Tractor & Mower - We have purchased a used Case 685 farm tractor from Gillison's Implement Dealership in Benzonia. We have also ordered a new Bush Hog 8' wide mower, which will be delivered in the spring. These will be donated to the National Lakeshore to maintain the agricultural appearance of the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. Since the fields have not been farmed for many years, the brush and trees from neighboring woods is encroaching on the fields. Lakeshore staff and volunteers have been clearing brush by hand, but it would be much more effective if we can mow the fields to keep the brush and weeds down and also simulate a typical agricultural field appearance. The total cost of this project was $15,500. Special thanks goes out to Cherry Republic and several individuals for their generous contributions.

This is our new Case 685 tractor.

Bike Trailway - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SLBE) is a very popular and scenic vacation destination.  Park visitors and residents are excited about the possibility of a non-motorized multi-use trailway connecting park sites and facilities.  The idea of constructing a non-motorized trailway through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Leelanau County has evolved over a number of years with various interested parties such as SLBE, Leelanau Scenic Heritage Route (LSHR), Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, The Leelanau Conservancy, National Park Service-Rivers and Trails Program (RTCA), Traverse Area Recreational Trails, Inc. (TART), local governments, local businesses, and citizens.

The proposed 25 mile non-motorized trailway would parallel M-22 and M-109 and connect park visitor sites and facilities, including campgrounds, historic sites, beaches, trailheads, and other points of interest within the National Lakeshore.  It would also provide a non-motorized trail connection between popular park sites and the villages of Empire and Glen Arbor.  The trailway would be on public land (either MDOT ROW or National Lakeshore property), separated from the roadway where possible and would provide a safe, alternative transportation and recreational opportunity for park visitors and residents. 

The trailway Environmental Assessment and Pre-engineering Plan is wrapping up and the report is being reviewed and refined by National Park Service and will be available in this winter or the Spring of 2008 followed by public meetings.

A grant from the DOT Federal Highway Administration for $240,000 has been received by the Northwest Council of Governments to conduct the design and engineering work for the trail. This work will begin following the Environmental Assessment and initial engineering is completed.

Click for more information about the trailway.
 

The books are all available electronically (with color photos) by clicking on the links below. If you have any comments or suggestions, contact Kerry Kelly.

Farms & Cabins (7.0 MB pdf file)
Geology (2.5 MB pdf file)
Ghost Towns (5.3 MB pdf file)
Glen Haven Walking Tour (2.2 MB pdf file)
Lighthouses (2.6 MB pdf file)
Manitou Islands (3.3 MB pdf file)
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive (3.0 MB pdf file)
Port Oneida Driving Tour (3.3 MB pdf file)

The 2007 Fair is an annual event that highlights the historic and cultural background of the Lakeshore. It was sponsored by a group of 10 local organizations including the Friends.

Michigan Specialty License Plates - The Friends are working with Michigan Representative Dave Palsrok to introduce legislation to create a Sleeping Bear Dunes license plate for the state of Michigan. The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes would receive a portion of the price of the license plate which could be used to support projects in the Park.