Pere Marquette River Management Plan - Big Changes

Indian Bridge

The new Pere Marquette River Management Plan would bring big changes to local recreation spots along the river. Comments on the plan will be accepted through December 10.

Huron Manistee National Forest Supervisor, LeAnne Martin says that the new plan attempts to preserve a balance between the needs of recreation users, and protecting the river resources. The plan, if adopted as is close access to the river from federal land from midnight to 4 am. It would also impact the following locations, alphabetically:

40th St:
expanded facilites

Bowman Bridge:
parking plowed in winter

Elk Campsite:
restroom facilities improved

Logmark Campsite:
restroom facilities improved

Gleason's Landing:
a back-down boat launch will be added
boat slide removed
parking expanded including Jorgenson's
parking plowed in winter

Green Cottage
parking plowed in winter

Indian Bridge:
bridge modified to accomdate drift boats

Lower Branch Bridge:
10 parking spaces built

M-37 Bridge:
parking plowed in winter in Forest Service takes over management

Maple Leaf Campsite:
restroom facilities improved
parking expanded
parking plowed in winter

Rainbow Rapids:
parking plowed in winter

Sulak Landing:
parking plowed in winter in Forest Service takes over management

Upper Branch Bridge:
parking plowed in winter

Walhalla Bridge:
parking plowed in winter in Forest Service takes over management

The biggest changes could come to Indian Bridge. When the bridge was rebuilt three years ago, the deck remained at the same elevation, but a different substructure now hinders passage of boats except for canoes or kayaks. The county estimates that to raise the bridge could cost as much as $200,000.

Changes would come as well to the watercraft permit system. All watercraft would be required to have a permit from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Weekends from Labor Day through October 31 would also be under the permit system.

Riparian permits will be recalled and reissued with each tax parcel receiving one permit.

from the Ludington Daily News, Nov 23, 2007
See Pere Marquette River Plan, Huron Manistee National Forest
Email comments to Les Russell or call 231-745-4631.
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