CHARLEVOIX COUNTY RECREATION PLAN 2009 â 2013
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY RECREATION PLAN 2009 – 2013
Adopted by the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners October 28, 2009
Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….. 1 County Description………………………………………………………………………..2 Regional Setting…………………………………………………….……………. 2 Social Characteristics……………………………………………………………. 3 Physical Characteristics…………………………………………………………. 15 Soils, Topography and Hydrology…………………………………....... 15 Climate…………………………………………………………………..... 18 Flora and Fauna……………………………………………................... 19 Land Use Patterns……………………………………………………….. 20 Transportation…………………………………………..…………….….. 22 Zoning………………………………………………………..………….... 23 Community Administrative Structure……………………………………………..….... 24 Organizational Structure and Staff Description……………………………….. 24 Role of Commissions and Advisory Boards………………………………....... 24 Policies and Procedures………………………………………………………… 25 Current Funding Sources……………………………………………………….. 26 Parks & Recreation Budget…………………………………………..…………. 27 Projected Parks & Recreation Budget…………………………….….……….. 28 Relationship with Other Agencies……………………………………………… 29 Recreation Inventory…………………………………………………………………….. 30 Description and Inventory of Recreational Opportunities……………………. 30 County Facilities………………………………………………………….. 30 Description of Barrier-Free Compliance……………………….. 32 Local Facilities………………………………………………………….… 33 Description of Major Recreation Facilities Located Outside the County Boundaries…………………………………………63 Recreation Planning and Public Input Process……………………………………….. 65 Plan Development Process………………………………………………….….. 65 Key Persons Involved in the Development of the Plan……………………….66 Description of Public Involvement Process…………………………………….67 Public Input Process……………………………………………………………...68
Goals and Objectives……………………………………………………………………. 69 Recreation Action Plan, Capital Improvement Schedule and Rationale…………………………………………………………….. 71 Role of Recreation Providers………………………………………….............. 71 State of Michigan……………………………………………………….... 71 Charlevoix County……………………………………………………….. 72 Local Units of Government ………………………………………………73 Non-Profit and Conservancy Organizations…………………………... 74 For-Profit Organizations…………………………………………………. 74 Action Plan………………………………………………………………... 74 Capital Improvement Plan………………………………………………………. 76 Charlevoix County Action Plan…………………………………………………. 82 State of Michigan Action Plan………………………………………………..…. 88 Appendices Appendix A Whiting Park Master Plan Appendix B Local Adoption Resolutions and Public Notices
Introduction The purpose of this plan is to provide general guidance and direction for all units of government in Charlevoix County as well as non-profit and for-profit recreation providers concerning the future recreation needs of Charlevoix County. We believe the recreational needs of Charlevoix County, its residents and visitors can only be achieved through a coordinated effort on the part of the cities and village, townships, county, and state governments. This plan is written with the thought of fostering the cooperation necessary between all units of government as well as the private sector recreation providers. It is also the intent of this plan to provide the basic data necessary for our local units of government to include in their more detailed recreation plans. This plan also provides a framework for the acquisition and improvement of recreational facilities currently owned by or to be acquired by the County. This recreation plan is intended to guide future investments made by the County in striving to meet our recreation needs over the next five years.
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County Description REGIONAL SETTING Due to its geographic location, Charlevoix County is often a destination point (as opposed to a through point) for persons traveling across the state or country. The following illustration (Figure 1) shows the location of Charlevoix County in relation to the remainder of the State of Michigan. Charlevoix County is located in the northwestern portion of the Lower Peninsula. It is composed of a mainland area as well as Beaver Island and ten smaller, uninhabited islands making up the Beaver Island Archipelago. The mainland portion of the County is bordered by Emmet County to the north, Cheboygan and Otsego Counties to the north and east, Lake Michigan to the west, and Antrim and Otsego Counties to the south. The Beaver Island Archipelago is located in Lake Michigan, approximately 22 miles northeast of the City of Charlevoix. Charlevoix County attracts persons from around the Midwest for recreational purposes. The major features drawing people here for recreational purposes are the lakes and rivers (Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, Lake Michigan, Thumb and Deer Lakes on the mainland, Font, Fox and Geneserath Lakes on Beaver Island, and the Boyne, Jordan, and Bear Rivers) in addition to a number of smaller inland lakes, which offer boating, swimming and fishing, along with land based recreational activities including camping, hiking, skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowboarding and snowmobiling. Charlevoix County is within comfortable driving distance of virtually anywhere within the State of Michigan. The city of Detroit is a 5-hour drive, while Lansing and Grand Rapids are within 3 to 4 hours driving time. Major population centers in the Midwest are also within a reasonable distance, with Chicago being a 7-hour drive. The total area of the County is 458.2 square miles, exclusive of the area within the County boundaries that extends into Lake Michigan. Of the 458.2 total square miles, 418.5 square miles are land, with 344.2 square miles of that being found on the mainland. Inland lakes, streams, ponds, and other tributaries consist of 38 square miles on the mainland, with 1.7 square miles located on Beaver and the remaining islands. The County of Charlevoix includes three cities (Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan), the incorporated Village of Boyne Falls, and 15 townships (Bay, Boyne Valley, Chandler, Charlevoix, Evangeline, Eveline, Hayes, Hudson, Marion, Melrose, Norwood, Peaine, St. James, South Arm and Wilson).
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SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS Population (permanent) While the communities with the largest population are the cities of Boyne City, Charlevoix and East Jordan, the majority of County residents do not live within city limits. Two-thirds of the County population resided outside of the city limits in 2000, as opposed to pre-1980 when over 50% of the County residents lived within the 3 cities. Chandler Township has the smallest year round population in the County, followed closely by Peaine and St. James Townships on Beaver Island. Historically, most of the intensively developed recreation facilities have been located within the three cities, a trend that continues today. The combined population of the six most populated townships includes more year round residents than the three cities and the Village of Boyne Falls combined. These six townships are located adjacent to the three cities, following the statewide trend of the population relocating from cities to suburban areas. The population of Charlevoix County fluctuated between 1900 and 2000. During the lumbering era of 1900 to 1910, the population of the County increased from 13,956 to 19,157. After the timber was removed, jobs were scarce and the population declined. The County’s population did not exceed that reported in the 1910 Census of Population until the late 1970’s. Since 1970, the population of Charlevoix County has increased at a much greater rate than that of the State of Michigan, but in line with the population increases experienced across the Northwest Michigan region (the counties located west of US-127 and including those through which M-55 passes as well as the counties to the north and west of those highways). The population increased more than 20% between 1960 and 1970 as well as between 1970 and 1980. While the population continued to increase between 1980 and 1990, the rate slowed to around 8%. Between 1990 and 2000, though, the population increased by more than 20%. Tables 1 and 2 provide a picture of the change in historic population levels at the state, regional, county and local levels.
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Table 1 State & County Total Population by Census Year, 1900 - 2000 Census Year
State of Michigan
Numeric Change*
Percent Change*
Charlevoix County
Numeric Change*
Percent Change*
1900
2,420,982
N/A
N/A
13,956
N/A
N/A
1910
2,810,173
389,191
16.08
19,157
5,201
37.3
1920
3,668,412
858,239
30.54
15,788
-3,369
-17.6
1930
4,842,325
1,173,913
32.00
11,981
-3,807
-24.1
1940
5,256,106
413,781
8.55
13,031
1,050
8.8
1950
6,371,766
1,115,660
21.23
13,475
444
3.4
1960
7,823,194
1,451,428
22.78
13,421
-54
-0.4
1970
8,881,826
1,058,632
13.53
16,541
3,120
23.2
1980
9,262,078
380,252
4.28
19,907
3,366
20.35
1990
9,295,297
33,219
0.36
21,468
1,561
7.84
2000
9,938,444
643,147
6.92
26,090
4,622
21.53
Source of 1900 - 1960 County Data: U.S. Census Bureau; NW Mich. Regional Planning & Development Commission Comprehensive Plan, Land Use (June 1978) Source of 1970 - 2000 County Data: U.S. Census Bureau; NW Lower MI County Profiles 2000, NW Mich. Council of Governments Source of State Data: U.S. Census Bureau, Michigan Total Population from Decennial Census * Numeric Change and Percent Change are for previous 10-year time period
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Table 2 Charlevoix County & Minor Civil Division Population by Census Year, 1970 - 2000
County / Minor Civil Division
1970
1980
1970 - 1980 % Change
1990
1980 - 1990 % Change
2000
1990 - 2000 % Change
Charlevoix County
16,541
19,907
20.35%
21,468
7.84%
26,090
21.53%
Boyne City
2,969
3,348
12.77%
3,478
3.88%
3,503
0.72%
Charlevoix
3,519
3,296
-6.34%
3,116
-5.46%
2,994
-3.92%
East Jordan
2,041
2,185
7.06%
2,240
2.52%
2,507
11.92%
Boyne Falls
347
378
8.93%
369
-2.38%
370
0.27%
Bay Twp
456
599
31.36%
825
37.73%
1,068
29.45%
Boyne Valley Twp*
832
948
13.94%
1,102
16.24%
1,215
10.25%
Chandler Twp
89
132
48.31%
182
37.88%
230
26.37%
Charlevoix Twp
720
993
37.92%
1,016
2.32%
1,697
67.03%
Evangeline Twp
440
538
22.27%
646
20.07%
773
19.66%
Eveline Twp
837
1,061
26.76%
1,100
3.68%
1,560
41.82%
Hayes Twp
706
1,274
80.45%
1,317
3.38%
1,893
43.74%
Hudson Twp
219
343
56.62%
481
40.23%
639
32.85%
Marion Twp
694
946
36.31%
1,130
19.45%
1,492
32.04%
Melrose Twp
830
947
14.10%
1,106
16.79%
1,388
25.50%
Norwood Twp
325
540
66.15%
516
-4.44%
714
38.37%
Peaine Twp
58
81
39.66%
128
58.02%
244
90.63%
St. James Twp
161
240
49.07%
276
15.00%
307
11.23%
South Arm Twp
995
1,237
24.32%
1,418
14.63%
1,844
30.04%
Wilson Twp
650
1,199
84.46%
1,391
16.01%
2,022
45.36%
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census; Northwest Lower Michigan County Profiles 2000 (compiled by Northwest MI Council of Governments)
Population (seasonal) A study of our seasonal population over the course of a year took place in 1996. This study, based on a 10-county area, found that seasonal visitors raise the population of Charlevoix County from a low of 8% during the month of April to a high of 35% in the summer months of July and August. If these percentages were to hold true today, during the year 2000, we would find the number of seasonal residents in the County 5
during the month of April to be 2,090 and a high of 9,130 during the months of July and August. During weekends and when festivals are held in the County, we experience higher seasonal population levels, but during the middle of the week, the seasonal population levels moderate, resulting in the percentages listed above being a daily average for the month as opposed to the peak day in any given month. Unfortunately, the seasonal population study was not able to break the figures down by municipality, as the data sources that are used in establishing the seasonal population estimates are gathered on a county level as opposed to a city and township level. Future Population Trends Our population is expected to increase into the future. We have developed a projected future population level for the County based on historic population trends (see Table 3). While we are comfortable with our future population projections at the County level, we have lower confidence in the projections at the minor civil division level due to variability in where people may choose to locate. These population projections reflect an increase of 21.5% between 2000 and 2010 and an increase of 23.8% from 2010 to 2020. While many factors could affect our future population levels, these numbers suffice for our planning purposes.
