Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Two-Track on Bow Lakes Property

The Bow Lakes region of the National Lakeshore is an isolated area southeast of Glen Lake and north of M-72. It is accessed off of Baatz Road or Lanham Road (not plowed in the winter). This area was added to the boundary of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the early 1980s because of the unique glacial topography including kettle bogs and lakes. Only part of this area is owned by the NPS at this time, but property will be acquired in the area on a willing-seller basis as they become available if sufficient funding is available.

This area has not been developed and visitor access is very limited due to lack of trails and parking. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with the support (volunteers and funding) of the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is planning to develop a small parking lot, loop hiking trail, and interpretive information to facilitate visitor use of the area as described in the 2009 General Management Plan.

Project team explores the bog

A steering team has begun to develop plans for the trail development. The first step will include an Environmental Assessment (E/A), which has begun. We are asking the public for scoping comments and input now and will include this information in the planning process. Alternatives and analysis of impacts will be conducted. The E/A is scheduled for release in late summer and will then be made available for further public review. At that time, we will solicit more public comment.