TORCH RIVER, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — Environmental groups and local residents are expressing concern over ongoing damage to Turtle Island and Frog Island, located on the Torch River and Lake Skegemog.
The damage is attributed to erosion caused by beaching boats and foot traffic, despite the islands being privately owned and marked with “No Trespassing” signs.
Sue Kelly, a Torch River resident said, “We’ve had up until last year we lost a sandhill crane nest that was right there. The loons have a hard time staying someplace that’s that populated. We’ve lost the musky spawning beds those things can come back if we catch them soon enough.”
Kelly also noted that when pontoon boats beach, they drag sand back into the river and leave large divots, which contribute to the destruction of the root system.
Conservation groups have reported that law enforcement will be actively enforcing the no trespassing areas, with potential ticketing and fines for violators.