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Table 3 Population Projections for Charlevoix County's Minor Civil Divisions
Unit of Gov't
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Bay Twp
456
599
825
1,068
1,419
1,885
Boyne Valley Twp*
832
948
1,102
1,215
1,379
1,565
Chandler Twp
89
132
182
230
316
435
Charlevoix Twp
720
993
1,016
1,697
2,304
3,127
Evangeline Twp
440
538
646
773
933
1,126
Eveline Twp
837
1,061
1,100
1,560
1,936
2,402
Hayes Twp
706
1,274
1,317
1,893
2,698
3,845
Hudson Twp
219
343
481
639
915
1,311
Marion Twp
694
946
1,130
1,492
1,929
2,493
Melrose Twp
830
947
1,106
1,388
1,649
1,959
Norwood Twp
325
540
516
714
952
1,270
Peaine Twp
58
81
128
244
397
646
St. James Twp
161
240
276
307
384
480
South Arm Twp
995
1,237
1,418
1,844
2,268
2,790
Wilson Twp
650
1,199
1,391
2,022
3,005
4,466
Boyne City
2,969
3,348
3,478
3,503
3,706
3,920
Charlevoix, City
3,519
3,296
3,116
2,994
2,837
2,689
East Jordan, City
2,041
2,185
2,240
2,507
2,687
2,879
TOTAL
16,541
19,907
21,468
26,090
31,713
39,288
* Includes Village of Boyne Falls
Age In addition to the population shifting from an “urban” to “suburban” population, the population of the County has been aging (see Table 4). The median age of County residents has increased from 27.8 years in 1970 to 39.1 years in 2000, an increase of 11.3 years. Between 1990 and 2000, the 45 to 59 year age range experienced the greatest increases in population numbers, while the 20 to 34 year age ranges experienced the greatest decreases in population numbers. Peaine and St. James Townships on Beaver Island have the oldest median ages of 50 7
years and 46 years, respectively. The City of East Jordan’s median age is 33, the youngest in the County, with the median age for the remainder of the mainland communities falling between 36 and 45. Table 4 Charlevoix County 2000 Population Age
Male
Female
Total
Birth - 4
862
829
1,691
5-9
933
909
1,842
10 - 14
1,058
970
2,028
15 - 19
933
824
1,757
20 - 24
561
572
1,133
25 - 29
631
667
1,298
30 - 34
808
882
1,690
35 - 39
1,045
936
1,981
40 - 44
1,079
1,111
2,190
45 - 49
991
984
1,975
50 - 54
823
905
1,728
55 - 59
785
790
1,575
60 - 64
677
631
1,308
65 - 69
551
588
1,139
70 - 74
471
520
991
75+
696
1,068
1,764
Total
12,904
13,186
26,090
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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Figure 2 Charlevoix County - 2000 Population
70 - 74 60 - 64
FEMALE
MALE
Age
50 - 54 40 - 44 30 - 34 20 - 24 10 - 14 Birth - 4 1500
1000
500
0
500
1000
1500
Population (#)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Gender In the year 2000, females outnumbered males with 49.5% males and 50.5% females. The males outnumbered the females in the 21 and younger age groups. Most age groups older than 21 years consisted of more females than males (see Table 4 and Figure 2). Race Over 96% of the population is white, with 99% being non-Hispanic. The 962 persons counted as other than “White Alone” in the 2000 Census of Population consisted of 403 persons of American Indian or Alaska Native descent, 59 persons of Asian descent, 45 Black / African American and 23 being Hawaiian/other Pacific Islands. The remainder of the “Non White Alone” consist of either “ Some Other Race Alone” (107) and those who classify themselves as “2 or More Races” (325). The concentration of the “Non All White” races and “Hispanics” reside within the cities of Boyne City, Charlevoix and East Jordan or in the townships immediately adjacent to the cities such as Wilson, South Arm and Charlevoix Townships (see Table 5 & 6).
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Table 5 Populations with Unique Needs in Charlevoix County (# Persons)
Unit of Government
2000 Population
Persons with a Disability#
Persons below Poverty Level**
Persons with Senior Ethnic Citizens^ Backgrounds$
Charlevoix County
26,090
4,544
2,064
3,894
929
Boyne City
3,503
571
407
552
100
Charlevoix
2,994
635
279
581
155
East Jordan
2,507
501
264
366
124
Boyne Falls
370
76
37
45
N/A
Bay Twp
1,068
129
52
162
12
Boyne Valley Twp*
1,215
247
82
177
26
230
43
10
16
2
1,697
215
76
297
80
Chandler Twp Charlevoix Twp Evangeline Twp
773
123
34
112
15
Eveline Twp
1,560
260
149
270
71
Hayes Twp
1,893
335
116
262
64
Hudson Twp
639
137
67
82
19
Marion Twp
1,492
206
105
139
57
Melrose Twp
1,388
230
116
165
34
Norwood Twp
714
94
26
109
12
Peaine Twp
244
41
17
50
6
St. James Twp
307
58
22
69
5
South Arm Twp
1,844
326
81
308
69
Wilson Twp
2,022
393
161
177
78
Source: 2000 Census; U.S. Census Bureau * Twp figures include Village of Boyne Falls ** Poverty Status in 1999 ^ Persons age 65 years and over # $
Civilian, non-institutionalized population 5 years and over Includes Black or African American alone, American Indian and Alaska Native alone, Asian alone, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, some other race alone, two or more races, or Hispanic or Latino
N/A = Not Available or Not Applicable
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Table 6 Populations with Unique Needs in Charlevoix County (Percentage)
Unit of Government
2000 Population
Percent with a Disability#
Percent below Poverty Level**
Percent Senior Citizens^
Percent with Ethnic Backgrounds$
Charlevoix County
26,090
17.4
8.0
14.9
3.6
Boyne City
3,503
16.3
11.8
15.8
2.9
Charlevoix
2,994
21.2
9.5
19.4
5.2
East Jordan
2,507
20.0
10.6
14.6
4.9
Boyne Falls
370
20.5
10.3
12.2
N/A
Bay Twp
1,068
12.1
4.9
15.2
1.1
Boyne Valley Twp*
1,215
20.3
6.4
14.6
2.1
230
18.7
4.3
7.0
0.9
Charlevoix Twp
1,697
12.7
4.7
17.5
4.7
Evangeline Twp
773
15.9
4.4
14.5
1.9
Eveline Twp
1,560
16.7
9.4
17.3
4.6
Hayes Twp
1,893
17.7
6.2
13.8
3.4
Hudson Twp
639
21.4
11.4
12.8
3.0
Marion Twp
1,492
13.8
6.8
9.3
3.8
Melrose Twp
1,388
16.6
8.2
11.9
2.4
Norwood Twp
714
13.2
3.8
15.3
1.7
Peaine Twp
244
16.8
8.2
20.5
2.5
St. James Twp
307
18.9
6.6
22.5
1.6
South Arm Twp
1,844
17.7
4.8
16.7
3.7
Wilson Twp
2,022
19.4
8.0
8.8
3.9
Chandler Twp
Source: 2000 Census; U.S. Census Bureau * Twp figures include Village of Boyne Falls ** Poverty Status in 1999 ^ Persons age 65 years and over #
Civilian, non-institutionalized population 5 years and over
$
Includes Black or African American alone, American Indian and Alaska Native alone, Asian alone, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, some other race alone, two or more races, or Hispanic or Latino
N/A = Not Available or Not Applicable
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Households A total of 10,400 households are located in Charlevoix County. The greatest number of households is in Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan. The townships in close proximity to the 3 cities generally contain "high” numbers of households, such as Hayes and Wilson Townships. Those communities with the lowest numbers of households are Chandler, Peaine and St. James Townships Employment Trends The economy of the County is based upon employment in manufacturing, tourism, agricultural and timber related enterprises. The timber, agricultural and resort/tourism sectors of the economy have been the backbone of the economy from the late 1800's to the present time. Efforts have been successful in attracting a number of industries to the county, as a result of owners electing to locate their firms in an area featuring clean air, water, and an unlimited number of recreational opportunities. It is typical for employment rates to change dramatically throughout the year due to the seasonal nature of many jobs in northern Michigan. The summer months of July and August tend to have the highest employment rates, while during the winter months the employment rates typically drop. Data from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth for the 10-year period between 1990 and 2000 showed a gradual drop in unemployment rates. This trend continued until 2008 at which time the County’s unemployment rates began to reflect the declining national economy. This drop can be attributed to a number of factors including the loss of manufacturing and construction jobs in the County and a generally weak national economy.
Table 7 Unemployment Rates* Year 1990 1995 2000 2005 2008
January 9.8% 11.6% 6.2% 9.5% 10.7%
August 6.2% 5.9% 3.6% 5.2% 8.6%
Annual 8.4% 8.3% 4.9% 7.1% 10.3%
* Source: Michigan Dept. of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth; “Area Labor Statistics”
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Should the economy continue this downward trend, we can expect short-term unemployment rates to continue to increase. If the “high” unemployment rate persists, past trends have shown that unemployed persons begin to relocate to areas where jobs are more plentiful, which will result in a decline in the population numbers within the County. The latest census of population from which information is available on employment and income is the 2000 report, which contains 1999 data. The median household income for 1999 was $39,788 in Charlevoix County, compared to $44,667 statewide. The statewide average percentage of families having an income below the poverty level for 1999 was 7.4%. The percent in Charlevoix County for the same year was 5.4%. Areas of the County did have percentages above the state average, with Hudson Township having 8.3% of their population below poverty level. Boyne City and the City of East Jordan both exceeded the statewide average as well with rates of 8.9% and 7.5%, respectively. All of the remaining townships and cities were below the statewide average for 1999. Table 8 Charlevoix County
Table 9
Earnings in 1999 for the Population 16 Years & Over with Earnings Earnings $1 to $2,499 or loss
Measure of Income
# Persons 1,119
$2,500 to $4,999
793
$5,000 to $7,499
824
$7,500 to $9,999
724
$10,000 to $12,499
886
$12,500 to $14,999
597
$15,000 to $17,499
847
$17,500 to $19,999
693
$20,000 to $22,499
1,016
$22,500 to $24,999
614
$25,000 to $29,999
1,372
$30,000 to $34,999
1,181
$35,000 to $39,999
866
$40,000 to $44,999
740
$45,000 to $49,999
397
$50,000 to $54,999
391
$55,000 to $64,999
472
$65,000 to $74,999
222
$75,000 to $99,999
251
$100,000 or more Total
294 14,299
Source: 2000 Census; U.S. Census Bureau
Charlevoix County
Per Capita Income
$24,845
Median Household Income
$39,788*
Median Family Income
$46,260*
Source: 2000 Census; U.S. Census Bureau * Based on 1999 dollars
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Table 10 Per Capita Income by Gov't Unit by Census Year 1990
2000
Based on 1989 Based on 1999 Unit of Government income income State of Michigan $14,154 $22,168 $18,370 $22,168 in 1999 dollars Charlevoix County $11,632 $20,130 $15,097 $20,130 in 1999 dollars Bay Twp $12,332 $25,594 $16,005 $25,594 in 1999 dollars Boyne Valley Twp* $9,709 $16,805 $12,601 $16,805 in 1999 dollars Chandler Twp $10,070 $24,855 $13,069 $24,855 in 1999 dollars Charlevoix Twp $17,082 $22,835 $22,170 $22,835 in 1999 dollars Evangeline Twp $12,417 $28,279 $16,116 $28,279 in 1999 dollars Eveline Twp $12,771 $22,440 $16,575 $22,440 in 1999 dollars Hayes Twp $12,889 $25,512 $16,728 $25,512 in 1999 dollars Hudson Twp $9,685 $15,138 $12,570 $15,138 in 1999 dollars Marion Twp $11,163 $16,854 $14,488 $16,854 in 1999 dollars Melrose Twp $12,041 $20,426 $15,628 $20,426 in 1999 dollars Norwood Twp $14,135 $23,802 $18,345 $23,802 in 1999 dollars Peaine Twp $8,297 $33,091 $10,687 $20,109 in 1999 dollars St. James Twp $10,687 $20,109 $13,870 $20,109 in 1999 dollars South Arm Twp $9,588 $17,554 $12,444 $17,554 in 1999 dollars Wilson Twp $10,336 $16,691 $13,415 $16,691 in 1999 dollars Boyne City $9,899 $19,030 $12,848 $19,030 in 1999 dollars Charlevoix $14,720 $21,319 $19,105 $21,319 in 1999 dollars East Jordan $9,150 $14,920 $11,875 $14,920 in 1999 dollars Boyne Falls $9,335 $15,027 $12,116 $15,027 in 1999 dollars Source: 1990 & 2000 Censuses; U.S. Census Bureau * Data includes Village of Boyne Falls
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CHARLEVOIX COUNTY POPULATION INCREASE 1980-2000 (NUMERIC INCREASE) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
67
619
-302
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX
704
174
ST JAMES TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENTS
LAKE MICHIGAN
NORWOOD TWP
546
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BUILDING 301 STATE STREET CHARLEVOIX, MI 49720 (231) 547-7234 / 237-0113 HTTP://CHARLEVOIXCOUNTY.ORG PRINT DATE: 4/13/2009
HAYES TWP
CHARLEVOIX TWP
469
MARION TWP
BAY TWP
235
499
:
EVANGELINE TWP
EVELINE TWP
441
MELROSE TWP
98
CHANDLER TWP
296
HUDSON TWP
155
BOYNE CITY
LAKE MICHIGAN
163
PEAINE TWP
607
SOUTH ARM TWP
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
322
823
WILSON TWP
CITY OF EAST JORDAN
-8
BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
267
BOYNE VALLEY TWP
POPULATION INCREASE 1980-2000 (PERCENTAGE CHANGE) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
LAKE MICHIGAN
48.6 -9.2
HAYES TWP
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
78.3
70.9
BAY TWP
27.9
ST JAMES TWP
NORWOOD TWP
32.2
57.7
47
MARION TWP
EVELINE TWP
EVANGELINE TWP
43.7
46.6
MELROSE TWP
74.2
CHANDLER TWP
4.6
BOYNE CITY
201.2
LAKE MICHIGAN
68.6
PEAINE TWP BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
14.7 SOUTH ARM TWP CITY OF EAST JORDAN 49.1
WILSON TWP
-2.1 BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
28.2 BOYNE VALLEY TWP
86.3
HUDSON TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PROJECTED POPULATION INCREASE 2000-2020 (NUMERIC CHANGE) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENTS
LAKE MICHIGAN
CHARLEVOIX TWP
556
