[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
ARD VALLEY STUDY The following study was prepared with the Operation of the Traverse Bay Regional Township Planning Commission, Roger Williams, Director. Traverse County, Michigan Principal participants: G. Harsch, Township Planner Land Planning & Design Associates June Mason, Vegetate Survey Prepared with a grant from Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program Michigan Department of Natural Resources Division of Land Resources Programs Garfield Township Planning Commission Land Planning & Design Associates 4962 Northwind Dr. East Lansing, MI This document was prepared in part through by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 administered by Management National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ,0 1 .4 z 0 @-4 E--4 U C1 0 P1.1 H z @-4 US Department of Commerce NOAA Coastal Services Center Library 2234 South Hobson Avenue CharlesWn. SC, 29405-2413 _J plans and standards for the river environment. As the reality of development takes place, During the decade of the 1910's, the Grand however, these standards and land uses need to Traverse area has.experienced one of the greatest be reviewed, updated and strengthened. This growth rates over its history. Pressures can be project prepared using Coastal Zone Management felt in all of the townships surrounding the funds reported on herein provides detailed design City of Traverse City for continued and expanding guidelines and plans for all lands within the development. Historically, Boardman Lake and the river and coastal zone environment, plans for Boardman Valley have been considered the back public lands as well as those in private owner- door o *f the Grand Travrse community. The river ship. and lake system were associated with the logging industry from the earliest time of development The intent of this report is to be graphic of the modern community. Early in the twentieth and to present a series of maps that can be centurythe river was extensively dammed for used by the Township Planning Commission and power purposes, either to turn water wheels for Town Board in reviewing land uses and making the direct use of mills, or to generate electri- appropriate changes to the Zoning Ordinance to cal power for the community. Only when Airport accomplish the goals that are being set forward Road was extended across the valley was there in the descriptive plans. consideration given to the development of land uses which were not industrial in character, In undertaking this study there were nine the earliest commercial development was that tasks which were carried out. Each of those tasks of Logan's Landing in an area known as Under the is described below. Willow Tree. That development was followed shortly by the Logan Racquet Club. 1. Preparation of base mapping and back- ground information. It was necessary to Concern for the Boardman Valley and its aseemble base mapping from a variety of sources future, particularly adjacent to the City of in order to undertake the study. Recent Traverse City was addressed by Johnson, Johnson detailed mapping had been prepared for a hydro- and Roy, Inc. in a report entitled, The electric dam site study sponsored by Grand Boardman River Study in 1973. In a cover letter Traverse County. That mapping covered approxi- in that report Mr. William Johnson stated, "It mately half of the study area. Mapping prepared is realized that the nature of our recommenda- for the Logan's Landing development at an earlier tions leaves your office and local groups with date provided an additional source of information. much to do in the way of developing land use To deal with the section between the Sabin Dam and alternatives and performance standards. the City dump, it was necessary to enlarge the USGS quadrangle maps combined with Township plat Over the past decade Garfield Township has maps and individual business site plans to gain taken an active role in developing land use the information needed. As development takes place in the future, Other controlling agencies and acts are the detailed mapping of this area is es .sential, Army Corps of Engineers and the Michigan Wetlands particularly since the Hartman-Hammond connection Act. Each of the appropriate agencies will have is part of this project area. to be contacted in time as improvements are made along the valley. 2. Review of Township existing land use. 4. Analyze existing publicly owned lands. A thorough review was made of existing Township An analysis was made of the publicly owned lands, land use and the proposals for future land use. including the Sid Medair Park north of South The various structures and buildings found Airport Road, the former Traverse .City dump and throughout the valley are shown on the topo- the Grand Traverse County Nature Education graphic mapping. Reserve. Sketch plans were prepared for the A detailed study of the physiographic various areas. character of the area was prepared, including 5. Identify additional lands to be included an analysis of soil information prepared on the in the 2ubli'c sector and easements where base maps, as well as a detailed study of the appropriate. Illustrated are the areas vegetation, flora and fauna found throughout the recommended for public acquisition and the area prepared by a noted local expert on natural easements necessary to accomplish a trail system environments. Subsequent sections of this report along the waters edge. deal with findings from the various studies regarding these matters. . 6. Develop master site plan for public lands. 3. Review existing legal controls and Illustrative master plans have been prepared regulating agencies. There are a number of recommending improvements in the public areas agencies which have legal controls over the indicated above. development of the area. Most involved is 7. Public hearing. A public hearing was held Garfield Township through its zoning and sub- on this matter by the Planning Commission. The division regulations. Zoning classifications Minutes of that hearing are attached as an appear on the background sheets. The Boardman appendix. River has also been declared a natural river coming undder that state act for a distance of 8. Publish a report for use by local. about one mile within the study area covering officials. This report is intended to summarize the section approximately from Sabin to the Boardman Dams. Even though the study area comes the information collected during the study period under that jurisdiction, the State has recognized and to present it in a form which can be distri- the Garfield Township Zoning Ordinance as a buted to public officials. In addition, a set controlling element. of maps has been prepared with a scale of one inch equals 200 feet (I" = 200') for use in Planning Commission and other appropriate meetings. I r 'j, P 4, ; f4k, P t p 4, @ I p I p I p q i I p BACKGROUND AND VEGETATION STUDY time to mature. This also perpetrates a longer co ol spring, retarding spring blooming. The average date of killing frost in spring is May 18 and in the fall, October 7. Besides the effect of "the bid lake" on the temperature, the parameters of these waters radiate an effect on The Grand Traverse Boardman River Valley rainfall. Average precipitation may be between exhibits a combination of natural features of the 26 and 29 inches a year. Precipitation is well area. These features possess outstanding scienti- distributed throughout the year. Snowfall is fic and recreational values. The records of past usually between 80 and 120 inches a year. The glacial activity is evident throughout the Board- mean January temperature is 19 degrees Fahrenheit. man River Valley and surrounding countryside. And the mean maximum in July is 80 degrees There is a diversity of ecological environments Fahrenheit. and habitats offering excellent opportunities for study, research and relaxation. The Grand Traverse County lands were acquired The topography of this area has also been by treaty from the Ottawa Tribe of the Allgonquin strongly influenced by the forces of nature: Indian Nation in 1855. Many of the early settlers Wind, water, ice and especially past glacial to the region cleared learge areas of hardwood by activity. cutting and burning. The tall timber, especially the white pine, was exploited early, about 1847 to The Boardman River Valley has been covered 1880. The hardwoods; maples, beeches, and birch by at least four major continental glaciers; lasted somewhat longer. Logging operations were (from the oldest to the youngest,) Nebraskan, conducted at several primary points on the Board- Kansan, Illinoin and Wisconsin. The last ice man River and in Traverse City. Large areas of sheet of the Wisconsin glacier formed the basic slash burned over. Many attempts to farm the surface features of the county, Geologists sandy soils ended in failure. Much of this wasted estimate the last finger of the ice sheet ad- land was returned to the state for delinquent vanced some six to ten thousand years ago. When taxes and is now part of the Fife Lake State this sheet melted it left what is known as the Forest. Manistee moraine. The lower Boardman Valley, including the lands of Grand Traverse Nature Education Reserve, contains glacial debris from The climate of the Grand Traverse Region is the southern boundary of the Manistee moraine. Further to the south lies the remains of the strongly influenced by the waters of Lake Michigan older Port Huron moraine. The Manistee moraine and both East and West Grand Traverse Bay. This is from three to four miles wide, Between these type of climate is considered quasi-marine or two moraines lie great gullies and outwash plains. modified continental. Prevailing westerly winds One gulley forms the bed of the Boardman River from Lake Michigan have a stabilizing effect in and outwash plains surround it on the east, south delaying early fall frosts giving plants a longer and southwest. To the northwest is the extensive p lip outwash plain of the Port Huron moraine. of pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), aspens (Populus spp. ) and jack pine-oak (Pinus banksiana Though there appears to be no exposed lime- and Quercus spp.). stone rockbeds on the Reserve or lower Boardman Valley from the Nipissing or glacial Lake Prese.nt ground cover in wooded parts of the Algonquin; various rocks and conglomerate remnants Lower Valley include oak bracken (Pteridium from earlier times are scattered