Posted by Chris Roth on July 26, 19100 at 06:50:09:
In Reply to: preserve bouys posted by charlie on July 21, 19100 at 02:10:04:
: was wondering what everyone elses feeling are on the placement of wreck bouys in the preserves. It seems to me that they could be placed out there earlier in the year. I was up at Whitefish on the 4th of july and only a few wrecks were bouyed, one with an antifreeze bottle and another with just a floating rope and no bottle,another that was suppose to be bouyed had no bouy at all. Other preserves are the same way. I wonder if this whole process of bouying needs to be reevaluated, like who does them and when do they do them should there be an official opening day of diving like trout season hahaha...what do you think , thanks Charlie
Charlie,
As part of the Thumb Bottomland Preserve, I get several inquiries a week, such as yours. My standard reply is "the bouys will get placed as fast as you can come help us." As mentioned in other replies, we have not gotten any resources out of the State of Michigan for 4 years. We are lucky to have been supported by donations from the Thumb Area Charter Capt.'s Assn. and the Thumb Area Steelheaders. Their donations enabled us to purchase the hardware needed to bouy the wrecks (line, chain and floats). That was the easy part. Every body wants to dive the wrecks, but they expect to drop their boats in the water, run out to the wreck and dive in. People are taking for granted the efforts of those of us who use our own boats, gas ($2.50 a gal. at gas docks)and air, to put the lines on the wrecks.
At this time, there are 9 wrecks in and around the Thumb Preserve that are bouyed (about 1/3). We have plenty of line available, if anyone is interested in helping, please let me know. If you don't have the time or your own boat, you could also make a cash donation to the specific preserve you dive in. This could be used to purchase materials or help the offset the expenses of those of us that make diving Michigan's waters so much easier for you.
Chris Roth
Thumb Bottomland Preserve