ST JAMES TWP
1952
-305
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX
NORWOOD TWP
1001
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BUILDING 301 STATE STREET CHARLEVOIX, MI 49720 (231) 547-7234 / 237-0113 HTTP://CHARLEVOIXCOUNTY.ORG PRINT DATE: 4/13/2009
HAYES TWP
1430
817
MARION TWP
BAY TWP
353
842
EVANGELINE TWP
EVELINE TWP
173
:
571
MELROSE TWP
205
CHANDLER TWP
672
HUDSON TWP
417
BOYNE CITY
LAKE MICHIGAN
402
PEAINE TWP
946
SOUTH ARM TWP
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
372
2444
WILSON TWP
CITY OF EAST JORDAN
N/A
BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
350
BOYNE VALLEY TWP
PROJECTED POPULATION INCREASE 2000-2020 (PERCENT CHANGE) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
LAKE MICHIGAN
103.1 -10.2
HAYES TWP
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
76.5
84.3
BAY TWP
56.4
ST JAMES TWP
NORWOOD TWP
77.9
67.1
54
MARION TWP
EVELINE TWP
EVANGELINE TWP
45.7
41.1
MELROSE TWP
89.1
CHANDLER TWP
11.9
BOYNE CITY
164.8
LAKE MICHIGAN
120.9
PEAINE TWP BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
14.8 SOUTH ARM TWP CITY OF EAST JORDAN 51.3
WILSON TWP
N/A BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
28.8 BOYNE VALLEY TWP
105.2
HUDSON TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS AS A PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION IN 2000 (65 YEARS & OVER) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
13.8
19.4
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
15.3
ST JAMES TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENTS
LAKE MICHIGAN
NORWOOD TWP
9.3
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BUILDING 301 STATE STREET CHARLEVOIX, MI 49720 (231) 547-7234 / 237-0113 HTTP://CHARLEVOIXCOUNTY.ORG PRINT DATE: 4/13/2009
HAYES TWP
17.5
15.2
BAY TWP
14.5
MARION TWP
17.3
22.5
:
EVANGELINE TWP
EVELINE TWP
11.9
MELROSE TWP
7
CHANDLER TWP
12.8
HUDSON TWP
15.8
BOYNE CITY
LAKE MICHIGAN
20.5
PEAINE TWP
16.7
SOUTH ARM TWP
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
14.6
CITY OF EAST JORDAN
8.8
WILSON TWP
12.2
BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
14.6
BOYNE VALLEY TWP
FEMALES AS A PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION IN 2000 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
LAKE MICHIGAN
50.1 53
HAYES TWP
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
47.1
51.5
BAY TWP
52.1
ST JAMES TWP
NORWOOD TWP
47.9
50.5
51
MARION TWP
EVELINE TWP
EVANGELINE TWP
50.6
49.6
MELROSE TWP
47.4
CHANDLER TWP
51.2
BOYNE CITY
49.2
LAKE MICHIGAN
49.4
PEAINE TWP BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
51.4 SOUTH ARM TWP CITY OF EAST JORDAN 50.7
WILSON TWP
50.8 BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
49.5 BOYNE VALLEY TWP
46.8
HUDSON TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY
PERSONS WITH ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS IN 2000 (NUMERIC) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISIONS
12
ST JAMES TWP
64
155
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX
80
5
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENTS
LAKE MICHIGAN
NORWOOD TWP
57
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BUILDING 301 STATE STREET CHARLEVOIX, MI 49720 (231) 547-7234 / 237-0113 HTTP://CHARLEVOIXCOUNTY.ORG PRINT DATE: 4/13/2009
HAYES TWP
CHARLEVOIX TWP
12
MARION TWP
BAY TWP
15
71
:
EVANGELINE TWP
EVELINE TWP
34
MELROSE TWP
2
CHANDLER TWP
19
HUDSON TWP
100
BOYNE CITY
LAKE MICHIGAN
6 PEAINE TWP
SOUTH ARM TWP
69
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
124
CITY OF EAST JORDAN
78
WILSON TWP
N/A
BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
26
BOYNE VALLEY TWP
MEDIAN AGE OF POPULATION IN YEARS DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
LAKE MICHIGAN
42.3 40.8
HAYES TWP
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
43.1
41.2
BAY TWP
45.6
ST JAMES TWP
NORWOOD TWP
42.2
36.8
44.5
MARION TWP
EVELINE TWP
EVANGELINE TWP
42.4
35.9
MELROSE TWP
36.8
CHANDLER TWP
37.9
BOYNE CITY
49.5
LAKE MICHIGAN
35.5
PEAINE TWP BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
32.7 SOUTH ARM TWP CITY OF EAST JORDAN 40.6
WILSON TWP
34 BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
38.3 BOYNE VALLEY TWP
38.9
HUDSON TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL IN 2000 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
6.6
6.2
9.5
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX
4.7
3.8
ST JAMES TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENTS
LAKE MICHIGAN
NORWOOD TWP
6.8
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BUILDING 301 STATE STREET CHARLEVOIX, MI 49720 (231) 547-7234 / 237-0113 HTTP://CHARLEVOIXCOUNTY.ORG PRINT DATE: 4/13/2009
HAYES TWP
CHARLEVOIX TWP
4.9
MARION TWP
BAY TWP
4.4
9.4
:
EVANGELINE TWP
EVELINE TWP
8.2
MELROSE TWP
4.3
CHANDLER TWP
11.4
HUDSON TWP
11.8
BOYNE CITY
LAKE MICHIGAN
8.2
PEAINE TWP
4.8
SOUTH ARM TWP
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
10.6
CITY OF EAST JORDAN
8
WILSON TWP
10.3
BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
6.4
BOYNE VALLEY TWP
PERCENTAGE OF PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY IN 2000 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
LAKE MICHIGAN 21.2
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
18.9
13.2
ST JAMES TWP
NORWOOD TWP
17.7
HAYES TWP
12.1
12.7
BAY TWP
15.9
13.8
16.7
MARION TWP
EVELINE TWP
EVANGELINE TWP
16.6
MELROSE TWP
18.7
CHANDLER TWP
21.4
HUDSON TWP
16.3
BOYNE CITY
16.8
LAKE MICHIGAN
PEAINE TWP
17.7
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
20
19.4 SOUTH ARM TWP CITY OF EAST JORDAN
WILSON TWP
20.5 BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
20.3 BOYNE VALLEY TWP
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Soils, Topography and Hydrology The physical environment that makes up Charlevoix County has long been an important, if not the major, reason why the County developed into what it is today. From the lumbering era to the present resort-industrialization period, the physical makeup of the County has played a major role in the lifestyle of County residents. The physical environment includes the blend of the soils, topography (slope) and hydrology (water features). Each physical element of the environment directly affects the other physical elements. The topography and hydro-geologic conditions influence the soil characteristics, and the soils, in turn, influence the location of wetlands, groundwater recharge areas, etc. The following section will briefly discuss the soils, slopes and water features in the County, where various types exist, and how they differ. The Wisconsin Glaciation Period had the greatest influence on the present topography with the scouring and deposition of materials, which resulted in the development of our lakes and islands. As seen on the following topographic map, the eastern mainland portion of the County features sharply rolling hills, with elevations up to 1400 feet above sea level. In contrast, the western half of the mainland portion of the County has generally level to rolling hills, with the highest altitude approximately 800 feet above sea level. The water level of Lake Michigan tends to hover around 570 feet +/- above sea level. Beaver Island has a major ridgeline that generally follows the western boundary of the island, featuring level ground to gently rolling hills. The diverse terrain in the County has presented limitations to development by forcing growth to occur in a linear fashion, rather than expanding gradually outward. The appeal of living along lakes has also contributed to this linear pattern of development. The types of soils vary tremendously, not only from one end of the County to the other, but also within a few hundred feet. (see General Soil Types Map, which follows). In some areas of the County, the soils are very poor and should not be built on, while in other areas, the soils are well suited for development and can effectively support on-site septic waste disposal systems. We are fortunate to have an abundance of clean useable water, with large amounts of both surface and subsurface water, which support residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial uses as well as water sports. 15
Major surface waters are Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix (including its South Arm), Walloon Lake, Thumb Lake, Lake Geneserath and Font Lake. The County also features smaller inland lakes, such as Deer, Susan, Nowland, Steele, Huffman, Bows, Adams and others. We also have many rivers, streams, and creeks, including the Bear, Boyne, and Jordan River, and Deer, Monroe and Horton Creeks. The wetlands connected to many of the lakes, rivers, and creeks also contribute significantly to the surface waters in the County. Following is a breakdown by geographic area of the County's environmental conditions: Beaver Island The elevations on the Island range from 600 to 700 feet above sea level. A major bluff line is found on the west side of the island running north and south. The remainder of the island can be characterized as level to gently rolling, with minor bluffs found overlooking Lake Michigan on the north and east sides. These minor bluffs are primarily the result of erosion from surface runoff, wind and wave action. The soils on the Island range from Emmet-Leelanau, Kalkaska-Mancelona, Deer Park-Dune Land-Eastport, to Roscommon - Charlevoix - Mackinaw Associations. Soils in these associations are well drained, sandy-loams, with the exception of the Roscommon-Charlevoix-Mackinaw Association, which are sandy and loamy soils located on glacial lake beds that provide poor drainage. Generally, these soils would be classified as wetlands. The Roscommon – Charlevoix – Mackinaw Association is found on the southern half of Beaver Island, on the interior and along the southwestern shoreline. Beaver Island's hydro-geologic features include Lake Michigan, Lake Geneserath, Fox, Font, Barneys, Egg, Round and Green’s Lakes, as well as many small, seasonal creeks which drain the wetland areas on the interior of the Island. Iron Ore Creek and the Jordan River are the only year round flowing water bodies on the Island. In exceptionally dry years, even these two tributaries of Lake Michigan have been known to occasionally cease flowing. For the most part, the remaining islands in the Beaver Island Archipelago are publicly owned. Garden Island contains approximately 100 acres of privately owned lands and is inhabited part of the year by one or two individuals. Trout, Whiskey and Squaw Islands are all privately owned. The main environmental concerns facing Beaver Island include the vast amount of wetlands, the potential for erosion along the steep bluffs on the west side of the Island, the ability of the soils to handle septic wastes, and flooding on the Island due to beavers damming up culverts underneath the roads. 16
Eastern Mainland Portion The eastern mainland portion of Charlevoix County includes Melrose, Chandler, Hudson, and Boyne Valley Townships. As mentioned earlier, the topography varies greatly depending on specific geographic location. The elevation is approximately 800 feet above sea level from the low point along tributaries of the Boyne River and Bear River, to over 1400 feet above sea level in the eastern part of this area. Throughout the eastern part of the County are numerous hills and valleys with steep grades. The soils vary and include the Kalkaska-Leelanau, Emmet-Leelanau, Nester-Emmet, Kalkaska-Leelanau, and Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Associations. The soils in the Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Association are organic. They are very level and located on the till outwash and lake plains. Very poorly drained, these soils are found along lakes, rivers, and creeks, and in areas generally considered wetlands. The remaining soil Associations, which are found on slopes or at higher elevations, consist of sandy and loamy soils that are generally well-drained and conducive to development. Major water features in the eastern part of the County include Deer, Thumb, and Hoffman Lakes, the Bear and Boyne Rivers, and numerous creeks serving as drainage channels for the wetlands in Hudson, Chandler, Melrose, and Boyne Valley Townships. These wetlands and marshes are located in the valleys where ground and surface water flowing from higher elevations sustain them. Northern Mainland Portion The northern mainland portion of Charlevoix County consists of Evangeline, Bay and Hayes Townships. The topography differs greatly from Evangeline to Hayes Township. Evangeline features terrain similar to the eastern section of the County, having rapid and drastic changes in the elevation. The topography of Hayes and Bay Townships is characterized by gently rolling hills with nearly level lands in the western half of Hayes Township. The soils are from the Emmet-Leelanau, Emmet-Onaway, Kalkaska-Mancelona, Detour-Kiva, Alpena-Kiva-East Lake, and Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Associations. The Detour-Kiva Soils are well to poorly drained along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where the limestone and shale bedrock are closer to the surface and exposed in some areas. The Carbon-Lupton-Tawas Association features poorly drained soils located along Susan Lake and Horton Creek. The remaining soil Associations contain sands and loams with good drainage. The major water features in this area include Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, and Susan Lake.