in the glacial aquailinum var. latiusculum), sweet fern debris throughout the land surface. Other ground (Comptonia peregrina), sumac (Rhus typhina) and features nearby include rock beaches, kettles and species of honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.). Cutover kames, terminal and ground moraines and drumlins. areas that may have been burned or may have been Most are orientated in a northwest-southeast direc- farmed, support blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), tion indicating the direction of glacial retreat. ra.spberrys (Rubus spp.), currents (Ribes spp.), and wild strawberrys (Fragaria spp Some The Boardman River Bed averages about 560 juniper (Juniperus) appears on the sandy ridges. feet above sea level and the highest plateau about Natural wetland and prairie grasses occur in 680 feet, in the study area. openings such as big blue stem (Andropogon gerardii) and Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa). Crabgrass, foxtails, and many forbs cover the sandy till plains that once were farmed. Tn earlier times, virgin forests covered the entire region except for small areas of grassy marshland. The early settlers found three major groups of trees: (1) Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), complete survey has not been established at beech Fagus grandifolia), Elm (Ulmus sp), and this time for the Boardman Valley. However, other hardwoods on limey loam soils; (2) white pdne- typical residents include the white tailed deer (Pinus Strobus) and red pine (Pinus resinosa) on (Odocoileus virginianus), red fox (Vulpes vulva), sandy soils; (3) white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), snowshoe hare and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and black spruce cottontail rabbit (Lepus americanus Sylvilagus (Picea mariana) on acidy poorly drained wetlands. Floridanus), beaver (Castor canadensis), otter (Lutra canadensis), (Mustela vison), skunk Other less common but associate trees were (Mephitus mephitus), several species of mice and red oak (Quercus rubra), WIhite oak (Quercus shrews, and others. alba), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), bid-tooth aspen (Populus gra didentata), hornbeam Amphibians and reptiles probably number as (0strya virginiana), yellow and paper birch many as thirty or more species and are common (Betula spp.), ashes (Fraximus spp.), basswood along the river course and impoundments. (Tilia americana), jack pine (Pinus banksiana), Numerous springs and small creeks offer clean, tamarack (Larix laricina), and formidable stands cool water for these animals. of hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), Upland burned over areas on sandy soils are covered by stands The bird and wildfowl populations are especially high due to an abundant food supply a relationship (physiognomy) one to another. and protection. All vegetation changes as a result of Viable fish populations occur in the clean succession - that is a natural progression and waters of the Boardman River and its tributaries. development. Any one stage of development is Brown trout (Salmo trutta), brook trout considered a seral stage. In the course of time (Salvelinus fantinales), northern pike (Esox each seral stage are replaced by other stages lucius), and many species of small fish and which are brought about by the reactions of the minnows abound in these waters. The high dams on existing vegetations, climatic changes and topo- the Boardman River have prevented the recently graphic changes such as erosion, deposition and introduced salmon from reaching the upper waters so on. Finally, a climax unit develops where of the Boardman River, no further changes are possible because existing dominants resist the intrusion of new forms. In forest communities a layering effect is In describing vegetation of the Grand indicated by a canopy of top layer, over a Traverse region it becomes necessary to define secondary layer or understory. The understory certain terms that help make that presentation will gradually replace the canopy, in some more clearly understood. instances, as members of the canopy die. Vegetation can be thought as occurring in In grasslands communities the climax stage units or communities. Some units are large is reached through a series of preclimax stages and some very small. Each unit depends on such as 1. the weed stage, 2. the short-lived certain natural and climatic conditions native grass stage, 3. the early perennial, 4. the to that region. Each individual area has inter- climax grass stage. Each stage is dependent on related groups of individuals. Some species of natural grazing, fire and so on. In this region a group can exist independently while others, it takes 40 years or more to reach a climax in order to successfully survive, must have a grassland. direct association with other species, Wetland climax situations are becoming rare A community describes any unit (with a because of man's intrusions upon the stages of species complex) of vegetation, regardless of succession. Man is inclined to want to use a rank or development. Major units of vegetation certain stage of succession for his own benefits, are considered formations (deciduous, conifers, thereby keeping the vegetation of a particular grassland) while association is a major climax stage in a constant state of "bloom" in order unit of a formation. A climax unit consists of to produce the desired effect. Added nutrients, primary (sometimes dominant) and a secondary harvest, water retention and so on, encourage (accessory) species that are historically and the natural status of progression. genetically stable and have features that express 41P Wetlands are very productive eco-systems and nearly all of temperate north America could be any stage from oligotrophic (new, young) to called a broad eco-tone. eutrophic (older, developed) may be evident at any one watershed at any time. The area of study was in Grand Traverse In all forms of life there is a struggle for County, Michigan, sections 14, 22 and 27. It survival; for light, space, water and nutritional extends south from the east side of mid- needs. This is called competition. Some forms Boardman Lake to the Boardman Dam and including (trees) may be considered tolerant if they can portions of the wetlands, both east and west of develop in the shade of other trees. Intolerant the Boardman River, south of Logan's Landing. species are usually primary and require full sun. Also included is the northern portion of the Stable conditions eventually produce a tolerant Grand Traverse Nature Education Reserve. species. Virgin forest conditions are the result of maturity reached by the natural process of A compartment examination was considered in development. Virgin forests may be old but not classifying the vegetation of this area as well necessarily climax. After a disturbance (fire, as the Releve' method of counting species, but cutting and so on) the forest growth is called both systems were discarded in favor of the second growth. Some original plants may occur zonal concept. This zonal approach will be used in second growth after cutting, but if cutting to recognize and classify the real vegetation precedes fire, the results may be strongly of this region. Each unit is in a transition modified. Any disturbancesets back succession. state. Since soils and vegetation are so closely Primary stands occur on bare or unoccupied areas. interwoven, they will be treated and discussed These usually end in all-age stands. Even-age together. From time to time it may be necessary stands develop at nearly the same time due to for the reader to refer to adjacent study maps the modifying agent that left space available. or accompanying slide photos. Zones considered in the study area will be uplands, banks and Dominants are trees that require the sloped, swamp forests and other wetlands. largest area and have maximum numbers in the canopy layer. Dominants may occur as several species, in association with other trees, or as co-dominants. Other trees or plants may occur, especially in disturbed areas, which are con- Uplands considered here will be those sidered accessory trees. plateaus or till plains elevated above the river bed and more or less flat to rolling and steep. Overlapping of an area with different Soils are podzols. Podzols are gray-brown and vegetational zones is called eco-tones. Today, derived from glacial drift, composed of quartz 0 0 4P and pockets of calcareous materials. They are apple (M-a-lus pumila) and wild plum (Prunus typed as Kalkaska loam, (KaA) with a zero to two americana). The plum has spread over an degree slope, KaE with an 18 to 25 degree slope extensive area but the apple trees are dying and KaF with a 25 to 45 degree slope. due to lack of care and old age. Soils of the Kalkaska series (KaA) are well Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is very drained and sandy. They have a low water table. prolific near the edges and on the high banks Woodland areas have a dark colored surface layer above the west side impoundment of Sabin Dam. above the dark reddish-brown loamy sand. Small The vines mingle with shrubs and trees on the pebbles of limestone are evident. "Open areas" steep banks. Plants of Celastrus cover several have a grayish subsurface layer. These soils in acres. the study area have been cultivated but now are reverting to primary forest. Enroaching shrubs Water-loving shrubs are enroaching on the and small trees are beginning to replace the previously pastured mucky loamy (RWa) sand. lichens, grasses and forbes that have covered the Red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) willows soil since the last cultivation or pasturing, (Salix spp.) and speckled alder (Alnus rugosa) about the late 1950':s. are dominant shrubs with young white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis), spruce and birches coming Species of Cladonia are the primary lichen in even-age stands. Sturdy herbaceous plants on these soils. Roots of Canada bluegrass crowd each other in severe competition. Bee (Poa compressa)-and June grass (Aveneae Koeleria) balm (Monarda didyma), several species of golden bind and help hold the thin soils. Sheep sorrel rod (Solidago_spp.), thoroughworts (Eupatorium), (Rumex acetosella), hawk -weed (Hieracium spp.), beggarticks (.Bidens frondosa) are only a few ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) are co- of the plants taking over this old