dafter township master plan - Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional

Transcription

2010
DAFTER TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN
Planning works to improve the
welfare of people and their
communities by creating more
convenient, equitable, healthful,
efficient and attractive places for
present and future generations.
Good planning helps create
communities that offer better
choices for where and how people
live. Planning helps communities to
envision their future. It helps them
to find the right balance of new
development and essential services,
environmental protection, and
innovative change.
Dafter Township Planning Commission
CHAIRMAN:
STEVE MEEHAN
VICE-CHAIRMAN:
DAVE LOVE
SECRETARY:
JOYCE ENGELHARDT, TOWNSHIP BOARD LIAISON
MEMBERS:
HARLEY BOONE
CHUCK COOK
This plan was a joint effort between the Dafter Township Planning Commission and the Eastern U.P.
Regional Planning and Development Commission.
Adopted February, 2011
Dafter Township Master Plan 2010
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Introduction ...............................................................................Page 1
Maps: Location, Base Map
Chapter 2 – Social and Economic Characteristics ..........................................Page 3
Maps: Population by Census Block
Chapter 3 – Community Services ...................................................................Page 11
Maps: Wells & Water Table, PASER, Recreation
Chapter 4 – Natural Resources ......................................................................Page 16
Maps: Shaded Relief, Bedrock, Soils, Slope, Wetlands & Forests
Chapter 5 – Current Land Use........................................................................Page 22
Maps: Land Ownership, Current Land Use, Land Use Comparison
Chapter 6 – Goals & Objectives .....................................................................Page 23
Chapter 7 – Future Land Use .........................................................................Page 26
Maps: Zoning, Future Land Use
Appendix A – Public Workshop
Appendix B – 2010 Township Survey, Survey Results, Survey Comments
Dafter Township Master Plan
Chapter One
Introduction and History
Introduction
The purpose of developing this Master Plan is to provide Township leaders with guidelines for future community
development, protection of natural resources, and the preservation of Dafter Township’s rural character. Dafter
Township’s previous Land Use Plan was revised and adopted in 1998, while the Township Zoning Ordinance was
revised and adopted in 2005. In order to provide a better basis for Township zoning, and to adhere to current
planning legislation, the Dafter Township Planning Commission felt it necessary to update the Master Plan.
A Brief Overview and History of Dafter Township
Dafter Township is located in the central portion of Chippewa
County in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Map 1.1
shows the location of the Township in relation to the U.P.
Bordering townships to Dafter include: Superior Township to
the west, Bruce Township to the east, Soo Township to the
north, and Kinross Charter Township to the South. All of these
bordering municipalities are located in Chippewa County. This
can be seen on Township Base Map, Map 1.2. The Township
encompasses a geographic area of 47.9 square miles.
Table 4-1: Climate Statistics (1971-2000)
Average January Temp
Rudyard
Sault Ste.
Marie
14.80° F
13.20° F
Average January Low Temp
6.06° F
4.84° F
Average July Temp
65.00° F
63.80° F
Average July High Temp
77.83° F
75.73° F
Average Annual Precipitation
31.87"
34.62"
Average Annual Snowfall
105.05"
131.26"
Source: Michigan Climatological Resources Program, MSU
Stations closest to Dafter Township
Dafter was initially founded as a lumber settlement and given
a post office named “Stevensburgh” in January 1879, with George Stevens as the first postmaster. Dafter
Township was organized in 1894, after splitting off from Bruce Township, which was organized in 1883. The
name of the post office was changed to Dafter at this time. The Township was a station on the Minneapolis, St.
Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad. Hay was shipped by rail out of the Sault, Dafter, Brimley, and Rudyard areas. In
the early 1900’s it was a common sight to see sleighs hauling up to three tons of hay to the railroad loading
docks and warehouses.
The Master Plan’s Purpose
Michigan Public Act 33 of 2008, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, authorizes townships to plan, create a
Planning Commission, and regulate and subdivide land. The act permits and MANDATES the planning
commission to create and adopt a Master Plan. The purpose of this Master Plan is to:





Promote public health, safety, and general welfare.
Encourage the use of the Townships’ natural resources according to their character and adaptability.
Avoid high density land development.
Facilitate systems to provide transportation, sewage disposal, safe and adequate water supply,
recreation, and public improvement.
Consider the Township character, and judge its suitability for particular uses based on factors such as
land use trends and population levels.
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Page | 1
The Process
In preparing the Master Plan, the Township is authorized to:



