Courtesy Photo The old pier at Rockport State Recreation Area sits in the blue water of Lake Huron in this photo from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ website for the park. The DNR is considering building a large, modern campground at Rockport, which has divided Northeast Michigan residents.

ALPENA — The results of a survey conducted late last year on development ideas for Rockport State Park indicate that the majority of participants want the park left alone.

Less than 90 people submitted comments about the proposed plan to add a modern campground to the State recreation area, but more than 1,000 completed a survey about how they use the park and what they would see done to it in the future.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources intends to seek more public input in the coming weeks and months, a report from the DNR says.

A public survey regarding projected plans for Rockport was released online from mid-October to late November of last year. The survey included questions about on-site visits, activities visitors participate in, levels of satisfaction, and opinions on site development plans.

The survey was completed by 1,009 people in total. Of those surveyed, 919 have visited the recreation area before completing the survey. Those who had not visited the park gave reasons such as lack of amenities, future plans to visit for the first time, the distance from their home, and lack of information on the park. Most of the individuals surveyed have been to Rockport numerous times.

Those completing the survey were asked what activity they participated in most while visiting the park. Hiking, running, and dog walking were the most popular answers, followed by scenic viewing, dark sky viewing, fossil hunting and fishing.

Others who were in favor of the campground being built say it will make it easier to get campsites because most local campgrounds fill quickly and that it will also add a needed spark for local businesses.

Survey takers were asked to review a draft of a development plan that was developed for Rockport and identify three elements of the plan they would most like to see implemented and what they would not like to see.

Of what survey respondents would like to see implemented, the most popular selection was “nothing/leave it the way it is.” Trail improvements, including hiking, biking, and equestrian, were the second option selected the most. Water access, including a boat/kayak launch, and access to swimming, was ranked third.

Regarding what changes they would not like to see implemented, the most popular selection was “camping in general.” Followed by “everything/leave it the way it is,” and “modern camping.”

Some individuals described the plan as being “too developed in general.” Stating that “improvements would bring too many people to the park.” Others mentioned that there were “too many trails or that various trail uses should not be allowed.”

Additionally, those taking the survey were asked if there were other changes outside of the development plan they would like to see implemented. Of those who answered, 70 percent answered no.

Those who answered “yes” stated plans already presented. Other comments suggested purchasing Middle Island, more accessibility for those with disabilities, and improved water access for swimming, fishing, and boating.

The 4,237-acre recreation area stretches along the Lake Huron shoreline in Alpena and Presque Isle counties and offers a blend of history and outdoor adventure. It also has a designated Dark Sky Preserve, sinkholes, a quarry rich with fossils, and a place that has so far been removed from much development.

The State is considering changing that however, as a draft of the planned campground design shows that there could be 100 full-service campsites, 55 rustic sites, six hike-in rustic sites, and eight rustic cabins.

That is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are a host of amenities and recreational improvements planned.

The state intends to make nighttime sky viewing easier and more educational for visitors. A Dark Sky Interpretive Area is in the works that will feature information about the Dark Sky Initiative and star charts. There would be a trail with large ropes on the side for people to guide themselves through the dark on their way to the dark sky viewing area. A short walk away, there are three notched-out areas with telescopes for looking out over Lake Huron.

A boat launch and separate kayak launch are included in the plan and a separate parking area for people who want to hike the many trails or search for rocks on the beach or in the quarry.

A restroom and shower facility are also in the works and many benches, picnic tables, and grills would be placed around the park.

The proposed project, which has not had funding allocated toward it yet, was met with mixed reaction locally after it was introduced. Officials for the DNR say a decision on the campground or other projects are not set in stone and amendments to the proposed plan are possible, or Rockport could be left as it is.