Hello Friends of Stewart Farm,

As of right now we are scheduled to do a prescribed burn at Stewart Farm, 2007 Stewart Rd., Harsens Island, MI 48028 on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at about 3 PM.

If the weather conditions are right we will burn the prairie and the understory of the woods. If you are interested please feel free to join us to view the event and bring your camera.

Bob Williams

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, Harsens Island Fire, Michigan, St. Clair County, Stewart Farm

Pesky plant clogs island
Invasive phragmites hurt Michigan wetlands
By BOB GROSS
Times Herald

Bob Williams treats the cattails on his 53-acre piece of Harsens Island as if they were an endangered species.

On Harsens Island and in much of St. Clair County, they are.

"I've got one or two in the marsh here that I keep an eye on," said Williams, who owns historic Stewart Farm on Harsens Island.

"I go around them when I'm working on the phragmites, hoping to get something that will spread later," he said.

Cattails and other native marsh plants that provide both habitat and food for wildlife species are being pushed to the edge by phragmites, a warm weather grass native to Eurasia.

Of the 53 acres that compose Stewart Farm, 10 are covered in phragmites, Williams said. Much of Harsens Island -- as well as St. Johns Marsh in mainland Clay Township -- is covered with what is also called common reed.

Williams, who lives in Berkley, has started a Web site, Phragmites.org, with information about the invader, which grows in dense stands and can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet. He also is a member of the Harsens Island Phragmites Committee and produces a phragmites newsletter.

He said he bought Stewart Farm in 1999, and "I had quite a bit of phragmites on my property, but I didn't think too much about.

"There are canals that go though my property, and we would walk down to the edge of my property and watch the birds and the turtles and the fish," he said.

Now, Williams said, "we can get to (the canals), but it's more difficult because of the dense stands of phragmites. The farm is not on the river, but we are on canals that cross through the island."

Phragmites, Williams said, also has an effect on one of the reasons people live on the island -- watching the boat and freighter traffic on the St. Clair River.

"It's more difficult to see the river," he said. "Where people used to be able to look at out their windows and watch the boats passing, now unless they get out there and work on the phragmites, they lose their views."

Ernie Kafcas, a wildlife biologist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said people understand the problem with phragmites when it begins to affect something they enjoy.

"People from an ecological, biological viewpoint might not understand it that well, but they do understand that they can't see out the front window," he said.

Kafcas said the rapid spread of phragmites was precipitated by low water levels in the Great Lakes and connecting waters in the past 10 years.

"Part of this is in the last 10 years in our region here, it has just taken over huge areas in a relatively short period of time," he said. "It has been around here in the lake. In the last several years, it took a strong hold when we had the lower lake levels."

The DNR conducted studies on Harsens Island and in the St. Clair Flats Wildlife Area to determine the best control methods, he said.

"We saw this problem coming up and in the year 2000-2001 we saw it coming up as a little bigger problem than we could handle," he said.

The state did test trials of control methods from 2001 to 2005, he said.

"We took those years of research and knowledge to do a couple of things: hone some of the control methods we thought we knew and, as an offshoot of that, we were able to put together a guidebook," Kafcas said.

Researchers found that spraying herbicides -- either imazapyr or glyphosate or both in formulas approved for application over water -- had the best results when combined with either burning or mowing to remove the standing dead vegetation.

Williams said the herbicide must be applied at the right time of the year.

"It has to be in a specific window in the fall, which is generally from the middle of August to the end of September," he said.

Kafcas said a permit is required to apply herbicides over water or below the normal high-water mark.

The deadline for applying for a permit for 2008 is Aug. 15, said Tracy Colin, Great Lakes coastal wetlands ecologist for the state DEQ. The application process for 2009 starts this year in late October, she said.

"Make sure you don't get held up ... waiting on the application process," Collin said.

Kafcas said when phragmites takes over, it reduces habitat and food sources for native wildlife such as waterfowl, amphibians and reptiles.

"They've found that there is a change and reduction in the use of wildlife activity overall," he said.

"Here in our state I think it's one of the bigger threats that we've had from a wetlands management standpoint in many years."

Nancy Strole, clerk of Springfield Township in Oakland County, brings a different perspective to the issue of phragmites invasion. Her township has large marsh areas that compose the headwaters of the Clinton, Huron and Shiawassee rivers. While phragmites have established beachheads in those areas, she said stands have yet to reach the size of those on Harsens Island.

"I was stunned at how horrific it is on Harsens Island," she said. "I was there last summer for a long weekend on Harsens Island, and it has literally overtaken the island to the point where I can't see how they can get a handle on it."

The fight to contain phragmites, however, continues. Williams said he conducted a phragmites workshop on Sept. 1, and 87 island residents attended.

"The main problem (for landowners) is it reduces access to our shorelines," he said. "It clogs up the canals and shallow rivers and things like that because of the amount of biomass it creates.

