They Did WHAT to MARBLEHEAD?
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- What happened to Marblehead on Drummond Island is a crying shame. Unfortunately, this is not the only place on the island that has been cleared of ledges. However, it is the most iconic off-road obstacle on the island. The following video are my personal thoughts on what has happened to the trails on this once epic location.
This was info passed on from Michigan snowmobile and orv association. "There has been some false information swirling around on Facebook and we would like to set the record straight. All information came from the people at the head of this project. Brief recap if you haven't heard. The DNR along with the Drummond Island Trails division removed a good portion of Marblehead which has many upset. Please read to understand why and who is responsible for the change.
I talked with the Recreational Trails Coordinator for the Island as well as the DNR Trail Specialist who is responsible for the Eastern U.P. trails and the changes. Two reasons for the change are explained below.
1. One reason for the removal of part of the Marblehead wall was to allow equipment to get down to the lookout to install larger boulders to keep vehicles from getting to the lookout for safety reasons. This spot has always been off limits to the ORV community and rocks were in place along with signs closing the area. ORV’s have exploded in popularity which brings a lot more people and a lot more bad apples which forced the DNR to take drastic measures to keep people out.
2. Some of the land that the state owns on Drummond was purchased with Pittman Robertson Act funds years ago and based on reading it 75% of the funding could have come from it. The rest of the money came from the island tourism bureau and local DNR money. Pittman Robertson money comes from taxes collected from the sale of firearms to expand and protect areas for hunters. This means everyone has to have access to the area which includes 2WD vehicles. This has been left unchecked for many years but because of audits being done of our trail systems the DNR got boots on the ground and saw what should have been seen long ago, that they weren’t in compliance with the PRA. By taking out part of the climbing wall that has been a key feature in the off-road community they solved 2 problems. One, giving EVERYONE access to get down to the area and two it allowed the heavy equipment to get down to place larger boulders to keep vehicles from going where they shouldn't be. In an effort to protect the resource they didn't want to put a go around in, so they excavated part of the rock wall.
I have confirmed that the money used to complete this project was ORV program funds. The Snowmobile program nor MISORVA had anything to do with the project.
There are other problem spots on the Island that the DNR is being pressured to address so unfortunately, I don’t think this is the end of changes on Drummond Island. The most important thing to take away from this is stay on the designated trails and we have to police our own.
President of MISORVA
Ugh, so frustrating! I get wanting to block of the lookout area but the need to get a 2WD vehicle down there is ridiculous! What soccer mom is taking her mini van down there? The far left line honestly wasn’t bad and could be done by a Subaru. The entire island will take a tourism hit as I’ve talked to numerous off-roaders who do not plan to go back. Especially because Jeep put a freeze on the badge of honor as well.
id be ashamed if i owned a 2wd as a hunter, not in the spirit of the hunt to drive up to your hunting ground and hunt right from your 2wd. alot of the reason people hunt is to challenge themselves and to get away from civilization. this is a parallel to saying you should be able to hunt with drones.
@motoboggin2619 that’s exactly why I go when I have the time to. A lot of times I’m perfectly content sitting in my blind and just watching nature.
Wow. I agree, such a big mistake for whoever decided to do this to the loyal off-road community. Heck, why not pave it all? (Sarcasm)
A lot of people are pissed off about it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more trails groomed on the island.
Such a shame. I went for the first time 6 years ago in a YJ on 35s and its was a blast and challenging. I was going to take the TJ build there for a trial run but doesnt even look like itd be worth it now.
I think it could still be fun in a stock rig. Anything that’s built though, you’re just gonna walk through everything. The island is still very scenic so it has that going for it.
@TrailExpedition TJ will be on 1 tons and 37s until they wear out then going to 40s. Won't be much fun at that point lol
@northernjeep942 yeah one of my good friends has a TJ on tons and 40s and he easily walks over everything at Drummond Island.
I'm so surprised by this, what the heck is going on out there that they feel the need to remove the obstacles??
I’m just as surprised as you are! Makes no sense whatsoever.
I spoke with the Leave No Trace Group at winter-fest at Holly Oaks this past winter. They said they were under contract with the DNR to restore the trails back to they way they were. The boulders blocking the overlook were mentioned as they should have never been removed.
The part of smoothing the steps caught me off guard.
I’m all for the boulders at the lookout. That’s fine. It’s the overall smoothing of the trails that has people pissed. It’s not just Marblehead. Several of the trails have had hard areas removed. It’s literally the best place to wheel in Michigan and it’s actively being taken away..
