Published: June 24, 2008 08:00 pm      

GT Bay designated as underwater preserve

TRAVERSE CITY -- Grand Traverse Bay and nearby areas of Lake Michigan have been designated as Michigan's 12th underwater preserve.

The state Department of Environmental Quality recently announced the designation, which supporters have sought for three years. The Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve Council says it will generate millions of tourist dollars by attracting recreational scuba divers and underwater researchers.

The declaration is meant to promote the location and protection of shipwrecks and artifacts on the lake bottoms.