The Garfield Township Board of Trustees is concerned about the return of drifting sediment into the Naubinway Marina, which was dredged in 2004 to re-open access to the facility. Prior to the dredging, boaters had been blocked from entering the area by sediment, called littoral or shore drift. The board is also keeping its eye on changes in fee structures for statebacked marinas. At its regular meeting Monday, January 14, members discussed state-mandated increases for slip rates in 2007, and a change in how the DNR will determine fees in 2008, which may allow the township to lower slip rates.

In 2006, United Design Associates (UDA) of Cheboygan conducted a study of littoral drift in Naubinway for the township board, as a follow-up to the dredging of the marina in 2004. The company determined that sediment is returning to the area and will again present a problem for boater access.

The board has not yet received word from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding what state engineers think about the report, or what the state will do to help the public facility, said Trustee Duncan MacArthur.

Owing to the geographical layout of the area, the marina is subject to waves that can reach five to six feet, under extreme conditions. This creates "an ongoing need for more site protection to reduce the site's exposure," reports UDA. Further, weather and geography "has considerable impact on the littoral drift at this site."

If improvements take place, there will be "a lot more interest in the marina," said Township Clerk Linda Bennett. "We'd love to get a grant," to make them, she added, but it is too far off to know if this is likely.

Paul Petersen, harbor program manager for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said he is waiting for an analysis of the report by state engineers. When engineers make their recommendations, the department will decide what action the state will take, such as potentially funding the construction of wave deflectors.

UDA recommends three construction projects in the basin, notably a low rubble mound at the northwest side, which would "greatly reduce conditions being experienced from littoral drift," the report says. The recommended projects would also protect the site's mooring area by limiting the affects of waves and ice, making the area safer.

"This could also allow for increased craft mooring potential for this facility," UDA suggests.

Improvements to the facilities on land are also needed, such as upgrades to the sanitary drain field.

There is a sizable list of potential projects for boater access in Michigan, Mr. Petersen said, but the state cannot fund them all. Ultimately, by applying for grants, the township itself will be the force that drives future improvements, he said.

Improvements totaling more than $2.5 million will be needed at the marina, Mrs. Bennett said. If the township does not receive grants, it will have to pay for re-dredging with local funding, an expensive endeavor for the municipality, she added.

It could take up to two years to get permits and approvals to prepare for work at the marina, UDA emphasized. Permit agencies may also require changes in construction plans, based on analyses of nearby wetlands and potential impacts on shore plants, water plants, and animal species.

In related news, the board reviewed a letter from the DNR describing rate increases for marinas in 2007 at its meeting January 14. For the upcoming boating season, fees for standard transient and seasonal rates will rise 3.3 to 5 percent, depending on location.

Board members believe that fees required by the state were too high in Naubinway already, since the local marina's facilities are rustic but lie in a rate area where boaters can access other marinas with better amenities for the same price, such as those in St. Ignace and Menominee. This has been costing Garfield Township potential revenue each year, Mr. MacArthur said.

The problem may be solved next year, however, when the Waterways Commission changes the way it charges for marina use. In 2008, fees will be individualized based on local demand and amenities.

Currently, slip rates for seasonal boaters are based on defined "rate areas," regardless of the level of services various marinas have to offer.

There are five rate areas in the state. Area One includes the southern Lake Michigan shoreline and a portion of the Lake Huron shoreline. Area Two includes the mid-to northern stretch of the Lake Huron shoreline. Area Three includes marinas along the northern shoreline of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Area Four spans the length of Lake Superior. The fifth rate area is Mackinac Island.

Taking into account increases for 2007, a seasonal slip for a 30- foot boat will be $2,005 in Area One, $1,419 in Area Two, $1,253 in Area Three, $1,023 in Area Four, and $2,426 on Mackinac Island.

Garfield Township lies in Rate Area Three.

To help generate use of the Naubinway Marina this year, the DNR has agreed to allow Garfield Township to sell slips for boaters who stay for seven days, at fiveday rates.