MUNISING — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is seeking public comment regarding Miners Falls Viewing Platforms and Steps Replacement Environmental Assessment.

The purpose of this project is to provide safe public access to the Miners River and base of Miners Falls while reducing impacts to the natural environment. Public comment will be accepted online via Planning, Environment and Public Comment  site or by writing to the park superintendent, David Horne. The public comment period will be open until Aug. 9.

The current viewing platform is deteriorating to the point of potential safety concerns due to its location within a damp area with limited sun exposure. Additionally, public demand for access to the river from the viewing platform has created undesignated trails, resulting in erosion, damage to surrounding vegetation and visitor safety concerns.

The park has identified three alternatives; No-Action Alternative, Alternative 1: Extend Steps and Construct Rustic Trail to Bottom of Ravine (Preferred Alternative), and Alternative 2: Extend Steps to Bottom of Ravine. 

Under the No-Action Alternative, no improvements would be made to the Miners Falls overlooks and stairs.

Under Alternative 1 (Preferred Alternative), the existing infrastructure would be replaced, and the lower viewing platform would be extended further into the ravine. A new rustic-style trail would be constructed, extending from the new lower viewing platform to the valley floor. 

Under Alternative 2, the existing infrastructure would be replaced and the lower viewing platform would be extended further into the ravine. A new stair structure would be constructed and extend to the bottom of the ravine. The staircase would terminate at the valley floor. 

To submit your comments, concerns and ideas, visit the project website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/minersfalls or write to Superintendent David Horne at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, P.O. Box 40, Munising MI 49862. Additional information regarding Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore can be found at www.nps.gov/piro or on Facebook @PicturedRocksNL and Instagram @picturedrocksnps.