17
Southern and Western Mainland Portions The remainder of the County includes Charlevoix, Norwood, Marion, Eveline, South Arm, and Wilson Townships. The terrain in Wilson Township and in the southern half of South Arm Township is quite similar to that found in the eastern portion of the County, with rapid changes in elevations. The northern half of South Arm Township and the remaining townships in this area of the County have gently rolling hills and level ground. Rapid elevation changes occur along the shorelines of Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, and Round Lake. The soils vary and range from Kalkaska-Leelanau, Emmet-Onaway, EmmetBarker, Kalkaska-Mancelona, Alpena-Kiva-East Lake, Deer Park-Dune LakeEastport, Detour-Kiva, to the Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Association. The EmmetLeelanau soils are located mainly in Wilson and South Arm Townships. These are sandy and loamy soils, which become loamy soils in Eveline, Marion, and Norwood Townships. The highly organic soils of the Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Association are found in level valleys that serve as drainage channels, often containing wetlands, rivers, and streams. The sandy Kalkaska-Mancelona soils are located adjacent to Lake Charlevoix and its South Arm, Loeb and Porter Creeks, and between the City of East Jordan and Deer Lake. The Lake Michigan shoreline and Charlevoix Township feature soils that contain gravel and sand mixtures with some limestone and shale exposed. The land in Eveline Township, east of Ironton, also has exposed bedrock. Numerous lakes are found in this area. Round Lake, Lake Charlevoix and its South Arm, Deer Lake, Six Mile Lake, and Lake Michigan are the major water bodies. The Jordan River entering the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix, Deer Creek and Porter Creek are the major flowing water courses. The Pine River Channel between Lake Michigan and Round Lake also provides an important function by providing commercial and pleasure boats with access to East Jordan and Boyne City. Small wetlands are found throughout this portion of the County as a result of the limestone, shale, and clay layers beneath the soil surface that prevent adequate drainage of surface water.
Climate The climate of Charlevoix County varies due to the effects of Lake Michigan on Beaver Island and the western end of the mainland portion of the County. Generally, January and February are the coldest months, and July and August are the warmest months of the year. The average low temperature during the winter is 16 degrees, with an average high of 79 degrees in the summer. Average annual precipitation consists of 31.5 inches of rainfall and 89 inches of snowfall. The average growing season ranges from 80 days to 140 days per year and varies with geographic location. Compared to the western end of the mainland and Beaver Island, the 18
eastern portion of the County tends to cool quicker in the fall and warm up faster in the Spring due to the moderating effect of Lake Michigan on this area of the County. Since the temperature of Lake Michigan takes longer to warm up, the number of people visiting the swimming beaches on Lake Michigan tend to be very low until the 4th of July weekend. In contrast, the inland lakes, which warm up faster, draw more people beginning with Memorial weekend.
Flora and Fauna At one time, Charlevoix County was covered almost entirely by forest. The type of tree cover and the geographic areas that are forested has changed significantly since presettlement times. Types of trees currently found include northern hardwoods (maple, red oak, beech and elm), and soft woods including aspen and birch, pines and lowland conifers (cedar, tamarack, hemlock and balsam fir). Natural ground cover consists of ferns, myrtle, grasses, juniper, trillium, poison ivy, burdock, thistle and similar vegetation. Wildlife consists of a variety of game and non-game birds and animals. Among the more common animals are deer, bear, raccoons, porcupines, bobcat, fox, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, skunks, opossum and muskrat. Bats are quite common as well. Birds consist of both migratory and non-migratory (those present year round). These birds include, but are not limited to, ducks, seagulls, loons, geese, swans, sand pipers, piping plovers, mourning doves, blue jays, cardinals, robins, nuthatches, crows, woodpeckers, owls, turkeys, grouse, woodcock and chickadees. The Piping plovers are an endangered species and have a nesting area in Fisherman’s Island State Park. Turkeys, while abundant in this area, have difficulty surviving in substantial numbers during the winter without sustained feeding programs. Bald eagles are making a comeback in the County with frequent sightings being reported in the East Jordan and Charlevoix areas. Fish species found in lakes and rivers within the County include both native and planted species. A good sport fishery exists in most lakes in the County with Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan having a variety of trout, bass, walleye and perch. Additional fish species in the County include bluegill, pike, catfish, suckers, crappie, sunfish and smelt. Nuisance species also exist both on land and in the water. Water borne plant and animal species include the Eurasian ruffle, Round Goby, zebra mussel and sea lamprey, which affect the typical sports fish mentioned above. Invasive plant species on land include, but are not limited to, purple loosestrife and phragmites, found mainly in wetland areas or along shorelines. 19
Land Use Patterns The land uses and where they are located in the County have a major effect on the number, types, and locations of recreation facilities popular among residents. More specifically, residential, commercial and industrial development trends influence the amount of land available for the acquisition and development of recreational facilities. In 2000, Charlevoix County undertook a land use inventory for the mainland portion of the County based on aerial photos taken in 1997. This inventory found that the majority of lands in the County are forested (see Tables 5 and 6 below). Much of these forested lands are owned by the State of Michigan and are available for non-intensive recreational uses. Wetlands, farmland, and open space occupy far fewer acres than forest. Urbanized, or developed lands, used for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and educational purposes as well as lands improved for recreational use constitute less then 9% of the total land area of the County. These developed lands are located in or adjacent to the three cities, the Village of Boyne Falls, and along the lakeshores. Development trends in recent years have also resulted in residential construction along state highways, County primary roads, and on properties with lake views. Traditionally, the three cities and the school districts have been the major providers of publicly owned recreation facilities in the County. For the most part, the school facilities are located in the cities or urbanized areas. Providing recreational facilities in these communities often requires purchasing developed land and redeveloping it, or improving existing recreational facilities. In some cases, existing facilities may be redeveloped as a result of changing recreational needs in a community. With a few exceptions, the townships in the County have not provided recreational opportunities in proportion to their population increases. Instead, they have relied on the facilities provided by the cities. Undeveloped land in the Townships, located close to developing areas, is currently available for acquisition and development of recreational facilities. However, the amount of developable land available, especially lakefront property, is limited by Nature and other competing land uses. Lakefront property in the County can be grouped in three (3) categories as follows: 1. Privately owned and developed 2. Privately owned and vacant 3. Publicly owned and used for active or passive recreational opportunities The privately owned and developed lakefront property is generally used for residential 20
purposes. A small portion of this developed lake frontage is used for industrial purposes and private water-based recreation, such as resorts and marinas. The vast majority of privately owned vacant land is either being held for speculative purposes, or is undevelopable at this time due to its inability to handle sanitary waste (septic or sewer). The publicly owned waterfront lands are being used for either recreational purposes, or transportation (road right-of-ways). Road end parcels, although small, help to meet the high demand for access to water bodies in the County. A number of access sites open to the public in the past are no longer available. Care must be taken to ensure the availability of existing access sites in the future.
1997 CHARLEVOIX COUNTY MAINLAND PORTION ONLY LAND USE/COVER
TYPE
ACREAGE
SQUARE MILES
PERCENT
URBAN
20,677
32.3
8.52
AGRICULTURAL
37,084
57.9
15.28
OPEN SPACE & BARREN LAND
25,906
40.5
10.68
FOREST
93.317
145.8
38.46
WATER*
22,538
35.2
9.29
WETLAND
42,999
67.2
17.72
TOTAL
242,640
379.1
100.1**
Source: Land Use/Cover Inventory for the mainland portion of Charlevoix County, conducted by Central Michigan University, based on 1997 Aerial Imagery * Does not include Lake Michigan waters within the boundaries of Charlevoix County ** Figures may not equal 100% due to rounding
21
1979 CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BEAVER ISLAND PART LAND USE/COVER *
TYPE
ACREAGE
SQUARE MILES
PERCENT
URBAN
20,677
32.3
8.52
AGRICULTURAL
37,084
57.9
15.28
OPEN SPACE & BARREN LAND
25,906
40.5
10.68
FOREST
93.317
145.8
38.46
WATER*
22,538
35.2
9.29
WETLAND
42,999
67.2
17.72
TOTAL
242,640
379.1
100.1**
Source: Michigan Resource Information System, based upon 1979 aerial imagery; Charlevoix County Planning Department and Michigan Department of Natural Resources * Does not include Lake Michigan waters within the boundaries of Charlevoix County ** Figures may not equal 100% due to rounding
Transportation The major means of access into and out of Charlevoix County for residents, visitors, goods and services is via US 131, US 31, M-32, M-66, and M-75. A number of routes, including County primary roads and state highways, are used to gain access to I-75 at Vanderbilt, Gaylord, Waters, and Grayling. Efforts have been underway for a number of years to upgrade US 131 to a limited access expressway from Cadillac north into, or just short of, Charlevoix County. Rail service is provided for transporting freight in a north-south direction through Boyne Falls. The shipment of material by boat is available at ports in Charlevoix Township (Lake Michigan), Eveline Township, the City of Charlevoix (Round Lake), as well as at the “Village” of St. James on Beaver Island. Passenger service via ferry is available between St. James and the City of Charlevoix. Chartered boats are available virtually anywhere on Lake Charlevoix and on Beaver Island. 22
Regularly scheduled air service between Charlevoix Municipal Airport and Beaver Island is available, with the flight schedule varying by season and demand. Air charter service is available via two private airlines (Island Airways and Fresh Air Aviation). Charlevoix County is home to four publicly supported airports (Beaver Island Airport, Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan Municipal Airports). The Boyne Mountain Airport and Welke’s Airport on Beaver Island are privately owned and operated. Intra-County bus service is provided by Charlevoix County Transit. Inter-County bus service is not available at the present time. Efforts to improve public bus transportation surface periodically, but have not been successful due to insufficient demand in the Northwest Michigan region.
Zoning Each of the 15 townships and 3 cities in Charlevoix County have adopted and administer their own zoning ordinance. The incorporated Village of Boyne Falls is the only community in the County that has not adopted a zoning ordinance. Typically, the ordinances contain zoning districts that provide for “low density” single family dwellings, “moderate” to “high” density single family dwellings, multiple family residential development and/or mobile home parks, commercial, and industrial uses. Some zoning ordinances also provide for a district for publicly owned lands. The Zoning Composite Map (which follows) is an attempt to combine the zoning districts based on similar uses or densities for comparative purposes.
