BAY MILLS TOWNSHIP RECREATION PLAN
14740 W. LAKESHORE DRIVE BRIMLEY, MI 49715 (906)437-5437
2008 – 2013
DRAFT SUBMITTED TO THE TOWNSHIP BOARD BY THE
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE ON AUGUST 8,
2008 FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT FOR 30 DAYS
FROM 8/11 TO 9/9/08 WITH ADOPTION BY THE BOARD
ON 9/10/08 AND SUBMISSION TO THE MI DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES GRANT MANAGEMENT
DIVISION PO BOX 30425 LANSING, MI, TO BE KEPT ON FILE
FOR FIVE YEARS.
REVISION OF 1981 PLAN
Bay Mills Township Recreation Plan of 2008
Table of Contents
Purpose
Page
1
Section 1: Community Description
Social Characteristics
Population
Age
Gender
Ethnic Distribution
Persons with Disabilities
Household Characteristics
Economic Levels
Employment Characteristics
Section 2: Administration Structure
2
3
4
5
Township Board
United States Forest Service
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Section 3: Recreation & Resource Inventory
Slope Interpretation
Soil Characteristics
Vegetative Cover
Bedrock Geology
Land Ownership
Existing Structural Development/Buildings
Transportation
6
7
8
Section 4: Recreation Facilities Inventory
List of all Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Facilities
9
10
11
Section 5: Description of the Public Input Process
12
Section 6: Description of Township Recreation Needs
14
Section 7: Goal and Objectives
15
Outdoor Facilities
Indoor Recreation Facilities
Section 8: Action Plan
17-19
Appendices
A. County Map of Bay Mills Township and Surrounding Area
B. Map 1 – Bay Mills Township Location Map
C. Map 2 – Bay Mills Township Transportation Network
D. Map 3 – Bay Mills Township Slope
E. Map 4A – Bay Mills Township General Soils, 4B Soils, 4B Soils Legend
F. Map 5 – Bay Mills Township Land Cover
G. Map 6 – Bay Mills Township Land Ownership
H. Map 7 – Bay Mills Township Recreation Inventory
I. Land Use Agreement USDA/USFS Seasonal Permits-Cabins on Fed Land
J. Bay Mills Township Budget for 2008/09
K. Bay Mills Parks & Recreation Committee Meetings/Agenda’s
L. Recreation Survey for Township Residents
M. Announcement of Public Meeting for Survey on Recreation Needs
N. Report to Township Board of Survey Results
O. Announcement of the Draft Recreation Plan for Public Comment
P. Announcement of the Township Board Meeting to present plan
Q. Report to Township of Compiled Public Comments/modifications
R. Agenda of Bay Mills Township Board Meeting w/ Plan Approval
S. Minutes of Bay Mills Township Board Meeting w/ Plan Approval
T. Resolution of Adoption from Bay Mills Township Board Meeting
U. USDA Forest Service Sand Clay Decision Notice regarding Bicycle Paths
V. Public Workshop Meeting Dates & Recreation Committee Participants
Bay Mills Township
Recreation Plan – 2006
This is a Draft Plan not yet board approved.
August 11, 2008
PURPOSE
The purpose of this recreation plan is to guide future recreational improvements within Bay
Mills Township. This plan will act as a guide for the continuing development and
enhancement of recreational amenities within Bay Mills Township. The Plan provides a
concise description of the Township’s plans and policies for current and future recreational
facilities and is meant to be a functioning plan that can evolve and responds to changing
conditions.
SECTION 1. COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
Bay Mills Township is located on the northern side of Chippewa County along the Lake
Superior shoreline. It runs east to west, about 24 miles in length and 2-5 miles in width. The
extreme east end (about a 3-square mile area) is separated from the main township land by
the waters of Waishkey Bay. All of the area of the township lies within the area described as
T47N and R2W-R5W.
The entire northern and eastern sides of the township are Lake Superior shoreline. The
western side borders with Whitefish Township and the southern side shares with Chippewa
and Superior Townships of Chippewa County (see map of Bay Mills Township and
surrounding areas and Map 1). The remote location and Lake Superior’s beautiful
coastline (approx. 30 miles) make the natural environments extremely appealing. West
Lakeshore Drive, Birch Point Road, Ranger Road, Salt Point Road, and 6 Mile Road are
major hard surface roads in the Township. West Lakeshore Drive runs east/west along the
entire waterfront, whereas Ranger Road runs north to south 6 miles to Raco. Salt Point Road
also runs north to south about 10 miles to Strongs.
Social Characteristics
Population
The total population of the township was 1,214 in 2000. The township had 414 persons in
1960, which remained fairly stable until 1970, whereby the population decreased in both the
County and the Region in the same decade. Since 1970, it has been increasing very rapidly
and the 1980 Census indicates that the population of the Township reached 686, which is
64.1 percent of an increase over the prior ten years. The Township continued to grow,
increasing by nearly 15 percent in 1990, and then experienced another substantial increase in
2000, of 54.3 percent. This sharp increase is the second highest following Sugar Island
Township, which increased 55.6 percent, in Chippewa County.
Concerning the Eastern Upper Peninsula Region, these two communities posted the largest
increases; the next highest increase was found in neighboring Superior Township, at 34.2
percent. This growth trend is expected to continue through the coming decade. A major
factor contributing to the growth of Bay Mills Township is the Bay Mills Indian Community,
and their four largest assets: the Bay Mills Resort and Casino; the Wild Bluff Golf Course;
the Bay Mills Community College; and the Ellen Marshall Health Center.
Page 2.
The aesthetic appeal of the area and its desirability to attract retirement age people, 55 and
older, still holds a strong appeal among this demographic group. The younger population is
decreasing while the elderly population is increasing significantly. The Native American
population of Bays Mills Township was 812 people in 2000, an increase of 279 since 1990.
It is likely that Bay Mills Township will continue to be about 3 percent of the total
population of Chippewa County. The State Demographer’s Office projects the 2010
population for Chippewa County to be 44,600. Therefore, the projected population for Bay
Mills Township for the year 2010 will be approximately 1,404.
YEAR
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010 Projection
2015 Projection
Population
309
304
414
418
686
787
1,214
1404
1737
% Diff
--1.62
36.18
0.97
64.11
14.72
54.26
15.65
23.72
Age
The median age for Bay Mills Township residents in 2000 was 33.4 years. For the Chippewa
County, the median age was 36.2 years. Over 21 percent of the township’s population was
19 and under, while 21 percent was 55 years and over. However, the largest percent (27%)
of the population is made up of persons between the ages of 35-54. Because these
individuals are the dominant age group, the recreation needs of the township should
focus on their desires. Persons under the age of 19 are also a prominent component of
the township’s population, and their needs should be addressed as well.
Age Group
Under 5
5-19
20-34
35-54
55-64
65-74
Over 75
Total
Median Age
% of Total Population
Bay Mills
Chippewa County
9.5
5.4
21.3
19.2
20.6
23.3
26.8
30.6
8.9
8.9
9.1
7.0
3.4
5.7
1,214
38,543
33.4
36.2
Page 3.
Age Characteristics - 2000
Bay Mills
O
ve
r7
5
65
-7
4
55
-6
4
35
-5
4
20
-3
4
Chippewa County
519
Un
de
r5
35
30
25
20
% of
Population 15
10
5
0
Age
Gender
The Township is divided fairly equally with regard to the sexes, 49.7 percent are male and 50.3
percent are female. This equality is found throughout all of the age groups, except below the age
of five, where there are 70 females and only 45 males.
