Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park
Fort Gratiot Township and Burtchville Township, Saint Clair County
Project Description
A line of several preserves and parks currently extends along Lake Huron through Fort Gratiot and Burtchville Townships. The preserves are generally inaccessible to the public and somewhat disconnected from each other, but not by much. With a little effort, the TLC is within reach of creating a continuous 4.5-mile coastal park connecting the Port Huron area to Lakeport State Park. The proposed Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park would encompass most of the remaining beach ridge (or dune) and swale complex along the eastern shoreline of Michigan’s Thumb region, a linear coastal forest connecting Port Huron with shoreline communities into Sanilac County; well-suited for a recreational trail with interpretive signage.
The proposed coastal trail would pass through at least two Thumb Land Conservancy (TLC) preserves. Currently, most of the preserves to be included in the larger park are difficult, if not impossible, for the public to access without trespassing on adjoining properties. The proposed Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park and trail would open most of these preserves to the public. Once connected, the Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park is likely to become a regional destination for birders, naturalists, and other visitors.
Beach Ridge and Swale Complex
The beach ridge and swale complex is a formation of parallel sand ridges and muck wetlands deposited from about 4,500 years ago. This unique Great Lakes landscape is very limited in Michigan and covers just a small part of Fort Gratiot and Burtchville Townships in Saint Clair County where it ranges from about a quarter-mile to a half-mile wide. It originally extended from the Blue Water Bridges into southern Sanilac County. The remaining formation north of Port Huron is the only significant occurrence from Ohio to the Saginaw Bay. The coastal forest habitat supports rare and uncommon species found in few other regions and is vital for migratory birds that move and nest along Lake Huron. Primary threats to the ridge and swale complex include residential and commercial development along the M-25 highway corridor, speculative land clearing and grading, forest fragmentation, sand mining, invasive weeds, overgrazing by deer, and loss of forest canopy due to pests and diseases.
The beach ridge and swale complex along Lake Huron is a big part of what makes the Blue Water Area unique and a desirable place to visit and live. Yet, few understand the character and significance of this land because there is very limited public access to it. Routing a trail through the interior of this coastal forest corridor will provide a great opportunity for recreation, providing a small wilderness experience within just a few miles of Port Huron. The proposed forest trail will increase safe pedestrian access to public parks, as opposed to being squeezed to road shoulders with traffic, noise, exhaust, and major safety risks. Based on a 2019 trail plan commissioned by Saint Clair County, 37% of the population is completely uncomfortable with biking along roadways and 51% are reserved in their comfort. A clear majority prefer biking away from traffic. The Bidwell Preserve and proposed Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park will get people out in nature and educate area residents about significant natural features where they live, not a long drive away in some other place.
Target Population
As part of the Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park, the Bidwell Preserve would primarily serve the Blue Water Area community, including the City of Port Huron, City of Marysville, Fort Gratiot and Burtchville Townships. The proposed coastal park and trail will support the health and well-being of the community by providing a wonderful recreational and educational experience focused on unique natural features of the Blue Water Area. About 32,000 people that live in Burtchville, Fort Gratiot, and Port Huron could directly benefit from the park. The population physically able to access the proposed park and walking trail totals about 11,000 people 16 to 70 years old in Burtchville and Fort Gratiot, about 20,000 in Port Huron, and about 150,000 total in Saint Clair and Sanilac Counties. As a coastal recreation area and very significant migratory bird corridor, the park is expected to draw visitors from across southeast Michigan and southwest Ontario. Of course, protection of natural areas and associated functions serves everyone.
As proposed, the Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park and trail will eventually connect to the Lakeport State Park Day-Use Area, the southern unit of the 565-acre State Park. No fee is required for pedestrian or bicycle entry and the Michigan Recreation Passport is also not required for non-vehicle entry. Lakeport State Park features over 2,250 feet of Lake Huron beach frontage, all accessible at no charge through the Day Use portion of the park. The Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park would directly connect to the Day Use Area and greatly enhance State Park and Great Lakes access for lower-income residents and visitors. Lakeport State Park is only a one-hour drive northeast of Detroit, described by some as having a very “Up North” feel with lots of forest, in-park trails, a pedestrian bridge crossing M-25, and just a short few-minute walk to Lake Huron where families and groups can picnic, hike, bike, swim, and skip stones on the beach.
