Comment Now: Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore, General Management Plan/Wilderness Study/EIS

Description: The document examines five alternatives for managing the National Lakeshore for the next 20 or more years. It also analyzes the impacts of implementing each of the alternatives. The no action alternative reflects current conditions and activities at the Lakeshore. It is provided as a baseline against which to compare the other alternatives and includes 30,903 acres managed to maintain their existing wilderness character.

In the preferred alternative, the Lakeshore is valued primarily for preservation of its natural resources, and for the opportunities it provides for visitor enjoyment of the natural, cultural, and recreational resources in a scenic outdoor setting. Lands proposed for wilderness designation include 32,200 acres and no developed county roads.

In alternative A, the Lakeshore is valued primarily for conservation of its natural resources. Lands proposed for wilderness designation include 33,600 acres and no developed county roads. In alternative B, the Lakeshore is valued primarily for its recreational opportunities in scenic outdoor settings. Lands proposed for wilderness designation include 14,400 acres and no county roads. In alternative C, the Lakeshore is managed so that most visitor use is concentrated in selected areas, with more natural, primitive conditions promoted in the rest of the Lakeshore. Lands proposed for wilderness designation include 23,200 acres and no developed county roads.The key impacts of implementing these alternatives are summarized in table 4 and detailed in chapter 5.

Date Document Posted: 04/11/2008

Comment Period: 04/07/2008 - 06/13/2008

You can find more details on this proposal at this site.