A landform formed by the action of water that attracts people
Presque Isle State Park, USA.
Location - Where is it?
The Park is in the US state of Ohio, which is in the north-east part of the country. The spit is 6km in length, jutting out into Lake Erie. The plant life of the sandy peninsula changes rapidly, as the terrain changes from the shore to the forest. The park is one of the country's best spots to view bird movements, with peak migrations during May and September.
What is the landform and how was it created?
The State Park is located on a spit. This is an example of a depositional landform. A spit is created when eroded material is moved by tidal action or the waves alone a stretch of shore. This process is called longshore drift. The material is deposited where the movement of water meets resistance of some kind. Over time the material builds up and a spit is formed.
How is the landform used by people?
The Park is used by many people for a variety of activities. These include camping, horse riding, rafting, fishing and bird watching. An 11 mile trail network is popular with hikers and bicyclists. During the winter, five miles of trails are groomed for cross-country skiers and snowshoeing. The park has many ponds and is excellent fishing for perch, walleye, bass and panfish in the lake. The park is open all year round but there is no over-night camping in the park. Each year 4 million people use the area.
What plans are there for the future management of the area?
The plan is to build a new Visitors Centre. The goals are firstly to establish an attractive entrance to the park. Secondly, to off-season use of the park. Also, educate future generations about the value of the site. The cost will total $18.9 million. This will include design, development, building and improving the Peninsula access road. The road improvements are important because there will be more traffic which will need to be accommodated. The project will then cost $700,000 to run in the first year. The construction would take between 18 and 24 months.
What are the impacts for people and the environment?
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Positive
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Negative
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- The project will clear up eyesores.
- Increase tourism.
- Motels will provide local employment and places for visitors to stay.
- Improve traffic patterns and safefty
- Increase awareness and sensitivity to the environment.
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- More traffic causing strain on roads.
- The view of Lake Eire will be blocked.
- Safety of children at nearby schools is compromised.
- Storm water run-off to adjacent properties.
- Unsightly mixture of land uses.
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D. Drake 2009
