The NPS tract also includes proposed Critical Habitat for the Federally Endangered Piping plover. The tract also contains Federally Threatened Pitcher's thistle, which is also present at other locations on the island. The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has unresolved claims to title and other property rights on the island. There is an Indian cemetery on the private lands. There have been ongoing conflicts over trespass on both public and private land parcels on the island.
Public access is an ongoing issue.
The Service estimates that the draft EA will be made available to the public by early November, 2000.