pastureland. dominant forbs with St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) and bladder campion (Lilene Soils known as Leelanau-Kalkaska (LKF) are cucubalus) appearing later in the season. represented in only two portions of the Reserve; one near the old power dam site and one north of The encroachment of shrubs is evident over Sabin Dam. These soils have a dark colored all the open areas with sumac (Rhus typhina) surface layer and a reddish (Fe compounds) being the dominant invader. Intolerant secondary subsurface layer. In eroded areas the surface shrubs and small trees include groups of pin layer may be very thin. Soils are composed of cherry (Prunus spp.), dispersed by seed, and aspen well drained loamy sand and clay loam. clones, dispersed by roots, and several inciden- Under tals such as rock elm (Ulmus thomasii) and juniper lying materials are calcareous. Many (Juniperus compressa Var. depressa)., seepage areas (springs) are found near the base of slopes. Pockets of sand and gravel are some- In the northwest corner of the Re-serve is an times more than ten feet thick. old abandoned orchard. Living fruit trees include Sugar maple (Acer saccharum), ash (Fraxinus cultivated. Some have been cleared as a result pennsylvanica) and poplars (Populus tremuloides of lumbering or lumbering operations. The soil and Balsamifera) are dominan't trees but growing has a thin, dark colored surface layer over a sparsely on gradual slopes. Ninebark gray subsurface layer. Exposed places have lost (Physocarpus-opulifolius) is the dominant shrub the surface layer due to erosion. with several associates, such as sumac (Rhus Natural b .oundariesIseparate these slopes @@ina), willows (Salix spp.), speckled alder from the more level uplands. These slopes con- (Alnus rugosa), and dogwoods (Cornus spp.). Near tain remnants of northern hardwoods. While none the railroad bed, sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) can be called true climax, small portions of and black berries (Rubus allegheniensu@.) compete undisturbed-forest with a minimum of selective on dryer ground. cutting has resulted in a mixed hardwood cover. On the northern margin of the study area In general, northern mix6d hardwoods are a broad on the southeast side of Boardman Lake, there transitional zone between the conifer zone to is an upland plateau where oaks (Quercus spp.) the north, and the mixed mesophytic zone to the are dominant. These are very large trees and south. are mixed with white pine (Pinus strobus) and Co-dominant trees occupy the forest canopy beech (Fagus grandifolia). - Soils here are of and consist of suger maple (Acer saccharum), the RWA Series or Ribicon.sand, mostly unculti- basswood (Tilia americana) and elms (Ulmus vated and level. americana and U. rubra). Since the introduction Grasses and forbs are the major ground cover of Dutch elm disease, many of the elms are dying on dry uplands. However, beneath groups of and understory trees and shrubs are competing for maples and ashes, fringed polygola (Polygala the available space. paucifolia), trillium (Trillium granTiTflorum) Associated trees are aspen (Populus spp.), and several species of violets (Viola spp.) black cherry (Prunus serotina), red maple (Tcer and others are found in the early spring and rubra), ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), hophorn- summer. In one eroded spot, an alien Sedum has beam (Ostrya virginiana), and oak (Quercus spp). covered the loose soil. In another, common Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and yellow birch lilac (Syringa vulgarus) have spread into size- (Betula alleghaniensus)-occur in most habitats able clones. on all slopes. White pine (Pinus strobus) is scattered throughout. Kalkaska (KaE and KaF), including the thin Be neath the shelter of these trees and loamy soils of KIF Series soil groups, exhibit shrubs, the herbaceous layers emphasize more characteristic erosion and loss of surface layer. northern species. Moose maple (Acer Slopes range from moderate to steep, 20 to 45 pensylvanicum), Honeysuckles (Lonicera candensis), percent. These sloping soils have not been beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornu.@a), many species of hardy ferns, Canada yew (Taxus candensis) Rising above the water level of the dam compose some of the shrubs. Among herbaceous impoundments and on the floodplain at the plants (some of them now protected by law), are northern boundary of the Reserve, are islands found Trilliums (Trillium grandifolium), trout- of coarse sands and stratified materials. The lily (Erythronium americum), bead-lily (Clintonia soil is of the Crosswell Series (CpA and CpB). borealis), yellow lady's slipper (Cypripedium The water table is, of course, very high and calceolus), moccasin-flower (CX2ripedium acaule), fluctuates to a certain degreebecause of dam fringed polygald (Polygala paucifolia), flow requirements and flooding conditions. pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata), and columbine (Aquilega canadensis). These are but a few of The terrain is flat to gently sloping. No the abundant diverse plants. major big trees occupy these sites. However, small trees of the aspen-maple-basswood communi- On the more severely eroded banks of the main ties prevail. Speckled alder (Alnus rugosa), red- river and of the western Sabin Dam backwaters, osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) and common the soil loss is more extensive. This soil has shrubs. Because of the difficulty in getting to accumulated at the river's high water edge. these islands the herbaceous surveys are White-cedar is by far the mocst common tree, with incomplete at this time. white pine, maples and ash inter-mixed higher up the banks. These stands, though narrow, are quite conspicuous. Nine-bark (Physocarpus opulifolius) and witch-hazel (Hamamelis At several points along the river are poorly virginiana) are two shrubs that seem to be able drained "creek bottoms" with numerous small to stand the strain of erosion. Cladonia creeks flowing directly into the river offering pyxidata and Peltigera canina (dog lichen) are rich vegetative habitats, These Lupton (Lu) loosely attached to the soil. In the wetter muck soils may be more than four feet thick and parts of this transitional zone grow sensitive the organic materials are mostly decomposed fern (Onoclea sensibilis), cinnamon fern plant materials. Layered and intermixed with (osmunda cinnamomea), and others. Also, gold- this muck are silts and minerals extracted from thread (Coptis groeniandica), starflower seepage, overwash, flood materials and so on. (Trientalis borealis) and several species of Near the old mill site, at the south end of Habenaria grow in the accumulated humus. Other Sabin impoundment on the Reserve, is a small plants found here are several species of liver- area of Houghton (HO) muck covered with marsh worts. Often overlooked, but considered by grasses and cattails. botanists to be sensitive, these delightful and often tiny plants require a constant clean Sticky Lupton mucks support a few trees water supply in order to survive. Genera except those of the familiar white-cedar (Thuja represented include: Calypogeia ', Fissia, occidentalis), tamarack (Larix laricina), and Raddi, Riccardia, Radula, Geocalyx,. Marchantia, balsam fir (Abies balsamifera) On hummocks @_ndPtilidium. around the edges of this marshland are found 411 410 411 0 a a vigorous aspens (Populus spp.). The understory is limited under the conifers but where light penetration is adequate, red- The drainage lands adjacent to "old mill osier dogwood (Cornus Stolonifera), alternate- creek" support covers of cattail (Typha leaved dogwood (Cornus alternitolia), and Michigan latifolia), sedges, and grasses. Water loving holly (Ilex verticillata), also known as common plants such a's marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), winterberry holly, have tak.en a vigorous stand. skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus faetidus), Iris and Algon the river's edge are tangles of ninebark, Lobelia, and pickerelweed (Pontederiacordata) willow and alder, with riverbank grape (Vitis are prolific in these wetlands. Besides mosses riparia) and virgin's bower vines (Clemitis and liverworts, large areas of ground surface virginiana). are covered by thick mats of horsetail fern (Equisetum sylvanticum) and other Equisetiums, Mixed species compose the ground cover including curly rushes. Creeklets that drain beneath the white-cedars and lowland conifer into the river are sometimes blocked by dense, forest. Many species of mosses including a succulent growths of watercress (Nasturtium flowering moss (Mnium spp.) and spaghnum officinale). Also, midway between Boardman Lake (Spaghnum s12.). In most standing water areas and the Reserve's northeast boundary is a small liverworts are common, mostly Marchantia spp. cattail swamp that a clear small creek drains Other species include sarsaparilla (Aralia into, connecting an adjoining cedar swamp. nudicaulis), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), dwarf raspberry (Rubus pubescens), Near the northern boundary of the Reserve. nude miterword (Mitella nuda), bluebead-lily and at a lower elevation than the dam impound- ('Clintonia borealis)'dog violet (Viola ment is found a mosaic of soil types. They are conspersa), and numerous beds of three-leaved Kerston Mt.) mucks, which are poorly drained false solomon's-seal (Smilacina tritolia). and composed of alternate layers of organic Scattered plants of small yellow lady's-slipper materials and mineral matter. They occur on ('Cypripedium parvitlorum) and showy lady's floodplains, often inundated after heavy rains. slipper (Cypripedium reginae) were found, They may be spongy indicating a peaty subsurface. Hummocks are often covered with goldthread (Coptis tritolia), and foamflower (Tiarella At the south end of Boardman Lake and cordifolia). Common ferns are found throughout extending upstream as far as Sabin Dam, are the swamp forest and include: sensitive (Onoclea extensive "cedar swamps" located at intervals sensibilis), royal (Onoclea rea.