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Master Plan |
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for the Antrim Creek Natural Area Antrim County, Michigan |
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prepared for: Antrim County Board of Commissioners Antrim Creek Natural Area Commission
prepared by: Site Planning Development, Inc. December 10, 1998 |
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Table of Contents |
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This Master Plan is the final product of an eleven month planning effort by community members and leaders of Antrim County and surrounding areas, with the assistance of design consultant, Site Planning Development, Inc., for the purpose of providing guidance for growth, public improvement, and preservation of the Antrim Creek Natural Area, located in Banks Township, Antrim County. |
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This plan is prepared to assist in achieving the Antrim Creek Natural Area mission: "To manage the site as a natural area, to protect the diversity and fragile natural features found on the property and keep it accessible for recreational and educational use by the public". |
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The Antrim Creek Natural Area was acquired by Antrim County in 1996 with public monies provided by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF). Accordingly, this plan is intended to be compatible with the MNRTF goals: developing and managing public access to the Antrim Creek Natural Area for recreational and educational uses consistent with preservation goals. It is a collection of works and information prepared by professionals and interested individuals over a two year period, and is the product of a strategic planning process conducted at the community level. |
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The Antrim Creek Natural Area is located in Banks Township, Antrim County 2 miles west of Atwood on Lake Michigan. A location map is attached. |
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The property is comprised of 156 acres of land containing nearly one mile of shoreline on Grand Traverse Bay. This is the largest stretch of contiguous, undeveloped shoreline remaining within the entire 132 miles of bay coastline between Norwood and Northport. It supports an incredible array of natural diversity including hardwood forest, forested wetland, conifer swamp, shrub thicket, meadow, wet meadow and coastal dune. It supports a wide range of flora and fauna including federal and state listed threatened plant species. This is rare and unique coastal ecosystem without equal. |
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Looking at the Natural Features Map on the following page, you will notice a few distinct features which may be used as reference throughout this text. |
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* A steep slope, or bluff, bisects the property longitudinally, dividing the lower beach, dune and forest from an upper plateau containing both forest and meadows. |
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* Rex Beach Road, or more specifically a two-track extension thereof, is a seasonal county road dividing the property into nearly equal north and south halves. |
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* Sandy beach and dune areas predominate the southern shore area. |
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* Cobble beach predominates the northern shore areas. |
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* An open dune distinguishes the southern shore area with sharply undulating sandy landforms extending several hundred feet inland. |
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* Antrim Creek is a deeply carved streambed along the southern boundary of the natural area. |
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At least sixteen plant species found at the Antrim Creek Natural Area are worthy of protection, according to a research and inventory report prepared by White Pine Associates, entitled Ecological Inventory of the Antrim Creek Natural Area. |
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Most noteworthy are Pitcher's Thistle and Lake Huron Tansy, found on the property in several places in the shore and dune areas. These are provided legal protection pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Endangered Species Act of Michigan, respectively. Permits are required prior to construction on the property, and plans must satisfy Federal and State requirements for protection of these plants. |
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The state act also identifies plants of special concern which, while not currently on the protection list, represent declining or rare populations in the state. If the trend continues, plants of special concern are planned for addition to the list. The Pale Sedge is one such plant found on the property. |
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Other plants found on the property are recognized by the MDNR as having precarious future existence and, while not legally protected, the Department is requesting they not be disturbed. These include: Starflower, Indian Pipe, Yellow Trout Lily, Wood Lily, Columbine, Twin Flower and Jack-in-the-Pulpit. |
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Wetlands, as defined by both State and Federal Statute, are present on the property. Dredging or filling of wetlands within the Antrim Creek Natural Area are regulated by both the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. A permit to construct in these areas is required from the regulating agencies. |
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The general type and location of wetland areas are shown on the Natural Features Map incorporated in this plan. The delineation shown thereon is based solely upon remote interpretation including a review of aerial photographs and general soils information, and a preliminary cruise of the property. The Natural Features Map may not be relied upon when identifying wetland areas for construction. Detailed wetland delineations have been performed over some, but not all, of the property. |
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A range of soil types are found on the property, some of which are not suitable for building or recreational purposes. Wetland areas comprise the most limiting soil types for building and recreation, and should be avoided for all but educational uses and interpretive display. |
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For reference, soils types found on the property are described more fully in the appendix in an excerpt from an Ecological Inventory of the Antrim Creek Natural Area prepared by White Pine Associates. |
