Interpretive MP Norwich Mine Historic Site.pdf

The Norwich Mine Historic Site:

A Remote Pioneer Town of the Early Mining Frontier

Interpretive Master Plan for the Norwich Mine Historic Site

USDA Forest Service Eastern Region, Ottawa National Forest

Mark A. Hill 2100 E. Cloverland Dri ve

Ironwood, Michigan 49938

(906) 932-1330

USU-1991

Review Draft

... September 1994 :v~, CIM-0907-7A-002-0907-03 Mine Closures Upper Peninsula Michigan Phase 2 -- Interpretive Panels

Ottawa National Forest 1 Exhibit A

ABSTRACT

Mark A. Hill, Heritage Program Manager Ottawa National Forest 2100 E. Cloverland Drive Ironwood, MI 49938

(906) 932-1330

Title: Interpretive Master Plan for the Norwich Mine Historic Site

Bergland Ranger District, Ottawa National Forest, Eastern Region

Abstract: The Norwich Mine Historic Site,.actually four mines and two townsites dating from the 1840s to the early 20th century, is well known and frequently visited. Visitation is an expression of interest in the unique history of the site, while another expression of interest is the depreciative behavior of artifact theft. Theft is an increasing concern, and is specifically aided by unmanaged ATV access. This project develops four alternatives for combining the interpretive potential of the site with methods for increasing protection of this resource. Altematives were developed to blend heritage resource concerns, recreation potential and the semi-primitive Recreation Opportunity Spectrum setting of the site. One alternative is selected and developed in detail. This alternative limits ATV access by means of physical barriers, signage, and formal closure to motorized vehicles while developing a 1.2 mile interpretive foot trail.

Panels along the trail will interpret site features. Signsat the trailhead, a wayside sign along the Norwich Road near the site, and a brochure will provide program accessfor those whose interest or physical abilities may prohibit them from using the trail. A monitoring plan is proposed to track site preservation, trail use, trail conditions, visitor safety, and incompatible use.

Others who might find this report useful: Heritage program managers, recreation stafofficers, interpretive program managers, district staff with responsibility for recreation, heritage resources, or interpretation.

Keywords: Interpretation, heritage resources, trails, recreation opportunity spectrum

Ottawa National Forest 2 Exhibit A

Table of Contents

Abstract

Table of Contents II

List of Figures III

List of Tables III

Introduction

Goals and Objectives 3

Description of the Norwich Mine Historic Site Regional Historic Setting History of the Norwich Mine Historic Site Archaeological Resources of the Norwich Mine Historic Site

Managernent Setting 8

Development Alternatives Alternative I Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Selection of Alternatives

I I

Visitor Analysis, Interpretive Themes, and Delivery Matrix Visitor Profile Target Groups Themes

Interpretive Plan Self Guided Interpretive Trail Norwich Road Wayside Brochure Participatory Programs

Monitoring and Evaluation 48

Implementation and Project Costs 51

Bibliography 52 Appendix A: Executive Summary of the Michigan Copper Mining District Historic Resources Management Plan.

Appendix B: Site maps of the Norwich Mine Historic Site.

Appendix C: Draft Norwich brochure.

Appendix D: Memorandum of Understanding between the Ottawa National Forest and Michigan Technological University for research, management and interpretation of the Norwich Mine Historic Site.

Ottawa National Forest 3 Exhibit A

III

LJST OF FIGURES

Figure I: Location of the Norwich Mine Historic Site

Figure 2: Location of the Norwich Mine Historic Site, Ontonagon County, Michigan

Figure 3: I985 Base map of the Norwich Mine Historic Site

Figure 4: Project Area

Figure 5: Development Altemative I

Figure 6: Development Alternative 2

Figure 7: Development Alternative 3

Figure 8: Development Alternative 4

Figure 9: Proposed Interpretive Trail Layout

Figure I0: Trail Construction Standards

Figure I I : Condition Log Form

II

LIST OF TABLES

Table I: Target Groups

Table 2: Delivery Matrix

Ottawa National Forest 4 Exhibit A

INTRODUCTION

';.4nendunng sense of the hentage from our fathers is vital to our future, and this knowledge is best gained by keeping the past a living reality. " Freeman TIlden

The Norwich Mine site is a unique and important historic site located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (figure I) on the Bergland Ranger District of the Ottawa National Forest (Figure 2). The site represents one of the earliest euro-american inland settlements of the westem Upper Peninsula, and documents the history of copper mining and it's importance in the development of the region.

The Norwich Mine is well suited for development as an interpretive site. Public interest in the site is high, it is frequently visited by mining enthusiasts and history buffs, and the Westem Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission (WUPPDR) has identified this site as an important one in the Regional Heritage Reserve and has placed it on their proposed "Copper Trail" (see appendix A). The interpretive potential of this site was also recognized in the Bergland Ranger District's Trap Hills Opportunity Area analysis.

Public awareness of the site is, however, a two-edged sword. Theft of artifacts and vandalism are growing problems. A significant theft occurred in 1992 with the removal of one of the heavy cast-iron stamp shoes from the remains of the Ohio Trap Rock Company's 1850's vintage stamp mill. Additional theft occurs on a regular basis as artifacts such as coins, ceramics and bottles are removed.