@@), ostrich on both sides of the Boardman River. These (Matteuccia struthiopteris), woodland oakfern swamps are thickly covered by second growth ('Gymnocarpium dryopteris), bladder fern white-cedar (Thuga occidentalis). Margins of (Cystopteris bulbifera), Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda these swamps support tamarack (Larix laricina), cinnamomea L.) and many others. balsam fir (Abies balsamifera), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). ironic that the "best soil on the Reserve is Near the mouths of creeks and in the back- now covered by a parking lot. waters of the river bends are beds of silt, loams and gravels, laid down in stratified deposits. These areas are always wet, sometimes No attempt has been made to control insect shifting and sometimes vegetated and stable. damage or restrict disease. Heart rot by fungi How strongly the roots of vegetation hold the and effects by Dutch elm disease have nearly soil depends on the amount of water flow and erradicated all species of Ulmus. Sporophores pressure on the roots of this vegetation. of Hydnum spetentrionale, Pleurotus ostreatus, Also especially noteworthy are the areas and many species of Polypores are common on of loamy and gravely soils (CPA Series) along trees. Cankers caused by Eutypella spp. are the margins of the river south of the flood common on maple. Sap rotting fungus (Daedalea plain at Logan's Landing. These are areas of unicolor) may occur on dead trees as well as open park-like lands, some formerly cultivated, living, especially paper birth. Most insects interspersed with beautiful white-cedar trees. or diseases do not attack simultaneously, there- These trees are foliated to the ground level for this can be considered a 'safe ri .sk' forest and have not been browsed by deer. The soils area. are stable and the park-like areas vary in Some animal damage has been noted. Very width from a few feet to several hundred yards. little by the white-tailed deer, a moderately small amount by beaver, and a considerable included in this report is an area of up- amount by hares and rabbits (Lepus americanus land soil (RcA) that is now a building site for and Sylvilagus floridanus) in 1973 to 1976. the bus garage and maintenance building of the Grouse budding is not heavy but does occur. Traverse City Area Public Schools. Though this parcel is no longer covered with plants, the "People" damage and fire damage is a problem. soil is (was) of interest. -It is excellent A 2-3 acre fire in the summer of 1975, east sandy loam from six to eighteen inches thick of the Sabin Dam building damaged some White- and in t@e past supported a garden for the old cedar, pincherry and grasses. County Hospital. The soil was composed of over- wash materials accumulated from the morainal hills above, and mixed with gravels. Porosity In summary, the -egetative analysis of the was good and the soil well drained. Since the adjoining creeks and riverbank support sugar study area is not considered to be a complete maple (Acer saccharum), yellow and white birch vegetated survey, due mostly to the minimal time (Betula spp.), and white pine (Pinus strobus), alloted, A complete inventory should cover a it is assumed that this narrow plain also once longer period of time and several seasons, since supported a northern hardwood forest. It seems changes are constantly taking place. Yet, we 1 4P 41 4P 0 W recognize that the composition of much of northern List of Plant Species Found in the Study Area Michigan's mixed hardwood forest is reflected here. (Not in Order) by Habitat Northern hardwood communities are aggressive, and easily recapture ad.jacent areas, eventually pro- A. Uplands and slopes (Mixed Hardwood Forest) moting ecological stability. Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum) Beech (Fagus granditolia) While no extremely sensitive habitats were White Oak (Quercus alba L.) found in the study area, there are some fine Red Oak (Quercus rubra L.) examples of wetlands in northern forests. The Green Ash (Fraxinum pennsylvainica) dwarf scouring rush and other scouring rush beds White Ash (Fraxinus americana) north and slightly west of Sabin Dam are well Largetooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) worth preserving. Also, the beds of three leaved- Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) solomon's seal, in the cedar swamps, are not White Pine (Pinus strobus) normally found in this area. The cedar swamps on White Birch (Betula papyrifera) both sides of the river are natural barriers to June Berrie (Amelanchier spp.) the adjacent banks and uplands, and yet open to Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) park-like meadows near the river with stable Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) soils. Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana) Hornbeam. (Ostrya virginiana) Leaching from the old City dump site is Apple (Pyrus spp..) not visibly evident. Hawthorn (Crataeg-us spp.) Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) No endangered or threatened species were Basswood (Tilia americana) observed, but a number of protected Michigan wildflowers were noted such as the Showy Lady Blueberrys (Vaccinium spp.) Slipper and the small yellow Landy Slipper, and ..Bush-honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera) others. Alternate-leaved dogwood (Cornus alternitolia) This writer recommends that the wetlands Round-leaved dogwood (Cornus rugosa) south of Airport Road to Sabin Dam and joining Silky Dogwood (Cornus amdomum) the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve Witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) (which is already preserved), be considered Tartarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarcia) for preservation status; to protect the area Limber Honeysuckle (Lonicera dioica) from misuse and to act as a purifier of the lower Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans) Boardman water shed. Under sound management Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) practices, these wetlands will continue to add Juniper (Juniperus communis var. depressa) clean water to the Boardman River, serve as Creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) examples of northern mixed hardwood forests, Mapleleaf Viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) as well as be esthetically pleasing to the people Nanny-berry (Viburnum lentago) of the area. 4, 0 1 1 ( I 10 4 P 4 F I F 4 @r Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) Speckled alder (Alnus rugosa) Hazelnut (Corylus spp.) Black willow (Salix nigra) Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Red elderberry (Sambucus pubens) Black ash (Fraxinus nigra) Ground Hemlock (Taxus canadensis) Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) Currant (Ribes spp.) Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) Gooseberries (Ribes spp.) mountain maple (Acer spicatum) Wild red raspberries (Rubus idaeus strigosus) Red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) Large-leaved aster (Aster macrophyllus) Sandbar willow (Salix interior) Large-flowered Bellwort (Uvularia Wild rose (Rosa spp.) grandiflora) Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia) Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) Virgins bower (Clematic. virginiana) Trillium (Trillum grandaflorum) Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissusquinquefolia) Gay wings (Polygala paucifolia) Currant (Ribes spp.) Lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum Green-brier (Smilax hispida) canadense) Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Rockcress (Arabis spp.) Leatherwood (Dirca palustrus) Wild Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum) Round-lobed Hepatica americana) Climbing nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) Wood-betony (Pedicularis canadensis) Creeping juniper (Juniperous horizontalis) Yellow canada violet (viola pubescens) Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) Bergemot (Mondarda fistulosa) Partridge berry (Mitchella repens) Canada Thistle (Cirsium aruense) Water-lily (Nymphaea odorata) Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Peppermint (Mentha piperata) Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) Meadow rue (Thalictrum polygamum) Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Bead lily (Clintonia borealis) Pussytoes (Antennaria neglecta) Twisty stalk (Streptopus amplexifolius) Adders tongue (Erythronium americanum) White lettuce (Prenanthes altissima) Wood fern (Dryopteris intermedia) Dog violet (Viola conspersa) Brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum) Bog violet (Viola nephrophylla) B. -Lowlands" (Swamp forests) Purple avens (Geum rivale) White cedar (Thuia occidentalis) Rough avens (Geum virginianum) Tamarack (Larix laricina) Jewelweed (Impatiens pallida) Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) Skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetious) White spruce (Picca glauca) Three leaved duckweed (Lemna spp.) IU Yellow lady's-slipper (Cypripedium Bur-reed (Sparganium chlorocarpum) calceolus) Sedges (Carex spp.) Showy lady's slipper (Orchis spectabilis) Scourint-rush (Equisetum hyemale) Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema atrorubens) Dwarf scouring-rush (Equisetum scirpodes) Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) Horsetail (Equisetum arvanse) Swamp strawberry (Fragaria. vesca) Panicled white aster (Aster simplex) Cut-leaved grape fern (Botrychium dissectum) Sasparilla (Aralia hispida) Oak fern (Dayopteris disjuncta) Butterwort (Pinquicula vulgaris) Maiden hair fern (Adiantum pedatum) Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia) Royal fern (Osmunda. regalis) Cut leaved buttercup (Ranunculus acris) Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) Bristley buttercup (Ranunculus pensylvanicus) Marsh shield fern (Dryopteris spp.) Common fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus) Bladder fern (Cystopteris bulbifera) Starflower (Trientalis borealis) Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) Naked miterwort (Mitella nuda) Lady fern (Athyrium Filix-femina) Bloodroot (Sanquinaria canadensis) Spaghnum moss (Spaghnum spp.) Cancer root (Orobanche unitlora) Flowering moss Nnium spp.) Golden ragwort (Senecid aureus) Liverworts (Marchantia), (Ricciocarpus), Green headed coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata) (Jungermannia). Water parsnip (Sium suave) Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium spp.) Boneset (Eupatorium, perfoliatum) Fragrant bedstraw (Galium tritlorum) Broad-leaved cattail `(Typha latifolia) Yarrow (Achillea milletolium) Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) Bishop's cap (Mitella diphylla) Grass-of-parnassis (Parnassia glauca) Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) White baneberry (Actaca pachypoda) Solomons seal (Polygonatum biflorum) Broad lobed toothwort (Dentaria diphylla) Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) Buckbean (Menyanthes tritoliata) Water shield (Brassenia. schreberi) Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) Snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica) 3 leaved solomons seal (Smilacina trifolia) I 1 1, P q I I p 1 0 4 p 4p 4.