U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow introduced the Beaver Basin Wilderness Act Wednesday, which would permanently designate 11,739 acres as wilderness at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
The National Park Service has been working to finalize the establishment of the Beaver Basin Wilderness Area, which is one component of the park's General Management Plan completed in 2004, after five years of planning and public involvement.
A formal proposal for the wilderness designation has been forwarded to the Legislative Council of the Department of the Interior by the Park Service.
Pictured Rocks Superintendent Jim Northup asked Michigan's congressional delegation - including Levin, D-Southfield, Stabenow, D-Lansing, and U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Menominee - for support on the measure earlier this year.
"It is critical that the pristine natural features of the Beaver Basin area remain the treasure they are today," Levin said. "This area is a unique and distinct landscape that highlights one of the most beautiful backdrops of the Great Lakes, and it is vital that we do all we can to protect it.
"With this wilderness designation, nature enthusiasts and visitors will be able to enjoy this beautiful piece of Michigan for generations to come."
Stabenow said that "making sure our beautiful lakes, waterways, lands and wildlife are preserved and protected is vital to the very identity of our state and our nation.
"This designation will help ensure this exceptional display of nature remains untouched for Michigan residents and tourists alike."
Several miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail, also known as the Lakeshore Trail, run through this wilderness area at Pictured Rocks.
Northup said trails and backcountry campgrounds will continue to be maintained, electric motors will continue to be permitted on Little Beaver and Beaver lakes and boats traveling along Lake Superior will continue to be allowed to beach along that section of the park.
The Little Beaver Campground, campground access road and Beaver Basin Overlook lie outside the area proposed as wilderness and would continue to be managed as they are now, Northup said.