"It decomposes right there in the canals on Harsens Island, and where there was a canal there no longer is a canal because it fills in."


Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, Michigan, phragmites, St. Clair County, Stewart Farm

On Feb. 27 we ran a post entitled: Boys Club Proposed Cluster Housing Development Summary
summarizing the events surrounding the proposed cluster housing development of the prior Boy's Club property on Harsens Island.

The Cluster housing special request was denied on February 28:
Clay Township Planning Commission Rejects Lucky 7's Grand Pointe Development

This is not the end of it. Thanks for this Email from Norman Rhodes:

Melon,

Lucky 7, Grande Pointe Development has filed an appeal with the St. Clair Countycircuit court on 3-19-08
case #08-000717-AA
JUDGE DEEGAN

Norman Rhodes

We checked Judge Deegan's court schedule through May 19, 2008...the case has not been scheduled as of yet.

We'll keep you posted!

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Boys Club, Clay Township, Grande Pointe Development LLC, Harsens Island, Lucky 7 Development LLC, Malik, Michigan, St. Clair County

Thanks to Paul for this Email:

http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/_kd/Items/actions.cfm?action=Show&item_id=3884&destination=ShowItem

Melon,

The March report on water levels just came out - the link above.

It shows that we are almost back to where we were last year at this time after a dramatic drop last fall. However, while it shows that May levels last year were higher than the year before, the level started dropping in June. I am sure that 2007 was the first time that water levels dropped during June - July - and the Corps still predicts that will happen again this year(?!?!).

Nevertheless, their predictions for this year are much more optimistic than they were a few months ago - when they were predicting levels 6" or more lower than last year.

The level here at our house really jumped in the last couple of days. Hopefully it will stay there....
You did a great job covering the ice jam.

Paul


Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, Lake St. Clair, Michigan, St. Clair County, St. Clair River, water levels

All clear at the ferry(for those of you from out of town) & no ice problems expected.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, St. Clair County

Satellite images from yesterday and today showing ice remaining in Lake Huron.
Click on pictures for larger images:

...

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Harsens Island, Ice Conditions, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, Michigan

I spoke to John at Richfield, our garbage collection company, this afternoon.

John says they will collect trash on Harsens Island either Thursay or Friday.

They collect in Algonac on Thursday and if they finish early enough, they will come over to the Island, otherwise it will be Friday.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, Michigan

The latest NOAA GLCFS Ice Cover Map from 4/1/08 shows quite a bit of ice remaining in the southern portion of Lake Huron. The darkest areas indicate 100% ice coverage.

Click on the map for a larger image in a new window, then click on that image for full size picture:




Check back, we'll keep an eye on the ice situation!

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Lake Huron

Drivers start your engines, the Harsens Island Grand Prix is about to begin!

Just got word the ferry is now making trips.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel, St. Clair County

David has started up the engines...thanks Badger, and Packy has received the call to come in to pilot the ferry!

Check back later for the NEW "Harsens Island Ice Jam Survivor 2008" T Shirts!

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, North Channel, St. Clair County, St. Clair River

More Later...

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Harsens Island, Ice Conditions

That's all we have for now.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Airboat, Harsens Island, Ice Conditions

Wow, I just received my first donation, thank you so much!

Many people think this is a paying job. Actually, I have volunteered my time for the last 4+ years to help keep my friends and neighbors updated on what's happening on Harsen's Island and around the lake.

Many thanks also to those who have placed an ad on Harsens Island News!

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Harsens Island, Michigan

David Lozon just called...He believes it was Bobby's airboat he just saw on the trailer heading towards town.

Anyone have any more information on this?

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Airboat, Harsens Island, Ice Conditions

Katie just commented:

The airboat is up and running now. I am on my way to get on it.

Thanks Katie I can hear the engines right now!

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Airboat, Algonac, Clay Township, Harsens Island, Michigan, North Channel, St. Clair County

Word from the ferry is that the Coast Guard is on their way down from Port Huron to help break up the ice in the North Channel.

Where are they now? Post a comment if you see them!

We'll keep you updated.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel, St. Clair County, St. Clair River

THANK YOU for this comment posted by Katie at 12:47pm:

The airboat is at Art Cook's getting fixed.

It is not running due to
something that happened yesterday. I heard this from Eric Sosnowski who works at
Art Cook's Marina.

They are trying to fix it as fast as they can.

THANK YOU, Sharon for this comment posted at 12:05pm:

The ice is no longer shore to shore in the northern part of the North Channel.

There is quite a large "lane" along the Algonac boardwalk extending
south to Downriggers.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, St. Clair County, St. Clair River

Here's a shot from the cam at the boardwalk in Algonac, taken several hours ago. Click on picture for a larger image.






Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Algonac, Clay Township, Harsens Island, Ice Conditions, Michigan, St. Clair County, St. Clair River

Thanks to Gail Zawada for this update:

Kathie at the Court House in Port Huron reports the river is virtually ice free at this time.