# U 0 W GEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT (source unknown) Vy Black Antrim shales from the late Devonian and early Mississippian periods were the next The geologic development of the Grand segment of the bedrock foundation to be formed, .Traverse Bay region may be summarized by four partially overlying the limestone from the southeast. These shales underlie a large seg- major events spanning millions of years. The first event is the laying of bedrock by sedimen- ment of the open bay and lands to the northeast tation during oceanic intrusion in the Paleozoic and southwest. Outcrop exposures of this shale period. The next event was glacial erosion and are found between Torch Lake and Grand Traverse deposition during the Pleistocene period. After Bay. the recession of the glacier, the region was further modified through the hydrologic action of Overlying the Antrim shale to the southeast ancient lakes. Finally, flora and fauna were are the Ellsworth shales of the early Mississi- reestablished in the area and present drainage ppian period. This bedrock underlies both the patterns began development (Door and Eschmann east and west arms of Grand Traverse Bay, and 1970, Hough 1958, Martin 1957). much of the southeast and eastern portions of the drainage basin. The most recent of the The bedrock in the Grand Traverse Bay region Mississippian bedrock formations found in the reflects the effects of sedimentation from two area are the Coldwater shales which overlap the of the six major Paleozoic oceanic-encroachments Antrim shales, again from the southeast. These on North America. The basic foundation of the shales underlie an area beginning just southeast Grand Traverse Bay region was formed during two of the bay and extend over most of the Boardman of these periods, the Devonian and Mississippian. River basin. Other, much younger, bedrock shale A map of the bedrock formations is shown in Figure was deposited in the region but was subsequently V-1. The bedrock underlying the outermost eroded to its present southern limits. Very portions of the bay and the extreme northeastern limited amounts of Marshall and Michigan shales portions of the drainage basin is largely Middle are found in the southernmost portions of the Devonian limestone of the Traverse group. These Grand Traverse Bay basin. rocks are the oldest component of the bedrock foundation of the region. Very few outcrops of Following the Paleozoic formation of the these rocks exist except along the northeastern bedrock, the surface features were drastically shore fo the bay, principally in Charlevoix County. altered by the effects of the continental These limestone rocks fossilized representatives glacier. Beginning about one million years ago of the Paleozoic flora and fauna within their an ice sheet 3 to 5 kilometers thick advanced layers. These strata are therefore of interest and retreated across the Great Lakes Region to geologists and rock enthusiasts who yearly four times. The final advance of this conti- comb the shores of Grand Traverse Bay searching nental glacier into northern Michigan occurred for "Petosky stones" and other fossilized just 11,500 years ago. The Valders advance was organisms. relatively short-lived and ended the last of the 4P four major glacial periods, the Wisconsin. The During this period the crustal uplift continued effects of the Valders advance and, to a lesser separating Elk and Torch lakes from the main extent, those of the earlier substages of the lake. As the level of Lake Nipissing rose it Wisconsin glacier determined the surface geology finally eroded away the St. Clair River channel of the Grand Traverse Bay region. The movements and the lake dropped to its present level (176.5 of the glacier, advancing, stagnating, and m above present sea level). receding, transported and deposited rocks and soil throughout the region. As a consequence Minor geologic changes followed the drop of this action the surface geology of the region in Lake Nipissing. Plant and animal life spread is characterized by moraines, glacial outwash, north from the unglaciated southern areas, and till plains, and drumlins (see Figure V-2). rivers slowly developed their modern courses. These features, particularly moraines, defined The Boardman River, formerly a tributary of the river basins and valleys. Manistee River which empties directly into Lake Michigan, was diverted to its present hydro- The weight of the glacier depressed the logic course by streams flowing from the northern part of the continent. Following the northern slope of the Manistee moraine. retreat of the Valders ice sheet, the Grand Traverse Bay region was part of ancient Lake Surface features which dominate the present Algonquin which included the entire Lake day landscape include: the Port Huron moraine Michigan and Lake Huron basins. The lake stage (which forms the southern boundary of the water- at that time was 184 m above present sea level. shed), the Manistee moraine, and the rolling The lake then drained southward into the till plains and drumlins of Antrim and Leelanau Mississippi River via the Chicago outlet and east- counties and Old Mission Peninsula. Soils of ward through the Detroit-St. Clair river system. the region are generally well-drained, glacially derived sands, loamy sands, or sandy loams. As the glacial ice retreated further, the Some poorly drained organic soils are present northern outlets to Lake Algonquin were exposed in low protions of the Boardman River and upper and the lake level dropped drastically to the Chain-of-Lakes areas. The major portion of both Chippewa-Stanley stage of 70 m above present sea Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula are rolling level. Crustal rebound of glacially depressed and hilly with elevations several hundred feet regions, however, slowly raised the northern out- above the bay. The land along the east shore lets and subsequently elevated the lake stage of the bay is mixed in character revealing some to the Nipissing stage (184 m above present sea rolloing highlands, some flat areas, and a few level), which persisted for 3000 years, The steep-sided drumlin ridges. South of the bay powerful rising waters of the lake cut and formed the lands are principally of low relief and in- much of the present shoreline of Grand Traverse clude outwash and glacier deposits. This Bay. Wave and current action carried sediments, geographical character continues south to the eroded and undercut cliffs, and deposited this Port Huron moraine, the southern boundary of the material creating shoals, bars, and bays. Grand Traverse Bay basin. I t' F 1, 1 1, 1 1 0 4 P I P I P I I w I I DAMS, ELECTRICAL POWER AND INDUSTRY (Excerpts from paper by Roland J. Hasselbart) electrical power in an interview with the In 1892, Lorraine K. Gibbs of Mayfield Traverse City Record Eagle.2 began organizing the Electric Water Power Boardman River Electric Light and Power Company with plans to construct a hydro-electric equipment had all been purchased from the G. E. dam on the Boardman River south of Traverse City. Company and was guaranteed to work. "But,11 said The Grand Traverse Herald reported that his work Love "it almost required 28 trouble shooters to was done in the face of strong opposition; it keep the 28 G.E. street lamps in service - and i being declared that his effort would be a failure they could all be heard two blocks away." and nothing would be accomplished. In September of 1893, in spite of this Finally a Mr. Lewis Bell from Schenectady, New York, came to try and prove that the lights opposition, Gibbs - along with Frank Fredrick, were Inot only a success - but not noisy. He Wm. Bauld, J. I. Gibbs and C. I. Hall of proved neither, so the company purchased a Traverse City and Jas. Hodger of Fife Lake - Thompson-Houston 9 and 6-10th ampere dynamo to formed the Electric Water Power Company. They do the street lighting. then secured riverfront rights from the "townline" to a point three miles south. The name was Later the company bought a second-hand changed and on November 3, 1893, the company 3 phase machine, the same as the one originally was incorporated as the Boardman River Electric purchased; and then "our troubles did begin." Light and Power Company. At this time, land was Love went on. General Electric didn't build purchased to build a dam. On April 13, 1894, synchroscopes, so the local firm had to build the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners their own with blue prints furnished with the granted the Boardman River Electric Light and machine. Power Company permission to build a dam across the river. Construction began later that month. The employees worked for a week trying to By November, the dam was completed. On November synchronize the two machines. The General 27, 1894, electricity was turned on to several Electric Company finally sent out an expert from commercial buildings and a few residences. Soon Chicago. He worked for a week and gave it up as after this a contract was signed with Traverse a bad job. Love said they were resigned to the City to furnish power for street lights. This necessity of running one machine at night and hydro-electric power plant was the first three the other in the daytime. The same day the phase generator in northern Michigan and the general electric man left, Love was walking past second in the United States. John T. Beadle's harness shop. Beadle had one William Love, long time City Light and of the only electric motors in Traverse which he Power Superintendent, began his career with used for sewing heavy tugs or harnesses for H. D. Campbell and Sons but hired out to lumber teams. Boardman River Electric Light and Power in 1894. 