Jetty Proposed as Step One in Buffalo Reef Plan

The first step in trying to keep Buffalo Reef from being overtaken by stamp sands will be a big wall.

Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes and Environment officials confirmed yesterday that the state’s new budget includes $10 million to build the barrier south of Gay.

The jetty will extend 2,000 feet – more than a third of a mile – into Lake Superior. It should provide some protection to the 2200-acre reef in Grand Traverse Bay, which serves as an important spawning ground for whitefish and lake trout. 

The barrier will also serve as a base of operations for the eventual removal of the stamp sands, which could take as long as 20 years, and cost upwards of $1 billion.

EGLE officials did not specify exactly where the jetty will be constructed. They did release a concept image.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to release specifics about its plan to resolve the problem later this month.

Read more about the latest plans here.