maple bay park & natural area - Grand Traverse Regional Land ...

MAPLE BAY PARK & NATURAL AREA
Upper Wetlands. Much of this area is enrolled in the WRP. Therefore,
low intensity use of the wetlands consists of leaving the site in its current
condition. Hunting would be permitted north of the current hunting
boundary.
EAST SIDE
Upper Hardwood Grove. This area is currently characterized by old
hardwoods with limited underbrush. A low intensity use for this area
would consist of leaving the site as-is and letting the underbrush grow
back in, which would be compatible with its WRP designation.
Hunting would continue to be permitted in this location.
East Croplands (East of Bates Road). Low intensity uses for the
croplands east of Bates Road consist of leaving the site in its current
condition and maintaining agricultural activities. Hunting would be
permitted in this area. Hunting would be permitted north of the
current hunting boundary.
East Croplands (West of Bates Road). The lowest
intensity use for the west croplands would consist of
ceasing agricultural production and letting the land revert
back to its most natural state of a northern Michigan
prairie or field grasses.
Plan recommendations present several
options for uses in the agricultural areas
East Farm Buildings. The east side of US-31 contains a
farm house and old barn that have deteriorated over time.
The low intensity use of these structures would consist of
razing them and letting the native vegetation reclaim the
area. The newer pole barn would be retained as a service
building for the park.
East Farmstead Area. The mowed area near the
buildings would be maintained as an entry point from
US-31 to the east half of the park, a trailhead, and a
picnic area.
East Wetlands. Much of this area is enrolled in the
WRP. Therefore, low intensity use of the wetlands
consists of leaving the site in its current condition.
Hunting would be permitted in these areas.
Wetland areas are home to a variety of
wildlife
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY 16 MAPLE BAY PARK AND NATURAL AREA
MASTER PLAN