October 17th; I received this response from the Michigan DNR's legal advisor:
"Mr. Harrington,
We are in receipt of your “formal appeal” to the Director regarding this matter.
The DNR has no formal appeal mechanism with respect to such matters, and the Executive Division of the Department has been working closely with the Wildlife Division regarding your request and participated in the final decision that was made.
That being said, Sara Thompson, Wildlife Division Chief, has continued to bring your situation forward and has begun working with me to take a closer look at this and to, perhaps, come up with some solutions.
I am exploring a few things on this side. I’ll be in touch once I’ve talked to a few more folks.
Joel Gerring
Legal Advisor"
His response has me feeling more optimistic that this is being seriously considered.
Additionally, this topic has been covered by the Traverse City Record-Eagle:
I am very hopeful this boosts awareness and urges decision-makers to cooperate with the effort. In addition to the publically owned and maintained airstrip, there are also already picnic benches existing around the campground at North Fox Island...