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The Antrim Creek Natural Area, formerly known as the Jones property, was purchased by Harry and Eleanor Jones in 1943 and kept undeveloped, in its natural condition, over the duration of the Jones family's 53 year stewardship. The property was used by the Joneses and by community members with the Joneses consent, for such activities as swimming, hiking, hunting, fishing, picnicking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. These uses have continued, and by some observer's account have intensified since acquisition of the property by the County. |
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No buildings or structures are present on the property. The hiker or sportsman will find narrow paths through the woods in places historically traveled, but none are obvious nor marked. The open dune and creek area is cris-crossed with footsteps and barren earthen paths. |
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Predictably, the most intense use occurs during the summer months for such passive activities as swimming and picnicking and occur on the sandier beaches and dunes of the southern half of the property. |
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The beaches and dunes are currently used for ATV and four-wheel drive joy-riding, evidenced by tire tracks throughout the area, in some places damaging the Lake Huron Tansy and Pitcher's Thistle plant species protected by state and federal statute. ATV tracks have been observed running south from the Rex Beach access, crossing Antrim Creek, trespassing onto and across adjoining property and running over the beach ridge. Motorized vehicle use over beaches and dunes and across neighboring property is inconsistent with the terms of the acquisition grant agreement between the county and the state. Destruction of threatened or endangered plant species is a punishable offense pursuant to state and federal laws. |
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The northern half of the property is generally wetter with less popular beach areas, and used primarily for hiking and hunting. |
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Currently, the most used access is via the two-track extension of Rex Beach Road, which runs to the shore near the center of the property and provides the easiest access for swimming, picnicking and small boat launching for fishermen. Anglers also have favored access near Antrim Creek, often parking on the Jones's private property, which is acknowledged as trespass and a nuisance. |
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The central "Rex Beach" access road runs through woodland on the upper plateau and traverses the slope over a steep and narrow roadway. This road was created with simple cut and fill techniques sometime in the past; we do not know when or by whom. Historically, the road has received little maintenance or improvement, including occasional grading by the County, and is known to be subject to erosion and failure of the cut slope. In 1997, a retaining wall and erosion control structures were built by the County in an attempt to stabilize the cut slope and control erosion. Although these measures were an improvement, recent observations reveal continuing longitudinal and cross-slope erosion, and the road remains in need of additional attention for regular public use. |
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An existing "old farm lane" is located just north of Antrim Creek, running from Old Dixie highway to the crest of the bluff. This is a grassy two-track formerly used for farming the meadow area on the southern portion of the property. This lane was used only by the Joneses and their guests and was kept closed to the public. It is relatively stable and there is no sign of recent improvement. |
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Professional and community planning efforts have been implemented for the Antrim Creek Natural Area. An Ecological Inventory of the Antrim Creek Natural Area was prepared by White Pine Associates, Bellaire, Michigan, for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. The final product of this study is an exhaustive report completed in October 1996, including much useful information for project planning and user education, such as geologic history, an inventory of plant communities and plant and animal species found on the property, as well as an outline of human history and influence. Selected portions of the White Pine Associates report (White Pine report) are attached to this plan for reference. |
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Other useful studies completed by interested community members have been used in this plan. The Antrim Creek Natural Area property is well known by several local residents who have for years enjoyed the property for hunting, fishing, hiking and beach activities. Many of these individuals combined to form "The Friends of Antrim Creek", an ad-hoc committee spending significant effort collecting information and analyzing such issues as signage, access, parking, and trail configurations. The record of their efforts reside in the minutes of their meetings, sometimes incorporated in minutes of the Antrim Creek Natural Area Committee. Research for this plan included meeting with principal members of the "Friends" to review their work and suggestions. |
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Antrim Creek and vicinity is believed to have been the site of prehistoric Native American activity and is known to be more recently the site of old Antrim City. The Antrim City Cemetery still remains at an adjoining site directly across Old Dixie Highway. Very little is known, however, about exact siting of settlement or structures on the property. |
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Records at The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) indicate there is one recorded site on the property, identified by its site number which is 20AN22. Conversation between Site Planning personnel and Dean Anderson, State Archeologist at SHPO, revealed this site was recorded as a result of phone calls received over a period of several years, wherein the callers either questioned or shared their belief that significant activity had occurred here. Site 20AN22 is not an exact spot on the property and is of unknown size and shape. A SHPO staff person has sent correspondence suggesting an archeological survey be conducted prior to site clearing or construction activity. |
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The State Archeologist may waive the need for the archeological survey if satisfied that historical and archeological resources are unlikely to be damaged by the proposed activity. It is anticipated that such will be the case here, as the very nature of this project is to minimize impact to the natural environment. |
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For historical background, an interesting outline was prepared by Mary Kay McDuffie for the White Pine report, titled "Historical Features Indicating Human Use" at the Antrim Creek Natural Area. A copy is attached in the appendix for reference. |
