streams.
Sailing is very popular on
the protected bays of Lake
Huron and the large inland
lakes throughout the north-
ern portion of the basin.
Photos courtesy of Mich.
Tourist Council.
- • -•
4-15
-------
•
Plate 4-9
Although the seasons and techniques
vary, the objective is the same—catch-
ing fish. Photos by Michigan Depart-
ment of Natural Resources.
4-16
-------
Plate 4-10
Perch fishing from the breakwater
is o popular pastime of residents
and non-residents alike. Photo by
the Michigan Tourist Council.
inconceivable, but harbor and docking facil-
ities are already showing signs of congestion
during peak recreation periods.
Fishing. Unlike many activities, fishing is
not confined to a particular season. The
Lake Huron Basin provides recreation for
the fisherman on a year-around basis. The
species sought and the technique used change
from season to season, but the basic desire
— catching fish — remains. Spring brings
out the smelt, sucker, and trout fishermen
with their nets, spears, and fly rods. Bass,
walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, and
various panfish satisfy the angler during
summer and fall months. When winter arrives, the conventional casting equipment
and cane pole are replaced by the tip up and spear; nearly all species are open
game.
Water access is provided both by governmental and private interests. There are
77 water access sites which the state of Michigan has developed in the basin. (See
Plate 4-11.) These are complemented by additional public sources of access in
state and county parks and national forests. Public marinas provide facilities which
satisfy a significant portion of the demand for access to fishing waters. Approxi-
mately 50 percent of the state's boaters use the Great Lakes and predominantly the
public marina facilities (21). Projected state plans call for the location of boat-
ing facilities every fifteen miles along the shoreline of heavily used waters (21).
Structures designed to shelter watercraft satisfy a significant portion of theHemand
generated by fishermen. On mild summer days the number of people fishing from
breakwaters may equal or exceed the number of boaters using harbor facilities.
Water-Enhanced Activities.
Picnicking. Generally picnicking is the act of eating outdoors and differs from
the backyard barbeque in that it takes place in a natural setting. Occasionally an
individual's or family's single purpose for an outing is to picnic, but most often
picnicking is integrated into a day of outdoor recreation activities. Tables, trash
4-17
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WATER ACCESS SITES
AND
HARBORS OF REFUGE
Plate 4-11
v
r._.^£iL.4-^
i \ ms.n \ - i
LEGEND
• Water access site
[
o Harbor of refuge
-------
Plate 4-12 yy;// these children dispose of their paper wastes in the proper man-
ner? The availability of waste receptacles is not the entire solution
—proper attitudes of people are the primary requisite to clean and
enjoyable picnic areas. Photo by the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources.
barrels, and outdoor cooking facilities are provided in most areas frequented by
recreationists. Highway right-of-ways, state parks, wildlife refuges, national for-
ests, and water access sites all possess the natural ingredients needed for a picnic
area — a small plot of land and perhaps a tree for shade. A waterside site is most
popular among picnickers. Of the 257 recreation areas in the basin, 124 provide
picnicking facilities (Appendix C).
An environmental problem plaguing some areas in the basin which provide picnick-
ing opportunities is vegetation depletion. Along the lakeshore and in northern por-
tions of the basin, soils are thin and poorly structured. After repeated tramplings
by thousands of visitors, vegetation is worn off and soils are compacted. Water
ceases to penetrate the soil, and erosion is initiated by surface runoff. The sever-
ity of this problem varies in relation to the local relief, soils, vegetation present,
and also the recreation pressures placed on the area.
4 19
-------
Plate 4-13
Photo by BOR.
Camping and picnicking facilities
suffer from sporadic visitation.
During weekdays the recreation
areas receive only light use, but
on weekends people must be
turned away.
Plate 4-14
Photo by Michigan Dept.
of Natural Resources.
- •
Another problem associated with areas
providing picnicking facilities is public
apathy regarding grounds maintenance.
The littering and damaging of public
property are major management con-
cerns. Some damage is inevitable, but
the degree could be greatly reduced if
personal attitudes toward public prop-
erty were improved.
Camping. Efforts on the part of public
agencies to keep abreast of the demand
for camping facilities have not been
successful. The demand for camping
facilities often exceeds the supply.
In the basin there are 107 public areas
where camping facilities are available.
Coping with the influx of campers has
severely taxed the resources of many
federal, state, and local agencies.
(Appendix C.)
A cleared plot of ground and a pit latrine
were once considered "average" camp-
sites. The ultimate in equipment a
decade ago consisted of a good tent with
its own flooring. The home-away-from-
home philosophy has since filtered into
the camping field. Today, any camp-
ground not providing running water,
sanitary systems, and electricity is
considered primitive. Camping trailers
in various forms are dominating the
public campgrounds. Convenient elec-
trical, water, and sanitation equipment
has been installed to accommodate the
4-20
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demands of this new generation of "out-
doorsmen". Providing and maintaining
this type of facility is expensive, and it
comprises a major portion of develop-
ment and operations cost.
Sightseeing. The subtlety of this activ-
ity is not reflective of its importance.
Every aspect of recreation is enhanced
or degraded by those facets of the envi-
ronment with which the participant has
visual contact. Visual satisfaction in
combination with olfactory and auditory
sensations is the factor that separates
outdoor recreation from other forms of
recreation. The enjoyment derived from
swimming, picnicking, camping, hunting,
fishing, and other activities is, in part,
dependent on the surrounding natural en-
vironment.
When sightseeing is the stated purpose
for a recreation day, historic sites and
Plate 4-15
Mackinac Island is noted for Us
bicycle trails and absence of
motorized traffic. Photo by the
Michigan Tourist Council.
Sightseers have always been
attracted by waterfalls. The
only two waterfalls in the lower
peninsula of Michigan are both
located in Lake Huron Basin.
Photo by Michigan Department
of Natural Resources.
Plate 4-16
4-21
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natural features of unusual quality are the primary destinations. The waters, for-
ests, and wildlife of the Lake Huron Basin are its major scenic assets and provide
a pleasant setting for many recreation activities. Mackinac Island, mainly because
of its history and culture, is the most popular scenic attraction in the basin. The
Mackinac Bridge has made it possible for large numbers of people to visit this
area. Other sites of historical and/or cultural importance may be developed to
attract tourists, but natural phenomena comparable to Lake Superior's Pictured
Rocks and Porcupine Mountains are not available in the Lake Huron Basin.
Nature Interpretation. Accompanying the popular growth in outdoor recreation is
an accelerated interest in nature. Federal, state, and local agencies have devel-
oped interpretive programs at several of their recreation areas. With the added
understanding gained through these programs, people are more able to enjoy the
outdoors. Knowledge of nature is often incorporated into other activities, an ex-
ample being the hiker who adds to his day's experience by attempting to identifv
available flora and fauna. For some indi-
viduals nature study has developed into a
separate activity. Areas of concentration
include identification, function, and ecolog-
ical interrelationships. Students of nature.
ornithologists for example, diffr from
sightseers in that their interest goes deep-
er than visual pleasure. The object of study
may be recognized as a thing of beauty, but
its functional characteristics are also ap-
preciated. A subject of special interest in
the Lake Huron Basin is the Kirtlands War-
bler. This species spends most of the year
on a Bahamian Island but returns to a spe-
cial section of the Huron National Forest
for nesting and rearing of its young. Intensive efforts are being made to maintain a
desirable habitat in which the Kirtlands Warbler can survive and propagate. The
Lake Huron Basin contains a wide variety of plants and animals arranged in sever-
al ecosystems. Bogs, swamps, sand dunes, lakes, and a multitude of forest types
comprise some of the major ecological communities.
Plate 4-17
The Kirtlands Warbler is not a
distinctive looking bird but is
rare in number and range.
Photo by Michigan Department
of Natural Resources.
422
-------
Plate 4-18
People are anxious to learn more about the environment in which
they recreate. Photo by Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources.
Trailing. Planned trail development is a relatively new concept in the Lake Huron
Basin. In the past abandoned or seldom used roads and right-of-ways served as
recreation trails. Actual trail construction was done on a small scale. Even at
present, old roads and right-of-ways supplement a significant portion of the basin's
trail system. Table 8 in Appendix A indicates that there are 386 miles of riding
and hiking trails in the basin. Interested public agencies and private groups are
attempting to plan and to provide trails that will adequately meet today's demands.
Included are trail-side camping areas, outdoor cooking equipment, water access
sites, comfort stations, stables, and interpretive signs.
As with other recreation activities, trailing suffers from the conflicting interests
of its staunchest advocates. Two sources of discontent are excessive participation
and mode of trail transportation, with the latter receiving the greatest attention.
Hiking, horseback riding, and motoring are the three major forms of trail travel.
The only major completed trail in the basin is restricted to hikers and horseback
riders; motor vehicles are prohibited (28). (See Plate 4-21.) This only partially
alleviates the conflict as hikers sometimes dislike the experiences associated with
following or meeting horses on the trails.
4-23
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Photo by BOR.
Photo by Michigan Dept.
of Natural Resources.
Plate 4-19
Separate trails are needed for
each of these three activities if
conflicts are to be avoided.
Photo by Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources.
4-24
-------
Hiking. Those who walk the trails for days on end, carrying only the basic mater-
ials necessary for survival, have much in common with the family on an afternoon
walk following a state park trail. Both wish to witness and to absorb a part of na-
ture. Differences do exist, vis., the serious hiker often desires to re-awaken a
sense of physical prowess and self-reliancy, while the casual trail visitor may
simply seek relief from the anxiety of his vocational or domestic life. Both groups
have received consideration in the Lake Huron Basin. The Michigan Shore to Shore
Riding and Hiking Trail is capable of sustaining an extensive hiking trip. State and
local parks provide trails for the less adventurous or restricted hiker.
Horseback Riding. Provision of horses, riding tack, stables, and feed is and has
been the responsibility of private enterprise. Public agencies assist in the devel-
opment of trails but this, too, is often done by interested private groups or individ-
uals. The Shore to Shore Riding and Hiking Trail is at present the basin's only
example of an extensive trail which can accommodate trail riders. Adjacent to
the basin's portion of this trail are 3 rental stables, 2 farriers, 6 veterinarians, 3
boarding stables, and 10 campgrounds available to equestrians (28). Some parks
provide limited facilities for riding enthusiasts, but the state and national forests
are most ideally suited to meeting their demands. Large acreages of wooded lands
interspersed with old logging and pipeline roads abound in the basin. Utility right-
of-ways are also being made available to horseback riders and other trail users.
The land is available and accessible; however, developed facilities are lacking.
Cross Country Motoring. The vehicles which fall within this category are four-
wheel drive automobiles and trucks, trail bikes, and machines with treads. Dis-
cussion concerning the latter is reserved for the winter sports section. Hikers and
horseback riders generally object to using trails which allow motorized vehicles.
The noise and injury-inducing capacity considered inherent with these machines
are the major criticisms. Soil erosion, fires, and vegetation destruction are
problems frequently attributed to trail vehicles by public management agencies.
Interested groups of trail users have been successful in their efforts to exclude
trail bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles from public trails. As of 1966 there was
not one mile of trail on state or federal lands in the basin specifically designated
for exclusive use by cross-country vehicles (21,56). However, there is substan-
tial mileage of old logging roads in the National Forests for this use.
4-25
-------
Also missing is the quantity of restrictions necessarily enforced on other state facil-
ities. Private clubs and organizations of motor sport enthusiasts have purchased
small tracts of land on which they can engage in competitive contests or ride in an
unrestricted manner. While fulfilling a need, these small private holdings cannot
satisfy the demands of those who enjoy cross country trailing. This requires the
extensive acreages and professional management available through public agencies.
As is indicated by the following quote from the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Plan,
this problem is recognized and appropriate solutions are proposed.
"When, in lieu of new roadways, those already in use for another
transportation purpose are encroached upon, conflict ensues as,
for example, in the instance of snowmobiles versus automobiles;
pleasure boats versus commercial boating (as in Great Lakes
waterways and harbors); bush vehicles and Hondas versus regional
park hiking trails. Each of these vehicles is a legitimate rec-
reation tool, yet each requires special accommodation or inter-
activity adjustment, as for instance the construction of specialized
brush vehicle and snowmobile trails, or the adoption of boating
regulations."
Several million acres of undeveloped
land provide excellent hunting oppor-
tunities in the basin. Photo by Michi-
gan Department of Natural Resources.
Plate 4-20
Hunting. The basin has approximately
90,000 acres specifically devoted to the
management, propagation, and hunting of
wildlife, 90 percent of which is admin-
istered by the state of Michigan. Funds
for acquisition and management of state
lands are derived from license fees and
a tax on hunting equipment. With the
exception of state parks, state-owned
lands are usually open to hunting. Many
game species are sought by basin hunt-
ers. Lake Huron shares with Lake Erie
the distinction of providing some of the
midwest's finest waterfowl hunting. The
Saginaw Bay is both a nesting and a
migratory stop-over area for a variety
of puddle and diving ducks, geese, and
swans. Thunder Bay, Tawas Bay, and
-------
EXISTING
CANOE TRAILS AND
RIDING-HIKING TRAILS
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 4-21
sLt-
LEGEND
f Existing camping area { !"•>
«... Canoe trail {_$? v j A
— Existing riding-hiking trail^/*' j pTt/
•+•» Riding-hiking trail under construction:
-N-
-------
A variety of native and migratory
waterfowl are found in the basin's
marshes and coves. Phofo is by
Michigan Department of Natural
Resources. Plate 4-22
several small coves also sup-
port significant numbers of
waterfowl (32). Through the
acquisition of marsh land and
water access sites, the state
is attempting to secure suffi-
cient habitat and facilities to
accommodate both the ducks
and the hunters. The national
forest lands are a very signif-
icant hunting area in the basin.
Maintenance and improvement
of hunting habitat is given full
consideration in resource man-
agement decisions and practi-
ces. Private lands have long
been a mainstay for much of
the basin's hunting opportunity. However, much of this land is no longer available
for hunting purposes. Urban sprawl has consumed former hunting lands on the
periphery of many communities, and the formation of numerous hunt clubs has
further reduced the amount of lands available to the public.
Even more significant in the Lake Huron Basin is the degeneration of the relation-
ship between land owners and visiting hunters, evidenced by the increased posting
of private lands. The state, interested sportsmen, and a small number of private
entrepreneurs have taken measures to reduce the gap between supply and demand.
Formal and informal groups of hunters are attempting to improve the relationship
between land owners and sportsmen. They have also leased or purchased land to
insure themselves of a quality hunting experience. Until recently it was illegal
to operate a commercial shooting preserve in Michigan; however, legislation was
passed in 1957 permitting the operation of put-and-take hunting. Today there are
18 private shooting preserves in the basin, comprising 5,400 acres (21).
4-28
GPO 815—3O3-
-------
Winter Sports. The Lake Huron Basin supports winter recreation activities com-
mon to the northern temperate climate zone. Skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating,
ice fishing, sledding, tobogganing, and hunting are some of the more popular winter
activities in the basin. Except for skiing, public agencies have generally assumed
the responsibility for development of winter recreation facilities. Private business-
men own and operate the basin's important ski industry.
With a major portion of the basin's economy dependent on tourism, it was impera-
tive to encourage attractions capable of drawing visitors on a twelve-month basis.
Until recent years winter was a period of economic depression for most northern
resort communities. Residents were often forced to leave their homes and seek
employment in the southern urbanized portions of the state. In the late 1950's a
higher standard of living coupled with increasing leisure time and other socio-
economic factors initiated an unprecedented interest in skiing which resulted in an
improved economic situation for basin residents.
The northwestern portion of the basin contains some of the finest skiing topography
in the midwest. A majority of the basin's 22 ski areas are located in this area.
Another concentration of winter sports facilities is located in the more populous
southern section of the basin, the prime impetus being a closer market area. Plate
4-24 shows the distribution of basin skiing facilities.
Plate 4-23
The basin's topography and climate have attracted both skiers and
facility development. Photo by Mich. Dept. of Natural Resources.
m
4-29
-------
EXISTING SKI FACILITIES
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 4-24
u. , ^
L/_L
V T-L
-
Ski facility
t
-M-
-------
V
Plate 4-25
Snowmobi'/ing lends itself well to family participation which
has contributed to its unprecedented growth in popularity.
Photo by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The sport of snowmobiling is experiencing an unprecedented rise in popularity.
With the exception of urban areas, the entire basin is capable of supporting this
activity. Overcrowding, competition for land, and conflicting interests associated
with the warmer recreation seasons are largely nonexistent. Presently resource
management agencies are attempting to anticipate the incompatible aspects regard-
ing the environment and various forms of recreation. In some areas trails have
been designated and policies have been initiated to minimize disturbances of wild-
life and damage to vegetation. These regulations are also designed to help in pre-
venting accidents.
The economic impact of the snowmobile is significant. The small, drowsy, northern
community of Wolverine is awakened on a wintry Saturday morning to find the
streets bustling with activity, full of people eager to enjoy snowmobiling and will-
ing to spend substantial amounts of money in the process. Restaurants, service
stations, drug and grocery stores, resorts, hotels and motels, and entertainment
businesses all prosper. A safari is planned for local residents and visitors alike.
Midway through the day, all entrants stop at a ski chalet for lunch or to have an
outdoor winter picnic catered by snowmobile. In the evening a smorgasbord and
dance are planned; a night ride is often in order afterwards. On Sunday a shorter
safari is planned so those who have early departure times may still participate.
Derbies, races, and marathons are some of the other snowmobile activities which
attract thousands of people to once dormant resort communities.
4-31
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Tobogganing, sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating are some of the
other activities engaged in during the basin's winter season. Ice fishing is the only
one of this group which has been able to entice participants from other regions into
the Lake Huron Basin. Every winter a substantial number of the 208,000 acres of
inland lakes are turned into towns of ice fishing shanties. Enterprising communi-
ties throughout the basin sponsor "shanty town Mardi Gras" which attract residents
and nonresidents alike. Fishing contests and a host of social activities are por-
grammed for the participants.
Large numbers of people take part in ice skating, sledding, and tobogganing in
certain localities throughout the basin. The initial expense and the skill required
to operate an ice boat, plus the sport's apparent danger, often discourage potential
participants. Rough or thin ice and heavy snow cover are not conducive to ice
boating; these obstacles further limit the amount of time an enthusiast can devote
to the activity. In recent years the popularity of winter fishing on inland lakes has
reduced the area available for ice boating. In the future, zoning of lakes in the
winter season may become just as necessary as summer zoning, if all activities
are to be accommodated.
PROPOSED AND POTENTIAL RECREATION AREAS
Public. The greatest need is for high and low density recreation facilities close to
urban areas. The greatest emphasis is being placed on the development of water-
dependent facilities.
State water access sites are unevenly distributed throughout the basin because of the
irregular location of lakes and the polluted condition of many rivers and streams.
Additional access sites will probably be demanded and provided when water quality
is improved. It is also possible that waterfronts may be zoned. Recent goals for
Lake Huron marina and harbor facilities cited in the Michigan Outdoor Recreation
Plan specified that there be one such facility every 30 miles along the lake shore-
line. Future plans call for recreational boat harbors every 15 miles when inten-
sity of use justifies their construction. There will also be launching and docking
facilities provided in every new and existing harbor (21).
The Lake Huron Basin lends itself particularly well to low density activities, and
increasing emphasis is being placed on developing the facilities necessary for their
4-32
-------
support. State and National Forests are particularly well-suited ,for this type of
activity. Examples of future developments are:
(a) A new riding and hiking trail extending from Midland, Michigan to
the Straits of Mactonac.
(b) An increase in number and size of primitive campgrounds in state
forests.
(c) Establishment of a state wild rivers system.
(d) Access roads for hunters and fishermen.
(e) Specifically designated snowmobile trails
Recreation activities supported by intensively developed sites are usually the res-
ponsibility of state and local parks. Table A-7 in Appendix A contains a brief
summary of proposed state acquisitions and additions to existing recreation lands.
From an acreage standpoint, future local developments will be smaller than federal
and state projects. However, in terms of user satisfaction, local agencies provide
the facilities which satisfy most of the high density activity demands such as swim-
ming and picnicking. Some of the more important proposed local developments
include:
Genesee County, in which the city of Flint is located, has initiated planning and
acquisition programs for the purpose of establishing a 3,700-acre recreation area.
Included will be a 750-acre reservoir on the Flint River. Water-dependent facili-
ties are receiving special emphasis, but a full complement of recreation activities
will be provided.
The city of Saginaw, which is currently experiencing an acute shortage of swimming
facilities, is anticipating the construction of outdoor pools equipped with canopies
which will facilitate twelve-month use. Also, a river front acquisition program is
planned which will link 2. 6 miles of publicly-owned parcels adjacent to the Saginaw
River.
Bay City is planning construction of a swimming pool to partially compensate for
the loss of once desirable lakeshore bathing areas.
With approximately 1,300 acres of recreation land, the city of Midland does not
anticipate any significant acquisition programs. Emphasis is going to be placed
on the installation of day-use facilities, since most of the city-owned property is
undeveloped.
4-33
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Plate 4-26
Photo by BOR.
This is one of a 50 to 100 unit complex
of private vacation homes being built
near a ski chalet in the basin.
Projected Private Developments. An im-
portant trend evident in the Lake Huron
Basin is the rising popularity of vacation
homes. Crowded public recreation facil-
ities, degenerating urban environments,
improved highway systems, and general
prosperity have all added impetus to this
trend. Traditionally, lake and riverside
sites have been valued by the prospective
cottage dweller. Demand for waterside
sites promises to increase, but existing
intensive development and the effort of
public agencies to preserve the natural
shoreline will counter much of the antici-
pated future development.