The Forest is then faced with the problem of trying to interpret the history contained in the site while preserving significant cultural, natural and recreational resources. This project identifies four altemative project sets that combine the two broad goals of interpretation and preservation.

master plan outlines the goals and objectives for this project, identifies the interpretive resources and themes, and plans the interpretive programs, pathways and resources to best convey the stories this site has to tell to the target audiences while preserving the important resources of the site. It also is tied to several other plans and programs, not least among them the "Ottawa National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan", the Ottawa's Interpretive Master Program Guide, WUPPDR's plans for the Copper Country Regional Heritage Reserve, the Keweenaw National Historic Park, and other state and private interpretive developments in the area

This interpretive

Norwich Mine Historic Site

Figure I: Location of the Norwich Mine Historic Site

Ottawa National Forest 5 Exhibit A

11 D. ••

·f '0

.0~

--a:,-Q- -

\.. c.. 'Z' i

--- - . ---4;....,----.e.,rl-O-

Pond ••

R 41 W f ) ••

II

JO

Figure 2: Location of the Norwich Mine Historic Site, Ontonagon County, Michigan.

Ottawa National Forest 6 Exhibit A

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

"\.tW1IIethe land manager's primary objective in managing these resources is protection, a case can be made to provide for public use with the potential to also increase the level of protection provided." (Bucklew I 983:ii)

The Norwich Mine Historic Site offers a challenge to heritage resource managers by presenting two apparently conflicting needs. The first need is to promote the protection and preservation of the irreplaceable historic resource, while the second is to open the resource to visitation in order to promote an understanding of the significant history of the site. However, these two objectives can be made compatible and even complimentary as is attempted in this interpretive plan.

The overarching goal of this interpretive plan is to promote a public awareness and understanding of the history of settlement and mining in the Michigan's westem Upper Peninsula, while fostering an increased public appreciation for the fragile, .irreplaceable nature of those sites that preserve that history. Four specific goals have been developed for this interpretive plan.

INTERPRETIVE PLAN GOALS:

I. Review the natural and historic features of the Norwich Mine Historic Site, and to select those features that are significant to developing an awareness of the history of this site.

2. Develop appropriate themes for interpretation from this overview of the site resources.

3. Select the appropriate media, resources, programs and methods to interpret these themes in order to assist the visitor in gaining an understanding of the history of the site and to form a personal appreciation for the historic resource.

4. Develop recreational opportunities that are appropriate to the level of desired development in the area, and that promote increased protection for the fragile heritage resources at the site.

INTERPRETIVE OBJECTIVES:

I. Interpret the significance of the history of the Norwich Mine Historic Site.

2. Develop interpretive media and facilities that are compatible with the semi-primitive management objectives for the area.

3. Provide access to the history of the site to all interested individuals, regardless of physical ability.

4. Provide increased protection for the site by limiting motorized (ORV) access to sensitive portions of the site.

5. Foster a public awareness of the importance and irreplaceable nature of our heritage

6. Develop interpretive media and services that are complimentary to other federal, state and private efforts in the area.

Ottawa National Forest 7 Exhibit A

DESCRIPTION OF THE NORWICH MINE SITE

"The Norwich Hstoric Site, histoncally and geologIcally linked to other early 19th century mining ventures on the remote Keweenaw Peninsula, represents a unique opportunity to study and understand the frontier period of the historic copper mining era of the Upper Peninsula of MIchigan. " (Greek 1993: 39)

REGIONAL HISTORIC SETTING

The Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan is one of the few places in the world where native copper has been found in commercial quantities (Martin 1985: 8). The history of mining in the Keweenaw copper country extends for several thousand years into the past, as clearly demonstrated by the Lac LaBelle copper processing site on the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula where copper processing activities have been documented from nearly eight thousand years ago (Martin et al, 1993: 175). For many of the pre-contact native occupants of the western Upper Peninsula, these copper resources provided an opportunity for the production of tools that offset the lack of quality cherts and flints that were necessary for the production of stone tools (Hill 1994). The resultant copper tools, ornaments, and raw copper was traded over much of eastern North America for thousands of years before europeans set foot on the continent.

When europeans explorers and missionaries first arrived in the Upper Great Lakes, they heard of the existence of these copper resources. Before the 1840's, only a few abortive efforts were made to exploit these resources. The most notable of these were the efforts of Alexander Henry in the winter of I77 I-72, when a small group of English miners attempted to find copper in the clay banks of the Ontonagon River. This early effort met with disaster when the mine tunnels collapsed during the spring thaw (Henry I 969).

When the famous Ontonagon Boulder, a several ton boulder of pure copper, was transported to Detroit in I 843, it provided visible proof of the copper resources of the region and fueled one of the United States' first mining booms. During the copper rush, mining companies, speculators and others pioneered the settlement of the western Upper Peninsula by establishing a number of isolated frontier towns, mills and mines in inland areas where euroamerican settlement had not previously occurred.

HISTORY OF THE NORWICH MINE HISTORIC SITE

In November, 1845, the Vermont Legislature chartered the American Exploring, Mining and Manufacturing Company. In 1846, the company sent seven exploring parties to the south and west of Lake Superior in search of new mineral wealth. A total of about one hundred men sailed from Detroit in May of I 846, and landed in the Lake Superior Region on June 10. One and a half months later, one of the exploring teams discovered a copper-bearing lode and mass copper specimens on what was to become the site of the Norwich Mine (Martin 1985: 1I).

