KEWEENAW COUNTY, MI-- The Department of Natural Resources says storms and high water levels are counteracting dredging efforts at Grand Traverse Harbor in Keweenaw County.
Stamp sands created by area copper mills 100 years ago moved south along the shoreline and now threaten fish spawning habitat at Buffalo Reef. Several agencies came together last winter to remove the sands from Grand Traverse Harbor and part of the beach. But officials say lake currents, waves, and powerful storms continue to push the sand back into the harbor, which threatens juvenile whitefish habitat. Whitefish are the biggest economic driver for Buffalo Reef.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is funding current efforts to push back the stamp sands. The KBIC and DNR are seeking funding to truck stamp sand this winter from the harbor to a permitted placement site about four miles to the north. That would make room to store stamp sand that is expected to accumulate at the harbor in 2021.