Ethnic Distribution
The population of Bay Mills Township is rather ethnically diverse, compared to the County as a
whole. In the year of 2000, there were 546 (54%) Caucasian residents, while 624 (51.4%) were
American Indians. Other ethnic backgrounds of noted were 12 of Hispanic descent, and 1 of
Asian descent were recorded in the Township. The US Census classified 40 persons as being
multi-ethnic and five persons were unclassified.
Persons with Disabilities
According to the 2000 Census, 151 persons in Bay Mills Township had a disability. Fifteen
were under the age of 20, while 90 of them were between the ages of 21 and 64, and 46 were
over the age of 65. Bay Mills Township is making every effort possible to ensure that
recreational facilities are accessible not only to all residents of the township, but to those in
surrounding areas and visitors alike.
Page 4.
Household Characteristics
The 2000 Census recorded 485 occupied housing units in Bay Mills Township. Of these units,
82.1 percent were owner-occupied, and 17.9 percent were renter-occupied. There were 511
vacant housing units in the Township, of which 468 were used for seasonal, recreational or
occasional use (91.5%). Based on this information, the estimated peak seasonal population of
the township is 2,214, an increase of over 83 percent, the 3rd largest increase within Chippewa
County, behind only Drummond Island and Whitefish Townships.
Economic Levels
The economic base of the township is primarily recreation-oriented which has great potential for
further development. Commercial fishing, pulpwood, and a tribally owned resort, casino, and
golf course, as well as a federally owned fish hatchery are important economic factors in the
township. According to the 2000 Census, roughly 56 percent of the labor force goes out of the
township for work. Nearly 47 percent of the population drew their income from social security,
welfare and retirement benefits during the 2000 Census.
The median household income in Bay Mills Township during 2000 was $35,875, an increase of
43.1 percent over the median household income in 1990 (comparison done in 1990 dollars). The
Township had 468 households during 2000. Nearly 42 percent of the households had incomes
between $35,000 and $74,000. Approximately 34 percent of the households in the Township
had incomes below $25,000. Thirty-four families (10.1%) and 139 individuals (11.8%) were
classified during the 2000 Census as being below the poverty level.
Employment Characteristics
The 2000 Census classified 577 persons as being in the labor force. Of these individuals, 530
were employed and 47 were unemployed. There were 102 families where both parents were in
the workforce.
The unemployment rate in the Township was 5.4 % in 2000. Management, Service, Sales and
Office occupations accounted for 78.4 percent of all occupations in the Township.
Page 5.
SECTION 2: ADMINISTRATION STRUCTURE
Township Board
The Bay Mills Township Board of Supervisors is the major governing body of the Township and
consists of five members.
1. Township Supervisor
2. Township Clerk
3. Township Treasurer
4. Township Trustee
5. Township Trustee
The Parks and Recreation Committee consists of five to ten volunteer township residents that
elect a chairperson annually who is endorsed by the Township Board. Their purpose is to
develop/update a plan for public recreation and playgrounds for the Township, seek funding for
land/buildings/equipment/supplies, and implement programs. A copy of the budget for parks and
recreation is in the appendices. The Native American Reservation has its own governing body
independent of the Township.
United States Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service (District Office in St. Ignace) is responsible for planning, development
and management of about 76 percent of the township land, which is a part of the Hiawatha
National Forest. Forest management is the most important function performed, with recreation
management as the most valuable service offered to the Bay Mills Township area. Its two major
recreation facilities in Bay Mills Township are Monocle Lake Federal Campground w/ public
swimming beach & boat launch and the rustic Bay View Campground. Other facilities include
the Big Pine Picnic Area and Iroquois Point Lighthouse on Lake Superior. Also in the
development stage is a Scenic Byway beginning on the Bay Mills Reservation (including the
Spectacle Lake Overlook in Hiawatha National Forest), and extending through the township
along W. Lakeshore Drive/Curley Lewis Highway past the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s
Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery (with public beach access to Lake Superior), and past the
beautiful Narrows beach (shallow area used for swimming with a breathtaking vista of Canada),
past the North Country Trailhead, and continuing to the turn-off at M-123 to the town of
Paradise & Whitefish Point. Concerns remain for restrooms, parking, potable water, and
garbage containers for campers, fishermen, and tourists near these public access areas.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources owns some land in this township and has the
responsibility of managing the Great Lakes shoreline. The Department of Natural Resources
Waterway Division is the body directly responsible for managing the shorelines. The DNR does
not operate any recreational facility presently, but projects are in the initial planning stages and
there is interest in boat ramps and/or access areas for canoes/kayaks.
Page 6.
SECTION 3: RECREATION & RESOURCE INVENTORY
Slope Interpretation
The slope characteristics of an area help give an understanding of the drainage, erosion and
practicality of construction. Map 3 was developed using USDA’s (United States Department of
Agriculture) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey Geographic
(SSURGO) database for Chippewa County. Slope was determined by measuring horizontal
distance between contour lines and is calculated in percent. One percent slope means that there
is a rise or fall of one foot in horizontal distance of one hundred feet. To keep interpretation
simple, only five broad categories were developed: near level, 0-15, 0-35, 0-50, and 35-60. At
one point, this ridge rises to 1,090.00 feet in elevation, which is the second highest point in the
Region.
Soil Characteristics
Soils are an essential part of the area’s natural resource inventory and are important in
determining building foundation strength, effectiveness of septic tank sewage disposal, plant
fertility, erosion hazards, and drainage conditions. All of these factors are crucial in determining
the nature and extent of development that should occur within the township.
A general soils survey that was done during the 1920’s is the only reliable soils information
available for the township (Map 4A, 4B and the legend). This soils information consists of
about 50 different soil types. Most of these soils are not generally understandable; therefore,
with the close cooperation of the Soil Conservation Service each of these soils were evaluated
for their capabilities for residential and agricultural uses, and were also grouped together in
general and understandable terms like sandy soils and the remaining one-fourth has either clay
soils or mucky soils and wet course soils. The area along the waterfront is mostly sandy except
Bay Mills Point. Almost all of the clay and mucky soils have severe limitations for agricultural
use, as well as on-site sewage system. The extreme eastern end of the township, which is
separated from the main township land, also has clay soils.
Land Cover
Map 5 contains land cover information, such as forest and wetland, and open land, which
includes agricultural land. This information was taken from 1992 National Land Cover Dataset,
published by the U.S. EPA. Map 5 shows almost the entire township covered with forest.
Almost all of the existing forest is second growth. Forest is an important economic factor for the
area. Another predominant characteristic of the Township’s land cover is the abundance of
wetlands.
Page 7.
Bedrock Geology
Geological factors play a major role in land use analysis. The depth of bedrock from the
land surface is very critical for most of the land uses. Generally, it is considered that if bedrock
is within ten feet of the surface, that area is incapable for land uses like residential, commercial,
and industrial, etc., particularly where public sewer and water facilities are not available. A
geological analysis reveals that almost the entire township has very deep bedrock that has no
significant relation to the land uses. Some areas in the western side along the waterfront do have
bedrock closer to the surface; therefore, have sewer limitations for on-site sewer system and
agricultural uses.
Land Ownership
Map 6 consists of three main types of land ownership:
Public land (State of Michigan and Federal Forest)
Bay Mills Indian Community
Other land (Private, Corporate, Commercial, etc)
Out of the total 66-square mile area of the township, only 14.5 miles are under private
ownership, whereas, 50 square miles, Bay Mills Township consist of the following:
47.0 square miles of Hiawatha National Forest
0.38 square miles of State of Michigan Land
13.3 square miles of Bay Mills Indian Community
5.32 square miles of a mixed of Private, Corporate/Commercial, and other land
Existing Development (Structures)
The information of this variable was gathered through a special survey, which was conducted by
the Bay Mills Township Recreation Committee in 2002. This variable contains structural
development information that is divided into four categories:
1.) Year-round residences
2.) Seasonal homes (cabins, cottages)
3.) Public buildings (two churches, township/fire hall, and tribal community college, library,
medical center, charter school, community center/gym, senior center, and police station.
