A Great Lakes National Park

I wrote a response to the recent poll about this issue in the Great Lakes Town Hall. I initially advocated the placement of the hypothetical park along western Lake Erie. After receiving an email on this issue, I have since changed my stance.

The email proposed that the park be a multi-unit facility with the respective units being located at strategic points along crucial tributaries and wetlands of the Great Lakes. The wisdom of this, to me, is far too sensible to remain obscure. Placement of these units would allow several states and communities to share in the many benefits of a National Park; allowing greater access of the general populace to the wonders of our lakes.

Some of the benefits our region could gain would be in various forms, such as:
Create sub-regional units of the park system that would provide reasonable access to various population centers spread throughout the region. This strategy would minimize the perceived impact on private lands, enhance local conservation efforts, stimulating economic and regional growth for multiple communities and benefiting more than just one state or lake.
This could be done much in the way the John Day Fossil Bed National Monument (NPS units) of Oregon are operated and managed.

Re-establish our geographical heritage with redevelopment of land in key areas back to native species and habitat.

Foster our common culture; acknowledging the major cultures that dominated the early landscape. These range from the First Nations to the French, Scots, Irish, British, German, Dutch, Scandinavian, Polish and their various traditions that carry on to this day. This should include the Amish, Mennonite and Mormon movements.

Celebrate our history; evolving from the “Old Northwest” with its rich multi-tribal heritage to the French Voyageur, settlers, scoundrels, canal-diggers and conflicts that forged this region.

Provide recreation and leisure opportunities to millions of Great Lakes residents (and tourists) who desire a re-connection to the natural world around them. Again, this provides for a more sustainable economy with limited impact on regional resources.

Protect the headwaters and drinking water resources that dot the region. Strategic placement of park lands affecting these crucial waterways would go to great length in providing a solid foundation of habitat and water quality that flows into the privately-held reaches of our rivers, streams and lakes.

I am curious to hear your responses. What are the challenges, options and opportunities a Great Lakes park system could provide?
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