However, it was not the American Exploring, Mining and Manufacturing Company that was first to develop the copper resources of the site. That honor falls to the Ohio Trap Rock Mining Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1848, a Dr. Gibbs visited the site and reported that "two shafts have been sunk, one of which was 60 and the other 40 feet in depth ... at the bottom of the hill, a drift is in progress to meet the two shafts ... the hill is about 130 feet in height, and the distance to be driven is

Ottawa National Forest 8 Exhibit A about 300 feet ... other openings have been made on the location and in this hill" (Foster and Whitney 1850: 76). In 1883, the history of the Ohio Trap Rock Mine was summarized as follows.

"Ohio Trap Rock Mining Company was one of the oldest mining companies in Ontonagon County. The location adjoins the Norwich .

...The property was first held under a permit from the War Department, and was explored in 1846, and in 1847 Capt. W. H. Stevens took charge of the mine, and for two years thereafter worked ten or twelve miners in drifting an adit and sinking two shafts. In I852, the operations of the company were considerably enlarged. A stamp mill with twenty-four head of stamps was built, and other improvements made .

...A church was built, 120 acres of land put under cultivation, etc., but very little copper was obtained. Work was suspended in 1857." (Andreas 1883: 530)

The Ohio Trap Rock Company situated their mining efforts on top of the prominent Norwich Bluff, while the now restructured American Mining Company began exploiting copper veins on the face of the bluff and building their surface works and community at the base of the bluff in 1850. On May 17, I850, the Norwich Mine was organized as a 'separate interest' of the American Mining Company. On

August 4 of that year, four men 'broke ground' at Norwich (Greek 1993: 19). An 1883 history of the Upper Peninsula provides a history of Norwich Mine:

"One of the most important of the mines that were worked west of the Ontonagon River is the Norwich. This and the Windsor, the Victoria and the Nonesuch are the only ones at which any considerable amount of work has been done."

"Mining work began here in I850. The company owned 640 acres of land, and at that time it was very difficult to get supplies to the mine; at first the supplies had to be packed twelve miles on the backs of men."

"...At the time of commencing operations, a good deal of work was done in clearing land, building some houses and getting a road made to the location, so that for the first few years but little mining work was done. However, five tons of copper were got out in I852, which was increased to eighteen tons in 1853, and to twenty-five tons in 1854. Work progressed with moderate results for six or eight years thereafter. A stamp mill was put up, a portable saw-mill, a hoisting engine, pumping engines, etc., and agent's house, office, warehouse, shops, boarding house, and ten miners' houses were built. A railroad track from the mine to the stamp mill, a distance of 1,000 feet, was laid."

"The results of the work of the stamps were about the same as at other mines, but the remoteness of the locality, rendering transportation extremely difficult and expensive, combined with the financial embarrassments of the company, caused a cessation of work in 1858; up to that date amounted to about five hundred tons."

"...Some work on tribute was continued until 1863, when the company re-organized and consolidated with the Windsor, when work was begun under the superintendance of C.E.

Roberts. The mine, having been worked on tribute, was in bad condition, and general dilapidation prevailed. But the mine was cleaned, the machinery and buildings repaired, and mining resumed and continued for two years, when the company shut down perrr.anently, having expended $230,000 of its capital stock. For some time the location was occupied by

Ottawa National Forest 9 Exhibit A squatters, who derived a profit from the improved lands." (Andreas 1883: 530)

Yet a third early mine was to be established at the site. "The Windsor Mining Company was organized in 1855, purchasing lands from the American Mining Company adjacent on the east to those purchased by the Norwich Mining Company ... a stamp mill was built and the mine operated independently until 1863 and it had for it's agent Daniel Plummer. In 1863 it merged with the Norwich" (larnison 1950:

38).

Shortly after the beginning of the 20th century, a fourth (and final) mine was established at the Norwich Mine Historic Site. In 1902, the Copper Crown Mining Company obtained portions of the Norwich and Windsor locations and began operations that met with not a little skepticism in the area:

"Openings are a I00 (feet) shaft on the Meads vein, said to show a little copper, and a tunnel of several hundred feet in length ... the company also claims to have plans and specifications for a 500-ton stamp mill, and to have assets of $50,000. Assets are probably paper assets principally, and even if in cash would be insufficient to build the mill, while if the mill were built there is no mine to feed it. The value of the property is uncertain, and it is not at all likely that the present management will ever prove any values there, unless it is realized that the copper mines are not made so easily in the Lake Superior District as the prospectus of the company indicates" (Stevens 1903: 318-319)

By 1917, all work had stopped at the mines that make up the Norwich Mine Historic Site. The small town of Norwich, which once had a population of over 600 people, continued to live on for another 20 years. Finally, it too, was gone by the 1940's.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF THE NORWICH MINE HISTORIC SITE

Today, only one building is left standing at the site - a partially collapsed log bam. The foundations of over 40 other buildings, representing houses, churches, stamp mills, sawmills, blacksmith shops, and other structures, are found along the base of the bluff and on the bluff top. Nearly 50 mine shafts and adits give mute testimony to the 19th century activity and too the lost promise of the site. The 19th century road systems are overgrown, yet they still connect different parts of the site.

In 1985, the Ottawa National Forest contracted with archaeologists from Michigan Technological University to map and document the archaeological resources of the site. The resultant report (Martin I985) documented 43 mine shafts and exploratory pits, seven adits, 41 building foundations, six wells, four earthen dams, one small cemetery, and several roads. These were all mapped as shown in figure 3.