In an attempt to avoid this disparity be-
tween demand and supply, private land
developers are experimenting with new techniques to meet the forthcoming needs.
Cluster developments, reservoir or pond construction, and the use of nonwater-
oriented facilities as a focal point of attraction are examples. The first two ap-
proaches are self-explanatory concepts, but the third requires further discussion.
Ski resorts are an example of a nonwater-oriented focal point for vacation home
construction. In an attempt to attract a larger clientele and extend their operating
season, ski chalet owners are subdividing adjacent lands for recreational home
sites. Not only will this encourage the use of their winter sports facilities, but it
will also insure utilization of their chalet, restaurant, and lounge facilities on a
four-season basis.
We are unable to anticipate new activities that have yet to be discovered. Some ac-
tivities may experience a sudden drop in popularity and release their resources for
other recreational activities. There is also the possibility of unexpected catastrophic
economic depression which could drastically alter future programs of development
and acquisition.
4-34
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Chapter 5
Needs
GENERAL
The need for additional recreation facilities in the Lake Huron Basin is manifested
in several ways. Campers turned away from state parks, long lines of swimmers
awaiting admission to public municipal facilities, and vocal complaints of unsatis-
fied constituents are indicators of what is needed. Besides this increasing,pres-
sure for more facilities there is the overuse of existing facilities. Overuse causes
deterioration of recreation sites.
PRESENT NEEDS
The needs of the Lake Huron Basin are a part of the total state needs which are
discussed in the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Plan (21). The purpose of this chapter
is to evaluate: the basin's present and future requirements for outdoor recreation.
The three zones show varying degrees of needs, and these are compared below.
Some broad assumptions have been made in relating demand, supply, and needs.
The methodology used to analyze the basin's needs is presented in Appendix B.
The figures outlined in Table 5-1 show the need for developed recreational acreage
in the basin. Swimming, fishing? boating, picnicking, and camping were considered
the basic activities in compilation of this table.. A large deficit of developed acre-
age exists in Zone 2. Zone 3 has a sizable acreage deficiency, while a surplus of
developed recreation acreage is indicated for Zone 1. However, it was noted in
several instances that recreation facilities in Zone 1 were often overcrowded.
There are also periods of peak use when campers were turned away from state
parks. This results from a distribution problem within the zone. The heaviest
pressures are placed on facilities close to transportation arteries. Parks and
resource areas located greater distances from these major traffic routes are often
only lightly used.
5-1
-------
These acreages are considered necessary to support the, maximum number of people
expected to use recreational facilities at any one time on a normal summer Sunday.
The acreages are based on the following classification of recreation areas suggested
by Marion Clawson, et al., in Land for the Future.
(1) User-oriented areas, represented by city, county, and other local
type parks, are usually located near the user, irrespective of the
quality of resources available. User-oriented areas may be com-
pared to Class I — High Density Recreation Areas as defined by
ORRRC in "Outdoor Recreation for America".
(2) Intermediate areas, represented by state and regional type parks,
utilize the best available resources within a reasonable distance
of the user. They may be compared to Class n — General Outdoor
Recreation Areas as defined by ORRRC. To some extent, inter-
mediate areas may also include the more highly developed Class III
areas.
(3) Resource-oriented areas, represented by national forests, are lo-
cated in areas of outstanding resources. This category is based
on location t>f resources and not necessarily on the needs of people.
The Huron National Forest, Au Sable State Forest, and Thunder
Bay River State Forest, all ORRRC Class HI areas, are represen-
tative of this category. Estimates of developed acreages were
made wherever recreational facilities existed in these areas.
Table 5-1
REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPED RECREATION ACREAGE
LAKE HURON BASEST 1960
(Nearest 100 acres)
(1)
Zone
1
2
3
(2)
Total
Needed
4,000
18,800
8.000
Basin 30,800
* See Table B-4, Appendix B.
(3)
Present
Existing for
Public Use*
5,900
5,500
2.400
13,800
(4)
Deficit
(Column 2 -
Column 3>
-1,900
13,300
5,600
17,000
The acreage presented as "Deficit" in Table 5-1 indicates the additional acreage
needed in each zone if divided equally between user-oriented and intermediate types
of areas. This approach was necessary because the classification of existing areas
5-2
-------
into the two types is not clear-cut. An intermediate area may be user-oriented for
a certain portion of the population, and both types of areas can support essentially
the same activities. In conjunction with the developed acreage necessary to support
the five oasic activities, other lands must be provided for the more extensive rec-
reational uses such as hiking, hunting, sightseeing, and nature walks, as well as
providing desirable buffer areas.
The deficit figures may change, depending on acquisition of new areas and use pres-
sures. For example, if additional studies should show the user-oriented areas are
needed in preference to intermediate ones, the figures could be lowered somewhat,
or if intermediate areas required more attention, the figures could be raised.
The basin's most pressing needs lie in the area of development. Although some
deficiencies remain, primarily at the local level, a substantial reserve of recrea-
tion land resources has been acquired for the basin. According to the Michigan
Outdoor Recreation Plan (page N. 104.9), 71.7 percent of the 10-year state parks
capital outlay recreation budget is earmarked for development. The balance (28.3)
percent) is slated for land acquisition. In Table 5-2 the acreage needs expressed in
this chapter are related to facility deficiencies listed in the Michigan Outdoor Rec-
reation plan.
Table 5-2
ADDITIONAL NEEDS FOR DEVELOPED ACREAGE
LAKE HURON BASIN 1960
Developed Principal
Zone Acreage needed* Facilities Needed
1
2 13,300 Boating, fishing, swimming
camping, picnicking
3 5,600 Boating, camping, swimming
* See Methodology in Appendix B.
FUTURE NEEDS
Table 5-3 estimates future developed acreage requirements for each zone and for
the Lake Huron Basin. Future needs for the five activities (boating, camping, fish-
ing, picnicking, and swimming) considered in the preceding section will probably
grow 277 percent by the year 2000 and by 2020 they may be expected to increase
500 percent over the presently needed acreage.
5-3
-------
These projections are predicated upon continued growth of the basin's population
and economy and also upon the assumption that the recreational demands exerted
upon the basin will be totally satisfied within the basin. The total satisfaction of
need within the basin will require considerable private enterprise in the owner-
ship and operation of marinas, campgrounds, ski areas, etc. The demand meth-
odology makes certain allowances for nonresidents seeking recreation in the basin,
but what effect their numbers will have on the basin by 2000 or 2020 is not known.
Table 5-3
FUTURE REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPED RECREATIONAL ACREAGE
LAKE HURON BASIN
(Nearest 100 Acres)
Zone
1
2
3
Basin
1960*
4,000
18,800
8.000
30,800
2000
12,100
71,200
26,300
109,600
2020
13,400
104,700
31,400
149,500
*From Column 2 of Table 5-1.
5-4
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Chapter 6
Water Quality Influences
GENERAL
Basin Water Quality. Water quality problems in the Lake Huron Basin are concen-
trated in localized areas along thelakeshore, in portions of the numerous tributaries
and inland lakes. The Saginaw River and its tributaries dissect and service every
major city in the basin. These rivers are small and their assimilative capacity is
limited. Metropolitan areas have outgrown the ability of the surface water resour-
ces to meet basic needs. Flint is an example of this. Many smaller communities
bordering these tributaries are using them for water supply, waste assimilation,
and recreation. All too frequently recreation has been sacrificed in favor of in-
creased waste disposal activity. Soil erosion has seriously impaired water quality,
particularly in the Saginaw River and its tributaries. Poor land use and treatment
practives are largely responsible for the great quantities of soil reaching the water-
ways. Water quality problems in Lake Huron are attributed to wastes carried into
it by its tributaries. Because of its sheltered waters, shallow depths, and the waste
loads delivered by the Saginaw River, Saginaw Bay is the focal point of water quality
problems in Lake Huron. Small streams, the Kawkawlin for example, also contri-
bute to pollution of the Bay.
Some of the state's largest inland lakes are located in Zone 1. Here, water quality
problems have not reached alarming proportion, but there are indications of poten-
tial problems. Light algae blooms have occuredin lakes where they were previously
unknown, indicating increasing nutrient concentrations. In the southern tip of Zone
2 there are several small lakes which are suffering the consequences of unplanned
resource developments; Inadequately treated effluents entering tributary streams
and poorly designed lakeshore septic tank systems are responsible for many of the
water quality problems presently being experienced.
Sources of Pollution. There are three general sources of polluting substances:
domestic, industrial, and agricultural. The most widely distributed pollution in the
Lake Huron Basin stems from domestic sources; both municipal and individual sys-
6-1
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terns are involved. Industrial contaminants are often more dramatically evidenced
but sparsely distributed. Sedimentation of rivers in agricultural areas is concen-
trated in Zones 2 and 3.
Inefficient or inadequate sewage treatment plants and faulty individual septic sys-
tems are degrading lakes and rivers throughout the basin. They contribute oxygen-
consuming organic substances, health endangering bacteria, and nutrients which
induce luxurious plant growths. While enforcing pollution abatement laws against
municipalities is difficult, inspecting individual septic sanitary systems will prove
to be the most demanding task. Lakeshores and river banks are often lined with
cottages and permanent houses, many with septic systems draining directly into the
adjoining surface waters. The cost involved in placing these homes on a collect-
ive sewage treatment system is often claimed to be prohibitive. Although poten-
tially effective in controlling new construction, sanitary zoning ordinances involve
serious ramifications when applied to existing residences and have not proven to be
a deterrent to undesirable developments. As municipalities extend their services
to outlying areas, some shoreline residences will be connected to a central waste
control system. Unfortunately there are many areas where this expansion of inter-
ceptor systems will not occur in the foreseeable future.
The presence of considerable amounts of nutrients in the waters of much of Zone 2
and the southern and eastern portions of Zone 3 in the Lake Huron Basin has result-
ed in substantial growth of algae and other undesirable weed growths. The Flint,
Shiawassee, Pine, Chippewa, and Tittabawassee Rivers in Zone 2 and the Cass and
Saginaw Rivers in Zone 3 all exhibit some evidence of algae and other undesirable
aquatic vegetation at various locations along their length. The intensively farmed
areas of the Saginaw River Valley and the heavily cultivated portions of southeast-
ern Michigan are major sources of farm runoffs and undoubtedly contribute to the
enrichment problem. In addition, inadequately treated sewage effluent of munici-
palities and industries, phosphates from household detergents, and the runoff into
river basins of such seemingly harmless products as lawn fertilizers containing
considerable amounts of nutrients are entering the above-named rivers.
The cities of Flint, Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City contain the basin's greatest
concentrations of industrial and munufacturing concerns. In addition, petroleum
refineries, wood-us ing industries, food processing plants, quarrying installations,
and small manufacturing operations are located in other portions of the basin. Metal
6-2
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plating chemicals, heavy metal, paper mill wastes, phenols, thermal additions, and
assorted other contaminants have been or are pollutants for which the basin's indus-
tries are responsible.
In 1960 there were 4.4 million acres of artifically drained land in the Lake Huron
Basin (32). Drainage ditches have provided an avenue for the collection of silt,
organic matter, and nutrients. Housing projects and other construction in the vicin-
ity of rivers and lakes are often characterized by thoughtless removal of vegetation
and little concern for the surrounding environment; waters downstream from con-
struction sites often run thick with silt from eroding soils.
Another source of pollution for which municipalities, industries, and private individ-
uals are all responsible is that of general refuse: tin cans, no-return bottles, old
automobiles, paper, garbage, and other assorted by-products of our society. River
banks and flood plains have long been a favorite location for trash disposal. Beaches,
picnic areas, campgrounds, and other recreation facilities suffer from waste depo-
sition. Ironically, recreation lands and waters are often littered by the same people
searching for a natural environment in which to recreate.
EFFECTS OF WATER QUALITY ON RECREATION
Swimming. The most common water quality problem affecting swimming and other
body contact activities is bacteriological contamination. Pathogenic organisms asso-
ciated with human intestinal wastes can cause serious health problems if present in
bathing waters. Swimmers, water skiers, and skin divers are all susceptible to a
variety of illnesses: gastro-intestinal inflamation, typhoid fever, infectious hepatitis,
and dysentery are some of the diseases known to be transported in surface waters.
Often ignored in surveillance and monitoring problems are those substances which
are by-products of our technologically advancing society. New chemicals, industrial
processing wastes, and agricultural pesticides are reaching surface waters in in-
creasing quantities. Some of these materials can cause serious injury to anyone
swimming in or ingesting the untreated water. Esthetic degradation of bathing water
often deters swimming activity much more quickly than potential health hazards.
Floating debris, turbidity, obnoxious odors or encroaching vegetation have elimin-
ated swimming in many areas regardless of the water's bacterial content.
Hunting and Fishing. The proper environment for fish and game is what dictates
the water quality requirements. Any significant change in the biochemical composi-
6-3
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tion of natural waters can decimate the native biotic community. These variables
include water temperature, oxygen content, turbidity, and pH. Waters preserved
for aquatic life and dependent terrestrial species require constant surveillance as
these organisms are the first to feel the heavy hand of pollution.
Boating. Two primary concerns of the boater are that the water be esthetically de-
sirable and that it be free from any materials which could damage his equipment.
Extreme acidity or alkalinity can both damage equipment and contribute to an un-
desirable esthetic situation. The same can be said for floating debris, excessive
aquatic plant growths, and a wide range of chemicals. Except in the case of an acci-
dent where the recreator may come in contact with the water, considerations given
to health have received less attention.
Water-Enhanced Activities. Camping, picnicking, hiking, and other water-enhanced
activities are most actively pursued in areas adjacent to esthetically attractive
waters. McKee and Wolf have delineated the water quality requirements necessary
for esthetic enjoyment of water-enhanced activities. Conditions of water quality
that adversely affect water-enhanced activities are: visible floating, suspended, or
settled solids arising from the disposal of sewage or garbage; sludge banks; slime
infestation; heavy growths and attached plants or animals; blooms of high concen-
trations of plankton; discoloration or excessive turbidity from sewage, industrial
wastes, or even natural sources; the evolution of dissolved gases, especially hydro-
gen sulfide; visible oil or grease, including emulsions; excessive acidity or alkalinity
that leads to corrosion or delignification of boats and docks; surfactants that form
when the water is agitated or aerated; and excessive water temperatures that cause
high rates of evaporation and cloudiness over the water (15). Participation is great-
est when the waters support a desirable aquatic community and are safe for water-
dependent activities. Camping or hiking may be the primary objective of a vacation,
but the choice of site or route is often determined by the availability of high quality
waters suitable for a variety of uses.
WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS
There are two independent qualities which must be assured in recreation waters: the
absence of health hazards and desirable esthetic features. Many pollutants have a
detrimental effect on both of these desired qualities. A listing of contaminants and
some of their harmful effects is found in Table 6-1. Only the more common sub-
6-4
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stances known to gain entry into basin waters are considered. It should also be
understood that the headings used in the contaminant column, e.g. pesticides, and
the following listed effects are general in scope and are not to be construed as all-.
inclusive.
Table 6-1
CONTAMINANTS
Phenols*
Acids and alkalines*
Heavy metals, e.g. lead, zinc,
arsenic, and chromium
Oxygen-consuming substances*
e.g. starches, sugars, and
also previously mentioned soil
particles and human wastes
Chlorine
Dyes
Temperature-warmed water
Radiation
Pesticides*
Human digestive wastes and
associated bacteria
Soil
Oils*
Nutrients, including
fertilizers*
EFFECTS
Impart obnoxious odors and tastes to the water
and the fish within. Are also toxic to fish in
very small concentrations.
Toxic to aquatic life and damaging to recrea-
tional equipment.
Toxic to fish, wildlife, and humans.
Detrimental to fish and oth'er aquatic life, and
can cause odor and taste problems.
May be detrimental to fish and other aquatic
life. Causes eye irritation in swimming pools.
Some varieties are toxic to fish and all affect
the water's natural color.
May impair esthetic quality of swimming water,
and has a deleterious effect on other elements
contained within the body of water. Extremes
eliminate aquatic life. Under certain conditions
may be beneficial for swimming in cold bodies
of water.
Certain rays or radioactive substances above cer-
tain levels may be detrimental to aquatic plant
and animal life and a threat to human health.
Harmful to all forms of aquatic life and any
organisms ingesting the water, including humans.
Obnoxious odors, visually unsightly, detrimental
to human health and aquatic life.
Visually unsightly, detrimental to aquatic life,
and sedimentation blocks navigable waters.
Injurious to fish and wildlife, esthetically dis-
pleasing, and can damage recreation equipment
Stimulate nuisance aquatic growths which are
esthetically and physically detrimental to recrea-
tion activities.
* Also found combination with several other general polutants.
6-5
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It is difficult to determine exactly when each of these polluting substances becomes
concentrated enough to be harmful. Reactions often take place between chemicals
that cause them to be much more dangerous in combination than they were indi-
vidually. Warmed waters, for example, may start or intensify a chemical reaction
that would ordinarily be subdued by the water's natural temperature. Each body of
water and each entering foreign entity nust be approached on an individual basis if
deleterious effects are to be accurately analyzed and corrected.
REPRESENTATIVE CASE STUDIES
Flint. The Flint River, Kearsley and Thread Reservoirs, and Flint Park Lake
either pass through, border, or are located within the city of Flint. At one time all
of these waters supported a variety of water-oriented outdoor recreation activities.
The Flint River was used for swimming, sport fishing, boating, and other activities
associated with good quality waters. Because of its small size and muddy bottom,
Flint Park Lake received only light recreational use. At present not one of these
waters is recommended by the Flint Park and Recreation Department for water-
contact sports. Poor water quality is the most important factor contributing to the
loss of these waters for recreation purposes. This degradation of natural waters is
another reason for people to seek weekend recreation away from the cities.
Swimming pools, golf courses, and ball parks meet some of the demands generated
by the citizens of Flint. A reasonably large body of safe, esthetically attractive
water bounded by sand beaches, a marina, public boat launching sites, and picnic
grounds would be an invaluable supplement to the city's recreation system. Every
resource and facility previously mentioned existed in the past and could exist in
the future provided water quality is improved. As was mentioned in Chapter Four
under Recreation Potential, Genesee County and the City of Flint, in anticipation
of improved water quality, are planning construction of a reservoir on the Flint
River which will have recreation as its primary purpose.
Of particular interest on the periphery of Flint is Kearsley Lake, a 200-acre reser-
voir originally designed for low flow augmentation. Recreationally, it once support-
ed a number of private and commercial beaches, hosted an annual racing regatta,
and provided boating and fishing opportunities. The water quality has since degener-
ated to the point that many recreation demands can no longer be satisfied. In 1956
a survey was made by the City Water Department to determine the sources of pollu-
tion which were degrading the reservoir's water quality. It was discovered that the
6-6
GPO 819-303—7
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residences bordering both the reservoir and Keaxsley Creek had inefficient sanitary
septic systems which were channeling wastes directly to surface waters. It is estima-
ted that nearly 20,000 swimming occasions annually are lost to outdoor recreationists
because of the presence of these pollutants. If this problem was corrected, Kearsley
Reservoir could once again be used extensively for recreational purposes.
Thread Lake, administered by the City Recreation Department, is 115 acres in size
and located entirely within the city of Flint. Poor water quality and sedimentation
have significantly reduced this lake's recreational potential. Faulty septic tank sys-
tems bordering its tributary streams are contributing domestic wastes to the lake.
Like Kearsley Reservoir, Thread Lake once supported a variety of water-oriented
recreation activities. It could
do so again if the lake were
dredged and, foremost, if the
water quality were improved.
This site on Kearsley Reservoir
was once a heavily used com-
mercial beach and is presently
owned by the City Parks and
Recreation Department, but it
remains undeveloped.
Plate 6-1 Photo by BOfi.
Saginaw. The Saginaw River, in combination with its tributaries, is one of the few
significant sources of recreational waters close to the Saginaw urban area. Inland
lakes represent only 1,479 acres of surface water of which almost half is flooded
lowlands devoted to wildlife propagation. The remaining acreage consists of small
ponds and lakes averaging less than 15 acres in size (26). The value of the Saginaw
River as a recreational resource has been recognized by the city's Parks and Recre-
ation Department as is evidenced by their waterfront acquisition program. Boating
water skiing, picnicking, walking for pleasure, and assorted other activities are sup-
ported by the river and adjacent waterfront areas. Swimming is discouraged because
of unpredictable currents and fluctuating water quality. Undesirable esthetic condi-
tions (primarily turbidity) and upstream municipal and industrial discharges further
limit the recreational use of the river.. The cities of Gladwin, Midland, Alma, Flint,
Lapeer, and several smaller communities above Saginaw use the Saginaw River and
its tributaries for waste assimilation (31). The drainage of 1,989,000 acres of in-
6-7
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Plate 6-2
A sign seen much too often in the
Lake Huron Basin. Photo by BOR.
tensively farmed cropland contributes sub-
stantially to the river's turbidity.
Bay City. The quality of the Saginaw River
deteriorates as it flows northward to Saginaw
Bay. Bay City residents and visitors alike
generally consider the river esthetically unde-
sirable, even for water-enhanced activities.
The discharge of Saginaw River water in con-
junction with that of the domestically polluted
Kawkawlin River into Saginaw Bay has dis-
couraged beach attendance at Bay City State
Park. Attendance figures for the years 1961
through 1966 given in Table 6-2 exemplifies
this problem. General public opinion regarding natural waters and their suitability
for recreational activities is evidenced by the abandonment of the municipal beach
on Lake Huron and planned construction of swimming pools.