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A portion of the Antrim Creek Natural Area is subject to a conservation easement, created for the purpose of limiting impact upon the natural resource in that area. The easement area is generally located along Antrim Creek and the adjoining open dune area. This conservation easement is an agreement between the donors and Antrim County, successor to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and is recorded in Liber 421, Page 282 at the Antrim County Register of Deeds. A review of the conservation easement agreement must be incorporated into the final design process. |
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This master plan is the product of community input and professional assistance. Strategic planning, by its definition, is proactive rather than reactive, requires collaborative decision making, and creates a method for adopting a course of action. Also by definition, strategic planning is a dynamic process requiring periodic review and revision. Accordingly, a three year evaluation is expected, wherein the county will review progress, determine whether the plan and implementation is achieving project goals, and modify the plan and management practices as needed. |
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The planning process for the Antrim Creek Natural Area included several opportunities for public participation, including community workshops and public meetings. At each meeting, results and directives from the preceding meeting were evaluated, discussed and affirmed by the participants. The purpose of the community workshops was to collect public input used in creating project goals. The planning consultant's task is to achieve those goals to the extent possible, applying a knowledge of physical and biological sciences, and meeting obligations to protect public health, safety and welfare. |
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Public participation in the design of the Antrim Creek Natural Area is essential. To maintain effective stewardship of this natural area, the community must have a stake in its creation and feel a sense of ownership. Public design workshops are a way to achieve this goal. |
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Two public workshops were conducted for this project, the first in March and the second in July, the intent to provide full-time and seasonal residents an equal opportunity for participation. Advertising was extensive for these workshops: for the first workshop a notice was placed in every Banks Township property owner's tax bill, both workshops were advertised at numerous community events and notices posted in businesses throughout the county, all in addition to normal publishing for public hearings. |
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"Nominal group" and "large group" methods were employed at the workshops to encourage public participation and input. With the nominal group process, the audience is divided into small groups where active and moderated discussion is generated to discover public perceptions, ideas and issues. Comments generated during group discussion are then reviewed by the general audience and consolidated into a manageable number of main ideas or goals for the project. This method was used at the first workshop where the objective was to solicit input for creation of a local goals list. |
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The large group method was used at the second workshop, where a smaller number of participants made nominal group methods impractical. The objective of our second workshop was to review outcomes of the first workshop, to review and evaluate project goals, and to collect public input on specific plan concepts and features. |
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Each of the workshops was well attended. Additionally, monthly meetings of the Antrim Creek Natural Area Commission provided a forum for public participation. Meeting times and dates are routinely posted and available. A detailed review of the public workshops and their outcomes is attached in the appendix. |
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The primary project goals for the Antrim Creek Natural Area were established by the county in its application for acquisition funding. A separate listing of project goals was created as an outcome of the public participation workshops. Interestingly, the latter affirms the former, emphasizing environmental protection, public access and experience, education, and hunting & fishing. |
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The primary goals are: |
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1. Develop and manage the public access to the Antrim Creek Natural Area for recreational and educational uses consistent with preservation goals. |
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2. Protect the diversity and fragile natural features found at Antrim Creek Natural Area. |
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3. Facilitate environmental education experiences centered on the property's rich natural and historical features. |
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4. To keep the property accessible for recreational uses including fishing and hunting by the public. |
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5. Ensure all designs and plans for Antrim Creek Natural Area are constructed in a manner as to not disturb or alter the historical and natural uses of the property. |
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6. Enhance the safety and efficiency of vehicular ingress and egress to the property, thus ultimately reducing the liability while still maintaining the accessibility to the property. |
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The goals identified as an outcome of the public participation workshops are: 1. Provide access to unimproved boat launch |
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2. Protect Natural Features |
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3. Create paths & trails |
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4. Provide adequate parking |
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5. Keep area open to hunting & fishing |
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6. Create public awareness & educational opportunities |
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Clearly, the predominate goal shared by all of the stakeholders in this project is protection of natural features. This goal is repeatedly stated as top priority in the mission statement, the management goals, and the local goals. It is the overwhelming reason it was selected over many other competing projects in the state for such substantial MNRTF acquisition funding. Accordingly, where a public use is contemplated which might conflict with protection of the natural resource, protection must be the higher priority. |
