NPS Announces the Release of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment to Improve Boat Access at the Manitou Islands at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
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EMPIRE, Mich. – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) announces the signing of the Improve Boat Access Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
“This project will benefit park visitors by creating safer and more consistent access to the Manitou Islands. With funding from the Great American Outdoors Act, we are able to ensure the public continues to enjoy the special resources and experiences the islands have to offer,” said Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Superintendent Scott Tucker.
Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund (GAOA), the $32 million dollar project will address natural impacts such as shifting sands and high-water levels on the islands’ docks.
The project will provide safe and consistent boat access for unique visitor experiences at North and South Manitou Islands by constructing new docks at historic dock locations and demolishing the existing docks on each island.
As a result, the project will reduce sediment accumulation at the docks, increase usability, and promote the natural littoral drift patterns in the project areas.
The FONSI records the decision of the National Park Service to remove and replace the docks at North and South Manitou Islands to improve access. This action is described as Alternative B in the Environmental Assessment released for public review in April 2024.
The EA and associated FONSI documents include the Non-Impairment Determination and Floodplain Statement of Findings and are available on the NPS Planning, Environment & Public Comment website at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/manitou-docks
Construction of the new docks are anticipated for Spring 2025.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's more than 430 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: March 18, 2025