Beginning in 1991, Ottawa National Forest archaeologists and volunteers under the Forest Service's Passport in Time public archaeology program developed detailed maps of the surface features and distribution of artifacts at the Ohio Trap Rock mine and community location on the bluff top. That map is shown in Appendix B.

Ottawa National Forest 10 Exhibit A

Figure:3: 1985 base map of the Norwich Mine Historic Site

Ottawa National Forest 11 Exhibit A

C! '-'-. _. _..... "

'. 't-~_ 4G",..v _ .// :~II ". ---' I:

"r , 1,1 .1

,..~~ ,-11"'1/j,.~ I~ '."

I i

Ottawa National Forest 12 Exhibit A

MANAGEMENT SETTING

Most of the Norwich Mine Historic Site is located in a 6.1 management area, as designated in the Ottawa National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. Important sections of the direction for this management area include:

2300 Recreation Management Recreation Opportunities

Features primarily semiprimitive nonmotorized recreation opportunities.

Manage all developed recreation and interpretive sites according to Forest Supervisor-approved operation and management plans.

Trails Manage trails.

Relocate existing trails and associated facilities on soil-site conditions that minimize construction and long-term maintenance costs and where they do not create undesirable soil and water impacts as needed.

Rehabilitate, operate, and maintain hiking trails and trailhead facilities to provide for public health and safety and to protect the resource, as described in ROS setting guidelines.

Off-road Vehicles, All Terrain Vehicles, Snowmobiles Close the area to all-terrain-vehicle (A1V), off-road vehicle (ORV) use, and snowmobile use except on roads and trails specifically designated as open to their use. Exceptions include use of administrative or emergency vehicles or use by permit or contract.

Cultural Resources Provide interpretation of cultural resources that is compatible with the natural character and recreation opportunities of this management area.

A portion of the site is adjacent to the West Branch of the Ontonagon River. This river is a designated Recreational River under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and the Michigan Scenic Rivers Act of I992. Standards for management of the 1/4 mile wide river corridor include the following important elements.

2300 Recreation Management Recreation Opportunities

A roaded natural or rural recreation opportunity class will be emphasized.

Developed Sites Recreation facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, launching facilities for watercraft, observation sites, and trailheads may be established as long as they are consistent with the Scenery Condition Levels (SCL) and Recreation Opportunity Class (ROC) for the river and fit within the appropriate standards and guidelines for recreation facilities in these environments.

Ottawa National Forest 13 Exhibit A

Dispersed Sites The following dispersed Campsites Day Hiking Trails Backpacking Trails Snowmobile Trails Mountain Bike Trails facilities are appropriate:

Cross Country Ski Trails Horseback Trails Canoe/Portage Trails and Access Sites ATV Trails

T rail density will normally not exceed I0 miles per 1000 acres. Trails will be maintained at Maintenance Level 2 - 4.

Scenery Management Management activities will meet a Scenery Condition Level of partial retention.

For scenic and recreational river segments, the SCL for specific management activities within the river area may be adjusted one level, either direction, to more quickly meet the long-term management situation and achieve the desired future condition within the river corridor.

Management activities will be designed to maintain and protect the existing river scenery as viewed from the river first. and second from within the river corridor.

Heritage Resources Interpretation of heritage resources is encouraged. It will be designed to protect sites and be compatible with the natural character and recreation opportunities in the area.

Off Road Vehicles, All Terrain Vehicles ORV/ATV and snowmobile use is permitted on trails and minor roads (Maintenance levels I and 2) where use is not expressly prohibited (signed). Following are examples of where ORV/ A TV and snowmobile use is not permitted because of public safety concems or user conflicts:

- Snowmobiles on snow plowed roads; .

- Major roads maintained for passenger car travel;

- On trails designated as being prohibited; example, a designated hiking or cross country ski trail.

Unless there is a road, trail or closure posted, snowmobiles are allowed.

The Norwich Mine Historic Site is locally well known, and is frequently visited by local residents and mining enthusiasts. The site is also the focus of a cooperative effort research and management effort between the Ottawa National Forest and the Industrial Archaeology program of Michigan Technological University. This cooperative effort is directed under the terms of a Memorandum of Agreement and is implemented through annual challenge cost-share agreements.

One additional future use of the site is anticipated. The Red Metal Mining Company currently owns a portion of the mineral estate at the site, and plans to reopen the main adit of the Norwich Locations at the base of the bluff, and run a small mining operation in that portion of the site. No date has been established for this activity.

Ottawa National Forest 14 Exhibit A

FOREST PLAN DIRECTION FOR INTERPRETIVE SERVICES

Overall direction for the interpretive services program comes from the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Ottawa National Forest (1986). Important sections outlining this direction include:

1600 Information Services:

Coordinate information activities with nearby National Forests, other federal agencies, user groups, and other public and private organizations especially for promotion of available recreation facilities and opportunities.

Assure the availability of information needed to provide visitors and users with satisfying and safe experiences within the Forest.

Implement public information and education programs to reduce the number, intensity, and cost of conflict-producing and resource-damaging situations.

2300 Recreation Management (Interpretive Services):

Develop interpretive programs and materials that support Forest activities and programs and explain the correlation of resource management direction to public interests and concems. Base these needs on audience analysis as well as land manager's needs.

Design interpretive programs and materials that can be incorporated into or used with material developed for visitor information at visitor contact points.

