Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Citizens Advisory Council

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Citizens Advisory Council is a federal advisory committee that provides guidance and recommendations to the National Park Service on the management of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a United States National Lakeshore located in Michigan, near Traverse City, Michigan, and Leelanau County, Michigan. The council works closely with the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior, and other stakeholders, including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, to ensure the preservation and protection of the lakeshore's natural and cultural resources, such as the Sleeping Bear Dune and Glen Haven Historic Village and Museum. The council's efforts are also informed by the work of organizations like the National Park Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Sierra Club.

Introduction

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Citizens Advisory Council plays a crucial role in the management of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which was established by Congress on October 21, 1970, with the support of President Richard Nixon and Senator Philip Hart. The council's members, who are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, work closely with the National Park Service and other stakeholders, including the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, to address issues related to the lakeshore's natural and cultural resources, such as the Platte River and Crystal River (Michigan). The council's work is also informed by the principles of ecosystem management and sustainable tourism, as promoted by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the International Ecotourism Society. Additionally, the council collaborates with other national parks and lakeshores, such as Indiana Dunes National Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, to share best practices and address common challenges.

History

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Citizens Advisory Council was established in 1970, shortly after the creation of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with the support of Senator Robert Griffin and Representative Guy Vander Jagt. The council's early work focused on developing a general management plan for the lakeshore, which was completed in 1980 with the assistance of the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service. Since then, the council has played a key role in shaping the lakeshore's management policies and programs, including the development of a wilderness management plan and a cultural resource management plan, in collaboration with the National Park Service, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan. The council's work has also been influenced by the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, as well as the efforts of organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Wilderness Society.

Membership and Organization

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Citizens Advisory Council consists of 15 members, who are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to represent a range of interests and stakeholders, including the National Park Service, Leelanau County, Michigan, and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The council's members include representatives from organizations like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the United States Forest Service, and the National Park Foundation, as well as local residents and business owners, such as those from Traverse City, Michigan and Leland, Michigan. The council is chaired by a designated federal official, who is responsible for coordinating the council's activities and ensuring that its recommendations are considered by the National Park Service and other stakeholders, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Commerce.

Responsibilities and Activities

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Citizens Advisory Council is responsible for providing guidance and recommendations to the National Park Service on a range of issues related to the management of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, including the development of resource management plans and the implementation of conservation programs, such as the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act. The council's activities include reviewing and commenting on environmental impact statements and other planning documents, as well as participating in public meetings and hearing sessions, which are often held in collaboration with the National Park Service, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan. The council also works closely with other stakeholders, including the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, to address issues related to the lakeshore's natural and cultural resources, such as the Sleeping Bear Dune and Glen Haven Historic Village and Museum.

Decision Making and Recommendations

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Citizens Advisory Council makes decisions and provides recommendations to the National Park Service through a consensus-based process, which involves considering input from a range of stakeholders, including the National Park Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Sierra Club. The council's recommendations are based on a thorough review of relevant information and data, including scientific research and public comments, which are often collected through public meetings and hearing sessions. The council's recommendations are then considered by the National Park Service and other stakeholders, including the United States Department of the Interior and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, as part of the decision-making process for managing Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is also informed by the principles of ecosystem management and sustainable tourism, as promoted by organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the International Ecotourism Society. Additionally, the council's work is influenced by the efforts of other national parks and lakeshores, such as Indiana Dunes National Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which share similar challenges and opportunities. Category:National Park Service