Categories: U.S.

Man who diverted national park river for Lake Michigan boat access guilty of 2 misdemeanors

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for February 8

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

A man accused of diverting a national park river to ease boat access to Lake Michigan has been convicted of two misdemeanors.

Andrew Howard of Frankfort was found guilty of tampering and vandalism Wednesday during a brief trial in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent.

MICHIGAN CITY RAMPS UP SECURITY AFTER OP-ED DUBS IT ‘JIHAD CAPITAL’ OF AMERICA

In August 2022, a National Park Service ranger witnessed Howard digging with a shovel so the Platte River in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore would be diverted into one of the Great Lakes, prosecutors said in a court filing.

“Within days, the natural power of the water and the constructed dam caused the river to divert and created a new channel to Lake Michigan that grew to approximately 200 feet wide,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Biksacky said.

A man accused of diverting a national park river to ease boat access to Lake Michigan has been convicted of two misdemeanors. (National Parks Service via AP)

“It stayed approximately that wide for the summer and fall season,” she added. “There was then an influx in the number of fishermen that came to Platte River boat launch to take advantage of the favorable conditions of access created by the new channel.”

The Associated Press left a voicemail and email seeking comment from Howard’s attorney Thursday.

U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said Howard had a policy dispute with the National Park Service and “took matters into his own hands.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Park Service no longer dredges the Platte River. As a result, sediment and sand build up, reducing the ability to get boats to Lake Michigan.

Share

Recent Posts

In warning to Turkey, Israel hits strategic targets in Syria amid rising tensions

close Video Greek Defense Minister Dendias on Turkey's 'neo-Ottoman' policy Greek Defense Minister Dendias sounds…

56 minutes ago

Houthis shoot down 3rd US reaper drone as Trump administration continues daily airstrikes

close Video CENTCOM forces launch airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen Under the direction of President…

56 minutes ago

3 alleged MS-13 gang members in Florida hit with federal murder charges

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for April 4 Fox News Flash top headlines…

1 hour ago

CEO allegedly choked fellow cruise ship passenger over dance floor dispute: FBI

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for April 4 Fox News Flash top headlines…

1 hour ago

Karen Read appeals double jeopardy ruling to US Supreme Court

close Video Forensic psychologist reveals what makes jury selection in Karen Read's murder retrial 'very…

1 hour ago

Concerned parents of trans kids compared to ‘hate groups’ by Colorado Dem: Wouldn’t ‘ask the KKK’ for opinion

A Colorado Democrat likened parent groups to "the KKK" during an hours-long committee hearing for…

1 hour ago