Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Historic Property Project Documentation & Climate Change Treatment Plan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located along Lake Superior’s southern shore in Michigan, is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring dramatic sandstone cliffs, vibrant rock formations, and lush forests.

Established as the first national lakeshore in 1966, it spans over 73,000 acres and offers hiking, kayaking, and camping activities.  

The Bodwé team is completing Historic Property Project Documentation (HPPD), a condition assessment, and a Climate Change Treatment Plan (CCTP) to better preserve the Au Sable Light Station’s historic landscape, built in 1874 on Au Sable Point located between Grand Marais and Munising in what would become the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The scope of work includes predesign services focusing on landscape architecture, coastal sciences, and structural engineering to evaluate the light station listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The HPPD & CCTP will gather baseline documentation and facility data from all site structures, ensuring all data aligns with the Cultural Resource Inventory System (CRIS) and Facility Management Software System (FMSS). Additionally, the team will prepare a preliminary architectural condition assessment to identify deterioration and accessibility challenges, guiding future repairs and visitor improvements. Lastly, the team will assess the impact of climate change on the site, particularly concerning shoreline erosion and high water damage, outlining necessary repairs and long-term protection strategies against climatic impacts, particularly from more frequent storms and variable precipitation levels. This work will equip the NPS with treatment options to reinforce the coastline site and protect its vulnerable structures from more frequent and intense storms.

The Au Sable Light Station embodies the region’s architectural heritage and maritime history. The project will protect the light station’s structural integrity and historical value by addressing climate change impacts like shoreline erosion and severe weather.  

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