When appropriate, provide on-the-ground interpretation of management activity such as signs explaining a management practice along major travel routes.

Provide resource people or material for use in interpretive and environmental education programs conducted by others.

Provide maps, interpretive messages and/or interpretive material such as brochures at visitor contact points.

Identify opportunities for both on-site and off-site interpretation of cultural resources considering significance, accessibility, and protection needs.

2360 Heritage Resources Develop interpretive facilities and projects in compliance with the 1988 amendments to the

Archaeological Resource Protection Act.

Identify opportunities for both on-site and off-site interpretation of Heritage Resources.

Implement the National "Windows on the Past" program to improve public understanding of our heritage, to raise public awareness of the fragile and irreplaceable nature of heritage Provide opportunities for the public to observe or to participate in all phases of Forest Service hentage management. Utilize the "Passport in Time" program to involve amateur and professional volunteers in selected aspects of preservation and management efforts with local schools and organizations.

Develop partnerships with extemal organizations, groups, and individuals, to provide a public serv.ce through heritage resources.

Ottawa National Forest 15 Exhibit A

I I

DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES

'It is recommended that the US Forest Service consider the opportcmues ot.availingIt's historicsi assets to the public through an Interpretive program Integrated Into the Hentage Reserve. One such asset ISthe Norwich Mine site In southern Ontonagon County which is In the Michigan Copper Mining District. II (Dobson-Brown 1990)

Any attempt to create interpretive programs or other improvements at the Norwich Mine Historic Site must take the entire site and setting into account. The site is more than a single resource to be developed for interpretation. The site boundaries actually encompass over 300 acres, four historic mines, a semi-primitive non-motorized management area, and a portion of a designated National Wild and Scenic

I 36 i i I

FS-~;o~ I V,elo .1

_____________ _\__ +1 · ......::!Ir•• /~

\1

I j I \ I\1

\---------------------_r------~-".~c_:

35 31

2 6

Tower

11 7

1/2

Miles

Figure 4: Project area.

Ottawa National Forest 16 Exhibit A river corridor (figure 4). One of the stated goals of this plan is to limit access and control resource damage throughout this historic site. Currently, access to the site is not controlled and resource damage occurs in the form of looting, vandalism, and relatively unrestricted all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use that is incompatible with stated management and resource protection goals.

Site-wide management direction is therefore seen as necessary before interpretive programs and facilities may be developed. To that end, the site may be divided into several smaller management units. Most of the site will be contained within a minimal development management unit where access is not directly provided, and vehicle use is restricted. The main purpose of this management unit is resource and setting protection consistent with a semi-primitive ROS classification. Vehicle access to and through the site area will be limited to designated road corridors. Pedestrian access will be directly provided only through an interpretive trail corridor. This corridor is the third management unit, where facility development will be allowed to take advantage of the unique interpretive potential of the site while controlling and channeling pedestrian access to the site. Development along the trail corridor may exceed the stated ROS guidelines for a semi-primitive management area, but will always be consistent with a remote natural setting. Native materials will be emphasized where needed for signs, sign supports, fencing, bridges, steps and other trail facilities.

Four alternatives for developing the interpretive potential of the site are proposed. All four preserve the largely undeveloped nature of the site, while providing public access to the information contained in the site, helping the public understand the mining and settlement history of the site, and protect the site's integrity. All four will include a brochure or popular publication for off-site interpretation. In addition, all four feature some degree of closure to motorized vehicles.

ALTERNATIVE I: (figure 5) Description: This alternative features access to the bluff top via the Victoria Road and Tower

Road, with a small parking lot and trailhead at the location of the old Norwich Fire Tower. A 1.2 mile loop trail would begin from this location and would utilize the existing North Country National Scenic Trail and the 19th century road that traversed the Ohio Trap Rock Mine in order to minimize impacts from construction of new trail. Along the trail, the visitor would see the remains of residential areas, dams and ponds used to provide water from steam power, draft animals and people, and industrial facilities including mine shafts and a stamp mill foundation. Signs would be placed at the trailhead, on the North Country National Scenic Trail to either side of the site, and interpretive panels would be placed along the loop trail. A wayside sign would be placed on the Norwich Road south of the bluff.

Facilities Needed: Upgrade of the Tower Road, construction of a parking lot and trailhead, fencing needed around open mine shafts and adits (completed in I992), hazard trees need to be identified and removed, a pull-off alongside the Norwich Road would be constructed, and a gate would be needed on the dirt road at the base of the bluff.

Site Protection Measures Needed: Closure of the site to motorized vehicles, except along the Norwich Road and Tower Road corridors. Limit developed pedestrian access to the site to the trail corridor. Controlled collection of surface-visible artifacts along the trail corridor. Implementation of routine site patrols and monitoring as part of the district recreation program.

ALTERNATIVE 2: (figure 6) Description: This alternative features access from the Norwich Road to the base of the bluff, where a parking lot and trailhead would be established. From the trailhead, a trail would take the visitor down an existing dirt road along the base of the bluff past the foundations of houses and other structures, then up the bluff utilizing the existing "mule trail". Upon reaching the bluff top, the trail

Ottawa National Forest 17 Exhibit A

2 .8

Q:

-C o--

0<:

Tower

I

··········!vc;

Me

1 1 7

• 4

1lJ

0<;- 0 1/2 oOj0°0('1\

Miles

Figure 5: Development Alternative I w

Ottawa National Forest 18 Exhibit A f:

I

1 I•I Tower Ro~ i'-·_·---..,-· __=r:..--"-, I Me ~. . i ! ,I' Me"I .! ~I I, /t \ .! "n7'-n\-- -h'-.·.---~.·----.,.- ..-,.-,.-,.-i---------- ..----!..---_n7_'::.::n_h------- ..- .._ .._ .._n_n_ .._h_ .._ .._ i ! /' Ii, I ".'

