The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is keeping boating access sites plowed at more than two dozen Upper Peninsula ice-fishing locations, including in Delta and Schoolcraft counties.

Various local partners assist the DNR with the program. The DNR enters into agreements with partners to plow the access sites, which are primarily managed for recreational boating.

“This program has been a big help in maintaining public access to hard water resources throughout the wintertime,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer. “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.”

Lakes where boating access sites are being plowed include Little Bay de Noc (Kipling) in Delta County and McDonald Lake and Indian Lake in Schoolcraft County.

An evaluation takes place each spring to assess several things, including how often the plowed sites are used and whether damage occurs to the access ramps.