Pedestrian Tunnel Under Construction in Oceana County

construction of the tunnel (photo used with permission of Oceana County Press)

from Oceana County Press

A pedestrian tunnel is being constructed to pass under M-20 in Oceana County, Michigan, that will connect the Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo with the parking lot. A traffic study was completed two years ago that identified a need to stop pedestrians and trams from crossing M-20 due to vehicle volume and speed.

The tunnel is uniquely designed in that it is a precast concrete structure that is being built off-site and will be assembled when the excavation is complete.

Funding came from a special allocation by the state that was procured by Senator Jon Bumstead.

It is approximately 76 feet long and 24 feet wide with a divider to separate pedestrians from tractor-pulled trams that transport people from the parking lot.

The road is expected to reopen at the end of May 2026, but the interior of the tunnel will not be completed for use until August.


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Lyme Disease in Michigan Soars

deer tick (photo from the US Agricultural Research Service)

from a news article at WZZM and other sources

In Kent County, Michigan, cases of Lyme disease have risen dramatically in the past six years. Only 11-12 cases per year were reported from 2016-2020. In the first nine months of 2025, there were 216 cases. Statewide, cases have also risen but slower at about 150%.

The black-legged, or deer tick is now found in almost every county of the state. This is the primary carrier of Lyme disease.

Lyme can be treated with antibiotics, but post-Lyme syndrome can linger for years causing joint pain and body aches. Another after-effect is immune system disorders. Some have compared it to long COVID. These lingering effects do not respond to antibiotics.

Learn to identify the kinds of ticks. Black-legged ticks are tiny, and they are the most common carriers of Lyme. Dog ticks are larger and less concerning. The Lone Star tick has a large white spot and is more likely to carry different diseases. Asian longhorn ticks are now also found in Michigan, including Berrien County, but these pose a greater threat to animals than humans.

In short, ticks are no longer just a southern problem. Tuck pants into socks, use repellent, check yourself when coming indoors, or daily if on an extended outing.

See Asian Long-horned Tick in Berrien County


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Man Swept Off Pier Survives Thanks to Life Rings

the actual moment of being washed off the pier (photo by Ryan Bale)

a news release of South Haven Area Emergency Services

Through its ongoing beach safety program, the City of South Haven, Michigan, installed year-round life ring stations in 2023. The South Haven Rotary Club supported the program with a $13,500 grant for the installation of the six stations located on the south and north piers. This safety equipment, along with quick action by a friend, saved a life.

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) and South Haven Police Department responded to a report of a person being swept off the pier into the water at 5:40 p.m.

A 57-year-old man, reported to be from out-of-state, escaped with his life when waves swept him off the Lake Michigan south pier in South Haven on Friday evening. (March 13, 2026)

A second person with the victim threw him a life ring and pulled him to safety. He was out of the water when authorities arrived. The incident occurred near the lighthouse end of the pier. The subject was taken to Bronson-South Haven Hospital for treatment of injuries.

The pier was closed at the time with waves sweeping over it.

Persons who go onto the piers in South Haven when they are closed are subject to a $1,000 fine. The city declared the piers closed earlier in the day because of the high wind and wave conditions.

Ryan Bale captured the moment the subject was being washed off the pier into the lake. Let this photo be a reminder of the power of the lake waves and the dangers they pose. Please take seriously any closings of the many piers along Great Lakes shorelines.


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Funding throughout Michigan for Invasives Control

wooly adelgid management (photo from MI DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

The state of Michigan announced on March 11, 2026 that 27 projects will share $2.4 million in funding through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program for efforts that address the prevention, detection, eradication and control of aquatic (water-based) and terrestrial (land-based) invasive species.

The program – cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources – has four key objectives:
• Preventing the introduction of new invasive species.
• Strengthening the statewide invasive species early detection and response network.
• Limiting the spread of recently confirmed invasive species.
• Managing and controlling widespread, established invasive species.

