Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is inviting the public to comment on a project to improve safe and reliable boat access to the Manitou Islands.
The approximately $32 million project, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund, will address the impact of natural processes, such as littoral drift (shifting sands) and high-water levels, on the islands’ docks.
The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Manitou Islands dock project will be open through May 15, 2024. The NPS will also host a virtual public meeting on May 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. For more information on attending the meeting, please visit https:// parkplanning.nps.gov/manitoudocks.
“We at the park are grateful to receive funding from the Great American Outdoors Act for this critical project that will ensure ongoing safe and consistent access to the Manitou Islands,” said Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Superintendent Scott Tucker. “These islands are treasured destinations at the park, and the docks are a critical point of access for visitors to experience all that the islands have to offer.”
The EA outlines proposals for repairing or replacing docks at North and South Manitou Islands to mitigate sediment accumulation and to maintain access for visitors. Hard copies are available for review at the park headquarters at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630.
