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Officials have announced the large sand dune that trapped a 6-year-old boy under 11 feet of sand last summer will remain closed this summer and perhaps into the fall while scientists investigate the its safety, our news partner WNDU reported.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s superintendent, Garry Traynham, said the decision was made after more holes were found in the Mount Baldy dune, WNDU reported. Mount Baldy, its parking lot, trail and beach will be closed, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Investigators planned to continue studying developing holes into the summer and through the fall.
Acting Superintendent Garry Traynham said that Mt. Baldy attracts thousands of visitors each year and is one of their most popular sites, but that they must focus on public safety.
“[T]he continued development of these holes in the dune surface poses a serious risk to the public,” Traynham said. “Our first obligation must be to the welfare of our visitors who are here for an enjoyable outing.”
The EPA has found more holes below the surface, but what researchers are trying to figure out is how they form.
Over the summer, scientists planned to map openings, depressions, and such features using Ground-Penetrating Radar. While researchers continue their investigation, park managers will be planting marram grass on some of Mt. Baldy to hold sand in place and prevent future holes from opening on the dune.
Agencies/Canadajournal