Conduct studies, investigations, and surveys relative to economic, social, and physical development of
the Township.
Formulate plans and make recommendations for the most effective economic, social and physical
development of the Township.
Cooperate with all departments of state and federal governments and other public agencies; and
consult with adjacent townships.
This plan presents background information on social and economic data, natural resources, community services
and facilities, and existing land cover. The background information is used to identify important characteristics,
changes and trends in Dafter Township. A citizen input survey was sent out to a sample size of Township
residents in March, 2010. This was done to gain an understanding of the issues and concerns of Township
residents, landowners and local officials. The background information, along with the issues and visions of a
representative sample of Township residents, allowed the Planning Commission to generate goals and
objectives for the Township, as well as future land use. The 2010 survey is included as Appendix B. In addition to
an input survey, the Township Planning Commission also held a Public Input Open House in October, 2010. This
workshop allowed local residents the opportunity to view a draft of this master plan, view maps, and discuss
issues with the Planning Commission.
This Master Plan has been developed by the Dafter Township Planning Commission with the technical assistance
of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning & Development Commission (EUPRPDC). This plan looks at a
twenty year planning horizon, with required reviews every five years or sooner if necessary.
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Page | 2
R
Ontario
KEWEENAW
LAKE SUPERIOR
HOUGHTON
ONTONAGON
BARAGA
LUCE
MARQUETTE
GOGEBIC
ALGER
CHIPPEWA
IRON
SCHOOLCRAFT
MACKINAC
DICKINSON
DELTA
LAKE HURON
MENOMINEE
Wisconsin
Local Area
LAKE MICHIGAN
Miles
Sault Ste
Marie
d Twp
Regional Area
0 1 2 3 4
10 20 30 40
Miles
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
221
¬
«
¬
«
Superior Twp 28
Dafter Twp
§
¦
¨
75
129
¬
«
Bruce Twp
EUPRPDC
PO BOX 520
SSM, MI 49783
906.635.1581
Map 1.1
Dafter Township
Regional Location
Kinross Twp
Rudyard Twp
n
Sugar Isla
0
80
¬
«
Pickford Twp
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 00
2
Miles
S Maple Rd
Clear
L.
12 Mile Rd
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
Balsam Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
Map 1.2
Dafter Township
Base Map
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 77
1
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
PO BOX 520 SSM, MI 49783
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
This map should be used for
general planning purposes only.
EUPRPDC shall not be held
liable for any errors in the GIS
data. This includes errors of
omission, commission, errors
concerning the content of the
data, and relative and positional
accuracy of the data. Source
information used for this map may
have been collected at different
scales or times, resulting in
inconsistencies among features
represented together on this map.
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
22 99
Ri
Bruce Twp
v
er
22 66
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Dafter Township Boundary
Section Lines
Surrounding Townships
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Not Act 51 Certified
Chapter Two
Demographic and Economic Factors
This chapter will focus on the changing demographic and economic factors for Dafter Township and Chippewa
County. Comparing historical data is useful in identifying patterns and trends that may affect a community’s
approach to land use, economic development, and other general issues. This chapter will not only assess
standard indicators such as population and housing, but it will attempt to give an understanding of what
possible effects these patterns may have on Dafter Township in the future.
Population
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the population of Dafter Township was 1,304 persons; 671 male and 633
female. Using historical Census data, Dafter Township saw a large increase in
Bedroom
population in 1960 (25%), but then decreased in population in 1970 (-12%). Since
Community: town or
community where
1940, the Township’s population has been on a steady rise, growing at an average of
most of the
seven
people
per
year
(twelve
people
per
year
since
1970).
workforce commutes
Figures and Maps:
to other areas
Figure 2-1: Township
This could be attributed to Dafter Township’s emergence as
Population Trends
a type of bedroom community (or commuter town), with
Figure 2-2: County
families moving to the
Population Trends
Map 2.1: Population by
Figure 2-1
area for lower taxes,
Census Block
larger lots and a more
Map 2.2: Population
2,000
Density by Census
central location (but
Block
1,500
still travel elsewhere
for work). Population
1,000
estimates from 2002 through 2008 have the
500
Township’s population remaining fairly steady at
1,300. However, if current trends1 continue, the
0
Township may see an increase in population by
1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030
fifteen to twenty percent by 2030.
Dafter Township Population
Figure 2-2
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030
Chippewa County Population
30-Year Trendline
Chippewa County has experienced a similar, but
larger, population trend. With the exception of
1980, the County has slowly been growing since
1940, at an average of 179 people per year (205
people per year since 1970). Population
estimates from 2002 to 2008 have the County’s
population growing by 400-500 people.
However, one might attribute this growth to be
limited to the more populous areas in the
County (Sault Ste. Marie, Kinross Township, etc).
30-Year Trendline
1
Trendline is based on mathematical formula and does not account for all possible population factors, such as birth/death
rate, migration, economics, environment, etc. Trendline should be considered an estimate.
Chapter 2 – Demographic & Economic Factors
Page | 3
Comparing population densities, the Township has
seen a large increase in persons per square mile. In
the sixty years between 1940 and 2000, the
Township saw an increase of 10 persons per square
mile. When comparing population density with the
total housing units in the Township, an obvious
trend is developing; more people are moving into
the Township and more homes are being built.
Given the current housing market in 2010, more
people may opt to purchase already built homes as
opposed to building new homes. However, the
Township should still plan for continued growth,
both in housing and population.
Figure 2-3
Persons/Square Mile
30
Figures and Maps:
25
Figure 2-3: Age Distribution, 2000
20
Figure 2-4: Age Distribution, 1990
& 2000
15
Map 2.2: Age Groups by Census
10
Block, 2000
5
0
1940 1950 1960 1970
Dafter Twp.
1980
Chippewa Co.
1990
2000
EUP Region
Age, Race, and Disability
Figures and Maps:
Figure 2-4: Age of
Population, 2000
Map 2.3: Age Groups
by Census Block
Information on age distribution within the Township can assist the community in
identifying public services to meet community needs and in determining if specific
needs are being met.
The age distribution between the Township, County, and State is surprisingly similar.
A high percentage of the Township population is under the age of nineteen, with the
second largest percentage being middle-aged (35-44). This suggests a great deal of
families living in the Township, and also seems to correlate with the Township’s
population trend discussed in the previous section. Although this trend is similar in both 1990 and 2000, the
percentage change from 1990 to 2000 between some
of these age groups is quite large; an almost forty
Figure 2-4
percent increase in the 35-44 age group, a forty-five
% of Total Population
percent increase in the 45-54 age group, and a
30%
25%
ninety-three percent increase in the 55-59 age group.
The median age for the Township was 37.8 in 2000,
which was slightly older than Chippewa County (36.2
years) and the State (35.5 years). It was also a
significant increase from 1990, when the Township
median age stood at 32.2 years. Although the State
and County median ages also increased, the increase
was not as great as what the Township experienced.
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
5-19 20-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-59 60-64 65 &
Over
Dafter Township
Chippewa County
State
The racial make-up of the population in Dafter Township is relatively homogeneous. Of the 1,304 persons
counted in the Township during the 2000 Census; 1,098 were white, 144 were American Indian, 3 were African
American, 15 were Hispanic or Latino and 4 were Asian. In 2000, Dafter Township had 210 persons with a
disability. A person was classified as having a disability if they had any of the following disabilities: sensory,
physical, mental, self-care, going outside the home, or employment. The disabled population is broken down
into three age groups; 5-20 years, 21-64 years, and 65+ years. The largest number of disabled persons in the
Township was between the ages of 21 and 64 years (136 persons). Of the total persons aged 5-20, six percent
Page | 4
had a disability. Of the total persons aged 21-64, 18.2 percent had a disability. Of the total persons aged 65 and
older, 39.8 percent had a disability.
Households and Housing Characteristics
According to the 2000 Census, there were 551 total housing units in Dafter
Township; this was a 27.3 percent increase from the 1990 Census. Singlefamily units accounted for 78 percent, whereas mobile homes accounted for
17.4 percent. The number of housing units in the Township has grown
modestly over the decades and increases in single-family units have
significantly outpaced any increases in multi-family structures.
Figures and Tables:
Figure 2-5: Township Housing
Units, 1970-2000
Table 2-1: Housing Values, 2000
Table 2-2: Education
The 2000 Census reported 488 households in Dafter Township. Family households accounted for 368 of the 488
total households within the Township; 120 households were non-family. The majority of family households
were married-couple families (62.7 percent). Of the total households, 20.7 percent
Household:
were a householder living alone. In Chippewa County, family households accounted for
when a person
or group of
66.5 percent of the total, with married-couple households accounting for 51.5 percent.
people occupy
Non-family households accounted for 33.5 percent in the County, with the householder
a single
dwelling
living alone at 27.5 percent. In the Township, the average household size of owneroccupied units was 2.72 (down 5.9 percent from 1990) and 2.26 for renter-occupied
units (down 2.6 percent).
Figure 2-5
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1970
1980
1990
Total Housing Units
2000
In Chippewa County, 69.3 percent of the occupied housing
units were owner occupied units, as compared with 73.8
percent in the State. The percent owner-occupied housing
in Dafter Township was even higher at 89.5 percent. The
homeowner vacancy rate in Chippewa County was 2.6
percent, and the rental vacancy rate was 9.4 percent;
compared with Dafter Township’s vacancy rates of .9 and
7.0, respectively. The majority of housing in Dafter
Township was owner-occupied (89.1 percent), with renteroccupied housing accounting for only 10.9 percent of the
total occupied housing units.
An important factor to consider in the Eastern U.P. is that of
seasonal residents, which is fairly common in the area. The Census does not count residents who reside
elsewhere during the winter. Respondents are asked to declare a permanent residence different from their
April location, if more than six months are spent at the alternate address. The 2000 Census reported that 4.4
percent of all housing within the Township was categorized as seasonal, recreational or occasional-use homes.
With this in mind, one could assume that the Township’s residential population increases by approximately 4
percent during the summer months. The percentage of seasonal housing units increased by 84.6 percent
between 1990 and 2000, which likely also coincides with an increase in the number of hunting camps and cabins
found throughout the Township, thus adding to the seasonal, recreation or occasional-usage housing units.
Occupied housing units at the County level found that 49.4 percent of the housing units were heated with
natural gas (utility), a 31.3 percent increase from 1990. Almost 21 percent heated with bottled, tank or LP gas,
Page | 5
11.9 percent with fuel oil or kerosene, 11 percent with electricity and 6 percent with wood. Other data shows
0.5 percent lacked complete plumbing facilities and 0.5 percent lacked complete kitchen facilities. A little over 3
percent of all housing units had no telephone service (420 units).
In Dafter Township, 57.0 percent of the homes were heated with bottled, tank or LP gas, while 25.6 percent
used fuel oil or kerosene, 8.8 percent used electricity, and 5.9 percent used wood. No units in the Township
lacked complete plumbing facilities or kitchen facilities. However, 2.0 percent had no telephone service.
The majority of the owner-occupied housing units in the Township were valued between $50,000 and $99,999.
This represents a 209.1 percent increase from 1990. Dafter Township’s median home value in 2000 was
$67,900; when adjusted for inflation in 2009, this value rises to $83,759, which is lower than the adjusted
median home value in
Chippewa County ($95,354),
Table 2-1: Housing Values
Dafter Township
Chippewa County
Michigan
and significantly lower than the
Financial
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
State of Michigan’s adjusted
Characteristics
median home value ($142,600).
VALUE
Land Use and State Equalized
Specified Owner154
100.00%
6,407
100.00%
2,269,175
100.00%
Occupied Housing
Value (SEV) show that 70.5
Units
percent of the SEV is
Less than $50,000
37
24.03%
1,376
21.48%
224,603
9.90%
attributable to residential
$50,000 to $99,999
102
66.23%
3,183
49.68%
711,648
31.36%
housing. In addition to the
$100,000 to
11
7.14%
1,134
17.70%
603,454
26.59%
$149,999
importance of the residential
$150,000 to
2
1.30%
400
6.24%
339,716
14.97%
sector to the tax base, many
$199,999
homeowners consider the
$200,000 to
0
0.00%
230
3.59%
252,044
11.11%
value of their home a large part
$299,999
$300,000 to
0
0.00%
60
0.94%
104,079
4.59%
of their net worth. Adequate
$499,999
housing is important to the
$500,000 to
0
0.00%
22
0.34%
27,642
1.22%
quality of life in Dafter
$999,999
Township.
Median (dollars)
$67,900
(X)
$77,300
(X)
$115,600
(X)
…in 2009 dollars
$83,759
(X)
$95,354
(X)
$142,600
(X)
Specified RenterOccupied Housing
Units
35
100
3,382
100
976,313
100
Less than $200
0
0
330
9.8
53,844
5.5
$250 to $299
2
5.7
368
10.9
52,030
5.3
$300 to $499
21
60
1,386
41
275,832
28.3
$500 to $749
10
28.6
866
25.6
373,820
38.3
$750 to $999
0
0
101
3
122,289
12.5
$1,000 to $1,499
0
0
34
1
42,865
4.4
$1,500 or more
0
0
0
0
12,867
1.3
No Cash Rent
2
5.7
297
8.8
42,766
4.4
Median (dollars)
$442
(X)
$426
(X)
$676
(X)
…in 2009 dollars
$545
(X)
$525
(X)
$833
(X)
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census 2000
Page | 6
Education
A key factor in analyzing the capabilities of the township’s work force is education. The educational attainment
of individuals age 25 years and older is tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Township had an increase of
over 28.1% in the number of high school students receiving diplomas, compared to the 1990 Census. There was
a significant jump in the number of Bachelor and Graduate
Table 2-2: Education Attainment, 1990-2000
Attainment
2000
1990
Degrees in the Township between 1990 and 2000; a 263
Dafter
Chippewa
Dafter
Chippewa
percent increase for Bachelor and a 161 percent increase for
Township
County
Township
County Graduate.
- 1990
1990
Of the Township’s population age 3 years and over, 4 percent
were enrolled in a nursery school or preschool, 4.6 percent
were enrolled in Kindergarten, 48.1 percent we enrolled in
an elementary school program, 27.6 percent were enrolled in
high school and 15.7 percent were enrolled in a college or
graduate school program. Dafter Township has slightly fewer
children enrolled in Kindergarten programs than the County
(4.7 percent). The Township’s overall enrollment in
preschool and Kindergarten is relatively consistent with the
County. However, Elementary School, High School, and
College or Graduate School’s vary significantly from the
County; the Township has a higher percentage in Elementary
School (+9.8 percent) and High School (+5.5 percent), but has
significantly less in College (-14.6 percent) than the County.
Less than
9th grade
3.0%
5.1%
12.2%
9.4%
9th to 12th
no diploma
11.2%
12.6%
19.7%
17.0%
High School
Diploma
38.7%
35.9%
39.2%
37.0%
Some
college no
degree
29.0%
25.9%
18.6%
19.6%
Associates
Degree
4.4%
5.6%
5.0%
6.1%
Bachelors
Degree
9.6%
10.2%
3.4%
7.0%
Graduate or
Professional
4.1%
4.8%
2.0%
3.8%
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census 2000
Michigan STF-1A, 1990
Economic Characteristics
Historically, Chippewa County has struggled to sustain year-round, high-wage jobs. For this reason, a large
number of Chippewa County residents commuted to Sault Ste. Marie or the Kincheloe Air Force Base. These
areas offered a large number of high paying industrial or military jobs. In the late 1970’s, the Kincheloe Air
Force base closed, causing the loss of over 2,000 government jobs (many of which were held by Chippewa
County residents). In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, industrial jobs began to materialize in both Sault Ste.
Marie and at the former Air Force base. The base
COMPANY
PRODUCT
EUPRPDC
was transformed into the Chippewa County
NAME
LOCATION DESCRIPTION
2007
Includes
Industrial Park and International Airport. During
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe
Administration and
this same time period, the Sault Tribe of Chippewa
of Chippewa Indians
SSM
Kewadin Casino
1430*
Bay Mills Indian
Includes governmental
Indians and the Bay Mills Indian Community began
Community
Brimley
unit and both casinos
800
the development of several casinos in the area,
War Memorial
Full service medical &
Hospital
SSM
surgical hospital
664
creating thousands of jobs within the County.
Michigan Dept. of
Correctional
Corrections
Lake Superior State
University
Sault Ste. Marie
Public Schools
Kincheloe
institutions
553
SSM
4 year college
320
Chippewa County’s current economic
development efforts have been focused on
SSM
School/education
310
retaining and expanding industrial employment,
*2005 data. Data for 2007 not available.
particularly at the County Industrial Park. The
County continues to support an Economic Development Corporation in order to work on retaining and attracting
new private businesses and investment. In and around the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the industrial base fluctuates
Page | 7
with the economy. However, Precision Edge and Key Plastics continue to lead the way in terms of industrialbased jobs. The Sault Tribe and Bay Mills Indian Community continue to provide a large number of jobs at their
respective casino/resort establishments and through other governmental entities and their health care systems.
War Memorial Hospital has become a major provider of health-care related employment.
Employment and Labor Force
Figures:
Figure 2-6: Employment
Figure 2-7: Unemployment
Rate, 1993-2009
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 64.3 percent of Dafter Township’s population
aged 16 and over were employed. This rate is higher than the County’s
employment rate of 47.8 percent and the State’s employment rate of 60.8
percent. In the Township, 67.5 percent of those employed were private wage
and salary workers, 28.7 percent were
government workers, and 3.1 percent were
Figure 2-6
self-employed.
20,000
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
A majority of the Township residents
15,000
commute to work in other cities, townships,
villages or county’s. The City of Sault Ste.
10,000
Marie, located 24 miles to the north,
5,000
provides jobs for many of the Township
residents. Others, however, travel region0
wide during the workweek to jobs available
in other areas. The average time of commute
Chippewa Employment
for a Dafter Township resident is
approximately 25 minutes, however, a
number of commuters drive an hour or more to their job locations.
Figure 2-7
20
15
10
0
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
5
Chippewa County
Luce County
Mackinac County
Michigan
Chippewa Unemployment
Civilian Labor Force data is available only at the
County level, but is still useful in showing
trends that may occur. While Chippewa County
is somewhat insulated from the drastic
fluctuations of the auto industry found in the
Lower Peninsula, employment within the
Region still fluctuates annually. During the
early part of the 1990’s, the County saw
significant increases in the number of
employed persons, and the corresponding
number of unemployed decreased. Following
the events of September 11, 2001 (commonly
known as 9/11) and the subsequent downturn
in the economy, the County has posted only
minimal gains in employment as the number of
persons unemployed continues to rise.
Page | 8
Overall the County’s unemployment rate continues to be significantly higher than that of the State, but nowhere
near the disparity found during the late 1990’s. The County’s unemployment rate has mirrored that of the
State, albeit at a greater rate. Since 2001, Chippewa County’s unemployment rate has remained relatively flat in
the 8-9 percent range, while the State’s unemployment rate has risen dramatically from the 5 percent range to
above 7 percent.
Figures:
Figure 2-8: Household
Income, 1980-2000
Income
The 2000 Census Demographic
Profile 3 of Selected Economic
Characteristics recorded a
median household income of $40,850 for Dafter Township.
This number is significantly higher than that of Chippewa
County as a whole, which had a median household income
of $34,464. Overall, median household incomes
throughout the County tend to fall below those found in
the State as a whole. When compared to the 1990 Census
(using 1999 dollars), the median household income in
Dafter Township increased by 28.5 percent, and in
Chippewa County by 23.8 percent.
Figure 2-8
In 1999 Dollars
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
1980
Dafter Township
1990
2000
Chippewa county
State of Michigan
In Dafter Township, the median family income increased
by 22.6 percent when adjusted for inflation. While this was slightly lower than the increase for Chippewa
County (25.8 percent), it was significantly higher than the State’s 12.4 percent change during this same time
period. The Township’s change in per capita income followed a similar trend, while the change in median
household income from 1990-2000 was greater than the County, and almost three times greater than the State.
It is worthwhile to note the type of income earned as a percentage of the total household population in the
Township. In 2000, 81.9 percent of all households in the Township had earnings, 30.9 percent had social
security income, 2.1 percent accounted for supplemental security income and public assistance income, and
18.2 percent had retirement income. When compared to the County and State percentages of total household
income, Dafter Township had a greater percentage with earnings and social security income than both the
County and State. However, fewer households in the Township had supplement security, public assistance and
retirement income than that recorded in the County and State.
Poverty
Poverty statistics from the 2000 U.S. Census show that Dafter Township’s poverty rates are significantly lower
than those found at the County and State level. For example, in 1999, the percent of families in poverty was 8.9
percent for the County and 7.4 percent for the State, compared to 5.3 percent in Dafter Township. The
percentage of families with a female householder in Chippewa County was significantly higher (32.4 percent)
than in the State (24.0 percent). In Dafter Township, this number was slightly less than the County’s, at 31
percent. In Dafter Township, individuals aged 65 years and over fell below the poverty rate at a clip greater than
the County or State, with 10.5 percent living below poverty. Chippewa County’s rate was 9.6 percent and the
State’s was 8.2 percent.
Page | 9
