National Park Diversion: Man Convicted of Tampering with River Flow
Guilty Verdict for Diverting Platte River into Lake Michigan
EMPIRE, Mich. — In a recent trial before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent, Andrew Howard of Frankfort has been convicted of tampering and vandalism in a case that involved the diversion of the Platte River in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This illegal diversion aimed to enhance boat access to Lake Michigan, potentially causing harmful environmental consequences. The court ruling signifies a significant win against actions that threaten the delicate ecological balance of our national parks.
Disrupted River Flow
In August 2022, National Park Service ranger testimony confirmed that Howard was observed using a shovel to divert the course of the Platte River into one of the Great Lakes, as reported in a court filing. This illicit act resulted in the creation of a new channel, approximately 200 feet wide, between the re-routed river and Lake Michigan. The diverted water, overwhelmingly powerful, maintained this altered path throughout the summer and fall seasons, which attracted a greater number of fishermen to the Platte River boat launch.
Environmental Impact and Legal Consequences
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Biksacky explained that the diversion’s consequences were far from benign, stating, “Within days, the natural power of the water and the constructed dam caused the river to divert and created a new channel to Lake Michigan that grew to approximately 200 feet wide.” This unnatural change in water flow leads to a disturbance in the balance of the ecosystem and can have long-lasting environmental repercussions.
“It stayed approximately that wide for the summer and fall season. [The diversion] created the favorable conditions of access that resulted in an influx of fishermen to the Platte River boat launch,” Biksacky confirmed.
Debate and Vigilante Action
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten expressed that Howard’s actions were the result of a policy dispute with the National Park Service and accused the defendant of taking matters into his own hands. The diminished dredging practices of the Park Service have led to significant sediment and sand accumulation, making it increasingly difficult for boats to reach Lake Michigan.
Ruling and Implications
With the recent conviction of Howard on charges of tampering and vandalism, a strong message has been sent that private individuals cannot unilaterally alter the natural flow of national park rivers. The verdict serves as a deterrent against such actions in the future.
Conclusion
Protecting the integrity of our national parks remains vital. The U.S. legal system has appropriately addressed the case of Andrew Howard’s river tampering, safeguarding the delicate balance of the natural world.