Alpena. Alpena and several other cities suffer from irresponsible actions commit-
ted decades ago. During the 19th century, Alpena was one of the major centers for
lumbering and associated industries. By-products from the lumber processing
industry (chips, sawdust, slabs, etc.) were deposited in Thunder Bay. Today local
parks and recreation officials are continually burdened with the task of removing
water-logged debris from the public beaches.
Table 6-2
ATTENDANCE TRENDS OF BAY CITY STATE PARK AND THE
MICHIGAN STATE PARK SYSTEM, 1961-1966
Percent Percent
Year Bay City State Change Total State Attendance Change
1961
1962
1963
1964*
1965
1966
287,045
312,620
327,025
245,410
228,900
261,400
+ 8.7
+ 5.0
-25.0
- 6.9
+13.9
13,465,872
13,081,438
13,565,622
13,844,262
13,583,862
16,457,452
- 2.8
+ 4.0
+ 2.0
- 1.9
+22.0
* Beach was posted on May 28 through June 26, indicating a potential health
hazard.
6-8
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The black debris degrading this Alpena
beach is primarily wood chips, slabs,
and sawdust deposited in Thunder Bay
several decades ago. Photo by BOR.
Plate 6-3
In the foreground is a segment of maintained municipal
beach at Alpena. Beyond the post lies a beach which is not
continually cleared, raked, and turned over.
—Photo by BOR.
Harbor Beach. High coliform counts and large accumulations of aquatic plants
indicate a water quality problem at Harbor Beach. Table 6-3 presents the findings
from water samples taken by the Michigan Water Resources Commission. The
counts consistently exceeded accepted levels for whole body contact recreation
activities. Subsequent studies re-
vealed that industrial wastes were
largely responsible for the high col-
iform counts. The city's efficient
waste treatment plant chlorinates
its effluent, and the human wastes
of industry are also treated at this
municipal treatment plant. After
preliminary investigation it appears
that there are two other sources of
bacterial contamination: recreation
craft in the harbor and unsewered
seasonal residences along the lake -
shore.
Plate 6-4
6-9
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Table 6-3
BACTERIOLOGICAL DATA FOR HARBOR BEACH
(1965-1966)
Coliform Counts
Date
7-28-65
8-23-65
6-30-66
7-11-66
7-25-66
8-08-66
8-23-66
9-08-66
Average
Organisma/100 ml.
110,000
12,000
1,400
4,100
4,000
44,000
75,000
2,000
26,250
Source: (30)
Note: These counts exceed water quality standards as determined by the Michigan Water Resources
Commission. These standards state that the geometric average of any series of 10 consecutive
samples shall not exceed 1, 000; nor shall 20 percent of the samples examined exceed 5,000/100 ml
for total body contact. The high counts obtained on the dates 7/28/65 and 8/23/66 appear to be in-
consistant with the other samples obtained. If errors were made in sampling, the numerical value
of the remaining samples are still high and very definitely indicate a problem.
Small Lakes in the Southern Shiswassee River Basin, Genesee County. A series
of small lakes in a glacial moraine area of Genesee County are aging prematurely.
Slimes, weed growths, and resulting odors discourage the recreational use of these
waters. Effluent from an inefficient primary treatment plant, faulty septic tank sys-
tems, and surface runoff have
all contributed to this situation.
Private groups, in cooperation
with governmental agencies.have
begun to attack these problems;
but there is still much to be done.
Fenton Lake, a small morainal
lake with no inlet and a very
small outlet is supporting sub-
stantial growths of algae and
rooted aquatic plants. The indi-
vidual septic tank systems used
for domestic wastes could be
contributing substantial quanti-
ties of nutrients to the lake. An
This Lake Fenton scene shows plant growth
by an outlet of a county drain. It appears
that substances other than storm water are
emitted. The area on both sides of this
drain is a beach for residents of an adja-
cent suburb. Photo by BOR.
Plate 6-5
6-10
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obvious source of pollutants is storm water runoff entering via two county drains. It
appears more than storm water is being discharged from these drains, but even if
this is not the case, harmful constituents carried by runoff waters are more than
sufficient to cause problems in a lake of this type. With little or no circulation the
lake is never sufficiently flushed; hence the buildup of nutrients and a relatively stag-
nant condition — an ideal situation for plant growth. Diversion of the drain water
has been suggested as a solution, but this would only transfer the problem to people
farther down the subbasin.
WATER QUALITY IMPAIRMENT
In Chapter 1 water pollution was defined as the addition of any material or any
change in the quality or character of a body of water which interferes with, lessens
or destroys a desired use. This implies that if there is no impairment of use
there is no pollution. Throughout the Lake Huron Basin are sources of contamina-
tion which have actually impaired the basin's waters for recreational purposes.
Plate 6-6 shows present degrees of impairment. These degrees have been divided
into three categories: light, moderate, and gross. Definitions of these follow:
WATERS LIGHTLY IMPAIRED are those which can support recreational activities
involving total body as well as partial body contact. In some instances these
waters may not be esthetically pleasing during part of the recreational season
because of certain activities such as: mining, gravel washing, canning, sewage
treatment, or similar activities which may preclude their use by some recre-
ators.
WATERS MODERATELY IMPAIRED are those at which recreational activities in-
volving total body contact with water is deterred because of health consider-
tions. Some persons might engage in water activities involving partial body
contact, but most people would shy away from such activity because of esthe-
tic impairment.
WATERS GROSSLY IMPAIRED are those at which recreation activity involving
whole body contact with water is deterred because of health considerations
and which nearly all people involved in water recreational activities would
shun. Such waters would be esthetically displeasing because of algae growth,
dead fish, oil slicks, floating debris, raw sewage, or other similar conditions.
6-11
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LOCATION OF RECREATIONAL WATERS
IMPAIRED BY LOW QUALITY
LAKE HURON BASIN
Plate 6-6
LEGEND
Grossly impaired
Moderately impaired
il!|:|lt Lightly impaired
Source: Michigan Water Resources Commission
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PRESENT ABATEMENT PROGRAMS
The state's water pollution abatement program is well underway. Many municipal-
ities and industries have been ordered by the Michigan Water Resources Commis-
sion to install new waste treatment systems or update their existing facilities. In
anticipation of improved water quality, some communities are planning recreation
developments which will provide facilities for water-dependent activities on lakes
and rivers presently considered polluted. The recent passage of a $335 million
pollution bonding program in November 1968 by the citizens of Michigan will pro-
vide a significant step forward. This will provide greatly needed money for im-
provements on existing sewage treatment facilities as well as the construction of
new sewage treatment plants. The United States Department of Agriculture and
the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture through numerous subagencies
have long encouraged improved land use practices with considerable attention given
to erosion control. Dependence on the voluntary efforts of individual land owners
has not always been the most effective technique for insuring wise resource utiliza-
tion, as evidenced by many of the basin's rivers. However, increased promotional
and educational efforts on the part of the aforementioned agencies could substan-
tially alleviate many of the sedimentation problems presently degrading the basin's
central and southern waters.
Industry is also beginning to recognize the public relations value of a responsible
approach to waste control and the environment in general. One of the basin's
most efficient, conscientiously-operated waste treatment systems is the pride of
a large chemical company, the Dow Chemical Company.
Interest and action initiated by private individuals, associations, and industries
can and, in some instances, have fostered tremendous changes in the general
public's attitude toward the surrounding environment. An example of a private
group actively engaged in the promotion of pollution abatement is the Ponemah-
Squaw-Tupper Lakes Improvement Association, a group composed of local lakeside
home owners. Upon witnessing the deterioration of the lakes on which they live,
property owners organized an action group to promote and implement programs
which could reverse the trend of water pollution. Studies and surveys were made
to locate the sources of pollution, and a plan was formulated to eliminate or con-
trol discharges of contaminating substances. This was followed by a promotion
6 13
-------
campaign which has contributed to the construction of a new sewage treatment
plant. Their efforts have resulted in a lake level stabilization structure, sewage
diversion system, and a planned sanitary district to service lakeside homes. The
efforts of the Ponemah-Squaw-Tupper Lakes Improvement Association have been
recognized by others living on similarly distressed lakes; and they, too, are now
organizing in an attempt to rectify the errors of the past.
Through the actions and cooperation of federal, state, local, and private interests
can come the quality of waters necessary to support, not only recreation activities,
but all other uses, including domestic and industrial. There are indications that
desirable action and cooperation either exists or is forthcoming and as a result the
basin's rivers, inland lakes, and Lake Huron itself can become a greater source
of pleasure to all.
Clean water is the key to greater
enjoyment by all persons. Photo
at right by Michigan Department
of Natural Resources. Photos be-
low by the Mich. Tourist Council.
Plate 6-7
I.
6-14
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Chapter 7
Outdoor Recreation Plan
APPRAISAL OF RECREATION POTENTIALS
The recreation potential for the Lake Huron Basin has yet to be significantly tapped.
Lands in excess of two million acres are publicly owned and capable of supporting
a variety of recreation activities. This wealth of resources is concentrated in the
less populous northern portion of the basin. Only 14,000 acres in the basin are
presently intensively developed for recreation. Developed recreation acreage could
double, triple, or quadruple without taxing existing resources or infringing on low
density activities. However, as interests and participation in the low density activi-
ties increases, overcrowding may occur, resulting in low quality experiences. Urban
development will also have a detrimental effect on the basin's recreation potential
if it does not proceed in a more rational manner than it has in the past. In the near
future several outstanding programs will be undertaken which will significantly affect
the recreational complexion of the Lake Huron Basin. A discussion of two notable
developments follows:
Great Lakes Sport Fishery. One of the most exciting chapters in the story of rec-
reation is being written. Concerned agencies are implementing ambitious plans for
a new sport fishery which should flourish. The introduction of Coho and Chinook
Salmon into Lake Michigan waters has resulted in success that has far exceeded
expectations. These species of salmon were more recently planted in Lake Huron,
and good results are anticipated. These programs, in combination with the recov-
ery of native fishes should continue to provide an outstanding recreation resource.
Another important factor in the future success of the sport fisheries program is the
control of the sea lamprey. In the past few years, control measures have achieved
notable results. However, a recent reduction in funds has caused a cutback in the
Lake Huron lamprey control program.
7-1
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Rehabilitation of Basin Waters. Through an active program of pollution abatement
directed and enforced by the state of Michigan Water Resources Commission, many
of the rivers, streams, and lakes presently unfit for recreation activities can once
again enhance the environment and support those uses which demand high quality
waters. A complete discussion of water quality and its effects on outdoor recrea-
tion is found in Chapter 6.
Zone I. Extensive forested lands, varied topography, numerous lakes and streams
and the last remnants of unspoiled Lake Huron shoreline, all combine to make
Zone 1 the most recreationally desirable area in the basin. Another factor favor-
ably contributing to the zone's recreational potential is the large acreages held in
public trust. A great threat to this potential is the unplanned, haphazard prolifer-
ation of seasonal homes. A small number of vacation residences can consume dis-
proportionally large amounts of valuable recreation lands. Pressures are already
being put on public agencies to force the sale of public lands to private interests.
Although the demand-supply analysis indicates a surplus of developed recreation
land in Zone 1, it should not be assumed that future recreational demands will be
easily satisfied. Increasing popularity of low density activities which require ex-
tensive acreages indicates tremendous demands for undeveloped lands.
Zone 2. Intensive farming, generally flat topography, scarcity of surface waters,
and population density all have depressing effects on the potential for recreational
development in Zone 2. Efforts to provide the 13,300 acres of developed recrea-
tion land needed to satisfy present demands will be significantly retarded by these
factors. The most promising action regarding resource availability is the rehabil-
itation of the zone's degraded waters, thus providing areas for development which
are presently considered unsatisfactory for recreational purposes. Possibly res-
ervoir construction, similar to that in Genesee County could further alleviate the
need for recreational water resources. Zone 2 also suffers from acute unregulated
urban sprawl. Desirable lands on the periphery of'the zone's cities are being con-
sumed by residential, industrial, and public developments, often without adequate
regard for the recreational resources that are being preempted.
Zone 3. The many miles of Lake Huron shoreline and the excellent waterfowl
habitat and fishing waters of Saginaw Bay are admirable resources associated with
Zone 3. Unfortunately, most of the shoreline is already privately or publicly de-
veloped to a degree that quite limits its future potential. The Rifle and Au Ores
7-2
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subbasins represent the most promising remaining potential. The resources nece-
sary to alleviate the present 5, 600-acre need for developed recreation lands are
available. Pollution abatement programs will allow more extensive recreational
use of the many small tributaries, shoreline lake waters, and Saginaw Bay.
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Location of Recreation Facilities. Urban areas have long suffered the inequitable
distribution of recreation facilities. Rising urban land prices, mobility, and avail-
ability of desirable resource-oriented lands in less densely populated areas have
stimulated this trend. The basin's cities are moderate in size and just beginning to
experience an acute need for recreation facilities. In many instances, the resour-
ces are available, and all that remains to be done is saving them for recreation use.
Resource Aptitude. The Lake Huron Basin has certain resource characteristics
which should be taken into consideration when future recreation developments are
contemplated. The lake itself contains relatively cold water and is encircled by
horizontally shallow beaches. Offshore waters are underlaid with sedimentary de-
posits conducive to plant growth as evidenced in the lake's bays and inlets. These
are conditions far from attractive to the swimmer but desirable for other water-
dependent and water-enhanced activities, e.g., picnicking, camping, fishing, and
hunting.
The interior of the basin and its 8,000-mile system of tributaries are valuable
resources ideally suited for low density recreation activities, e.g., hiking, trail
riding, primitive camping, canoeing, and fishing. On the periphery of cities and
a number of resource-oriented areas, high density facilities are necessary to sat-
isfy resident demands. The vast tracts of public forests and other large holdings
of undeveloped land can best serve the region by supporting those activities which
require one or a combination of the following four conditions: adequate acreages
per recreationist, a pleasant natural setting, fish and wildlife habitat, and privacy.
Permanent and Seasonal Home Development. The Lake Huron Basin is experiencing
a deviation from the normal pattern of urban sprawl, i.e., people are bypassing
the suburb and building homes in rural areas. This desire for a "country estate"
has resulted in the removal of many recreation amenities once available to urban
residents. Seasonal homes are still being built at a rapid rate. The bulldozing of
all trees and vegetation for rows of crowded, look-alike housing in subdivisions is
7-3
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continuing unabated. Efforts to control this type of development have been largely
ineffective. Zoning ordinances are sometimes ignored for the short term economic
benefits of contractors and realtors. Aside from direct acquisition, a successful
system of land use control has not been found.
Throughout Michigan are found a considerable number of private and semiprivate
lakes having excessive numbers of seasonal or permanent homes lining the shore-
line. In many instances these cottages and cabins are utilizing inadequate or poorly
placed septic systems, with some even piping wastes direcly into lake waters. Not
only are lot sizes in many cases far too small, but buildings are usually construc-
ted too close to the water's edge. This carelessness and shortsightedness has re-
sulted in the unattractive cluttering of shorelines and the unnecessary pollution of
lake waters. For lakes not yet in such a condition, passage of effective shoreland
zoning ordinances properly enforced by the state can help in eliminating these in-
fringements of the lakeside environment. For those lakes already developed, zoning
ordinances cannot undo what is already in existence. However, a possible solution
to the pollution problem on developed lakes or those lakes to be developed would be
the development of an economical central sewage treatment system. If such a sys-
tem could be installed at a reasonable cost, all riparian owners and public users
could enjoy water-oriented outdoor recreation of a much higher quality. The elim-
ination of the cost now incurred for installing and maintaining septic systems might
aid in offsetting the cost of a central sewage treatment system. More importantly,
if existing and prospective lakeside owners are made aware of the added benefits
and enjoyment that can result from such a system, increased costs to the owners
would probably not prove to be a deterrent to their acceptance.
Wild Land Trends. There is a significant trend occuring in Michigan, which each
year further limits the amount of wild lands available to the public for hunting and
other recreational uses. A recently completed survey of Michigan's wild lands by
the state's Department of Natural Resources indicated a 64 percent increase in the
amount of fenced private wild land acreage in Region II of the lower peninsula during
the period of 1954-1963. (Region n includes the major portion of the Lake Huron
Basin and nearly the same trend could be expected in the basin.) In 1963, 1,627,702
acres were fenced as compared to 1,047,670 acres in 1954.
Wild lands comprise approximately 60 percent of the basin's total land area, but
the proportion which fenced private wild lands comprise of total wild lands (public
7-4
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and private) is considerable. To illustrate, in 1954, 14.4 percent of the total wild
lands were under fence as compared to 22.3 percent in 1963. This loss of lands is
occuring just at the time when greater demands are being made upon the basin's
land and water resources.
Zoning Considerations. The introduction and passage of legislation designed to en-
hance the natural beauty and outdoor recreation use of flood plains and shorelines
in not only the Lake Huron Basin but in the entire state of Michigan should receive
consideration. Whereas various state laws exist which are designed to protect
flood plains and shorelines from the encroachment of undesirable practices, their
principal purpose is not to enhance, but only to protect — the laws do not provide
specific provisions which enhance natural beauty and recreational use. *
The Subdivision Control Act of 1967 (Act 288, P. A. 1967) is a recent Michigan law
which bears a relationship to the use of land and water for recreational purposes
and may aid in improving environmental quality. The two provisions which could
have this effect are (1) The Department of Public Health may require percolation
and boring tests prior to the installation of septic systems in a particular area and
(2) The Michigan Water Resources Commission will be given authority to approve
or reject a preliminary subdivision plat, giving the necessary reasons if rejected.
In 1962 the state of Wisconsin enacted a bold and imaginative law to protect the
clear waters and natural beauty of its rural shorelands. Shorelands, as defined by
the law, are lands within 1,000 feet of a lake, pond, or flowage and lands within
300 feet of a river or stream or to the landward side of the flood plain, whichever
distance is greater. The stated purpose of the statute is to ".. .further the main-
tenance of safe and healthful conditions; prevent and control water pollution; pro-
tect spawning grounds, fish, and aquatic life; control building sites, placement of
structures, and land uses; and preserve shore cover and natural beauty" (65, 66).
The provision for such controls will have a direct bearing on the quality of outdoor
recreation in the areas affected.
The law requires special county zoning for the unincorporated shorelands of all
navigable waters. The law applies to most waters in the state since any water
*Act 247, P.A. 1955, as amended - The Great Lakes Submerged Lands Act.
Act 291, P.A. 1965, as amended - The Inland Lakes and Streams Act.
Act 167, P.A. 1968 - Amendments to Act No. 245 of the Public Acts of 1929
(Water Resources Commission Act).
7-5
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which is capable of "floating any boat, skiff, or canoe of the shallowest draft used
for recreational purposes" is navigable by the Wisconsin legality test. Either fail-
ure to adopt an ordinance, or the adoption of an inadequate ordinance by a county,
will result in adoption of an ordinance for that county by the Division of Resource
Development. If needed, the division is directed to provide substantial assistance
to the counties.
The law provides for zoning regulations such as: (1) the determination of a particu-
lar soils'suitability to support septic systems prior to the installation of such sys-
tems, (2) tree cutting limitations to preserve shore cover and natural beauty and
to aid in controlling erosion, (3) providing minimum setback distances of various
structure's from the water's edge, (4) the setting of minimum lot sizes, (5) filling
and grading provisions and lagooning and dredging provisions aimed at controlling
erosion, and (6) the use of subdivision controls such as cluster development. The
law can only be applied to those areas not yet developed, and will be limited in its
application in the southern, more developed portions of the state. This law should
provide a useful tool for restricting improper land use which might infringe upon
valuable shorelands in the undeveloped portions of the state.
In order for the law to be operational, especially at the outset, it appears that
some means of enforcement will be essential. In addition, an appreciation by the
public for what this program can do, particularly by those persons affected, gained
through an educational and cooperative program could aid in solving many enforce-
ment problems and achieving the ultimate success of the law's intent. The state of
Michigan might give consideration for the passage of a similar law to protect lake
and stream shorelands which are not largely developed in that state.
Air Pollution. Some areas in the basin, including state forest lands and areas
adjacent to routes traveled by recreationists, are being adversely affected by un-
pleasant odors associated with their general location. Industrial concerns are re-
sponsible for problems in Midland, Alma, and Harbor Beach. Scattered throughout
the northern half of Zone 2 and the western half of Zone 3 are many oil fields sup-
porting a large number of oil wells. In 1967 there were approximately 4,500 oil
wells in the Lake Huron Basin — 2,000 of these were active producers of oil (19).
Oil wells found at several locations in the northern portion of Zone 2 are sources
of nauseous hydrogen sulfide gases. If improperly capped or sealed, these gases
escape to the atmosphere and can reduce the quality of any recreation experience.
7-6
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The oil and gas producing industry, through the American Petroleum Institute, is
currently undertaking research on the problems of odors associated with oil and
gas wells.
Problems Confronting Private Recreation Enterprises. Commercial recreation
establishments are faced with a variety of obstacles ranging from inadequate finan-
cial credit to the operators' lack of professional knowledge. Recreation businesses
are generally considered poor risks by financial institutions. Without credit the
modernizing and expansion of facilities so necessary to the success of any business
venture is almost impossible. Assistance given by the Small Business Administra-
tion, the Farmers Home Administration, and the Economic Development Adminis-
tration is partially alleviating crucial credit shortages. These three agencies are
the principal sources of loans for outdoor recreation purposes. However, the mon-
ies available through the SBA have been substantially curtailed, while the latter two
agencies provide loans which are available only to particular types of enterprises.
