I am writing to express my deep concern with the proposed “development” of the Rockport State Recreational Area. With the election looming and the Nov. 8 public comment period ending, I am concerned this project will be greenlighted without the proper consideration from the community.

This project is massive in scope and does not necessarily have the spirit or long-term integrity of the area in mind.

More specifically, this pending development is extensive and invasive, seeking to expand infrastructure for a massive amount of modern overnight accommodations (I cannot bring myself to call it camping), increased recreation overall (particularly near the water), and much more.

This construction will without question result in the:

∫ elimination or at minimum significant reduction of one of the few remaining free access shorelines,

∫ negative impact on the watershed and water quality (especially due to over recreational use and deep-water pier construction,

∫ destruction of the dark sky preserve,

∫ disruption of plant and wildlife habitats (particularly that of threatened species possibly the long-eared bat),

∫ and irreparable alteration of the landscape quality of the park’s natural areas.

It may be tempting to jump at the project, as many developers (which, if we are being honest, is what this is) love to lure communities in by waving the job flag. This spinnerbait is not the same as a facility in an already industrialized area generating sustaining employment for a community. Rather, these jobs would be created out of the cannibalization of resources that make the community what it is, and what the community will ultimately never get back once consumed.

I know if locals take interest in this construction, this overreaching project can be transformed into a project that improves visitor experience at Rockport while still preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the area.

Sincerely,

JULIE GANDULLA,

Alpena