Letter: Copper Country Audubon comments on seaplane project

An eagle is seen here on its nest, which is located near the site of a projected seaplane charter business -- at Portage Point (the former Onigaming property) in Portage Township. (Photo © Susan Schwenk and courtesy Copper Country Audubon)

[Editor's Note: This letter was addressed to Portage Township Board Chair Bruce Petersen, Portage Township Zoning Administrator John Ollila and members of the Portage Township Board. It is reprinted here with permission.]*

8 January 2022

Dear Mr. Petersen, Mr. Ollila and Portage Township Board,

It has come to our attention that a developer wants to create a seaplane hanger and service station near the mouth of the Pilgrim River south of Houghton where there is an active eagle nest....This would undoubtedly not be good for the eagles and other wildlife in this area.

The mouth of the Pilgrim River and its wetlands is a rich wildlife area. Nearby are Nara Nature Trail boardwalks along each side of the Pilgrim River. Many people use this area for bird watching and nature observation. Sandhill Cranes, Northern Harriers (Marsh Hawk), Trumpeter Swans and numerous migrating waterfowl frequent the mouth of the Pilgrim River and adjacent Portage Lake shoreline.

The presence of a seaplane operation would be an obvious disturbance to wildlife. The acoustic impact on both wildlife and humans wanting to enjoy the Nara trails would be quite negative. Copper Country Audubon feels the area should be protected to the fullest extent for the benefit of birds and other wildlife.

Thank you for your consideration of these concerns.

Sincerely,

Dana Richter, President
Copper Country Audubon
Houghton, Michigan

*See also the Letter to the Editor titled "Should seaplane move be OK?" by Camiel and Anne Marie Thorrez, Pilgrim Point neighbors, published in The Daily Mining Gazette on Feb. 23, 2022. In addition, see "Status of B-2/Seaplane Process," posted January 28, 2022, on the Portage Township Web site.