Michigan Man Convicted of Diverting National Park River for Boat Access to Lake Michigan
In a surprising turn of events, a man from Frankfort, Michigan, has been convicted of tampering and vandalism for diverting a national park river to create easier boat access to Lake Michigan. Andrew Howard found himself in hot water after he was caught in the act by a National Park Service ranger in August 2022. The incident took place at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where Howard was seen digging with a shovel to alter the course of the Platte River.
After a brief trial in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent, Howard was found guilty of two misdemeanors. U.S. Attorney Mark Totten revealed that Howard had a policy dispute with the National Park Service and decided to take matters into his own hands. The consequences of his actions were significant, as the diverted river created a new channel to Lake Michigan that grew to approximately 200 feet wide.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Biksacky explained the impact of the diversion, stating, “Within days, the natural power of the water and the constructed dam caused the river to divert and created a new channel to Lake Michigan that grew to approximately 200 feet wide. It stayed approximately that wide for the summer and fall season.” This sudden change led to an influx of fishermen at the Platte River boat launch, who took advantage of the improved access to the lake.
Interestingly, when the diversion initially occurred, there was some support from state and local officials, business owners, and angler groups. They believed that the increased boat access would benefit both the river and the community. They argued that the sediment and sand build-up in the Platte River, caused by the National Park Service no longer dredging it, hindered boat access to Lake Michigan. The new channel created by Howard’s actions seemed to solve this problem.
However, some township officials raised concerns about the safety hazards caused by the shallowness of the river mouth. They argued that the lack of dredging impeded access to Platte Bay for rescue boats. In fact, since dredging stopped in 2016, two tragic deaths have occurred in the bay — a teenager drowned while swimming, and a 21-year-old lost his life when his kayak capsized.
Kyle Orr, the owner of Riverside Canoe Trips, acknowledged the need for timely rescue operations, saying, “It would be nice for a rescue boat to be able to get out there in a timely fashion.” This sentiment highlights the potential dangers posed by the altered river flow.
As for Howard’s defense, no comments have been provided by his attorney. The Associated Press reached out for a response but received no reply. With the convictions now in place, it remains to be seen what legal consequences Howard will face for his actions.
This case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human intervention and the preservation of natural resources. While some initially saw Howard’s actions as a positive change, it is clear that there are potential risks and negative consequences associated with altering the course of a river. The debate surrounding the dredging of the Platte River will likely continue as officials assess the best course of action moving forward.
In the meantime, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is left to grapple with the aftermath of Howard’s diversion. The new channel to Lake Michigan may have provided temporary benefits for fishermen, but it also raises questions about the long-term impact on the ecosystem and safety in the area. As authorities work to restore the natural flow of the Platte River, they must carefully consider the implications of their decisions and strike a balance that ensures both human enjoyment and environmental preservation.