Not a jeep guy I run sxs but I am pissed with you. I was just up there 2 weeks ago for my first time in 20 years. I’m glad I got to do the steps before they destroyed it. I’m with you I probably won’t go back there I will be heading south from now on.
Totally agree with you. It was fun while it lasted but I don’t want to put my money into a place that is actively destroying trails.
I read there was going to a project to smooth some of the trails on Drummond, but I thought that meant filling in some of the deep ruts and undoing some of the erosion. I never expected they meant smoothing was to destroy the obstacles and natural landscape of the trails, especially Marble Head. I think it was a deliberate decision to permanently destroy Marble Head, they could have filled it with dirt to get the equipment and boulders down to the ledge, not destroy the rock.
I have a planned trip this fall, but not sure I'll be going back after.
It’s really sad as to what they’re doing to the island. Making it just like every other trail in Michigan. Boring and flat.
We currently have a trip booked this fall to head back to DI, which will be our second trip there (first time for one or two).
I am considering sending a text out and asking if we want to still go or try to find lodging somewhere else instead…
All because of what they did to Marblehead.
Just sad!!!
They should have taken a few trees out off to the side, did what they had to do to get the boulders down there, then planted new trees and blocked the temporary “path” with boulders.
This deal with a 2wd vehicle needing to be make to access everywhere seems to be some BS!!! They can’t walk the short distance down Marblehead like you mentioned???
Just sad!!!
It is ridiculous about the 2WD vehicle needing access and honestly the far left line was probably doable. I do like the idea of taking out trees then replanting them over straight up destroying the steps. Did you see Jeep Badge of Honor put a freeze on the trail as well? Possibly pulling it off the app? It’s a damn shame because Drummond was the only great place to wheel in Michigan. Not anymore. You’ll have to let me know if you guys still make the trip and how it is.
@@TrailExpedition
We are still planning on going but I didn’t see that the Jeep Badge has been out on hold… that sux!!!
I’ll give an update after we get back.
🍻
Yeah the badge app suspended the trail. Rumors that it may be pulled but those are just rumors. Hopefully you will still find it enjoyable!
As I life long SE Michigan native We’ve been going up to Drummond for years now every October for our annual moonshiners fall color run and this year is our biggest yet with 30 people going Jeeps & SXS’s. while everyone’s excited about the event and I can’t believe I haven’t heard a thing about this and now watching in disbelief from actually just getting home from riding 400 miles this weekend surrounding Munising area, but as I’m watching your intro and you were talking about them doing it already I instantly thought about the trail head at the pins and just like that there you said it too ,,, we ran into that two years ago I think and was like WTF is this bunk !! But like tru Michigan fashion they’ll take something great and just say F you to the groups who use it the most and trash it for what ever reason that suites them the best at that time . As for the comments about making it more accessible for the soccer moms and the whom evers they had in mind that if they took the time to bring out the heavy equipment and grade off the already short steps why not just make a new bypass to the right off the steps ? There was plenty of room at the
Top and bottom in both areas to tie the two together with little effort or evasiveness to the surrounding area. Now I’m sure at this point we’re not canceling the trip but next years trip will definitely be on the table for discussion as I agree with all the comments that there are many other parks /areas that are in within similar driving times that in different ways just as good or better depending on how the individual sees that. As for Marble head alone it may not be the end all of be alls to the people that truly love Drummond ,, but it is a huge part of the allure of going to Marblehead, especially if you’re going for a jeep badge ,, and what now ,,is Jeep going to reconsider the trail and it’s worthiness ,, I certainly would but then again holly oaks is another and no shade intended but that shouldn’t be “in my opinion” Regardless it’s sad to see this video and the image of what’s left of Marble head. This is just other example of how times are most certainly changing and nothing is sacred anymore , I guess you I can leave this in the words of Geoffrey Chaucer “All Good Things Must Come to an End”
Jason, this was well written and strikes a chord with me. A small group of friends and I have been going to Drummond for the last ten years. It does hold a special place in my heart. Initially we went there for the Jeep badge and had a blast. We were planning the trip back before we even left! It will be interesting to see what Jeep does with the Drummond Badge and I totally agree that Holly Oaks should not be a badge trail. It is sad to see so many of the ledges be demolished. The one by Pins a few years back caught us off guard and again this year when we went they took out the ones right before Connor’s hole. Then a month later they take out Marblehead. What the hell is going on?? We still love Drummond but it’s no longer a challenge. I think it’s time I found a new yearly destination.