In addition, there is a variety of other federal assistance in outdoor recreation in
the form of credit, technical aid, educational services, and research from a con-
siderable number of other federal agencies. Many of these programs are little
known and even less understood by would-be recipients. There is a need for an in-
formative promotional program to make those needing such services more clearly
aware of their existence and applicability.
The vulnerability of commercial recreation facility owners to liability suits neces-
sitates the purchase of costly liability insurance. A recent law adopted by the state
of Michigan protects landowners against liability suits unless extreme negligence
can be proven. This law is designed to open more private lands for public use,
primarily hunting, but it does not apply to commercial recreation establishments
charging user fees.
An increasing number of persons having access to idle land (e.g., farmers, ranch-
ers, retirees, and others) are undertaking the development and management of
outdoor recreation enterprises. Many of these people lack the necessary land re-
sources, skill and knowledge of effective park layout, administrative techniques,
and the ability to deal properly with the public, which are requisites for the estab-
lishment and operation of a successful enterprise. There are exceptions in which
such knowledge is not a necessity — small primitive camping areas and game
farms could be operated without the need for specialized training. Conversely, the
7-7
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management of a recreation area providing modern campgrounds, hiking trails,
boating facilities, a swimming beach, and concession stand requires special know-
ledge and ability.
A recent publication of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, "Financing of Private
Outdoor Recreation" , indicates the consequence of this lack of knowledge and ability.
Financial institutions in responding to various questions indicated that, aside from
the seasonal aspects of recreation enterprises, the inexperience of managers was
the primary reason for their regarding such enterprises as more risky than the
average business (53). To provide further incentive for persons to undertake such
enterprises and successfully operate them, increased governmental assistance in
the form of technical advice and government sponsored short courses at state uni-
versities on fundamental park management practices might be considered.
There are many private recreation area operators who are providing only average
quality facilities and are not giving adequate consideration to enhancing the environ-
mental aspects of their establishments. Appropriate training and well publicized
technical assistance programs should promote the establishment of higher quality
facilities in addition to an improvement of the esthetic environment at private rec-
reation areas.
The need for a closer working relationship and better understanding between public
outdoor recreation managing agencies and the private outdoor recreation sector is
an area worthy of greater attention. The private sector has, in some instances,
duplicated existing public facilities in the same area. The establishment of govern-
ment facilities in areas that were already served by commercial operators has also
occurred. While such happenstance has not yet resulted in serious consequences,
the likelihood of its doing so in the future will increase. Growing demands for
public recreation facilities and a lack of sound business judgement on the part of
private operators has caused many of the present conflicts. Better planning and
coordination of future facility developments between public managing agencies and
the private sector could greatly alleviate this problem. If prospective private rec-
reation operators had access to information regarding the location and types of
planned facility developments of public agencies, it would prove advantageous both
to them and to the public managing agencies. With access to such information the
private operator could eliminate consideration for development in those areas in
which competition might develop or give consideration to providing a different type
7-8
GPO 815—303—8
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of facility to either complement or supplement the planned public facilities. State
Outdoor recreation plans should give consideration to areas where private develop-
ment would be appropriate.
A major reason for the private recreation industries' inability to keep abreast of de-
mands has already been mentioned: finances. Another possible restraint is the pub-
lic's reluctance to pay directly for outdoor recreation. Access to and use of the out-
doors is considered an inalienable right of every American. The public often does not
realize that mushrooming costs, especially for increasingly specialized facilities,are
placing heavy burdens on public as well as private resources and finances alike.
Limitation of International Boundary. Since this report considers only the United
States' portion of the Lake Huron Basin, the relationship to the Canadian portion of
the basin was not explored. A substantial number of Canadian tourists use United
States recreation facilities and vice versa. Indications are that the international
boundary is not a physical limitation to tourists' using natural resources common to
the two countries. The existence of the political boundary, however, tends to handi-
cap natural resource planning efforts. A similar study for the Canadian portion of the
basin could complement this study and give a complete overview of water-oriented
outdoor recreation in the Lake Huron Basin.
ACTION PROGRAMS
Federal, state, and local governments have fostered significant legislation and pro-
grams designed with the intent both to correct the wanton depredation of valuable
natural resources and provide through these resources an environment capable of
supporting the recreational opportunities demanded by the public. The effects of some
of these programs have been discussed in previous chapters. A summary of the more
important legislation and action programs affecting the Lake Huron Basin follows:
Federal
Outdoor Recreation Programs. The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965
authorizes 50 percent matching grants to states and their political subdivisions for
planning, acquisition, and development of outdoor recreation resources. Acquisition
and development assistance is available for state and local projects which are in
accord with a state's comprehensive outdoor recreation plan. This program is ad-
ministered by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation.
7-9
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Anti-pollution Program. The Federal Water Pollution Control Administration is
authorized to provide financial assistance to states and municipalities for the pre-
vention, control, and abatement of water pollution through: (1) grants for construc-
tion of sewage treatment works of up to 30 percent of eligible project costs (if
states provide matching funds and certain other conditions are met, the federal
share may be increased to 50 percent), and (2) grants up to 75 percent of the total
cost of facilities that will demonstrate new or improved methods of controlling
discharge of waste from storm sewers or combined storm and sanitary sewers. To
qualify, such projects must be approved by the appropriate state water pollution
control agency.
On November 3, 1966, the Clean Water Restoration Act was enacted. This act
provides grants to states for developing a comprehensive pollution control and
abatement plan for a basin. Also, certain portions of the Federal Water Pollu-
tion Control Act of 1965 were amended which pertained to construction grants to
municipalities for sewage treatment plants. Two studies will be made under the
provisions of this act: (1) a watercraft pollution study and (2) a study of incentive
assistance to industries.
Fish and Wildlife Programs. The Dingell-Johnson Act provides for assistance to
states in developing sports fishing resources with funds derived from a 10 percent
manufacturer's excise tax on fishing equipment. The federal funds allocated from
this program are matched by 25 percent state funds.
Under the Pitman-Roberts on Act, states receive grants for improving and restor-
ing wildlife habitat. The revenue for these grants is derived from the proceeds of
an 11 percent manufacturer's excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition. These
funds also are matched by 25 percent funds from the state. These programs are
administered by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Sport Fisheries and
Wildlife.
Water Resource Development Program. The Federal Water Projects Recreation
Act of 1965 (Public Law 89-72) establishes congressional policy that full consider-
ation shall be given to recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement as purposes of
federal water resource projects; encourages non-federal agencies, states, cities,
counties, districts, or any combination thereof, to assume responsibility for the
7-10
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operation and maintenance of that part of each project utilized for recreation, fish
and wildlife purposes; and permits entrance fees, and other charges to be levied to
offset expenditures thus incurred. It requires that non-federal agencies pay one-
half of the original costs of land acquisition and recreation facility construction,
including modifications. "It also permits construction of needed recreation facilities
at existing reclamation projects.
Agricultural Programs. Under the provisions of Public Law 566, the Watershed
Protection and Flood Prevention (Small Watershed) Act of 1954, as amended by the
Food and Agriculture Act of 1962, the Department of Agriculture may share with
state and local agencies up to half the cost of land, easements, and right-of-way for
reservoirs and other areas to be managed by state and local sponsors for public
recreation. A small watershed must be less than 250,000 acres.
Under Section 101 of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962, the Department of Agri-
culture can enter into long-term agreements with farmers to convert land regularly
used for crop production into recreation projects. Title IV of the Agricultural Act
of 1962 permits the Farmers Home Administration to make loans to individual farm-
ers for development of income-producing outdoor recreation enterprises. The FHA
may also make loans to nonprofit associations up to $500,000 and insure loans up to
$1 million for effecting changes in land use, including the development of recreation
facilities.
Under Title VI of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1965, the Department of Agricul-
ture can enter into long-term agreements with farmers to convert land regularly
used for crop production to practices or uses that will conserve soil, water, and/or
forest resources;to establish, protect, and/or conserve open spaces, natural beauty,
wildlife habitat, and recreational resources; and/or to prevent air and water pollu-
tion. The Department of Agriculture is also authorized to make grants to all levels
of government for the acquisition of cropland to preserve open spaces and natural
beauty, to develop wildlife habitat and recreational facilities, and to prevent air and
water pollution. The Department of Agriculture also cost shares with farmers to
control sedimentation of streams, lakes, and ponds, and to improve wildlife habitat.
Open Space Programs. Title VII of the Housing Act of 1961 as amended by Title DC
of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 authorizes grants up to 50 percent
of total costs to states and local public agencies for the acquisition and development
7-11
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of open space lands for park, recreation, conservation, scenic, or historic purposes
in urban and suburban areas. Land to be acquired must be undeveloped or predomi-
nantly undeveloped. Title IX of the same act also authorizes grants to states up
to 50 percent of the cost for acquiring developed lands and clearing them for open
space purposes if available undeveloped lands are inadequate to meet the needs in
built-up sections of cities.
Urban Beautification and Improvement Programs. Under Title IX of the Housing and
Urban Development Act of 1965, grants maybe made to states and local public bodies
to assist in carrying out local programs of urban beautification and improvements.
Grants may not exceed 50 percent of the cost of activities in excess of the normal
expenditures for comparable activities. Also under Title IX, a maximum of $50
million of the funds is authorized for grants covering up to 90 percent of the costs
of projects having special value in developing or in demonstrating new improved
methods and materials for urban beautification and improvement.
State. The Water Resources Commission of the Michigan Department of Natural Re-
sources in compliance with the Federal Water Quality Act of 1965 has developed and
submitted for approval water quality standards for all interstate waters bordered by
the state. On the state's own initiative standards have been approved with certain
reservations. The Great Lakes Fisheries Commission is engaged in a lamprey erad-
ication program which will facilitate the establishment of anadromous fish species
in Lake Huron. The various concerned agencies within the Department of Conser-
vation have prepared a ten-year report for the purpose of publicizing and gaining
support for their anticipated funding requirements. Some major action programs
outlined in Michigan's Outdoor Future are listed below:
1. The expenditure of $150 million in ten years for acquisition and development of
state park lands.
2. Attention given to the acquisition of state historical sites.
3. Additional development of Mackinac Island.
4. Approximately $49 million devoted to improvement of the state's fisheries.
5. State forest development, including campgrounds, roads, access, and trails, to-
taling over $7 million.
7-12
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6. Over $26 million is requested for the acquisition of game land with emphasis
placed on purchases in the southern region of the state.
7. Water access sites, marinas, harbors, and other boating facilities have received
special attention because of increased interest in water-oriented activities. Funding
in the next ten years to carry out proposed projects will exceed $112 million.
As a result of voter approval in November 1968, the state of Michigan will under-
take a conservation bonding program which will provide a total of $435 million-$335
million for water pollution control and $100 million for recreation. The $100 million
for recreation will supplement the capital outlay being provided by the regular ten-
year outdoor recreation program. The goal of Michigan's water pollution program
is control of pollution by 1980. This will require 210 new sewage treatment plants,
improvements to 126 existing plants, and sewers for 8 1/2 million people. Plants
will cost $568 million and sewers and storm water control facilities another $641
million. Much of the cost will be borne by the federal government and local units of
government. The $100 million recreation bond issue will help finance fish and game
programs, forest recreation, and state park development and help fund recreation
programs for local units of government. Of the $100 million, $30 million will go to
local units of government for purchase of recreation lands and the development of
leisure time facilities.
In addition to this bonding program, many industries are being required to upgrade
their treatment systems to meet the interstate and intrastate standards that have
been established by the state in cooperation with the federal government.
7-13
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Chapter 8
Conclusions
Consideration having been given to all elements affecting water-oriented outdoor
recreation in the Lake Huron Basin, the following conclusions are offered:
1. The current annual recreation demand in the Lake Huron Basin is approxi-
mately 22 million recreation days. By the year 2000 this amount will more than
triple, and by 2020 nearly a fivefold increase is anticipated. More than 30 percent
of the present demand can be attributed to vacation use.
2. More than 2.1 million acres of land (primarily forest land) and water resour-
ces have potential for many varieties and degrees of recreation development with
reasonable access from centers of population.
3. In 1964 there were nearly 14,000 acres of developed land available for recrea-
tion to the general public at 423 areas in the basin. Seventy-nine percent of these
areas provided facilities for water-dependent activities. Despite this, there was
a deficit of 17,000 acres of available developed recreation lands for public use.
4. There is a need for additional developed recreation acreage in the southern
half of the basin (Zones 2 and 3). Whereas the recreation lands in the northern
area (Zone 1) are generally more than adequate to meet the needs of its residents,
people in the southern zones and outside the basin will continue to rely on the rec-
reation opportunities of the northern area — primarily for weekend camping and
sightseeing. This influx of people is placing additional demands on these facilities.
5. Competition for the use of recreation lands and waters has developed among
the various recreation activities. Because of increased participation in the com-
mon activities (e.g., hiking, swimming, boating) and the advent of new activities
(e.g., snowmobiling and trail motorcycling) conflicts in use are occurring more
frequently than in the past.
8-1
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6. Seasonal and vacation homes contribute substantially to utilization of recrea-
tional opportunities offered by the land and water resources. The extent of their
development on many lakes and streams, however, reduces opportunity for public
projects; and public access to water is a distinct problem in some areas. In addi-
tion, considerable acreage of private land formerly accessible to hunters is being
fenced off from the public, much of it through the formation of private hunting clubs.
7. During urban development adequate .consideration) has not been given to pre-
serving land and water resources for recreation. This has resulted in additional
needs for open space and day-use recreation facilities at Flint, Saginaw, Midland,
Bay City, and other cities in the basin.
8. A large segment of the public demand special recreation facilities or more
elaborate facilities than are usually provided by public agencies. Private enter-
prise has sometimes responded with profitable, quality facilities; however, in many
cases the result has been the establishment of enterprises with low returns on in-
vestments, mediocre to poor quality facilities, and environmental deterioration.
Some form of public assistance appears to be desirable to encourage private in-
volvement where demands would permit profitable recreation development. There
is a need to expand existing public technical assistance programs for all phases of
design, management, and administration of private facilities.
9. Effluents from municipal and industrial waste treatment plants have contami-
nated portions of Lake Huron and its tributaries. Recreational use of these waters
has been substantially reduced in these areas.
10. Lack of adequate disposal systems servicing permanent waterfront homes,
vacation residences, and resorts are contributing to the accelerated eutrophication
of several small lakes and the general degradation of basin waters. The formation
of various private groups to promote pollution abatement are serving as examples
of what can be accomplished in alleviating this problem.
11. Although water pollution controls have been operating in the past and stronger
programs are in the initial stages, tangible evidence of pollutants on recreational
waters is still apparent. A good legal base to alleviate water pollution has been
established through the enactment of federal and state pollution abatement laws and
regulations, including the establishment of interstate and intrastate water quality
standards. The state of Michigan is currently encouraging pollution abatement by
8-2
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ordering an upgrading of existing waste treatment facilities of municipalities and
industries. In addition the people of Michigan recently approved the financing of a
$335 million water pollution control bonding issue to augment existing funds and
programs.
12. Air pollution is an environmental problem affecting the quality of recreation
opportunities in the basin. Malodorous natural gas vapors associated with active
oil wells are present at several locations throughout a portion of the basin. The
American Petroleum Institute, representing the oil and gas producing industry,
is currently undertaking research to determine the feasibility of eliminating or
minimizing natural gas odors. Industrial complexes are also responsible for at-
mospheric contamination in certain areas.
13. Highway and building construction and runoff from farms are major sources
of local stream and lake sedimentation in the Lake Huron watershed.
14. Excessive algae and other undesirable plant growth are present in basin waters
(lakes and streams) throughout much of Zone 2 and the southern and eastern portion
of Zone 3. Nutrients which are reaching and enriching basin waters come from
various sources such as sewage effluent from municipalities and industry, fertili-
zer and animal waste runoff from intensively farmed agricultural lands, household
detergents, and lawn fertilizers. The resulting algal blooms and the accelerated
growth of undesirable aquatic vegetation is impairing the quality of the basin en-
vironment in these areas. Recreation activity is also being affected at a number
of public recreation areas because of such vegetative growth.
8-3
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Chapter 9
Recommendations
In considering the basin's needs for outdoor recreation opportunities and the ex-
tent to which these needs may be met, it is recommended that:
1. Consideration be given by federal, state, and local planning and land managing
agencies to the needs for public recreation lands and facilities, particularly in the
metropolitan areas, as well as public access to the streams, lakes, and shoreline
of the basin.
2. Private development and administration of recreation facilities be encouraged.
As an aid to implementation of this recommendation:
a. The recreation plans of local, state, and federal agencies should consider
where private development would be appropriate, and these plans should have
wide exposure to the people in the areas affected.
b. Consideration should be given to further publicizing and greater use of ex-
isting public financial assistance to private outdoor recreation interests.
c. Existing government technical assistance programs should be futher pub-
licized and expanded for all phases of the design, management, and adminis-
tration of private development.
d. Consideration should be given by the state of Michigan to the incorporation
in its college curriculum of educational short courses for recreation operators,
covering design, administration, and management practices.
3. Federal, state, and local agencies managing lands and water for recreation in
the basin adopt regulations governing the use of recreation vehicles (e.g., snow-
mobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, boats) to the end that adequate provisions are
made for such uses; environmental deterioration is avoided; and conflicts among
these and all other legitimate recreation pursuits are minimized.
9-1
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4. The state of Michigan consider the enactment of legislation similar to The
shoreland Management Program adopted by the state of Wisconsin. Such legis-
lation would have as its express intent the enhancement of flood plain and shore-
line values for the purposes of maintaining natural beauty and enhancing outdoor
recreational use for the public.
5. Rigorous enforcement of pollution laws be undertaken by all levels of gov-
ernment. Industries and municipalities should be encouraged to meet or better
the present deadlines for pollution controls as set forth in the state and federal
water quality standards.
6. Continued research and experimentation be carried out by the Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration to:
a. Develop an economical central sewage treatment system which could ser-
vice seasonal and waterfront residential complexes.
b. Develop an economical method for further nutrient removal from treated
waste water.
7. The oil and gas producing industry publicize the findings of studies on curb-
ing natural gas odors. Follow-up action should then be taken by the industry and
the state to institute any reasonable measures identified which would limit nox-
ious gas odors.
8. The property owners and/or communities located on the shores of lakes and
streams be encouraged to organize action associations for the purpose of con-
trolling water pollution and other environmental problems. The programs of
these citizens' groups should be publicized to further encourage their efforts,
acquaint others with the urgent need to plan wisely for all uses of the shoreline
resources, and to demonstrate to others that strong citizen action can be suc-
cessful in curbing pollution.
9. Watershed management and soil conservation practices be intensified and ex-
tended as a means of reducing soil erosion and siltation, thereby increasing the
recreation potential of the basin's water resources.
10. Existing laws and regulations governing the control of erosion and siltation
due to highway, industrial, and municipal construction be rigorously enforced;
and that the state of Michigan encourage municipalities to adopt ordinances for
9-2
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this purpose where they are lacking. Consideration might be given to broadening
the scope of the Subdivision Control Act of 1967 (Act No. 288^ Public Acts of 1967,
approved August 11, 1967) to specifically cover erosion and other environmental
problem areas.
11. United States studies and programs aimed at better understanding and im-
provements of the water quality and recreation potential of the Lake Huron Basin
take into consideration and be coordinated with parallel studies and programs of
Canada and particularly the Province of Ontario.
GPO 815—303—9 9~3
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Appendix A
Supply Data
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Table A-l
SUPPLY SUMMARY
Lake Huron Basin
Zone 1
Federal
State
Local
Private
Zone 1 Totals
Zone 2
Federal
State
Local
Private
Zone 2 Totals
Zone 3
Federal
State
Local
Private
Zone 3 Totals
Basin
Federal
State
Local
Private
Basin Totals
No.
Areas
12*
70
38
69
189
1
34
25
70
130
3*
22
28
51
104
16
126
90
190
423
No. Water
Dependent
9
67
18
57
151
1
32
13
53
99
3
20
22
40
85
13
119
53
150
335
Total Land
and Water Acreage
552,779
1,202,695
894
1,921
1,756,368
3,400
126,024
1,350
2,301
133,075
60,000
201,773
1,071
1,239
264, 083
616,179
1,530,492
3,315
5,461
2,155,447
Percent of
Total Acreage
31
68
**
1
82***
3
94
1
2
6***
23
75
1
1
12***
28
71
**
1
100
* Each developed recreation site on the Hiawatha and Huron National Forests
is considered a separate area; however, total acreages are for the entire
forest holdings in the basin.
** Less than one-half percent. Source: (Appendix C,
*** Percent of Basin Total. Tables A-2 and A-3.)
A-3
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Table A-2
PRIVATE GROUP CAMPS
Zone
No. of Developed
Group Camps Acreage*
Approximate No. with
Total Capacity Water-Dependent
(persons) Activities
1
2
3
35
50
36
1,
1,
823
802
068
2,940
6,435
3,814
31
45
32
Basin
121
3,693
13,189
108
* Note: Since acreage figures were not always available in the computation
phase, it was assumed that the size of an average area (in acres) is 40
percent of the capacity for all group camps. This percentage value was
derived from a sample of several group camps in which the acreages and
capacities were known.