4.) Commercial/industrial buildings/businesses (fishers/fish markets, grocery stores, coffee
shop, licensed construction contractors, newspaper office, storage rental units, lodging
rentals, boat rentals, a casino, restaurants, gardeners, and wood carving, jewelry & painting
artisans.)
Most development is along the waterfront of Lake Superior. There is a mixture of year-round
residential homes, seasonal cabins, recreational land and some commercial development. Ranger
Road and Six Mile Road are two other areas that have some mixed development. The Six Mile
Road area, being closer to Sault Ste. Marie, is under the pressure of year-round residences. Most
of the shoreline, other than the public property is under heavy development pressure. Inland
lakes are also attracting new development that is mainly seasonal and recreational.
Page 8.
Transportation
Map 2 and the Bay Mills Township and Surrounding Area Map both contain road
information and displays all of the county roads within the township’s boundaries. There are no
state roads within the township. Paved Class “A” type roads include the following:
6 Mile Road - runs east and west and becomes W. Lakeshore Drive
W. Lakeshore Drive - runs east and west along the shoreline becomes Curley Lewis
Ranger Road - runs north and south between Raco and Lake Superior
Salt Point Road - run north and south between Strongs and Lake Superior
Bay Mills Point Road - runs all along the point
Birch Point Roads - loops off of 6 Mile Road
The remaining roads in the township are gravel or dirt roads that primarily follow old logging
trails.
The existing road system, its condition, and lack of shoulders, is inadequate to serve our future
needs. Particularly, 6 Mile Road/W. Lakeshore Drive, which carries most of the traffic of the
area, should be considered for improvements in width and for non-motorized traffic, and a
bicycle/walking path should also be developed.
SECTION 4: RECREATION FACILITIES INVENTORY
The entire township has both natural and developed environment, including about 27 miles of
Lake Superior shoreline that provides numerous recreation opportunities. Some important
outdoor and indoor recreation facilities located here are described below. (See Page 11 list.)
Outdoor Recreation Facilities: (see Map 7)
Bay View Campground – This campground is part of the national Hiawatha Forest and is
located along the shore of Lake Superior. It consists of 24 campsites with a rustic design. It is
27 miles west of Sault Ste Marie on W. Lakeshore Drive, six miles north of Raco (M-28) and
two miles west of Ranger Rd. (part of the Scenic Byway).
Page 9.
Monocle Lake Campground – This outdoors facility has 59 campsites and provides the public
opportunities for swimming, fishing and boat launching. It is 21 miles west of Sault Ste Marie
on W. Lakeshore Drive (part of the Scenic Byway).
Bay Mills Indian Community Riverview Campground – This campground is located on the
Bay Mills Indian Reservation behind the baseball diamond and on the shores of Lake Superior.
Picnic Areas – There are four major picnic areas in the Township: Monocle Lake Campground,
Big Pine Picnic Area, and Pendills Lake (all managed by the U.S. Forest Service), and the
Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery Friends Picnic Pavilion (managed by the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service)
Boat Launching Ramps – Although the township borders about 27 miles of scenic Lake
Superior shoreline, there are only three public boat ramps (all in need of repair or development).
Pendills Bay has one that is federally owned and used by fishermen. Access Road is a Chippewa
County Road that ends at Lake Superior, is next to the township hall and used to be a launch site.
Bay Mills Point has an undeveloped State of MI DNR launch site for small watercraft. All of
these are currently being considered for canoe/kayak access to Lake Superior. There also used to
be one at the Iroquois Point Lighthouse. There are two privately owned launch sites, one called
Chippewa Landing at the entrance to Bay Mills Point, and the other is on the reservation at the
Bay Mills Resort where the BMIC allows small boats to launch into the Back Bay of Lake
Superior.
Historic Sites – There are many historic sites in Bay Mills Township including but not limited
to: sawmills at Bay Mills Point; BMIC King’s Club Casino (1st Black Jack Casino in USA run
by an Indian Tribe); the BMIC Old Indian Burial Grounds; the Mission Hill Cemetery & Scenic
Overlook; the Iroquois Point Lighthouse; the Dollar Settlement & Cemetery; the Pendills Creek
Sawmill site donated to the USFWS for Pendills Creek Fish Hatchery; and the Naomikong Creek
Suspension Bridge on the North Country National Scenic Trail.
The North Country National Scenic Trail – This cross-country footpath stretches for about
4,400 miles linking communities, forests, and prairies across seven northern states. The trail
passes through Bay Mills Township within the Hiawatha National Forest, beginning at a
southerly axis, just east of the Salt Point Road, it continues in a winding northerly direction,
rounding past McNearney Lake and proceeding north, crossing near the Naomikong Creek, from
there it heads west along Lakeshore Drive and over to the Curley Lewis Highway, as it
approaches the Tahquamenon State Forest lands.
Page 10.
Indoor Recreation Facilities
The Bay Mills Indian Community Waishkey Center, the Bay Mills Community College West
Campus, and the Armella Parker Elder Center located on the Bay Mills Indian Reservation,
as well as the Bay Mills Township Hall are the current public buildings which can be used for
indoor recreation.
The Bay Mills Township Hall/Fire Dept is a multi-purpose building west of the Reservation
which has minimal kitchen and cooking amenities and is currently used by the:
Bay Mills Township Fire Department
Township Board for public meetings
Public non-profit group meetings (Bay Mills Homemakers, Friends of Pendills NFH)
General Public for small private social gatherings (birthday/retirement/graduation parties)
The Bay Mills Indian Community Waishkey Center across from the Bay Mills Health Center
currently houses the:
Bay Mills Tribal Police Department
Boy and Girls Kids Club (with a small kitchen)
Exercise Club (with multiple types of equipment)
Gymnasium (used by a senior exercise group & the Ojibwe Charter School students)
The Bay Mills Indian Community Armella Parker Elder Center is a large facility with a full
kitchen and huge parking area that will accommodate 100-200+ people. It is used for large
gatherings for funerals, weddings, graduations, etc. and currently houses:
Senior Bingo on Friday nights
The Bay Mills News office
The Bay Mills Community College West Campus is the old Ski Lodge and former Iroquois
Inn property that was purchased by the Bay Mills Indian Community in 2006. A new facility is
situated on 80 acres of picturesque land that borders federal lands and trails used by
snowmobiles. It is being used for the following:
Language Immersion Classes
Construction Trade Classes
Beadwork Classes
Social and Cultural Events
Experimental Gardens
Page 11.
LIST OF INDOOR/OUTDOOR RECREATION AND POINTS OF INTEREST
Note: In Bay Mills Township going west from Birch Point, Bay Mills Township is
separated by Superior Township, with Brimley and the Bay Mills Resort area in their
township, not Bay Mills Township.
