The Impact of a Newly Constructed Boardwalk on a West Michigan Dune Environment

Keywords: Boardwalks, Michigan, Lake Michigan, Sand Dunes, Vegetation, Human Impacts, Construction
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Dune managers can reduce visitor impacts by constructing boardwalks, but this strategy may have its own effects on the dune environment. Our study investigates a recently rebuilt boardwalk and its impacts in P.J. Hoffmaster State Park on the Lake Michigan coast in west Michigan. We collected data in October-November 2024, roughly 6 months after boardwalk completion, using GPS mapping, erosion pins, sand traps, vegetation transects, drone photography, and visual observations. Our observations document a boardwalk constructed mostly of wood on a metal framework, with stairs, railings enclosed with mesh, and 3 viewing platforms. The boardwalk is mostly elevated above the dune surface along the dune crest and part of the south arm of a large parabolic dune. We observed bare sand areas but little sand movement along the dune crest and upper slipface. Under and near the boardwalk, numerous trees had been cut down and areas were cleared of vegetation. Vegetation density was lower within several meters of the boardwalk compared to natural densities measured away from the boardwalk. In comparison, less change in vegetation density was observed near unmanaged trails in the area. Evidence of human impacts included scraps of building materials and other litter near the boardwalk. We conclude that there was significant short-term damage to the dune environment from boardwalk construction. In the longer term, we predict that the vegetation will grow back and the new boardwalk will decrease the number of visitors exiting the boardwalk onto unmanaged trails.