Agricultural Economics
Dafter Township has a tremendous amount of agricultural land, which many families depend on for raising crops
and livestock. The Census of Agriculture, taken every five years, is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches
and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics,
production practices, income and expenditures, and many other areas. Since farming plays an important
economic role in Dafter Township, it is appropriate to look at the results of the most recent census, conducted in
2007.
Demographics
Approximately forty-seven farms2 exist within the Township. Of these, thirty-one farms are full-time operations
and sixteen are part-time operations. Of the forty-seven farms, forty-two considered their residence to be on
the farm (or operation).
Animals & Products
Livestock in the Township includes beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats, and chickens. There are also several
equine farms, which may include horses, mules, or donkeys. Four farms reported annual sales between $50,000
and $250,000 for animals & products. Twenty-two farms reported sales less than $50,000. The remaining farms
were unspecified.
Crops
Thirty-eight farms harvested cropland, and eighteen farms had land that was used only for pasture. Field crops
included grains, corn, hay, haylage, and potatoes. Thirty-five farms reported annual crop sales of less than
$50,000. The remaining farms were unspecified.
Economics
Four farms operate more than 1,000 acres, while thirty-seven operate between 50 and 1,000 acres. Thirty-six
farms harvested less than 500 acres of cropland, while two farms harvested more than 500 acres. Four farms
reported annual commodity sales between $50,000 and $250,000, while forty-three farms reported annual
commodity sales of less than $50,000. Just one farm reported organic commodity sales.
Chapter Summary
Overall, Dafter Township has seen an increase in population over the past sixty years, and that trend looks to
continue. The Township has also seen an increase in population density, increasing ten people per square mile
in sixty years. The top two age groups in the Township are the 5-19 and 35-44 groups, suggesting more families
have been moving into the Township. Township residents are also more educated than in the past; there was a
substantial jump in the number of Bachelor and Graduate Degrees in the Township between 1990 and 2000; a
263 percent increase for Bachelor and a 161 percent increase for Graduate. The number of housing units in the
Township has also been increasing since the 1970s, and the majority of houses were built in the 1950s and
1960s. Agriculture remains an important economic player in Dafter Township, with forty-seven farms in
operation.
2
To better reflect Township numbers, census data taken from the 49724 zip code ONLY. Dafter Township contains parts of
49715 and 49783 north of M-28. Using these zip codes could greatly increase Census numbers.
Page | 10
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
e
iv
8 Mile Rd
11 22
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
11 11
tte
00 88
rl o
11 00
00 99
a
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
iver
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
yR
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
2
Miles
S Maple Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
Clear
L.
00 99
Map 2.1
Dafter Township
Population by Block
0
1-15
16-30
12 Mile Rd
00 22
00 33
nc h
rlo
Cha
11 00
Bruce Twp
R
tte
iv
13 Mile Rd
11 11
A census block is the smallest geographic unit used by the
United States Census Bureau. Blocks are typically bounded
by streets, roads or creeks. In rural areas where roads are
fewer, blocks may be limited by other features. The population
of a census block varies greatly.
1 in = 1 mile
Population
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
hke
75
S. B ra
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00 77
1
00 55
Wais
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S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
22 99
Balsam Rd
22 66
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
Elm
22 00
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
er
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
Base Layers
33-50
55-94
95
Data Source: Census 2000, CGI
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
e
iv
8 Mile Rd
11 22
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
11 11
tte
00 88
rl o
11 00
00 99
a
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
iver
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
yR
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
2
Miles
S Maple Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
Clear
L.
00 99
Persons per Square Mile
Map 2.2
Dafter Township
Population Density
by Block
12 Mile Rd
00 22
00 33
nc h
rlo
Cha
11 00
Bruce Twp
R
tte
iv
13 Mile Rd
11 11
A census block is the smallest geographic unit used by the
United States Census Bureau. Blocks are typically bounded
by streets, roads or creeks. In rural areas where roads are
fewer, blocks may be limited by other features. The population
of a census block varies greatly.
1 in = 1 mile
0-1
1.1-12
12.1-27
27.1-44
44.1-73
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 77
1
00 55
Wais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
22 99
Balsam Rd
22 66
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
Elm
22 00
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
er
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
73.1-114.5
114.6-166.5
166.6-371
371.1-664
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
08
01
11 22
13
c Trl
ckina
Balsam Rd
Elm
22 33
S Ma
11 55
Meridian St
S Baker Side Rd
03
Soo Line Rd
10
Audrey St
te
Balsam RRd
ive
r
lo
t
ar
Ch
h
nc
ra
S.
B
08
01
11 22
13
c Trl
ckina
Balsam Rd
Elm
22 33
S Ma
11 55
Meridian St
S Baker Side Rd
Soo Line Rd
03
11 Mile Rd
34
3
5
Bruce Twp
te
Balsam RRd
ive
r
12 Mile Rd
lo
t
03
ar
Ch
h
nc
ra
10
S.
B
Tr
l
S Maple Rd
ac
kin
ac
M
Audrey St
Maple Rd
S Tuori Rd
S
00 11
S Kinross Rd
S Curtis Rd
00 77
11 88
S Forrest Rd
Midway Rd
10
Maple Rd
00 66
Piche Rd
Meridian St
Balsam Rd
te
Balsam RRd
ive
r
lo
t
ar
Ch
h
S Curtis Rd
S
M
ac
ki n
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
00 11
01
11 22
13
22 33
Elm
nc
ra
S.
B
S Maple Rd
S Kinross Rd
Maple Rd
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
Balsam Rd
r
ive
lo
t
te
Balsam RRd
ar
Ch
Maple Rd
Piche Rd
00 77
11 88
S Forrest Rd
22 33
Elm
h
nc
ra
c Trl
ckina
S Ma
11 55
S Curtis Rd
S Maple Rd
00 66
01
11 22
13
c Trl
ckina
S Ma
Meridian St
03
S Baker Side Rd
11 55
S.
B
S Baker Side Rd
03
Soo Line Rd
Audrey St
Maple Rd
Tr
l
ac
kin
08
10
Maple Rd
Piche Rd
ac
M
S Forrest Rd
08
S Curtis Rd
S Maple Rd
Tr
l
ac
ki n
ac
M
S
Soo Line Rd
Audrey St
Maple Rd
S Tuori Rd
S Forrest Rd
00 11
10
Maple Rd
00 77
11 88
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
00 66
S Tuori Rd
r
S
e
iv
00 77
R
11 88
tte
S Forrest Rd
rlo
0099
S Forrest Rd
ha
7 3/4 Mile Rd
0022
44
00
00 77
Clear
L.
7 Mile Rd
11
C
75
6 Mile Rd
02
iver
00 11
r
13 Mile Rd
11
10
27
§
¨
¦
ey R
00 55
S Kinross Rd
e
iv
Midway Rd
R
Bruce Twp
22 66
88h Waishk
ra2n2c
22 66
tte
12 Mile Rd
03
22 22
22 11
.B
S. E
Midway Rd
rlo
3
5
34
11 44
11 66
33 55
ha
99
00
33
13 Mile Rd
11
6-14
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
11 Mile Rd
0022
00 44
22
33
00 66
Map 2.3
Dafter Township
Age Groups by Block
0099
11 77
28
¬
«
1199
66
33
1 in = 2 miles
22 66
44
00
8 Mile Rd
29
31
C
88 er
22 11ishke22y Riv
0088
30
7 3/4 Mile Rd
27
75
7 Mile Rd
11
11 44
h Wa
00 55
Riordan
22 00
L.
12 Mile Rd
Kinross Twp
0
1-5
4
Miles
6 Mile Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
25
22 22
§
¨
¦
6 Mile Rd
02
Soo Twp
er
7 Mile Rd
11 Mile Rd
33 55
13 Mile Rd
11
2266
0022
10
11 66
r
03
99
00
00 55
e
iv
Superior Twp
Bruce Twp
33
22
33
R
12 Mile Rd
r anc
tte
34
00 44
11 77
00 77
ra
nc
Riv
ey
hk
ai s
W
h
rlo
22 66
11 Mile Rd
28
¬
«
Clear
L.
7 1/2 Mile Rd
Ages 65+
2
00 66
B
E.
11-18
22
0
.B
S. E
1199
ha
11 44
§
¨
¦
75
0099
0
1-5
6-10
Clear
L.
7 3/4 Mile Rd
3
5
8 Mile Rd
11-21
23
28
Bay Mills Twp
7 Mile Rd
11
27
44
00
00 77
Ages 45-64
88 er
22 11ishke22y Riv
00 55
00 66
Kinross Twp
02
22 22
h Wa
12 Mile Rd
33
22
33
66
33
31
11 66
29
28
¬
«
r anc
W 10 Mile Rd
11 Mile Rd
8 Mile Rd
11 77
Riordan
22 00
L.
30
99
00
0088
1199
25
12 Mile Rd
Kinross Twp
6 Mile Rd
C
7 Mile Rd
29
31
66
33
33 55
00 55
Riordan
22 00
L.
30
0
1-5
6-10
6 Mile Rd
.B
S. E
Superior Twp
25
2266
11
Soo Twp
er
7 1/2 Mile Rd
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
r
c
Riv
ey
hk
ai s
W
h
0088
W 10 Mile Rd
Ages 25-44
00 44
r an
13 Mile Rd
11-19
20-26
32
Bay Mills Twp
B
E.
e
iv
0
1-5
6-10
Bruce Twp
12 Mile Rd
10
6 Mile Rd
00 55
7 Mile Rd
11 Mile Rd
0022
00 77
Ages 5-24
3
5
34
0099
Clear
L.
Superior Twp
11 Mile Rd
03
44
00
00 55
00 66
Kinross Twp
§
¨
¦
75
R
12 Mile Rd
33
22
33
33 55
66
33
31
27
Soo Twp
er
7 1/2 Mile Rd
22 66
11 Mile Rd
ra
tte
88 er
22 11ishke22y Riv
29
22 22
h Wa
2266
30
7 3/4 Mile Rd
11 44
r anc
W 10 Mile Rd
25
11 66
.B
S. E
11 77
1199
Riordan
22 00
L.
28
¬
«
B
E.
7 Mile Rd
11
nc
Riv
ey
hk
ai s
W
h
rlo
8 Mile Rd
02
ha
99
00
0088
Bay Mills Twp
6 Mile Rd
C
7 Mile Rd
7 1/2 Mile Rd
Superior Twp
6 Mile Rd
00 55
Piche Rd
c
Soo Twp
er
00 44
E.
an
Br
Riv
ey
hk
ai s
hW
00 66
Bay Mills Twp
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Chapter Three
Community Services & Infrastructure
Quality of life is important in a community. One of the key factors that contribute to
Figures and Maps:
the quality of life in a community is the services that are available to its residents.
Map 3-1: Wells &
Water Table
Rural communities do not normally have the financial backbone to provide many of the
Map 3-2: PASER
services provided in more populated areas. Typically, rural communities work
Map 3-3: Recreation
cooperatively with surrounding communities to provide these services to its residents.
This chapter will look at the types of services available to residents in Dafter Township.
Although current services may be sufficient, population growth or future development may increase the demand
for these services.
Water Supply
Public drinking water is not available in Dafter Township. Residents rely on private wells for drinking water, which
are regulated by the Chippewa County Health Department under the Public Health Code. Wells for facilities such as
schools or motels serving the public fall under regulations of the Federal and State Safe Drinking Water Acts, where
isolation distance, minimum yield and water quality testing requirements are more stringent than for a private
residential well. Permits for residential and commercial wells are issued by the Health Department. Well depths
are required to be a minimum of 25 feet of solid casing below ground. In addition, if the well is located in an area
of shallow bedrock, sufficient casing must be installed to ensure the casing terminates in competent bedrock, and
be grouted with neat cement. If a flowing well is drilled, flowing well discharge control must be used to conserve
groundwater and to prevent the loss of artesian head by preventing or reducing continuous discharges. A flowing
well discharge pipe, when installed, must not be directly connected to a sewer or other source of contamination.
The flowing well must also be grouted to protect the artesian aquifer, prevent erosion of overlying geologic
materials, and confine the flow to within the casing. Abandoned wells within the Township must be properly sealed
by a registered well driller. Excluding very rare circumstances, drinking water wells must be drilled by a Michiganregistered well driller.
Sewage Disposal
Township residents rely on private on-site septic systems. Generally, these systems are satisfactory when
development is scattered or seasonal in nature. Important determinants for siting a septic system are soil types,
water table, and steepness of slopes. In areas with clay soils, steep slopes and small lots, siting and maintaining
septic systems can pose problems. The Chippewa County Public Health Code requires a minimum lot size of 10
acres for lagoon systems, with the lagoon at least one-hundred (100) feet from all property lines. In lieu of a
lagoon, lots with clay soil may require a mounded septic system, and a minimum lot size of two (2) acres. For other
septic systems, a minimum lot size of one (1) acre is required. If a lot size is less than one (1) acre, the County
Health Department must refer to State criteria, which is typically stricter in nature.3
Utilities
Electricity to Dafter Township is provided by Cloverland Electric Co-Op. Various private companies deliver home
heating oil or LP gas in the area. Cable television service is available in Dafter Township through Charter. Residents
can also choose satellite TV. High-Speed Internet is limited in the Township – most residents have dial-up.
However, DSL internet is offered by AT&T, and residents also have the option of satellite based internet through
3
Taken from the Superior Environmental Health Code, provided by the Chippewa County Health Department
Chapter 3 – Community Services & Infrastructure
Page | 11
satellite TV providers. Land-line phone service is provided by AT&T and Charter, and cell phone service in the area
is provided by Verizon Wireless, AT&T, or Sprint.
Solid Waste
The Dafter Sanitary Landfill, Inc. (a Waste Management Inc.
Company) is a Type II landfill located within the Township. The
total facility area is 87 acres, with 43.5 acres sited for use, 33
acres permitted and 29.5 acres currently operational. Located
near the 12 Mile and Mackinac Trail intersection, the landfill
accepts residential, commercial and industrial Type II and Type
III special wastes. Hours of operation are Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can dispose of bagged trash,
refrigerators/freezers, metal scraps and “loose” trash for a fee.
Waste Management and Smith Sanitation provide door to door
pick-up for residents and dumpsters for businesses.
The Chippewa County Recycling Center, located in Sault Ste.
Marie, a non-profit, volunteer-based organization has been
offering County residents the opportunity to recycle household
waste for approximately ten years. A drop-off center is located
in Sault Ste. Marie and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days week
(excluding holidays). The Center is supported by a County-wide
millage to fund the operation of the recycling program. During
2007 approximately 2,438 tons of recyclable materials were
collected and processed. The following items are presently
collected: “all plastics”, cans and tin, glass, brown paper
grocery bags, box board, corrugated cardboard, newspaper,
magazines, and white office paper. County residents can
dispose of household hazardous waste at this site, roughly four
times annually.
Dafter Sanitary Landfill Wildlife Habitat Site
Dafter, MI - Certified since 2009
The Dafter Sanitary Landfill is located on 165 acres
surrounded by farmland and rural residential areas.
A number of different habitats are found on the site,
including grasslands, uplands, wetlands and forested
wetlands. All seven employees at the site are involved
in wildlife habitat enhancement projects.
A large number of native plant species were planted
throughout the wetland and upland areas on the site.
The wildlife team plans to continue to enhance the
wetland habitat for wildlife by developing a plan to
control reed canary grass, an invasive species which is
becoming established in the wetlands. A rotational
mowing plan was implemented for the upland areas
to ensure that a diverse habitat of different heights is
present every year. An observation deck and nature
trail was constructed on the site, enabling students
and other community members to observe the
diversity of plants and animals in the wetland area.
Nest boxes located on the site further enhance the
existing habitat for a number of native birds. Four
wood duck nest boxes were installed and songbird
nest boxes were added in with the help of local Boy
Scouts. The wildlife team plans to monitor all of the
site’s nest boxes to determine how local populations
are benefitting from these enhancements.
The wildlife team created additional habitat for the
wide variety of species which use dead trees, or snags,
for nesting and feeding purposes. The wildlife team
plans to monitor the property to ensure that an
adequate amount of snags remain to provide this
important wildlife resource.
*Taken from the WM Website:
http://www.wm.com/about/community/whc/wildlif
e-habitat-sites.jsp#dafter
Schools
No schools are located within Dafter Township. Four different
school districts cover the Township; Sault Ste. Marie Area Schools, Rudyard Area Schools, Brimley Area Schools, and
Pickford Area Schools. Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is a four-year state university, located in Sault Ste.
Marie, offering four year and two-year degree programs in various fields of study. Bay Mills Community College
(BMCC), located in Brimley, is a two-year institution serving the higher education needs of area residents.
Libraries
The Les Cheneaux Public Library is located in Clark Township, and the Bayliss Public Library is located in Sault Ste.
Marie. Both libraries offer a senior reading room, children’s corner, internet access, and meeting rooms.
Page | 12
Cemeteries
No cemeteries exist within the Township. Several area cemeteries are near Dafter Township; Pine Grove Cemetery
is located just north of the Township on 6 Mile Road, Oaklawn Chapel Gardens Cemetery is located on M-129, also
north of the Township, and Donaldson Cemetery is located just east of the Township, on M-129 & 13 Mile Road.
Public Safety
There are no municipal law enforcement agencies in Dafter Township. The law is enforced by the Chippewa County
Sheriff’s Department and supplemented by the Michigan State Police, Sault Post.
Advanced life support service is provided by Kinross Township EMS. The county-wide enhanced 911 emergency
services, operated from the Chippewa County OES in Kincheloe, are available for all county residents. Chippewa
County pays for the costs of ambulance service through the Ambulance Fund millage.
The Dafter Township Fire Department maintains two separate fire stations in Dafter. The current Township
inventory includes: 1 Type I pumper fire engine, 1 Type VI brush patrol engine, 1 Type I tanker engine, and 1 Type II
250 GPM portable pump.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) is responsible for fire protection on State forested
land. Both the Forest Service and DNRE work closely with the Dafter Township Fire Department whenever the
danger of woodland and urban fires is elevated. Additionally, all fire departments in Chippewa County have mutual
aid with each other. The County has an “all encompassing” mutual aid agreement with the adjoining counties of
Mackinac and Luce which provides for assistance outside the realm of normal emergency services.
Medical Facilities
Clinics, doctor and dentist offices are located primarily in Sault Ste. Marie. War Memorial Hospital is located in
Sault Ste. Marie, and the Straits Area Hospital is located in St. Ignace. An Urgent Care Clinic and a Veteran’s Medical
Facility are both located just to the south in Kincheloe. For health care services not available at these facilities,
residents travel to Marquette General (Marquette), Northern Michigan Regional Hospital (Petoskey) or the Munson
Medical Center (Traverse City).
The Chippewa County Health Department is often able to fill health care needs of the community, which are not
available or affordable elsewhere. Programs offered by the Health Department fall under three categories: home
health care services, environmental health services and personal health services. Health Department offices are
located in Sault Ste. Marie.
Hiawatha Behavioral Health Services provides support services to developmentally disabled persons as well as
persons needing mental health services. The Hiawatha Behavioral Health service area covers Chippewa, Luce,
Mackinac, Alger and Schoolcraft Counties.
Page | 13
Other Public Facilities
The Chippewa County Courthouse is located in the City of Sault Ste. Marie at 325 Court Street. The Chippewa
County Sheriff Department and associated facilities are located adjacent to the courthouse. The Chippewa County
Road Commission offices and garage are on Mackinac Trail, just south of Sault Ste. Marie. There is a DNRE field
office, which is no longer open to the public, located in Sault Ste. Marie. The Dafter Township Hall is located on a
four-acre lot and is used as a community center for various community activities. To serve the Township postal
service needs, a United States Post Office is located in Dafter.
Public Transit
The Eastern U.P. Transit Authority operates a Regional dial-a-ride bus service available in Chippewa County. The
County is supporting this multicounty transportation authority and is designed to provide a high level of public
transportation in the County. The Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency (CLMCAA), located in Sault
Ste. Marie also offers a Dial-A-Ride program for seniors throughout the Tri-County area.
Air Service
Chippewa County's only public airport - Chippewa International Airport - is located in Kinross Charter Township,
handling regional and international air travel. CIU is a U.S. Customs Port of Entry. Passenger air service connecting
to Detroit and Alpena is offered by Mesaba Airlines as part of the Northwest Airlink service. Regional airports are
located in Traverse City, Midland, Grand Rapids and Flint. Air-freight service is provided by United Express, United
Parcel Service and Federal Express.
Recreation
The lakes, streams and woodlands in the Eastern U.P. provide a remarkable source for recreation activities, such as
fishing, boating, camping, snowmobiling, hunting and hiking. These activities are important economic factors for
the region. Although recreational opportunities are abundant in the EUP, opportunities in Dafter Township are
limited. Part of the EUP snowmobile trail (thirteen miles) runs through Dafter Township, and there is a baseball
diamond behind the Township Hall. Dafter Township also owns roughly 77 acres, designated as the Dafter
Township Park, which is primarily used for “Mud Runs”. Roughly 4,500 acres of State Forest land is also situated in
Dafter Township, mainly in the southern portion of the Township. A private campground exists at Clear Lake, also
in the southern portion of the Township.
Township residents must travel to surrounding areas and communities to largely satisfy recreational needs. The
Hiawatha National Forest, which provides ample public recreation and hunting opportunities, is roughly fifteen
miles from Dafter. Sault Ste. Marie, Brimley, Cedarville, and other surrounding communities provide a great deal of
recreational activities for Township residents.
Dafter Township recognizes the importance of recreation, not only as a source of enjoyment, but also as a health
factor to its residents.
Page | 14
Roads
One State trunkline runs through Dafter Township; M-28 runs for approximately 6 miles across the northern
portion of the Township. I-75 Interstate Highway (9 miles) runs north/south through the Township. County
primary roads account for about 30 miles of road in Dafter Township, while 47 miles are classified as County local
roads. Map 1-2 shows the road network for the Township, and classifies roads by ownership. The Chippewa County
Road Commission is the agency responsible for maintenance, snow removal and improvements of roads. Dafter
Township contributes to the cost of local road maintenance.
Current Road Conditions – PASER System
The Chippewa County Road Commission utilizes the Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER) system for
assessing the condition of federal-aid eligible paved roads in the County. In 2009, the CCRC began inventorying and
rating local non-federal aid paved roads throughout the county. All the paved roads in Dafter Township were
evaluated and the ratings are shown on Map 3-2.
PASER is a visual survey method developed by the University of Wisconsin to evaluate surface road conditions. A
rating scale of 1-10 (1 being a failed paved road, 10 being a newly paved road) is used to evaluate the surface
distress of the pavement based on pavement material and types of deterioration present. The ratings are then
grouped into three categories based on the type of work required; Routine Maintenance (8-10), Capital Preventive
Maintenance (5-7), and Structural Improvement (1-4).



