Cedar improves access to Victoria Creek
Photo by Ken Scott. Courtesy of Leelanau Conservancy
By Sadie Murphy
Sun contributor
Victoria Creek has long been a staple of Cedar, and it is about to undergo some significant improvements. The Cedar Community Marina project is set to begin construction in the spring of 2019, bringing with it major changes and a new standard for Cedar’s future. Plans for improvement revolve around accessibility and interaction. A new playground, picnic area, and gazebo offer visitors a place for fun and relaxation, while refurbished boat and kayak launches promote the use of Victoria Creek as a prime location for watersports. Efforts to ensure that the Cedar Marina will truly be a place for all community members to enjoy are evident in ADA compliant boat launches, bathrooms, and sitting areas. Wetland improvements help to conserve wildlife and allow public access to natural areas. With planning for this project in the works, Cedar will be experiencing these changes soon.
Although the Cedar Community Marina will incorporate modern design features, these improvements aren’t just for aesthetics; the updates to Cedar Community Park are an investment in the Cedar community as a whole. Committee chairman Ray Pleva hopes that this project will introduce more people to all that Cedar has to offer: “Right now, [Victoria Creek] experiences relatively little boat traffic, [updates] will benefit everyone—the restaurants, stores, and businesses.” The economies of Leelanau communities like Cedar are largely supported by summer newcomers. Cedar has always been a tourist destination, but the marina has the potential to expand the appeal of the area. Established businesses in Cedar will benefit from an increase in overall traffic. With the addition of an accessible marina and park, visitors to Leelanau County will be given even more reason to stop in Cedar and explore what else it has to offer. The Cedar Community Marina has the ability to attract visitors who will, in turn, boost revenue throughout the greater Cedar area.
Just as important as the economic impact of an updated Cedar Community Park is its environmental effect. The name Cedar River Preserve refers to 480 acres of protected land surrounding Victoria Creek. The location of the Cedar Community Marina falls within this distinction, and therefore has the potential to make a large ecological impact. Traditionally, Victoria Creek has served as an area where visitors can explore the unique ecosystems of Leelanau County and where wildlife can live undisturbed. The Leelanau Land Conservancy—which maintains the preserve—and the Cedar Chamber of Commerce are dedicated to maintaining this standard throughout the improvement process. “Victoria Creek is one of the main flows into Lake Leelanau so ecologically, it is very important”, says Yarrow Brown of the Leelanau Land Conservancy. Home to over 260 native plant species as well as a variety of land and water creatures, the Cedar River Preserve is also one of the most biodiverse in Leelanau County. Brown knows the importance of the Cedar River Preserve and is hopeful that updates will spread awareness about this natural space: “More traffic to this area may raise awareness to the need for preserves… and docent-led kayak trips will leave from the marina to showcase the natural area of Cedar River Preserve.” An increase in traffic means an increase in the number of people exposed to the environmental importance of Victoria Creek and the marina. In addition to the awareness brought by improvements to such an area, plans for updates include the creation of a fish habitat. Following suggestions from the DNR, this area will be cleared of silt and covered to create a fresh, viable habitat for fish they didn’t have before—protecting the health of such a vital ecosystem.
Cedar community members are excited for this project as well. Pam Murphy, Cedar resident, is a frequent paddler of Victoria Creek and plans to make use of the Cedar Community Marina upon its completion. “Victoria Creek is a great river to explore so the improvements to the shoreline will make it more accessible to everyone. Easy in and easy out means more time well spent watching birds and wildlife on the county’s hidden gem,” says Murphy. With the introduction of new elements and the enhancement of preexisting components, ease of use will improve for river travelers like Murphy who are eager to explore the wilds of Cedar and enjoy refurbished recreational spaces.
Since plans were first released for this project, the Cedar Chamber of Commerce has made strides towards their financial and planning goals. The committee on the project has worked with engineers from Fleis & Vandenbrink Engineering as well as those from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to construct what will be the final plans for Cedar Community Marina. Grant planning is also well underway. The Cedar Chamber has applied for both state and individual grants to fund the updates. In addition, chamber representatives have been in contact with the DNR Lake Association and other local organizations to ensure that this project will be accessible and beneficial to the entire community. According to Pleva, “This project is a family affair and a community event … this will be one of the best marinas in Michigan, made together.” The progression of the project appears to be on track for the proposed start date of spring 2019, meaning that change is coming quickly for residents and visitors of Cedar to enjoy.