Yeah really doesn't make sense. Were headed up there at the end of September..probably my last Trip up as well😢
It really is sad to see. I do love it up there but with the trails being groomed it’s just not the same.
This is typical Michigan. Take the best of something and ruin it. I live in Michigan and we off road all over North America. The off roading in general is not very rewarding in Michigan. Drummond Island really is about the only stand out place to wheel. We live just south of Lansing Michigan and we will not be going back to Drummond Island. There are just better places outside of Michigan now. They ruined the one place left for any type of challenge. This is how money leaves Michigan. Blue Hollar, the Daniel Boone Back Country Byway, Windrock, Wildcat, the Land Between the Lakes and the Badlands are all similar drives… by a few hours. Been wheeling Drummond for three plus decades.
I’ve said it many times that Drummond is the best off-roading in Michigan, but they had to go ahead and ruin it for everybody. I’m in the same boat as you. I don’t think I’ll be back.
I can’t believe some group of people got together and thought this would be a good idea. And my understanding is it was funded by the ORV stickers. If that’s true I’m probably never buying another one. The only place you need them is at Bull gap and silver lake.
Really? ORV sticker funded?? There’s no way that could be true. I’d have to do more looking into it.
I agree with you on this as well as probably most ORV'er's in Michigan. I my opinion they have made it more unsafe by creating the ledge now where they busted the steps down so regular vehicles can get down to the look out. How long before someone gets a little sideways and rolls off that edge? "Here is what my research found, I don't agree with what they did at all....they should have worked with groups in the state for a better solution. What really happened on Drummond Island
I talked with the Recreational Trails Coordinator for the Island as well as the DNR Trail Specialist who is responsible for the Eastern U.P. trails and the changes. 2 reasons for the change are explained below.
1. One reason for the removal of part of the Marblehead wall was to allow equipment to get down to the lookout to install larger boulders to keep vehicles from getting to the lookout for safety reasons. This spot has always been off limits to the ORV community and rocks were in place along with signs closing the area. ORV’s have exploded in popularity which brings a lot more people and a lot more bad apples which forced the DNR to take drastic measures to keep people out.
2. The land that the state owns on Drummond was purchased with Pittman Robertson Act funds years ago and based on reading it 75% of the funding could have come from it. The rest of the money came from the island tourism bureau and local DNR money. Pittman Robertson money comes from taxes collected from the sale of firearms to expand and protect areas for hunters. This means everyone can have access to the area which includes 2WD vehicles. This has been left unchecked for many years but because of audits being done of our trail systems the DNR got boots on the ground and saw what should have been seen long ago, that they weren’t in compliance with the PRA. By taking out part of the climbing wall that has been a key feature in the off-road community they solved 2 problems. One, giving EVERYONE access to get down to the area and two it allowed the heavy equipment to get down to place larger boulders to keep vehicles from going where they shouldn't be. In an effort to protect the resource they didn't want to put a go around in, so they excavated part of the rock wall.
I have confirmed that the money used to complete this project was ORV program funds and snowmobilers nor MISORVA had zero to do with the project.
There are other problem spots on the Island that the DNR is being pressured to address so unfortunately, I don’t think this is the end of changes on Drummond Island. The most important thing to take away from this is stay on the designated trails and we have to police our own.
MISORVA - President"
I agree that they did make it more unsafe as someone could misjudge that ledge, drop a tire off it, and potentially roll a vehicle if it’s top heavy. The whole 2WD vehicle access is just ridiculous for such a small lookout area that isn’t that far of a walk from the top of the steps.
@@TrailExpedition couldn't agree more.
I was just up there Aug. 12-15 th. it’s one of my favorite places been there a few times, I just heard about this a week ago and am so pissed. That was one of the main landmarks on the Island and they just ruined it. The DNR and state have been doing this to the UP for the past 20 years making it accessible for everybody and their moms. Now everything is over crowded and trashed. I miss the old days where you had to earn and work to get to the great spots not just roll up in your mini van take a few pictures for your IG, shit in the rocks and leave your trash behind. Unfortunately I’ll probably never will be returning there:(
You’re not the first and probably not the last person to tell me they won’t go back. I’m done going as well. So many better options to get off-road for a similar drive. Still, very sad to see.
Whoa! That must have taken some heavy machinery to do that. Someone knows the truth. I’m following.
I’m sure it was some kind of bulldozer. A large one at that. Thanks for the follow!
BTW, the signs were always there saying it was off limits. Also, this isn't over the tank traps and I'm sure the famous water crossing (not sure what it's called) are both going to be looked at. Wildlife division is involved which means they will find any reason to "protect" something and keep us out. The DNR did this all wrong.
