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Residents warn of wildfire risk on Presque Isle; city says stewardship plan and DNR coordination in place
Summary
During public comment at the May 12 Marquette City Commission meeting, residents raised wildfire and park-safety concerns on Presque Isle, citing vandalism, unsafe steps and cigarette litter. City staff said the city has a Presque Isle fire stewardship plan, coordinates with the DNR, and maintains access and evacuation procedures.
Several residents told the Marquette City Commission on May 12 they are worried about wildfire risk and vandalism on Presque Isle and urged quicker action to protect park users and historic markers.
Margaret Brum of 404 East Magnetic Street said she had reported vandalism to the Charlie Cobaugham gravesite and worn steps at the breakwater, and that the park’s condition posed a safety hazard. She said a forester’s presentation she attended warned the second and third weeks of May are a high-risk time for wildfires because foliage has not fully greened up and there is abundant dry fuel.
At the second public-comment period, a speaker identified as Margaret (the transcript uses both "Brum" and later "Brown") said wildfire risk is the city’s “biggest risk today” and described finding cigarette butts on Presque Isle and other park areas. She told commissioners she had counted “over a 120 people” on the island during a recent walk and warned that embers and wind could spread a fire quickly.
City Manager Karen (first name used in the meeting) responded that smoking is not allowed on the island, open burns are restricted under city ordinance except for specific permitted uses, and the city has a Presque Isle fire stewardship plan prepared in 2019. Karen said the fire department and the DNR survey the island regularly, the department clears access paths for response, and the DNR has advised that fuel moisture and access are being monitored. She said the city feels it has adequate resources to access the island, to evacuate it if necessary, and to work with mutual-aid partners for structure fires.
Deputy City Manager Sean Hobbins also noted the city’s interest in keeping an eye on conditions and confirmed staff will follow up with additional information for commissioners and the public. The manager invited one commenter with a property-damage complaint about a plow to provide contact information so staff could investigate that separate issue.
No formal action or change to policy was taken during the meeting; commissioners and staff said they would continue monitoring conditions and liaise with the DNR and the fire department on prevention, signage, and access.