23
Adopted by the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners October 28, 2009
Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….. 1 County Description………………………………………………………………………..2 Regional Setting…………………………………………………….……………. 2 Social Characteristics……………………………………………………………. 3 Physical Characteristics…………………………………………………………. 15 Soils, Topography and Hydrology…………………………………....... 15 Climate…………………………………………………………………..... 18 Flora and Fauna……………………………………………................... 19 Land Use Patterns……………………………………………………….. 20 Transportation…………………………………………..…………….….. 22 Zoning………………………………………………………..………….... 23 Community Administrative Structure……………………………………………..….... 24 Organizational Structure and Staff Description……………………………….. 24 Role of Commissions and Advisory Boards………………………………....... 24 Policies and Procedures………………………………………………………… 25 Current Funding Sources……………………………………………………….. 26 Parks & Recreation Budget…………………………………………..…………. 27 Projected Parks & Recreation Budget…………………………….….……….. 28 Relationship with Other Agencies……………………………………………… 29 Recreation Inventory…………………………………………………………………….. 30 Description and Inventory of Recreational Opportunities……………………. 30 County Facilities………………………………………………………….. 30 Description of Barrier-Free Compliance……………………….. 32 Local Facilities………………………………………………………….… 33 Description of Major Recreation Facilities Located Outside the County Boundaries…………………………………………63 Recreation Planning and Public Input Process……………………………………….. 65 Plan Development Process………………………………………………….….. 65 Key Persons Involved in the Development of the Plan……………………….66 Description of Public Involvement Process…………………………………….67 Public Input Process……………………………………………………………...68
Goals and Objectives……………………………………………………………………. 69 Recreation Action Plan, Capital Improvement Schedule and Rationale…………………………………………………………….. 71 Role of Recreation Providers………………………………………….............. 71 State of Michigan……………………………………………………….... 71 Charlevoix County……………………………………………………….. 72 Local Units of Government ………………………………………………73 Non-Profit and Conservancy Organizations…………………………... 74 For-Profit Organizations…………………………………………………. 74 Action Plan………………………………………………………………... 74 Capital Improvement Plan………………………………………………………. 76 Charlevoix County Action Plan…………………………………………………. 82 State of Michigan Action Plan………………………………………………..…. 88 Appendices Appendix A Whiting Park Master Plan Appendix B Local Adoption Resolutions and Public Notices
Introduction The purpose of this plan is to provide general guidance and direction for all units of government in Charlevoix County as well as non-profit and for-profit recreation providers concerning the future recreation needs of Charlevoix County. We believe the recreational needs of Charlevoix County, its residents and visitors can only be achieved through a coordinated effort on the part of the cities and village, townships, county, and state governments. This plan is written with the thought of fostering the cooperation necessary between all units of government as well as the private sector recreation providers. It is also the intent of this plan to provide the basic data necessary for our local units of government to include in their more detailed recreation plans. This plan also provides a framework for the acquisition and improvement of recreational facilities currently owned by or to be acquired by the County. This recreation plan is intended to guide future investments made by the County in striving to meet our recreation needs over the next five years.
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County Description REGIONAL SETTING Due to its geographic location, Charlevoix County is often a destination point (as opposed to a through point) for persons traveling across the state or country. The following illustration (Figure 1) shows the location of Charlevoix County in relation to the remainder of the State of Michigan. Charlevoix County is located in the northwestern portion of the Lower Peninsula. It is composed of a mainland area as well as Beaver Island and ten smaller, uninhabited islands making up the Beaver Island Archipelago. The mainland portion of the County is bordered by Emmet County to the north, Cheboygan and Otsego Counties to the north and east, Lake Michigan to the west, and Antrim and Otsego Counties to the south. The Beaver Island Archipelago is located in Lake Michigan, approximately 22 miles northeast of the City of Charlevoix. Charlevoix County attracts persons from around the Midwest for recreational purposes. The major features drawing people here for recreational purposes are the lakes and rivers (Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, Lake Michigan, Thumb and Deer Lakes on the mainland, Font, Fox and Geneserath Lakes on Beaver Island, and the Boyne, Jordan, and Bear Rivers) in addition to a number of smaller inland lakes, which offer boating, swimming and fishing, along with land based recreational activities including camping, hiking, skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowboarding and snowmobiling. Charlevoix County is within comfortable driving distance of virtually anywhere within the State of Michigan. The city of Detroit is a 5-hour drive, while Lansing and Grand Rapids are within 3 to 4 hours driving time. Major population centers in the Midwest are also within a reasonable distance, with Chicago being a 7-hour drive. The total area of the County is 458.2 square miles, exclusive of the area within the County boundaries that extends into Lake Michigan. Of the 458.2 total square miles, 418.5 square miles are land, with 344.2 square miles of that being found on the mainland. Inland lakes, streams, ponds, and other tributaries consist of 38 square miles on the mainland, with 1.7 square miles located on Beaver and the remaining islands. The County of Charlevoix includes three cities (Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan), the incorporated Village of Boyne Falls, and 15 townships (Bay, Boyne Valley, Chandler, Charlevoix, Evangeline, Eveline, Hayes, Hudson, Marion, Melrose, Norwood, Peaine, St. James, South Arm and Wilson).
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SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS Population (permanent) While the communities with the largest population are the cities of Boyne City, Charlevoix and East Jordan, the majority of County residents do not live within city limits. Two-thirds of the County population resided outside of the city limits in 2000, as opposed to pre-1980 when over 50% of the County residents lived within the 3 cities. Chandler Township has the smallest year round population in the County, followed closely by Peaine and St. James Townships on Beaver Island. Historically, most of the intensively developed recreation facilities have been located within the three cities, a trend that continues today. The combined population of the six most populated townships includes more year round residents than the three cities and the Village of Boyne Falls combined. These six townships are located adjacent to the three cities, following the statewide trend of the population relocating from cities to suburban areas. The population of Charlevoix County fluctuated between 1900 and 2000. During the lumbering era of 1900 to 1910, the population of the County increased from 13,956 to 19,157. After the timber was removed, jobs were scarce and the population declined. The County’s population did not exceed that reported in the 1910 Census of Population until the late 1970’s. Since 1970, the population of Charlevoix County has increased at a much greater rate than that of the State of Michigan, but in line with the population increases experienced across the Northwest Michigan region (the counties located west of US-127 and including those through which M-55 passes as well as the counties to the north and west of those highways). The population increased more than 20% between 1960 and 1970 as well as between 1970 and 1980. While the population continued to increase between 1980 and 1990, the rate slowed to around 8%. Between 1990 and 2000, though, the population increased by more than 20%. Tables 1 and 2 provide a picture of the change in historic population levels at the state, regional, county and local levels.
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Table 1 State & County Total Population by Census Year, 1900 - 2000 Census Year
State of Michigan
Numeric Change*
Percent Change*
Charlevoix County
Numeric Change*
Percent Change*
1900
2,420,982
N/A
N/A
13,956
N/A
N/A
1910
2,810,173
389,191
16.08
19,157
5,201
37.3
1920
3,668,412
858,239
30.54
15,788
-3,369
-17.6
1930
4,842,325
1,173,913
32.00
11,981
-3,807
-24.1
1940
5,256,106
413,781
8.55
13,031
1,050
8.8
1950
6,371,766
1,115,660
21.23
13,475
444
3.4
1960
7,823,194
1,451,428
22.78
13,421
-54
-0.4
1970
8,881,826
1,058,632
13.53
16,541
3,120
23.2
1980
9,262,078
380,252
4.28
19,907
3,366
20.35
1990
9,295,297
33,219
0.36
21,468
1,561
7.84
2000
9,938,444
643,147
6.92
26,090
4,622
21.53
Source of 1900 - 1960 County Data: U.S. Census Bureau; NW Mich. Regional Planning & Development Commission Comprehensive Plan, Land Use (June 1978) Source of 1970 - 2000 County Data: U.S. Census Bureau; NW Lower MI County Profiles 2000, NW Mich. Council of Governments Source of State Data: U.S. Census Bureau, Michigan Total Population from Decennial Census * Numeric Change and Percent Change are for previous 10-year time period
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Table 2 Charlevoix County & Minor Civil Division Population by Census Year, 1970 - 2000
County / Minor Civil Division
1970
1980
1970 - 1980 % Change
1990
1980 - 1990 % Change
2000
1990 - 2000 % Change
Charlevoix County
16,541
19,907
20.35%
21,468
7.84%
26,090
21.53%
Boyne City
2,969
3,348
12.77%
3,478
3.88%
3,503
0.72%
Charlevoix
3,519
3,296
-6.34%
3,116
-5.46%
2,994
-3.92%
East Jordan
2,041
2,185
7.06%
2,240
2.52%
2,507
11.92%
Boyne Falls
347
378
8.93%
369
-2.38%
370
0.27%
Bay Twp
456
599
31.36%
825
37.73%
1,068
29.45%
Boyne Valley Twp*
832
948
13.94%
1,102
16.24%
1,215
10.25%
Chandler Twp
89
132
48.31%
182
37.88%
230
26.37%
Charlevoix Twp
720
993
37.92%
1,016
2.32%
1,697
67.03%
Evangeline Twp
440
538
22.27%
646
20.07%
773
19.66%
Eveline Twp
837
1,061
26.76%
1,100
3.68%
1,560
41.82%
Hayes Twp
706
1,274
80.45%
1,317
3.38%
1,893
43.74%
Hudson Twp
219
343
56.62%
481
40.23%
639
32.85%
Marion Twp
694
946
36.31%
1,130
19.45%
1,492
32.04%
Melrose Twp
830
947
14.10%
1,106
16.79%
1,388
25.50%
Norwood Twp
325
540
66.15%
516
-4.44%
714
38.37%
Peaine Twp
58
81
39.66%
128
58.02%
244
90.63%
St. James Twp
161
240
49.07%
276
15.00%
307
11.23%
South Arm Twp
995
1,237
24.32%
1,418
14.63%
1,844
30.04%
Wilson Twp
650
1,199
84.46%
1,391
16.01%
2,022
45.36%
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census; Northwest Lower Michigan County Profiles 2000 (compiled by Northwest MI Council of Governments)
Population (seasonal) A study of our seasonal population over the course of a year took place in 1996. This study, based on a 10-county area, found that seasonal visitors raise the population of Charlevoix County from a low of 8% during the month of April to a high of 35% in the summer months of July and August. If these percentages were to hold true today, during the year 2000, we would find the number of seasonal residents in the County 5
during the month of April to be 2,090 and a high of 9,130 during the months of July and August. During weekends and when festivals are held in the County, we experience higher seasonal population levels, but during the middle of the week, the seasonal population levels moderate, resulting in the percentages listed above being a daily average for the month as opposed to the peak day in any given month. Unfortunately, the seasonal population study was not able to break the figures down by municipality, as the data sources that are used in establishing the seasonal population estimates are gathered on a county level as opposed to a city and township level. Future Population Trends Our population is expected to increase into the future. We have developed a projected future population level for the County based on historic population trends (see Table 3). While we are comfortable with our future population projections at the County level, we have lower confidence in the projections at the minor civil division level due to variability in where people may choose to locate. These population projections reflect an increase of 21.5% between 2000 and 2010 and an increase of 23.8% from 2010 to 2020. While many factors could affect our future population levels, these numbers suffice for our planning purposes.