2 Record Eagle late 30's Bill reminisced about those early days of Boardman River Electric Light and Power doubled Beadle saw Love passing the store and their electrical output with the addition of a stopped him. He told him because of the rush of fifth, larger, dynamo. business he had come back the night before to run the sewing machine - but it would only run back- By 1900, H. D. Campbell and Sons Water wards! and Electric Light Company could no longer meet Love knew what that meant, so he hitched up the needs of its customers. Henry had not been his horse and drove five miles to the power active in the company for a number of years and rather than spend more money to upgrade the plant, crossed the leads on the new machine, equipment, the decision was made to discontinue tried the synchroscope - and everything worked operations. In July 1900, the waterworks was fine. sold to the City of Traverse City, and the electric plant was sold to Boardman River The street lights at this time were the Electric Light and Power. This was the beginning old fashioned arc carbon lamp, hooked up in a of the Traverse City Water Department and also series. As a result anytime one light went out, establishes Boardman River Electric Light and every light on the circuit did likewise; so Power as the sole supplier of electricity to there were frequent hours of darkness. Also they Traverse City. were operated on a moonlight schedule which meant when the calendar said the moon was shining, the Boardman River Electric Light and Power arc lights were out, regardless of whether or continued to expand their generating capacity. not it was cloudy. In February 1903, all five generators at the Boardman Dam were replaced with one "immence "The Boardman River electric current was dynamo" that doubled the power output, Then on then as is universal now, 110 volts 60 cycles, January 6, 1905, the Grand Traverse County Board where as the old Campbell generators were 50 of Supervisors granted Boardman River Light and volts 125 cycles and this meant that neither Power permission to build a second dam downstream motors nor lamps were interchangeable. When one from the original dam. Before this dam could be happened to get a Campbell lamp on a Boardman constructed, it was announced in September 1906, River circuit, the effect was a good deal like that the Heald-Stevens Company of Grand Rapids a photographic flash bulb." 3 had purchased the Boardman River Electric Light As Traverse City grew, new generators were and Power Company as well as the Traverse City Gas Company. Possession was to tak- place on added at the Boardman River dam to meet the November first. Construction of the new dam increased demand for energy. In January 1898, 3 Don S. Morgan - Record Eagle - late 301s would begin that fall. The lower dam (now known operate the company under the Boardman River name as Sabin Dam) was completed in 1907."4 and planned to expand and modernize the power plants. Despite these plans for improvements, 1917 began a period of troubles for the General Power's ownership of the Boardman genera- power companies. Both Boardman River and ting facilities was of short duration., Before Traverse City Light and Power's demand for the end of the year, Northern Michigan Public electricity had exceeded their capability to Service, a new local corporation, assumed con- generate. On top of this, the companies were trol of the Boardman River company. Northern plagued by a series of mishaps which reduced Michigan Public Service furnished electrical their ability to generate electricity. First, power to Traverse City until May 21, 1928, when on September 27 a mysterious explosion des- National Electric Power Company of New York pur- troyed the spillway at Sabin Dam. Many people chased all assets of the Traverse City Company. suspected it was a dynamite blast, but the pond National Electric operated in Michigan under the was drained to investigate, and no evidence of name of Michigan Public Service Company. dynamite was found. Generation of electricity National also purchased the dam site of the old was halted at Sabin until the dam could be Hannah Lay Gristmill.with plans to generate rebuilt. Later that same year, the powerhouse electricity at that location also. at the upper dam was destroyed by fire and had In the.spring of 19310, th.e lower dam (Sabin) to be rebuilt with improvements. In November, was enlarged and repaired. A new generating Municipal Light and Power and Boardman River plant with modern generators that raised the Electric Light and Power began working con- power output from 350 to 800 k.w. was constructed. jointly to meet the city's demand for power by As soon as this project was completed, a contract supplying electricity through the same circuits. was awarded to Price Brothers of Lansing to In January 1918, Superintendent Gifford of construct a new dam 200 yards upstream from the Municipal Light and Power recommended that the upper dam, This dam would be 475 feet from bank city purchase Boardman River Electric Light to bank and 45 feet high. A new canal would be and Power to insure maximum power output. The dug to divert the river and a generating plant people of Traverse City later voted against several hundred yards downstream. This new merger of the two power companies, plant would produce approximately 2,200 k.w. This project was completed in early 1931. The On September 16, 1925, Boardman River oId power plant was then abandoned and torn down. Electric Light and Power Company was sold to General Power and Light Company of Chicago. Michigan Public Service Company continued General announced that they would continue to to perate the two dams until 1950 when Consumers Power Company purchased all assets of Michigan Public Service Company. 4 Arlie Killman photograph. By 1969, the two old Boardman River Electric Light and Power Dams were badly in need of repair. The expense of repairing them could not be justified by the income received from the electricity they generated. Consumers Power discontinued the use of these two dams and removed the generators. Not wanting to be responsible for these facilities and the surrounding property, Consumers sold them for $1.00 to Grand Traverse County. This left Traverse City and the Brown Bridge Dam the only source of power production on the Boardman River. In 1974, Grand Traverse County dedicated the property purchased from Consumers Power as a Natural Education Reserve. The land was thus set aside for education and quiet recreation. Traverse City included the Keystone Dam site as part of the Reserve in 1975. I p 0 0 0 0 tp 1 0 1 f I p 0 40 THE VALLEY PLAN For the purposes of the study, the valley teaching shelter which constitute the facilities was divided into sections described as follows: in the area. At the present time the trails (1) north edge of Nature Reserve to Boardman Dam; and interpretative facilities throughout the area (2) south edge of City dump to north edge of are in need of considerable improvement. Nature Reserve; (3) South Airpott Road to south edge of City dump; (4) Township-City line to Within this section there are two existing South Airport Road. Each of these sections is power dams which have been abandoned for power briefly described below with text covering, generation, however, which are being considered (1) existing conditions, (2) opportunities and for reactivation under the small dams program constraints, (3) recommendations. being promoted by the U.S. Federal Government. Also at each of the locations of the existing Section I - North Edge of Nature Reserve dams are the remains of earlier dams built to Boardman Dam. The area begins just south of during the earlier part of the twentieth century. the Boardman Dam at Cass Road. It is bounded The remains of these dams are historically on the west by Cass Road and the C & 0 Railroad, significant and present opportunities for his- and on the east by Keystone Road and the torical and cultural interpretation. Pennsylvania Railroad. Lands on the west side of the pond in this section known as Sabin Pond Along the east side of the lake there are are zoned agricultural. Lands on the east side numerous private residences, some on relatively are zoned either R-lB, Residential, or R-lM, large pieces of land. It is not anticipated that Multiple Family Residential. there will be great pressures in this area for subdividing or new development other than in Much of the land on the west side of the that area which is zoned R-lM, Multiple Family. lake is owned by the Grand Traverse Nature Reserve. Other lands are.owned by the Traverse Below the Sabin Dam the Nature Reserve uses City School District which has its bus barn in trails which fall on three private ownerships. this area. The School District also owns a In the future consideration should be given to building kwnon as the Boardman Valley Hospital, obtaining easements or right-of-ways from the an abandoned county hospital facility which is private owners to cross those properties. presently being used for school district storage. A letter regarding that building is appended to There are numerous opportunities for the report. continued interpretatio nand enhancement of the Nature Reserve. The trails which exist at the The Nature Reserve lands are developed w 'ith present time present a good beginning, however, a number of parking areas and a rather extensive there is a great need for their maintenance, trail system which exposes the habitats through- upgrading and improvement, as there is need for out the area. There are pit toilets and a an adequate interpretative signing program to ful'ly explain the natural features and phenomena which occur in the area. Suggested public im- provements include upgrading of the parking areas, improvement of the trails, installation of interpretative facilities and perhaps the inclusion of the Boardman Valley Hospital Building as a natural education center as well as a headquarter office type building for non-profit organizations operating in the area. The building could also serve as a museum for both natural interpretative displays as well as works of art related to natural phenomena as well as wildlife. wilty L4 r4 0141 Ram V@ - - - ---------------- MASTER PLAN BOARDMAN VALLE) la tr@@ GARFIELD TOWNSHIP SCALE LAND PLANNING& DESIGN ASSOCI OAM wli@ k-rgi-I ,aAq@- re- 7 J RAM V, A .4 @` -Al UP@l J@ M It rim @LEGEND ZONE BOARDMAN VALLE ZONING PLAN AjHl-UftUrATl MISTING Z(),V GARFIELD TOWNSHIP lb ip*rpof,@ rLA.4NED LAND USE SCALE NOATH LAND PLAN14ING &DESIGN ASSO such a crossing, as the only mapping avail- For the purposes of the study, the valley able for this section is from the U.S.G.S. 20 was divided into sections'described as follows: foot contour interval maps. (1) north edge of Nature Reserve to Boardman