Популярный троп в штате Мичиган страдает от нашествия туристов после вирусного走红 в соцсетях

One of the Les Cheneaux Islands area’s most popular trails is the Bush Bay Trail, east of Cedarville. Use of the trail has surged in recent years after it went viral online as the Narnia Trail, highlighting its mossy, rocky scenery that resembles something out of C.S. Lewis’ famous “The Chronicles of Narnia” novels. Its fame comes with a price, as irresponsible trail use is degrading the local environment, leading to The Nature Conservancy officials reaching out to residents for help. TNC officials met with residents at Cedarville’s Clark Township Community Center Tuesday evening, June 30, seeking input on how to better manage crowds. Two more similar events will be held later this year, with one Wednesday, August 5, at the Hessel School House and another at the Cedarville center on October 13. The trail’s social media popularity has TNC officials working to use online sources to get the word out about protecting it. Emily Clegg, TNC Land and Water Management Director, said they want to better influence the influencers. The trail received about 5,000 visitors annually before the pandemic, but after it went viral as the Narnia trail, the number of visitors shot up to an unsustainable 45,000 to 50,000 visitors at its peak in 2024. Many are drawn to congregate around a scenic lantern hung on the route. Problems are coming from walkers going off the trail, disturbing the area’s fragile alvar ecosystem, a biological environment based on a limestone plain, and microorganisms. Clegg said they had about 30,000 to 35,000 visitors last year. “That trail can’t handle that,” Clegg said. “We need more signage.” The trail is spread across three properties, with one owned by Carmeuse Lime and Stone for a wetlands mitigation easement, another serving as TNC’s John Arthur Woollam Preserve, and the third part of the Cedar Bay Camp. Clegg said their focus is on protecting ecology, right-sizing the infrastructure through new boardwalks and signage, recruiting caretakers, and creating clear messaging. Bids will be soon sought for building the boardwalks, with quick action favored. Clegg said they want people to recreate responsibly. The lantern is located on Carmeuse land, with the option of removing it considered but not taken due to it having nostalgic connotations for generations of campers. TNC staff noted they want to try other options first before pursuing a removal. They are working with Carmeuse and the Michigan Department of Transportation about parking lot issues. TNC Marketing Specialist Alexandria Graham noted the trail’s popularity did not come from a single post or event, growing with time as multiple sources called it a “hidden gem” or “best kept secret.” She showed its popularity has been rising alongside the area’s own trend upward. Artificial intelligence-generated results are also attracting people, with TNC efforts working to get them to include updated information noting the ecosystem’s fragility and microorganisms. TNC has set up a website, nature.org/bushbaytrail, to get the word out. During the presentation, locals were asked to develop future trail goals. They created mock social media posts that TNC officials will review to find themes and patterns they can use for real ones. The shared proposals encouraging preserving the ecosystem for generations to come, enjoying its natural diversity, and preventing destructive behavior. “You can’t put the genie back in the bottle, but they are trying to regain control of the situation,” resident Dave Murray said, favoring their social media efforts. Hill Island resident Nancy Fisher loves backpacking but noted the trail has had major issues of late. She’s seen people climbing recklessly on the boulders, stealing rocks, picking flowers, letting dogs run loose, and damaging the microorganism areas. “It’s way too crowded,” Fisher said. “I was there when a group of 50 people came down the trail.” TNC officials are developing new signage for placement at the three trailheads, with locals giving feedback on the designs. All signage needs the approval of both Carmeuse and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Several residents asked to better mark the trail, but recent attempts to use directional signage to keep people on the route have failed after many signs went missing. Promoting other area trails was also suggested. Residents have expressed several concerns with the direction of the trail in recent years. Betty Struble hopes they can provide real education about the long-term damage that can be done to the ecosystem. Mark Upham, his wife Karen Upham, and cousin Stephanie Upham attended together and favored ending all promotion of the trail, and removing the lantern.