The Michigan State Police will quadruple its presence at the Torch Lake sandbar this summer over the Fourth of July - an enhanced enforcement effort that will be mirrored by stepped-up patrols from local agencies.

Kalkaska Sheriff Pat Whiteford said his department will increase its staffing at the lake by 25 percent this year, while the DNR Law Enforcement division is doubling their resources during the holiday. The Antrim County Sheriff's Office "will provide the majority of the watercraft enforcement through their marine patrol," says Whiteford.

The beefed-up patrols come in the wake of a recent court ruling barring Beatbox Beverages and other party promoters from throwing sandbar parties at the lake. The ruling was the result of a Torch Lake Protection Alliance lawsuit against the promoters alleging that thousands of revelers trashed the lake, violated noise and other local ordinances, and trespassed on private property during a Fourth of July blowout last summer.

"Law enforcement supports the TLPA's efforts in bringing forth the lawsuit to ensure that businesses and organizations comply with licensing regulations before promoting or attending an event such as the Fourth of July weekend on Torch Lake," says Whiteford. "Even with the ruling in favor of the TLPA, we expect and are preparing for attendance numbers to be similar to those in 2015." 

The sheriff says the decision to increase law enforcement presence this year is "to further ensure the safety of property and life throughout the event."

"We would like to see Torch Lake and the surrounding area be used in an environmentally and respectful manner in which all citizens and visitors may enjoy (it) now and in years to come," says Whiteford.

Photo credit: U.S. Coast Guard Traverse City