Sources: (1,22)
Table A-3
PRIVATE CAMPGROUNDS
Approximate No. with
Zone
1
2
3
Basin
No. of
Campgrounds
34
20
15
69
Developed
Acreage
1,098
499
171
1,768
Total Capacity
(sites)
1,213
762
329
2,304
Water-Dependent
Activities
26
8
8
42
Sources: (4,5,6,39)
A-4
-------
Table A-4
SKI FACILITIES
Slopes
Nubs Nob
Walloon Hills
Pinnacles Ski Resort
Sylvan Knob
Otsego Ski Club**
New Au Sable Lodge
Sheridan Valley
Fonro Ski Resort
Mt. Maria
Mio Mountain
Grayling Winter Sports Area
Skyline
Indian Hills Ski Park
Ogemaw Hills
Snow Snake Mountain
Mott Mountain
Apple Mountain
Paradise Valley
Mt. Holly
Mt. Christie
Mt. Frederick
Total
* na = not available
** Private
Source: (27)
Zone Totals
I II III
Areas 2 12 4
Acres 520 4034 855
Tows Lifts
Trails
12
9
na*
18
11
na
8
5
5
11
20
9
na
6
10
12
7
na
na
8
15
166+
5
3
na
7
4
na
3
3
2
4
12
8
na
2
5
6
8
na
10
6
5
93+
3
2
1
3
4
na
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
2
3
26+
no
yes
yes
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
no
yes
no
yes
no
no
no
no
no
yes
6 15
Yes No
Source: (21)
A-5
-------
Table A-5
PRIVATE SHOOTING PRESERVES
County
Alpena
Arenac
Bay
Clare
Crawford
Genes ee
losco
Lapeer
Midland
Oakland
Sanilac
Shiawassee
Livingston
Total
Number
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
4
1
2
1
1
1
18
Acres
80
320
215
120
280
341
320
2,000
178
800
320
275
160
5,409
Source: (21)
ZONE TOTALS
Areas
Acres
I
2
520
II
12
4,034
in
4
855
A-6
-------
Table A-6
SEASONAL HOMES IN LAKE HURON BASIN
County Seasonal Homes
Alcona 1,860
Alpena 1,180
Arenac 1,100
Bay 800
Charlevoix 300
Cheboygan 2,800
Chippewa 1,300
Clare 2,000
Crawford 500
Emmet 500
Genesee 700
Gladwin 1,400
Gratiot 200
Huron 2,340
losco 3,230
Isabella 550
Lapeer 900
Mackinac 1,400
Mecosta 500
Midland 345
Montmorency 2,950
Oakland 2,000
Ogemaw 2,570
Oscoda 1,050
Otsego 1,800
Presque Isle 1,670
Roscommon 1, 200
Saginaw 300
St. Clair 1,000
Sanilac 3,000
Shiawassee 150
Tuscola 880
Livingston 1,700
Montcalm 100
Total 44,275
Zone I 19,840
Zone II 13,875
Zone HI 10,560
Source : (21)
A-7
-------
Table A-7
POTENTIAL AND PROPOSED RECREATION LAND ACQUISITION
Alpena
Alpena-Alcona
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Cheboygan
Chippewa
Crawford
Crawford
Genesee
Gladwin
Gratiot-Saglnaw
Huron
Huron
Huron
Huron
Lapeer
Lapeer
Mackinac
Mackinac
Mecosta
Montmorency
Oakland
Oscoda
Oscoda
Otsego
Otsego
Otsego
Saginaw
Saginaw
Shiawassee
Recreation Area
Alpena State Forest
n. a.
War Memorial Park
Bigelow Park
Bay City State Park
Pinconning
Cheboygan
n. a.
Hartwick Pines
Au Sable State Forest
Mott Recreation Area
Ogemaw State Forest
State Game Area
Port Crescent
Port Crescent
State Game Area
Oak Beach
n.a.
n. a.
Straites State Park
Detour
n.a.
Clear Lake Forest Campground
Holly Recreation Area
Oscoda County Park
n.a.
Pigeon River State Forest
Pigeon River State Forest
Otsego County Park
Rust Park
Wickes Park
n.a.
Acreage
5
1,432
45
15
24
75
190
900
200
575
3,700
600
11,840
80
200
4,360
200
2,000
80
250
10
500
1,300
700
68
2,400
1,400
2,500
4
30
20
1,500
Sources: (20,57)
A-8
-------
Table A-8
TRAILS BY COUNTY
Hiking & Skiing
Horseback
Total
County
Alcona
Alpena
Arenac
Bay
Charlevoix
Cheboygan
Chippewa
Clare
Crawford
Emmet
Genesee
Gladwin
Gratiot
Huron
losco
Isabella
Lapeer
MacfcLnac
Mecosta
Midland
Montmorency
Oakland
Ogemaw
Oscoda
Otsego
Presque Isle
Ros common
Saginaw
St. Clair
Sanilac
Shiawassee
Tuscola
Livingston
Montcalm
areas
0
1
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
3
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
5
1
0
2
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
miles
0
1
0
0
0
12
7
0
0
1
0
0
0
2
1
0
1
3
0
0
0
45
1
0
4
2
3
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
areas
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
0
1
4
1
5
2
1
1
1
2
0
2
1
2
1
0
miles
73
49
72
32
0
73
50
43
0
42
45
24
22
96
66
25
18
20
0
41
116
54
110
40
31
88
40
59
0
94
15
69
35
0
areas
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
1
0
1
0
0
1
0
3
0
1
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
miles
12
0
0
0
0
73
0
0
0
0
0
29
0
8
27
0
5
0
0
30
0
5
0
29
65
0
14
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
areas
2
2
1
1
0
6
3
1
0
2
2
2
1
6
4
1
3
2
0
2
4
9
6
3
5
3
3
2
0
2
1
2
4
0
miles
85
50
72
32
0
158
57
43
0
43
45
53
22
106
94
25
24
23
0
71
116
104
111
69
100
90
57
59
0
94
15
69
41
0
Totals 26 86
* non-automobile 386
Source: (21)
42 1,542
17
300
85 1,928
A-9
-------
Table A-9
TRIBUTARY STREAMS IN LAKE HURON BASIN
County Miles of Stream in Basin
Alcona 362
Alpena 301
Arenac 156
Bay 50
Charlevoix 7
Cheboygan 400
Chlppewa 250
Clare 194
Crawford 188
Emmet 65
Genesee 355
Gladwin 473
Gratiot 149
Huron 942
losco 259
Isabella 330
Lapeer 427
Mackinac 129
Mecosta 59
Midland 309
Montmorency 306
Oakland 97
Ogemaw 381
Oscoda 219
Otsego 200
Presque Isle 301
Ros common 107
Saginaw 593
St. Clair 8
Sanilac 571
Shiawassee 189
Tuscola 184
Livingston 169
Montcalm 58
Total 8,788
Source: (8)
A-10
-------
Table A-10
INLAND LAKES-COUNTIES ACREAGE IN BASIN
Acreage of Water
County Basin Acreage
Alcona 13,029.7
Alpena 13.372.9
Arenac 325.8
Bay 434.5
Charlevoix 2,000.0
Cheboygan 50,357.6
Chippewa 6,000.0
Clare 2,500.0
Crawford 2, 000. 0
Emmet 6, 500. 0
Genesee 5,135.8
Gladwin 7, 294. 4
Gratiot 550.0
Huron 242.6
losco 10,993.6
Isabella 1,343.6
Lapeer 4,000.0
Mackinac 7, 000. 0
Mecosta 6, 000. 0
Midland 2, 544.7
Montmorency 12,100.1
Oakland 5, 000.0
Ogemaw 6,135.6
Oscoda 3,840.2
Otsego 7, 000. 0
Presque Isle 15,504.3
Roscommon 8,000.0
Saginaw 1,479.5
St. Glair 50.0
Sanilac 75.0
Shiawassee 400.0
Tuscola 1, 789. 6
Livingston 4, 000. 0
Montcalm 1,000. 0
Total 208,008.5
Zone Acreage Zone 1 = 146, 704
Zone 2 = 42,947
Zone 3 = 18,357
Source: (26)
A-ll
-------
Appendix B
Methodology
-------
MARKET AREA DEMAND FLOWCHART
PLATE B-l
B-2
-------
METHODOLOGY FOR ESTIMATING DEMAND FOR RECREATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LAKE HURON BASIN
Market Area Demand. The first step in determining the present recreation demand
for the modified market area involved calculation of the population on which to base
estimates. The 1960 population of all SMSA's inside the basin, as well as those
within 125 miles of the basin was determined.
From information contained in the "California Public Outdoor Recreation Plan" (9),
ORRRC Report No. 4 (35), and the "Report on the Comprehensive Survey of the
Water Resources of the Delaware River Basin" (63). it was concluded that:
a. Sixty percent of all recreation activity occurs within 40 miles of
the participant's home.
b. Another thirty percent occurs between 40 and 125 miles of the
participant's home.
c. Ten percent of all use occurs at distances greater than 15 miles.
It was assumed that 60 percent of the recreation activity generated by theSMSA pop-
ulation should be satisfied within a 40-mile radius of the SMSA. This participation
constituted the "day-use" sector. Likewise, 30 percent of the recreation activity
generated by the SMSA population would be satisfied between the 40 and 125-mile
radii of the SMSA. This group of participants is termed "overnight or weekend"
sector. Reference is made to the flow chart on the opposite page which shows the
sequential steps in deriving the modified market area demand for the day and week-
end sectors. Results of this procedure are tabulated in Table B-l.
Vacation Demand. The following procedure yields an estimate of the number of
people who spend their vacations in the basin. Source material for this procedure
is taken from "Tourist Travel in Michigan" (24).
Step 1. In 1964 an estimated 22,600,000 tourists used Michigan highways. Resident
and nonresident tourists were found by multiplying this figure times 27 percent and
73 percent, respectively. Result: 6,102,000 resident tourists and 16,498,000 non-
resident tourists.
B-3
-------
Step 2. To obtain the number of tourists who spent 3 or more nights in the state,
the resultant figures above were multiplied by 67 percent and 55 percent. Result:
4,088,340 resident tourists and 9,073,900 nonresident tourists.
Step 3. To acquire an estimate of tourists who spend 3 or more nights in the state,
the figures in Step 2 are added: 4, 088,340 + 9, 073,900 = 13,162, 240 tourists.
Step 4. The value above is multiplied by 50 percent which represents the proportion
of tourists traveling with outdoor recreation as a main prupose in making a trip:
13,162, 240 x 50 percent = 6,581,120 tourists.
Step 5. To allocate to the Lake Huron Basin a portion of the value derived in the
preceding step, a comparison of state park camping permits issued at the basin's
19 state parks to the total number for all state parks yields 27.3 percent. Therefore
6,581,120 x 27.3 percent = 1,796,646 tourists or vacationists.
Step 6. Thus to obtain the number of recreation days in the basin, multiply the num-
ber of tourists in Step 5 by 4. 9 which is the average number of days a vacationist
spends in Michigan. Result: 1,796,646x4.9=8,803,565 recreation days. This
value is used in Table B-2 to compute the present vacation demand for selected activ-
ties in the Lake Huron Basin.
Future Demand. Table B-3 on page B-7 shows future estimated participation in
selected summer activities.
Zone Demands. In order to determine the recreation demand for each of the three
zones, it was necessary to compute the resident demand and the vacation demand
separately. For the resident demand, the total annual participation rate for the
basin (Table B-l) was adjusted by an income index computed for each of the three
subbasins. This income index is a zone-basin ratio of per capita income. Zone
population estimates were multiplied by the adjusted annual participation rates for
each of the zones to yield activity occasions. Since the resident basin demand figure
was previously determined, each zone total is expressed as a percent of the total
basin.
Distribution of seasonal vacation homes and attendance at state parks were used
as indicators to gauge the zonal allocation for the vacation demand. Both of these
factors were given equal weight in obtaining the percent of predetermined vacation
activity occasions found in Table B-2 of this Appendix.
B-4
-------
Table B-l
DEMAND FOR SELECTED WATER-ORIENTED
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
LAKE HURON BASIN, 1960
(Day and Overnight or Weekend Sectors)
Activity
Water-dependent
Swimming
Fishing
Boating
Water-Skiing
Canoeing
Sailing
Subtotal
Water-enhanced
Camping
Picnicking
Sightseeing
Nature Walks
Hunting
Hiking
Subtotal
Winter Sports
Ice Skating
Sledding
Snow Skiing
Subtotal
Adjusted
Annual
Participation
Rate
4.81
3.61
1.99
.24
.12
.06
10.83
.59
3.28
5.98
2.18
1.61
.32
13.96
.89
.41
.U6
1.36
Adjusted
Summer
Participation
Rate
4.17
1.85
1.33
.19
.06
.04
7.64
.36
2.10
2.44
.54
.14
.19
5.77
—
—
Annual
Activity
Occasions
(thousands)
6,883
4,800*
2,848
343
167
90
15,131
844
4,693
8,556
3,119
1,500
458
19,170
1,273
586
90
1,949
Summer
Activity
Occasions
(thousands)
5,967
2,448*
1,903
271
90
64
10,743
515
3,004
3,491
773
134*
272
8,189
—
—
TOTAL
26.15
13.41
36,250
18,932
*Based on information obtained from Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife
B-5
-------
Table B-2
DEMAND FOR SELECTED WATER-ORIENTED
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
LAKE HURON BASIN, 1960
(Vacation Sector)
Percent who engaged In
outdoor activities on
Activity vacation trips
(a) Sightseeing
(b) Swimming
(c) Fishing
(d) Picnicking
(e) Boating and Canoeing
(f) Hiking
(g) Camping
(h) Hunting
(i) Nature Walks
(j) Horseback Riding
(k) Skiing and Winter Sports
(1) Took trip but did not en-
gage in outdoor activities
Totals
53
38
27
29
19
14
10
4
6
3
1
22
226**
Column 2 x 8,803,565*
(activity occasions)
4,665,889
3,345,355
2,376,963
2,553,034
1,672,677
1,232,499
880,356
352,143
582,214
264,107
88,036
1,936,784
17,749,166***
* See results in Step 6.
** Totals to more than 100 because .vacationists participate in more than one
activity per day.
***Total does not include activities (j) and (1).
Source: ORRRC Study Report 20, Table 50, Page 50.
Note: This analysis assumes that those enjoying their vacations while in the
basin participated in approximately two activities per day.
B-6
GPO 815—303—IO
-------
Table B-3
EXPECTED SUMMER (JUNE, JULY, AUGUST) PARTICIPATION
IN SELECTED WATER-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES
2000 AND 2020
LAKE HURON BASIN
Activity
1960
Summer
Activity
Occasions
(1.000)'
2000
Summer Activity
Occasions (l.OOO)2
Without With
•2020
Summer Activity
Occasions (l.OOO)3
Without With
Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity
Water-dependent
Swimming
Fishing*
Boating
Water Skiing
Canoeing »
Sailing3
5,967
2,448
1,903
271
90
64
18,468
4,896
6,030
1,180
262
197
21,537
4,896
7,195
1,404
312
235
25,010
6,120
8,195
1,648
357
266
29,613
6,120
9,956
1,984
430
324
Subtotal 10,743
Water-enhanced
31,033
35,579
41,596
48,427
Camping
Picnicking
Sightseeing
Nature Walks
Hiking
Hunting4
Subtotal
TOTAL
515
3,004
3,491
773
272
134
8,189
18,932
1,845
6,801
9,045
1,866
899
243
20,699
51,732
3,027
8,406
14,939
1,866
1,489
256
29,983
65,562
2,532
8,841
11,990
2,452
1,227
297
27,339
68,935
4,305
11,248
20,832
2,452
2,112
317
41,266
89,693
1 From Column 5, Table B-l.
2 Projections based on data contained in Table 6, ORRRC Report 26.
3 2020 figures obtained by straight line equation.
4 Based on information obtained from Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife.
'Assumes same projection as "Boating".
B-7
-------
METHODOLOGY FOR ESTIMATING THE PRESENT ACREAGE
DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATIONAL LANDS
The problem of adequately serving the recreational needs of the public comes into
sharp focus if developed acreages are considered, rather than total public recrea-
tion land. Table B-4 provides estimates of the basin's present developed acreages
by zone. In compiling data for this table, it was assumed that existing public rec-
reation areas, except those which have been newly established, have been devel-
oped to the optimum level. From Clawson's classification of recreation lands (11),
optimum development for user-oriented areas is considered to be 70 percent and
that for intermediate areas is 15 percent.
Table B-4
EXISTING DEVELOPED ACREAGES
(Estimate in acres with adjustments)*
Zones
1
2
3
Federal
69
none
29
State
3,248
2,325
374
Local
626
894
806
Private
1,921
2,301
1,239
Zone Total
5,864
5,520
2,448
Basin Total 98 5,947 2,326 5,461 13,832
* Adjustments in acreages provided by sources Appendix C, Table A-4, and
Table A-5 were made as follows:
(a) Federal - estimated total present development in three developed areas.
(b) State - adjusted to 15 percent level of development except for highly de-
veloped state parks (70 percent used) and boat launching sites (100 per-
cent used).
(c) Local - adjusted to 70 percent level of development.
(d) Private - adjusted to 70 percent development at privately owned camp-
grounds and group camps.
Undeveloped and/or newly acquired lands were not tabulated.
B-8
-------
METHODOLOGY FOR ESTIMATING ACREAGE NEEDS
Determining Present Resource Requirements. This method is based on land area
per person standards as determined by personnel in the Lake Central Regional
Office, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. These standards were arrived at by compi-
lation of existing information from many sources. They are not to be considered
as official Bureau standards. As stated on page 5-2 of Chapter 5, the acreage
needs are determined in order to support anticipated visitation on those days when
maximum use occurs. This was determined as follows:
14 week summer season 98 days
28 weekend days plus 2 holidays 30 days
Weekdays 68 days
Assume three weekdays of use equals one weekend day of use. 23+30=53; capacity
days. For the activity of swimming, which is curtailed by inclement weather,
assume 80 percent of capacity days will be suitable. Therefore, assume 42 capa-
city days for swimming.
Land area per person standards as presented below include all development neces-
sary to support one person engaging in the respective activity. The activities of
swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping are considered since these
constitute the more popular, basic activities that should be provided for wherever
possible.
Boating
Assume:
1. 3 people/car and boat
2. 1,633 sq ft parking/car and
trailer incl ramp facility
3. Turnover factor of 2
Swimming
Assume:
1. 4 people/car
2. 48 cars parking/acre
(910 sq ft/car or 227
sq ft/person)
3. 75 sq ft beach/person
4. Turnover factor of 1.5
Picnicking
Assume:
1. 4 people/car
2. 10 picnic tables acre,
including parking
3. Turnover factor of 1.5
Camping
Assume:
1. 5 people/party
2. 8 campsite units/acre
3. Turnover factor of 1.0
Fishing
Assume:
1. 2 people/car and boat
2. 1,633 sq ft parking/car and
trailer incl ramp facility
3. Turnover factor of 1.5
B-9
-------
This information is then applied to the following formula to arrive at the necessary
acreage requirements for each activity.
AR = D x a Where AR = acreage requirement
CDxTFx43,560 _ . ,, . „ JX_ .
D = demand for respective activity in summer
activity days
a = area per person in square feet for respec-
tive facilities
CD = capacity days
TF = turnover factor
43,560 = square feet per acre
The sum of the five acreage requirements yields the developed acreages necessary
for the provision of adequate opportunity for these basic activities. This total is
considered as the minimum acceptable amount of developed land to be provided in
the basin (or zone). The existing developed acreages were subtracted from zone
requirements to indicate the amount of developed land still needed (appropriately
labeled "deficit").
Determining Future Resource Requirements. Except for the demand figures, the
same factors employed in the present resource requirements determination were
used in the future resource requirements computation. In lieu of the present de-
mand figures, the 2000 and 2020 "with opportunity" demand figures were utilized in
the future requirements calculations. The results are shown in Table 5-2 in Chap-
ter 5.
B-10
-------
Appendix C
Inventory of Existing Recreation Areas
in Lake Huron Basin
Sources: 1, 4, 5, 6, 21, 22, 27, 39, 57
-------
FEDERAL RECREATION AREAS
SITE NO.
F-l
F-2
P-3
F-4
F-5
P-6
F-7
F-8
F-9
F-10
F-ll
" P-12
P-16
P-13
F-14
P-15
NAME
ZONE 1
Jiawatha National Forest
Dick Recreation Campground
Carp River Campground
Pontchartrain Pt. Campground
Poley Creek Campground
3uron National Forest
Mack Lake Campground
Wagner Lake Campground
Loon Lake Campground
Island Lake Campground
Horseshoe Lake Campground
Pine River
Rollways Campground
Lumberman ' s Monument Campground
and Picnic Area
ZONE 2
Shiawassee National Wildlife Ref .
ZONE 5
Huron National Forest (con.)
Corsair Picnic Area
Round Lake Campground
Sand Lake Campground
COUNTY
Chippewa
lackinac
lackinac
lackinac
Oscoda
Oscoda
Oscoda
Oscoda
Alcona
Alcpna
losco
losco
Saginaw
losco
losco
losco
ADJACENT WATER
Pine River
!arp River
St. Martin Bay
Foley Creek
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Saginaw River
Small Streams Tributary
Small Streams Tributary
Small Streams Tributary
AREA
acres)
199, 040<
2
17
n.a.**
50
413,739
4
4
7
11
4
11
14
14
3,400
4
15
10
/*///*/
///*/*/*
X
X
X
X
x:
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
w
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ti
/£
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
(
3/ 1963 VISITATION
n.a.
6,175
n.a.
8,430
1,179,720
4,000
6,000
30,000
16,000
300
1,200
8,000
97,000
15,000
2,000
23,000
5,000
* Total forest acreage within Lake Huron watershed.
** Hot Available.
-------
STATE RECREATION AREAS
SITE NO.