AJ's Salt Dock reports the river is clear at this time as well.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel, St. Clair County, St. Clair River

The North Channel still has a tremendous amount of ice. One ferry has been out working the ice downriver in an attempt to get things moving, but so far not much help.

The South Channel is open, but the wind is blowing ice down the North Channel.

The Coast Guard MAY come and help us out again today. If so that would certainly speed up the process.

By the way...in Island time "very soon" can mean a few minutes to several hours!

I have an UNCONFIRMED report that the airboat is experiencing a problem....if you have any information on this or other news, let me know!

Check back often for updates, don't forget to refresh the screen.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel, South Channel Lights, St. Clair County

My father, Packy, just came back from a recon ride.

He says the ice is on the move and to keep an eye on the ferry...they SHOULD be able to run very soon.

If you are sitting at the ferry with your cell phone, or looking out your window at home, and see something happening, give me a call so I can post to keep everyone up to date!

Thanks....810-892-4370

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, St. Clair County

Enjoy the photos while we wait! If you have photos to share, please Email them to us & we'll get them posted.



Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel, St. Clair County, St. Clair River

I'm at dad's house right now and he just came home from the ferry. He says he made his last trip at 6pm.

Update: Bobby will be running the airboat, same as yesterday.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Lake and River Invasives, Michigan, North Channel

This ice report brought to you by Gail and Jim Zawada!

Thanks for taking the time to drive around and call people to keep us all updated.

David Bryson reports UNLESS ICE CONDITIONS CHANGE the ferry will be running on its usual winter schedule. After 10pm there will be a trip made every half hour.

Tom Purcell at Deckers reports; the Hollyhock has been working the ice below Deckers for quite a while and is now heading upstream toward the ferry.

There is no airboat activity at the Boy's Club at this time.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel

Packy is in the pilot house and the ferry is making trips right now.

Champion's owner, David Bryson, says he does not know how long they will be running.

Thanks to the Hollyhock for clearing the way, even if only for a while!

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel

Packy has been called down to the ferry....a sign of hope?

we'll let you know when we hear more!

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel

Word from the ferry is they are going to TRY to make a trip.... time will tell.

Kathy at the Court House in Port Huron reports ice flow increasing there....thanks Gail!

If any of you out there have more information, please feel free to contact us!

Email or comment!

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel

This is a shot of the St. Clair River in front of the Algonac Boardwalk taken at 11:30 this morning: click on image to enlarge




Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Algonac, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, St. Clair River

Despite DNR objections, airboat runs once again
By NICHOLAS DESHAIS
Times Herald

A feud between an airboat operator and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources came to a head Sunday when ice in the river stopped ferry traffic.

Bob Bryson, the airboat operator, vowed to move people between Harsens Island and the mainland Sunday morning, with or without the blessings of the authorities.

"We're running," he said early Sunday. But the gate to the only boat ramp his boat is able to access was locked, and the Clay Township Police Department had the keys.

"The police are supposed to open it up, but we'll see what happens," Bryson said.
Earlier this year, the DNR had said Bryson could not access its North Channel Boating Access Site in Algonac without paying an $850 fee for a weeklong permit.

Bryson did apply for a permit from the DNR, and as of Sunday Bryson said he was operating "in limbo."

At around 10 a.m. Sunday morning, when Bryson began his airboating, Ira firefighters responded to assist Harsens Island Fire Department for an emergency. The Clay Township Police Department refused to unlock the boat ramp's gate for Bryson.

As Ira firefighters fiddled to unlock the gate at the DNR's boat ramp, Bryson loaded up his airboat with the first passengers and people on the mainland waited behind the gate to get a ride back across.

The DNR locked the gate in December, beginning a slew of events that culminated in the confrontation that occured Sunday.

When the river gets packed with ice, as it usually does near the end of winter, ferries no longer can move across the clotted river.

As a solution to this problem, and in conjunction with Champion's Auto Ferry, Bryson last year moved hundreds of islanders across the frozen river. Bryson's family has been running Champion's since before World War II. Bryson's brother currently runs the business.

Bryson offered the same deal last season he offered yesterday: give him $5 and he'll take you across the ice.

On Sunday, $5 and a trip across was first met with a locked gate.

By the end of the morning, Bryson had claimed victory and the Clay Townsip police had unlocked the door.

Bryson said police unlocked the gate between 10:30 and 11 a.m. He said a DNR representative did come to the gate at one point in the day, but stayed for about 15 minutes and didn't speak with him.

Bryson was able to make between 30 to 35 trips and ferried about 150 people during the day. And he's not done.

"We'll be there (Monday) morning, seven o'clock, if it's not raining," he said.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, DNR, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, St. Clair County

A big THANK YOU to Gail Zawada for getting updates from the following people:

Tom Purcell at Deckers Landing: the ice was completely stopped earlier, but is now slowly starting to move.