Dam; (2) south edge of City dump to north edge of The land throughout most of this section is Nature Reserve; (3) South Airport Road to south in private ownership with the exception of a edge of City dump; (4) Township-City line to small parcel which is the northern most area South Airport Road. Each of these sections is of Grand Traverse Nature Reserve a natural briefly described below with text covering, area owned by the Grand Traverse County under (1) existing conditions, (2) opportunities and the jurisdiction of the County Commissioners. constraints, (3) recommendations. The Reserve has extensive holdings to the south of this section in Section 1 and further south Section 2 - South Edge of City Dump to_ in Garfield Township and adjoining Blair Township. North Edge of Nature Reserve. This area is bounded on the east by Keystone Road and the Many of the low lands in this area have Pennsylvania Railroad and on the west by Cass excellent quality swamp type vegetation which is Road and the C & 0 Railroad. The immediate deserving of preservation. Also about half way valley area throughout this section is zoned through this sectio nthereis an old meander of agricultural. The uplands on the west are the river which has been cut off from the main zoned M-1, Industrial and in the southern end channel through rechannelization. This is an of the project on the east are zoned R-lB, excellent area for interpretative activities. Residential. There are approximately 130 acres of land Hartman Road approaches and dead ends in the immediate valley area which would be at Cass Road from the west about halfway through suitable for public acquisition, which would this section. Hammond Road similary approaches give a continuous link of public ownership the valley area from the east, however, does not between the Nature Reserve and the City dump reach Keystone Road due to a severe bluff. The property discussed below. Eighty acres of land connectionof these two roads has been discussed is in one ownership which likely would have to extensively as a necessary link in the regional be an outright purchase by one.of the govern- transportation network. The accompanying maps mental units. This purchase would secure the show a potential right-of-way which would most valuable interpretative areas. Other minimize destruction of the valley and would lands could be acquired through the reservation minimize the use of poor soil areas. of open space easements as other large parcels are developed using planned unit development There is need for much better mapping of procedures. Under this scheme there would then this area so that more detailed studies can be be an opportunity to formally develop the trail prepared fo the valley and the implications of system along the river's edge from the City dump all the way to the Nature Reserve, with many opportunities for interpretative activities and displays to be located through- out the valley. eq -F - - - -------- .. . ....... F -- - ------------- - -- - - ---------- -- --- --- -- --------- --- m 13 z u) rn z 'A 0 m cn CH TO 3. 4 C3 Q tit CP -@5mrvirnArl 7,dill ava 4044.1 trm Lv- 44ft, As as, AAllp -,tt@ rup 6A ti 99 Q ;LEGEND ZONING PLAN BOARDMAN VAL GARFIELD TOWNSHIP 2b rvfvot.4 L-N- U':@. SCALE NORTH LAND PLANNING& DESIGN AS The City dump on the south end of this For the purposes of the study, the valley section is the result of many years of filling was divided into sections described as follows: by area residents. The dump site owned by the (1) north edge of Nature Reserve to Boardman Dam; City of Traverse City has been abandoned due to (2) south edge of City dump to north edge of the potential for contamination of the nearby Nature Reserve; (3) South Airport Road to south river, and is in the process of being covered edge of City dump; (4) Township-City line to and eventually revegetated. South Airport Road. Each of these sections is briefly described below with text covering, Much of the bottom land is lupton muck, (1) existing conditions, (2) opportunities and although there are a variety of other soils constraints, (3) recommendations. types, the muck will severely limit the potential for development. Section 3 - South Airport Road to South Edge of City Dump. This area is-bounded on Recently the Planning Commission of the the east by Keystone Road and the Pennsylvania Township has considered a proposal for the Railroad and on the west by the C & 0 Railroad. rezoning of the Logan lands east of the main Lands along the west side of the valley are channel of the Boardman River.' The proposal bounded on the west by the C & 0 Railroad are is for a planned unit development with all generally zoned industrial. Lands in the structures having accessibility to South Airport immediate valley are zoned A-1, Agricultural; Road. The remaining part of the parcel is R-lA, Rural Residential; and C-2, General isolated by the river and an adjacent old river Business; the C-2, General Business being a part channel, this would remain in open space and of the Logan's Landing development along South could be either dedicated to the public or Airport Road west of the river. Uses on the east remain as open space held by a homeo'wnerl s side of the river adjacent to South Airport Road association. are industrial, however, do not fall in the immediate valley area. There are numerous opportunities for develop- ment throughout this section of the study area, A large portion of the property in the both in the public and private sectors. The immediate valley is a part of the Logan's former city dump could be developed for low Landing planned unit development which includes intensity recreation, such as a jogging trail the Logan Racquet Club, as well as proposals and picnic area. The built up land provides for for a limited number of townhouse units and interesting views up and down the valley and office structures scattered throughout the valley would make an ideal running area. in addition to the general business areas along South Airport Road. Along the westerly edge of the valley bluff there exists an informal trail which in the past has been used for limited hiking, bird watching and fishing. This trail through the acquisition of easements and dedication of land through the 'planned unit development process along with the use of existing public lands could be developed to a high standard, linking section 1 with sec@ tion 3. Opportunities also exist for the develop- ment of a trail system on the private land on the west side of the river through the Logan development. This system would have to be worked out with the property owners, however, could also provide continuity into sections 2 and 1. A site plan for the proposed jogging trail on the abandoned dump area follows. N A r --dr-ft-a' PC- ILI Cl L Is _j ID -Ij IA Ut lD mrwir .LEGEND ZONE ZONING PLAN EXISTING ZONE BOARDMAN VALLE 3b rIll-a _ffi.,c PLANNED LAND USE GARFIELD TOWNSHIP SCALE NORTH LAND PLANNING A DESIGN ASSO, S31VlOOSSVNOlS3QV9NlNNVldQN" HIUON 31YOS dIRSNMM 0131JUVO Aan.Ls,k3llVA NVWaHVOS NVId H IVA Kpu@ 41 -Z7; STA 7 E@TA 6 ,.,5T4 9 STA. 11 STA 12 STA 2 S 13 TTA STA., 14 NO STA 15 0, 200, IMP. SCALE FITNESS TRAIL -- SITE PL lip IF 4 P w a .eh ht i-. m as ,AT 1,T A4 W6 cc OD 4 0 4 P I p 41 111 Also in this area immediately east of Logan's Section 4 South City Limit to Airport Landing, bordered on the east by an old river Road. This area is bounded on the east bed i's a small park and boat launch area by the Pennsylvania Railroad, Park Drive and operated by the Coutny Road Commission known Woodmere Ave., on the west by the C & 0 Railroad, as Sid Medair Park. This facility has extremely dnd the south by South Airport Road. Lands on limited development, parking is casual on the the west side of Boardman Lake are zoned M-1, grass, and there are no picnic facilities although Industrial, on the south end of the lake.C-2, it is used by a wide range of picnickers who Commercial west of the Boardman River and C-1, either eat in their cars or on the grass areas. Commercial southeast of the Boardman River. This park area is also a collecting area for the Lands along the east side of the lake are zoned swans which inhabit Boardman Lake and is a prime R-IM, Multiple Family Housing. area for feeding purposes. There presently is no link between this park and the private lands Lands on the west side of.the lake are used for recreational purposes on the east side generally committed to industrial uses, although of the river. some properties are isolated from the waters edge by the C & 0 Railroad. Much of the area is There are numerous opportunities for develop- used for spray irrigation by the nearby food ment throughout this section of the study area. processing plants. There are also a limited The existing informal trails along the eastern number of businesses adjacent to South Airport lakeshore provide a link with similar trails in Road. the City, as well as with an informal trail that extends from South Airport Road south into Along the east side of the lake the land the valley. As the area along the east side of is vacant having never been developed within the lake is developed in the future, there the Township, and having therefore mature trees, should be an opportunity to preserve this trail particularly in the area which is bounded by system and to make it a formal part of the Woodmere and the Pennsylvania Railroad. This development that takes place. One way to area has been used extensively for casual recrea- accomplish this is through the planned unit tion and is criss-crossed with a number of trails development prodedures of the Township Zoning which give access to the waters edge. These Ordinance requiring that the properties along have been used for a variety of recreational the lake be developed under those procedures pursuits, including trail riding, four-wheeling setting aside the shorelands as accessible open and fishing access. space. At the south end of this sectionis the Logan's Landing development, including a variety of shops in close relation to both sides of the river and having a covered bridge connection. As part of this procedure, the Township could obtain open space easements and further could devise a methad in the Zoning Ordinance whereby the developer could receive bonus densities in exchange for cooperation with such easements. Housing, either mid, or high rise, and town- houses or stacked apartments remain the most suited type of housing which could be developed throughout this area. The par at Logan's Landing also provides considerable opportunities for improvement. Recommended are new parking areas set aside from the roadway, plantings, picnicking facilities and a bridge linking the private lands described above and the park area. A site plan for this area follows. There are no public improvements suggested on the west side of the lake, however, it is suggested that a 100 foot zoning buffer be established for potential future secondary trailsystem, and to preserve the lakeshore. 