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Table 3 Population Projections for Charlevoix County's Minor Civil Divisions
Unit of Gov't
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
Bay Twp
456
599
825
1,068
1,419
1,885
Boyne Valley Twp*
832
948
1,102
1,215
1,379
1,565
Chandler Twp
89
132
182
230
316
435
Charlevoix Twp
720
993
1,016
1,697
2,304
3,127
Evangeline Twp
440
538
646
773
933
1,126
Eveline Twp
837
1,061
1,100
1,560
1,936
2,402
Hayes Twp
706
1,274
1,317
1,893
2,698
3,845
Hudson Twp
219
343
481
639
915
1,311
Marion Twp
694
946
1,130
1,492
1,929
2,493
Melrose Twp
830
947
1,106
1,388
1,649
1,959
Norwood Twp
325
540
516
714
952
1,270
Peaine Twp
58
81
128
244
397
646
St. James Twp
161
240
276
307
384
480
South Arm Twp
995
1,237
1,418
1,844
2,268
2,790
Wilson Twp
650
1,199
1,391
2,022
3,005
4,466
Boyne City
2,969
3,348
3,478
3,503
3,706
3,920
Charlevoix, City
3,519
3,296
3,116
2,994
2,837
2,689
East Jordan, City
2,041
2,185
2,240
2,507
2,687
2,879
TOTAL
16,541
19,907
21,468
26,090
31,713
39,288
* Includes Village of Boyne Falls
Age In addition to the population shifting from an “urban” to “suburban” population, the population of the County has been aging (see Table 4). The median age of County residents has increased from 27.8 years in 1970 to 39.1 years in 2000, an increase of 11.3 years. Between 1990 and 2000, the 45 to 59 year age range experienced the greatest increases in population numbers, while the 20 to 34 year age ranges experienced the greatest decreases in population numbers. Peaine and St. James Townships on Beaver Island have the oldest median ages of 50 7
years and 46 years, respectively. The City of East Jordan’s median age is 33, the youngest in the County, with the median age for the remainder of the mainland communities falling between 36 and 45. Table 4 Charlevoix County 2000 Population Age
Male
Female
Total
Birth - 4
862
829
1,691
5-9
933
909
1,842
10 - 14
1,058
970
2,028
15 - 19
933
824
1,757
20 - 24
561
572
1,133
25 - 29
631
667
1,298
30 - 34
808
882
1,690
35 - 39
1,045
936
1,981
40 - 44
1,079
1,111
2,190
45 - 49
991
984
1,975
50 - 54
823
905
1,728
55 - 59
785
790
1,575
60 - 64
677
631
1,308
65 - 69
551
588
1,139
70 - 74
471
520
991
75+
696
1,068
1,764
Total
12,904
13,186
26,090
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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Figure 2 Charlevoix County - 2000 Population
70 - 74 60 - 64
FEMALE
MALE
Age
50 - 54 40 - 44 30 - 34 20 - 24 10 - 14 Birth - 4 1500
1000
500
0
500
1000
1500
Population (#)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Gender In the year 2000, females outnumbered males with 49.5% males and 50.5% females. The males outnumbered the females in the 21 and younger age groups. Most age groups older than 21 years consisted of more females than males (see Table 4 and Figure 2). Race Over 96% of the population is white, with 99% being non-Hispanic. The 962 persons counted as other than “White Alone” in the 2000 Census of Population consisted of 403 persons of American Indian or Alaska Native descent, 59 persons of Asian descent, 45 Black / African American and 23 being Hawaiian/other Pacific Islands. The remainder of the “Non White Alone” consist of either “ Some Other Race Alone” (107) and those who classify themselves as “2 or More Races” (325). The concentration of the “Non All White” races and “Hispanics” reside within the cities of Boyne City, Charlevoix and East Jordan or in the townships immediately adjacent to the cities such as Wilson, South Arm and Charlevoix Townships (see Table 5 & 6).
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Table 5 Populations with Unique Needs in Charlevoix County (# Persons)
Unit of Government
2000 Population
Persons with a Disability#
Persons below Poverty Level**
Persons with Senior Ethnic Citizens^ Backgrounds$
Charlevoix County
26,090
4,544
2,064
3,894
929
Boyne City
3,503
571
407
552
100
Charlevoix
2,994
635
279
581
155
East Jordan
2,507
501
264
366
124
Boyne Falls
370
76
37
45
N/A
Bay Twp
1,068
129
52
162
12
Boyne Valley Twp*
1,215
247
82
177
26
230
43
10
16
2
1,697
215
76
297
80
Chandler Twp Charlevoix Twp Evangeline Twp
773
123
34
112
15
Eveline Twp
1,560
260
149
270
71
Hayes Twp
1,893
335
116
262
64
Hudson Twp
639
137
67
82
19
Marion Twp
1,492
206
105
139
57
Melrose Twp
1,388
230
116
165
34
Norwood Twp
714
94
26
109
12
Peaine Twp
244
41
17
50
6
St. James Twp
307
58
22
69
5
South Arm Twp
1,844
326
81
308
69
Wilson Twp
2,022
393
161
177
78
Source: 2000 Census; U.S. Census Bureau * Twp figures include Village of Boyne Falls ** Poverty Status in 1999 ^ Persons age 65 years and over # $
Civilian, non-institutionalized population 5 years and over Includes Black or African American alone, American Indian and Alaska Native alone, Asian alone, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, some other race alone, two or more races, or Hispanic or Latino
N/A = Not Available or Not Applicable
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Table 6 Populations with Unique Needs in Charlevoix County (Percentage)
Unit of Government
2000 Population
Percent with a Disability#
Percent below Poverty Level**
Percent Senior Citizens^
Percent with Ethnic Backgrounds$
Charlevoix County
26,090
17.4
8.0
14.9
3.6
Boyne City
3,503
16.3
11.8
15.8
2.9
Charlevoix
2,994
21.2
9.5
19.4
5.2
East Jordan
2,507
20.0
10.6
14.6
4.9
Boyne Falls
370
20.5
10.3
12.2
N/A
Bay Twp
1,068
12.1
4.9
15.2
1.1
Boyne Valley Twp*
1,215
20.3
6.4
14.6
2.1
230
18.7
4.3
7.0
0.9
Charlevoix Twp
1,697
12.7
4.7
17.5
4.7
Evangeline Twp
773
15.9
4.4
14.5
1.9
Eveline Twp
1,560
16.7
9.4
17.3
4.6
Hayes Twp
1,893
17.7
6.2
13.8
3.4
Hudson Twp
639
21.4
11.4
12.8
3.0
Marion Twp
1,492
13.8
6.8
9.3
3.8
Melrose Twp
1,388
16.6
8.2
11.9
2.4
Norwood Twp
714
13.2
3.8
15.3
1.7
Peaine Twp
244
16.8
8.2
20.5
2.5
St. James Twp
307
18.9
6.6
22.5
1.6
South Arm Twp
1,844
17.7
4.8
16.7
3.7
Wilson Twp
2,022
19.4
8.0
8.8
3.9
Chandler Twp
Source: 2000 Census; U.S. Census Bureau * Twp figures include Village of Boyne Falls ** Poverty Status in 1999 ^ Persons age 65 years and over #
Civilian, non-institutionalized population 5 years and over
$
Includes Black or African American alone, American Indian and Alaska Native alone, Asian alone, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, some other race alone, two or more races, or Hispanic or Latino
N/A = Not Available or Not Applicable
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Households A total of 10,400 households are located in Charlevoix County. The greatest number of households is in Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan. The townships in close proximity to the 3 cities generally contain "high” numbers of households, such as Hayes and Wilson Townships. Those communities with the lowest numbers of households are Chandler, Peaine and St. James Townships Employment Trends The economy of the County is based upon employment in manufacturing, tourism, agricultural and timber related enterprises. The timber, agricultural and resort/tourism sectors of the economy have been the backbone of the economy from the late 1800's to the present time. Efforts have been successful in attracting a number of industries to the county, as a result of owners electing to locate their firms in an area featuring clean air, water, and an unlimited number of recreational opportunities. It is typical for employment rates to change dramatically throughout the year due to the seasonal nature of many jobs in northern Michigan. The summer months of July and August tend to have the highest employment rates, while during the winter months the employment rates typically drop. Data from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth for the 10-year period between 1990 and 2000 showed a gradual drop in unemployment rates. This trend continued until 2008 at which time the County’s unemployment rates began to reflect the declining national economy. This drop can be attributed to a number of factors including the loss of manufacturing and construction jobs in the County and a generally weak national economy.
Table 7 Unemployment Rates* Year 1990 1995 2000 2005 2008
January 9.8% 11.6% 6.2% 9.5% 10.7%
August 6.2% 5.9% 3.6% 5.2% 8.6%
Annual 8.4% 8.3% 4.9% 7.1% 10.3%
* Source: Michigan Dept. of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth; “Area Labor Statistics”
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Should the economy continue this downward trend, we can expect short-term unemployment rates to continue to increase. If the “high” unemployment rate persists, past trends have shown that unemployed persons begin to relocate to areas where jobs are more plentiful, which will result in a decline in the population numbers within the County. The latest census of population from which information is available on employment and income is the 2000 report, which contains 1999 data. The median household income for 1999 was $39,788 in Charlevoix County, compared to $44,667 statewide. The statewide average percentage of families having an income below the poverty level for 1999 was 7.4%. The percent in Charlevoix County for the same year was 5.4%. Areas of the County did have percentages above the state average, with Hudson Township having 8.3% of their population below poverty level. Boyne City and the City of East Jordan both exceeded the statewide average as well with rates of 8.9% and 7.5%, respectively. All of the remaining townships and cities were below the statewide average for 1999. Table 8 Charlevoix County
Table 9
Earnings in 1999 for the Population 16 Years & Over with Earnings Earnings $1 to $2,499 or loss
Measure of Income
# Persons 1,119
$2,500 to $4,999
793
$5,000 to $7,499
824
$7,500 to $9,999
724
$10,000 to $12,499
886
$12,500 to $14,999
597
$15,000 to $17,499
847
$17,500 to $19,999
693
$20,000 to $22,499
1,016
$22,500 to $24,999
614
$25,000 to $29,999
1,372
$30,000 to $34,999
1,181
$35,000 to $39,999
866
$40,000 to $44,999
740
$45,000 to $49,999
397
$50,000 to $54,999
391
$55,000 to $64,999
472
$65,000 to $74,999
222
$75,000 to $99,999
251
$100,000 or more Total
294 14,299
Source: 2000 Census; U.S. Census Bureau
Charlevoix County
Per Capita Income
$24,845
Median Household Income
$39,788*
Median Family Income
$46,260*
Source: 2000 Census; U.S. Census Bureau * Based on 1999 dollars
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Table 10 Per Capita Income by Gov't Unit by Census Year 1990
2000
Based on 1989 Based on 1999 Unit of Government income income State of Michigan $14,154 $22,168 $18,370 $22,168 in 1999 dollars Charlevoix County $11,632 $20,130 $15,097 $20,130 in 1999 dollars Bay Twp $12,332 $25,594 $16,005 $25,594 in 1999 dollars Boyne Valley Twp* $9,709 $16,805 $12,601 $16,805 in 1999 dollars Chandler Twp $10,070 $24,855 $13,069 $24,855 in 1999 dollars Charlevoix Twp $17,082 $22,835 $22,170 $22,835 in 1999 dollars Evangeline Twp $12,417 $28,279 $16,116 $28,279 in 1999 dollars Eveline Twp $12,771 $22,440 $16,575 $22,440 in 1999 dollars Hayes Twp $12,889 $25,512 $16,728 $25,512 in 1999 dollars Hudson Twp $9,685 $15,138 $12,570 $15,138 in 1999 dollars Marion Twp $11,163 $16,854 $14,488 $16,854 in 1999 dollars Melrose Twp $12,041 $20,426 $15,628 $20,426 in 1999 dollars Norwood Twp $14,135 $23,802 $18,345 $23,802 in 1999 dollars Peaine Twp $8,297 $33,091 $10,687 $20,109 in 1999 dollars St. James Twp $10,687 $20,109 $13,870 $20,109 in 1999 dollars South Arm Twp $9,588 $17,554 $12,444 $17,554 in 1999 dollars Wilson Twp $10,336 $16,691 $13,415 $16,691 in 1999 dollars Boyne City $9,899 $19,030 $12,848 $19,030 in 1999 dollars Charlevoix $14,720 $21,319 $19,105 $21,319 in 1999 dollars East Jordan $9,150 $14,920 $11,875 $14,920 in 1999 dollars Boyne Falls $9,335 $15,027 $12,116 $15,027 in 1999 dollars Source: 1990 & 2000 Censuses; U.S. Census Bureau * Data includes Village of Boyne Falls
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CHARLEVOIX COUNTY POPULATION INCREASE 1980-2000 (NUMERIC INCREASE) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
67
619
-302
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX
704
174
ST JAMES TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENTS
LAKE MICHIGAN
NORWOOD TWP
546
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BUILDING 301 STATE STREET CHARLEVOIX, MI 49720 (231) 547-7234 / 237-0113 HTTP://CHARLEVOIXCOUNTY.ORG PRINT DATE: 4/13/2009
HAYES TWP
CHARLEVOIX TWP
469
MARION TWP
BAY TWP
235
499
:
EVANGELINE TWP
EVELINE TWP
441
MELROSE TWP
98
CHANDLER TWP
296
HUDSON TWP
155
BOYNE CITY
LAKE MICHIGAN
163
PEAINE TWP
607
SOUTH ARM TWP
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
322
823
WILSON TWP
CITY OF EAST JORDAN
-8
BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
267
BOYNE VALLEY TWP
POPULATION INCREASE 1980-2000 (PERCENTAGE CHANGE) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
LAKE MICHIGAN
48.6 -9.2
HAYES TWP
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
78.3
70.9
BAY TWP
27.9
ST JAMES TWP
NORWOOD TWP
32.2
57.7
47
MARION TWP
EVELINE TWP
EVANGELINE TWP
43.7
46.6
MELROSE TWP
74.2
CHANDLER TWP
4.6
BOYNE CITY
201.2
LAKE MICHIGAN
68.6
PEAINE TWP BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
14.7 SOUTH ARM TWP CITY OF EAST JORDAN 49.1
WILSON TWP
-2.1 BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
28.2 BOYNE VALLEY TWP
86.3
HUDSON TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PROJECTED POPULATION INCREASE 2000-2020 (NUMERIC CHANGE) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENTS
LAKE MICHIGAN
CHARLEVOIX TWP
556