Rozann at AJ's Salt Dock: Ice packed shore to shore but slowly moving

Kathy at Port Huron Court House Building: only 20% ice coverage on the river


Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

130pm name correction

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, St. Clair County, St. Clair River

From the mailbag:

From The Harsen's Island News Mailbag Thanks Kristine!

I'm on North Channel by the Boys Club
big thing - didn't get the name
things are happening!
Kristine Pierce 891 N Ch.



Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Harsens Island, Ice Conditions

This is a satellite shot from Saturday, the more current views are obscured by clouds.

Click on picture for larger image:







Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Harsens Island, Ice Conditions, Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair, satellite photo, St. Clair River

After a few attempts to leave the dock the ferry remains closed.

Sorry if we got anyone excited.....the information I recieved was directly from Champion's Auto Ferry personnel....I even put out the garbage!


Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

CORRECTION: WILL BE TAKING CARS STARTING AT 10AM

Champions Auto Ferry is once again running.

There is still a lot of ice in the channels around Harsens Island.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

The Harsen's Island Fire Department is running emergency airboat service from Harsens Island to the mainland.

Launch/landing sites are old Boy's Club on Harsen's Island and DNR site on the mainland.


Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Emergency Services, Harsens Island, Harsens Island Fire Dept., Michigan, St. Clair County

As of right now the gate is open at the DNR site on the mainland.

According to Clay Township Police Chief, Don Drake, the DNR site is available for today only during daylight hours for airboat drop off and pick up. Any further use will have to be negotiated tomorrow.

As to whether or not vehicles will be allowed into the site to drop off or pick up airboat passengers, or to park, the Clay Township Police Department has NO Information at this time.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, DNR, Harsens Island, Ice Conditions, Michigan, St. Clair County

Bob Bryson will once again provide airboat service for Harsens Island starting at 10am.

Harsen's Island Launch site is the old Boy's Club, mainland site DNR...same as last ice jam.

I'm told that Clay Township is opening the DNR site on the mainland...more to come.

Check back for updates!

10:00am Update: Related story in the Port Huron Times Herald, online news updates

Ice brings out Harsens Island airboat
Times Herald

The ice won't stop Bob Bryson from transporting Harsens
Island residents to the mainland. Neither will the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources.

"We're running," he said Sunday morning. The airboat
will begin transporting people at 10 a.m. Bryson said Clay Township Police have
said they'll unlock the gate at the boating ramp to allow access to Harsens
Island residents.

A dispatcher at the police department said she took
Bryson's request to the chief but has not heard back from him yet.

Bryson also said he would tell his passengers to call 911 if they gate
was still locked when they arrived. ...more

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, DNR, Harsens Island, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel

Champions Auto Ferry to Harsen's Island is closed at this time due to ice.

Airboat service will start at 10am according to David Bryson, owner of the Harsens Island ferry.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel, St. Clair River

Well I'm back from the mainland. The ferry is still running.

Conditions appear about the same as earlier, however the flow is slowing.

According to Champion's Auto Ferry Owner,David Bryson, heavy ice is flowing at the ferry right now, if the ice stops flowing, ferry service will be suspended until the ice begins to flow again. It may be a day, it may be a week or more, there is no way to tell. If ferry service is suspended due to ice conditions, airboat service will commence.

The lot on the mainland next to the ferry is open, you may park there if you want a car on the mainland.

We'll keep you posted!

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, Michigan, St. Clair County

The ice is flowing shore to shore all around Harsens Island and the St. Clair River.

Packy is in the pilothouse, and says they MAY have to shut down this afternoon if conditions worsen.

Right now there MAY be a window of an hour or more so....I'm making a quick trip for essentials.

Will update on my return.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, harsens Island Ferry, Ice Conditions, North Channel, St. Clair County, St. Clair River

Once again ice is flowing on the North Channel & South Channel.

Champions Auto Ferry is running on a regular schedule at this time.

Packy will be in the pilot house in the morning and will keep us updated as to any changes.

We'll keep you posted...check back for updates.



Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Algonac, Clay Township, Harsens Island, Ice Conditions, Michigan, St. Clair County, St. Clair River

Associated Press - March 18, 2008 3:34 PM ET

SARNIA, Ontario (AP) - North winds expected Wednesday could be problematic for ships navigating the St. Clair River and Lake Huron.

Canadian Coast Guard ice surface specialist Ron Morrow says a significant amount of pack ice in southern Lake Huron extends from Goderich, Ontario, to Sarnia, Ontario.

Morrow expects ice to jam up at the entrance to the St. Clair River.

He says ice breakers have been helping some ships through the heavy ice just north of the Blue Water Bridge.

The Great Lakes bulk carrier Assiniboine was stuck there for a few hours Sunday evening.




Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Canada, Ice Conditions, Lake Huron, Michigan, St. Clair County

From The Harsen's Island News Mailbag Thanks for the story tip Paul!

Harsens Island ferry man faces state crackdown
Detroit Free Press - United States

Bob Bryson is the man residents who live year-round on Harsens Island rely upon when they're in a bind.

He's the only one who can get them to the mainland when the ferry that goes back and forth to the popular summer destination, near Algonac, is out of commission.

And that's why they are rallying behind him as the state cracks down on him using his private airboat to transport people to and from the island.

Bryson, 54, takes them to the North Channel Boating Access Site on state-owned property on the mainland in Clay Township for work, doctors appointments and other daily activities. For several days last year when the ferry was ice-locked, Bryson used his airboat to transport about 400 individuals from the island.

His airboat can carry only a few people at a time, requiring many trips. And he charged his passengers $5 each way, he said, to cover his expenses for gas and wear and tear on the boat. And there's the rub.

The Department of Natural Resources says he needs to get a permit. Unless he shells out $850 a week, he can't continue using the North Channel site, the only public-access site for residents and visitors to the island.

Algonac State Park Manager Steve Pondo said he hasn't communicated directly with Bryson, but the state is upset that it allowed him to use the boating-access site for free for emergency trips and that Bryson essentially ran a water taxi -- transporting people for everyday things like running errands.

"Lansing allowed them the facility in what was considered an emergency request, just to be good neighbors. It turned into a commercial operation," Pondo said, adding that during that time, someone damaged the aluminum gate at the access site.

In emergency situations, police and fire departments have their own airboats that ship residents to the mainland. The North Channel site, which is a public boat launch area during warm months, is closed from Dec. 1 to April 1, the DNR said.

The state said that without the fee, it can't keep the site open.

Clay Township officials, Harsens Island homeowners and Bryson -- who lives on the island and owns a reconstruction business there called Champion Marine -- said the airboat provided a crucial service to residents with obligations off the island.

"This really isn't a permanent business, and he really isn't making any money," Clay Township Clerk Michael Pellerito said. "He's just being a stand-up guy."

Bryson said he wants to bring people back and forth to help his neighbors, not for personal profit.

"He did it as a favor to the people, to the public," said longtime resident Alice Morrison, 48.

Morrison said she was thankful Bryson was there last winter when she had strep throat and needed to get to a doctor's appointment on the mainland. She also used his services to get supplies for her family's business.

John Eidt, 61, said Bryson's service meant he could babysit his grandchildren in Trenton.

Eidt calls the $850-a-week permit absurd.

"Everyone is saying the same thing," he said. "That's what you pay taxes for," to have access to and from one's home.

Thumbing his nose at the permit fee, Bryson said he still plans to use his airboat if the ferry gets stuck. Only this time, he said, he plans to find a loophole.

"When I dropped the people off, I don't drop them off on the state land. I drop them off on the ice in front of it," Bryson said.

He acknowledged, though, that once people get off the airboat, they would need to use the DNR's North Channel site to get on the mainland. And that massive parking lot will remain gated, unlit and unplowed unless he gets the permit, the DNR said.

When asked whether he anticipated fines if he defies the DNR's mandate, Bryson said: "I'm not doing anything wrong with the state, so I won't get fined."

Morrison also is not deterred by the state's mandate.

"When there's a will, there's a way," she said. "We'll manage -- no matter how much the government or any other figure wants to keep us suppressed."

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Algonac, Clay Township, Harsens Island, Harsens Island Bridge, harsens Island Ferry, Michigan, North Channel

There is a lot of ice coming down at the ferry right now & more behind it. However our reports from the Blue Water Bridge area are that it's pretty clear up there at this moment.

Keep checking back here for updates, and plan accordingly.

related story:

Harsen's Island ferry may shut down today
By BOBBY AMPEZZAN
Times Herald

Bob Bryson, whose family has owned and operated the Harsens Island ferry, said the ferry may shut down today, and he has pledged to put his air boat into operation.

For several days last year the ferry was shut down due to ice buildup in the channel, and Bryson used his air boat to shuttle people across the ice and water. This year, however, the state Department of Natural Resources has closed the boat slip access point Bryson needs to unload his passengers.

Last week, the department offered Bryson a week-long commercial permit to use the space for a fee of $850. Air boat passengers, if they park in the lot, would pay an additional parking fee.

Bryson said today he never applied for such a permit. He said last week he had no intention of paying for such a permit.

Asked where he would drop off passenger's today, Bryson said the same place as last year: the department's boat slip.

Editors note: TTT

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Clay Township, Harsens Island, Ice Conditions, Michigan, North Channel, St. Clair County

Islanders vocal about condo site

By NICOLE GERRING
Times Herald

CLAY TWP.- The township planning commission voted 5-3 on Wednesday not to allow a special land use request with a cluster housing option on Harsens Island requested by Grande Pointe Development LLC.