/-1 'p-(6j~eC~Joun~.~~

I i ,.-..

: . I• , ! /

!~.-' .. -',.-.~~" :', . I.-. . _1~5r_.' ./ i

12 !

i i j

"0 o

2 • 0 0::

-e:- (j, S:

L..

o-:

Me

1 1

K8y i

MC Mo~orized Closure' MA Mo~orized Access PA Pe dest rion Access MCr Mo~orized Closure, River Corridor

';YCj

. ~'lJ

0" 0 1/2

00; ••••••••••0"o (I\.

Miles

Figure 6: Development Alternative 2 .f>.

Ottawa National Forest 19 Exhibit A

/" K8y I i : MC Motorized ClosureI MA Mo~orized Access

/ PA Pecjestrian Access Tower Roa~" MCr Mo~orized Closure, River Corridor

1"-.--.-----..-. )~-. ---1 I Mer-- .....• I

•...~---s-,9-n~-+--1-- --~ !.~--tv!~--t----t-.--- -------- ----- - ! ../····1

\\~ ..Project ~oundary~<7----t7·-.,~~~~-~~---t/ ! Mer·.;.-~~~.- ...I--~-.--.~

-'" I 12 !

I i j j i

'o oo

0::

-C o--

~1...

o-:

1 1

;1;Ci

. ~q;

o~ 0 oOj o~Of''-

Miles

Figure 7: Development Alternative 3.

lJ1

Ottawa National Forest 20 Exhibit A

,/ K8Y I :

/ MC Mo~orized Closure. .

1 l MA Mo~orized Access

/ PA Pe4estrian Access Tower R0c:..V Mer Mo~orized Closure, River Corridor

,/ i C i r--· ---'''''--'-''---. ""'~""------'-' i i . .'J." ... ! I. . . I :I Me",.'" ! !i . . ,,-," ! !i'r .. ! i

---r-----~'"'t~i-:"".~--..:~7:~..•....~.- ..-.- ..~..~......;.~9··-,;..:,·+·--·-..--·--·+--·-:7-c:: ..- ..--.- ..-"-"-"-"-,,-,,_,,_,, __,_,__ . i i..

I I .:1\ '. .' r

! '_. I.Project !Boundary : Me. .... - ~-l / I . i-../ ...• ~. ---- -------- -~. ....1.-... _ : I . ---- ! Mer j

,/ I

12 !

i i i i i

-0 o

2 • 0 0::

...c

~o<:

1 1

'~c/

.;,.'lJ o~ 0 o'>i0"00\

Miles

Figure 8: Development Alternative 4. o-.

Ottawa National Forest 21 Exhibit A would form the same loop as described in Alternative I. This second alternative would feature on-site interpretation of the Norwich, Windsor and Ohio Trap Rock mines. Signs would be placed at the trailhead, on the North Country National Scenic Trail to either side of the interpretive trail, and along the 2 mile long interpretive trail.

Facilities Needed: A parking lot and trailhead would be constructed at the base of the bluff, shafts and adits would be fenced (partially accomplished in 1992), a gate would be placed on the Tower Road at it's intersection with the Victoria Road, poison ivy would need to be controlled at the base of the bluff, hazard trees would be identified and removed, and a sign would be needed to warn of the steep slope and loose footing on the "mule trail".

Site Protection Measures Needed: Closure of the site to motorized vehicles, except along the Norwich Road corridor. Limit developed pedestrian access to the site to the trail corridor.

Controlled collection of surface-visible artifacts along the trail corridor. Implementation of routine site patrols and monitoring as part of the district recreation program.

ALTERNATIVE 3: (figure 7) Description: This minimal development alternative features three interpretive signs - one alongside the Norwich Road at the base of the bluff, and two identical signs on the North Country National Scenic Trail to either side of the site.

Facilities Needed: Pull-off along the Norwich Road. A gate on the Tower Road at it's intersection with the Victoria Road, and a gate on the dirt road at the base of the bluff.

Site Protection Measures Needed: Closure of the site to motorized vehicles. Implementation of routine site patrols and monitoring as part of the district recreation program.

ALTERNATIVE 4: (figure 8) Description: This is a nondevelopment alternative. No on-site interpretation would take place, interpretation would only be accomplished by a brochure or publication.

Facilities Needed: A gate on the Tower Road at the intersection of that road and the Victoria Road. Also a gate at the base of the bluff on the existing dirt road.

Site Protection Measures Needed: Closure of the site to motorized vehicles, no development of pedestrian access. Implementation of occasional site patrols and monitoring as part of the Forest's heritage resources program.

