Stephen M. Clem, Chairman July 12, 2006
Leland Twp. Planning Commission
112 Phillips St.
Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
Leelanau Narrows
For decades the Leelanau Narrows has been a particularly valued birding place in
winter, especially at the time of the Leelanau Christmas Bird Count. This is so
because the Narrows is one of the last places in the Lake Leelanau watershed to freeze
over each winter. Consequently it is the place where substantial numbers of
waterfowl tend to gather and forage for food. It is reasonable to assume that any
building of docks or other boating facilities in The Narrows would diminish necessary
and valued habitat that presently sustains these birds at this crucial time of year.
The Grand Traverse Audubon Club would hope that these factors would be taken
into consideration when determining the appropriateness of actions that would be
detrimental to maintaining the biodiversity that is an important part of our quality of
life in this area of the northwestern lower peninsula of Michigan.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindee Dubey
President – Grand Traverse Audubon Club
Bob Carstens
Vice-president – Environment