The firm, managed and owned by former township resident Michael Malik, proposed building a 348-unit, 380-acre condo development on the former Boys & Girls Club property on the island.

The $170 million development would require rerouting North Channel Drive and includes plans for a marina.

Grande Pointe Development applied for the special land use consideration in March 2006.
Cluster housing groups several residential units together and leaves large open spaces between groups of units.

The commission listened to public comments on the proposal during a hearing in October. Following the meeting, the commission asked the developers to answer questions on several issues of concern to residents and commission members, such as worries about the impact of the development on local traffic patterns, Dorothy DeBoyer, commission chairwoman said.

The planning commission had to base its decision on

nine standards for a special land use consideration as stated in the township zoning ordinance, DeBoyer said.

Those standards included asking if the development would be in harmony with the existing character of the neighborhood and if it meets the general objectives of the zoning ordinance and township master plan.

Board Representative Thomas Krueger argued the development did not meet several of the nine criteria. He motioned to reject the request because he said the proposal didn't meet the third standard, which requires the general character of the area be unchanged, and the eighth standard, which requires the environment be preserved in its natural state.

Krueger and commission members Whitey Simon, Kathie Schweikart, Edward Sharrow and Earl Lines Jr. voted yes, rejecting the request.

DeBoyer, vice chairman Anthony Antkowiak and member George Lyle voted against the motion.

Krueger, who called the project "extremely invasive to Harsens Island," said the proposal to dig a basin for the boat marina and to reroute the road were two of the largest problems he had with the project.

"If they just wanted to develop it as a subdivision, I think that would be a heck of a lot more palatable to me," he said.

Company spokesman Tim Stoepker had no comment in response to the commission's decision.

Antkowiak defended his position by stating the project would boost the local economy.

"I think it was a good project and I think it would be good for the community," he said.

Island resident Frank Schoonover, 77, said he was relieved at the decision. He has owned property on the island for 50 years and raised his children there.

"It's an environmental disaster that has been avoided," he said.

DeBoyer said the developers could contest the planning commission's decision in court.

This is not the first development proposed by Malik. He and developer Fred Smith of Mount Clemens, a former co-owner of the property, proposed building a 1,348-slip boat marina there in the mid- and late 1990s. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rejected the proposal in 1996 because the developers did not submit an updated proposal.

Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Boys Club, Clay Township, Grande Pointe Development LLC, Harsens Island, Lucky 7 Development LLC, Malik, Michigan, North Channel, North Channel Re-route, St. Clair County

We are told the vote was 5 to 3 against granting a special land use request for cluster housing on the former Boys & Girls Club property on Harsens Island.

More to come...


Tags: Harsens Island, Harsen's Island Michigan,

Labels: Boys Club, Clay Township, Grande Pointe Development LLC, Harsens Island, Lucky 7 Development LLC, Malik, Michigan, North Channel Re-route

Grande Pointe Development, LLC, which is managed by former Clay Township resident and casino developer Michael J. Malik, Sr., is proposing a $170 million, 380-acre "cluster housing" development on the former Boys & Girls Club property.

Cluster housing is a type of residential development that groups several residential units together leaving large open areas between groups of units.

Plans for the development include a man made canal and lagoon, which would require rerouting North Channel Drive, adding three to five minutes of drive time for some island residents traveling to Champion's Auto Ferry.

This property is a mix of RS-1 (Rural Suburban District) and R-1 (One Family District).

According to Clay Township Zoning Ordinance 126:

The specific intent of the RS-1, Rural Suburban District is to provide open land area for orderly residential growth of a semi-rural character in areas that are presently without public sewerage facilities and are likely to remain without such services for an extended period of time; to protect and stabilize the essential characteristics of these areas in order to promote and encourage suitable environments for low density, family life; and to maintain and preserve those areas of the Township which help define the semi-rural character.

The purpose of the R-1 One Family District is to provide a stable and sound environment with suitable open space at a somewhat higher density than permitted in the other one family residential districts. This district permits the construction and occupancy of one family dwellings on relatively small size lots where public water and sewer exists or is planned. These districts will generally be located adjacent to existing concentrations of urban development or on Harsens Island.

Since the development company's plans don't fit within zoning regulations, Grande Pointe will need special approval to move forward. Applicant LUCKY 7 DEVELOPMENT LLC has requested Cluster Housing Special Land Use for proposed Site Plan titled Grand Pointe Development.

Grand Pointe Development on the agenda for tonight's Planning Commission Metting at 7:30 pm. The meeting is at 4710 Pte. Tremble, Algonac. Be there if you can!

