Dear Community Members,

The Grand Traverse Conservation District and Long Lake Township have held four community discussions that were publicized in the township newsletter and the Traverse City Record Eagle as well as two parks and recreation committee meetings and a Township Board meeting that were all open to the public to discuss possible allowed uses on the South Long Lake Forest and Bullhead Lake Natural Areas.

The Township Board will hold one more discussion of the Proposed Natural Areas Rules (April 8th, 7PM at the Township Hall) before converting them into a Township ordinance (for the May meeting) that would become law.
We would appreciate it if you would please read over the Plans for each Natural Area and then make your thoughts known either at the April meeting or by e-mailing welcome@longlaketownship.com. These are your Natural Areas and we want to implement rules that protect your enjoyment and that of the rest of the community.

Thank you,
The Long Lake Township Board

Long Lake Township
Proposed Natural Areas Rules
Draft 3/12/08
General Rules

1. Opening and closing times, if applicable, shall be posted at trailheads.

2. No person shall park vehicles other than in designated parking areas.

3. No overnight parking of vehicles.

4. Fires are prohibited.

5. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept under control. Pet owners are required to clean up after their pets.

6. Fishing is allowed in accordance with the laws of the State and the rules of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

7. No plants or other specimens are to be removed or planted unless authorized by management.

8. Littering is strictly forbidden. This includes dumping of yard waste and household trash. No glass containers. Refuse should be deposited in containers provided at trailheads or taken out.

9. No possession, sale or use of any alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.

10. No peddling or solicitation of business of any nature.

11. No person shall engage in any violent, abrasive, loud, boisterous, vulgar, obscene, or otherwise disorderly behavior tending to create a breach of peace, or disturb or annoy a reasonable person using the Natural Areas in a proper manner.

12. No discharge, or possession of any fireworks or any substance of an explosive nature.

13. No person shall throw, cast, lay, drop or discharge into or leave in waters any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid which may result in the pollution of the waters or wetland areas.

14. No erection or construction of any structure that would remain for longer than 24 hours.

15. No person shall interfere with, or in any manner hinder employees or agents of the commission while performing their official duties.

Additional Rules for Bullhead Lake Natural Area

1. Overnight camping is prohibited.

2. Users must stay on designated improved trails, and must respect any special access restrictions.

3. This property is intended for foot traffic, only. Motorized and non-motorized vehicles are prohibited with the exception of authorized management purposes.

4. Hunting and trapping of any kind are prohibited.

Additional Rules for South Long Lake Forest Natural Area

1. Overnight camping is prohibited other than from December 1st through February 29th, by permit obtained at the Township offices. This provision is to allow limited winter camping on a take in-take out basis.

2. All non-motorized methods of transportation, other than foot traffic, trail users must stay on designated improved trails, and must respect any special access restrictions.

3. Motorized vehicles are prohibited except for traffic on County Roads or for authorized management purposes.

4. Firearm hunting and any trapping are prohibited. Bow hunting is allowed in accordance with Michigan state law but shall not take place within 100' of designated trails and property boundaries.