Ribbon Cutting

This morning a group of 50 area residents and Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials gathered at Rockport to dedicate the state's newest Recreation Area.  Rockport is a former on-loading point for limestone, located off US-23 between Presque Isle and Alpena.  After the quarry closed, the land was acquired by the State and will now serve as hub for linked management of Negwegon and Thompson's Harbor State Parks, part of Middle Island in Lake Huron, Rockport, and Besser Natural Area in Presque Isle Township.

The 10:00 a.m. ceremony didn't get in gear until about 11:00!  For the first hour the crowd chatted amiably about the new Recreation Area and chewed hungrily on DNR-provided doughnuts, bagels, and fruit.  I used the time to check out displays and talk with an aquatic archaeologist who works with the NOAA's Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary in Alpena.  He discussed current plans to expand the Sanctuary along Presque Isle's shore.  The present Sanctuary, which encloses about 450 square miles, embraces an estimated 140 ship wreck sites!  Scores more are off Presque Isle — outside the Sanctuary as currently configured.  These are mostly in deep water (scuba gear needed), but some are in shallow water (visible to snorkelers).  With expansion of the Sanctuary, Presque Isle could become a world class diving destination.

Attendees talk before the ceremony begins.

Most Rockport sinkholes are located in Presque Isle Township.

The recreation area will offer a variety of activities for visitors,
from geology to trails and camping facilities for equestrians.

The Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary will become
a major player in the facility's educational work.

The program finally got underway, with Presque Isle Township Supervisor Patrick Pokorski serving as master of ceremonies (Patrick seems to be involved in just about everything!).  The keynote speaker was Ron Olson, Chief of MDNR's Parks and Recreation Division.  He stressed the important role played in this development by support groups drawn from the local community.

Planning for the Recreation Area got off to a rocky start in 2006.  Local residents were afraid that "big government" would restrict how people could use the area's land and waters.  "Friends of" groups were organized to smooth out feelings, keep the process moving forward, and now to provide "hands on" work in the Recreation Area.

Finally, after numerous thank you's and much talk about state government working with the people, the drape was pulled from the new park sign and Rockport Recreation Area was officially open for business.  Tomorrow visitors will be treated to a variety of activities at Rockport and Besser Natural Area.  I plan to do the geology tour.

Ron Olson spoke at length about the facility's development.

Patrick Pokorski introduced various DNR officials.

Attendees listened intently as the ceremony unfolded.

And finally, the big moment!  Eric Ostrander, Supervisor for
Rockport Recreation Area, unveiled the facility's new sign.

About the only thing lacking in this morning's ribbon cutting was... a ribbon!  No ribbon was evident at any point in the proceedings.  Maybe "big government" forgot to bring one along!

Meanwhile, at home, something has been eating my ornamentals.  Last fall I planted asiatic lilies which were kindly given me by Nancy and Jim as a housewarming gift.  They grew nicely this spring, but now the tops have been chewed off most of them (deer, perhaps?), and it appears that some kind of worm has attacked the two lily blossoms which managed to emerge.  Whatever is doing this has also been chewing up my day lilies and some herbs planted near the front entrance.

An asiatic lily, eaten up by a hungry critter...

...which also seems to have a taste for daylilies.
That's odd.  Hardly anything has a taste for daylilies!

Nancy isn't sure what might be attacking the lilies, so I will call the local extension agent.  I hate the idea of using insecticide, but that may be the only cure for this. •••