EMPIRE, Mich. — A man in Michigan has been found guilty of tampering and vandalism after diverting a national park river to improve boat access to Lake Michigan. Andrew Howard of Frankfort was convicted Wednesday during a brief trial in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent.
In August 2022, a National Park Service ranger witnessed Howard digging with a shovel to divert the Platte River in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore into Lake Michigan, according to court filings. The diversion caused the river to create a new channel to Lake Michigan, approximately 200 feet wide, leading to an increase in the number of fishermen visiting the area.
“Within days, the natural power of the water and the constructed dam caused the river to divert and created a new channel to Lake Michigan that grew to approximately 200 feet wide,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Biksacky. “It stayed approximately that wide for the summer and fall season. There was then an influx in the number of fishermen that came to Platte River boat launch to take advantage of the favorable conditions of access created by the new channel.”
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten mentioned that Howard had a policy dispute with the National Park Service and “took matters into his own hands.” The Park Service stopped dredging the Platte River, leading to sediment and sand buildup, which reduced the ability to get boats to Lake Michigan.
There has been no comment from Howard’s attorney at this time. Howard’s actions, however, could have potentially caused ecological damage and disruption to the natural habitat of the area. It also raises questions about private citizens taking matters into their own hands in environmental policy disputes.
The conviction of Howard serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and working within the proper channels to address policy concerns. The impacts of tampering with natural waterways can have far-reaching consequences, affecting ecosystems and wildlife population. As such, it is crucial to prioritize the protection and preservation of our natural resources.