ST JAMES TWP
1952
-305
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX
NORWOOD TWP
1001
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BUILDING 301 STATE STREET CHARLEVOIX, MI 49720 (231) 547-7234 / 237-0113 HTTP://CHARLEVOIXCOUNTY.ORG PRINT DATE: 4/13/2009
HAYES TWP
1430
817
MARION TWP
BAY TWP
353
842
EVANGELINE TWP
EVELINE TWP
173
:
571
MELROSE TWP
205
CHANDLER TWP
672
HUDSON TWP
417
BOYNE CITY
LAKE MICHIGAN
402
PEAINE TWP
946
SOUTH ARM TWP
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
372
2444
WILSON TWP
CITY OF EAST JORDAN
N/A
BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
350
BOYNE VALLEY TWP
PROJECTED POPULATION INCREASE 2000-2020 (PERCENT CHANGE) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
LAKE MICHIGAN
103.1 -10.2
HAYES TWP
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
76.5
84.3
BAY TWP
56.4
ST JAMES TWP
NORWOOD TWP
77.9
67.1
54
MARION TWP
EVELINE TWP
EVANGELINE TWP
45.7
41.1
MELROSE TWP
89.1
CHANDLER TWP
11.9
BOYNE CITY
164.8
LAKE MICHIGAN
120.9
PEAINE TWP BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
14.8 SOUTH ARM TWP CITY OF EAST JORDAN 51.3
WILSON TWP
N/A BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
28.8 BOYNE VALLEY TWP
105.2
HUDSON TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS AS A PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION IN 2000 (65 YEARS & OVER) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
13.8
19.4
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
15.3
ST JAMES TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENTS
LAKE MICHIGAN
NORWOOD TWP
9.3
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BUILDING 301 STATE STREET CHARLEVOIX, MI 49720 (231) 547-7234 / 237-0113 HTTP://CHARLEVOIXCOUNTY.ORG PRINT DATE: 4/13/2009
HAYES TWP
17.5
15.2
BAY TWP
14.5
MARION TWP
17.3
22.5
:
EVANGELINE TWP
EVELINE TWP
11.9
MELROSE TWP
7
CHANDLER TWP
12.8
HUDSON TWP
15.8
BOYNE CITY
LAKE MICHIGAN
20.5
PEAINE TWP
16.7
SOUTH ARM TWP
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
14.6
CITY OF EAST JORDAN
8.8
WILSON TWP
12.2
BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
14.6
BOYNE VALLEY TWP
FEMALES AS A PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION IN 2000 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
LAKE MICHIGAN
50.1 53
HAYES TWP
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
47.1
51.5
BAY TWP
52.1
ST JAMES TWP
NORWOOD TWP
47.9
50.5
51
MARION TWP
EVELINE TWP
EVANGELINE TWP
50.6
49.6
MELROSE TWP
47.4
CHANDLER TWP
51.2
BOYNE CITY
49.2
LAKE MICHIGAN
49.4
PEAINE TWP BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
51.4 SOUTH ARM TWP CITY OF EAST JORDAN 50.7
WILSON TWP
50.8 BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
49.5 BOYNE VALLEY TWP
46.8
HUDSON TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY
PERSONS WITH ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS IN 2000 (NUMERIC) DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISIONS
12
ST JAMES TWP
64
155
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX
80
5
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENTS
LAKE MICHIGAN
NORWOOD TWP
57
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BUILDING 301 STATE STREET CHARLEVOIX, MI 49720 (231) 547-7234 / 237-0113 HTTP://CHARLEVOIXCOUNTY.ORG PRINT DATE: 4/13/2009
HAYES TWP
CHARLEVOIX TWP
12
MARION TWP
BAY TWP
15
71
:
EVANGELINE TWP
EVELINE TWP
34
MELROSE TWP
2
CHANDLER TWP
19
HUDSON TWP
100
BOYNE CITY
LAKE MICHIGAN
6 PEAINE TWP
SOUTH ARM TWP
69
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
124
CITY OF EAST JORDAN
78
WILSON TWP
N/A
BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
26
BOYNE VALLEY TWP
MEDIAN AGE OF POPULATION IN YEARS DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
LAKE MICHIGAN
42.3 40.8
HAYES TWP
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
43.1
41.2
BAY TWP
45.6
ST JAMES TWP
NORWOOD TWP
42.2
36.8
44.5
MARION TWP
EVELINE TWP
EVANGELINE TWP
42.4
35.9
MELROSE TWP
36.8
CHANDLER TWP
37.9
BOYNE CITY
49.5
LAKE MICHIGAN
35.5
PEAINE TWP BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
32.7 SOUTH ARM TWP CITY OF EAST JORDAN 40.6
WILSON TWP
34 BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
38.3 BOYNE VALLEY TWP
38.9
HUDSON TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL IN 2000 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
6.6
6.2
9.5
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX
4.7
3.8
ST JAMES TWP
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENTS
LAKE MICHIGAN
NORWOOD TWP
6.8
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BUILDING 301 STATE STREET CHARLEVOIX, MI 49720 (231) 547-7234 / 237-0113 HTTP://CHARLEVOIXCOUNTY.ORG PRINT DATE: 4/13/2009
HAYES TWP
CHARLEVOIX TWP
4.9
MARION TWP
BAY TWP
4.4
9.4
:
EVANGELINE TWP
EVELINE TWP
8.2
MELROSE TWP
4.3
CHANDLER TWP
11.4
HUDSON TWP
11.8
BOYNE CITY
LAKE MICHIGAN
8.2
PEAINE TWP
4.8
SOUTH ARM TWP
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
10.6
CITY OF EAST JORDAN
8
WILSON TWP
10.3
BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
6.4
BOYNE VALLEY TWP
PERCENTAGE OF PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY IN 2000 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE BY POLITICAL CIVIL DIVISION
LAKE MICHIGAN 21.2
CITY OF CHARLEVOIX CHARLEVOIX TWP
18.9
13.2
ST JAMES TWP
NORWOOD TWP
17.7
HAYES TWP
12.1
12.7
BAY TWP
15.9
13.8
16.7
MARION TWP
EVELINE TWP
EVANGELINE TWP
16.6
MELROSE TWP
18.7
CHANDLER TWP
21.4
HUDSON TWP
16.3
BOYNE CITY
16.8
LAKE MICHIGAN
PEAINE TWP
17.7
BEAVER ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO INSET
20
19.4 SOUTH ARM TWP CITY OF EAST JORDAN
WILSON TWP
20.5 BOYNE FALLS VILLAGE
20.3 BOYNE VALLEY TWP
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Soils, Topography and Hydrology The physical environment that makes up Charlevoix County has long been an important, if not the major, reason why the County developed into what it is today. From the lumbering era to the present resort-industrialization period, the physical makeup of the County has played a major role in the lifestyle of County residents. The physical environment includes the blend of the soils, topography (slope) and hydrology (water features). Each physical element of the environment directly affects the other physical elements. The topography and hydro-geologic conditions influence the soil characteristics, and the soils, in turn, influence the location of wetlands, groundwater recharge areas, etc. The following section will briefly discuss the soils, slopes and water features in the County, where various types exist, and how they differ. The Wisconsin Glaciation Period had the greatest influence on the present topography with the scouring and deposition of materials, which resulted in the development of our lakes and islands. As seen on the following topographic map, the eastern mainland portion of the County features sharply rolling hills, with elevations up to 1400 feet above sea level. In contrast, the western half of the mainland portion of the County has generally level to rolling hills, with the highest altitude approximately 800 feet above sea level. The water level of Lake Michigan tends to hover around 570 feet +/- above sea level. Beaver Island has a major ridgeline that generally follows the western boundary of the island, featuring level ground to gently rolling hills. The diverse terrain in the County has presented limitations to development by forcing growth to occur in a linear fashion, rather than expanding gradually outward. The appeal of living along lakes has also contributed to this linear pattern of development. The types of soils vary tremendously, not only from one end of the County to the other, but also within a few hundred feet. (see General Soil Types Map, which follows). In some areas of the County, the soils are very poor and should not be built on, while in other areas, the soils are well suited for development and can effectively support on-site septic waste disposal systems. We are fortunate to have an abundance of clean useable water, with large amounts of both surface and subsurface water, which support residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial uses as well as water sports. 15
Major surface waters are Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix (including its South Arm), Walloon Lake, Thumb Lake, Lake Geneserath and Font Lake. The County also features smaller inland lakes, such as Deer, Susan, Nowland, Steele, Huffman, Bows, Adams and others. We also have many rivers, streams, and creeks, including the Bear, Boyne, and Jordan River, and Deer, Monroe and Horton Creeks. The wetlands connected to many of the lakes, rivers, and creeks also contribute significantly to the surface waters in the County. Following is a breakdown by geographic area of the County's environmental conditions: Beaver Island The elevations on the Island range from 600 to 700 feet above sea level. A major bluff line is found on the west side of the island running north and south. The remainder of the island can be characterized as level to gently rolling, with minor bluffs found overlooking Lake Michigan on the north and east sides. These minor bluffs are primarily the result of erosion from surface runoff, wind and wave action. The soils on the Island range from Emmet-Leelanau, Kalkaska-Mancelona, Deer Park-Dune Land-Eastport, to Roscommon - Charlevoix - Mackinaw Associations. Soils in these associations are well drained, sandy-loams, with the exception of the Roscommon-Charlevoix-Mackinaw Association, which are sandy and loamy soils located on glacial lake beds that provide poor drainage. Generally, these soils would be classified as wetlands. The Roscommon – Charlevoix – Mackinaw Association is found on the southern half of Beaver Island, on the interior and along the southwestern shoreline. Beaver Island's hydro-geologic features include Lake Michigan, Lake Geneserath, Fox, Font, Barneys, Egg, Round and Green’s Lakes, as well as many small, seasonal creeks which drain the wetland areas on the interior of the Island. Iron Ore Creek and the Jordan River are the only year round flowing water bodies on the Island. In exceptionally dry years, even these two tributaries of Lake Michigan have been known to occasionally cease flowing. For the most part, the remaining islands in the Beaver Island Archipelago are publicly owned. Garden Island contains approximately 100 acres of privately owned lands and is inhabited part of the year by one or two individuals. Trout, Whiskey and Squaw Islands are all privately owned. The main environmental concerns facing Beaver Island include the vast amount of wetlands, the potential for erosion along the steep bluffs on the west side of the Island, the ability of the soils to handle septic wastes, and flooding on the Island due to beavers damming up culverts underneath the roads. 16
Eastern Mainland Portion The eastern mainland portion of Charlevoix County includes Melrose, Chandler, Hudson, and Boyne Valley Townships. As mentioned earlier, the topography varies greatly depending on specific geographic location. The elevation is approximately 800 feet above sea level from the low point along tributaries of the Boyne River and Bear River, to over 1400 feet above sea level in the eastern part of this area. Throughout the eastern part of the County are numerous hills and valleys with steep grades. The soils vary and include the Kalkaska-Leelanau, Emmet-Leelanau, Nester-Emmet, Kalkaska-Leelanau, and Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Associations. The soils in the Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Association are organic. They are very level and located on the till outwash and lake plains. Very poorly drained, these soils are found along lakes, rivers, and creeks, and in areas generally considered wetlands. The remaining soil Associations, which are found on slopes or at higher elevations, consist of sandy and loamy soils that are generally well-drained and conducive to development. Major water features in the eastern part of the County include Deer, Thumb, and Hoffman Lakes, the Bear and Boyne Rivers, and numerous creeks serving as drainage channels for the wetlands in Hudson, Chandler, Melrose, and Boyne Valley Townships. These wetlands and marshes are located in the valleys where ground and surface water flowing from higher elevations sustain them. Northern Mainland Portion The northern mainland portion of Charlevoix County consists of Evangeline, Bay and Hayes Townships. The topography differs greatly from Evangeline to Hayes Township. Evangeline features terrain similar to the eastern section of the County, having rapid and drastic changes in the elevation. The topography of Hayes and Bay Townships is characterized by gently rolling hills with nearly level lands in the western half of Hayes Township. The soils are from the Emmet-Leelanau, Emmet-Onaway, Kalkaska-Mancelona, Detour-Kiva, Alpena-Kiva-East Lake, and Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Associations. The Detour-Kiva Soils are well to poorly drained along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where the limestone and shale bedrock are closer to the surface and exposed in some areas. The Carbon-Lupton-Tawas Association features poorly drained soils located along Susan Lake and Horton Creek. The remaining soil Associations contain sands and loams with good drainage. The major water features in this area include Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, and Susan Lake.