7 @k "'A amwftwo him I.,o-jmn,o LAmd;nj n7l; vO T" ZONE ZONING PLAN 16 ji EXVITIU'@' ZONE BOARDMAN VALL 4b StALE GARFIELD TOWNSHIP NORTH LAND PLANNING& DESIGN ASS drr4n: No?o,5Fd Cmr m i I Ur@it- al open 1Y T MASTER PLAN BOARDMAN VALLEY GARFIELD MWNSHIP 4a SC.ALE LAND PLANNING& DESIGN ASSOCI SOUTH AIRPORT ROAD .. ol PICNIC v !m .. @7 AMEA L.J777rrl OSLD BRID NORTH ol 100' 200' SCALE LOGAN'S LANDING --.SITE PLAN @, I @@ F I F k F 1@ I I I q p I p a 4 1 INTERPRETIVE DISPLAYS PROPOSED INTERPRETIVE DISPLAYS SAMPLE SUBECTS BOARDMAN VALLEY STUDY 1. The Boardman Valley - an overview. 2. The Boardman Vally - physiography 3. The Boardman Valley - a cross section 4. Dams on the Boardman 5. The lumbering era 6. The Boardman Valley- pre hydro dams. 7. Boardman River Electric Light & Power 8. Original bridge and roadway of Cass "Poor Farm" Road 9. Forest succession 10. Wetlands 11. River/meanders 12. Boardman Valley Hospital 13. Climax forest 14. Natural Education Reserve Map 15. Wild flowers of the Boardman Valley 16. Birds of the Boardman Valley @, P 1, F J. I lip I I q p 410 0 OF q F APPENDIX Letter by G. Harsch reviewing Boardman Valley Hospital Building hearing In the last instance, the building might be suitable for conversion to a foster care residence or a group of foster care residences. Based upon out site visit to the above In that regard there is a state agency actively mentioned location, I would pass along the seeking sites for foster care residences in the following comments. area which might be interested in such a facility. Having been involved with a number of It would seem perhaps the most logical use projects anticipating the reuse of an abandoned of the building would be for activities of a building, I was impressed in this case with the public or quasi-public nature. It is my under- condition of the hospital and the minimal amount standing that the Historical Society might be of deterioration which has taken place during interested in part of the property for museum its disuse. The greatest deterioration likely purposes. It would seem parts of the building is in the electrical and mechanical systems could be used for classroom and laboratory which would have to be explored by an engineering facilities related to the nature preserve pro- professional. grams, that offices could be provided for local non-profit organizations. Further, there are The building does seem very worthy of numerous public agencies that rent space for saving and converting to a reuse. Perhaps the offices that perhaps could be located in the most obvious conclusion would be to suggest building. that it become a public or quasi-public use. it further occurs to me that perhaps the Its location within an agricultural zone school system could better utilize parts of the of the Township does limit the possibilities building for more organized storage facilities. for reuse. Section 6.10.2 of the Ordinance A final suggestion for reuse would be for recites the following uses which perhaps could some type of residence. There has been a con- be considered; (7) public areas and public siderable amount of work in recent years con- parks; (9) supplemental uses: customary verting buildings from one use to another. For accessory uses and buildings incidental to the this to happen om Garfield Township, there would permitted principal use of the premises. have to be an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, This would suggest that the building could perhaps the establishment of a new building pre- be used for activities related to the adjacent servation district to allow for reuse. I am nature preserve. enclosing for your information a recent copy of Historic Preservation Magazine which has several Section 6.10.4 indicates uses permitted articles covering adaptive reuse and an article by a special use permit, including (3) institu- from Urban Land Magazine covering a project of tional structures; (8) veterinary hospitals; a similar nature. (10) public buildings; and (15) boarding residences. Such adaptive reuse if fundable under HUD programs when monies are available. I realize the above mentioned comments are fairly broad and set a framework for various uses that might be considered. It would seem to me that a final decision on reuse should result from a detailed study of these possi- bilities. There are some grant programs avail- able which could provide funding to study the building in certain circumstances. The National Foundation For The Humanities has planning grants for museums which could be utilized if a decision was made to explore that type of reuse. Other funds are available through the Michigan Council of the Arts, the Michigan Council For The Humanities, and perhaps from local foundations. There is one local foundation having considerable investments in the Township and could perhaps be approached. We would be happy to work with you in approaching agencies and foundations. Finally, our tour of the building indicated that there is considerable flammable material stores in the basement, further that it is evident that there have been attempts to start fires in the building; there is paper ash in the front hallway and spent matches laying on the cardboard stores in the basement. We feel be- cause of the difficulty in securing the building, that it would be wise to remove the easily combustible materials so that the building does not become the subject of a major fire before a reuse can be made. After you have had a chance to review this preliminary material, we would be happy to meet and discuss some plan of action with you. his understanding the City will be putting the final cover of material on the dump, and it will be seeded, and -that will be the extent of the The regular meeting of the Planning dump. Commission of the Charter Township of Garfield was held Wednesday, September 5, 1979, at 7:30 Hirsch discussed,':the plan as it relates to p.m., at the Garfield Townhall, 3848 Townhall Road, the Natural River.Act, that it recognizes the Traverse City, Michigan. Township Zoning Ordinance is the controlling ordinance with respect to development in the Board members present: Tezak, Guldice, Harrison, valley. There is the possibility of a con- Kinney, CLark, Leggett, tinuous trail system along the river. He dis- Harvey cussed the possibility of connecting Hartman- Hammond Road across the valley in some way in Also present: G. Hirsch, Township order to create a-link in the circumventual Planner; and William Wise, route around the City. Township Attorney A summary of the vegetative analysis of Boardman Valley Study plant materials of the Boardman Valley was reviewed. Hirsch stated part of the study was A public hearing was held on the Boardman to identify areas that would be suitable for Valley Study Maps of the Boardman River Valley public ownership; there would be minor changes in were submitted for review. zoning which might be desirable, that the Town- ship might want to structure another zone which A Coastal Zone Management Grant was obtained would allow for research park kind of activity. so that the Township could look at the Boardman Valley and make some detailed recommendations Discussion was held regarding trails and about what would happen in the area roughly trail systems. Ted-Okerstrom of the Boardman bounded '-@v the two railroads extending in the Valley Advisory Council stated he likes the Township bound@ry on the south to the point where idea of 2eveloping the river area as a Cass Roac crosz@_s the r-Lver at the upper end. recreational plan, that the plan should be The nort.-ern 14-mit of the study area is the Town- coordinated between the City and the Township in ship bou-.,_'ery which crosses Boardman Lake in the makin--_ the connection alonc@ the river. area, an- -.-he sDuthern limit is down at the dam where CaSs Roa6 comes around to Keystone. Harsch stated the Planning Commission could take leadership in proposing changes in the The drawings submitted indicated the soil Ordinance to the Town Board, that the Commission types amf the-areas of steep slopes, also could adopt a plan for the valley and pass it on indicateE were buildings which fall within the to the Town Board, that the Nature Reserve study at the present time. Hirsch stated it is Center should be the owner of the property. He stated there is no problem with the master plan, W that the Boardman Valley Study relates to the master plan, could be adopted as a river plan and be incorporated in the master plan. He suggested that the Planning Commission take the initiative I:o rezone :he prooerty in [email protected] study 3rea. Mary Asher 'Inquired about securing ease- ments alona orivate property on the river. Harsch stated the easements would be-a minimum of 100 feet on each side. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Garfield Twp. STATE OF MICHIGAN County of Grand Traverse }ss R. O. Schult: being duly sworn deposes and says he of the printers and publishers of RECORD EAGLE, a daily newspaper printed and published in Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, and circulating in said county, that the Notice CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF GARFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION a copy of which is attached, has been PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the published in said RECORD EAGLE once each day Planning Commission of the as follows: Charter Township of Garfield August 31, 1979 will hold its regular meeting Wednesday, September 5, 1979, at 7:30 p.m. at the Garfield Townhall, 3848 Townhall Road, Traverse City, Michigan and will discuss the planning of land uses in the Boardman Valley. Keith Guidice, Secretary Planning Commission, Charter Township of Garfield Aug. 31, 1979-1T. Subscribed and sworn to befor me this day of Publication charge - $17.00 19 Notary Publication for Grand Traverse County Commission Expires 19 Notary Publication Mich. My commission 12, 1979 11IMMINNIMIN 3 6668 14104 7722