On-water Observational Research at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Report for the USDOI National Park Service

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to inform unit leadership and visitor use management at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (PIRO) regarding boat behaviors and density at areas between Miners and Chapel Beaches.

Specific and important topics of interest related to: 1. Proportion of non-commercial boats 2. Types of boats and use patterns by time of day 3. Issues related to boat interaction or operator behaviors (distancing, intersecting boats, noise, and ‘Other’).

During peak season summer 2022, paid, trained observers recorded the number and type of visible boats at one time (BAOT) as well as select behaviors, simultaneously taking photo records of on-water density. Systematic observation occurred across 16 days during July through August, 2022. Observation occurred between 10 am and 6 pm, typically for 4 to 8 hours, and across the week to capture a diversity of uses and boat densities within the typical boating hours.

Locations observed included: • Miners Beach (MBMCC = Miners Beach to Miners Castle, Cliff View; MCGIC=Miners Castle to Grand Island Cliff View; MBMCG = Miners Beach to Miners Castle, Ground view; MCGIG = Miners Castle to Grand Island, Ground view) • Mosquito Beach (MQ Beach) • Chapel Beach (Chpl Beach)

More than 1,500 observations were recorded.