Plans to expand Boyne Mountain Resort through the addition of glamping-style cabins and related amenities have drawn public attention and debate in Charlevoix County, particularly around environmental stewardship, public access, and regulatory oversight tied to a hydroelectric dam on the Boyne River.
Boyne USA, Inc., the operator of Boyne Mountain Resort, previously held a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to operate a hydroelectric dam near a 68-acre reservoir on the Boyne River from 1982 through 2022.
The company is now seeking a 30-year extension of that license, a request that remains under federal review. The dam and surrounding land are located in Boyne Valley Township, where township officials approved zoning changes and development plans related to the resort in recent years.
In May 2023, Boyne Valley Township approved a broader expansion proposal for the resort that included small cabins, a historical presentation area, and a spa.
As part of that process, the township rezoned 18 parcels near the river to a resort mixed-use designation, allowing for future development such as lodging, restaurants, and retail. In April 2024, township officials approved six glamping-style cabin units along Addis Road and nine additional units on 600 Dam Road.
The conservation group Friends of the Boyne River has raised concerns about the environmental effects of the dam and the implications for public access to the river and reservoir.
Brian Kozminski, a member of the group, told UpNorthLive, “My main concern as an angler and activist and conservationist: This river doesn’t have a voice. That fish that’s right there doesn’t have a voice and we need to be advocates for the resource.”
He also commented on the broader impact of dams, stating, “Rivers are kind of like blood in our bodies. Dams act as a blood clot and they slowdown that progress, causing stagnation and eventually all they do is back up sediment and cause issues with the rest of the river.”
Kozminski emphasized that Friends of the Boyne River does not oppose cabin development on land owned by Boyne Mountain but remains focused on ensuring continued public access.
“You can’t take a public resource such as a river and privatize it for monetary benefit,” he said, later adding, “The river belongs to all of us as citizens of the state of Michigan. We’re passionate about the river. It’s the reason why many of us live up here.”
Boyne Valley Township Supervisor Lynn Sparks said the township’s role has been limited to zoning review. In a statement, Sparks noted that the township followed its zoning ordinance and review procedures, and that zoning approval “is generally the first step in the overall process” and does not guarantee construction.
The statement also said regulation of waterways falls outside the township’s jurisdiction and is governed by other agencies.
Federal records show that public access to the dam area has been required under past licensing conditions, though Boyne Mountain has previously been found non-compliant with certain recreational access requirements. In 2024, Rep. Jack Bergman requested that FERC remove the public access requirement, citing safety, liability, and environmental concerns.
Boyne Mountain declined an interview but provided a statement from CEO Stephen Kircher, who said, “Our family’s connection to this land began more than 70 years ago,” and emphasized long-term stewardship and future review processes. Federal regulators continue to process the re-licensing request.
For campground, glamping, and RV park operators, the situation highlights the importance of understanding how zoning approvals, environmental regulations, and federal licensing processes intersect. It also underscores how public access requirements and community engagement can influence project timelines and public perception when developing near sensitive natural resources.