Birch Point’s Round Island Observation Deck and walking trails
Bay Mills Resort, Casino & RV Campground
BMIC Wild Bluff Golf Course & Clubhouse
Bay Mills Wetlands Preserve
Bay Mills Point Boat Launch (DNR)
Chippewa Landing Resort, privately owned boat launch/store/campground
BMIC Riverview Campground on Lake Superior & Baseball Diamond
BMIC King’s Club Casino
Bay Mills Community College and Library
South Pond & Veteran’s Memorial across from Old Indian Burial Grounds
BMIC Waishkey Recreation Center/Gym
Ojibwe Charter School & playground
BMIC Old Indian Burial Grounds
BMIC Parks in tribal residential areas (hoops, tennis, ice skating)
Spectacle Lake Overview & Mission Hill Cemetery (owned by township)
ORV/Snowmobile Trails leading to Raco and Paradise
Monocle Lake Federal Campground (USDA), Boat Launch, Swimming, Hiking/Skiing
Iroquois Point Lighthouse & Boardwalk on Lake Superior (USDA Forest Service)
Captain Small’s donated land for park & recreation development on a small interior lake
Bay Mills Township/Fire Hall, next to Access Road to Lake Superior (Canoes/Kayaks)
West Campus of Bay Mills Community College, foot of old ski hill, former Iroquois Inn
Dollar Settlement Cemetery on Ranger Road (owned by township)
Big Pines Picnic Area on Lake Superior (USDA Forest Service)
Bayview Rustic Campground on Lake Superior (USDA Forest Service)
USFWS Pendills Creek Fish Hatchery w/ public restrooms open 24 hours 7 days a week
US Fish & Wildlife Service Lake Superior Beach Access & Friends Picnic Pavilion
North Country Hiking Trail, hiking thru woods/beach areas along Lake Superior
Narrows Scenic Shoreline, swimming/hiking/blueberry picking 2 miles west of hatchery
Creeks flowing into Lake Superior where sport fishermen camp in parking areas
Pendills Bay federally owned old boat launch used by commercial fishermen
Naomikong Creek Suspension Bridge on North Country National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Byway curves around the Lake Superior coastline beginning at the Bay
Mills Indian Community on W. Lakeshore Drive near Mission Hill, going west past Salt
Point Road where it becomes Curley Lewis Highway, and continuing until township ends
and highway stops at M-123.
Page 12
SECTION 5: DESCRIPTION OF THE PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS
This draft plan of August 11, 2008 is a revision of the 1981 Bay Mills Township Recreation
Plan. This revision took several years to complete for various reasons. The information in this
plan was obtained through the evaluation of township resources, public surveys, open public
meetings/discussions of the Bay Mills Township Parks and Recreation Volunteer Planning
Committee, the general public, and with the cooperation of the Bay Mills Township Board and
several other governmental entities. See appendices for meeting notices, dates, agendas, surveys,
reports, and maps.
As citizen opinion on recreation priorities is a key consideration in plan development, the
volunteer committee chose community workshops and public survey questionnaires as the best
methods to solicit public input into the Bay Mills Recreation Plan.
The EUP Regional Planning & Development Commission provided maps & survey question
samples. The Chippewa County Road Commission provided a 2008 map. Information was also
obtained from the 2000 United States Census. The Bay Mills Indian Community Historical
Research Center provided valuable input, as did the State of MI Department of Natural
Resources, and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, as well as the United
States Department of the Interior Fish & Wildlife Service.
Once developed the draft plan was submitted to the Bay Mills Township Board by the Parks &
Recreation Committee for approval to display it publicly for comment at three public locations
for 30 days. Locations for public viewing/comment included: the BMIC Library in Bay Mills
Township (next to the Bay Mills Community College), the Bayliss Public Library 541 Library
Dr. in Sault Ste Marie, and at the EUP Regional Planning & Development Commission at 524
Ashmun Street in Sault Ste Marie, as well as by appointment at the Bay Mills Township Office
on W. Lakeshore Drive by calling the township supervisor.
Public comment was summarized and used to further develop the plan. The methods used to
notify citizens of the opportunity to review and comment on the draft plan or participate in any
of the above meetings included local newspaper announcements, flyers at the township hall and
posted at various public locations, local radio stations, local cable TV public information
channel. The date and time of the Bay Mills Township Board Meeting, at which the plan will be
presented for adoption, was also announced in the local newspapers prior to the required oneweek notification. After adoption it will be submitted for approval to the MI DNR for grant
purposes.
We feel that we have used all available avenues for public contact. The responses we received
should reflect the opinions of interested citizens.
Page 13
SECTION 6:
DESCRIPTION OF TOWNSHIP RECREATION NEEDS
This section lists recreational opportunities, problems, major issues and needs within Bay Mills
Township.
1. About 27 miles of Lake Superior shoreline is one of the most under-developed
resources of the township. More specifically, the Bay Mills peninsula, which is a little more than
one mile long, protects Waishkey Bay from the more wild conditions of Lake Superior. It is a
narrow peninsula and has an unusually large amount of water frontage in proportion to its area.
The frontage on Waishkey Bay is, for the most part, protected from the ravages of storms. The
frontages on the Lake Superior side are exposed to rough treatment from the big lake.
The Bay Mills Peninsula is the most intensively developed part of the township and has a great
potential for recreational/tourism-oriented developments, provided the peninsula has adequate
public water access facilities.
Fortunately, there are several potential points that can be developed for public access to the
waters of Waishkey Bay from Bay Mills Point. These streets appear on the plat as: North
Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, Maple Street, Pine Street and Chippewa Street. Because these
streets are dedicated thoroughfares, it would require minimal effort on the part of the County
Road Commission to develop convenient access to the water.
The most important point of the Bay Mills peninsula which can be better developed as an
excellent water access for watercraft is the area known as Gretchen’s Mesoyias Plat which is
now under the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ownership. This area has
about 691 feet of the best-protected frontage on Waishkey Bay and lies between North and
Sawdust Avenues.
Waterfront areas which could be developed in Bay Mills Township include: Salt Point Road
Beach; the Narrows Scenic Beach; the Access Road next to the current Bay Mills Township
Hall; Bay Mills Point’s Gretchen’s Mesoyias Plat; Birch Point; Captain Smalls donated land for
park & recreation development on a small interior lake; the federally owned land near Pendills
Creek access to Lake Superior; and other areas in the township including the creeks used by
those fishing for smelt, trout etc. These can easily be developed for recreational purposes as
well, such as boardwalks, playgrounds, parks, picnic areas, skating, trails, boat launches, canoe
and kayak access/egress sites, bathrooms, drinking water, and trash receptacles. Such
developments can greatly improve the township’s tourist industry.
Page 14.
2. Because the whole township is tourist and recreation-oriented, there is a great need for
parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and watercraft launch sites. Such possible areas
which are conveniently located or known by local residents and tourists, are part of the
new proposed Scenic Byway, and can be developed, include:
a.) Salt Point Beach historical shipwreck area
b.) Current Township hall area & Access Road to Lake Superior or new hall area
c.) Iroquois Point Light House Historic Site
d.) Pendills Creek USFWS Hatchery area near Lake Superior
e.) Captain Small’s donated land for park & recreation development on a small
interior lake
f.) The Narrows Scenic Beach swimming area/North Country Hiking Trail
g.) Naomikong Creek, and mouth of other smelt creeks
3. Historic resources such as the Iroquois Point Lighthouse, the historic graveyards,
Bay Mills Point Mills, and Pendills Creek Mill & USFWS Hatchery are other
significant areas that could be further developed with better signs. This
information would be used for educational purposes for both tourists and locals to
preserve heritage & history, and identify flora & fauna in our area.
4. The indoor recreational facilities in the township are the Bay Mills Township Hall,
the BMIC Waishkey Center & Gym, and the BMIC Armella Parker Elder Center.
5. Playgrounds currently exist only on the Bay Mills Indian Reservation. There are
other areas in Bay Mills Township that can be developed for playgrounds & parks
with picnic areas, restroom facilities, parking, covered pavilions, boardwalks, and
access to water for watercraft & fishing. This land has many good possibilities for
recreational development for both indoor and outdoor facilities including but not
limited to: a baseball field, soccer fields, tennis courts, skating rinks, basketball
hoops, bicycle paths, a multi-activities recreation building, canoe/kayak or other
small watercraft launch and/or rental sites, swimming beaches or pools, fishing docks,
fishing ponds, etc.