A very thorough letter of opposition to the approval of the Cluster Housing Special Land Use request (as submitted by the developer) was posted at Citizens For Responsible Development of Harsens Island:

October 10, 2007

Clay Township Planning Commission

Re: Grande Pointe Development, Harsens Island

Cluster Housing Special Land Use request

We are opposed to the approval of the Cluster Housing Special Land Use request as submitted by the developer for the following reasons:

A. Unit Density
This property is a mix of RS-1 and R-1. The number of units shown on their cluster proposal is based on the developer’s submitted “yield plan.” The yield plan shows how many units could be put on the property if the cluster option were not granted. The developer’s yield plan shows 317 units possible as RS-1 and R-1 per zoning ordinance. The planning commission can allow a 10% bonus on the number of units under cluster housing, which is what is being asked for. 317 + 31 (10% ) = 348 units. That is the number of cluster housing units shown on the proposed cluster plan.

Problem #1 - Unusable lots shown on the yield plan.
The usability of many of the lots which are shown on the yield plan is in question. Though the area of “regulated wetland area” has been designated many of the lots being counted are still in the wetland area. In addition, some of the lots are shown to be about 80% wetland and are probably not buildable.

Problem #2 - Open land is not being provided.
The yield plan was based on the property size before new waterways are created. With the proposed waterways there is less land remaining than would be required for 317 units in RS-1 and R-1 zoning. They calculated how many units they could build according to the amount of land that exists now, then they want to take the land away and put in water and all the units which they calculated before the land was gone. The zoning ordinance Single-Family Cluster Housing, Section 18.13 paragraph 4 states “In a single-family cluster housing development, the dwelling unit density shall be no greater than if the gross land area were to be developed in the minimum square foot lot areas as required for the single family district in which the development is proposed.” Note the words “gross land area” above. Once the land is removed to create waterways they no longer have the gross land area required to build 317 units.

The newly created open common water areas will remove about 25% of the buildable site area. The largest sites are listed on the plans as generally being about 21,000square feet. Those listed site areas are also about one third under water. The result is that the largest lots have a true land area of about 14,000 square feet. That is one third of the one acre per unit intended for RS-1 zoning.

If “open water” was considered the same as “open land” then that would be fine, however, in RS-1 zoning it is not the same. The zoning ordinance RS-1, Section 5.01 says that the intent is to provide “open land area“ and “to promote and encourage suitable environments for low density, family life.“ The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines “land” as “any part of the earth’s surface not covered by a body of water.“ Open water is not “open land“ and the density of units per acre of land in the final development will not be “low density.”

As further evidence that the zoning ordinance intends for RS-1 to have “open land” and not “open water” I note that none of the other residential zoning districts in the ordinance use the term “open land area.” The others refer to “open space“ and the “qualities of the waterfront and canal properties.” The cluster plan proposed is not in harmony with the intent or wording of the ordinance for RS-1 zoning. The cluster housing plan shown might be in keeping with the ordinance if the open land was not converted to open water.

Problem #3 - The proposed sewer is not in keeping with the RS-1 district intent or wording
There is not enough land on each proposed site to provide for septic systems. The zoning ordinance Section 5.01 says that the RS-1 is intended for “areas that are presently without public sewerage facilities and are likely to remain without such services.“ Installing a public sewer allows a greater density of units than would be allowed on septic systems. The shortage of sufficient land to provide for septic systems was generated by the conversion of “open land” to “open water” as described in problem #2 above. By installing the sewer to accommodate the lack of sufficient land area for septic systems the written intent and purpose of the RS-1 district is being circumvented.

Problem #4 - The proposed development is not of semi-rural character
The zoning ordinance Section 5.01 - RS-1 district Statement of Purpose says “ to maintain and preserve those areas of the Township which help define the semi-rural character.” The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines “rural” as “of, pertaining to, or characteristic of the country“ or “pertaining to agriculture.” The development proposed is, in the developer’s own words, “a premiere residential community” of “ upscale resort homes” with “high-end aesthetics” and “ special landscape treatments.” These homes have been crowded onto sites, the largest of which is less than a third of an acre of land. Some of the residences are attached in groups of four. This development has a mix of urban and suburban characteristics. The proposal does not maintain and preserve this area with a “semi-rural character.”

This development is not in keeping with the intent or wording of unit density for the RS-1 district and should not be approved as submitted.

B. Attached Housing
The planning commission is not obligated to approve this development as submitted because it meets some or even if it meets all of the requirements of Section 18.13, Single-Family Cluster Housing. For example paragraph 3b of that section states “The attaching of single-family dwelling units, one to another, may be permitted when said homes are attached by means of one or more of the following:” It does not say “are permitted” which would require approval if in compliance. The wording “may“ in the ordinance leaves the decision of approval of attached dwelling units to the Planning Commission. Attached dwelling units are not in keeping with a “semi-rural character” and should not be approved.

C. North Channel Drive Rerouting
The request from the developer to abandon and reroute North Channel Drive was based on their contention that there is insufficient distance to provide the bridge at the current North Channel Drive location. This is a false contention and the Cluster Housing Special Land Use should not be approved as submitted.