Routine Maintenance includes regularly scheduled preventative treatments such as drainage clearing,
shoulder grading, and crack sealing.
Capital Preventive Maintenance consists of planned treatments applied to existing roadways to hinder
further deterioration, such as a sealcoat, thin overlay, or crack sealing.
Roads rated as needing Structural Improvement are those in need of a re-construct to improve the
structural integrity of the pavement, such as a thick overlay or a mill & fill.
In Dafter Township, roads needing structural improvements include Mackinac Trail south of M-28, sections of 10
Mile Rd and 11 Mile Rd, and 6 Mile Road east of Piche Road. Roads needing capital preventative maintenance
include Mackinac Trail north of M-28, S
Kinross Rd, and sections of 6 Mile Road
and 10 Mile Road.
The CCRC works with Dafter Township
annually for any projects that the
Township would like to have done.
The chart above compares ratings of Federal-Aid, paved roads since 2006.
Page | 15
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1
1 in = 1 mile
2
Miles
Map 3.1
Dafter Township
Wells & Depth to
First Water Table
er
S. B ra
S Curtis Rd
S Maple Rd
S
M
ac
kin
ac
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S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
Balsam Rd
n
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Water table depth was created by subtracting the County first water surface from the digital elevation model.
Positive values indicate the depth of the water below the ground surface. Zero values
represent water at the ground surface and negative values represent water above the surface of
the ground. Negative values may indicate obvious errors in the dataset and are a function of inconsistent
datasets, dataset imprecision and digital elevation model precision.
Legend
Well Depth
!
!
!
!
< 100 ft
100 ft - 199 ft
200 ft - 250 ft
Depth
48 feet
-5 feet
> 250 ft
Data Source: CGI, EUPRPDC
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
c Trl
ckina
11 55
11 66
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
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er
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iv
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tte
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ar
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00 99
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7 Mile Rd
00 77
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6 Mile Rd
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ish
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EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
Map 3.2
Dafter Township
PASER
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12 Mile Rd
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0
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22 99
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Bruce Twp
v
er
22 66
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Base Layers
Legend
Surface Rating
Structural Improvements (1-4)
Capital Preventative Maintenance (5-7)
Routine Maintenance (8-10)
Not-Paved/Not-Rated
Data Source: EUPRPDC
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
L
Section Lines
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
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R
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11 22
tte
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ar
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7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
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E.
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00 66
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6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
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an
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22 99
Map 3.3
Dafter Township
Recreation
Clear
L.
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22 66
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11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
22 66
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
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13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Legend
Snowmobile Trails
Township Land
State Forest
Data Source: MIDNRE, Chippewa Co Equalization
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Chapter Four
Natural Resources
When planning for future development and addressing land use issues, it’s important to consider what
environmental issues and natural features may be present. This chapter will look at the current natural resources
and environmental factors in Dafter Township.
Figures and Maps:
Map 4-1: Shaded Relief
Map 4-2: Bedrock Depth
Map 4-3: General Soils
Map 4-4: Farmland
Map 4-5: Permeability
Map 4-6: Slope & Hydric Soils
Map 4-7: Wetlands & Forests
Map 4-8: MNFI - RSI
Map 4-9: Environmental
Contamination Sites
Map 4-10 – Wind Power
Table 4-1: NFI
Topography
Topographic features influence drainage, erosion, and construction limits. Dafter
Township is relatively flat, ranging from 183 feet to 226 feet above lake level.
The elevation in the Township is lower in the northern portion (nearer Lake
Superior) and increases in height in the southern portion. There are very few
areas in the Township that have steep slopes (greater than 10%) or sharp drops
in elevation.
Geology/Bedrock
The geology of Dafter Township reveals that bedrock depth varies from ten feet
to almost two-hundred feet. Normally, if bedrock is within ten feet of the
surface, the overlying land is considered unsuitable for development, particularly
where public sewer and water facilities are not available. Areas with shallow bedrock have severe limitations for
on-site sewage disposal systems. The Township is comprised of five types of bedrock, most of which is sandstone
(Jacobsville, Munising, & Prairie Du Chien). Bedrock in the southern part of the Township is limestone (Black River
& Trenton).
Soils
Soils play a crucial role not only in the development of structures and septic systems, but also in farming activities,
resource preservation, and erosion prevention. An updated soil survey, performed in the early 90’s, is the only
reliable source of soil information in Chippewa County. Dafter Township is covered with mostly silt loam, clay loam,
and mucky soils. Loam is a combination of sand, silt, and clay. Loam soils generally contain more nutrients and
humus than sandy soils, have better infiltration and drainage than silty soils, and are easier to till than clay soils.
Loams are gritty, moist, and retain water easily. Different proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil define what
type of loam is present. For example, a loam with 65% sand, 30% silt, and 5% clay would be referred to as a sandy
loam, as sand is the predominant soil type in the mixture.
The southwestern portion of the Township contains a large amount of complex soil. A soil complex consists of a
mixture of two or more soils. Generally, the name of a soil complex consists of the names of the dominant soils,
joined by a hyphen (Allendale-Fibre complex, 0-3 percent slopes). Peat soil is an accumulation of partially decayed
vegetation matter, and normally forms in wetland bogs or very moist areas. Muck is a soil made up primarily of
humus from drained swampland. Entisols are defined as soils that do not show any profile development other than
an A horizon. Histosols are formed under waterlogged conditions typical of peat bogs and swamps, and contain a
high amount of organic content.
Map 4-3 displays the general soil types throughout the Township. Silt loam covers roughly 35% of the Township,
while clay loam covers roughly 45%.
Farm classification of soils in Dafter Township reveals 60% of the soil is classified as “farmland of local importance”.
NRCS defines this: “In some areas that are not identified as having national or statewide importance, land is
considered to be "farmland of local importance" for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops.
This farmland is identified by the appropriate local agencies. Farmland of local importance may include tracts of
land that have been designated for agriculture by local ordinance.”
Chapter 4 – Natural Resources
Page | 16
Soil permeability, or saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), refers to the ability of a soil to transmit water or air.
These estimates, normally expressed in micrometers per second, indicate the rate of water movement. They are
based on soil characteristics observed in the field, particularly structure, porosity, and texture. Ksat is considered in
the design of soil drainage systems and septic tank absorption fields. The supernate from a septic tank would
pollute streams and the groundwater if it came in contact with them before trickling down through the soil. As a
result, soil permeability must be carefully tested before installing a septic system. Septic systems do not work well
in clay soils since these relatively impermeable soils do not allow the supernate to soak in. Instead, if a septic
system is installed in a clay soil, the supernate often rises to the surface of the ground, producing an obviously
unsanitary situation.
Hydric soils are defined by the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils (NTCHS) as soils that formed under
conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic
conditions in the upper part (Federal Register, 1994). These soils, under natural conditions, are either saturated or
inundated long enough during the growing season to support the growth and reproduction of hydrophytic
vegetation. The vast majority of Dafter Township is considered partially
Wetlands are important
hydric, whereas a very small area in the southeast portion of the Township is
landscape features because they
considered all hydric soils.
hold and slowly release flood
Wetlands and Forest Cover
water and snow melt, recharge
groundwater, act as filters to
cleanse water of impurities,
recycle nutrients, and provide
recreation and wildlife viewing
opportunities for millions of
people
Wetlands provide a multitude of ecological, economic and social benefits.
Dafter Township has over 7,000 acres of wetlands. Michigan is fortunate
enough to have a completed wetland inventory, provided by the USFWS &
Ducks Unlimited. Dafter Township is predominately covered by three types of
wetlands – emergent, forested, and scrub/shrub. Emergent wetlands are
characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes, excluding mosses
and lichens. This vegetation is present for most of the growing season in most years. These wetlands are usually
dominated by perennial plants. Emergent wetlands are known by many names, including marsh, meadow, fen,
prairie pothole, and slough. Scrub/Shrub wetlands include areas dominated by woody vegetation less than 6 m (20
feet) tall. The species include true shrubs, young trees, and trees or shrubs that are small or stunted because of
environmental conditions. Forested wetlands are characterized by woody vegetation that is 6 m tall or taller.
Forested wetlands cover a large portion in the southern part of the Township. Roughly 14% of the Township is
considered upland deciduous forest (4340 acres), 10.6% upland evergreen forest (3264 acres), and 4.1% upland
mixed forest (1280 acres).
Wildlife and Protected Species
Wildlife in Dafter Township is similar to most communities in the Eastern U.P.
Larger animals such as whitetail deer, black bear, coyote, and wolves are
Common Name State Status often seen. In addition to the many common animals and birds in the area,
Dafter Township also has several protected plant and animal species. Map 4-8
La ke Sturgeon
T
shows the probability of finding rare plants, animals, or plant communities in
Sha rp-ta i l ed grous e
SC
Dafter Township. This probability model was released by the Michigan
Ba l d Ea gl e
SC
Natural Features Inventory. The model is designed to help protect areas by
Short-Ea red Owl
E
directing development away from those areas with a high likelihood of
Va s ey's Rus h
T
encountering a sensitive species. The model is based on the spatial extent of
Gra s s hopper Spa rrow
SC
As hy Whi tl ow Gra s s
T
documented occurrences, the presence of potential habitat within the known
Source: Natural Features Inventory Watershed Data
extent of the occurrences, and the age of each occurrence. The table to the
left lists endangered and threatened species in Dafter Township and when the species was last observed by MNF
surveyors. Species are listed as Special Concern (SC), Endangered (E) or Threatened (T). A description and picture
of each species is on the following page.
Table 4-1: Natural Features Inventory
Page | 17
Lake Sturgeon
This ancient species made its first
appearance about 100 million years
ago in the Upper Cretaceous period
of the Mesozoic era. Lake sturgeons
can be huge, topping six feet long
and weighing nearly 200 pounds.
They are also extremely long-lived.
Males may live some 55 years, and
females can reach 150.
Sharp-tailed grouse
A chicken-like bird of open prairies
and parklands, the Sharp-tailed
Grouse uses a wider variety of
habitats than its close relatives the
prairie-chickens.
Bald Eagle
Short-Eared Owl
Vasey’s Rush
The national emblem of the United
States, the Bald Eagle was
threatened with extinction in the
lower 48 states because of DDT.
They were delisted from the
endangered species list in 2007.
Medium-sized owl, mostly mottled
brown. Chest is pale with thin
streaks. Large buff wing patch on
outer wing visible in flight. Flies
close to ground with characteristic
floppy flight.
Found in moist old fields, ditches,
and moist prairies. It has been most
commonly found on sandy soils.
Grasshopper Sparrow
Small songbird, mostly brownish,
with an unmarked buffy breast.
Dark crown with a pale middle
stripe, large head & short tail.
Ashy Whitlow Grass
Basal rosette of oblong leaves,
covered with stellate hairs.
Page | 18
Sites of Environmental Contamination
Part 201 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451, as amended) regulates sites of
environmental contamination in Michigan. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE)
maintains a database of sites of environmental contamination. Below is a listing of 201 Sites in Dafter Township.
Site ID: 17000112
Site Name: Reid Iron & Metal
Site Address: P.O. Box 125 Mackinac Trail
City: Dafter
Zip Code: 49724
County: Chippewa
Source: Scrap & Waste Materials
Pollutant(s): Cr+6; Waste oil
Score: 19 out of 48
Score Date: 1/27/2004 2:25:44 PM
Township: 45N Range: 01W Section: 08
Quarter: NW Quarter/Quarter: SW
Status: Interim Response in progress
Site ID: 17000102
Site Name: Graham Transport Waste
Site Address: RTE. 2 BOX 58
City: Brimley
Zip Code: 49715
County: Chippewa
Source: Truck Terminal Facilities
Pollutant(s): Ag
Score: 21 out of 48
Score Date: 12/19/2003 3:39:39 PM
Township: 46N Range: 01W Section: 17
Quarter: SW Quarter/Quarter: SE
Status: Interim Response in progress
Part 213 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451, as amended) regulates
underground storage tanks in Michigan. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) maintains
a database of closed & active underground storage tanks. Below is a listing of 213 Sites in Dafter Township.
Facility ID: 00003002
Facility Name: Graham Transport Inc
Facility Address: Brimley, MI
Substance Stored: Gasoline
Status: Closed Tank – Removed
Facility Name: Old Olivertractor Garage
Facility Address: Soo Line Road, Dafter, MI
Substance Stored: Gasoline
Facility Name: Ruth Osborn
Facility Address: 6 Mile Road, SSM, MI
Substance Stored: Gasoline & Fuel Oil
Facility Name: Former Dafter General Store
Facility Address: Soo Line Road, Dafter, MI
Substance Stored: Unknown
Status: Unknown
Facility Name: Ken Graham Trucking Inc
Facility Address: Brimley, MI
Substance Stored: Diesel
Status: Active
Facility Name: Cloverland Electric Co-op
Facility Address: M-28, Dafter, MI
Substance Stored: Gasoline & Diesel
Status: Active
Page | 19
Alternative Energy Resources
In recent years, technologies geared towards alternative energy production have increased greatly. Private
companies have approached landowners regarding land for wind towers; local universities have begun researching
the possibilities of growing biofuels and utilizing wood waste for biomass; and geothermal energy for both private
and commercial uses has started to become popular. With all of these alternative energy initiatives, it is important
for Dafter Township to remain educated on the technologies, and work with private landowners to effectively and
safely allow these alternative energy sources through the Dafter Township Zoning Ordinance.
Map 4.10 shows the potential for wind energy in Dafter Township based on wind resources at fifty (50) meters high.
This data was created for the U.S. Department of Energy in 2007 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
The wind resource assessment was based on surface wind data, coastal marine area data, and upper-air data,
where applicable. In data-sparse areas, three qualitative indicators of wind speed or power were used when
applicable: topographic/meteorological indicators (e.g. gorges, mountain summits, sheltered valleys); wind
deformed vegetation; and eolian landforms (e.g. playas, sand dunes). The table below is taken from the NREL
website.4
The maps on the following page show the potential for biomass and solar energy for the State of Michigan. These
maps were also produced by NREL in 2007.
4
Taken from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) website: http://www.nrel.gov/gis/wind.html
Page | 20
Page | 21
Soo Twp
Maple Rd
00 55
00 44
656
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
Map 4.1
Dafter Township
Shaded Relief
c Trl
ckina
S Ma
Elm
Audrey St
Maple Rd
S Tuori Rd
9
11 Mile Rd
§
¨
¦
75
722
68
722
22 66
22 77
689
722
2
Miles
33 33
722
33 44
33 55 7
22
12 Mile Rd
Bruce Twp
1 in = 1 mile
Legend
Clear
L.
00 99
689
S.
B
ra
nc
h
Ch
ar
lo
t
te
Ri
ve
r
00 88
00 22
00 33
S Curtis Rd
S Maple Rd
Tr
l
ac
ac
kin
00 44
M
S
S Kinross Rd
22 88
22
722 7
7 22
00 77
1
22 33
2
72
00 11
Kinross Twp
0
00 55
00 66
S Forrest Rd
Midway Rd
6
65
722
11 44
22 22
22 11
656
12 Mile Rd
11 33
689
S Forrest Rd
er
33 11
33 66
33 55
33 22
r
y Riv
11 Mile Rd
tt
ishke
22 66
22 99
ve
6e5Ri
h Wa
623
33 00
6
28
¬
«
22 00
11 99
11 55
11 66
r anc
3
Riordan
L.
11 22
7 3/4 Mile Rd
rlo
.B
S. E
62
11 77
W 10 Mile Rd
22 55
11 11
8 Mile Rd
11 88
Superior Twp
ha
00 88
C
00 77
11 00
00 99
7 Mile Rd
656
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
7 1/2 Mile Rd
00 11
00 22
00 33
68 9
Balsam Rd
2
6
65
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
er
Piche Rd
r an
R3iv
656
B
E.
6ey
hk
ai2s3
W6
h
c
Soo Line Rd
656
Meridian St
Bay Mills Twp
11 00
13 Mile Rd
11 11
Elevation expressed in feet above sea level.
Contour Lines
Surface Elevation
742 feet
602 feet
Data Source: USGS, EUPRPDC
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 00
22 99
1 in = 1 mile
2
Miles
Map 4.2
Dafter Township
Bedrock Depth
Depth model created using well data
and IDW method. Data is general
representation and may not be
accurate at site specific locations.
Depth (ft)
10 30 42 53 68 -
29
41
52
67
81
Clear
L.
81 - 94
95 - 107
108 - 123
124 - 141
142 - 187
Data Source: MICGI
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
v
11 11
Rivers & Streams
Section Lines
Ri
13 Mile Rd
Base Layers
Lakes
Bruce Twp
Balsam Rd
12 Mile Rd
er
S Maple Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
00 77
1
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
22 66
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 00
2
Miles
S Maple Rd
Clear
L.
12 Mile Rd
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
Balsam Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
Map 4.3
Dafter Township
Soils
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 77
1
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
22 99
Ri
Bruce Twp
v
er
22 66
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Legend
Sand
Sandy Loam
Clay Loam
Silt Loam
Complex
Peats
Muck
Entisols
Histosols
Sand | Gravel Pits
Udorthents
Water
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Data Source: NRCS, EUPRPDC
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 00
Map 4.4
Dafter Township
Farmland
S Maple Rd
Tr
l
ac
kin
ac
12 Mile Rd
Clear
L.
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
Balsam Rd
00 44
M
00 88
33 55
33 44
y R iver
S
S Kinross Rd
S Forrest Rd
2
Miles
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 77
1
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
22 99
Ri
Bruce Twp
v
er
22 66
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Farmland Rating
All areas are prime farmland
Farmland of local importance
Not prime farmland
Prime farmland if drained
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 55
E.
00 66
Soo Line Rd
is
Maple Rd
Wa
6 Mile Rd
r
Piche Rd
ch
Br
an
6 Mile Rd
ve
y Ri
hk e
00 44
00 11
00 22
00 33
S Baker Side Rd
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
e
iv
8 Mile Rd
11 22
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
00 88
11 11
tte
11 00
00 99
lo
7 1/2 Mile Rd
ar
Ch
00 77
Meridian St
7 Mile Rd
7 Mile Rd
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 00
22 66
22 99
Audrey St
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
22 88
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
11 Mile Rd
a
Br
E.
33 33
75
n
ch
§
¨
¦
W ais
hke
00 77
0
1
2
Miles
00 88
Clear
L.
er
00 99
Inches/Hour
11 00
Ri
v
13 Mile Rd
11 11
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Road System
L
Very Slow < .74
Lakes
County Primary
Slow .75 - 2.4
County Local
Moderate 2.5 - 6.79
Section Lines
High > 6.8
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
1 in = 1 mile
Legend
Map 4.5
Dafter Township
Permeability
00 22
00 33
S Curtis Rd
Tr
l
ac
kin
ac
M
S
Kinross Twp
S Forrest Rd
00 11
00 44
00 55
00 66
Bruce Twp
12 Mile Rd
y R iver
S Maple Rd
S Kinross Rd
12 Mile Rd
33 55
33 44
S. B ra
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
33 55
Balsam Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 99
1 in = 1 mile
2
Miles
Map 4.6
Dafter Township
Slope & Hydric Soils
S Maple Rd
12 Mile Rd
Clear
L.
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
Balsam Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
00 77
1
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
22 66
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
Elm
22 00
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Ri
Bruce Twp
v
er
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
Legend
Steep Slopes >10%
All Hydric
Not Hydric
Partially Hydric
Unknown Hydric
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 00
22 99
1 in = 1 mile
2
Miles
Map 4.7
Dafter Township
Upland Forest &
Wetlands
Clear
L.
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
Bruce Twp
Balsam Rd
12 Mile Rd
Ri
v
er
S Maple Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
00 77
1
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
22 66
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
Legend
Deciduous Upland Forest
Evergreen Upland Forest
Mixed Upland Forest
Emergent Wetland
Forested Wetland
Scrub-Shrub Wetland
Data Source: NLCD 1992, NWI
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
2
Miles
S Maple Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
Clear
L.
33 55
33 44
12 Mile Rd
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
hke
75
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
S. B ra
n
00 77
1
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
22 99
11 00
Bruce Twp
Balsam Rd
22 66
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
Elm
22 00
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Ri
v
er
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Map 4.8
Dafter Township
Rare Species Index
Legend
Probability
High
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Data Source: Natural Features Inventory
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
Riordan
L.
22 00
11 99
Maple Rd
22 99
2
Miles
S Baker Side Rd
ckina
c Trl
00 88
Clear
L.
S Ma
12 Mile Rd
00 99
00 22
00 33
n
Balsam Rd
00 44
M
"
33 55
33 44
iv e r
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Maple Rd
ey R
S
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
ishk
75
S. B r a
n
Reid Iron
and Metal
00 77
1
00 55
Wa
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
#
22 33
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
22 22
22 11
Former Dafter
General Store
eR
lott
har
ch C
11 00
Bruce Twp
iv
er
33 00
22 55
22 66
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
11 44
##
28
¬
«
Graham
Transport Waste
11 33
Elm
Graham
Transport Inc
"
Audrey St
S Forrest Rd
#
er
iv
Graham
Trucking Inc
#
11 55
11 66
Cloverland
Old Olivertractor
Garage Electric
11 77
11 88
Superior Twp
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
00 11
00 22
00 33
7 Mile Rd
00 77
6 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
00 55
Maple Rd
E.
Br
00 66
#
6 Mile Rd
Soo Line Rd
r
Piche Rd
W
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hke
ais
Ruth Osborn
Meridian St
Bay Mills Twp
13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Map 4.9
Dafter Township
Environmental
Contamination Sites
Legend
" 201 Sites
#
#
Active Storage Tank
Closed Storage Tank
Data Source: DNRE
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 99
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
1
2
Miles
S Maple Rd
00 88
12 Mile Rd
Clear
L.
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
Bruce Twp
Balsam Rd
00 44
M
S
00 77
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
Kinross Twp
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
22 66
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
Elm
22 00
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Ri
v
er
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Map 4.10
Dafter Township
Wind Power Class
Data Source: NREL
Legend
Base Layers
WPC @ 50m
1 - Poor
2 - Marginal
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Chapter Five
Current Land Use
Before determining potential future land uses and developing the future land use map, the Township must have an
accurate assessment of existing land uses. This process identifies urban built-up land uses along with natural land
cover types like forest and wetlands. The final result of this process is Map 5.2, which combines both land use and
general land types.
Land Division Patterns
Dafter Township’s area covers 47.9 square miles (30,656 acres). Nearly 80 acres are open water (lakes or ponds).
Roughly 15.8% of the land area in Dafter Township is state owned. Approximately 7.0 square miles (4,504 acres) are
State-forest and .56 square miles (361.4 acres) are State-owned land. The Bay Mills Indian Community owns
approximately 150 acres within Dafter Township. Land ownership can be seen on Map 5.1.
Table 5-1: Land Use Comparison (1978 & 2008) (in acres)
1978
% of Twp
2008
% of Twp
734.85
2.40%
2,036.68
6.64%
Residential
632.10
2.06%
1,471.50
4.80%
Commercial
55.15
0.18%
147.64
0.48%
Industrial
47.60
0.16%
129.26
0.42%
-
-
288.28
0.94%
Urban
Freeway
Agriculture
17,845.00 58.21% 14,497.64 47.29%
Rangeland
2,091.00
Existing Land Cover/Use Characteristics
The following land use data is based from a combination
of original 1978 Michigan Resource Information Systems
(MIRIS) Land Cover Maps, the National Wetlands
Inventory, and general updates performed through
analysis of 2008 orthophotography.
Urban
The Urban category includes such uses as residential,
Forest Land
8,475.00 27.65% 5,938.55 19.37%
commercial, recreational, extractive (gravel pits, mines),
Open Water
54.70
0.18%
76.60
0.25%
and industrial. When compared to farmland, forest land,
Wetlands
1,453.20 4.74% 7,200.00 23.49%
and wetlands, the urban category covers a small portion
Total
30,653.75 100.00% 30,654.95 100.00%
of the Township – just under seven percent. The majority
Source: 1978 MIRIS, 2008 EUPRPDC Update, NWI
of this category is residential homes and farms. The
amount of urban cover has almost tripled since 1978, confirming that more homes are being built and more people
are moving into the Township (discussed in Chapter 2).
6.82%
905.48
2.95%
Agricultural
The Agricultural category includes pasture and cropland. Dafter Township contains roughly 14,500 acres of
agricultural land. When compared to 1978, the agricultural land has decreased only slightly. This could be
attributed to both more homes being built in farm fields, and some agricultural land growing over with small trees
and the like. Almost half of the Township still remains as agricultural land.
Forest Land
Forest covers a large portion of the Township – almost twenty percent. When comparing forest cover in 2008 with
cover in 1978, one can see a large decrease of about 2,500 acres. This can be most attributed to the conversion of
forest to wetlands during the national wetland inventory.
Wetlands
Wetlands predominately cover the southern portion of Dafter Township. There is a tremendous increase when
comparing the wetland cover from 1978 to 2008. This is due to the national wetland inventory that was done in
the early 1990’s, which offered a more detailed view of wetlands than the 1978 MIRIS cover dataset. In Dafter
Township, 4,160 acres are forested wetlands, while 2,560 acres are scrub/shrub. Just over 400 acres are emergent.
Chapter 5 – Current Land Use/Land Cover
Page | 22
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 00
22 99
2
Miles
1 in = 1 mile
Map 5.1
Dafter Township
Land Ownership
Clear
L.
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
Balsam Rd
12 Mile Rd
Ri
Bruce Twp
v
er
S Maple Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
00 77
1
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
22 66
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
Land Ownership
Dafter Township
Bay Mills Indian Community
Commercial Forest
State Forest
Conservation Easements
Data Source: DNRE, BMIC
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 00
2
Miles
S Maple Rd
12 Mile Rd
Clear
L.
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
Bruce Twp
Balsam Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 77
1
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
22 99
Ri
v
er
22 66
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Map 5.2
Dafter Township
General Land Use
Land Uses were updated using 2008 Imagery.
2008 Land Use
Base Layers
Agricultural
Residential
Industrial
Water
Commercial
Grassland
Recreational
Transportation
Upland Forest
Wetlands
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Land Use
Agriculture
Commercial
Grassland
Industrial
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
c Trl
ckina
S Baker Side Rd
Meridian St
Soo Line Rd
S Ma
Balsam Rd
Elm
11 Mile Rd
33 33
Wa
§
¨
¦
75
ishkey Rive
00 44
00 99
r
33 55
33 44
12 Mile Rd
00 33
00 22
rl
ha
11 00
Balsam Rd
S Maple Rd
Tr
l
ac
kin
ac
M
Clear
00 88 L.
22 66
22 77
1 in = 1.5 miles
1
Miles
Base Layers
ran
ch
22 33
S. Branc
hC
00 77
.B
Audrey St
Maple Rd
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
Kinross Twp
0
Residential
Upland Forest
Water
Wetlands
00 11
00 55
S
11 11
Maple Rd
Piche Rd
hW
nc
B ra
E.
S Forrest Rd
Balsam Rd
13 Mile Rd
00 66
S Forrest Rd
11 00
S Kinross Rd
h
e
ott
a rl
12 Mile Rd
er
Riv
1 in = 1.5 miles
Map 5.3
Dafter Township
1978 & 2008
Land Use Comparison
Meridian St
c Trl
S Baker Side Rd
ckina
00 22
S. Branc
hC
S Maple Rd
Tr
l
ac
kin
Balsam Rd
Maple Rd
S Tuori Rd
ac
M
S
S Forrest Rd
Elm
S Forrest Rd
Audrey St
Br
E.
S Kinross Rd
00 33
Bruce Twp
33 22
22 88
r
00 99
12 Mile Rd
22 99
33 11
33 66
33 55
11 44
22 22
22 11
e
iv
00 44
River
11 Mile Rd
11 33
¬
«
Riordan
L.
R
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
a ishkey
33 55
33 44
22 66
tte
1
Miles
Clear
00 88 L.
75
33 00
11 22
11 11 7 3/4 Mile
Rd
28
W 10 Mile Rd
22 55
11 55
11 66
7 Mile Rd
rlo
00 77
0
00 55
§
¨
¦
33 33
ch
W
8 Mile Rd
E
Kinross Twp
00 11
ran
E
12 Mile Rd
00 66
.B
00 88
S.
33 22
33 11
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
S.
33 66
33 55
22 88
11 00
00 99
00 11
00 22
00 33
ha
11 Mile Rd
22 99
00 44
22 00
11 99
6 Mile Rd
C
22 66
33 00
r
22 55
e
iv
W 10 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
11 77
11 88
22 33
22 22
22 11
R
22 00
7 1/2 Mile Rd
Superior Twp
11 44
00 55
7 Mile Rd
00 77
11 33
28
¬
«
Riordan
L.
11 99
11 55
11 66
r
00 66
tte
11 77
11 88
11 22
11 11 7 3/4 Mile
Rd
s
ai
Ri ve
y
hk e
rlo
8 Mile Rd
ha
00 88
7 Mile Rd
C
Superior Twp
11 00
00 99
00 11
00 22
00 33
S Ma
00 44
7 Mile Rd
7 1/2 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Soo Line Rd
an
6 Mile Rd
S Curtis Rd
00 66
00 77
Midway Rd
00 55
Maple Rd
r
Piche Rd
W
s
ch
ai
R i ve
y
hk e
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
S Curtis Rd
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
Bruce Twp
r
ive
eR
ott
13 Mile Rd
11 11
Land Uses were updated using 2008 Imagery
Chapter Six
Goals and Objectives
The rural character of Dafter Township’s forest lands, farmlands, and low density residential development creates a
landscape with considerable open space. Community facilities and services, such as the local road network, fire
department, surrounding schools and area health care facilities are important to the quality of life in Dafter
Township. The people of Dafter Township value a strong sense of community, a deeply rooted sense of
neighborhood synergy, peace, tranquility, and a traditional farming lifestyle.
Part of the Master Plan process includes developing a set of goals and objectives that meet and satisfy the desires
and wishes of Dafter Township residents. After reviewing the citizen input surveys, discussing issues with residents
at the workshop, and considering existing and future conditions of the Township, the Planning Commission
established the following Goals and Objectives. These goals and objectives will provide guidance to the Dafter
Township Planning Commission and Township Board.
Natural Resources
Goal: Recognize that natural resources play a role in Dafter Township’s rural character, and provide some means of
an economic base, and that the Township should support the preservation of these natural resources.
Objectives:



Develop model ordinances to protect farmlands, forest lands, open spaces, clean air, groundwater, and
surface water.
Effectively manage any conversion of farmland into other uses.
Encourage practices that reduce pollution of air and water.
Goal: Preserve and improve access to public recreational areas for the enjoyment of residents, visitors, and future
generations.
Objectives:






Develop and update a Township Recreation Plan that identifies and prioritizes needed community
recreation facilities.
Support the development of social and recreational activities for community youth.
Support the creation of non-motorized recreation trails, such as cross-country ski trails and multi-use trails
on both public and private lands.
Work cooperatively with the Chippewa County Road Commission and Soo Township to address the
pedestrian crossings on Six Mile Road, at both the I-75 and railroad crossing overpasses as addressed in the
2009 MDOT Superior Region Non-Motorized Transportation Plan & Investment Strategy.
In a cooperative effort, work with local snowmobile clubs, MDNRE, USFS, County Road Commission, MDOT
and County Law Enforcement to maintain a regional snowmobile network.
Recognize the importance of hunting lands within the Township and encourage the preservation of those
lands.
Chapter 6 – Goals and Objectives
Page | 23
Community Development
Goal: Maintain existing public facilities and encourage the development of new facilities and services that support
residential, commercial, agricultural, forestry, and recreational activities of residents and visitors.
Objectives:










Support the maintenance and enhancement of Township services, such as emergency services, public
works, transportation, and public utilities.
Continue to work with the Chippewa County Road Commission to plan for future upgrades of roads and the
continued maintenance of existing roads.
Support the development of senior citizen housing, services, and programs.
Preserve existing residential areas ensuring housing quality to maintain property values.
Support existing public transit available through EUPTA and the Dial-A-Ride program.
Support existing County Recycling Program and encourage Township resident participation.
Support the expansion and coverage of telecommunications throughout Dafter Township.
Support and encourage the development of strong school systems in the area.
Work with local utility companies to bury utility wires when feasible.
Recognize the importance of local farmer’s markets and encourage the opportunity to purchase fresh foods
produced on local agricultural land and support local farmers within the Township whenever possible.
Goal: Promote a varied and appropriate business environment, and encourage retention, expansion, and
enhancement of businesses to meet the needs of residents and tourists, while preserving the natural environment
and rural character of Dafter Township.
Objectives:








Encourage business expansion and growth within the Township to address the issues of year-round,
sustainable employment.
Support existing commercial and industrial establishments while guiding new commercial and industrial
development into appropriate and desirable areas.
Encourage commercial and industrial development along the M-28/I-75/H-63 corridors while coordinating
with MDOT and the County Road Commission to promote appropriate standards and practices.
Continue to regulate signs and billboards in the appropriate areas so that safety and visual impacts are
considered, while still emphasizing the need to advertise.
Maintain the rural character of Dafter Township while encouraging development through proper
enforcement of the Dafter Township Zoning Ordinance.
Promote the use of tax incentives to stimulate new and future small business expansion.
Work with the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to explore new and innovative
development opportunities in Dafter Township.
Promote and support the development of broadband infrastructure for residents, existing businesses, and
future businesses.
Page | 24
Community Character
Goal: Preserve and maintain the rural character and small-town feel of Dafter Township.
Objectives:






Work cooperatively with area school districts to promote the educational system for Township youth.
Work cooperatively with surrounding communities to plan for growth and provide input and guidance on
zoning decisions that impact the Township.
Support the development of a “walkable” community.
Encourage the development of a unique, characteristic, eye-catching community.
Develop and support art & cultural activities and facilities.
Encourage the formation of volunteer groups for beautification projects and supervising recreational
facilities.
Alternative Energy
Goal: Encourage the development of alternative or renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power,
geothermal technologies, and biofuel production.
Objectives:




Develop standards in the Township Zoning Ordinance to regulate the development of wind and solar
energy infrastructure.
Work cooperatively with the local Michigan State University Extension office, Chippewa-East Mackinac
Conservation District, USDA, NRCS, and other state and federal agencies to promote the utilization of
biofuels as an alternative energy source.
Support future studies that may utilize agricultural land in the development of alternative fuels.
Encourage the development of fallow farmland for use in alternative energy production.
Page | 25
Chapter Seven
Future Land Use & Zoning Plan
The final step in completing a Master Plan is to determine the types, location and intensities of development that
will occur in the future. Future land use planning establishes the desired amounts and locations of residential,
commercial, and industrial development; public facilities; open space; environmental conservation and recreational
areas; and changes or improvements to the local transportation system. With the establishment of a Future Land
Use Plan, Dafter Township intends to ensure that existing land uses can continue; that natural resources such as
water, wetlands, forestlands and farmlands will be protected; and that reasonable growth can be accommodated
with minimal land use conflicts or negative environmental impacts. While future land uses are difficult to predict, a
future land use plan provides a scenario with which Dafter Township may use as a guide when considering land use
and development decisions. The Dafter Township Planning Commission, with public input and assistance from
EUPRPDC, has developed the following future land use recommendations for the Township:
Future Land Use Planning Areas
Listed below are six land use areas, depicted on Map 7-2. This chapter will explain each future land use area to
include purpose, recommended development, and compatible uses.
General Residential
Country Residential
Agriculture
General Commercial
Industrial
Forest & Recreation
General Residential
Purpose: The General Residential category is primarily designed to accommodate single-family dwellings on lots
which have a minimum width of 100 feet. This category is intended to preserve existing residential development
on smaller lots.
Permitted Uses: The principal use in this category is a single-family dwelling. Other general compatible uses in the
general residential land use category include: home occupations contained within the dwelling; bed and breakfast
facilities; churches and associated structures; parks and other municipally owned or operated public recreational
facilities; schools and libraries; clinics; community buildings and publicly owned buildings; and public utility services.
Special Exception Uses: Where compatible with surrounding uses, the following uses would be allowed under the
special approval process: two-family and multi-family dwellings; hospitals; nursing homes; day-care facilities; smallscale farming and agricultural operations; and public utility structures. Higher density residential uses, such as
apartments, townhouses, condominiums, convalescent or nursing homes and manufactured home developments
should be carefully considered since public water and sewer service does not exist in Dafter Township.
Chapter 7 – Future Land Use and Zoning Plan
Page | 26
Country Residential
Purpose: The intent of the country residential category is to promote smaller commercial and retail development
mixed amongst more rural residential development. Lots with residential dwellings should have a minimum width
of 100 feet, but recommended width is not less than 355 feet. These areas would accommodate business services
that will meet the immediate needs of residents, while allowing for residential use on larger lots. Business uses in
this category would generally not produce a large amount of traffic and would generally operate under normal
business hours.
Permitted Uses: Uses that would be generally be allowed in the country residential category would include: singlefamily, two-family, and multi-family dwellings on lots which have a minimum width of 100 feet; small-scale retail;
commercial stores without outside storage areas; public buildings; churches; schools and libraries; barber shops
and beauty parlors; bait houses or shops; and fraternal organizations. In granting approval to such operations,
signage, lighting, buffer zones, access management, and parking should be considered.
special approval process: hospitals and clinics; billboards and large-scale signage; professional offices; banks and
other lending institutions; funeral homes; kennels; cleaning and laundry services; storage buildings; veterinary
hospitals; vehicle service and repair; vehicle sales; senior citizen housing; nursing homes; small-scale farming and
agricultural operations; and manufactured home parks.
Agriculture
Purpose: Dafter Township has made it a priority to continue the farming tradition of the community. Farmland not
only contributes significantly to the scenic and rural character of the township, but also represents a way of life that
the character of the community is built upon. This category should accommodate single-family dwellings at a low
density.
Permitted Uses: This category encourages the continuation of farming in Dafter Township. Farm dwellings and
agricultural accessory buildings are allowed, as well as crop production and the raising of livestock normally
associated with farming activities. Other permitted general uses in the agricultural category include: plant or tree
nurseries; greenhouses; stables; sod farms; churches and associated structures; parks, golf courses and other public
recreational facilities; schools and libraries; community buildings; cemeteries; and private landing fields. Dafter
Township also wishes to encourage agricultural tourism by developing zoning regulations that allow such uses,
which include: farmers markets; roadside stands; markets that sell products grown or produced on the premises;
educational tours; petting farms; wagon rides; nature trails; and restaurant operations related to the agricultural
use of the site.
special approval process: public utility services and structures; private clubs; veterinary services; certain commercial
establishments relating to agriculture; human care facilities; manufactured home developments; wildlife reserves;
kennels; two-family and multi-family dwellings; additional single-family dwellings; billboards and large-scale
signage; and earth removal or extraction businesses. Higher density development should also require special
approval.
Page | 27
General Commercial
Purpose: The general commercial category is intended for the widest and most intensive variety of retail and
service businesses which generally serve a larger area. Typically, commercial businesses demand roadways that
have high traffic volumes. With a state highway, M-28, running through the northern portion of Dafter Township, it
deems itself suitable for this type of general business use. Although residential uses may occur in this area, the
Township has determined this would be the appropriate area for such development. Development in this category
should consider access management, buffering, signage, and landscaping to maintain traffic safety and minimize
any negative visual impacts.
Permitted Uses: Uses generally allowed in the general commercial category include: retail business; professional
offices; restaurants; gas stations; vehicle service and repair businesses; vehicle sales; retail operations that require
large outside storage areas; public buildings; drive-in food and drink establishments; taverns; public utility services
and structures; hotels and motels; apartment complexes; banks and other lending institutions; barber shops and
beauty parlors; storage buildings; dry cleaning or laundry facilities; bait shops; funeral homes; indoor theaters and
movie complexes; and indoor commercial recreational facilities.
special approval process: outdoor theaters; kennels; outdoor commercial recreational facilities; drive-in
restaurants; wholesale sales; nurseries and greenhouses; and lumber yards.
Industrial
Purpose: The industrial category is intended for industrious and tourist-oriented commercial activity. However,
due to the restrictions in soil suitability and lack of public infrastructure, large-scale industrial development is
considered a special use and should be carefully considered.
Permitted Uses: Uses generally allowed in the industrial category include: manufacturing operations that do not
produce smoke, odors, dust, or noxious gases; tourist related commercial activities; and farming and agricultural
operations.
special approval process: gasoline and petroleum storage; concrete and asphalt plants; storage or junk yards;
slaughter houses; and mining operations.
Forest & Recreation
Purpose: The Forest and Recreation category is designed to promote the preservation of certain forest areas and
outdoor recreational potential in the Township.
Permitted Uses: Uses allowed in the forest and recreation category include: production of forest products; private
cottages and hunting cabins with a minimum area of five-hundred (500) square feet; hiking, skiing, snowmobile
trails, parks, and other recreational developments; and single-family dwellings that meet certain requirements as
spelled out in the Dafter Township Zoning Ordinance.
Page | 28
Zoning Plan
Dafter Township is currently zoned into six districts; Agricultural (AG), Residence (R1), Rural Residential
Commercial, Commercial (C1), Industrial (I), and Forestry/Recreational (FR). The current zoning map is shown as
Map 7-1. While this chapter discussed future land uses, it is intended to guide the implementation of and future
changes to the Township Zoning Ordinance. It does not control the future use of land and should not be confused
with the zoning ordinance.
The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MZEA) requires in Section 203 (1) that zoning be based on a plan. Similarly,
Section 33 (2) (d) of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (MPEA) sets forth the purpose for developing a zoning plan.
The zoning plan identifies the zoning districts and their purposes, as well as the basic standards proposed for each
district. These matters are regulated by the specific terms in the zoning ordinance.
Following are the land use categories as explained previously in this chapter within which the six current zoning
districts in Dafter Township are organized. The general existing provisions are described, as well as
recommendations for each district.
Future Land Use Categories and Associated Zoning Districts
Future Land Use Categories
Zoning District(s)
General Residential
R-1, Residential District
Country Residential
R-2, Rural Residential Commercial District
Forest & Recreation
FR-1, Forestry/Recreational District
Industrial
I-1, Light Industrial District
Agricultural
AG-1, Agricultural District
General Commercial
C-1, Commercial District
Residential Districts
Existing:
Dafter Township currently has two residential districts: Residence and Rural Residential Commercial. The principal
purpose of these districts is to provide for a range of residential dwelling types. The Rural Residential Commercial
district provides for varying commercials uses subject to special approval. Minimum lot size in the Residential
district is one-hundred (100) feet wide by one-hundred fifty (150) feet deep. The Rural Residential Commercial
district provides the same requirement, but also adds upon that and requires lots with a lagoon system be not less
than five (5) acres in size. The Residential district is solely in the “town” of Dafter, while the Rural Residential
Commercial district is primarily along the Mackinac Trail corridor and the M-28 corridor. Setbacks in the Residential
district are generally 35 feet from the Right-of-Way line.
Page | 29
Recommended:
This zoning plan recommends reviewing the uses for the Rural Residential Commercial district. Uses should be
addressed to only allow small-scale businesses, and allow larger businesses as a special use. The requirement for
lagoons and sewage systems should be reviewed to be consistent with the current Superior Environmental Health
Code, provided by the Chippewa County Health Department. It is also a recommendation to codify these zones as
R-1 Residence and R-2 Rural Residential Commercial.
Commercial and Industrial Districts
Existing:
Dafter Township currently has one Commercial district and one Industrial district. The principal use of the
Commercial district is to allow for commercial services that cater to the general public as distinguished from
industrial uses. The principal uses of the Industrial district are industry and tourist-oriented commercial activity.
No lot size requirements are stated in the zoning ordinance, but setbacks require 75 feet from the Right-of-Way
lines.
Recommended:
This zoning plan recommends extending the Commercial district on the M-28 corridor to the easterly lines of
sections 14 and 23. This allows for possible commercial expansion along the M-28 corridor without impacting
several of the residential properties along the Township’s easterly border. Although several residential homes exist
in section 14, the Township should try to plan for possible commercial expansion along a major state corridor. It is
also a recommendation of this zoning plan that the Planning Commission re-assesses the dimensions of the
commercial zone along the I-75 corridor. Limited access and land-lock issues may prevent any of the permitted
commercial uses from being developed with the current dimension along that corridor. It is also a recommendation
to codify these zones as C-1 and I-1, respectively. The Industrial district should also be renamed to light industrial to
accommodate the existing industry/manufacturing within the district.
Other Districts
Existing:
Dafter Township currently has an Agricultural District and a Forestry/Recreation district. The principal use of the
Agricultural district is to preserve and encourage farming activities and other rural-type activities. The principal use
of the Forestry/Recreational district is to promote the preservation of forest area and outdoor recreation potential
in the Township.
Recommended:
This zoning plan recommends reviewing the dimensional standards and permitted/special uses for both these
districts, making sure the standards and uses are consistent with the overall purpose of the districts. These districts
should also be codified as AG-1 and FR-1, respectively.
Page | 30
Dimensional Standards
Section 33 (2)(d) of the MPEA states that “…a zoning plan for various zoning districts controlling the height, area,
bulk, location, and use of buildings and premises.” The following table lists the dimensional standards for each
existing district, as spelled out in the Dafter Township Zoning Ordinance.
Districts
Dimensional
Standards
Maximum
Building Height
Lot Standards
R-1
Feet
Stories
Min. Width (ft)
Min. Depth (ft)
Min. Area
(square feet)
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum Ground
Floor Coverage (GFC)
Setback
Standards (ft)
Minimum Dwelling Width
R-2
C-1
I-1
AG-1 FR-1
refer to the Chippewa County Building Dept
100
150
100
150
15,000
15,000
35
35
75
75
35
750 sq ft 750 sq ft
24 ft
16 ft
16 ft 16 ft 16 ft 16 ft
General Zoning Recommendations
Because this plan recommends several land use changes and other measures related to preserving and improving
quality of life in Dafter Township, there are changes to the Zoning Ordinance that should be made to make it fully
consistent with the Future Land Use Plan. Some of these changes have been discussed in the preceding paragraphs.
The following are other recommendations that should be addressed in the Township Zoning Ordinance:
• Develop more specific dimensional standards, such as: lot standards across all districts; front, side, and rear yard
setbacks across all districts; Ground Floor Coverage across all districts; and building heights across all districts.
• Develop commercial and industrial development design standards to: preserve scenic views, farmland, meadows,
woodlands, steep slopes and wetlands within a development; use landscaping and buffers; share parking with
adjacent businesses; and limit access points onto County roads.
• Add provisions to allow siting of small-scale residential solar and wind energy facilities.
• Incorporate standards in the site plan review process to encourage development with minimal negative
environmental impact to protect land, air, and water resources.
• Improve regulations and standards to protect the community against high noise levels and exterior lighting glare.
• Implement access management standards for commercial development along the M-28 corridor.
• Incorporate measures in the Zoning Ordinance to address abandoned development projects.
Page | 31
• Review and update zoning definitions.
• Add provisions to allow siting of both large-scale and small-scale solar and wind energy facilities.
• Add provisions for the development of medical marijuana facilities.
The Dafter Township Zoning Ordinance should be reviewed and updated with the current regulations contained in
the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (P.A. 110 of 2006). The Zoning Ordinance should be also reviewed for any
inconsistencies throughout and the standards for any review done by either the Township Planning Commission or
the Township Board (such as site plan review standards, rezoning standards, and variance standards) should be
updated to reflect the goals and objectives of this Master Plan.
Master Plan Conclusion
Planning is intended to guide the forces of change in ways that encourage desirable outcomes while striking an
appropriate balance with development and preservation. The Michigan Planning Enabling Act requires that the
Master Plan must be reviewed at least every five years to determine if updates are needed. It is strongly
recommended that this Master Plan be reviewed annually, and changes be made as necessary to maintain its use as
a reliable planning tool. As the developers and most frequent users of this document, the Dafter Township
Planning Commission will be responsible for reviewing the recommendations and progress of the Plan.
This Master Plan represents over a year’s worth of effort by the Planning Commission. This Master Plan sets forth
recommendations, and as such, this Plan will only be as successful as the implementation measures taken to
achieve the vision set forth in previous chapters.
Page | 32
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 00
2
Miles
S Maple Rd
12 Mile Rd
Clear
L.
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
Balsam Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
Map 7.1
Dafter Township
Current Zoning
2010
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 77
1
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
22 99
Ri
Bruce Twp
v
er
22 66
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Agricultural
Commercial
Forestry/Recreational
Industrial
Residence
Rural Residential Commercial
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Soo Twp
Bay Mills Twp
00 44
7 Mile Rd
e
iv
ckina
c Trl
r
11 33
S Ma
Superior Twp
11 55
11 66
11 77
11 88
7 3/4 Mile Rd
R
8 Mile Rd
11 22
tte
00 88
11 11
lo
11 00
00 99
ar
Ch
7 1/2 Mile Rd
S Baker Side Rd
7 Mile Rd
00 77
00 11
00 22
00 33
Meridian St
00 55
Soo Line Rd
E.
Br
00 66
6 Mile Rd
6 Mile Rd
Maple Rd
is
r
Piche Rd
Wa
an
ch
ve
y Ri
hk e
11 44
Riordan
L.
22 00
2
Miles
S Maple Rd
Clear
L.
12 Mile Rd
00 99
00 22
00 33
nc h
te
rlot
Cha
11 00
Bruce Twp
Balsam Rd
00 44
M
S
00 88
33 55
33 44
y R iver
ac
kin
ac
Tr
l
S Forrest Rd
S Kinross Rd
Map 7.2
Dafter Township
Future Land Use
2010
hke
75
S. B ra
n
00 77
1
00 55
W ais
§
¨
¦
S Curtis Rd
a
Br
E.
ch
00 66
00 11
33 33
S.
33 22
33 11
33 66
Kinross Twp
EUPRPDC
906.635.1581
22 66
22 77
11 Mile Rd
12 Mile Rd
22 88
11 Mile Rd
33 55
0
Audrey St
22 99
Ri
v
er
22 66
Maple Rd
33 00
22 55
S Tuori Rd
Midway Rd
W 10 Mile Rd
Balsam Rd
11 99
22 33
22 22
22 11
Elm
S Forrest Rd
28
¬
«
13 Mile Rd
11 11
1 in = 1 mile
Future Land Use
General Residential
Country Residential
Agriculture
General Commercial
Industrial
Forest & Recreation
Base Layers
Rivers & Streams
Lakes
Section Lines
Road System
County Primary
County Local
L
Appendix A
Public Input Workshop
Public Input Workshop
On Tuesday, October 26, 2010, the Dafter Township Planning Commission held a Public Input Workshop
to gather input on the draft of the Master Plan, answer questions, and have open discussions about the
future of Dafter Township. Four (4) people attended the workshop; the Township Zoning Administrator,
the Township Supervisor, and two (2) members of the public.
Although attendance wasn’t as expected, it allowed the Planning Commission some time to discuss
issues relevant to the Township, and gave them some direction in which to proceed with the Township
Zoning. The Planning Commission received two comments from the public; Township water/sewer
infrastructure in the “town” of Dafter, and wind turbines (both large scale and residential).
The notice from the Evening News is below, as well as pictures from the workshop.
Appendix B
Public Survey, Survey Results
10/4/2010
DAFTER TOWNSHIP SURVEY RESULTS
1
Survey Results and Counts
Intro Sheet
Are you a:
Count
%
Resident
Non-Resident
total
84
2
86
97.67%
2.33%
100.00%
Less than 1 year
1-5 years
6-9 years
10-15 years
16-20 years
more than 20 years
total
0
4
11
8
11
51
85
0.00%
4.71%
12.94%
9.41%
12.94%
60.00%
100.00%
Less than 1 year
1-5 years
6-9 years
10-15 years
16-20 years
more than 20 years
total
0
5
7
12
11
47
82
0.00%
6.10%
8.54%
14.63%
13.41%
57.32%
100.00%
How long have you lived in Dafter Township?
How long have you owned property in Dafter Township?
10/4/2010
2
Section 5 comments:
General Info Page
employment
full time
part time
unemployed
retired
seasonal
Total
40
6
1
40
4
91
43.96%
6.59%
1.10%
43.96%
4.40%
100.00%
ssm
kinross/kinch
newberry
st. ignace
other
Total
36
12
1
1
10
60
60.00%
20.00%
1.67%
1.67%
16.67%
100.00%
0-10 minutes
11-20 minutes
20 minutes or more
Total
21
26
10
57
36.84%
45.61%
17.54%
100.00%
19-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-59
60-64
65+
Total
0
5
5
17
18
14
30
89
0.00%
5.62%
5.62%
19.10%
20.22%
15.73%
33.71%
100.00%
where do you work
travel time to work
age group
10/4/2010
3
people living in household
1
2
3
4
5
6+
Total
13
46
13
8
1
1
82
15.85%
56.10%
15.85%
9.76%
1.22%
1.22%
100.00%
yes
no
Total
22
62
84
26.19%
73.81%
100.00%
0
3
0
1
0
0
0
4
0.00%
75.00%
0.00%
25.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
100.00%
1
2
3
4
5
6+
8
4
0
0
0
0
12
66.67%
33.33%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
100.00%
1
2
3
4
5
6+
3
2
0
0
0
0
5
60.00%
40.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
100.00%
do you have children at home?
if so, how many in each age group:
under 5
1
2
3
4
5
6+
Total
5-19
Total
20-24
Total
10/4/2010
4
anyone in household over 65?
yes
no
Total
33
47
80
41.25%
58.75%
100.00%
single-family home
duplex
apartment
manufactured home
multi-family home
Total
71
0
2
16
1
90
78.89%
0.00%
2.22%
17.78%
1.11%
100.00%
own
rent
Total
84
4
88
95.45%
4.55%
100.00%
sault area schools
brimley schools
pickford schools
rudyard schools
Total
55
16
0
15
86
63.95%
18.60%
0.00%
17.44%
100.00%
type of dwelling
own or rent dwelling?
school district
Section 1 ‐ Community Services
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Satisfied
Neutral
Not Satisfied
Township Services
Police Protection
Current Enforcement of Zoning
Fire Protection
No Opinion
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Satisfied
Neutral
Not Satisfied
Ambulance Service/EMS
Local Health Care
Local Road Maintenance
Public Transit
No Opinion
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Satisfied
Neutral
Not Satisfied
Snow Removal on public roads
Recreational Opportunities
Senior Services
Public Utilities
No Opinion
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Satisfied
Neutral
Not Satisfied
No Opinion
Waste Disposal
Recycling
Current Internet Services
Current Broadband Internet Availability
Section 2 ‐ Future Community Services
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Strongly
Support
Support
Neutral
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
Additional Police Patrols
Ambulance/EMS
Fire Protection/Depts.
Road Improvements
No Opinion
Section 2 ‐ Future Community Services
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Strongly
Support
Support
Neutral
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
No Opinion
Recreational Opportunities
Township Services
Public Transit
Snow Removal on Public Roads
Senior Services
Section 3 ‐ Community Issues
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Not An Issue
Minor Issue
Current Housing Availability
Moderate
Issue
Major Issue
Low‐Income Housing
Not Sure
Senior Housing
No Opinion
Lack of Jobs
Section 3 ‐ Community Issues
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Not An Issue
Minor Issue
Moderate
Issue
Major Issue
Not Sure
Condition of Township Facilities
Youth Activities
Cultural/Entertainment Events
Township Appearance
Unemployment
No Opinion
Section 4 ‐ Natural Resources
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Very
Important
Important Not Important
Neutral
Not Sure
General Water Quality
Ground‐Water Quality
Ground‐Wate Availability
Air Quality
No Opinion
Section 4 ‐ Natural Resources
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Very
Important
Important Not Important
Neutral
Not Sure
Preserving Existing Woodlands/Forests
Wetlands and Floodplains
Fish & Wildlife
Protection of Threatened and Rare Species
No Opinion
Section 5 ‐ Land Use and Zoning Issues
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Strongly
Support
Support
Neutral
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
PUDs
Open Space Preservation
Tourist Oriented Development
Recreational Development
No Opinion
Billboard Development
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Strongly
Support
Support
Small Scale Wind
Neutral
Large Scale Wind
Oppose
Solar Energy
Strongly
Oppose
No Opinion
Biomass Development
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Strongly
Support
Support
Neutral
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
Communication Towers
Industrial Development
Timber & Forest Activities
Agricultural Development
No Opinion
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Strongly
Support
Support
Neutral
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
Better Zoning Enforcement
Cooperation with Townships
Home‐Based Business
Small Scale Retail
Large Scale Retail
No Opinion
Dafter Township Survey Comments
By Section
Section 1 Comments:



