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Potential conflicts exist in a few areas. For example, several sportsmen were so outspoken at public hearings over the issue of small boat launching that the county agreed to attempt keeping that use. How do we maintain access to the beach for small boat launching, while ensuring protection of the dunes and threatened plant species currently suffering from damage by vehicles in the dunes? One solution may be placement of physical barriers to prevent vehicles from traversing the beach and reaching the dune areas. Strict enforcement of "no vehicle" rules is essential. If the implemented solution is ineffective in preventing destruction of the natural resources, other effective methods must be found and employed. |
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Here is another example of potentially conflicting, but prescribed uses. Hunting and hiking might conflict with one another during the hunting season. How are these uses managed to promote safety? Solutions may include seasonal hunting limitations, limitations on the area open to hunting, and seasonal posting of trails to notify hikers of hunting activity. |
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Camping, campfires, and horseback riding, are examples of uses potentially harmful or destructive to the natural environment. |
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As lakefront property is developed, public access becomes more scarce and more valued. Large "virgin" parcels are becoming rare. Already in this region there is an unprecedented pressure to create new, and to maintain existing, public access to the lakes. Therefore it is logical to expect ever-increasing use of land preserves in general, and especially those providing access to water. |
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There is a current trend towards land preservation in this region, and an appreciation of natural areas and preserves by a growing population. Demonstrating this trend is the recent growth in the number of land preserves administered by area land conservancies, such as The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy in Traverse City and The Little Traverse Conservancy in Petoskey. |
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Future use predictions for the Antrim Creek Natural Area might best be made by observing user counts at other local preserves and recreation facilities. At Grass River Natural Area, traffic counts reveal 13,000 cars visited the Grass River site over a twelve month period, according to Mark Randolph, director. Extrapolation of the count indicates approximately 20,000 visitors. This count does not include visitors coming by boat. Predictably, summer is by far the busiest time. Data reveals that 66% of park use occurs from the last week of June to the middle of August. |
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Data for Barnes Park, a nearby county campground facility, indicates a 2500% increase in revenues from 1969 to 1993. While revenues may not have a direct relationship to the number of users, it is a powerful indicator that the number is growing dramatically. Similar to Grass River, most use occurs in the summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day. These campers are likely candidates as Antrim Creek Natural Area users. |
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In general, area growth is demonstrated by population counts, including permanent residents, seasonal residents and overnight visitors. According to Census Counts for Michigan Regions and Counties the permanent residential counts for Antrim, Charlevoix, and Grand Traverse counties have grown 75%, 60% and 92% respectively over the 30 year period between 1960 and 1990. Significant increases in population are observed during the months of June, July and August when it is estimated that seasonal residents and overnight visitors increase populations by another 35%. |
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No visitor counts have been taken at the Antrim Creek Natural Area since acquisition in 1996, however, long-time residents and users of the property have shared the opinion that already, even before advertisement traffic has increased significantly, citing as many as 15 cars parked at the Rex Beach access. |
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Management and improvement of the Antrim Creek Natural Area is intended to comply with the mission statement: |
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"To manage the site as a natural area, to protect the diversity and fragile natural features found on the property and keep it accessible for recreational and educational use by the public." |
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The goals established during the strategic planning process and confirmed by the county and community are the basis for design. Having heard local public opinions on the issues and ideas for plan features at workshops and hearings, the challenge is to incorporate as many of those ideas and features as possible while meeting the county's obligations to the state and its general obligation to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public at large. |
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A recurring phrase associated with the Antrim Creek Natural Area mission is, "to maximize access while minimizing impact". The implied obligation is to find that balance between satisfying the demands of a growing number of users while maintaining the natural environment and providing adequate protection of the natural resource. |
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The value of the Antrim Creek Natural Area is in the diversity and uniqueness of its habitats, which is the overwhelming reason it was selected over many other competing projects in the state for such substantial MNRTF acquisition funding. For this reason, early phases of planned activity should weigh more heavily on the side of protection of the natural resource. Future evaluation, being a normal part of the strategic planning process, will provide the opportunity for revising plan features to achieve the proper balance of protection and use. |
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Access to the Antrim Creek Natural Area is planned at two locations: the existing Rex Beach Road, or "North Access", and the existing Old Farm Lane, or "South Access". The North Access provides ready access to the shore area by swimmers, picnickers, hikers and mobility-limited users. The South Access provides a more convenient, yet low impact, place for fishermen, swimmers and hikers to approach the creek, dune and beach areas. While both of these are existing or former drives, each will require some degree of improvement for regular public use. |
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In general, access roads shall keep their rural character: gravel surfacing and perhaps even a seeded cover to maintain a two-track appearance. |
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North Access improvements are anticipated to include fresh road gravel and grading throughout and, specifically where the road traverses the bluff, grading for proper drainage, installation of additional drainage structure, installation of a guardrail and resurfacing with a stable aggregate product compacted in place. It may be prudent to consider bituminous paving where the road traverse the bluff in order to prevent erosion and reduce maintenance requirements. |