Page 15
SECTION 7: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
LISTED BELOW ARE SOME TOWNSHIP GOALS:
1. Develop recreational activities for people of all ages.
2. Develop recreation projects to provide facilities for residents and tourists to
increase tourist visits and lengths of stay, and create more local employment.
3. Develop recreation and tourist facilities with the residents’ knowledge and consent.
4. Maintain the rural nature of the township, while providing adequate recreation
facilities for a rapidly increasing population.
5. Address the need for additional indoor/outdoor recreation facilities through the
acquisition of property that provides opportunities for residents and transient tourists
alike.
6. Coordinate recreation planning with the Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC),
the United States Forest Service, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, and the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources as they are significant township
resources.
Page 16
LISTED BELOW ARE SOME TOWNSHIP OBJECTIVES:
1. Indoor recreation facilities and new Bay Mills Township and Fire Hall built on newly
acquired property (hopefully thru a land swap with the US Forest Service on acreage
east of Iroquois Point Lighthouse on south side of Lakeshore Drive). This could
include new township offices with plenty of room for meetings and file storage, a
fully equipped kitchen & banquet area, attached or unattached new fire hall with
room for training, equipment storage, office, and maintenance areas, and a large
parking area. Could also build a recreation center with indoor recreation gym &
exercise area, racquetball and basketball courts, ping-pong tables, swimming pool,
and showers.
2. Appointment of a Recreation Board that would: oversee a system of public recreation
and playgrounds; acquire, equip, and maintain land, buildings and other recreational
facilities; and employ a Superintendent of Recreation and assistants.
3. Outdoor recreation facilities built including but not limited to: covered picnic areas;
baseball diamond; soccer fields; tennis courts; basketball hoops; playgrounds; RV
camp sites for rent for family reunions, watercraft launch sites, outdoor bathrooms,
outdoor showers, canoe and kayak launch sites, new and improved beach access sites,
marked trails with signage regarding flora/fauna, boardwalks, fishing piers/stocked
ponds, gazebos and benches.
4. Playgrounds/Parks/Picnic/Camping/Hiking/Boating/Skating/Skiing sites maintained,
updated or developed on currently owned or acquired township property or other
properties in the township owned by other public entities which are deemed suitable
for tourist and local interest in which the township can become a partner for grant
purposes.
5. Trails developed and/or maintained for snowmobiles, bicycles, ORV’s, hiking, and
skiing.
6. New supplies/equipment purchased for playgrounds and other recreational needs.
Note: Currently there are no playgrounds or parks on township owned property.
This is a long-range plan and a very large project to provide both indoor and
outdoor facilities.
Page 17
SECTION 8: ACTION PLAN
This section will list proposed short-term recreational developments (5 years and less) for
Bay Mills Township. This list includes projects that should be developed by using township
funds with state or federal grants. It also includes other projects that do not require local funds
but do require the assistance and expertise of other government entities (county, state, federal,
and tribal) for coordination, instigation and stimulation to develop such projects.
1. Township Hall Playground/Picnic/Parking & Canoe-Kayak Launch
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Site evaluation for development
Preparation of site
Purchase and installation of playground equipment
Purchase and installation of stationary picnic tables and grills
Seek permission for installation of watercraft launch and parking signs
Installation of outdoors bathroom, drinking fountain, and outdoor shower
Purchase or lease of vendor machines for snacks and beverages
Purchase and install outdoor garbage cans on-site.
2. Develop Easement for Pedestrian Access to Lake Superior for Monocle Lake Area
Subdivision Residents and the General Public for viewing, swimming, and walking
beach. No motorized vehicle access will be allowed.
a. Develop a plan for a stairway with rest platforms going down to Lake
Superior and a bottom section that can be folded up during winter.
b. Purchase materials and obtain labor to build/install stairway.
c. Pursue installation of a bicycle parking station near road on easement.
d. Purchase and install signs to make public aware of site and its flora/fauna.
e. Pursue installation of a covered trash can and cigarette disposal can on site.
Page 18
3. Gretchen’s Mesovias Plat Area Watercraft Launching Ramp on Bay Mills Point.
This area was acquired by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Waterways
Division) from the owner with the understanding to develop a public boat launching area.
This area is ideally located and is being used, though improvements are drastically
needed immediately. There is no signage, parking is not developed, nor is there any
lighting for safety purposes and no actual ramp is installed. However, people are using it
to launch small watercraft into the Back Bay of Lake Superior. Recent contact with the
DNR has renewed their interest in pursuing such goals for the Canoe/Kayak Launch and
Egress Site. We will continue to keep the dialogue open and encourage mutual
assistance and results by establishing a liaison between the DNR and the Bay Mills
Township Recreation Committee or Board.
4. Iroquois Point Lighthouse Site
a. Establish a liaison between the US Forest Service and the Bay Mills Township
Recreation Committee or Board to support the efforts of Superior Shore Trail
Group to establish a bicycle path (non-motorized) from Monocle Lake
Campground to Iroquois Point Lighthouse.
b. Develop a dock area for small watercraft as a safe haven.
c. Purchase and install signs identifying area as a safe haven for small
watercraft.
5. Develop other sites appropriate for Canoe/Kayak Launch and Egress.
a. Put up signage identifying launch sites to the public.
b. Advertise sites as being part of the Scenic Byway and Heritage Route.
c. Establish sites working with the State DNR, the US Forest Service, Superior
Township, the Bay Mills Indian Community, the USDA, the US Fish &
Wildlife Service, and other entities or associations. Sites could begin at Birch
Point and include the Brimley State Park, Brimley Bridge area, Bay Mills
Resort & Kings Club Casino, Bay Mills Point, Iroquois Light, Bay Mills
Township Hall, Bay View Campground & Big Pines Picnic Area, Pendills
Creek Fish Hatchery, the Narrows Scenic Beach, Pendills Bay, and on to the
Paradise State Park, and town of Paradise, up to Whitefish Point all along the
coast of Lake Superior.
