OUR BEGINNING

In early July 1999, residents of Springfield Township and the surrounding area were concerned to hear of the Kalkaska County Road Commission's plans to close Creighton Road south of Lund Road SW, at the request of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The state forest land had been littered with trash and illegal dump sites, and there was also extensive ORV damage throughout the area, causing considerable erosion. In addition, for years, unknowing and unthinking ORV enthusiasts had made the Mich-Con gas and Wolverine Electric Power right-of-way (known locally as Power Line Hill) the ultimate vehicle challenge. This steep hill was so badly eroded that the gas line had been exposed in certain spots.

As required by law, a public hearing was held on July 28, 1999, regarding a county road closure or abandonment. The Kalkaska County Road Commissioners, the DNR District Forester, and the Upper Manistee River Restoration Committee attended the hearing. Springfield Township Board members and many residents of Springfield Township and the surrounding area made it clear during the hearing that the residents were strongly opposed to the closure of this area. Many shared stories of how their families had enjoyed the area for decades for hunting, mushrooming, camping, and other outdoor activities. The DNR felt that closure was the only option to prevent further damage and protect the environment from the continued dumping of garbage and hazardous materials.

 

After some time, a compromise was reached whereby Springfield Township, through its Board of Trustees, would take responsibility for cleaning the state forest land, removing the trash dumped over the river banks, and preventing further ORV damage and erosion. The DNR forester gave the Township a three-year trial period to show progress; at the end of the trial period, if there had been no improvement, the road closure would proceed with no further concessions from the state. The Department of Natural Resources, Kalkaska County Road Commission, and Springfield Township agreed to the proposal. Everyone left the meeting realizing the enormous amount of work to come.

The first step was to rid the area of dump sites that had been accumulating trash for many years. Springfield Township residents contacted the Michigan Adopt a Forest program and arranged for several dumpsters to be placed, at no expense to the Township, to receive the trash. They then scheduled the first annual Adopt a Forest Clean-Up Day for May 20, 2000. Over 50 volunteers with pick-up trucks and farm tractors with trailers drove along two tracks and forest roads collecting trash to haul to the dumpsters. Very large items such as refrigerators, etc, took a great deal of muscle power to gather up. A volunteer with a winch assisted in bringing up large items that had been dumped over the steep banks of the Manistee River. At the end of the first cleanup, over 50 tons of trash had been removed. Springfield Township has adopted more than 4000 acres of state forest land, including the area known locally as Jam One. The Township is very proud of its forest land and will continue to try to keep it clean for all.
 
The clean-up being done and the ORV damage were the next issues to be addressed. The Springfield Township Board created and appointed members for the Springfield Township Parks and Recreation Committee. The newly appointed committee then drew up a 5-year plan which was approved by the Kalkaska County Board of Commissioners and added to the county's 5-year plan. The Parks and Recreation Committee then made an application for an ORV damage grant to the DNR, which was approved in the amount of $21,550. Tons of fill and topsoil were brought in, and extensive dozer work was done to the eroded areas, which were then seeded for stabilization. Then gates and boulders were placed to prevent vehicle access to sensitive areas. There was a large washout in the road leading to an area (today known as Eagle View) that needed attention. This point on the high banks, until recent years, was home to a large "ROCK" that overlooked the majestic Manistee River, offering a spectacular view of the winding river and forest beyond. Locals and visitors alike braved the terrible road just to enjoy the view and perhaps take a few pictures. However, the vehicle traffic and muddy conditions had created ruts and made it nearly impassible. It was clear that this section of road had to be permanently closed off to all vehicles. Yet to deny the public access to this beautiful view was, to some, unthinkable.

To this end, the Township, with the assistance of a DNR landscape architect and an engineering firm, along with many local volunteer laborers, designed and built an observation deck with handicap access at the point where the "Rock" once was. Large boulders were arranged in a circular pattern, suggesting the endless circle of life. Upon reflection of the hundreds, perhaps thousands of years of Native American activity in this area, it was decided that it should be designated Eagle View (Migizi-Mi-i-gam-ji-wan), in the Chippewa language and dedicated to the spirits of the Native American Ancestors, whom many believe are still present in this special place. A guardian eagle totem, carved by Native American artist Hank Parkey, stands sentinel beside the deck as a witness to this truly sacred place.

In 2001, the Township applied for a grant from Rotary Charities of Traverse City to construct a pavilion. The grant was approved, and the rush was on to have the pavilion completed in time for the dedication of Eagle View. The local volunteers finished the construction, adding a removable warming room for winter activities. Thanks largely to a People Fund Grant from Great Lakes Energy and a donation from Wolverine Power, electricity was installed in the Pavilion shortly thereafter. Thanks to High Tide Well Drilling of South Boardman and Preferred Pumps of Lake City, MI, a water well was installed soon after that.

The dedication of Eagle View was held September 8th, 2001. The Native American Blessing Ceremony was done by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa-Chippewa Indians.