A Grand Preserve - Michigan
By Erica Blake
Last June, The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality designated the Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve as the state's 12th area of protected bottomlands. The 292-square-mile preserve encompasses the east and west arms of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay and comprises dozens of dive sites, including a variety of modern and historic shipwrecks. And research indicates that at least 18 ships lie yet undiscovered. There are no established dive charters, but sites are easily accessible from shore or private boat.
Can't-miss wrecks:
A.J. Rogers--Large timbers define the length and width of this wooden schooner that was built in 1862 and sank in about 50 feet of water. Its cargo of iron castings remains intact.
Metropolis--Portions of the two-masted schooner, which sank in 1886, lie in less than 10 feet of water, while other sections are as deep as 90 feet.
Tramp--This 54-foot tug leans slightly on its port side in 52 feet of water; a rear hatch in the intact wreck reveals the engine compartment.
By Erica Blake
Last June, The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality designated the Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve as the state's 12th area of protected bottomlands. The 292-square-mile preserve encompasses the east and west arms of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay and comprises dozens of dive sites, including a variety of modern and historic shipwrecks. And research indicates that at least 18 ships lie yet undiscovered. There are no established dive charters, but sites are easily accessible from shore or private boat.
Can't-miss wrecks:
A.J. Rogers--Large timbers define the length and width of this wooden schooner that was built in 1862 and sank in about 50 feet of water. Its cargo of iron castings remains intact.
Metropolis--Portions of the two-masted schooner, which sank in 1886, lie in less than 10 feet of water, while other sections are as deep as 90 feet.
Tramp--This 54-foot tug leans slightly on its port side in 52 feet of water; a rear hatch in the intact wreck reveals the engine compartment.