In a presentation to the Planning Commission early on the developer’s representative stated that there was insufficient space along the current North Channel Drive to provide the needed 26 foot clearance for boats. The process proceeded based on the belief that there was insufficient space on North Channel Drive for a bridge. The developer’s representative later noted that the clearance would be 15 foot. The issue should have been revisited at that time and should have been referred to the Township’s engineering consultant to review the issue for accuracy of the developer’s claims and to investigate alternatives.

In a letter to the St. Clair County Road Commission dated February 12, 2007, Maureen H. Burke, in representing the developer stated “To accommodate the boats that will access the North Channel of the St. Clair River from the interior waterways in the development requires a clear unobstructed distance of approximately 15 feet from the surface of the water to the bottom of the bridge. To achieve the necessary height and the necessary safe roadway side slope and roadway approach incline for the bridge requires between 250 to 300 feet of horizontal distance.”

According to the submitted plans the true clearance of the bridge to be installed is less than 13 feet from the high water mark.

The stated 250 to 300 feet of horizontal distance needed on each side of the bridge is currently available within the developer’s frontage along North Channel Drive. The plans show approximately 800 feet of property frontage along the North Channel.

The reference to the “necessary safe roadway side slopes” would be of no concern even if sufficient space were not available. Side slope problems can be resolved with the proper engineering of retaining walls or free standing structures above grade.

Even if there were insufficient frontage at the current North Channel Drive location to accommodate the proposed bridge there is no excuse to locate the bridge ¾ miles away resulting in a 1.5 mile detour through the development. If North Channel Drive were relocated behind the neighboring lots on North Channel just west of the site’s frontage a bridge approach of 1200 feet on each side of the high point of the bridge could be obtained. At an approach incline of 4.98% as shown on the plans submitted, that would allow the developer to build a bridge with up to 55 foot clearance and would result in a detour for island residents of only an additional ¼ mile from their current route and would add only two traffic intersections to North Channel Drive. Rerouting North Channel Drive through the proposed development adds an additional 30 road intersections to North Channel Drive. This can’t be good for the safe travel of vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians. Sketches of this alternative route for North Channel Drive are attached.

Adding 1.5 mile travel distance to every trip to or from the ferry for the 114 residences in the North East section of the island is unnecessary. Over the years and decades ahead this would add up to literally millions of miles of additional distance, thousands of hours of time, tens of thousands of gallons of wasted fuel, and hundreds of tons of additional pollution. This rerouting as shown will place an unnecessary personal hardship and economic burden on the neighboring residents and would not be in the best interests of the health, safety and welfare of the community. There is no need for this 1.5 mile rerouting.

There could be an advantage to the developer to reroute as I described above. They would have no outside traffic within the development which would be ideal for creating a gated community more in keeping with the character of a “premiere residential community” of “upscale resort homes.”

We feel it is important for the Township to further study the proposed rerouting and to consult with an independent engineering firm on this issue.

D. Traffic Study
It is our understanding that as of a few weeks ago despite the Township’s planning consultant’s recommendation the Township has not yet contracted with an independent firm to review the developer’s submitted traffic study. The impact which this development will have on traffic flow certainly justifies retaining a consultant who understands the subject.

In Conclusion
The proposed Cluster Housing development would not be in keeping with the following zoning ordinance requirements for Special Land Use, Section 19.05, Standards for Approval.

1. “Will be in accordance with the general objectives, intent and purposes of this Ordinance.”

3. “. . . and that such a use will not change the essential character of the area in which it is proposed.”

6. “. . .and will not be detrimental to the economic welfare of the community.”

8. “Will ensure that the environment shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practicable, by minimizing tree and soil removal . . .”

If this Special Land Use were approved while not meeting the standards stated in the ordinance I fear that our tax dollars will end up being used to defend a law suit from those aggrieved members of the community who would be personally and economically adversely affected by this decision.

We request that that Planning Commission deny the request for Special Land Use Single-Family Cluster Housing.

Sincerely,

Robert Williams Susan Williams

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Grande Pointe Development LLC (Lucky 7 Development LLC) may have more in mind for Harsen's Island if they acquire all approvals for the proposed "cluster housing" community at the old Boys Club site on North Channel, Harsens Island.

Lucky Seven Development

Lucky 7 Development L.L.C. , the listed owner of the properties, is also managed by Michael J. Malik, Sr. As reported by The Verifiable Truth, Genesis of Lucky 7:

Lucky 7 Development LLC was originally formed by Denise Ilitch Lites, her then husband Jim Lites and his brother Scott Lites in mid-October 1996. Jim Lites (former Red Wings executive and the president of the Dallas Stars Hockey Club ) was married at the time to Denise Ilitch (she is the daughter of Mike and Marian Ilitch, owners of the Red Wings). That would make Scott Lites at one time Denise Ili