Friday, August 29, 2014

Onaway State Park boat launch to close Sept. 7-27 for construction

Onaway State Park boat launch to close Sept. 7-27 for construction

The Department of Natural Resources today announced that the boat launch at Onaway State Park, in Presque Isle County, will be closed Sept. 7-27 in order for staff to complete renovations.

The project will focus on reorienting the single-lane launch to provide for better maneuverability and easier retrieval of boats.

"The way the launch is oriented now makes backing a trailer into the launch area difficult," said Jeremy Spell, park supervisor at Onaway and Aloha state parks. "The existing launch also requires boats to get too close to the rock jetty, which causes congestion on busy boating days."

Spell said that reorienting the ramp at Onaway State Park will kick the skid pier out away from the rock jetty, making it easier for those retrieving boats to tie up while they get their vehicles - and still maintain an open lane for someone launching a boat.

"We understand this is an inconvenience to many of the boaters in the area and we ask for your patience as we work to improve the launch for everyone's use and enjoyment," Spell added.

The repairs at this site are supported through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from boat registration fees and a portion of the Michigan marine fuel tax for the construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities, harbors and inland waterways.

While the construction work is in progress, boaters are encouraged to seek other launching opportunities in the area. Additional boat launch, harbor and marina information is available in Michigan's Recreational Boating Information System.

Seasonal boaters planning to remove their boats for the season are encouraged to do so before the Onaway State Park launch closes Sept. 7.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.


Contact: Jeremy Spell, 231-625-2522