DEVASTATION at MARBLEHEAD

Last week, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was involved with the DEMOLITION of the ICONIC Marblehead steps on Drummond Island, Michigan.

This photo was taken on my most recent trip to Drummond Island in July 2023. It features me driving my Jeep down the steps of Marblehead.

Some irresponsible off-roaders had been driving past a trail boundary further down the trail from the steps, so it was decided that boulders were needed to mark that trail boundary. I am an advocate for responsible and legal trail use, so the need for these trail boundary markers is understood. However, the MANNER in which these boulders were transported caused UNNECESSARY PERMANENT DAMAGE to our natural resources and is NOT OKAY.

Allegedly, the best way they could come up with to transport the boulders was to BULLDOZE the Marblehead steps as well as another rock obstacle on the trails between Glen Cove and Marblehead to create a smooth path to get their equipment down to the end of the trail. There are so many better ways this could have been done. It makes NO SENSE to DESTROY one natural rock formation to potentially protect another.

I am filled with anger and frustration that a better solution and public input was not sought before this irreversible damage was done. As a member of GLFWDA, I KNOW we could have gotten volunteers together to help get a barrier in place in a non-destructive manner IF WE HAD KNOWN. This awful destruction represents a failure to protect and preserve our state's natural treasures for future generations to enjoy.

We need to make our voices heard.

SO WHAT CAN WE DO? What’s done is done — there is no undo button. But this could still happen again in the future, so we need to MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD NOW.

My hope is that the Michigan off-road trails, landmarks, and destinations I have grown up with and loved are something I will be able to share with the next generation of my family and beyond

I HAVE CREATED AN EMAIL TEMPLATE THAT YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE and send. Please hit the “+’ icon next to the below for text to copy and paste.

• EMAIL TEMPLATE TO COPY AND PASTE (hit the + to expand)

  Dear (insert name),

  I am writing to you today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of disappointment and outrage regarding the unnecessary destruction that took place last week at Marblehead on Drummond Island.

  As an off-road enthusiast, taking trails deep into the woods to find the natural beauty and unique features that Michigan has to offer is a way of life. One such feature, the famous rock ledges leading to Marblehead on Drummond Island, was a beloved natural rock formation and off road destination that held a special place in the hearts of many outdoor enthusiasts.

  *******if you have personally visited the island, describe that here, otherwise DELETE THIS********

  As a responsible off-roader who has compassion for our natural resources, I do not condone those who drove past trail boundaries which created the need for the boulder barriers out at the ledge. The boulders were needed to protect our natural resources. HOWEVER, the MANNER in which these boulders were transported and the choice to BULLDOZE the steps at Marblehead in the process was a DEVASTATING and UNNECESSARY MISTAKE. It does not make sense to create irreversible damage to one beautiful natural rock formation in order to potentially protect another. This act of destruction not only robs us of a cherished natural wonder, but also eliminates the recognized off-roading experience that drew visitors from far and wide.

  I am filled with anger and frustration that a better solution and public input was not sought before this irreversible damage was done. The destruction of this portion of the rock ledges represents a failure to protect and preserve our state's natural treasures for future generations to enjoy. The DNR is supposed to PROTECT our natural resources, not destroy them.

  I ask that you please address this issue, hold those responsible accountable, and work towards ensuring that better protections are put in place to prevent such destruction in the future. Michigan’s natural wonders are worth preserving and protecting, and it is crucial that we take steps to ensure their conservation for generations to come.

  Sincerely,

  (Your Name)

• EMAIL ADDRESSES TO SEND TO: (hit the + to expand)

  DNR email list:

  Holleyj1@michigan.gov

  Jessica Holley-Roehrs

  NovakT8@michigan.gov

  Tim Novak state trails coordinator

  Yesneyr@michigan.gov

  Ron Yesney UP Trails Coordinator

  Costap@michigan.gov

  Peter J. (PJ) Costa Eastern UP Trail Specialist

  Dr-director@michigan.gov

  Scott Bowen DNR director

  OlsonR@michigan.gov

  Ron Olson, chief, Parks and Recreation Division