Map 1 - Bay Mills Township
Location Map
LAKE SUPERIOR
O N TA R I O
CANADA
Whitefish Twp
WHITEFISH BAY
Sault Ste Marie
Soo Twp
ter
Twp
Columbus Twp
Pentland Twp
Hendricks Twp
Garfield Twp
p
Hudson Tw
Portage Twp
Chippewa Twp
D af
Hulbert Twp
Superior Twp
Lakefield Twp
Bruce Twp
Kinross Twp
Neebish Island
Chippewa County
Rudyard Twp
Trout Lake Twp
Pickford Twp
Mackinac County
ce Tw
p
Raber Twp
Clark Twp
St Ign
a
Moran Twp
Marquette Twp
Brevort Twp
Newton Twp
LAKE MICHIGAN
Twp
Bay Mills Twp
Island
Luce County
r
Suga
McMillan Twp
Detour Twp
Drummond Twp
LAKE HURON
Mackinac Island
St Ignace
Township Location
Boi
sB
l an
cT
wp
_
^
M
0
20
Miles
EUPRPDC
524 Ashmun St.
SSM, MI 49783
906.635.1581
Map 2 - Bay Mills Township
Transportation
b
R05W
b
b
R04W
R03W
b
b
R02W
R01W
WHIT EF I SH BAY
3580
36
ill
29
31
s
Pt
32
26
Rd
Bi r
33
34
c
t
hP
35
Rd
25
36
6 Mile
Old
So o
p
19
M
Soo Tw
y
30
Dr
ho
re
W
6
35
307
34 3682
25
kes
81
36
S03E
3061
Gr
Line
ad e
M 28
M 221
Superior Twp
Chippewa Twp
30
6
26 319
27
33
Ba
53
32 2 3F
3052
19
24
23
La
6 78
3
31
8
S23J
3577
Ranger Rd
36
3369
3154
6C
S0
Salt Pt Rd
3165
A
36
Rd
Re
xf
o
3156M
3159
3
87
S22J
5
30 4
Dr
or
e
sh
ke
La
W
Whitefish Twp
Gravel Pit Rd
3687
7
35
S0
3059
3 02 1
S05C
3684A
Sault Ste Marie
13
18
Bay Mills Twp
28
4B
3700
S
31
22
21
3699
S25I
34
22F 35
3151
58
S07B
S0 8
A
29
30
W Pendills Lake Rd
3181
14
15
30
33
S0 8 D
26
3183
3182
4
25
W Chartrand Rd
Pendills Lake
3084A
F 3184
3675
32
W Shields Rd
S0 5
12
11
Monocle Lake
3677
31
23
72
19
315 2
36
34
24
W Tower Rd
S
6
694
95
20
3 0 89
8
315
Pendills Creek
36
3684C
5
16 3033
36
35
3492
rd
4
Rd
28
3 0 2227
308
ake
29
H3
S0 7
3157
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34
498
30
k
36
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Cr
Legend
rne
y
33
McNearney Lake
26
3
40 15
6F
Ln M
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W Ma ple
a
32
27
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FH
B 17
S02
A
28
3493
25
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re
Dr
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S09A
da
29
21
lfa
ra
19
Cree
G
24
23
Ha
30
ry
22
34
Av
e
20
13
14
t
Gran
n
3160
31
15
32
19
rd
so
s
ke
La
ha
18
368
S0 2
16
17
W
ic
y
18
R
Hw
14
18
L e w is
32
W
Cur ley
10
9
9
Dafter Twp
LAKES
RIVERS
SECTIONS
Bay Mills Township
Roads
Kinross Twp
TWO-TRACK
STATE TRUNKLINE
COUNTY PRIMARY
COUNTY LOCAL
FEDERAL FOREST ROADS
0
Miles
10
M
EUPRPDC
524 Ashmun St
SSM, MI 49783
906.635.1581
Map 3 - Bay Mills Township
Slope
10
31
s
Pt
30
Dr
ho
re
La
ill
29
26
Rd
32
Bi r
33
Bay Mills Township
0-35 - Hilly
31
34
c
t
hP
Rd
35
6 Mile
25
36
S
Old
Soo Twp
3678
3681
8
36
S23J
3577
Ranger Rd
3369
3154
6C
S0
3165
A
36
87
S22J
3159
Rd
Salt Pt Rd
sh
W
La
ke
3156M
Re
xf
o
Dr
or
e
Gravel Pit Rd
Whitefish Twp
3580
36
M
M 221
0-15 - Rolling
r
ine G
oo L
ad e
M 28
Dafter Twp
0-50 - Steep
Kinross Twp
35-60 - Very Steep
STATE TRUNKLINE
COUNTY PRIMARY
FEDERAL FOREST ROADS
25
3021
S25I
SECTIONS
COUNTY LOCAL
6
26 319
35
y
30
3061
34
Ba
19
58
33
32 2 3F
30
31
3052
3677
36
8
B
2
3687
7
35
4
S0
27
28
368
F
S22 35
S05C
3675
34
30
29
19
24
23
SLOPE %
near level
TWO-TRACK
W Chartrand Rd
4B
13
3059
22
21
3181
3699
18
3151
Superior Twp
RIVERS
Roads
S07B
S0 8
A
25
W Pendills Lake Rd
3182
S
LAKES
S0 8 D
20
C
357 8
Legend
33
32
Chippewa Twp
26
3684C
19
W Shields Rd
Pendills Lake
3084A
24
3684
31
6
Pendills Creek
96
14
3700
A
rd
3
27
23
2
47
36
3 0 89
15
W Tower Rd
F 3184
S0 5
3183
12
11
Monocle Lake
5
16 3033
17
S0 2
36
-42
FH
B
S02
4D
36 8
3492
315
29
28
2
02
3
95
4
35
Dr
308
Rd
re
36
4
369
S0 7H22
3157
ake
45
30
yL
34
98
34
30
k
McNearney Lake
3
0 3156
64
ee
Cr
rne
y
33
26
F
Ln M
cN e
W M a ple
a
32
27
k
28
29
3 49 4
3493
25
S09A
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Cree
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19
da
3496
ra
3150
24
lfa
31
G
23
Ha
30
ry
18
t
Gran
Av
e
22
34
3160
21
20
32
19
n
13
14
s
ke
La
rd
so
15
W
ha
18
ic
16
17
14
R
18
wy
368
32
W
L ew is H
9
3152
Cur ley
b
R01W
kes
9
8
W
WHIT EF I SH BAY
b
R02W
6
b
R03W
307
b
R04W
53
b
R05W
Miles
8
0
1 in = 2 miles
M
EUPRPDC
524 Ashmun St
SSM, MI 49783
906.635.1581
Map 4a - Bay Mills Township
Soils
10
31
s
Pt
32
GOGOMAIN-PICKFORD-BISCUIT (MI154)
Bay Mills Township
ROUSSEAU-KALKASKA-ONTONAGON (MI134)
33
34
c
t
hP
Rd
35
6 Mile
25
36
S
Old
r
ine G
oo L
ad e
M 28
Dafter Twp
RUBICON-CROSWELL-AU GRES (MI127)
Kinross Twp
RUBICON-ROUSSEAU-GUARDLAKE (MI162)
STATE TRUNKLINE
COUNTY PRIMARY
FEDERAL FOREST ROADS
Bi r
M 221
SECTIONS
COUNTY LOCAL
26
Rd
31
3580
36
ill
29
30
Dr
ho
re
La
35
34
M
Soo Twp
3678
3681
8
36
S23J
3577
Ranger Rd
3369
3154
6C
S0
3165
A
36
87
S22J
3159
Rd
Salt Pt Rd
sh
W
La
ke
3156M
Re
xf
o
Dr
or
e
Gravel Pit Rd
3061
19
25
3021
Whitefish Twp
3700
6
26 319
S25I
33
32 2 3F
58
3052
y
30
Soil Name
DAWSON-MARKEY-CARBONDALE (MI203)
TWO-TRACK
31
8
B
Ba
Superior Twp
RIVERS
Roads
36
7
35
4
S0
27
28
19
24
23
30
3687
S05C
3677
F
S22 35
34
30
29
2
S07B
S0 8
A
W Chartrand Rd
4B
13
3059
22
21
3181
368
S0 8 D
25
W Pendills Lake Rd
3182