17
Southern and Western Mainland Portions The remainder of the County includes Charlevoix, Norwood, Marion, Eveline, South Arm, and Wilson Townships. The terrain in Wilson Township and in the southern half of South Arm Township is quite similar to that found in the eastern portion of the County, with rapid changes in elevations. The northern half of South Arm Township and the remaining townships in this area of the County have gently rolling hills and level ground. Rapid elevation changes occur along the shorelines of Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix, and Round Lake. The soils vary and range from Kalkaska-Leelanau, Emmet-Onaway, EmmetBarker, Kalkaska-Mancelona, Alpena-Kiva-East Lake, Deer Park-Dune LakeEastport, Detour-Kiva, to the Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Association. The EmmetLeelanau soils are located mainly in Wilson and South Arm Townships. These are sandy and loamy soils, which become loamy soils in Eveline, Marion, and Norwood Townships. The highly organic soils of the Carbondale-Lupton-Tawas Association are found in level valleys that serve as drainage channels, often containing wetlands, rivers, and streams. The sandy Kalkaska-Mancelona soils are located adjacent to Lake Charlevoix and its South Arm, Loeb and Porter Creeks, and between the City of East Jordan and Deer Lake. The Lake Michigan shoreline and Charlevoix Township feature soils that contain gravel and sand mixtures with some limestone and shale exposed. The land in Eveline Township, east of Ironton, also has exposed bedrock. Numerous lakes are found in this area. Round Lake, Lake Charlevoix and its South Arm, Deer Lake, Six Mile Lake, and Lake Michigan are the major water bodies. The Jordan River entering the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix, Deer Creek and Porter Creek are the major flowing water courses. The Pine River Channel between Lake Michigan and Round Lake also provides an important function by providing commercial and pleasure boats with access to East Jordan and Boyne City. Small wetlands are found throughout this portion of the County as a result of the limestone, shale, and clay layers beneath the soil surface that prevent adequate drainage of surface water.
Climate The climate of Charlevoix County varies due to the effects of Lake Michigan on Beaver Island and the western end of the mainland portion of the County. Generally, January and February are the coldest months, and July and August are the warmest months of the year. The average low temperature during the winter is 16 degrees, with an average high of 79 degrees in the summer. Average annual precipitation consists of 31.5 inches of rainfall and 89 inches of snowfall. The average growing season ranges from 80 days to 140 days per year and varies with geographic location. Compared to the western end of the mainland and Beaver Island, the 18
eastern portion of the County tends to cool quicker in the fall and warm up faster in the Spring due to the moderating effect of Lake Michigan on this area of the County. Since the temperature of Lake Michigan takes longer to warm up, the number of people visiting the swimming beaches on Lake Michigan tend to be very low until the 4th of July weekend. In contrast, the inland lakes, which warm up faster, draw more people beginning with Memorial weekend.
Flora and Fauna At one time, Charlevoix County was covered almost entirely by forest. The type of tree cover and the geographic areas that are forested has changed significantly since presettlement times. Types of trees currently found include northern hardwoods (maple, red oak, beech and elm), and soft woods including aspen and birch, pines and lowland conifers (cedar, tamarack, hemlock and balsam fir). Natural ground cover consists of ferns, myrtle, grasses, juniper, trillium, poison ivy, burdock, thistle and similar vegetation. Wildlife consists of a variety of game and non-game birds and animals. Among the more common animals are deer, bear, raccoons, porcupines, bobcat, fox, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, skunks, opossum and muskrat. Bats are quite common as well. Birds consist of both migratory and non-migratory (those present year round). These birds include, but are not limited to, ducks, seagulls, loons, geese, swans, sand pipers, piping plovers, mourning doves, blue jays, cardinals, robins, nuthatches, crows, woodpeckers, owls, turkeys, grouse, woodcock and chickadees. The Piping plovers are an endangered species and have a nesting area in Fisherman’s Island State Park. Turkeys, while abundant in this area, have difficulty surviving in substantial numbers during the winter without sustained feeding programs. Bald eagles are making a comeback in the County with frequent sightings being reported in the East Jordan and Charlevoix areas. Fish species found in lakes and rivers within the County include both native and planted species. A good sport fishery exists in most lakes in the County with Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan having a variety of trout, bass, walleye and perch. Additional fish species in the County include bluegill, pike, catfish, suckers, crappie, sunfish and smelt. Nuisance species also exist both on land and in the water. Water borne plant and animal species include the Eurasian ruffle, Round Goby, zebra mussel and sea lamprey, which affect the typical sports fish mentioned above. Invasive plant species on land include, but are not limited to, purple loosestrife and phragmites, found mainly in wetland areas or along shorelines. 19
Land Use Patterns The land uses and where they are located in the County have a major effect on the number, types, and locations of recreation facilities popular among residents. More specifically, residential, commercial and industrial development trends influence the amount of land available for the acquisition and development of recreational facilities. In 2000, Charlevoix County undertook a land use inventory for the mainland portion of the County based on aerial photos taken in 1997. This inventory found that the majority of lands in the County are forested (see Tables 5 and 6 below). Much of these forested lands are owned by the State of Michigan and are available for non-intensive recreational uses. Wetlands, farmland, and open space occupy far fewer acres than forest. Urbanized, or developed lands, used for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and educational purposes as well as lands improved for recreational use constitute less then 9% of the total land area of the County. These developed lands are located in or adjacent to the three cities, the Village of Boyne Falls, and along the lakeshores. Development trends in recent years have also resulted in residential construction along state highways, County primary roads, and on properties with lake views. Traditionally, the three cities and the school districts have been the major providers of publicly owned recreation facilities in the County. For the most part, the school facilities are located in the cities or urbanized areas. Providing recreational facilities in these communities often requires purchasing developed land and redeveloping it, or improving existing recreational facilities. In some cases, existing facilities may be redeveloped as a result of changing recreational needs in a community. With a few exceptions, the townships in the County have not provided recreational opportunities in proportion to their population increases. Instead, they have relied on the facilities provided by the cities. Undeveloped land in the Townships, located close to developing areas, is currently available for acquisition and development of recreational facilities. However, the amount of developable land available, especially lakefront property, is limited by Nature and other competing land uses. Lakefront property in the County can be grouped in three (3) categories as follows: 1. Privately owned and developed 2. Privately owned and vacant 3. Publicly owned and used for active or passive recreational opportunities The privately owned and developed lakefront property is generally used for residential 20
purposes. A small portion of this developed lake frontage is used for industrial purposes and private water-based recreation, such as resorts and marinas. The vast majority of privately owned vacant land is either being held for speculative purposes, or is undevelopable at this time due to its inability to handle sanitary waste (septic or sewer). The publicly owned waterfront lands are being used for either recreational purposes, or transportation (road right-of-ways). Road end parcels, although small, help to meet the high demand for access to water bodies in the County. A number of access sites open to the public in the past are no longer available. Care must be taken to ensure the availability of existing access sites in the future.
1997 CHARLEVOIX COUNTY MAINLAND PORTION ONLY LAND USE/COVER
TYPE
ACREAGE
SQUARE MILES
PERCENT
URBAN
20,677
32.3
8.52
AGRICULTURAL
37,084
57.9
15.28
OPEN SPACE & BARREN LAND
25,906
40.5
10.68
FOREST
93.317
145.8
38.46
WATER*
22,538
35.2
9.29
WETLAND
42,999
67.2
17.72
TOTAL
242,640
379.1
100.1**
Source: Land Use/Cover Inventory for the mainland portion of Charlevoix County, conducted by Central Michigan University, based on 1997 Aerial Imagery * Does not include Lake Michigan waters within the boundaries of Charlevoix County ** Figures may not equal 100% due to rounding
21
1979 CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BEAVER ISLAND PART LAND USE/COVER *
TYPE
ACREAGE
SQUARE MILES
PERCENT
URBAN
20,677
32.3
8.52
AGRICULTURAL
37,084
57.9
15.28
OPEN SPACE & BARREN LAND
25,906
40.5
10.68
FOREST
93.317
145.8
38.46
WATER*
22,538
35.2
9.29
WETLAND
42,999
67.2
17.72
TOTAL
242,640
379.1
100.1**
Source: Michigan Resource Information System, based upon 1979 aerial imagery; Charlevoix County Planning Department and Michigan Department of Natural Resources * Does not include Lake Michigan waters within the boundaries of Charlevoix County ** Figures may not equal 100% due to rounding
Transportation The major means of access into and out of Charlevoix County for residents, visitors, goods and services is via US 131, US 31, M-32, M-66, and M-75. A number of routes, including County primary roads and state highways, are used to gain access to I-75 at Vanderbilt, Gaylord, Waters, and Grayling. Efforts have been underway for a number of years to upgrade US 131 to a limited access expressway from Cadillac north into, or just short of, Charlevoix County. Rail service is provided for transporting freight in a north-south direction through Boyne Falls. The shipment of material by boat is available at ports in Charlevoix Township (Lake Michigan), Eveline Township, the City of Charlevoix (Round Lake), as well as at the “Village” of St. James on Beaver Island. Passenger service via ferry is available between St. James and the City of Charlevoix. Chartered boats are available virtually anywhere on Lake Charlevoix and on Beaver Island. 22
Regularly scheduled air service between Charlevoix Municipal Airport and Beaver Island is available, with the flight schedule varying by season and demand. Air charter service is available via two private airlines (Island Airways and Fresh Air Aviation). Charlevoix County is home to four publicly supported airports (Beaver Island Airport, Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan Municipal Airports). The Boyne Mountain Airport and Welke’s Airport on Beaver Island are privately owned and operated. Intra-County bus service is provided by Charlevoix County Transit. Inter-County bus service is not available at the present time. Efforts to improve public bus transportation surface periodically, but have not been successful due to insufficient demand in the Northwest Michigan region.
Zoning Each of the 15 townships and 3 cities in Charlevoix County have adopted and administer their own zoning ordinance. The incorporated Village of Boyne Falls is the only community in the County that has not adopted a zoning ordinance. Typically, the ordinances contain zoning districts that provide for “low density” single family dwellings, “moderate” to “high” density single family dwellings, multiple family residential development and/or mobile home parks, commercial, and industrial uses. Some zoning ordinances also provide for a district for publicly owned lands. The Zoning Composite Map (which follows) is an attempt to combine the zoning districts based on similar uses or densities for comparative purposes.
23
