A waterfront property located directly south of the St. Mary Church looks a little different.
The lot, wooded for many years, has been stripped of trees, with a vast swath of land cleared out. And this has caused a stir in the hamlet of Lake Leelanau.
Seasonal residents returning from elsewhere have been shocked by the clearing.
The owner of the property is Craig Okerstrom-Lang and the process has been the works since 2022 permit.
“There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding with the work we are doing to develop this particular property. We want you to know that we have a great love for Lake Leelanau and all of Michigan’s lakes, rivers and streams. We have no intention nor desire to destroy nor negatively impact any of our waterways.
“Yes, we have cut down and removed the majority of trees from the wetlands. This is allowed without a permit. Removing tree stumps from the wetlands, adding fill to the wetlands, using heavy equipment or building within the wetlands all require a special permit from EGLE. We are not doing any of those things. EGLE is fully aware of our activities and we have a good working relationship with Robin Schmidt of EGLE,” Okerstrom-Lang said.
Okerstrom-Lang continued by saying the dry upland is where a house can be built— defined by the silt fence along the wetlands. An erosion permit was issued for this work and the lot has an approved perc test conducted in 2021. A driveway permit was issued by Leelanau Road Commission.
“The wetlands, which were dark and dense with very little life will now be revitalized by sunlight with an abundance of new growth inviting in dozens of species of song birds, water fowl, raptors, turtles, small fish and otters amongst all of the new growth of native plants and flora that have laid dormant,” Okerstrom-Lang said. “Please give it a little time…and if you have any doubts look to our neighbor’s to the south where they are enjoying their “bird sanctuary” along the water’s edge.
In August of 2024, permit for construction of a 152-feet, 4-foot wide boardwalk with a 15-feet by 8-foot wide deck elevated pilings was cleared with state department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
The Lake Leelanau Lake Association has among other community members disagree with the project.
“Many members of the community have contacted the lake association seeking information about what actions, if any, could be taken to prevent the clearcutting of this property,” said Nancy Popa, president of the Lake Leelanau Lake Association. “ They have also expressed deep disappointment that this beautiful wetland was completely cleared to make way for a residential development.”
Popa explained that wetlands provide critical ecological benefits, including filtering pollutants to help maintain water quality, absorbing and storing floodwaters, and serving as vital habitat for wildlife.
“The loss of these natural functions is a significant concern for residents who value the environmental health and beautiful character of Lake Leelanau.”
A drainage culvert located under Lakeshore Drive is not affected, according to the County Road Commission.
David Divine, a neighbor to the property, declined a request for comment.
Correction: In a previous version of this article, the author incorrectly stated, "Clearing of brush and trees from view corridor took place last week to begin work to install boardwalk on piers, and install a permanent storage structure near lake edge on piers. There will also be installation of a permanent dock that EGLE approved."