Transportation in our region is dominated by automobiles. Required infrastructure, maintenance, and the sprawling development enabled by this system has taken a huge toll on the environment. It also excludes a large class of people that, given opportunity for pedestrian and bicycle transport, would benefit greatly in terms of opportunity, health, and access to natural areas. The Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park would help to alleviate this inequity in our region.
Planning Objectives
The proposed Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park project will fulfill several objectives of County and regional plans, including the following:
2016 Saint Clair County Master Plan
https://www.stclaircounty.org/Offices/metro/CountyMasterPlan.aspx
- Greater access to healthy communities.
- Connect people to parks and transportation options.
- Utilize inherent connectivity of coastal communities.
- Protect and preserve valuable natural resources and sensitive environments.
- Protect woodlots, wetlands, and other natural vegetation.
- Preserve natural character of shorelines.
- Preserve forest, wetlands, and other ecologically valuable landscapes.
- Develop wetlands mitigation bank to preserve important local wetlands.
- Discourage fragmentation of natural environment.
- Protect and preserve water resources.
2017-2021 Saint Clair County Master Recreation Plan
- Preservation Of Resources – Support conservation and stewardship of land, water, and natural resources. Quality of life is improved by parks and open space.
- Quality User Experience – Develop and maintain recreational facilities that draw people to experience nature and to be active outdoors.
- Connected Greenways / Blueways – Connect land and water trails within the county to natural areas, recreation areas, and other trail systems.
- Explore potential locations for acquisition of significant property or properties, such as: Significant properties in conjunction with the Southeast Michigan Greenways Plan and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory.
- Encourage propagation of native and indigenous species.
- Programs to interpret natural, cultural and physical resources, and educate the public.
2013 Blue Water Trail Towns Master Plan
http://www.bluewaysofstclair.org/downloads/bwttpart1.pdf
- The focus of this Trail Town Plan is on seven communities that define the greater “Coastal Thumb Region” of Michigan, including Lexington and Port Huron. The Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park would establish a high quality connection between shoreline communities in Saint Clair and Sanilac Counties. Recommendations in the plan include:
- Promote the trail corridor as a tourist destination.
- Partnerships with community groups and stakeholders to develop local interest and buy-in.
2014 SEMCOG Green Infrastructure Vision for Southeast Michigan
https://semcog.org/Reports/GIVision/index.html
- Protect high quality wetlands.
- Connect green corridors to parks and other natural areas.
- Increase public access along Great Lakes.
- Fund trail improvements to fill gaps in Southeast Michigan trail network.
- Coordinate non-motorized trail planning with green infrastructure planning.
Project Supporters
Project funding and support has been provided by The Carls Foundation of Bloomfield Hills, North American Wetlands Conservation Council, Ducks Unlimited Michigan Conservation Program, Consumers Energy Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Community Foundation of St. Clair County, Franklin H. and Nancy S. Moore Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, Cargill Salt of Saint Clair, Cargill Incorporated, Bioregion Reparation Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, SEMCO Energy Gas Company, Christine Powell and Bern Smith of Washington, D.C., Elizabeth “Bess” Touma of Washington, D.C., William and Cheryl Collins of Marlette, Dave Ladensack of Summit Realty in Lakeport, and Timothy Lozen of Lozen Davidson and Kovar, P.C. in Port Huron.
The Saint Clair County Drain Commissioner has acquired large properties within the Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park project area to be preserved as mitigation for State-permitted wetland impacts, particularly for County drain projects. The TLC has worked with both the previous and current Drain Commissioners to protect over 200 acres of land in the county.
Bidwell Sanctuary or Chëkhònèsink hìtkwike schind lèkuwake
“Among Hemlocks on Sand Where Breaking Waves Are Heard ” in Lenape
42.1 Acres, Burtchville Township, Saint Clair County
Acquisition Date: 2020 July 17
In 2020, the TLC acquired the 42.1-acre Bidwell Sanctuary in Burtchville Township, located in the beach ridge or dune and swale complex along Lake huron. The Bidwell Sanctuary acquisition was the first major fundraising project for the TLC and a significant preservation accomplishment on behalf of the Blue Water Area.