I am not aware of any Senior Services. It would be nice if public transit service would be
available, especially for seniors who could attend senior events at the Avery Center and / or shop
for groceries and medicine.
My road needs to be ditched and a better quality of gravel layed down. 7 Mile Road is a very
highly traveled road, and when it rains the gravel that is there is washed into the fields and the
traffic tears the road up.
It would be great to have a sign near railroad tressel "Watch for Pedestrians," we walk from our
house to SOO LINE and traffic drives very fast on 6 Mile.
The snowmobile trail between 10 Mile and 11 Mile is an accident waiting to happen. They
continually ride on the wrong side of the road. This stretch of road is often busier than I - 75 and
this makes for a very bad situation.
Some improvments being made but need more to make more. Zoning needs to enforce more on
junk cars and neglected property.
We didn't know about senior services.
The minimum fees that waste management charges for delivering your trash is a rip-off. Put two
bags of trash in your vehicle & take it the the landfill & they charge you $21 (I would feel better if
they put a gun in my face).
We need better roads in this township. 2.) Electric bills way to high. 3.) Money used to buy out
edison, should have been used to build wind farms.
Too expensive for internet options, would like to have natural gas a\& water/sewer not well/septic.
I don't use anything but eletric - rates and service could be better. I recycle and compost. It
would be a big help to have garbage tags or some sort of pick NOT on a weekly basis.
No recreational opp. No public utilities, ex. Electric. No internet where I'm located.
Need better fire equipment.
Ridiculous number of cops of all types for this area, we have more cops than anywhere I've seen.
EUPTA Bus is a waste of tax payers money. Mostly ridden by prison workers, I don't think
bussing should be supported with tax payer money. I would like to see some bicycle trails. The
only internet I can get is dial-up and it's really slow. There is a Charter Digital Cable running
down Mackinac Trail but we cannot hook up to it. Why not?
Kinross Ambulance to 6 Mile Road takes WAY TOO LONG!!! 2.) No internet providers available
in area. 3.) For the cost of taxes. Roads should be in better condition.
More zoning enforcement of junk cars, debris, rundown properties.
Would love to see public transportation join the Soo with St. Ignace/ Cedarville/ Detour! & maybe
even East to Newberry & Marquette. But especially throughout chippewa Co. Also, bicycle &
walking paths that remove walking fom the road itself. Dafter recycling needs expansion to
include cardboard as well as current items. (larger trailer?) Some services just haven't applied to
me yet.
Traffic goes through the east end of town 50mph all day long. Hopefully a child doesn't get hit.
After reviewing the zoning rules I would like to know what the zoning board does to earn its pay.
This township looks like one big landfill (7 mile rd between us-2 and m-129). old house trailers
hauled off their lot and dumped out in the field so new ones could be put in its place. junk and
abandoned vehicles everywhere. this township never used to look like this. a new zoning board
needs to be voted in. dafter looks pathetic.
Zoning regulations should be kept to a minimum. The most attractive aspect of choosing to live in
a rural environment is the lack of government regulation and oversight.
Recycling trailor needs to be emptied more frequently
Section 2 – Future Community Services










Pickford has a model park for a small township. The playground, picnic area and sporting area
are a good model for Dafter.
7 Mile Road needs to be raised ditched, and a good gravel put down. It would be great if it were
paved, which in the long run would be cheaper to maintain.
Recreational we have none
We are just trying to keep our home, pay utilities, and save for our taxes.
No more Police. Fix roads.
Get residents to clean up their yard and or properties. Datfer is starting to look like the slums of
Chippewa County. Don’t ask them, TELL THEM!!!
Too many cops now.
Things are ok now - with additional services comes additional taxes which I oppose in most
cases.
I'm out of the loop - I really don't know what all is offered or what the needs of the local residents
are. I don’t know the problems to be able to explore the solution.
Recreational opportunites: improve access by foot, bike, and snowmobile
Section 3 – Community Issues









If Dafter Twp could afford it. A few flowers and shrubs really can change the appearance of the
Twp. Of course, there is upkeep to keep these improvements looking nice. Don't plant if there
isn't a plan for the upkeep.
7 Mile Road between M129 and Macinac Trail - junk yard
We have enough Mother Govt.
We need jobs in our area.
Very tough to get jobs without traveling, not enough youth activities. Need new young people on
township boards.
Township appearance, township building ect are pretty good shape & appearance it is mostly
private properties that are lacking in positive appearance.
I'm working - but I'm aware, in general, of Michigan employment decline. I'm not aware of its
direct impact on our twp.
What does the zoning board do? Why do we have one? Take a close look around this dump.
I believe the current economic conditions do reflect on township appearance. Condition of homes
and property are often in poor repair because of unemployment & limited job opportunities.
Section 4 – Natural Resouces






Grey Wolf should be taken off endangered, taken off threatedned and put on nuance list.
Are these on private property?
There seems to be plenty of ground water, although it is not the best quality. It is not an issue.
We don’t need more regulations!!! 2.) Government need to quit trying to protect the wolves that
are killing the sheep and cows.
Have my own well.
My well water is awful; I haul drinking water in from the Soo! So good water is a personal issue to
me. The environment - in general - is & has been an important issue too. I would like to see that
as high priorty is any development or construction. The water is hard; not bacteria laden.
All these are regulated by county, state, or federal law. Any action at the township level would be
redundant.
Section 5 – Land Use and Zoning












We have a couple of people on this road that have a dump on their property. Not only an eye
sore but an environmental hazard.
no junk yards like the one on 7 Mile Rd.
Are these questions concerning private property use?
If people want to live like swine, let them. If you don't like it, build your own development & make
the rules.
Jobs, jobs, jobs.
Keep the government out of our live so we can do our jobs without harassment.
What is considered small scale? One person's timber management is another's deforestation.
Yes, 7 Mile Rd. between US-2 and M-129. (response to better zoning enforcement)
It sure is disgusting to maintain a nice home, when surrounding properties look like junk!
Very concerned about wind energy's impact on birds/ local migratory. Eyesores as well. I'm near
a tower it killed both radio tv reception. They're also eyesores if too many of them. If would
depend on loation its affect on local recpetion. Would like to see people encouraged to try
alternative sources for consideration for water, energy, ect. cisterns, solar (passive and active).
Gray water home treatment,tree & flower plantings for pollinators, etc. (in regard to industrial
development) depends on the industry type sensitivities to environment and community. (In
regard to Zoning) Buildings or fencing (shrubbery OK) junk cars. For fencing. But if people want
tall grass instead of "putting green" lawns, that shoulod be OK. No poisons allowed for
maintenence. (In regard to Large Scale Development) Would rather see lg. scale kept in towns
and cities. (In regard to Agricultural Development) -Again- environmentally sensitive farming.
Crops that don't require toxins to survive. Same with livestock. re - Billboards; To me its obvious
bussinesses need to advertize let folks know where they're located. But the sprawling billboards
are eyesores & can be distractions for drivers as well. Perhaps something more like the metal
blue signs used on interstates, or central postings? Done right, it could work out. Done wrong - a
local example is Brimley's river mouth view from the hill where a lovely view of bay is blocked by
signs & poor bridge design. Re. development - supports or opposition just depends on what &
how it's done. Strict environmental & community impact policies for health and safety.
I think there should be a noise ordinance in place that would stop large trucks from using engine
brakes in the residential areas on m-28 near piche side rd and town line rd or forest side rd
In general when it comes to land use and zoning regulations, less is more.
Changes to Dafter Township Master Plan
During the 63-day review period
No comments were received from adjacent Townships or the public during the review period; however
some changes were made to the Future Land Use Chapter (Chapter 7) and the Future Land Use Map.
The changes are as follows:
Page 26 “Listed below are five land use areas, depicted on Map 7-1.” changed to read “ Listed below are
six land use areas, depicted on Map 7-2.”
Page 26 future land use planning areas changed from “general residential, business residential,
agricultural, commercial, industrial, forestry & recreation” to “ general residential, country residential,
agriculture, general commercial, industrial, forest & recreation”. These are also reflected on the updated
Future Land Use Map.
Page 27 “but recommended width is not less than 355 feet” was removed.
Page 29 “currently zoned into five districts” has been changed to read “currently zoned into six districts”
Page 29 A table comparing the Future Land Use Categories and Zoning Districts was added
Page 29 The recommendation to rename the Rural Residential Commercial District to Business
Residential was removed, and thus the subsequent text discussing this change was also removed
Page 30 In the Dimensional Standards table, “see Chippewa County Building Code” was changed to
“refer to the Chippewa County Building Dept” to reflect the fact that Chippewa County has no County
building code, but references the State of Michigan’s building code.
Page 31 Added several more recommendations for the zoning ordinance; review and update zoning
definitions, add provisions to allow siting of both large-scale and small-scale solar and wind energy
facilities, and add provisions for the development of medical marijuana facilities.
Page 31 A conclusion was added
Minutes for the February 7, 2011
Dafter Township Planning Commission
-"
Members present were Steve Meehan, Harley Boone, Dave Love, Chuck Cook, and
Joyce Engelhardt.
Also in attendance was Nathan Fazer a representative from the EUP Regional Planning
& Development Commission. No others attended.
This meeting was scheduled to serve two purposes : as a Public Hearing to approve the
Township Master Plan and to have the regular scheduled Planning Commission meeting.
At 7: 15 the Chairperson, having no public in attendance, read the Resolution of
Adoption of the Dafter Township Master Plan. Harley Boone motioned to accept the
Resolution, Dave Love seconded the motion and a roll call vote was unanimous.
Nathan Fazer will add the Resolution to the final Master Plan copy for future
distribution. Copies will be given to the Dafter Township Board. Commission members
thanked Nathan heartily for his efforts on the Master Plan.
The regular business of the Planning Commission began with review of the minutes of
the November 11, 2010. Dave Love motioned that the minutes be accepted, Chuck
Cook seconded the motion and the minutes were accepted as presented.
Each member received a copy of By Laws for their review. Steve noted that we need to
change the April meeting date to Tuesday April 12th as he will be out of town.
Also the By Laws require we elect officers at our first meeting of the year. The current
officers were unanimously elected. Steve Meehan (Chair) Harley Boone (Vice-Chair)
and Joyce Engelhardt (Secretary).
One topic for our next meeting will focus on wind turbines. We hope to have samples
from other townships' ordinances related to turbines.
Dave Love called for ending the meeting, his motion was seconded by Harley Boone
and passed by all. The meeting closed at 8:05 pm.
Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 beginning at 6:00 pm.
This Page Left Blank Intentionally
2010 Dafter Township Master Plan, Adopted February 2011
Back Cover Sheet

dafter township master plan - Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional

Transcription

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