S-l
S-2
S-3
S-4
S-5
S-6
S-7
S-8
S-9
S-10
S-ll
S-12
S-13
S-14
S-15
S-16
S-17
S-18
S-19
S-20
S-21
S-22
S-23
S-24
S-25
S-26
S-27
S-28
S-29
S-30
S-31
S-32
S-53
S-34
•S-35
S-36
s-37
S-38
S-39
NAME
ZOHE 1
Munuscong State Forest
DeTour State Park
traits State Park
Mackinac Island State Park*
heboygan State Park
Hardwood State Forest
Burt Lake State Park
Lake Huron Dunes Roadside Park
P. H. Hoeft State Park
Onaway State Park
Black Lake state Forest
Igeon River State Forest
Otsego Lake State Park
Thunder Bay River State Forest
Clear Lake State Park
Alpena State Forest
Edward E. Hartviok Pines St. Pk.
Au Sable State Forest
Sturgeon Point State Park
Harrisville State Park
Rifle River Recreation Area
ZOHE t
Wilson State Park
Gladwin State Recreation Area
3hippewa River State Forest
3dmore State Game Area
Shiawassee River Game Area
Gratiot-Saginaw Game Area
3eford State Game Area
Tuscola State Game Area
ftirphev Lake State Game Area
Lapeer State Game Area
Metamore-Hadley State Recreation
Area
Ortonville State Recreation Area
folly State Recreation Area
Oak Grove State Game Area
ZOHE 3
Tawas Point State Park
Ogemaw State Forest
COUNTY
hippewa
hippewa
Mackinac
Mackinac
heboygen
Chebovgan
heboygan
heboygan
•resque Isle
"resque Isle
Tesque Isle
Tesque Isle
Otsego
Otsego
lontmorency
Montmorency
Alpena
Crawford
Crawford
Llcona
Alcona
Ogemaw
Clare
rladwin
Mecosta
Montcalm
Saginaw
Saginaw
Tuscola
Tuscola
Tuscola
Tuscola
Lapeer
Lapeer
Lapeer
Oakland
Livingston
losco
Ogemaw
ADJACENT WATER
funuscong River
ake Huron
jake Huron
jake Huron
ake Huron
lack River
lack River
turgeon River
Lake Huron
ake Huron
Rainy River
ake Huron
Igeon River
u Sable River
Thunder Bay River
founder Bay River
Thunded Bay River
u Sable River
u Sable River
ake Huron
iake Huron
Rifle River
Tittabawassee River
'ittabawassee River
Chippewa River
Pine River
Shiawassee River
Bad River
3ass Hiver
!ass River
Oass River
Cass River
Flint River
Fliuc River
Flint River
Flint River
Bhiawassee River
jake Huron
iifle River
AREA
ocras)
19,520
395
120
5,000
1,246
88,070
76
410
10
300
160
46,350
76,990
70.
89,470
n.a.
73,950
8,930
90,770
70
80
4,329
32
365
61.360
1,741
7,449
12,610
9.328
8,104
2.680
2,600
6.934
680
3.850
6,270
1,797
170
182,900
//
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
[
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
x
x
x
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
•X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X-
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
It
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
_
/ 1963 VISITATION
105,500
26,000
133,000
1,043,489
37,515
460,900
144,774
215,390
25,000
43,000
97,094
370,400
551,400
107,115
643,800
(Under development)
278,850
222,415
768,000
(Under development)
76,444
32,189
193,720
1,000
176.900
2.560
20.300
36.000
5.530
7.560
3., 65
6,080
245.000
172.436
451,000
10,100
5,000
776,000
* Administered by Mackinac Island State Park Commission (autonomous from Department of Conservation). Source: 52
-------
STATE RECREATION AREAS
SITE MO.
S-40
S-41
S-42
S-43
S-44
S-45
S-46
S-47
S-48
S-49
S-50
NAME
ZOHE 3 (con.)
Nayanquing Point Wildlife Area
Tibico Marsh State Game Area
Bay City State Park
Quanicassee Wildlife Area
Veterans Roadside Park
Crow Island State Game Area
Pish Point Wildlife Area
Albert E. Sleeuer State Park
Port Oreaoant State Park
Minden City State Game Area
Lakeport State Park
COUNTY
Bay
Bay
Bay
Bay
Saginaw
Saffinaw
Tuscola
Huron
Huron
Sanilac
St . Glair
ADJACENT WATER
Lake Huron
Lake Huron
Lake Huron
Lake Huron
Saginaw River
Saffinaw River
Saginaw Bay
Saginaw Bay
Saeinaw Bay
Case River
Lake Huron
AREA
(ocr«»)
710
1,465
196
220
70
1,108
3,026
1,040
160
5,764
374
//////
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
'x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
7//f///jjf//mat
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
16,300
9,500
350,053
1,500
150,000
1,500
42,030
207,533
2,489
805
336,572
-------
LOCAL RECREATION AREAS
SITE NO.
L-l
L-2
L-3
L-4
L-5
L-6
L-7
L-8
L-9
L-10
L-ll
L-12
L-13
L-14
L-15
L-16
L-17
L-18
L-19
L-20
L-21
L-22
L-23
L-24
L-25
L-26
L-27
L-28
L-29
L-30
L-31
L-32
L-33
L-34
L-55
L-36
L-37
L-18
L-39
L-40
L-41
L-42
NAME
ZONE 1
rout Lake Township Park
-H Center-Kinross Lake
Duke's Lake Campground
rummond Township Park
lark Township Public Bock
larks Lake Pioneer County Park
den Park Site
Douglas Lake Picnic Area
Topinabee Public Park and Beach
Sturgeon Blver County Park
Roger's City Parkside Beach
Fletcher Park
Hudson Township Park
Wilkinson Memorial Park
Otsego County Park
Pleasant View Park
Clear Lake County Park
Brlley Township Park
Crooked Lake Township Park
M33 County Park
ilpena County Park
Long Lake County Park
Maple Ridge Township Park
Long Rapids County Park
Michekewis City Park
Beaver Lake County Park
J. L. Sanborn County Park
Beaver Creek County Roadside Park
Clinton Township, Bass Lake Park
Clinton Townshin Saddle Back L. Pk
Jomins Township Park
Luzerne Township Park
Oscoda County Park
Mentor Township Park
Mitchell Township Park
Harrisville City Public Pishing S
Alcona County Park
Old Orchard Countv Park
ZONE 2
Clare Roadside Park
Grant Township Park
Clare Rest Area
Barryton Park
COUNTY
hippewa
tiippewa
tilppewa
hippewa
Mackinac
Emmet
Hornet
heboygan
heboygan
Cheboygan
•resque Isle
•resque Isle
Charleviox
tsego
tsego
tsego
bntmorency
Montmorency
[ontmorency
Montmorency
Alpena
Alpena
.Ipena
Alpena
Alpena
Alpens.
Alpena
Crawford
Oscoda
Oscoda
Oscoda
)scoda
)scoda
Os coda
Alcona
Alcona
Alcona
losco
Clare
Clare
Clare
Mecosta
ADJACENT WATER
arp River
*muscong River
^unuscong River
turgeon Bay
ake Huron
Maple River
Maple River
Maple River
Mullet Lake
turgeon River
iake Huron
bunder Bay River
turgeon River
turgeon River
.u Sable River
u Sable River
lack River
bunder Bay
bunder Bay River
bunder Bay River
Lake Huron Tributary
jake Huron Tributary
Thunder Bay River
bunder Bay River
bunder Bay
bunder Bay River
bunder Bay
u Sable River
bunder Bay River
Thunder Bay River
4u Sable River
iu Sable River
4u Sable River
iu Sable River
Fhunder Bay River
iake Huron
iu Sable River
lu Sable Blver
Pittabawassee
Fittabawassee
fl t tabawas see
Jhippewa River
AREA
acres)
n.a.
38
26
n.a.
1
20
1
5
11
20
7
160
4
5
20
n.a.
19
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
40
29
45
15
n.a.
12
n.a.
8
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
66
30
n.a
n.a
100
210
n.a
w
f/f
V i i
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
%
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
/f/'^/^/S/ l963 VISITATION
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
2,500
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
3,000
25,000
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
780
n.a.
175
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
11,500
n.a.
7,700
n.a.
n.a.
12,800
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
5,475
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
16,600
53,400
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
-------
LOCAL RECREATION AREAS
SITE NO.
1-43
1-44
1-45
1-46
1-47
1-48
1-49
1-50
1-51
1-52
1-53
1-54
1-55
1-56
1-57
1-58
1-59
1-60
1-61
1-62
1-63
1-64
1-65
t-66
1-67
1-68
1-6?
1-70
1-71
1-72
1-73
1-74
1-75
1-76
L-77
1-78
1-79
1-80
1-81
1-82
1-83
1-84
NAME
ZONE 2 (con.)
Coldwater Township Park
Coldwater lake County Park
Bloomfield Township Park
Island Park
Indian Mound Park
Hope Community Park
Midland County Veterans Mem. Pk.
Frankenmuth Memorial Park
Indian Fields Township Park
Evergreen Township Park
Snover Memorial Park
Henderson Park
Shaytown Park
Richfield Park
Kearsley Park
McKinley Park
linden Park
Sulten Recreation Area
Stony lake Park
Davis burg Park
lake Chemung Roadside Park
ZONE 3
Ogemaw County Park
Mills Township Park
Plainfield Township Park
Tawas Beach Club Park
Whitney Township Park
Arenac County Park
Bigelov Park
Sovereign Park
lax Memorial Park
Wicks Park
Rust Park
Vanderbilt Countv Park
Cassville County Park
Oak Beach County Park
IcGraw Park
Port Austin County Park
Port Austin City Harbor & Beach
Grindstone City County Park
Philip Park
lighthouse County Park
COUNTY
Isabella
Isabella
Isabella
Isabella
Isabella
Midland
Midland
Saginaw
Tuscola
Sanilac
Sanilac
Shiawassee
Shiawassee
Genesee
Genesee
Genesee
Genesee
lapeer
Oakland
Oakland
jivingston
Ogemaw
Ogemaw
iOBCO
iosco
Arenac
.renac
Bay
Bay
Bay
Saoinaw
Saginaw
Tuscola
Huron
Huron
Huron
Huron
Huron
Huron
Huron
Huron
3uron
ADJACENT WATER
Chippawa River
3hippewa River
Pine River
Chippeva River
Pine River
Tittabawassee River
Tittabawassee River
Cass River
Cass River
Cass River
Cass River
Shiawassee River
Shiawassee River
Flint River
i"lint River
Flint River
Flint River
Flint River
Flint River
Shiawassee River
Shlawassee River
Rifle River
Rifle River
lake Huron Tributary
lake Huron Tributary
iake Huron Tributary
iake Huron Tributary
Saginaw River
Saginaw River
Saginaw River
Saginaw River
Saginaw River
SaKinaw Bav
Saffinaw Bav
Saginaw Bay
Saginaw Bay
Saginaw Bay
Saginaw Bay
Saginaw Bay
lake Huron
lake Huron
lake Huron
AREA
(ocras)
n.a.
40
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
3
130
20
60
30
3
20
7
342
65
140
135
40
40
178
2
40
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
10
47
80
33
50
80
159
20
6
42
353
4
7
4
1
2
89
A
AV
Ay
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
&
7
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
w//*
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
'M
f%
X
X
X
X
w
, / 1963 VISITATION
y
n.a.
26,500
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
2,500
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
4,000
n.a.
156,000
60 ,000
30 ,000
200,000
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
5,000
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
13,000
110,000
n.a.
88,000
n.a.
n.a.
185,000
20,000
n.a.
8,000
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
10,000
-------
LOCAL RECREATION AREAS
SITE NO.
L-85
L-86
L-87
L-88
L-89
1-90
L-91
NAME
ZONE' 3 (oon. )
Stafford County Park
Harbor Beach City Beach
Wagoner County Park
Sanilao County Park
Port Sanilao Harbor
Lexington City Beaoh
Burtchvllle Township Park
COUNTY
turon
luron
Huron
Sanilao
Sanilao
Sanilao
St. Clair
ADJACENT WATER
Lake Huron
,ake Huron
£ke Huron
£ke Huron
Lake Huron
Lake Huron
Lake Huron
AREA
acres)
23
6
58
22
3
5
7
////A/?/?///*///
//////////A/i/// l963 V'SITATION
/f/ / / /£/. f/, f/ //
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
5,000
n.a.
5,000
17,000
15 ,000
n.a.
n.a.
-------
STATE WATER ACCESS SITES
SITE NO.
A-l
A-2
A-3
A-4
A-5
A-6
A-7
A-8
A-9
A-10
A-ll
A-12
A-13
A-14
A-15
A-16
A-17
A-18
A-19
A-20
A-21
A-22
A-2?
A-24
A-25
A-26
A-27
A-28
A-29
A-30
A-31
A-32
A.,,
A-34
A-35
A-^6
A-57
A-38
A-39
A-40
A-41
A-42
A-43
A-44
A-45
NAME
ZONE 1
Frenchman Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Caribou Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Maple River Pub. Fieh. Site
Round Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Pickerel Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Lancaster Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Munro Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Cheboygan River Pub. Fish. Site
Mullet Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Long Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Roberts-Cochran Lakes Pub. Fish. S
Sturgeon River Pub. Fish. Site (3)
Silver Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Lost Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Lake Nettie Pub. Fish. Site
Lake Kmma Pub. Fish. Site
Grand Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Long Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Lake Louise (or Thumb)
Pub. Fish. Site
Pigeon River Pub. Pish. Site
Twenty-seven Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Five Lakes Pub. Fieh. Site
•Rift Lake Pub. Fish, Site
Diion Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Lake Manuka Pub. Fish. Site
Opal Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Heart Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Bradford Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Avalon Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Crooked Lake Pub. Fish. Site
East Twin Lake Pub, Pish. Site
Thunder Bav River Pub. Fish. Site
Fletcher Pond Pub. Fish. Site
Stephens 'Bridge Pub. Fish. Site
McMasters Bridge Pub. Fish. Site
Tteaver Creek Pub. Pish. Site
Tea Lake Pub. Fish. Site
McCollum Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Au Sable River Pub. Fish. Site (2)
Big Creek Pub. -Fish. Site
Mio Pond Pub. Pish. Site
Hubbard Lake Pub. Fieh. Site (2)
Lake St. Helen Pub. Fish. Site
Horseshoe Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Clear Lake Pub. Fish. Site
COUNTY
Chippewa
Chippewa
Emmet
fimnet
Enmet
Cheboygan
Cheboygan
Cheboygan
Cheboygan
Cheboygan
Cheboygan
Cheboygan !
Cheboygan
Presque Isle
Preeque Isle
Presque Isle
Presque Isle
Presque Isle
Charleviox
Otsego
Otsego
Otsego
Otsero
Otsego
Otsego .
Otsego
Otsego
Otsego
Montmorency
Montmorency
Montmorency
Alpena
Alpena
Crawford
Crawford
Crawford
Oscoda
OB coda
Oscoda
Oscoda
Oscoda
Alcona
Roscnnmon
Ogemaw
Ogemaw
ADJACENT WATER
j&rp River
Caribou Creek
Maple River
Maple River
Maple River
Maple River
Maple River
Cheboygan River
Cheboygan River
Black River
Pigeon River
Sturgeon River
Sturgeon River
Lake Huron Tributary
Lake Huron Tributary
[take Huron Tributary
[*ake Huron Tributary
Lake Huron Tributary
Sturgeon River
Pigeon Hiver
Sturgeon River
Sturgeon Hiver
Pi«eon River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Thunder Bay River
Thunder Bay River
Au Sable River
Thunder Bay River
Thunder Bay River
iu Sable River
Au Sable
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Thunder Bay River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Pine River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
Au Sable River
AREA
!ocr«s)
1
2
1,834
6
3
6
22
5
2
4
230
353
9
1
4
16
1
n.a.
n.a.
2
1
n.a.
1
4
e
4
1
4
8
3
l
2
6
5
2
. n.a.
3
80
40
n.a.
12
6
1
1
1
//A-
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
//£/
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
i
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
•/////
&/* / 1963 VISITATION
3,000
1,000
n.a.
60
100
n.a.
n.a.
100
400
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
500
100
500
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
390
110
n.a.
190
160
n.a.
490
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
400
800
210
400
760
690
n.a.
310
500
n.a.
n.a.
350
890
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
*Each site provides car parking space and boat launching facility.
-------
STATE WATER ACCESS SITES
SITE NO.
A-46
A-47
A-48
A-49
A-50
A-51
A-52
A-53
A-54
A-55
A-56
A-57
A-58
A-59
A-60
A-61
A-62
A-63
A-64
A-65
A-66
A-67
A-68
A-69
A-70
A-71
A-72
A-73
A-74
A-75
A-76
NAME
Seorge Lake Pub. Flab. Site
Long Lake Pub. Flab. .Site
edar Lake Pub. Fish. Site
u Sable River Pub. Fleb. Site
ZONE 2
eke Four Pub. Flab. Site
Pratt Lake Pub. Flab. Site
iggins Lake Pub. Flab. Site
Wlxom Lake Pub. Fish. Site
ranberry Lake Pub. Fish. Site
ittle Long Lake Pub. Pish, site
rooked Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Perch Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Tobacco River Pub. Fish. Sitb
Five Lakes Pub. Fish. Site
Chippewa Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Llttlefield Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Pine Hlver Pub. Fish. Site
Nepessinff Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Fenton Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Lobdell Lake Pub. Flab. Site
Tlpeico Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Shlawassee Elver Pub. Fish. Sits
Lake Chenrun* Pub. Fish. Site
ZOHE 3
Sages Lake Pub. Fish. Site
Peach T.ajr« Pub Fish Site
Rifle River Pub. Fiah. Site
Hardwood & Long Lakes Pub. Flah. S
Lake George Pub. Fish. Site
Au Gres River Pub. Fish. Site
Saglnaw Bay Pub. Fish. Site (3)
Eagle Bay Pub. 'Fish. Site
COUNTY
gamav
osoo
OBOO
OBOO
ladwln
ladwln
ladvln
ladwln
lare
lare
lare
lare
lare
Mecosta
sabella
sabella
iapeer
leneaee
lenesee
lakland
Oakland
Livinffston
Ogemaw
Oaemaw
Ogemaw
Ogema.
Ogemaw
Lrenao
furon
Huron
ADJACENT WATER
uSable River
Lake Huron Tributary
Lake Huron Tributary
u Sable River
rlttabawassee River
nttabawassee River
Fittabawassee River
littabawassee Hlver.
Tlttabawassee River
Tlttabawaasee River
Fittabawassee River
rittabawaesee Elver
Fittabawaasee River
Tittabawassee Elver
Ihippewa River
Ihlppewa River
Pine River
Flint River
hiawassee River
hiawassee River
Shlawassee River
Shlawassee Elver
Shlawassee River
Rifle Hlver
Rifle River
Rifle Elver
Rifle Hlver
Ilttabawassee River
Lake Huron Tributary
Saglnaw Bay
iake Huron
AREA
acres)
1
8
2
2
1
1
32
2
8
2
2
1
20
4
1
10
2
1
4
17
3
110
3
6
2
40
18
3
1
149
2
A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
s
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
/*
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
s
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
f/m,
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
s
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
///w
/$/£/ 1963 VISITATION
X
170
650
190
n.a.
900
3,500
1,500
6,000
600
3,000
1,200
200
3,200
2,000
890
630
n.a.
18,000
25,000
15,500
10,000
3,500
1,800
240
320
400
210
260
2,000
n.a.
3,000
GPO 815—303—11
-------
Appendix D
Bibliography
-------
!• American Academy of Pediatrics, et al, Directory of Camps for
the Handicapped, Chicago, Illinois, 1963. 74 P.
2. American Association for the Advancement of Science, Great Lakes
Basin, Washington, D. C., 1962. 308 p.
3. Atwood, W. W., Physiographic Provinces of North America. Ginn &
Company, New York, 1940. 536 p.
4. Barcam Publishing Company, ed., Guidebook to Campgrounds,
Rand McNally & Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1966, 256 p.
5. , Travel Trailer Guide, Rand McNally & Company, Chicago,
Illinois, 1966. 160 p.
6. Bier, James A. and Raup, Henry A., Campground Atlas of the United
States, Alpine Geographical Press, Champaign, Illinois, 1966.
204 P.
7. Bogue, Donald J. and Beale, Calvin L., Economic Areas of the
United States, The Press of Glencoe, Inc., New York, 1958.
1,440 p.
8. Brown, C.J.D., Michigan Streams, Length, Distribution, and
Drainage Areas, Michigan Department of Natural Resources,
Institute for Fisheries Research, Lansing, Michigan, July 1944-
21 p.
9. California Public Outdoor Recreation Committee, California Public
Outdoor Recreation Plan, Part II, Sacramento, California, I960.
204 p.
10. Carlson, R. E., et al, Recreation in American Life, Wadsworth
Publishing Company, Belmont, California, 1963. 530 p.
11. Clawson, Marion, Land and Water for Recreation, Rand McNally &
Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1963. 144 p.
12. Forbes, Reginal D., Forestry Handbook, The Ronald Press Company,
New York, 1956. 1,152 p.
13. Hodgins, B., Michigan Geographic Backgrounds in the Development
of the Commonwealth, Wayne State University, Detroit, 4th Edition,
1961. 116 p.
14. Landon, Fred, Lake Huron, American Lake Series, Bobbs-Merrill Company,
Indianapolis, Indiana, 1944. 379 P.
15. McKee, J. E. and Wolf, H.V., ed., Water Quality Criteria. California
State Water Quality Control Board, 2nd Edition, Publication No. 3~At
Sacramento, California, 1963. 548 p.
D-3
-------
16. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 1964 Directory of Water
Access Sitea, Lansing, Michigan, 1964. 20 p.
17. , County Maps - 3 Volumes, Lansing, Michigan, 1961. 98 P.