SELECTION OF ALTERNATIVES

Preferred Alternative

The first alternative best meets the goals and objectives of this project, and is the preferred developmental approach to the interpretation of the Norwich Mine Historic Site. This alternative allows for on-site interpretation while channeling and controlling pedestrian access and making motorized access to the site difficult. The mix of wayside signs, trailhead signs and interpretive panels along the loop trail allow interpretation to a variety of potential audiences while insuring at least "program access" for people of varying physical ability and interest levels. The difficult nature of the Tower Road will help to limit access for those whose goal is to remove materials from the site, while the potential for being caught is increased by inviting people to the site. One educational theme of the

Ottawa National Forest 22 Exhibit A project would focus on developing an awareness of the irreplaceable nature of this resource, thereby reducing the potential for artifact theft and vandalism. T railhead development can be specifically designed to physically bar ATV access to the site, and posted closures will help in enforcement of the non-motorized status of this management area.

Reasons for Non-Selection

Alternative 2: Providing ease of motorized access to the site from the Norwich Road and providing more extensive pedestrian access to the site while not significantly adding to the interpretive program are the main reasons for the non-selection of this alternative. Control of motorized access would be difficult due to the proximity of the trailhead and parking lot to the Norwich Road. In addition, future plans of the mineral owners include reopening the portion of the mine adjacent to the proposed trailhead facility. Potential safety issues and access concerns combine to make this alternative unattractive.

Alternative 3 and 4: These alternatives provide for a significant reduction of access to the site and therefore allow for improved protection of cultural and natural resources. However, alternatives 3 and 4 fail to take advantage of the interpretive, educational and recreational potential of this site. The lack of balance between protection and interpretation is the main reason for non-selection of these two alternatives.

Ottawa National Forest 23 Exhibit A

VISITOR ANALYSIS, INTEPRETIVE THEMES, AND DELIVERY MATRIX

VISITOR PROFILE

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan appeals to a wide variety of travelers. Most visitors to the Ottawa National Forest come from within one day's drive, most often from the major cities of Detroit, Green Bay, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. Regional research has shown that the majority of recreationists come from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. The forest is also extensively used by local residents. However, overall recreation use on the forest is light, approximately 2 million visitor days annually.

Even though the Forest's visitor center is only open from May through September each year, visitation has been approximately 25,000 per season. Increasing winter recreation in the region has prompted the Forest Service to upgrade the existing visitor center to provide for year-round operations.

Detailed demographic data has not been collected at the visitor center to give an official record of visitor characteristics.

Personal observations by front line staff indicate that the following are the most frequently asked questions about the Ottawa National Forest and surrounding region:

What are the points of interest of this area?

Where are primary waterfalls?

Where are the hiking trails, campgrounds, beaches, wildlife viewing opportunities, scenic roads, vistas, etc.? (i.e., recreation opportunities) Do you have maps of the area?

Flora and Fauna identification questions. (reflecting the. variety of things people see).

Where can we find a campground with hookups?

TARGET GROUPS

A target group is a definable group of people characterized by their activity interests. Three target are defined with individual subgroups and characteristics specified under each heading (Table I). These target groups have been adapted from those developed for the interpretive plan for the Great Divide Scenic Byway on the Chequamegon National Forest (Gross and Zimmerman 1991).

THEMES

THE NORWICH MINE: A REMOTE PIONEER TOWN ON THE EARLY

MINING FRONTIER

Themes organize information into a few coherent, memorable ideas. The main theme of the Norwich Mine interpretive effort evokes the remote setting, the pioneer settlement and the frontier concept.

Ottawa National Forest 24 Exhibit A

Table I : Target Groups

I. FAMILIES

I. With small children

2. With school-age children

I and 2. Parents will interpret for their children

I. Have limited time in one spot

I. Prefer large scale pictorial displays

I. Prefer recreational and hands-on activities

2. Prefer to be kept active

2. Some reading can be expected

II. INDIVIDUALS

I. Adults (16-60)

2. Senior Citizens (60+)

3. People with disabilities

I. Able to spend more time reading

I. Can assimilate sophisticated information

2. May not be able to walk or hike long distances

2. Need resting areas to sit

2. Limited access to some areas

3. Limited access to some areas

III.SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

I. Local residents (permanent)

2. Seasonal residents

3. Mining enthusiasts

4. Archaeological volunteers

5. Hikers

I. Have a special interest in the history of the area and the site.

2. Interested in secluded, undisturbed areas

2. Preference for subtle development

3. Have a special interest in mining history and technology

4. Have a special interest in archaeology

5. Interest in unique trail features and attractions

5. Enjoy the outdoors

This "umbrella" theme will be used to unify all the interpretive components. Six interrelated themes have been developed under this unifying theme that will guide specific interpretive efforts.

Theme I: An Isolated Existence.

This theme introduces the visitor to the remoteness of the site, and the effects of that remote setting G~ :he miners, mine officers, and families that lived here. It ties in several other concepts, such as the neec ;cr self

Ottawa National Forest 25 Exhibit A

DELIVERY MATRIX

Theme Message(s) Experience Target Media Groups

I. An Isolated Existence I. The mining communities To experience the feeling and All I. Brochure were very remote and isolated. effects of remoteness

2. Isolation led to efforts to be 2. Interpretive signs on self sufficient self-guided trail

3. Wayside on Norwich Road

2. The Need for a I. Mining sites were more than I. To learn about the presence All I. Brochure Community industrial facilities. they were of townsites also homes and communities.

2. The communities were 2. To understand the 2. Interpretive signs on organized. community structure self-guided trail

3. Early technology required a 3. To relate past lives to 3. Wayside on Norwich large workforce who needed modern experience Road homes for themselves and their families.