The Bidwell Sanctuary is part of the proposed Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park. We have been clearing a foot trail that now extends about two-thirds of the way north into the half-mile long preserve. This trail will include another half-mile loop back down to the preserve entrance, and we hope, eventually, will connect with a branch of the county Bay to Bridge Trail.
In 2022, the TLC was awarded a grant for $4,500 from the Bioregion Reparation Fund, a donor-advised fund established by the Full Circle EcoHouse of Prayer of Port Huron and administered by the Community Foundation of Saint Clair County. The grant will be used by the TLC to construct an informational kiosk at the entrance of our Bidwell Sanctuary to provide information about the ancient beach ridge or dune and swale ecosystem, the Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park, project supporters, and the TLC.
Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park
and Bidwell Sanctuary Supporters
The Carls Foundation, Bloomfield Hills
North American Wetlands Conservation Council
Ducks Unlimited, Michigan Conservation Program
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Consumers Energy Foundation
Community Foundation of St. Clair County
Franklin H. and Nancy S. Moore Donor Advised Fund
of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County
Cargill Salt of Saint Clair
Cargill, Incorporated
Bioregion Reparation Donor Advised Fund
of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County
SEMCO Energy Gas Company
Christine Powell and Bern Smith, Washington, D.C.
Elizabeth “Bess” Touma, Washington, D.C.
William and Cheryl Collins, Marlette
Dave Ladensack, Summit Realty, Lakeport
Timothy Lozen, Lozen Davidson and Kovar, P.C., Port Huron
North Street Station
5220 North Road, North Street, Michigan
0.5 Acre, Clyde Township, Saint Clair County
Acquisition Date: 2016 August 02
In 2016, the TLC purchased the old general store, post office, and rail station in North Street through the Saint Clair County tax auction. This historic structure would have been demolished if not acquired by a preservation group. The North Street station is one of only two remaining stations between Port Huron and Croswell along the old Port Huron and Northwestern Railway which opened in 1879. The main line ran from Port Huron to Saginaw, with branches to Sandusky, Port Hope, and Port Austin. The line became part of the Pere Marquette Railroad in 1889. The main structure on the North Street site probably dates back to at least 1889, but was later partially modified in the mid 1940’s to serve as a residence.
The TLC is partnering with the Clyde Historical Society to protect the structure and fundraise for restoration. We are currently restoring the exterior and plan to install signs describing the history of the site. Eventually, we would like to restore the interior, display related historical artifacts, and open it for meetings and public events.
The North Street Station is still a diamond-in-the-rough, but completion of the metal roof in late 2022 was a major improvement. In the summer of 2023, we plan to add a good coat of brown enamel paint to the sheet metal. Then, we can begin removing the outer siding on the main structure to expose the original plank siding. We need to identify where the original doors and windows were because the structure has been modified at least once. After the siding work, a coat of white paint, the North Street Station will resemble the historic structure it once was, dating back at least to the early 1900’s.
North Street Station Supporters
Clyde Historical Society
John Schomaker, North Street
Kay Cumbow, Lynn
Loznak Sanctuary or Yänhdawa’ yeh de yenhta’ iyaen’
“The Prairie is Near the River ” in Huron-Wendat
Honoring Charles and Elizabeth Loznak
11.5 Acres, City of Marysville, Saint Clair County
Acquisition Date: 2019 December 18
In December of 2019, under the guidance of TLC attorney Timothy Lozen, the TLC accepted donation of the 11.5-acre Loznak Sanctuary, along with a small endowment fund, from Loznak Real Estate Enterprises, LLC. The Loznak Sanctuary honors the memory of Charles and Elizabeth Loznak. The sanctuary is located adjacent to an industrial area along Wills Street in Marysville, east of Busha Highway in Marysville.