18. , Fish Division, Status Report on the Great Lakes Fisheries -
1967. Lansing, Michigan, March 196?, 35 p.
19. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Geological Survey, Michigan's
Oil and Gas Fields, 1967, Lansing, Michigan. 72 p.
20. , Park Division, State Park 10-Year Program, Lansing, Michigan,
1965. 216 p.
21. , Recreation Resource Planning Section, Michigan Outdoor
Recreation Plan, Lansing, Michigan, 1965.
22. Michigan Department of Social Welfare, 1964 Directory of Camps for
Children, Lansing, Michigan, 1964. 93 P.
2J. Michigan State Administrative Board, Michigan, A Guide to the Wolverine
State, Oxford University Press, New York, 1941. 696 p.
24. Michigan State Highway Department, Tourist Travel in Michigan - 1964,
Lansing, Michigan, 1964. 146 p.
25. Michigan State University and Michigan Conservation Needs Committee,
An Inventory of Michigan Soils and Water Conservation Needs, Agricultural
Experiment Station, East Lansing, Michigan, 1958. 63 p.
26. Michigan State University, Department of Resource Development, Water
Bulletin No. 15. Agricultural Experiment Station, East Lansing,
Michigan, 1962. 2 p.
27. Michigan Tourist Council, Ski Michigan, Lansing, Michigan. 1 p.
28. Michigan Trail Riders Association, Inc., Michigan's Riding and
Hiking Trail. Traverse City, Michigan, 1965. 26 p.
29. Michigan Water Resources Commission, Michigan and the Great Lakes,
Lansing, Michigan, 1963. 4 P.
30. , Report on Bacteriological Quality of Michigan Surface Waters
Along the Lower Peninsula Coastline. 1965-66. 92 p.
31. t Water Quality Study of the Saginaw River, July and October -
1965, Lansing, Michigan, January 1967. 134 p.
32. , Water Resources Uses - Present and Prospective for Lake Huron
and Proposed Water Quality Standards and Plan of Implementation,
Lansing, Michigan, March 1967. 98 p.
D-4
-------
33- News Paper Enterprise Association, The World Almanac - 196? , New York,
1966. 912 p.
34. Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission, Outdoor Recreation For
America, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1962. 246 p.
35. - » Study Report No. 4, Shoreline Recreation Resources of the United
States, 156 p.
36. - , Study Report No. 19, National Recreation Survey, 394 p.
37. - > Study Report No. 20, Participation in Outdoor Recreation; Factors
Affecting Demand Among American Adults. 94 P«
38. - , Study Report No. 23, Projections to the Year 19?6 and 2000; Economic
Growth Population, Labor Force and Leisure and "Transport ion, 434 p.
39. Rowlee, Ace and Polly, Michigan Campground Guide, 4*h edition, Wayne Halleck,
Battle Creek, Michigan, 1964. 63 p.
40. Survey Show Contamination of Reservoir, Flint Journal, Flint, Michigan,
April 30, 1956.
41. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Michigan Forest Resources,
Lake States Forest Experiment Station, St. Paul, Minnesota, September I960.
46 p.
42. U.S. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Lake Survey District,
Data on the Great Lakes Systems, Detroit, Michigan, 1964. 2 p. mimeo.
43- ' - » - » - » Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Profile, Detroit,
Michigan, 1965. 1 p.
44. - , - , - , Hydrography of Monthly Mean Levels of the Great
Lakes, Detroit, Michigan, 1967, 2 p. graph.
45. U.S. Department of Commerce, A Proposed Program for Scenic Roads and
Parkways, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1966. 254 P.
46. - , Bureau of the Census, County and City Data Book - 1962,
Government Printing Office, Washington, B.C., 1966. 669 p.
47. - » - » United States Census Population - I960, Michigan. General
Population Characteristics. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.,
1962. 183 P.
48. - , - , United States Census of Population I960, General Social
and Economic Characteristics. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.,
1962. 142 p.
49. — • - - > United States Census of Population I960. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1961. 360 p.
D-J
-------
50. , Environmental Sciences Service Administration, Michigan Hourly
Precipitation Data. Volume 15, No. 6-8 Volume 16, August 1963 and 1965.
rjr
51. U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, Committee on Government Operations,
Water Pollution - Great Lakes, Part 1 - Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
52. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, A Preliminary
Report - Outdoor Recreation Requirements in the Upper Mississippi River
Basin. Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1966. 74 p.
53. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Financing
of Private Outdoor Recreation. May 1967. 9 P-
54« t t Focus on the Hudson, Evaluation of Proposals and Alternatives,
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1966. 56 p.
55- • > State Outdoor Recreation Statistics -- 1962, Government
Printing Office, Washington, B.C., 1963. 53 p.
56. , , Trails for America. Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C., December 1966. 155 p.
57• » » Unpublished Data—Nationwide Plan Inventory Forms 8-73»
Lake Central Region, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1964.
58. , , Water and Related Land Resources Planning Manual, Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1965. 45 p.
59. » • Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreation - Lake Erie Basin, Ann
Arbor, Michigan, 1966. 116 p.
60. , ; , Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreation - Lake Michigan Basin,
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1965. 251 p.
61. , Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, Unpublished Data -
Basic Basin Descriptions and Population Statistics, Chicago, Illinois, 1966.
3 P.
62. , National Park Service, Our Fourth Shore, Great Lakes Shoreline,
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1959. 45 P.
63. , , Report of the Comprehensive Survey of the Water Resource
of the Delaware River Basin. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1961. 276 p.
64. Visher, Stephen, Climatic Atlas of the United States, Harvard University
Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1954. 403 p.
65. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Shoreline Management
Program. undated, 7 P.
66. Yanggen, Douglas A. and Kusler, Jon A., Natural Resources Protection
Through Shoreland Regulation. Land Economics, Vol. XLIV, No. 1, p 73-86.
D-6
-------
67. Zim, H.S. and Gabrielson, I.M., Birds. A Guide to the Most Familiar
American Birds. Golden Press, New York, 1956. 160 p.
68. Zim, H.S. and Hoffmeister, D.F., Mammals. A Guide to the Most Familiar
American Species, Golden Press, New York, 1955. 160 p.
D-7
-------
Appendix E
Views of Other Interests
-------
Copies of letters commenting on the preliminary report of the Lake Huron Basin
have been made a part of this report and are listed by agency in the index on the
following page. Approximately 40 copies of the preliminary draft of this report
were sent to applicable federal, state, and local governmental agencies for their
review. Comments of the reviewing agencies are fully appreciated for their value
in improving the quality of the final report. All comments were weighed carefully
and are, in many cases, reflected by changes made in the final report. In a few
instances, the original choice of words in the preliminary report tended to distort
the meaning of a particular section of the report. We believe that modifications
to the wording has clarified the meaning and intent of these sections. In some in-
stances, disagreements with the philosophy or wording of the report were indica-
ted. Where comments were considered valid, we incorporated changes.
A few items, especially in regard to water quality as it affects recreational acti-
vity, such as the influence that septic tank systems have upon the quality of basin
lakes and streams, were viewed differently by this bureau. The primary purpose
of this report was to investigate and to report the impact of water quality upon
recreation in the basin, and to that purpose this bureau has addressed the study
with the ultimate goal of providing optimum water-oriented outdoor recreation
opportunities without quality deterioration.
Revisions of portions of the report based on not only reviews of other agencies but
on additional considerations of this office resulted in considerable modifications
of the report's original conclusions and recommendations. This necessitated later
distribution of the revised conclusions and recommendations to those agencies
most concerned. Thus, there are enclosed two letters from several reviewing
agencies.
It is our hope that this report will encourage further efforts to improve the basin's
environmental quality including better quality waters for outdoor recreation and
will assist responsible administering agencies of all levels in planning and manag-
ing the recreational resources of the Lake Huron Basin.
-------
INDEX OF REPLIES RECEIVED
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service E-5, 7
Soil Conservation Service E-11,13
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Corps of Engineers.
Chicago District E-17
Corps of Engineers,
Detroit District E-19
Corps of Engineers,
Lake Survey District E-21
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Commercial Fisheries E-23
Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife E-25, 27, 29
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration E-31
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Department of Natural Resources,
Recreation Planning Division E-33,35
Water Resources Commission E-37
GENESEE COUNTY
Metropolitan Planning Commission E-39
CITY OF MIDLAND
Parks and Recreation Department E-43
GPO 816—8O2—2
-------
C UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
0 FOREST SERVICE
P EASTERN REGION
Y 633 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
In Reply Refer To
2340
November 22, 1968
Mr. Roman H. Koenings
Regional Director
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
3853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Dear Mr. Koenings:
We appreciate the opportunity to review the revision of the "Lake
Huron Basin" report.
In our opinion you have covered the major needs in your recommendations.
We are especially pleased to see that you have included Items #3»
#7, and #9.
Sincerely yours,
(Signature)
H. A. SVENSON
Chief, Recreation, Range
and Wildlife
E-S
-------
C UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
0 FOREST SERVICE
P EASTERN SECTION
Y 633 V. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203
In Reply Refer To
2340
November 16, 1967
Mr. Roman H. Koenings
Regional Director
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
3853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Dear Mr. Koenings :
This is in response to your letter of October 13 (D6427GL) asking for
comments on the preliminary draft of your report, "Water-Oriented
Outdoor Recreation - Lake Huron Basin."
We believe the report does a good job covering the over-all objectives
of the study.
For your consideration, we offer the following comments and suggestions:
Page 4-1, Private. The last sentence of the second paragraph is con-
fusing. It is difficult to understand what facilities, public or com-
.mercial, cater specifically to the seasonal homeowner. The latter half
of this sentence is clear and can stand on its own.
The first sentence of the last paragraph gives the impression that all
commercial enterprises either supplement or compete with public facili-
ties. Summer resorts, a major segment of the vacation industry, cer-
tainly are not supplemental. As pointed out by I.V. Fine, et al, in
their study of tourist accommodations in Wisconsin, it is by no means
established that public facilities are detrimental to resort enterprises.
We agree, however, that private campgrounds are sometimes in competition
with public facilities.
Page 4-7, 3a, Zone 1. We suggest the fourth sentence regarding 1,722,000
acres of State and Federal lands be amplified to point out that these
lands comprise the largest ownerships of public hunting area available in
this basin.
Page 4-29 (3), Cross-Country Motoring. To the sixth sentence, we suggest
the addition of, "however, there is substantial mileage of old logging
roads on the National Forests available for this use." If the same
E-7
-------
situation exists on the State forests in the basin, they can be
covered in the same statement.
Page 4-32. The National Forest lands are a very significant hunting
area in the basin. Maintenance and improvement of hunting habitat is
given full consideration in resource management decisions and practices.
Cooperative programs with the State are carried out. We believe a state-
ment about the availability of National Forest area is warranted in this
discussion.
Page 7-5» 5th Sentence. Is this appropriate as a general statement?
The public pays for many recreation activities at present: resort
accommodations, guide service, golf, swimming, and camping, to name a
few. The long experience of the Lake States in charging entrance and
user fees for recreation facilities would indicate general acceptance.
The same is true of our experience on National Forests. The public in
general apparently is willing to pay nominal fees for camping facilities,
but perhaps is not willing to pay such fees if they actually covered
operating costs or if they include amortization of facilities.
Page 9-1. Recommendations. Under No. 5 we suggest the addition of
another item: Many venturing into recreation enterprises do not
understand basic planning needs, nor good management practices, and
are unsuccessful. To provide this type of "know-how" it may be
appropriate to recommend the establishment of short university courses
for recreation operators covering planning and desirable management
practices.
Recommendation 3* We do not believe this recommendation is desirable.
State and Federal Forests, as against State Parks, are managed for a
variety of resources (multiple use), one of which is recreation. The
State Parks, however, are managed primarily for recreation. It is long
established policy of the Forest Service to provide for a wide variety
of recreation opportunities oh the National Forests to meet peoples'
needs. This includes developed recreation facilities and commercial
facilities, developed by private investment under lease arrangement;
such as boat liveries, resorts, winter sports, etc. However, the pre-
ponderance of National Forest areas will always be available for
dispersed activities, such as listed in the proposed recommendation.
Recommendation 5c. This is not clear as to what is meant in this recom-
mendation. Does this mean that public agencies should make a declaration
of the extent of long range development by public investment, or a state-
ment as to the extent of private investment which will be planned on
public lands under lease arrangement? The Forest Service has long
E-8 GPO SIS—3O3—12
-------
standing policies concerning the types of developments which will not
be provided on National Forests by investments of public funds, but
which will be encouraged for development by private capital.
The copy of the report sent with your letter is enclosed.
Sincerely yours,
H. A. SVENSEN
Assistant Regional Forester
(Signature)
By: H. V. ZIMINSKI
Enclosure
E-9
-------
C UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE
0 SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
P Room 101, 1405 S. Harrison Road
Y East Lansing, Michigan 48823
November 29, 1968
Mr. Roman H. ^oenings
Regional Director
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
3853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Dear Mr. Koenings:
We have reviewed the revised copy of the conclusions and recommendations
of your report on "Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreation - Lake Huron Basin."
They are thought to cover that facet of the field in which the Soil
Conservation Service has an interest and incorporates our original
comments of November 16, 196?•
The recommendations developed were of particular interest. We noticed
that several of them relate either directly or indirectly to activities
having a relationship to the work in which our agency is engaged.
Let us know if we can be of any further assistance with this report.
Sincerely yours,
VERNE M. BATHURST
State Conservationist
(Signature)
BY: Robert S. Fellows, Acting
E-n
-------
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
Room 101, 1405 S. Harrison Road
East Lansing, Michigan 48823
November 16, 1967
Mr. Roman H. Koenings
Regional Director
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
3853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Dear Mr. Koenings:
We were very please to have had the opportunity to review your report,
"Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreation - Lake Huron Basin." This report
is an interesting and informative discussion of the present and future
recreation conditions in this basin. The following are our comments
and suggestions:
1. Page 1-3, Section E, EFFECTIVE POPULATION - -tjht" is misspelled.
2. Page 1-5, Paragraph 1, 1st sentence - "cityoof" is a typographical
error
3. Page 2-7, Paragraph 1, 1st sentence - "white-tailed deer" should
be hyphenated and "waterfowl" should be written as one word.
4- Page 2-7, Paragraph 2, 1st sentence - last word should be "lamprey."
5. Page 2-7, Paragraph 3 - "bluegill" should be written as one word.
6. Page 209, Paragraph 2 & 3 - words "short-term" and "long-term"
should be hyphenated.
7. Page 2-18, Paragraph 1, 4th sentence - The statement that one of
the factors contributing to the low per capita income is a high
number of retirees does not seem consistent with the statement on
page 2-24 that the median age is lower than the National.
8. Page 2-20, Plate 2-10 - The Interstate Highways 1-96, 1-94, and
1-75 are not labeled correctly.
9. Page 2-23, Paragraph b., 2nd sentence - "thaturban" is a typo-
graphical error.
10. Page 3-5, Paragraph 2, 2nd sentence - the second 2000 should be
2020.
E-13
-------
Mr. Roman H. Koenings -2- November 16, 1967
11. Page 4-2, 4-3, 4-19 - Plates should be footnoted to refer to
Appendix C for name and facilities corresponding to numbers on
the maps.
12. Page 4-9f 1st full paragraph, 1st sentence - "Zones" should be
read "Zone 2".
13. Page 4-H» 1st line - The statement that the soils are "non productive"
is incorrect. North of Bay City the combination of climatic and
soil factors make agriculture less productive.
14. Page 4-28, Last line - "interstered" is a typographical error.
15. Page 6-1, Paragraph 2, 7th sentence - Tiled fields do not transport
sediment. This sentence possibly could include, "Poor land use and
improper land treatment practices on the land adjoining the rivers
and long the stream banks are largely responsible for the great
quantities of soil reaching the waterways."
16. Page 6-2, Last paragraph, 2nd sentence - See comment for page 6-1.
17. Page 6-4, Paragraph 1, 3rd sentence - Possibly "total alkalinity"
should be considered for inclusion in the sentence with "water
temperature, oxygen .content, turbidity, and pH."
18. Page 6-9, Table 6-2 - This table gives the percent change in
attendance from year to year. A clearer comparison of use would
be obtained by indicating the percent of the 1961 value. This
would give values for thfe attendance at Bay City State Park of
100.0, 108.9, 113.9, 85.4, 79-7, and 91.1 percent of 1961 attendance
for the years 1961 through 1966 respectively.
19. Page 6-16, Plate 6-7 - There is no legend given for solid black
area as shown on Swartz Creek. Several county lines are missing
on this map.
20. Page 9-2, Item 10 - Shouldn't all construction and not just highway
construction be investigated?
21. B-l, Last paragraph - "22,600" should be "22,600,000."
22. B-3, Zone Demands - This section speaks of five zones while the
rest of the report lists only three zones.
23. Page following B-8 - Title cover to Appendix C should be
Lake Huron rather than Lake Ontario.
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Mr. Roman H. Koenings -J- November 16, 196?
24. Appendix C - The tables should have a title indicating what is
inventoried, i.e., Water Access Sites, Local Recreation Areas, etc.
Also, reference should be made to Plates 4-1. 4-2, and 4-10 for
map locations.
I hope you will find these comments useful in your revisions of this
report.
Sincerely yours,
(Signature)
VERNE M. BATHDRST
State Conservationist
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C DEPARTMENT OP THE ARMY
0 CHICAGO DISTRICT, CORPS OP ENGINEERS
P 215 South Dearborn Street
Y Chicago, Illinois 60604
In Reply Refer To
NCCED-DER
29 November 196?
Mr. Roman H. Koenings
Regional Director
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
3853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Dear Mr. Koenings:
The preliminary draft of your report "Water-Oriented Outdoor
Recreation - Lake Huron Basin" has been reviewed and is returned as
requested.
This report, though preliminary, is generally comprehensive,
well organized, and clearly presented, and in final draft will be a
direct contribution to the "Great Lakes - Illinois River Basin
Comprehensive Study" conducted by the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration.
Sincerely yours,
(Signature)
R. P. LEEPER
Chief, Engineering Division
1 Incl.
Prelim. Rpt.
dtd Oct 67
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C DEPARTMENT OP THE ARMY
0 DETROIT DISTRICT, CORPS OP ENGINEERS
P P.O. Box 1027 150 Michigan Avenue
Y Detroit, Michigan 48231
In Reply Refer To
NCEED-B
14 November 1967
Mr, Roman H. Koenings
Regional Director
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
3853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Dear Mr. Koenings:
Thank you for the opportunity to review your preliminary report
"Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreation - Lake Huron Basin." We have
found the report to be well written and timely. It will serve as a
valuable planning aid to all who are concerned with the Lake Huron
Basin.
Most of our comments are minor referring to typographic errors
and these are noted on the inclosed copy of your report which we
are returning as requested. The following informal comments are
offered for your consideration.
One page 1-1, paragraph B, the term "basin" was introduced
without defining it. It is believed that it was to mean that
portion of Lake Huron's drainage basin within the United
States. In paragraph C of the same page the term "basins" is
used again without a clarification, here it was used to refer
to river sub-basins within the Lake Huron drainage basin. We
suggest that the term "basin" be clearly defined when first
used and when departures from this definition are necessary
that they can be clarified when they occur.
On Plate 2-2, page 2-3, the plotting points for air and water
surface temperatures on "Water and Air Temperature Graph
Legend" are mislabled. The data presented in "Limiting
Physical Factors" on the same plate is misleading unless the
very special application intended for this graph is given.
For example, no wind or wave data are given for the winter
months. This probably results from lack of recorded data
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NCEED-B 14 November 196?
Mr. Roman H. Koenings, Regional Director
and ice conditions and not a lack of wind or wave conditions.
Also the data must apply to the immediate shore since winds in
excess of 30 miles per hour are recorded more frequently than
waves in excess of one foot on height. If we consider a point
200 to 300 yards off shore along most of the Lake Huron shore
it would be a rare phenomenon when winds in excess of 30 mph
occur and the resulting wave didn't exceed one foot. Waves
ranging in heights up to one foot are normal for Lake Huron.
We suggest that the assumptions made and the intended use of
the data be specified on this plate so as to minimize misunder-
standing.
Plate 2-10 Interstate Highway System Lake Huron, Basin on page
2-20 has several of the highways mislabled.
Another general observation is that cities and/or locations
cited in the text are not located on the accompanying maps.
Sincerely yours,
VERNON G. GOELZER
Chief, Engineering Division
(Signature)
P. M. McAllister
1 Incl
As stated
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C DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
0 LAKE SURVEY DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P 630 Federal Building
Y Detroit, Michigan 48226
In Reply Refer To
NCLTL
2? October 196?
Mr. Roman H. Koenings
Regional Director
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
3853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Dear Mr. Koeninge:
As requested in your letter to this office dated October 13, 196?.
the preliminary draft of your report, "Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreation —
Lake Huron Basin," has been reviewed.
The report appears to be excellent with a few relatively minor ex-
ceptions:
The land portion of the drainage basin given on page 2-1, para-
.graph 1, exceeds the value adopted by the International Coordinating
Committee on Great Lakes Basic Hydraulic and Hydrologic Data by 150 square
miles. The difference may result from the use of different limits.
The symbols for water and air temperatures shown on Plate 2-2,
page 2-3, are reversed.
The values given in paragraph 4& check with our values except
for the average depth of 208 feet. The value we use at present, given
on the "Data on the Great Lakes System," is 195 feet reckoned from low
water datum. If reckoned from the mean level of the lake it would be
197 feet. However, the Physical Data Subcommittee of the International
Great Lakes Basic Data Committee is re-computing this figure at the
present time.