3. The Dawn of I. Early mining occurred during I. To see the remains of horse All I. Brochure Industrial Technology industrial revolution. powered hoists. steam technology was crude and labor powered stamp mills and intensive. hand-dug mines hafts

2. Technology imporved 2. To learn about the early 2. Interpretive signs on rapidly to boost profits and technology and understand the self-guided trail improve efficiency. making effort needed to mine and live some mines obsolete. at the site.

3. To understand the limitations of the early technology and experience the forces that led to improvement

'4. Pioneering Settlement I. These miners were the I. To see the miners as All I. Brochure of the Western Upper pioneer settlers of the western pioneers and the communities Peninsula Upper Peninsula as part of the frontier.

2. Interpretive signs on self-guided trail

5. Mining's I. Mining and settlement have I. To see the lasting effects of Families. I. Interpretive signs on Environmental· Legacy had lasting effects on the mining at stamp sand piles, Adults. self-guided trail environment. wetlands that had been Hikers man-made ponds. and even timber stands.

6. Archaeology: I. Archaeologists are learning I. To see archaeological Families. I. Visitation at active Learning. Preserving and about the history of the sites projects in progress. Adults. archaeological projects Interpreting Our through excavation. records Hikers.

Heritage and other research. Volunteers.

Mining enthusiasts

2. Forest Service 2. To develop an appreciation 2. Volunteering for archaeologists are working to for the importance and archaeological projects protect and interpret important irreplaceable nature of historic historic sites. sites.

3. Historic sites are important 3. To learn the latest 3. Interpretive signs on to understanding who we are. information concerning the site self-guided trail yet are in danger of as it is uncovered.

disappearing.

Ottawa National Forest 26 Exhibit A need for self sufficiency, the cost of transportation and the effects of that cost on the successand failure of the mining efforts at the site.

Theme 2: The Need for a Community.

This introduces the idea that mid-19th century mining was very labor intensive and required a number of workers. Along with the need for workers came the need to build a community in which the miners and their families could live. This also introduces the visitor to the layout of the community, where miners housing is found near the industrial portions of the site, while the houses and offices of the mine officials were located farther away from the noise and smoke of the mining and stamp milling facilities.

The road systems in place at the site can then be seen to tie these houses, offices and facilities together into a discrete and integrated "company town".

Theme 3: The Dawn of Industrial Technology.

The Norwich Mine Historic Site contains snapshots of the development of industrial technology from the early industrial revolution period until the early 20th century. The visitor will be introduced to that technology and to how it influenced the labor force needs, affected the environment, and how high operation costs caused by isolation led to the need to improve the technology and it's efficiency and productivity. This theme can also illustrate how technology unites mining history within the region, around the country and even worldwide.

Theme 4: Pioneering Settlement of the Western Upper Peninsula.

The development of mining in the western Upper Peninsula led to the first euroamerican settlement of inland areas in the region. The visitor will learn about this pioneering settlement, and how the need to provide resources to the mines led to the birth of the region's timber industry.

Theme 5: Mining's Environmental Legacy.

Settlement and mining technology both had lasting environmental effects, and this environmental legacy is well illustrated at the Norwich Mine Historic Site. The visitor will learn how modem wetlands were formed from the remains of man-made ponds that had been constructed to provide water for steam power, livestock, and human use. Visitors will see stamp sands left from the processing of copper ore where few plants grow even today. Even timber stands can show the legacy of settlement in areas where aspen dominate what had been agricultural fields and apple trees are still occasionally found.

Theme 6: Archaeology: Learning, Preserving and Interpreting Our Heritage.

This theme will allow the visitor to see the results of ongoing research and preservation efforts at the site, and to learn about the fragile and irreplaceable nature of heritage resources. It introduces the visitor to the concepts and techniques of archaeology, and shows a clear Forest Service presence in activities to preserve heritage resources for public benefit. This will be an especially dominant theme during Passport In Time public archaeology projects at the site and research efforts generated by Michigan Technological University.

Ottawa National Forest 27 Exhibit A

INTERPRETIVE PLAN

"Do not try to satisfyyour vanity by teaching agreat many things. Awaken people 5 curiosity.' It is enough to open minds,' do not overload them. Put there just a spark. If there is some good inflammable stuff, It will catch fire. " Anatole France

Four different approaches will be brought to the interpretation of the Norwich Mine Historic Site.

Each potentially reaches a different audience, while providing access to the interpretive program - if not to the site itself - to all potential audiences. These four approaches are: I) a self-guided interpretive trail with signs at the Ohio Trap Rock mine, 2) a wayside sign along the Norwich Road south of the bluff and north of the West Branch of the Ontonagon River, 3) a brochure or other popular publication, and 4) public archaeology projects under the Forest Service's Passport in Time program and in partnership with the Industrial Archaeology Program at Michigan Technological University that provide opportunities for the public to participate in research at the site.

SELF GUIDED INTERPRETIVE TRAIL

The primary interpretive facility will be the self-guided trail through the Ohio Trap Rock mine site. In addition to serving as the primary facility for interpretation, this trail will also be designed to: I) protect the natural and cultural features of the area by limiting and directing visitor access to the site, 2) avoid or minimize damage to the natural and cultural resources of the trail environment, 3) provide for visitor safety through design and through providing a clear expectation to the visitor of trail conditions, and 4) provide for relative ease of monitoring the natural and cultural resources of the trail environment and for ease of trail maintenance.

This facility will consist of two main parts. The first of these is the trailhead, parking lot…