Grand Traverse Bay Bottomland Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve |
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 Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Grand Traverse Bay, Grand Traverse County, Antrim County, Leelanau County, Michigan USA |
| Nearest city | Traverse City, Michigan |
| Area | 295 square miles (760 km2) |
| Established | 2008 |
| Governing body | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
The Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve is a special protected area in Michigan, USA. It covers all of Grand Traverse Bay, which is a large bay of Lake Michigan. This preserve is huge, about 295 square miles (760 km2) in size. It is located near Traverse City, Michigan.
Contents
What is an Underwater Preserve?
An underwater preserve is like a national park, but it's under the water! These areas protect important things found on the lakebed. This includes old shipwrecks, unique rock formations, and special underwater habitats. They help keep these treasures safe for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
Exploring Grand Traverse Bay's Waters
The Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve protects the lake bottom in several areas. These include the waters near Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula. It also covers parts of Grand Traverse County. The preserve stretches along the western shore of Antrim County, which borders the bay's East Arm. It also includes the eastern shore of Leelanau County, which borders the bay's West Arm.
Shipwrecks and History
One exciting part of the Grand Traverse Preserve is the old shipwrecks. These sunken ships tell stories of the past. They are like underwater museums!
The Schooner Metropolis
One famous shipwreck here is the schooner Metropolis. A schooner was a type of sailing ship. The Metropolis sank in November 1886. It was carrying a load of lumber to Chicago when it went down near Old Mission Peninsula. Divers and researchers studied the remains of this wreck in 2009. It helps us understand what life was like for sailors long ago.
Protecting Our Underwater Heritage
The Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve was officially created in June 2008. It became Michigan's 12th underwater preserve. These preserves are important for protecting history and nature. They allow people to explore and learn about the Great Lakes in a safe way. Divers can visit the shipwrecks, but they must follow rules to keep them safe.
