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

MAPLE BAY PARK & NATURAL AREA
generally dry. Paths would tie in to the pedestrian trail under US-31.
The livestock underpass below under US-31 is also located in this area,
and could be used as a pedestrian crossing during times of the year
when it is dry.
Upper Hardwood Grove. Currently this area is enrolled in the WRP
and development is limited. The current limited underbrush would be
maintained to keep this area in its current condition. “Rustic” picnic
areas would be permitted in this area. A paved trail connection from
the trailhead parking to the pedestrian underpass under US-31 would
follow the top of the bluff through the grove.
EAST SIDE
Hunting on the east
side of US-31 would be
permitted but limited to
shotgun and archery
only.
Croplands (East of Bates Road). Moderate intensity uses on these areas
consist of trail access to Petobego Marsh, a casual or occasional hunting
dog training area with a parking lot located off of Bates Road; trails
leading from the parking area to Petobego Marsh, hunting, and limited
cropland that will support wildlife. Hunting would be permitted west of
Bates Road
Croplands (West of Bates Road). In croplands east of US-31 west of
Bates, moderate intensity uses would consist of maintaining the current
agricultural activities. There is also potential for a small area west of
Bates on a high knoll that would contain a picnic area and trailhead
accessed from Bates. Hunting on the east side of US-31 would be
permitted but limited to shotgun and archery only.
Farm Buildings. Moderate intensity use for the farm buildings east of
US-31 would consist of stabilizing and preserving the barn, which can be
used as a trailhead facility. The farmhouse would be stabilized based on
a professional evaluation of the structure and cost estimate. It would be
retained for future renovation and potential use as a property care
taker’s residence. Restrooms would be installed in this area or as part of
the barn structure. The grounds would include a small gravel parking
area and access drive off US-31 to serve as the trailhead.
Wetlands. Because of the WRP restrictions, a feasible moderate
intensity use would consist of mowed trails though the areas of the
wetlands that are generally dry. An improved trail is proposed across
the wetland dike connecting Bates Road and the rustic picnic area to the
south.
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY 20 MAPLE BAY PARK AND NATURAL AREA
MASTER PLAN