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The North Access road is currently classified by the county as a one-lane "seasonal road", subject to normal seasonal-road limitations. It will not be plowed in the winter. Appropriate signage is suggested, notifying users of road conditions. |
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Current conditions where this north access traverses the bluff warrant study and recommendations by a qualified engineer before final design is implemented. |
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The South Access road is planned to keep its grassy two-track appearance. Improvements here are anticipated to include placement and grading of road gravel only where determined necessary for vehicle support. First phase work might omit new gravel in places already stable enough to support traffic. Seeding along road edges would be allowed to creep into the roadway to keep the "Old Farm Lane" appearance. |
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Parking at both the north and south access will be "slot" type instead of "lot" type. It is planned to be low impact, created where possible between existing trees and vegetation masses using clean fill and gravel. Because fill placement and soil compaction have an adverse affect on plant roots and health, judgments must be made onsite to determine exact location and the prudent number of spaces to construct in each slot. |
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No gates or barriers are currently planned at entrances to the Antrim Creek Natural Area. No restrictions on the hours of operation are currently planned, so to allow visitors and seasonal hunters to quietly enjoy the natural area any time of the day or night. Visitor control is presently planned to consist of their honoring the rules for use, trail markers and directional signposts, and protective markers. The rules for use will be posted near parking areas at the access places. Enforcement of the rules shall be by designated personnel or representatives of the county. |
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The County is obligated to protect the diverse environments, the natural resources present on this property and access to the natural resources, and must implement measures needed to provide that protection. |
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At the north access, where fishermen have launched small boats over the beach area, special provisions are needed to protect the threatened plant species there and to prevent vehicle access along the shore area. The first phase of work will include the installation of large boulders in the beach area, placed perpendicular to the shore with a random and natural appearance, in a fashion to prevent vehicle access outside the launching area. Should these provisions fail to prevent vehicle access along the shore or into the dune area, or if maintenance associated with keeping these provisions effective proves impractical or unreasonable, other measures preventing vehicle access must be implemented. Michigan statute prohibits vehicles in dune areas and, accordingly, rules for use will be posted prohibiting vehicles on the beach. |
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Near-shore use of personal water craft, commonly referred to as "waverunners" or "jet-skis" along the shore area, and the noise and nuisance associated with them is inconsistent with the quiet and passive uses associated with the Antrim Creek Natural Area. Accordingly, their use will be discouraged to the extent possible, including but not limited to signage expressing such discouragement of their use in this area. |
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Barrier-free features shall be incorporated into the Antrim Creek Natural Area, including vehicle access design, parking design and designations, trail loops, decks or overlooks and toilet facilities, using A.D.A. and Michigan Barrier-Free Design Standards. |
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The Antrim Creek Natural Area offers a unique experience to the visitor due primarily to the presence of its rare natural features, including diverse wildlife habitats and federally protected plant species. |
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Accordingly, the first phase of work will include sign displays describing the purpose of the natural area and providing directions for respectful use and protection. Signs will be grouped or individual as appropriate, and located in places the visitor must pass to enter areas of interest. Educational displays will include, for example: |
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* The Mission Statement |
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* The Visitor as Steward |
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* Rules for Use |
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* Identifying Endangered/Threatened Species (Photographic Display) |
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* Identification Plaques located at endangered plant colonies |
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Future phases of work should include additional interpretive display describing human history, geologic history and project history. These are suggested for location at the trail head at the South Access. |
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Structures at the Antrim Creek Natural Area are planned to be simple, durable and rustic in appearance. Heavy timber and/or log materials for all structures are appropriate, detailed to be consistent with a historic theme for the project. Finish and color selections should be durable and subtle, using high quality products, natural or muted shades wherever possible and bright, alarming colors only if required for safety. |
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Examples of structures include boundary markers, signs and signposts, trail markers, the "entry arbor" and toilet facilities. |
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Signage should be used sparingly and only where necessary for identification, direction or education. The need for directional signs is reduced by appropriate site plan layout. Instructional and educational signs should be grouped together wherever possible to reduce intrusion into the natural area. Signage for the project is anticipated to include the following: |
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* Project Identification at each access |
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* MNRTF recognition plaque at each access |
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* CZM recognition plaque at each access |
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* Directional signs |
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* Barrier-free parking |
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* "Steep Slope" & "One-Lane" |
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* Rules of Use (Stewardship Rules) |
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