Michigan Man Convicted of Illegally Diverting Platte River into Great Lake

Andrew Howard was convicted of tampering and vandalism for diverting the Platte River in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to create easier boat access to Lake Michigan. His actions caused the river to create a new channel to the lake, leading to increased fishing activity. Howard's attorney did not respond to requests for comment, and U.S. Attorney Mark Totten stated that Howard took matters into his own hands due to a policy dispute with the National Park Service, which no longer dredges the river, leading to sediment and sand buildup.