VISION STATEMENT
“Restore, preserve and protect the integrity of the natural environment, including its inhabitants, yet allow managed public use for generations to come”.
The Brown Bridge Quiet Area is located on the Boardman River, a State designated Natural River, approximately 11 miles southeast of Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan. The Quiet Area is owned by the City of Traverse City and managed by Grand Traverse Conservation District. In 1921, Brown Bridge Dam was built by what is now known as Traverse City Light and Power (TCL&P). This facility produced electricity until the fall of 2006 when TCL&P relinquished their license to operate three dams on the Boardman, including Brown Bridge. The backwaters of the Dam form the 191-acre Brown Bridge Pond that offers great opportunities for fishing, no wake boating, and wildlife observation.
The Brown Bridge Quiet area encompasses 1,310 acres of land. A variety of natural community types can be found within the Quiet Area; they range from an emergent marsh to a dry northern forest. Five known species of endangered, threatened, or special concern status have been documented at the Brown Bridge Quiet Area. They include: bald eagles, osprey, red-shouldered hawks, common loons, and wood turtles. Please be careful not to disturb these animals.
Designated trails run throughout the core area of the property (see trail map) and vary in distance and difficulty. Trails north of the pond offer hikes through a dry-mesic northern forest, with opportunities to explore a shrub thicket and conifer swamp to the west or a hardwood-conifer swamp, emergent marsh, and wet meadow to the east. Boardwalks and wildlife overlooks are scattered throughout the area to allow you to enjoy the scenery and ample wildlife. Trails south of the pond traverse dry-mesic northern forests and hardwood-conifer swamps. In order to maintain the integrity of the natural state of the Quiet Area, we ask that you abide by the following rules and regulations.
- Park only in designated areas.
- Stay on marked trails.
- No bicycles, off-road vehicles, or horses are permitted on the trails.
- Dogs must be under control at all times.
- Large group use is discouraged.
- No camping or fires are allowed on the premises.
- Pack out all garbage and litter or place in designated trash receptacles.
- Hunting and Trapping is prohibited in the core area. State regulated hunting and trapping is allowed outside the core of the Quiet Area. Grasshopper Creek is by permit only- contact the city clerks’ office.
- Enjoy the beauty of wild plants & animals, but leave them undisturbed for all to enjoy.
For more information on hunting regulations, visit the City of Traverse City's website.
Tags: brown bridge pond, brown bridge quiet area, hiking, parkland, trails