Many people seem to think the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a "wilderness". Well, I suppose if you live a typical urban/suburban setting, then I suppose it might me. However, if you observe through the lenses of nature, it is not. Not by a long shot. The "Pure Michigan" campaign claims are lies . . . but then it's marketing and what else would you expect?
I paddled a middle stretch of the Ford River. Most of the private property, which is at least half the adjacent land, has a cabin or house on the river. Prime habitat "developed " against wildlife by those who supposedly claim a love of wildife. Idjits. This spring there were five new houses and/or major additions. Most were within 30-50 feet of the river bank. One had spoils over the bank into the river.
In a sense, the Upper Peninsula is still 'wild' in that compliance with such mickey-mouse ordinances like set-backs and other environmental protection regulations can be successfully ignored. County and township officials don't care. Why should arrogant property owners?