We have been there numerous times and the sign was not always there. I’m sure it originally was but may have been removed along with the boulders that were once blocking the path. If they take out Connor’s hole, the tank traps, Mu’s Nemesis, the tight twisties, and the various other awesome trails on the island, I definitely won’t be back. I’m sure I’m not the only one.
@@TrailExpedition it's a giant rock and meant to be a challenge, that's why they have signs telling you if your stock vehicle shouldn't go down a certain trail. They need to leave it for what it is, an off road destination.
@@SledSolutions you’re preaching to the chore my friend.
So lame. They should probably just put an EV charger right at the top of Marblehead while they're at it.
🤣 yeah while their at it. Gotta get the Teslas down to Marblehead as well.. 🤦
There official statement was that it was done to place the bolders
So essentially something that could have been done with a pickup truck down the far left easy line that already existed. Cool. 😩
I'm gutted. I've been working to clear schedules and prepare my vehicle to ultimately try my hand at this in a responsible manner, and then THIS happens.
I might still go just to say I've gone, but this is so damn short-sighted. Guess I'll have to explore more of the UP instead...
It’s really sad because Drummond was the best off-roading Michigan had to offer. There are still fun spots it just sucks they destroyed the best part.
I'm ok with not going back to drummond island. Plenty of other places in the UP to explore. I hope that they lose a lot of tourist dollars bc of their actions.
I think they will. I have talked to numerous people about it and they all share the same sentiment as you and I.
Even the first time I went up with Corey vs the last time I was up there trails had changed so much. That first year was so much fun because the whole thing was a challenge. I'm in the same boat, I think I would go back up with a quad, but not really worth taking the jeep up. Better off going south.
Hey Matt, good to hear from you! And yes, I totally agree with your sentiment about it no longer being a challenge. Time to head out west and down south my friend!
@@TrailExpedition Yeah, that Missouri/Arkansas trip ruined me, the wheeling on that trip was so much fun it's hard to do anything around here anymore. Would love to do another Hot Springs trip and spend at least a couple days at that park, so many more trails to do.
I hear ya there! They actually added another badge trail to that park as well.
@@TrailExpedition Oh nice, it looks like SMOR added another as well. Did you also see Badge of Honor has Marblehead marked as closed on the app?
@Archie2100 I need to go back to both of those parks and get those two new badges sometime. And I also did see that the Badge of Honor removed Drummond and or put a freeze on it. That’s just crazy!
Shame. That rock has been here for thousands of years and would have stayed for thousands more. For off-roading or for access, that shouldn't have been removed. Nature can't regrow that.
You’re absolutely right. Gone forever. So sad.
It's tourism, people dont care about off-roading they want the minivan in there, look what they're doing to Moab. Also, with over half our population being overweight, people cant walk an extra hundred yards. IMHO.
Haha! You’re not wrong. We love the island but it feels like it’s turning into something that it shouldn’t be.
The whole UP is similar
@slmnmndrco8129 you’re not wrong. I’ve been on many trails in the upper peninsula and there’s nothing challenging. Beautiful area though.
it definitely sucks destroying an iconic trail but i know that in a couple years we will find a new way to enjoy it. its funny tho that the DNR is trying to preserve MI natural beauty and then go and do this
The sad thing is this isn’t the first ledge formation that has been destroyed on the island. As I mentioned in the video, there were several other ledges that were knocked out as well. Obviously, Marblehead is the most iconic.
@@TrailExpedition I haven’t been up in a couple years. And only started going in 2019. I’m sure a lot has changed from when it was first started to be wheeled.
@stybck the biggest things that I have noticed over the last 10 years, are the grooming of the trails and there are a lot more bypasses now than there used to be.
So stupid. It’s just a shame.
It’s a crying shame is just doesn’t make any sense.
Man that is a crime.
They know Jeep people go there for the challenge right?
Man I am pissed. The far left side was already a bypass.
It’s simply a damn shame. I know several people have said they won’t go back.
@ccovemaker exactly! And a relatively new one at that. That far left line wasn’t there a decade ago.
Wow! Super sad. Almost bought a place on Drummond as it was/is a favorite rock full of poison ivy. Lol I guess turtle ridge is probably next. Bummer and not a great idea.😢
@EverythingOutdoors I’ve always entertained the idea of getting a little cabin up there. Not anymore.
Think they are actually trying to keep the Jeep riff raff away?
That’s a good possibility but tourism is a huge source of income to the restaurants and shops on the island.