Courtesy Photo by Department of Natural Resources The dock at Rockport State Recreation Area in Alpena.

ALPENA – A draft plan of developing Rockport State Recreation Area includes the possibility of adding 169 camping sites, a dark sky interpretive area, telescopes for looking out over Lake Huron, a boat launch, a separate kayak launch, and more.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to provide input on the development of a new general management plan for Rockport Recreation Area, according to Matt Lincoln, DNR Parks and Recreation Division land specialist. Lincoln told The News that the DNR has to update the outdated general management plan, and the draft development plan for Rockport is included.

Lincoln added that the draft development plan was put together last year but “nothing has been finalized yet.”

“We are seeking more input in this process,” Lincoln said.

He explained that the survey includes “everything Rockport.”

Though Rockport development suggestions have garnered pushback from the community since its preemptive unveiling last year, Lincoln explained that the DNR is in the “very beginning stages” of the general management plan.

Lincoln added that sometimes the DNR receives feedback from the community requesting certain actions to be taken at Rockport. He said other times people say to keep Rockport the same.

“Then we just keep doing what we normally do,” Lincoln said in regards to management efforts at Rockport.

Julie Gandulla, an Alpena resident, told The News she is divided on the draft development plan for Rockport and the recent request for public comment.

“The issue is really close to my heart for a number of reasons,” Gandulla said, in regards to the development of Rockport.

She explained that her home state of Montanna has undergone phases of development to open its natural resources up to recreation users and tourism. She said she hopes the same doesn’t happen to Alpena.

“They confused management with development,” Gandulla said.

Gandulla explained that Rockport has developed into a “rewilded area,” meaning endangered species and “so many wonderful things” have had time to propagate after a period of development.

“All those things are super special out there,” Gandulla added.

Gandulla said she’d like to see trail development and wheelchair accessibility at Rockport. She added that she wouldn’t mind the additions of a few more rustic campsites.

“I really hope the community protects its resources,” Gandulla said.

In terms of the public survey, Gandulla stated that she appreciates that the DNR is giving the community a chance to provide input into the development and general management of Rockport. However, she said she wishes the DNR would provide the results from previous surveys before they create new ones.

Gandulla added that she believes the current survey was created with “loaded questions” rather than “neutrally worded questions.”

The DNR’s survey period ends Nov. 21. Those interested in taking the survey should visit michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/prd/parks/mgt-plans.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.