Michigan’s 22 regional cooperative invasive species management areas (CISMAs) will each receive $70,000 in annual support to provide education and technical assistance to landowners. Additional funds for survey and treatment of high-priority invasive species including red swamp crayfish, water-primrose, wild parsnip, black swallowwort, knotweeds and kudzu will go to twelve of the areas.

Some West Michigan projects are:
• Surveying and treating hemlock woolly adelgid on the northern edge of the infestation in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Manistee counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
• Conducting survey and treatment of mile-a-minute weed infestations in Calhoun County.
• Surveying for highly invasive hydrilla in southwest Michigan waters near the known infestation in Berrien County.


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Sugarloaf Now Owned by Leelanau Conservancy

Sugar Loaf (photo from the Leelanau Conservancy)

from Leelanau Conservancy

The transfer of Sugar Loaf to the Leelanau Conservancy is officially complete, marking a historic milestone in a community-driven effort to permanently protect this beloved local landscape.

For generations, Sugar Loaf has inspired awe, adventure, and deep local pride. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, donors, partners, and supporters, the mountain will now be stewarded for the benefit of the community and the natural environment forever.

The Conservancy’s long-term vision for Sugar Loaf includes a well designed trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country and backcountry skiing, along with universal access features, scenic viewpoints, and family-friendly spaces. Plans also include ecological restoration work to protect native species and reduce erosion.

Sugar Loaf is not yet open to the public

See more at Leelanau Conservancy


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Sleeping Bear Named Among Best Unique Beaches

Sleeping Bear dune (photo from NPS)

compiled from several sources

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards has ranked Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Empire, Michigan) among the top five unique beaches in the United States. It was placed at number four overall.

The 450-foot dunes rising from Lake Michigan helped the lakeshore place as it did. The rankings are based on TripAdvisor reviews over the previous year. This award recognizes locations that offer something beyond the typical sun and sand. The dramatic golden dunes and their contrast with the surprisingly tropical-blue water was a winner with visitors.

“This ranking validates what we locals already know — Sleeping Bear Dunes is an iconic example of Pure Michigan," said Laura Ann Johnson, Executive Director, Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes.

The opportunities for adventure also helped the scoring.

TripAdvisor has about eight million listings, and fewer than one percent of them ever make a "Best Of..." list.

The three beaches ranking higher than Sleeping Bear for this year were Boulders Beach Penguin Colony – South Africa, Isola Bella – Sicily, Italy, and Bamburgh Beach – United Kingdom.

Of course, West Michigan regulars know that Sleeping Bear offers much more than dunes. There are miles of forested trails, water activities, scenic drives and more.

See Parade


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Michigan Outdoor Economic Growth Slow in 2024

Trap Hills in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (photo by jhy)

from Bridge Michigan

The US Bureau of Economic Analysis has released data from 2024 on the outdoor industry. Outdoor recreation in Michigan added $15.1 billion to the economy, an increase of over one billion from 2023. Although there was growth, it lags behind 35 other state's rate of increase of 4%.

Brad Garmon, executive director of the state’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, said, “One thing about Michigan’s outdoor recreation economy is it’s really diverse. In some ways, that means that we don’t grow as fast as some other states that see a big upswing.”

Since it takes time to collect and process data, these figures from 2024 do not reflect the most recent season. A good snow year suggests that figures for 2025 will look better.

Garmon also stated that slow, steady growth is probably better than volatile peaks and valleys. Michigan ranked in the top 20 states in most categories of outdoor recreaton. Approximately 125,000 jobs are generated in the state from outdoor recerational pursuits.

See the full article with several graphs at Michigan lags US in outdoor economy growth


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Final Phase Boyne City- Charlevoix Trail Proceeds

Boyne City- Charlevoix Trail (photo from Top of Michigan Trails Council)

from the Boyne Citizen

Phases 4 and 5 of the Boyne City-to-Charlevoix bike and pedestrian trail are coming into focus for completion.

The trail has been in progress for over ten years. A new round of fundraising is being launched to begin the engineering work for the final stretch. 93% of the total trail has been funded, and filling in the final gap is critical to the economic success of the trail.

