Orchard Lake boating access site to close for repairs

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Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 27, 2012

Contact: Jodi Nieschulz, 248-682-7323 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014

 

Orchard Lake boating access site to temporarily close Sept. 4 for repairs

The Department of Natural Resources announced today that construction has begun at the Orchard Lake boating access site in Oakland County. The site will close temporarily on Sept. 4 and remain closed until mid-October in order to reconstruct the site.

Jodi Nieschulz, supervisor at Dodge #4 State Park, said, “While the site will be closed during construction, every attempt will be made to keep it open on the weekends when feasible.” Nieschulz recommended calling Dodge #4 State Park at 248-682-7323 for construction updates. Signs notifying boaters of the specific dates of the closures will be posted at the boating access site prior to the shut-down date. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of October.

The construction project includes redesigning the launch area for increased maneuverability, paving the driveways and parking lot, increasing accessibility and adding landscaping. The landscaping will consist of native species and an eco-friendly rain garden that will absorb run-off before it reaches the lake. Bio-logs will help ensure shoreline stabilization.

This project is funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from the collection of boat registration fees, a portion of the Michigan marine fuel tax and user fees. Waterways funding is dedicated to the acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities.

This is the only public access site on Orchard Lake. Other DNR boat launches are located nearby on Cass Lake and Union Lake. For details on the project, contact DNR Parks and Recreation Division unit supervisor Jodi Nieschulz, 248-682-7323.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport. For information on Passport Perks shopping discounts or how businesses and retailers can enroll in the program, visit www.michigan.gov/passportperks.


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.