Thank you for allowing us to comment on your report. The Lake Srrvey
will welcome the opportunity to assist you in any way possible.
Sincerely yours,
(Signature)
JAMES E. BUNCH
Lt. Colonel, Corps of Engineers
District Engineer
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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
MEMORANDUM DATE: November 21, 196?
TO: Regional Director, Lake Central Region, BOR
Ann Arbor, Michigan
FROM: River Basin Studies Coordinator, BCF
Ann Arbor, Michigan
SUBJECT: Lake Huron Basin Report
We have reviewed the subject report enclosed with your October 13
memorandum. Other than the few minor comments listed below, we felt the
report was well done and appreciate the opportunity for review.
p. 2-7, line 8, 10 - sea lamprey misspelled
p. 2-7, line 9 - decline of the Cisco is not directly attributable
to lamprey invasion
p. 3-5, line 3 - appendix misspelled
p. 4-13, line 10 - the phrase "unknown sources of pollution"
is not clear in this context
p. 7-1, line 15 - Although lamprey control appears to have been
successful in Lakes Michigan and Superior, treatment has
not yet begun in Lake Huron. It may be assumed from this
sentence that the lamprey will be controlled in Lake Huron
in the near future whereas it will be at least 8-10 years
before results are apparent.
ROBERT L. SCHUELER
(Signature)
JOHN K. SULLIVAN
Enclosures
GPO 815—3O3—13
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UNITED STATES
C DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR
0 PISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
P BUREAU OP SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
Y 1006 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408
In Reply Refer To
RB
January 30, 1968
Memorandum
To: Regional Director, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, USDI
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Prom: Acting Regional Director, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and
Wildlife, USDI, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Subject: Lake Huron Report - Great Lakes-Illinois River Basin Study
We have received Draft 2 of your report Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreation
in the Lake Huron Basin.
As requested in your December 22, 196? memorandum, our comments on
this revised draft were provided by telephone in a January 29 call
from Mr. Vogtman to Mr. Hollenbaugh of your office. Although our
review has been limited to fish and wildlife considerations, we
were impressed by the scope of the report and the great amount of
material it contains.
We appreciate this review opportunity.
(Signature)
W. P. SCHAEFER
OPO 8I5-3O3—!4
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UNITED STATES
C DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR
0 PISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
P BUREAU OP SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
Y 1006 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408
In Reply Refer to
RB
December 3, 1968
Memorandum
To: Regional Director, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Ann Arbor, Michigan
From: Regional Director, BSPW, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Subject: Review of Revised Conclusions and Recommendations
Lake Huron Report (GLIRB)
We have reviewed your conclusions and recommendations and consider
them complete in their coverage of the recreation problems of Lake
Huron. We have the following review comments:
Recommendation 2b seems unnecessary, since generous financial
assistance programs already exist. (Refer to: "Federal Assistance
in Outdoor Recreation - Available to: States, their Subdivisions,
Organizations, and Individuals", published by the Department of
the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation). However, more
emphasis should be given to publicizing the existence of these
assistance programs.
In Recommendation 3t we would favor "review" rather than "adopt",
in line 2, since numerous regulations already exist and there is
some confusion in this area.
Recommendation 9 makes it appear that control of wastes from
summer houses on lakes and streams is a matter of personal dis-
cretion. We agree that voluntary community action is desiiable,
but it should be stressed that pollution laws exist which will
be enforced regarding this pollution source if voluntary action
is not taken.
We appreciate this review opportunity.
(Signature)
GPO e.s-303-15 JOHN R. LANGENBACH E"27
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UNITED STATES
C DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
0 FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
P BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
Y 1006 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408
In Reply Refer To
RB
November 13, 1967
Memorandum
To: Regional Director, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, USDI
Ann Arbor, Michigan
From: Regional Director, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife,
USDI, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Subject: Lake Huron Basin Report - Review of Preliminary Draft
(Koening's Memorandum of 10/13/67)
We have reviewed the subject draft and have the following comments and
suggestions:
1. Page i - "Forward" should read "Foreword"
2. Page 3-5. Line 7 - the "quality and quantity of (recreation)
facilities" appears here to be a function of only the public
agencies. Should the word "private" be added?
3. Page 4-6 Canoeing - One of the qualities or real values of the
Au Sable River is the relative feeling of peace and solitude it
imparts. Often overlooked in our mad rush for "development" is
the equally important need for the more primitive or wilderness
aspects of such streams as the Au Sable.
4. Facing Page B-8 - Appendix C - Lake Ontario Basin should read Lake
Huron Basin.
5. With reference to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau
of Outdoor Recreation and the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife
(regarding areas of reporting responsibility,) we believe there are
several sections of your report which are more properly the province
and reporting responsibility of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and
Wildlife.
We believe the following cited sections from your report belong in
the Fish and Wildlife Report:
a. Page 2-7 - Paragraph 1, 2, 3, and 4
b. Page 3-4 - Plate 3-1 - Demand for fishing and hunting activities
c. Pages 4-29-32 - Subsection (F) Hunting
d. Page 6-4 - paragraph 1
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e. Page 6-5 (Table 6-1) - Natural resources references
f. Page 7-1 - Paragraph 2 - Great Lakes Sport Fishery
g. Page 7-3 - Paragraph B-2. The last two sentences related to fish
and wildlife, with last sentence constituting a wildlife
recommendation.
The entire content of Chapter 6 - "Water Quality Influences" goes rather
heavily into pollution control and the effects of pollution on the natural
environment. This is one of the principal areas which will be covered in
the Pish and Wildlife Report. To avoid conflict and possible duplication in
our reporting, we believe that water quality aspects of the basin should be
oriented more towards other water uses, with a considerably more limited
review of the natural resource—water quality relationships.
We recognize that in the preparation of the Great Lakes Reports, close
coordination between all cooperating agencies is difficult. For future
Great Lakes reporting, we suggest that coordination be effected early
in each reporting effort, preferably between the individuals in our two
agencies who are assigned the reporting responsibility. This should help
us avoid overlap and possible conflicts in our efforts.
We appreciate this opportunity to review the Lake Huron report draft.
We were also pleased to have the opportunity last week to review some of
our mutual problems with Messrs. Nelson and Otis. If there is anything
we can do to further improve our interagency coordination, please be sure
to call on us.
We are returning two copies of the subject report draft.
(Signature)
R. W. BURWELL
Enclosures: 2
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DI.FWPCA, GREAT LAKES REGION
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
MEMORANDUM LATE: November 15, 196?
To: Roman H. Koenings, Regional Director
Lake Central Region, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Prom: Regional Director
Subject: Lake Huron Basin Report (Your Reference: D 6427 GL)
As requested in your memorandum of October 13, 19&7, we have reviewed the
Lake Huron Basin Report and have the following comments or suggestions.
Generally, the report is well written and informative and it should prove
useful to us and to other agencies interested in the control and prevention
of water pollution and in advancing the cause of water oriented outdoor
recreation.
With reference to projections of recreation demand, if information is
available, it would be of value to this agency if it could be estimated
what part of the incremental demand in "with opportunity" would result
from improved water quality (as distinguised from additional or improved
facilities or structures.)
Some statements concerning the pollution effects of recreation would
strengthen the report, e.g., debris from ice fishing or the discarding of
wastes by boaters.
The pinpointing of problem areas is good (Chapter 6). It would be helpful
if some statement was made as to whether these areas constitute the major
and majority of such areas or whether they are merely representative.
On page 1-3: Suggest deleting the definition for improved water quality.
As the definition is worded some very "bad" water might be greatly improved
and still not qualify because of failure to meet criteria for whole body
contact recreation.
On page 1-4, and 1-5, reference numbers 42, 43 and 29 do not seem to relate
to the subject matter of those titles in the bibliography. Also on page
1-4, the definition of recreation demand should, it seems to us, be stronger
than expression of interest. This is recognized in later pages of the report.
A suggested definition: recreation demand - an expression of the extent to
which people would participate in recreation if provided with opportunities
at a price they are willing and able to pay.
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To: Roman H. Koenings, LCR-BOH 2 November 15, 196?
On page 2-15, line 13 - resident population refers to Table A-l, Appendix A.
Table A-l, Appendix A is "Supply Summary."
If available, i-t would be useful to have a map showing the entire Lake and
perhaps some area outside of the Watershed boundary as some of the demand
arises from outside of the area.
Page 2-2J, does the agricultural population segment pursue less outdoor
recreation or does is make use of more private facilities that are not
tallied in the surveys?
With reference to Plate 6-7, "Location of Recreational Waters Impaired by
Low Quality," does not agree fully with data in our Detroit Program Office
reports. For certain stream segments shown as impaired, our Detroit Program
Office has no information to confirm the severity. In other areas, streams
are shown not impaired or lightly impaired, while our data indicates more
severe levels of contaminants. Grossly, Moderately, and Lightly Impaired
should be explained and the source and extent of information for Plate 6-7 should
be listed. We are enclosing a copy of the Plate with our Detroit Program
Office information on impaired water quality added.
Relative to the contaminant "Chlorine" listed on Table 6-1, although toxic
to fish when dissolved in water and toxic to humans in the gaseous state,
the use of chlorine is currently recommended for disinfection of water
supplies and waste effluents, and it is doubtful the Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration would ordinarily designate it as a contaminant. It
is possible that the ion "chloride" (and other salts) was intended to be the
contaminant.
Chapter 7, in Section C, Action Programs (pg 7-5), other programs of the
Corps of Engineers such as comprehensive studies, flood plain studies,
harbor and river dredging might be mentioned as they pertain to recreation.
The enclosed pages list some minor items, mostly editorial in nature, for
you consideration.
(Signature)
H. W. Poston
Enclosures
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STATE OF MICHIGAN
C SEAL
0 GEORGE ROMNEY, GOVERNOR
Y DEPARTMENT OP CONSERVATION
Ralph A. Max; Mullen, Director
December 5, 1968
Mr. John D. Cherry
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Lake Central Region
3853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Dear Mr. Cherry:
We have reviewed the revised conclusions and recommendations for
the report on "Water-Oriented Outdoor Recreation—Lake Huron Basin,"
transmitted with your letter of November 18, 1968. The following
comments are offered for your consideration and action.
Conclusion 9 - This recommendation does not, in any way,
attempt to place in proper perspective the extent of
pollution injuries. Our evaluation is that the
sentence should read, "... have contaminated limited
portion of Lake Huron ..."
Recommendation 6 - State and Federal programs and
facilities axe constantly under review and
surveillance. At the present time, our staff is
preparing recommendations for FWPCA concerning the
adequacy of waste control facilities for all
Federal installations in Michigan.
Recommendation 7b - We believe that research has shown
several economical methods for nutrient (phosphorus)
removal and Michigan communities and industries
have been notified that phosphorus removal
facilities must be in operation in accordance with
certain prescribed time schedules. These time
schedules vary but range from 1970 to 1977 for
startup of phosphorus removal facilities. State
and Federal authorities do not believe that removal
of nitrogen compounds from waste waters is practical
at the present time nor do they believe that water quality
would be enhanced to a significant degree by
the reduction or removal of this constituent.
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- 2-
Recommendation 8 - The oil and gas producing industry is
already undertaking a study to find methods to
eliminate odors associated with active oil and gas
wells.
Thank you for the opportunity to review these conclusions and
recommendations. If you have any questions concerning our comments,
please let us know.
Very truly yours,
WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
(Signature)
W. G. TURKEY
Regional Engineer
WGT/ro
cc; Herb Miller
Gerald Eddy
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STATE OP MICHIGAN
SEAL
GEORGE ROMNEY, GOVERNOR
DEPARTMENT OP NATURAL RESOURCES
Stevens T. Mason Building, Lansing, Michigan 48926
Ralph A. Mac Mullen, Director
November 29, 1968
Mr. Roman H. Koenings
Regional Director
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
3853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Dear Mr. Koenings:
Your letter of November 18, 1968, requesting comments on the attached con-
clusions and recommendations of your report, "Water-Oriented Outdoor Recre-
ation - Lake Huron Basin," has been received.
Staff members have reviewed this material and offer the following changes:
Conclusion No. 6
Conclusion No. 12
We propose substituting the following: Seasonal and
vacation homes contribute substantially to utilization
of recreational opportunities offered by the land and
water resources. The extent of their development on
many lakes and streams, however, reduces the opportunity
for public projects, and public access to water is a
distinct problem in some areas. In addition, consid-
erable acreage of private land formerly accessible
to hunters is being fenced off to the public, much of
it through the formation of private hunting clubs.
We are of the opinion that this statement is incorrect.
Malodorous natural gas vapors associated with active
oil wells are limited to a small segment of the basin near
West Branch and St. Helen. These areas of some 160
oil fields in the Huron Basin are not in our opinion
".... present at various locations throughout a sizeable
portion of the basin." Should you wish additional
information on this point, the Geological Survey
Division would, be pleased to assist your people.
1-35
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Mr. .Roman H. Koenings
-2-
November 29, 1968
Conclusion No. 14 We recommend that the report identify special problem
areas with excessive algae and weed growth within the
basin or providing the reader with some idea as to the
scope of the problem. Without clarification the general
statement colors the true picture.
Recommendation No. 4 We propose altering this statement. Both flood plain
protection and shoreline protection is afforded by con-
trols administered by the Department under authority
of recent legislation. Reference should be made to
Act 247, P.A. 1955, as amended; Act 291, P.A. 1965, as
amended; Act 288, P.A. 196?, and Act 16?, P.A. 1968
(copies attached). We recommend citing the Acts.
Recommendation No.
8 It would be proper to point out that the oil and gas
producing industrialists are aware of the problems
of unpleasant odors associated with oil and gas produc-
tion activities and report that the major companies are
presentlv- -involved in joint research efforts to minimize
or eliminate natural gas odors as an air pollutant. The
Geological Survey Division can provide further details.
Comments regarding water pollution and water quality
standards will be received directly from the Executive
Director of the Water Resources Commission.
Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to offer comments.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Ralph A. MacMullen
Director
Attachment
E-36
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WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
MEMORANDUM
TO: William Marks
PROM: Ralph W. Purdy
DATE: November 3, 1967
SUBJECT: Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Preliminary Report on
"Water-Oriented Outdoor
Recreation, Lake Huron Basin"
Page 1-3: Under "Improved Water Quality," "bacteriologically" should be
substituted for "biologically."
Page 6-1; Third paragraph, I don't believe that it is correct to assume that
there is always an associated bacteriological contamination with
increasing nutrient concentrations. An effluent from a waste treat-
ment plant can be properly chlorinated, yet contain nutrients.
Also, land runoff will contain nutrients and not have bacteriological
contamination.
Page 6-2; Second paragraph. Throughout this entire report there seem to
be a great deal of emphasis placed on faulty individual septic
systems being responsible for large-scale degradation of lake and
river water quality. I am wondering what substantive evidence
supports this conclusion.
Page 6-3; Second paragraph. Under "Swimming." Again, I wonder what
evidence is available to support the conclusion made.
Page 6-g; The asterisk on Table 6-2. Although the beach was posted as
stated, it should also be noted that the beach was posted in error.
The water samples did not support the action of the county health
department in its premature closing of this beach.
Page 6-9; First paragraph under "Alpena." Proposed standards formulated
by the Water Resources Commission are not accurately quoted. Also,
it should be noted that arithmetical averages were apparently
used in handling the coliform data for the two beaches. This
places an undue amounj of emphasis on single high samples. It is
generally conceited that arithmetical averages cannot be used in
the handling of coliform data. In addition, I believe the
information used was obtained from our records. It has since been
determined that the technician that made the coliform determinations
on the samples collected on 6-23-66 did not perform the analytical
techniques properly and that the high values shown on this date
are incorrect. When the above is taken into account, the
conclusions reached must be substantially different.
Page 6-11; Under "Harbor Beach." Studies have been made which show that the
high coliform count is due to coliform contained in the discharge
from the industry. It also has been shown that all sanitary waste
from the industry is discharged into the municipal system for
treatment, therefore, the coliform from the industry is not
E-37
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attributable to human waste. The above makes their conclusions
or assumptions, which they have stated as not being scientifically
founded, incorrect.
Page 6-12; First paragraph. When they state, "Effluent from an inefficient
primary treatment plant," this leads me to believe that the
primary treatment plant is not being properly operated. I wonder
if this is the intent or whether they mean to imply that the
primary treatment plant is, in their opinion, an inefficient
treatment device.
Second paragraph. It is suggested that storm water might be diverted
to retention ponds. I am wondering what might be accomplished by
this in the way of nutrient removal. Certainly if the ponds over-
flowed to the watercourse, it would accomplish nothing in the way
of nutrient removal. Secondly, they have reached a conclusion
that nutrients placed in the ground by septic tank systems travel
through the ground waters to the lake. If this conclusion is
correct, then I would expect that it would also be correct for the
seepage from the storm water retention pond.
Page 6-16; Streams designated as being impaired on this map should be checked
with the recent evaluation of impaired streams made by John
Bohunsky's section, in particular, as they relate to municipal
waste problems.
Page 8-2; Conclusion number 9. Again, I believe the problems caused by
septic tank systems are being over emphasized.
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C GENESSEE COUNTY METROPOLITAN
0 PLANNING COMMISSION
P 930 Beach Street
Y Flint, Michigan 48502
November 21, 1967
Mr. Roman H. Koenings
Regional Director
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
3853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Subject: D6427GL
Dear Mr. Koonings:
Our staff has reviewed the enclosed preliminary report, "Water-
Oriented Outdoor Recreation, Lake Huron Basin," with consider-
able interest, since recreational facilities will be a significant
component of the Comprehensive Land Use-Transportation planning
Study currently under way in Genessee County. Realizing the
difficulty in collecting and analyzing data for such a large
area as the Lake Huron Basin, we commend you for a job well done.
In general, we would suggest the report be more specific on the
types of existing and projected needs and demands. An attempt
should also be made to provide current population estimates to
use as a basis for current demand, rather than using I960 data.
Specific comments and suggestions that we hope will assist you
in the preparation of the final report are as follows:
Page 2-15 — If possible, a.n effort should be directed to
estimate the current population in the Lake Huron Basin.
All resident population data have been derived from the
I960 Census.
Page 2-15 — Projected population estimates are mentioned
for 1990 and 2020. However, the bases for these projections
are not cited.
Page 2-18 — Income per capita for basin residents is based
on I960 data. Since income is indicated as a major factor
influencing participation in outdoor recreation, up-to-date
figures should be obtained from the Michigan Employment
Security Commission, or other sources.
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Mr. Roman H. Koenings
November 21, 1967
Page 2
Page 2-19— A comparison of the basin with other regions
should also include a region which has a close association
to the basin, such as the State of Michigan. Comparing
the basin to the nation only, may not necessarily provide
suitable measure of basin conditions.
Page 2-20— Plate 2-10 incorrectly locates the Interstate
Highway System in Genessee County and southeastern Michigan.
Page 3-3— The basis for assuming the number of activi-
ties the average person participates in during a visit
to a recreation area should be provided.
Page 4-3 — What is the criteria for locating a local
recreation area on Plate 4-2? (Attached is a list of
public recreation areas adjacent to water in Genessee
County with a map showing their locations.)
Page 4-5 — Plate 4-J appears incomplete for Genessee
County. This plate should be indexed to facilitate
review and comment.
Page 4-6 — Same comment as for Plate 4-3 above.
Page 4-19 — Where is the index to Plate 4-10?
Page 4-2? — Plate 4-19 should be coded to be a greater
value to local efforts.
Page 4-35 — Same comment for Plate 4-24 as for Plate
4-3.
Page 5-1 — Can any conclusions be drawn from the Michigan
Outdoor Recreation Plan which would make Chapter 5 more
useful to local units of government reviewing this report?
Page 5-2 — Table 5-1 appears to be intended to show
"present" requirements for developed recreation acreage,
however, the information derived from the table is eight
years old.
Page 5-3 — Same comment for Table 5-2 as for 5-l«
Page 6-5 — Table 6-1 should include possible sources for
the various contaminants to be of greater benefits to
local agencies reviewing the report.
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Mr. Roman H. Koenings
November 21, 196?
Page 3
Page 8-1 — The figures in conclusion number three con-
flict with Table A-l of the Appendix.
Page A-6 — The proposed recreation area for Genessee
County listed in Table A-7 is the Genessee Recreation
Area, not the Mott Recreation Area, and it will contain
J800 acres.
Page B-l — Are the results of the various reports listed
in the second paragraph valid for the Lake Huron Basin?
Thank you for the opportunity to review this report.
Very truly yours,
(Signature)
THOMAS H. HAGA
Directors-Coordinator
Attachment
E-41
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C CITY OF MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
p SEAL
y
November 22, 1967
Mr. Roman H. Koenings
Regional Director
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
J853 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Dear Sir:
Let me apologize for being late with an answer to your letter
and report dated October 13, 1967. By the time the various
Departments - Planning, Forestry, Parks and Recreation - had
read the report, we find ourselves about a week late.
The consensus is that the report is very comprehensive with
a wealth of information regarding the Recreation potential of
the Lake Huron Basin.
One observation was made with regard to Recommendation "5-a,
Chapter 9"« It was felt that perhaps state legislation could
assist in protecting local public recreation departments from
unreasonable liability suits too.
A second observation regarding Page 4-38. Midland, being land-
locked in, has two (2) outdoor pools and is planning another
pool of Olympic size to open in 1968. In the future, there is
planned another outdoor pool in the northwest section of the city.
Thank you for sending us the copy and please accept our compliments
on an excellent report.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
ROSS KRESSLER
Director
Enclosure
GPO SIS—3O3—16 E-43
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