Letters to the editor

Last edition’s story on the Glen Arbor Boat Ramp issue and whether it should move to Glen Haven in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore prompted quite a few responses among our readers:

Opposes moving boat ramp
We are opposed to the Glen Arbor Township Board’s push for their boat ramp relocation to Glen Haven.
Every year the waters of Lake Michigan off the shore of Glen Haven are host to thousands of migrating loons and other waterfowl. Along the shoreline at Glen Haven is an established nesting site of the piping plover, a species identified as endangered on federal and state lists of endangered species. Great blue herons come into the shore area at Glen Haven as well as bald eagles, and there have been sightings of Bonaparte’s gulls.
The impact of toxic and noise pollution generated by the increase in traffic on an area of wilderness and aquatic habitat would make the Glen Arbor Township suggested solution to their own problem fundamentally unsound and irresponsible by standards of common sense alone.
To promote a modern-day playground by locating a boat ramp there would in no way emulate the historical importance of Glen Haven. The boat ramp in Glen Arbor is used to launch a myriad of noisy pleasure craft, speedboats, jet skis and private fishing vessels. While the boats are launched, the large towing vehicles with their attached boat trailers are left scattered about at the launch area. To move all of this to Glen Haven would devastate the Park’s intent for the area’s preservation efforts and the area’s scenic beauty.
Glen Haven is a serene place. The Park Service has done much work to restore the historic buildings along the street leading to the shoreline. Many visitors go there to enjoy this quiet and beautiful setting. Let us not disturb the peace.
Sincerely,
Bill Dickinson
Mary Sharry
Empire
Opposes boat launch move
In the Sun’s recent article on the Glen Arbor Boat Launch, an advocate for a new launch facility in Glen Haven made the point that Glen Haven would be a good location for launching boats.
It has been noted elsewhere that the National Gallery of Art would be a great place to roller skate. Of course that’s not allowed, because the National Gallery is established as a place to look at art — and the two activities are just not compatible.
Glen Haven is a restored historic village; it’s on the National Historic Register; it harbors two endangered species; and it contains the remains of the historic Glen Haven Dock, which is a navigational hazard. Unfortunately, a modern boat launch, with jet skis, muscle boats, truck/trailer rigs, and a parking lot, would be a little like a roller derby in a museum.
This is a tough issue with no clear answer. But a Glen Haven Boat Launch just won’t work.
Tom Van Zoeren,
Empire
Confused
I always enjoy the stories on your pages, from afar. This is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. My visits one or two times a year carry me over for the rest of the year. Now, I burn a lot of gas driving up a few times a year, but I also have hiked more trails within 10 miles of Glen Arbor than I ever thought possible. Thank you folks for keeping it free and clear. Don’t ever, ever, give this unique place up to commercial interests. Lake Street access has always been our “hike” to see sundowns. Seems like a lot of dedicated boaters and fishermen use it — I’ve never seen a backup. Tourists might complain once in a while. But, I suspect most of the pressure on the Township comes from folks being influenced by the strange projects y’all have allowed (Le Bear, The Homestead extension on Lake St) — at what cost, and at what benefit to the residents of the area? Years ago there were two gas stations in Glen Arbor, now there are none. The Homestead has more than 300 units for rent, and they are quite full during peak season. The (Sleepy Bear) campground on M-72 has 300 sites and, according to them, they are full during peak travel/vacation days. Whew, that’s a lot of people (cars). And, we can’t even keep a gas station open in Glen Arbor? So, build a new marina, kill the pristine beaches, get a few more bucks. I don’t get it!
Sincerely, George
Letter submitted online
Township board didn’t need Le Bear Resort
Using the boat ramp on Lake Street was tough even before the Le Bear Resort was built. I speak from personal experience. So, instead of allowing the resort to be built, why didn’t the Glen Arbor Township Board seize the opportunity to resolve the problem? Couldn’t they have rezoned the property, condemned it, bought it or done whatever it took, so that the property could have been used for additional parking and maneuvering room?
Moving the boat ramp to Glen Haven would endanger the environment, wildlife and peace and quiet that the National Lakeshore was established to protect.
The Township Board’s choice was another resort, which it didn’t need, so why should they be allowed to dump their problem on someone else’s doorstep?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Gary Wallazy and Karen Winter
Farmington Hills, MI