Marathon Pundit: Michigan's Upper Peninsula: Tourists defy NPS goons

Sunday, October 06, 2013

Michigan's Upper Peninsula: Tourists defy NPS goons

Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore

Tourists and "Yoopers," that is, residents of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, are defying roadblocks and police tape so they can enjoy the natural wonders of this region.

From the Marquette Mining Journal:

In the U.P., the National Park Service closure affects Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Alger County, the Keweenaw National Historical Park and Isle Royale National Park.

However, on Saturday, park visitors were disregarding closed signs, police-style tape, construction barrels and hazard cones put up by Pictured Rocks staff.

On Miners Castle Road, half the roadway remained blocked at the park border, but someone had pushed aside a construction barrel, opening traffic to Miners Castle, Miners Beach and Miners Falls.

At Munising Falls, park visitors avoided the blocked off parking lot and instead parked along Washington Street in Munising. Many of the vehicles had out-of-state plates. An 800-foot pathway leading up to the falls had two strings of the tape strung across the entryway.

And a female visitor just stepped over the tape, sarcastically telling the Mining Journal, "Well that worked, huh?"

Last week an anonymous NPS ranger confessed to the Washington Times, "We've been told to make life as difficult for people as we can. It's disgusting."

Early October is a popular time to visit the U.P., as the area is known for its strikingly beautiful fall colors.

The two Keweenaw sites, both former copper mines, are sprawling expanses that are difficult to block off. But the Obama-cized National Park Service just might find a way to keep visitors out.

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