The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that the West Higgins Lake boating access site, which accesses Higgins Lake and is located in Roscommon County, will be closed to accommodate a boat ramp replacement project that is scheduled to begin Sept. 5, the day after Labor Day.

The boating access site is located on the west side of the lake, off of West Higgins Lake Drive between county roads Harrots and Leslie avenues.

Site improvements include the removal of the current six-row boat ramp that measures 96 feet wide by 60 feet long, and replacing it with a larger six-row ramp measuring 108 feet wide by 60 feet long. Construction is expected to last roughly seven weeks, with an anticipated Oct. 19 reopening date.

For the duration of the project, boaters are encouraged to use one of three alternate Higgins Lake boating access sites, which are located at North Higgins Lake State Park, South Higgins Lake State Park and Gerrish Township Community Park and Marina.

"This upgrade to the West Higgins Lake boat launch is much needed at this time," said Josh Pellow, North Higgins Lake State Park manager. "The current concrete ramp planks on the south side of the ramp have started to deteriorate, and the replacement project will create a safe ingress and egress for Higgins Lake boat traffic."

It is recommended that anyone planning to visit the West Higgins Lake boating access site visit www.michigan.gov/dnrclosures to view any anticipated changes to the reopening date. Additional information on closures and trail detours in DNR facilities, including state trails, boat launches, parks and campgrounds, also are listed on this page.

This project is funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund. The restricted fund, which is derived from boat registration fees and the Michigan marine fuel tax, helps fund the construction, operation and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities.

For more information, contact Josh Pellow at 989-821-6125 or pellowj@michigan.gov. Information on additional boating resources is available at www.michigan.gov/boating.

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: Josh Pellow, 989-821-6125