Andrew Blair Howard

A classic tale of Federal Government overreach and intimidation. The Platte River has been a treasure for outdoor recreation in northern Michigan for generations. The National Park Service has targeted a 63 year old man, Andrew Blair Howard, for diverting the flow of the Platte River with a hand shovel despite no evidence of him being present at the time of the diversion. Park Rangers possess reports from 4 independent witnesses, with photos and videos, stating they witnessed other individuals dig the trench through the sandbar causing the river diversion, prior to Howards arrival. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Lake Township have advocated for keeping the Platte River mouth open at the currently diverted location. Citizens familiar with the Platte River history even question why the National Park Service has brought such a major legal case regarding the river diversion because it occurred in the same location of being annually dredged with an excavator for over 40 years. Howard is now facing potentially hundreds of thousands in fines, restitution, and legal fees, along with jail time, and is asking supporters to contribute to his ongoing legal battle with the National Park Service.