HOUSE RESOLUTION NO.232
Reps. Markkanen and Prestin offered the following resolution:
1 A resolution to urge the Michigan Department of Natural
2 Resources and the Natural Resources Commission to declare the
3 Houghton-Douglass Falls as the Houghton-Douglass Falls Veterans
4 Scenic Site, a unit of McLain State Park.
5 Whereas, The Houghton-Douglass Falls, located in northern
6 Houghton County, is Michigan’s tallest waterfall, cascading an
7 impressive 110 feet from top to bottom. The waterfall discharges
8 into the scenic Hammell Creek gorge, which is flanked by high rock
9 walls and mixed stands of cedars, spruce, and pines. In addition to
10 being regarded as one of the state’s most picturesque sites, the
11 falls are also a site of state historical and cultural
12 significance; and
13 Whereas, The waterfall was named in honor of Douglass
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1 Houghton, who was Michigan’s first state geologist, and his cousin
2 Columbus Douglass. Houghton and Douglass worked together on
3 geologic copper and iron ore surveys and exploration of the Upper
4 Peninsula. The waterfall was historically a popular place for
5 locals to visit, but concerns surrounding safety and overuse
6 eventually led to the closure of public access; and
7 Whereas, In 2018, a 70-acre parcel comprised of the Houghton-
8 Douglass Falls and the surrounding land was acquired by the
9 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with a Natural Resources
10 Trust Fund grant. The DNR purchased the property with the intention
11 of preserving the site’s natural beauty and eventually reopening
12 the site to the public as a recreational park. The previous owner,
13 who is a Vietnam veteran, graciously agreed to sell the property to
14 the DNR with the understanding that the site would be dedicated to
15 all the brave and courageous individuals who have served in the
16 military, especially those who continue to suffer from the
17 lingering effects of their experiences. Later that year, the DNR
18 dedicated the Houghton-Douglass Falls as a Veterans Memorial Park;
19 and
20 Whereas, Michigan’s State Parks and Scenic Areas include some
21 of the state’s most iconic and beautiful areas, serving to preserve
22 and protect the state’s most significant natural and historic
23 resources and provide recreational opportunities for visitors.
24 These areas help enhance the social, economic, and environmental
25 well-being of the communities surrounding them. For these reasons
26 and reasons stated above, the Houghton-Douglass Falls would be a
27 valuable and worthwhile addition to Michigan’s system of State
28 Parks and Scenic Areas; now, therefore, be it
29 Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the
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1 Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources
2 Commission to declare the Houghton-Douglass Falls as the Houghton-
3 Douglass Falls Veterans Scenic Site, a unit of McLain State Park;
4 and be it further
5 Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the
6 Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the
7 members of the Natural Resources Commission.
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