S
33
32
20
3699
18
3151
3675
26
3684C
19
W Shields Rd
Pendills Lake
3084A
24
C
357 8
31
Pendills Creek
96
3684
LAKES
14
A
rd
3
27
23
2
47
36
Chippewa Twp
Legend
3 0 89
15
W Tower Rd
F 3184
S0 5
3183
12
11
Monocle Lake
5
16 3033
17
S0 2
36
-42
FH
B
S0 2
4D
36 8
6
29
28
2
02
95
4
3492
315
r
3
308
35
eD
36
4
369
S 07 H22
3157
Rd
s
ke
ake
45
30
yL
34
98
34
30
k
McNearney Lake
3
0 3156
64
ee
Cr
rne
y
33
26
F
Ln M
cN e
W M a p le
a
32
27
k
28
29
3494
3493
25
S09A
ho
r
Cree
de
19
da
3496
ra
3150
24
lfa
31
G
22
23
Ha
30
ry
18
t
Gran
Av
e
34
3160
21
20
32
19
n
13
14
La
rd
so
15
W
ha
18
ic
16
17
14
R
18
wy
368
32
W
L ew is H
9
3152
C ur ley
b
R01W
kes
9
8
W
WHIT EF I SH BAY
b
R02W
6
b
R03W
307
b
R04W
53
b
R05W
Miles
8
0
1 in = 2 miles
M
EUPRPDC
524 Ashmun St
SSM, MI 49783
906.635.1581
Map 4b - Bay Mills Township
Soils
10
31
s
Pt
26
Rd
32
Bi r
33
34
31
3580
36
ill
29
30
Dr
ho
re
La
35
M
M 221
Superior Twp
c
t
hP
Rd
35
6 Mile
25
36
S
Old
Soo Twp
3678
3681
8
36
S23J
3577
Ranger Rd
3369
3154
6C
S0
3165
A
87
S22J
36
Rd
W
Salt Pt Rd
3159
sh
La
ke
3156M
Re
xf
o
Dr
or
e
Gravel Pit Rd
3061
34
y
19
33
32 2 3F
25
3021
31
3052
Ba
30
6
26 319
S25I
Chippewa Twp
36
8
B
58
3687
7
35
4
S0
27
28
19
24
23
30
F
S22 35
S05C
3677
34
30
29
2
S07B
S0 8
A
W Chartrand Rd
4B
13
3059
22
21
3181
368
S0 8 D
25
W Pendills Lake Rd
3182
S
33
32
20
3675
26
3684C
19
W Shields Rd
Pendills Lake
3084A
24
C
357 8
31
Pendills Creek
96
3684
rd
3
27
23
2
47
36
3699
18
3151
A
Whitefish Twp
14
3700
3 0 89
15
W Tower Rd
F 3184
S0 5
3183
12
11
Monocle Lake
5
16 3033
17
S0 2
36
-42
FH
B
S0 2
4D
36 8
6
29
28
2
02
95
4
3492
315
r
3
308
35
eD
36
4
369
S 07 H22
3157
Rd
s
ke
ake
45
30
yL
34
98
34
30
k
McNearney Lake
3
0 3156
64
ee
Cr
rne
y
33
26
F
Ln M
cN e
W M a p le
a
32
27
k
28
29
3494
3493
25
S09A
ho
r
Cree
de
19
da
3496
ra
3150
24
lfa
31
G
22
23
Ha
30
ry
18
t
Gran
Av
e
34
3160
21
20
32
19
n
13
14
La
rd
so
15
W
ha
18
ic
16
17
14
R
18
wy
368
32
W
L ew is H
9
3152
C ur ley
b
R01W
kes
9
8
W
WHIT EF I SH BAY
b
R02W
6
b
R03W
307
b
R04W
53
b
R05W
r
ine G
oo L
ad e
M 28
Legend
Dafter Twp
LAKES
RIVERS
SECTIONS
Bay Mills Township
Roads
Kinross Twp
TWO-TRACK
STATE TRUNKLINE
COUNTY PRIMARY
COUNTY LOCAL
FEDERAL FOREST ROADS
Miles
8
0
1 in = 2 miles
M
EUPRPDC
524 Ashmun St
SSM, MI 49783
906.635.1581
Map 4b Soils
Legend
Soil Description
Alcona loamy very fine sand
Halfaday sand
Pickford silty clay loam
Allendale loamy fine sand
Histosols and Aquents, ponded
Pinconning mucky loamy sand
Allendale-Croswell complex
Ingalls loamy sand
Pits, sand and gravel
Allendale-Fibre complex
Ingalls-Halfaday complex
Roscommon muck
Au Gres sand
Kalkaska sand
Rousseau fine sand, moderately wet
Au Gres-Dawson-Rubicon complex
Kalkaska-Manistee sands
Rousseau, dark subsoil-Alcona complex
Biscuit very fine sandy loam
Kalkaska-Ocqueoc complex
Rubicon sand
Croswell sand
Kinross muck
Rudyard silty clay loam
Croswell-Au Gres sands
Kinross-Au Gres complex
Rudyard-Allendale complex
Dawson and Loxley peats
Kinross-Wainola complex
Sugar very fine sandy loam
Deer Park fine sand
Liminga fine sand
Superior fine sandy loam
Deer Park-Kinross complex
Manistee sand
Udipsamments and Udorthents
Entisols, flooded
Markey and Carbondale mucks
Wainola fine sand
Ermatinger silt loam
Markey-Kinross-Au Gres complex
Wainola-Kinross-Rousseau complex
Gaastra silt loam
Ontonagon silt loam
Waiska sandy loam
Gaastra-Gogomain-Ingalls complex
Ontonagon-Pickford complex
Water
Gogomain very fine sandy loam
Pence loamy sand
Wega very fine sandy loam
Map 5 - Bay Mills Township
Land Use
10
31
s
Pt
32
Land Cover
SECTIONS
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL/TRANSPORTATION
Bay Mills Township
HIGH INTENSITY RESIDENTIAL
Bi r
33
M 221
Superior Twp
OPEN WATER
26
Rd
34
31
3580
36
ill
29
30
Dr
ho
re
La
35
M
QUARRIES/STRIP MINES/GRAVEL PITS
STATE TRUNKLINE
TRANSITIONAL
COUNTY PRIMARY
DECIDUOUS FOREST
COUNTY LOCAL
EVERGREEN FOREST
FEDERAL FOREST ROADS
MIXED FOREST
Kinross Twp
WETLANDS
ROW CROPS
35
6 Mile
25
36
S
Old
r
ine G
oo L
Dafter Twp
GRASSLANDS
PASTURE/HAY
Rd
M 28
BARE ROCK/SAND/CLAY
TWO-TRACK
c
t
hP
Soo Twp
3678
3681
8
36
S23J
3577
Ranger Rd
3369
3154
6C
S0
3165
A
87
S22J
36
Rd
W
Salt Pt Rd
3159
sh
La
ke
3156M
Re
xf
o
Dr
or
e
Gravel Pit Rd
Whitefish Twp
3061
34
y
19
25
3021
33
32 2 3F
Ba
30
6
26 319
S25I
31
3052
58
36
8
B
30
3687
7
35
4
S0
2
F
S22 35
S05C
19
24
23
27
28
368
34
30
29
3677
W Chartrand Rd
4B
13
3059
22
21
3181
3699
18
3151
3675
25
W Pendills Lake Rd
3182
S
S07B
S0 8
A
20
C
357 8
S0 8 D
3684C
19
3684
33
32
24
3700
14
A
26
3084A
96
W Shields Rd
Pendills Lake
RIVERS
Roads
3 0 89
15
W Tower Rd
F 3184
S0 5
3183
12
11
Monocle Lake
5
16 3033
17
S0 2
31
6
Pendills Creek
23
2
47
36
Chippewa Twp
LAKES
-42
FH
B
S0 2
4D
36 8
36
rd
3
27
95
4
3492
315
28
2
02
3
308
35
r
29
36
4
369
S 07 H22
3157
Rd
s
ke
ake
45
30
yL
34
98
34
eD
30
k
McNearney Lake
3
0 3156
64
ee
Cr
rne
y
Legend
33
26
F
Ln M
cN e
W M a p le
a
32
27
k
28
29
3494
3493
25
S09A
ho
r
Cree
de
19
da
3496
ra
3150
24
lfa
31
G
22
23
Ha
30
ry
18
t
Gran
Av
e
34