The Loznak Sanctuary is adjacent to the old Port Huron and Detroit Railroad line with an old rail spur running through the middle of the sanctuary. It is also adjacent to approximately 26 acres of unusual ridge and swale forest with an interesting alluvial origin along the Saint Clair River dating back almost 5,000 years ago. Despite the impact of previous industrial use connected with a World War II munitions factory, the Loznak Sanctuary is a nice recovering natural area with patches of young forest interspersed with the remains of concrete foundations reminiscent of monuments. The east half of the sanctuary contains lakeplain prairie vegetation with uncommon species such as Riddell’s Goldenrod – Solidago riddellii, Fringed Gentian – Gentianopsis crinita, and Mountain Mint – Pycnanthemum virginianum. Historic aerial photographs and mapping show that, other than limited use of the property appearing to begin and end with World War II, the land appears to have been generally undisturbed. A 1937 aerial photograph shows the Loznak Sanctuary and vicinity was completely vacant and part of a large swath of mostly open land along the Saint Clair River which may have been farmed. Similar lakeplain prairie habitat in the Marysville area, where land use was not so intensive, serves as refugia for plants remnant of original populations that existed prior to European settlement. Michigan Threatened Sullivant’s Milkweed – Asclepias sullivantii, a rare lakeplain prairie plant found in only 8 southeast counties in Michigan, is known from several locations in the Marysville area.
We envision the Loznak Sanctuary as a small park highlighting the interesting combination of natural area, World War II industrial history, and railroad history relating to the old Port Huron and Detroit Railroad, now owned by CSX Transportation, running along the west side of the sanctuary and the rail spur connecting to it.
Loznak Sanctuary Supporters
Richard C. Loznak, Loznak Real Estate Enterprises, LLC, Saint Clair
Timothy Lozen, Lozen Davidson and Kovar, P.C., Port Huron
Dan and Wendy Rhein, Port Huron
Tranquil Ridge Sanctuary
0.446 Acre, Dryden Township, Lapeer County
Acquisition Date: 2021 April 09
In 2021, the TLC purchased the 0.446-acre Tranquil Ridge Sanctuary located along Lake George Road near the Oakland County border in Dryden Township, Lapeer County. The Sanctuary is located on top of a narrow ridge along the east edge of a huge forested valley, nearly 1 mile across and 2 miles long, with a series of lakes and wetlands at the bottom. This impressive ice-contact landscape formed as retreating glaciers left massive ice fragments across the interlobate region. These large ice blocks, surrounded by outwash deposits. melted away, leaving steep embankments around depressions full of meltwater known as a kettle lakes.
The plant community on the Tranquil Ridge Sanctuary is basically dry-mesic forest of Black Oak, White Oak, Black Cherry, Big-tooth Aspen, Black Locust, and Sassafras. Black Locust trees are apparently native to south-central North America but invasive in Michigan. Although the Tranquil Ridge Sanctuary is a very small property, it is part of a much larger natural area, largely covered by mature oak forest. Not only is it an interesting and uncommon glacial landscape in Michigan, but it is very scenic and largely undeveloped and forested due to the extreme slopes. Future development of the area is most likely to be limited to very disperse single-family residences. For now, you can sit on one of the boulders on top of the ridge and look out over the valley with Brooks Lake shining below and feel the solitude.
Tranquil Ridge Sanctuary is located in a relatively untouched natural area, but there was an old cottage on the adjacent property that was demolished years ago. Because of the old cottage site, limited soil disturbance allowed a few invasive plants like Black Locust, honeysuckle, and privet to spread onto what would become the Sanctuary. There was also some old junk scattered around, but the TLC has removed most of it. Decades ago, the property was used as a band camp. The property was then purchased by a group of Ford Motor Company employees and was known as the Brooks Lake Campground. An abandoned structure south of the preserve was known as the Stone Cabin, one of several cabins used by the campers. The campground was later sold and all of the structures fell into disrepair, which explains the refuse we cleaned-up on and around the preserve.
In 2022, the Four County Community Foundation based in Almont made a grant of $2,000 to the TLC to fund stewardship and improvements on the preserve. So far, the funds have paid for a preserve sign, marking of the property corners by our surveyor, clean-up, and invasive
weed removal. The Tranquil Ridge Sanctuary was already a beautiful place without our work, providing an impressive view over a large forest valley and Brooks Lake below. However, there is always room for improvement. We continue our clean-up and removal of Black Locust trees which are very rot-resistant and make great posts for fences and signs that can last a century. Tranquil Ridge Sanctuary is a small part of a large, relatively untouched and sustainable mature forest ecosystem. With our continued work, it is only getting better.
Tranquil Ridge Sanctuary Supporters
Four County Community Foundation, Almont
Timothy Lozen, Lozen Davidson and Kovar, P.C., Port Huron
