To the editor:
The Environmental Protection Act 451 of 1994, 324.48307 - Section 48307 states: “Except as authorized by law, a person shall not obstruct the channel of a river, stream or creek in this state by placing or causing to be placed in that river, stream or creek any net, wire, screen or any apparatus or material of any kind that will prevent the free passage of fish up and down the river, stream or creek.” The Northport Creek Dam is one such illegal obstruction.
The deteriorating Northport Creek Dam, built in 1935, was built with local resources and without regulatory authority. DEQ/EGLE, who today is the regulatory authority, did not exist in 1935. The stated purpose of the dam is “recreation” and not a mill pond. That was then while things have changed extensively. Today’s Northport waterfront, including Haserot Park, municipal marina & park, and South bathing beach with recreation area, did not exist in 1935. The Northport Cherry Factory was where Haserot Park is today, and the municipal marina area, (developed in 1970) was the old Northport commercial fishing dock and buildings. The bathing beach developed over the following years. Designated places for recreation are far greater today than in 1935.