3160
21
20
32
19
n
13
14
La
rd
so
15
W
ha
18
ic
16
17
14
R
18
wy
368
32
W
L ew is H
9
3152
C ur ley
b
R01W
kes
9
8
W
WHIT EF I SH BAY
b
R02W
6
b
R03W
307
b
R04W
53
b
R05W
Miles
8
0
1 in = 2 miles
M
EUPRPDC
524 Ashmun St
SSM, MI 49783
906.635.1581
ad e
Map 6 - Bay Mills Township
Land Ownership
10
31
s
Pt
32
33
M 221
Bay Mills Reservation/Trust
Bay Mills Township
National Forest
34
c
t
hP
Rd
35
6 Mile
25
36
S
Old
r
ine G
oo L
ad e
M 28
Dafter Twp
State of Michigan
Kinross Twp
Other (Private, Corporate/Commercial,etc)
STATE TRUNKLINE
COUNTY PRIMARY
FEDERAL FOREST ROADS
Bi r
Land Ownership
SECTIONS
COUNTY LOCAL
26
Rd
31
3580
36
ill
29
30
Dr
ho
re
La
35
34
M
Soo Twp
3678
3681
8
36
S23J
3577
Ranger Rd
3369
3154
6C
S0
3165
A
87
S22J
36
Rd
3159
W
Salt Pt Rd
sh
La
ke
3156M
Re
xf
o
Dr
or
e
Gravel Pit Rd
3061
19
25
3021
Whitefish Twp
3700
33
32 2 3F
y
30
6
26 319
S25I
31
3052
Ba
Superior Twp
Bay Mills Fee
TWO-TRACK
36
8
B
58
3687
7
35
4
S0
30
F
S22 35
S05C
19
24
23
27
28
2
34
30
29
368
S07B
S0 8
A
W Chartrand Rd
4B
13
3059
22
21
S
S0 8 D
25
W Pendills Lake Rd
3182
3181
C
357 8
33
32
20
3677
26
3684C
19
W Shields Rd
Pendills Lake
3084A
24
3699
18
3151
3675
Pendills Creek
96
3684
31
6
RIVERS
Roads
14
A
LAKES
3 0 89
15
W Tower Rd
F 3184
S0 5
3183
12
11
Monocle Lake
5
16 3033
17
S0 2
rd
3
27
23
2
47
36
Chippewa Twp
Legend
-42
FH
B
S0 2
4D
36 8
36
29
28
2
02
95
4
3492
315
r
3
308
35
eD
36
4
369
S 07 H22
3157
Rd
s
ke
ake
45
30
yL
34
98
34
30
k
McNearney Lake
3
0 3156
64
ee
Cr
rne
y
33
26
F
Ln M
cN e
W M a p le
a
32
27
k
28
29
3494
3493
25
S09A
ho
r
Cree
de
19
da
3496
ra
3150
24
lfa
31
G
22
23
Ha
30
ry
18
t
Gran
Av
e
34
3160
21
20
32
19
n
13
14
La
rd
so
15
W
ha
18
ic
16
17
14
R
18
wy
368
32
W
L ew is H
9
3152
C ur ley
b
R01W
kes
9
8
W
WHIT EF I SH BAY
b
R02W
6
b
R03W
307
b
R04W
53
b
R05W
Miles
8
0
1 in = 2 miles
M
EUPRPDC
524 Ashmun St
SSM, MI 49783
906.635.1581
Map 7 - Bay Mills Township
Recreation Inventory
b
R03W
Pendills Bay
18
57
!
!
24
Dr
D
35
D D D
3580
ho
re
La
36
M
ill
29
kes
25
31
W
6
26 319
3061
34
!
!!
!!
05
!
s
Pt
30
19
0809
12
070B6
11
10 ay
30
6
33
18
24
307
32 2 3 F
D
D D
3052
!
D
3678
28
D3153
8
36
S23J
3577
3369
3154
S0
6C
Ranger Rd
W
3165
A
36
Salt Pt Rd
3159
Rd
Re
xf
o
Dr
La
ke
3156M
D
D
or
e
sh
D
87
S22J
D
D
DD
D
D
D D DD
Gravel Pit Rd
D D D D D D
27
29
05
!
19
Whitefish Twp
30
13
1328
!
!
3021
3687
31
S0
4B
3700
A
36
3181
23
22
21
3699
14
S25I
S0 8
F
S22 35
78
15
!
3059
58
S0 8 D
S07B
34
35
3182
2
32
20
!
W Pendills Lake Rd
S05C
30
29
3183
368
33
W Chartrand Rd
4B
3151
30
26
3084A
W Shields Rd
25
Pendills Lake
20
14
3677
Pendills Creek
3684C
19
3 0 89
15
3675
6
06
12
Monocle Lake
315 2
rd
24
C
357 8
31
07
1110
16
!
11
F 3184
D D D D D D SDD
!
!
!
34
36
3684
29
26
24
23
28
!
22
30
27
23
72
96
21
!
4D
r
95
4
36
eD
22
4
369
S0 7H22
36
308
315
ho
r
3157
3492
8
45
30
35
349
30
k
d
k
9C
eR
36
31 5
6
40
ee
Cr
L ak
Cree
315
McNearney Lake
34
26
y
33
a rn
ey
27
F
32
Ln M
cN e
S09A
da
W M a p le
28
25
lfa
3496
94
34
29
3493
de
21
19
Ha
ra
24
10
W Tower Rd
S0 5
36 8
G
25
!
23
t
Gran
y
22
34
D
30
31
20
32
er
D
3160
D
D n Av
19
13
14
15
18
17
!
!
5
16 3033
17
A
rd
so
18
-42
FH
B
S02
S0 2
DD
y
s
ke
La
ha
16
W
ic
w
L ew is H
368
18
R
Cur ley
19
!
9
14
18
2
32
W
17
19
10
WHIT EF I SH BAY
9
8
27
!
3022B
3681
S0 8
F
FH
-4
17
BMIC
!!!
!
!!!
25
C
28
31
29
Township Hall Area
S0 7
!!
24
23
!
FH-42
b
R01W
08
0912
D
26
b
R02W
26
Rd
04
!
Bi r
32
33
02
!
03
!
34
c
t
hP
Rd
35
6 Mile
25
01
!
36
Soo Twp
b
R04W
D
b
R05W
So o
Old Grade
Line
D
D D
Inventory
01
Legend
D D
Chippewa Twp
Snowmobile Trails
North Country Trail
02
Land Ownership
Bay Mills Fee
Bay Mills Reservation/Trust
Lakes
National Forest
Rivers
State of Michigan
Sections
Other (Private, Corporate/Commercial,etc)
04
05
Bay Mills Resort
11
Ojibway Charter School & Playground
BMIC Old Indian Burial Ground
13
BMIC Wild Bluff Golf Course
BMIC Parks in residential areas
14
Bay Mills Point Boat Launch (DNR)
Spectacle Lake Overview & Mission Hill Cemetery
15
Chippewa Landing Resort
Monocle Lake NFC
16
06
BMIC Riverview Campground
07
Iroquois Point Lighthouse
17
BMIC Kings Club Casino
08
09
!
!
Superior Twp
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
12
03
BMIC Wetland Preserve
Roads
Birch Point's Round Island Observation Deck
Captain Small's donated land
18
Bay Mills Comm. College
Bay Mills Township/Fire Hall
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
21
Big Pine Picnic Area
22
Bay View NFC
23
M 221
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
USFWS Pendills Creek Fish Hatchery
24
USFWS Lake Superior Beach Access
M 28
25
Narrows Scenic Shoreline
26
27
Pendills Bay Boat Launch
Naomikong Creek Suspension Bridge
Dafter Twp
28
BMIC Armella Parker Elder Center
19
South Pond & Vet's Memorial
10
BMIC Waishkey Recreation Center
Bay Mills Comm. College West Campus
20
Dollar Settlement Cemetery
Two-Track
State Trunkline
Kinross Twp
County Primary
County Local
Federal Forest Roads
0
1 in = 2 miles
Miles
8
M
EUPRPDC
524 Ashmun St
SSM, MI 49783
906.635.1581