Over the years, people have dreamed up different ways to explore and enjoy Lake Michigan. One of the more inventive ways is to build a dock on the lake. But can you actually do this?
Before considering this, it’s important to understand exactly what a dock is and why it needs to be built. In essence, a dock is a structure that serves as a platform or bridge over a body of water, usually one that is shallow enough for watercraft. This makes them very convenient for mooring vessels and for launching a boat into the lake. Docks can also be used as a public or private fishing area or as a swimming or party area.
The answer to this question lies in understanding what the regulations of the lake require. In general, most of Lake Michigan is regulated by the Great Lakes States, while the northernmost portion is managed by the federal government. Boaters wanting to build a dock need to obtain appropriate authorizing permits from the federal agency or state agency with jurisdiction over the lake. Additionally, the proposed location of the dock may be strongly regulated by the relevant state or provincial laws, depending on the planned size, location and use.
The permitting process is often considered quite difficult and tedious. Depending on the length of the proposed dock, other constraints may include the presence of invasive species, such as zebra mussels, along the lake bottom, or the state of the aquatic ecosystem. As with any project, some in-depth research is always recommended, including consulting experienced marine contractors who specialize in building docks on the Great Lakes.
The cost of building a dock on Lake Michigan can also be a prohibitive factor. Depending on the planned size, location and use of the dock, its costs can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. This includes the materials and labor required, as well as any additional permits and cleanup fees. It is also important to remember that lake-front property owners are generally responsible for the maintenance of the dock, and this could add considerably to the cost.
Safety is another important consideration. All boat operators should be aware of the proper operating procedures for dock building and maintain safe distances from other vessels and the shoreline. People visiting a dock should adhere to local regulations and wear suitable personal protective equipment. Various shore-side amenities, such as lights, ladders and well-ventilated shelters, are also important to maintain safe conditions.
Environmental Impact
Building docks on Lake Michigan can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. On the one hand, docks can serve as a habitat for wildlife and can provide access to shallow areas that might otherwise be inaccessible. On the other hand, when docks are not properly constructed, it can also result in recreational activities negatively impacting the lake’s ecosystem.
Under the Great Lakes States Submerged Lands Act, the main concern is the impact of a dock on the bottom of the lake. To facilitate the safe movement of watercraft, docks should be built on suitable substrates, particularly in areas with high vegetation growth. This will minimize the disruption and damage caused by anchoring activities and help protect the lake bottom’s fragile living organisms.
Another potential environmental concern is the threat of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels, or algae. When non-native organisms are introduced to the lake, they can quickly outcompete native species and create a host of negative impacts, from reducing water clarity to eliminating food sources for other species. This can lead to a drastic deterioration of the aquatic environment and could even leave the lake no longer suitable for human use.
To prevent this, it is crucial to regulate boat access to the lake and to maintain regular inspections of boat hulls and resources. Additionally, all boaters should also practice proper boat maintenance techniques, such as regularly cleaning and inspecting their boat and removing any visible plant or animal matter.
Technological Developments
In recent years, the construction of docks on Lake Michigan has been facilitated by advances in technology. A variety of remote sensing, survey, and visualization tools are now available to help with lake surveying. Additionally, the presence of global positioning and navigation systems, as well as computer-aided design software, make it possible to pinpoint the exact location and orientation of any proposed dock.
High-resolution land- and lake-bottom mapping is also available to monitor water-body features and bathymetry, helping engineers to design docks that are in sympathy with the local landscape and environment. Low-impact, eco-friendly construction materials and techniques have also emerged.
Along with the increasing popularity of ‘green’ docking, ideas such as wind- and solar-powered systems, resource-efficient designs, and incentive-based operations are slowly being adopted to reduce the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of dockbuilding, while enhancing the general experience of being on the lake.
The Social Side
The cost, permitting process, and environmental issues shouldn’t discourage boat owners from pursuing their dreams of building a dock. In addition to the obvious convenience and fun of having one, a dock can also act as a community gathering point, a place for socializing with other boaters, and a spot to take in the breathtaking sights of the great lake.
At the same time, it is important to remember the importance of safety and respect for the environment. Making sure to properly secure a boat from being displaced by wind or waves and properly dispose of waste can ensure that everyone can have a pleasant time out on the lake and minimize any potential risks.
Finally, diversifying activities on the dock during the off-season for fishing or swimming can also help keep people engaged and involved in a healthy, relaxing environment.
Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is an ever-growing concern which has already been witnessed in the Great Lakes region. With rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, and shifts in water temperatures, the effects of climate change can drastically impact the shorelines of lakes like Michigan.
This could affect the stability of docks and could also increase the need for additional permitting, inspections, and maintenance activities. The presence of some invasive species, such as zebra mussels, may also become more pronounced, leading to potential impacts on the aquatic environment.
Though there has been increased discussion regarding the potential impacts of climate change on docks, a better understanding is needed before anyone can accurately determine the necessary action plans.
Conclusion
Owning and maintaining a dock on Lake Michigan is certainly possible, provided that the right permits are obtained, the dock is well-constructed, the environment is protected, and safety is ensured. Although the cost and effort required may be considerable, the rewards are almost certain to outweigh the challenges. In the end, owning a dock on Lake Michigan can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It can open new opportunities for fishing, swimming, and spending quality time with family and friends in the stunning vistas of Lake Michigan.
