The Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore has begun the process of drafting its new 20-year General Management Plan by hosting a well-attended open house. According to this story in the Enterprise, nearly 100 people turned out to learn about and comment on the plan.

One important point for many folks concerns those areas in the park that may be designated as "wilderness" areas. Many have been concerned that their access to areas so designated may be curtailed. According the Enterprise story, many were relieved to discover that such areas are by no means closed to recreational use, but only to snowmobiles and other mechanized forms of play. Let's hope the clarification allays some of the fears that short-circuited this process last time.