Top of Michigan Trails Council and the Charlevoix County Trail Team are partnering to lead the project. The first goal is $50,000 for the design and engineering portion of this phase. Possible routes will be identified, a conceptual design created and potential problems addressed.

Finding additional volunteers to assist with the project is also deemed critical.

See more and a map at Top of Michigan Trails Council


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Boyne City May Get Skate Park

proposed Boyne City skate park (graphic from city of Boyne City)

from the Boyne Citizen

A long-planned community skate park in Boyne City, Michigan, has moved one step closer to becoming a reality. City commissioners have unanimously approved a grant application from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for $376,000.

If the grant is approved, this would provide the largest portion of funds raised to date. The amount would cover most of what is needed to complete the park. Trust Fund grants have to be matched with 25% local funding. This is already raised by the non-profit skate park organization

No money will come from the city budget. However, the city will help maintain the park, once constructed.

City Manager Sam Demel called the park “a great asset for the community.” It will be built at Rotary Park at Boyne City. There is currently no skateboard facility in the city.


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Watch for Elk on the Move

Elk Crossing (photo from MDOT)

a news release of Michigan DOT

Elk are on the move in the northern Lower Peninsula!

You may notice some electronic message boards along I-75 in the Vanderbilt (Otsego County) area warning of elk crossings. According to the DNR, the elk have shifted their typical spring migration routes further north of where current permanent elk crossing warning signs are posted (those signs will be adjusted accordingly later in the spring).

Also, please don't stop your vehicle on the freeway to take pictures of any elk you may see.

See Threads.com


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Benzie County Residents Fight Cell Tower

Benzie County cell tower (photo credit unclear)

compiled from several sources

Residents in Crystal Lake Township (Benzie County, Michigan) are challenging a November 2025 ruling that upheld the construction of a 199-foot cell tower near Bellows Park. Residents filed a motion to reconsider, arguing the court made significant legal errors regarding zoning permits for the APC Towers project.

Arguments center on land use, potential deed violations from 1938, and a contentious zoning review process.

The city of Frankfort built the tower on land they were deeded in Crystal Lake Township. A November 1938 deed to the city of Frankfort specifies the property is to be used for public use. And an additional 1948 deed states that the public use is "in perpetuity," or forever.

The township's zoning board of appeals said since the city owns the land, the township can't enforce their rules. The decision will be ruled on by the court.

Nearby homeowners are strongly protesting the tower. The great-grandson of the original donor said his relatives must be "spinning in their graves." He would like to see the tower removed and a few hiking trails added.

See more at UpNorth Live


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Pedestrian Bridge at Traverse City SP Being Removed

graphic rendering of new at-grade crossing (photo by Illustrated Archetecture)

a news release of Michigan DNR

Signal installation at Traverse City State Park entrance begins in early March; motorists should expect single-lane closures

As part of an $8.5 million enhancement project at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park, in early March crews will begin installing a new traffic signal at the relocated U.S. 31 campground entrance.

During the traffic light installation, motorists on U.S. 31 should anticipate intermittent single-lane closures. Additionally, pedestrians should expect temporary sidewalk restrictions.

The project is anticipated to take two weeks. Digital message boards will be posted one week before construction starts.

Once installed, the traffic signal will operate in flashing mode for up to one month before becoming fully active in late April. The pedestrian crosswalk will remain closed until the signal is fully operational.

The traffic light installation is part of a larger project that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources began in February 2025. The planned project is designed to modernize the park’s facilities, enhance visitor access and traffic flow and improve accessibility, including a redesigned park entrance, a new at-grade pedestrian crossing, a new campground contact station, a relocated park headquarters building and an expanded sanitation station. All components of the project are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines.

The park's modern campground closed in July 2025 and will remain closed through the 2026 season. The campground will reopen April 1, 2027. The Lake Michigan beach day-use area is expected to remain open; however, visitors should anticipate occasional closures for intersection work.

See the project page, including project details and a construction timeline at Michigan.gov


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