Bay to Bay Trail Scoping Information

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) proposes to develop a hiking and paddling trail that follows the Lake Michigan shoreline in the park from Platte Bay to Good Harbor Bay. We are calling this proposed trail the Bay to Bay Trail.

The National Lakeshore is working with the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes (Friends) to develop this trail plan. Some preliminary work and idea generation has been performed with coordination by the NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, park staff, and volunteers. A team of five graduate students from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment spent the summer of 2013 gathering data on possible backpack and kayak routes, lake access points, and backcountry campsites. While this student report is distinct from our NPS planning process, it provides a wealth of good information and ideas that we may consider as we begin crafting our plan. Their report is being made available to you as background information below. We encourage you to help us come up with other ideas and alternatives to consider as we move forward.

An environmental assessment (EA) will be prepared and your input regarding issues or concerns relevant to you is an important part of this planning and impact assessment process.

During this "scoping" phase of the project we are specifically seeking your ideas regarding alternatives (e.g., routes, amenities, operations) and any issues and concerns (e.g., impacts on the environment or public) we should evaluate during the planning process. Please click "Comment Now" to provide your input.

Update 9/10/14: We have extended the comment period an additional 30 days through October 15, 2014.

Document Content:

UofM_BayToBayTrail_Report.pdf   (6.1 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.