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Campers urge reconsideration of Long Lake Park rule changes; commissioners request documentation and review
Summary
Multiple seasonal campers told the board they were not notified of new park rules at Long Lake Park and asked for reconsideration; Beaver Lake Park manager and residents reiterated concerns and Commissioner Brenda Foumier asked the board to receive and review the changed park laws before the November meeting.
Several seasonal campers and residents urged the Alpena County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 30 to reconsider recently changed rules at Long Lake Park, saying they were not notified and that restrictions on items such as rugs, decks, fences and parking boats on individual lots are harmful to campers.
Speakers who addressed the board included Ira Wirgau, Amy Derosia, Tammy Kish, Matt Barbeau and Sharon Wirgau. Sharon Wirgau said at least 16 seasonal campers had reached out and that, if rules remain unchanged, some would stop camping. Bob Lang, a seasonal camper of nearly 10 years, raised a specific fire‑safety concern tied to a rule about adding sites and asked whether a compromise was possible.
Beaver Lake Park Manager Earl Martin said he has managed that park for 14 years and asked the board to post rules publicly and give the public an opportunity to review and comment. Commissioner Brenda Foumier requested that the board receive a copy of the park laws that were changed and review them before the next full board meeting in November. Commissioner Lucille Bray said the county needed to address campground financial deficits and that rule changes were aimed at correcting monetary shortfalls, while adding that accusations at the last park meeting were inappropriate.
The board did not adopt new rules during the meeting; commissioners directed staff to provide the changed park laws to the full board for review.
