The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced they will continue to ensure access to boating sites through their plowing program this winter season. (Photo courtesy of Marshall Kemppainen)

ESCANABA – In Delta County, ice fishing is a winter tradition for residents and visitors alike. Anglers rely on dependable access to the ice, especially after heavy lake-effect snow.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has strengthened winter access to boating sites through a plowing program that keeps local waterways open throughout the winter season.

The program, launched as a pilot in 2021, maintains access at more than two dozen popular Upper Peninsula ice fishing locations. The DNR partners with local organizations and volunteers to plow sites, which are primarily managed for recreational boating.

“The Michigan Waterways Program – that’s the program that builds and maintains boating access sites – is paid by user fees, so boat registrations and that sort of thing,” said Doug Rich, DNR Parks and Recreation Division western U.P. district supervisor.

“By legislation (in Michigan), the DNR is basically restricted other than to spend money on motorized boating.”

Because of these restrictions, winter plowing relies on local volunteers, who help maintain access “out of the goodness of their hearts,” Rich said.

“This winter plowing partnership is one of the ways we can (provide) additional services to the community – to have these (access sites) plowed out by someone locally to have ice fishing access,” said Rich.

Each spring, the DNR evaluates several aspects of the program, including how often the plowed sites are used and whether damage occurs to the access ramps.

John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer, emphasized the program’s value in a news release:

“This program has been a big help in maintaining public access to hard water resources throughout the wintertime. Those using the access sites should keep ice safety in mind and take extra caution not to damage any boating infrastructure, like docks or boat landing surfaces, at these locations.”

This winter, local partners will again assist in keeping access sites open across the U.P.

Locations to have boating access sites plowed this winter include:

– Baraga County: Vermilac Lake, Silver River

– Chippewa County: Munuscong Lake

– Delta County: Little Bay de Noc (Kipling)

– Dickinson County: Lake Louise

– Iron County: Indian Lake, Swan Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Emily, Lake Ellen

– Keweenaw County: Gratiot Lake, Lake Medora, Lake Bailey

– Luce County: Little Lake Harbor, Kak’s Lake, Big Manistique Lake

– Mackinac County: South Big Manistique Lake, North Big Manistique Lake, Milakokia Lake, Millecoquins Lake

– Marquette County: Lake Michigamme, Greenwood Reservoir, Big Shag Lake, Schweitzer Creek Flowage

– Schoolcraft County: McDonald Lake, Indian Lake

Those interested in partnering with the DNR to expand winter plowing can contact Stacy Welling-Haughey at wellings1@michigan.gov or 906-228-6561.