1:22 Many ice fishermen in the Upper Peninsula wish their favorite lakes were easier to access in the winter.
A new pilot program from the Michigan DNR is addressing that challenge.
Landings and parking areas at more than two dozen U.P. lakes are being consistently plowed this winter as part of the program.
The Michigan DNR got creative to make it happen.
It’s partnering with several different volunteer groups who are helping to clear the landings for ice fishermen.
“It hooks up bait shops and county road commissions and other governmental entities that are volunteering to help plow out 26 sites in ten of the Upper Peninsula’s 15 counties,” said Michigan DNR spokesman John Pepin.
DNR to keep access sites plowed at 26 popular U.P. ice fishing spots
Updated Jan 12, 2021;
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A new program will ensure that boating access sites at more than two dozen popular Upper Peninsula ice-fishing locations will remain plowed this winter.
The pilot program organized by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and various local partners was created to make sure that ice-fishing opportunities in the U.P. are available consistently during winter.
The 26 locations – situated across 10 of the U.P.’s 15 counties – are DNR boating access sites managed for recreational boating.
“Because we have had continued requests from the public to maintain access throughout the winter, we’ve partnered with a number of entities to assist with plowing for winter access,” said Zack Bishop, a DNR Parks and Recreation Division unit supervisor.
MARQUETTE The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has organized a pilot program to keep boating access sites plowed this winter at more than two dozen
New MI DNR Program to Clear Boat Access Site for Ice Fishing
The Michigan DNR has a new pilot program aimed at keeping ice fishing access clear in the Upper Peninsula.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has developed a new pilot program that will help keep boating access sites plowed this winter for those trying to ice-fish. The program will keep the boating access sites at 26 locations plowed over the winter to allow easier access to the popular ice-fishing spots.
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Because we have had continued requests from the public to maintain access throughout the winter, we’ve partnered with a number of entities to assist with plowing for winter access.We have entered into agreements with each partner to try this concept for one year. Depending on the success of the pilot program, we may or may not continue it into next winter.said Zack Bishop, a DNR Parks and Recreation Division Unit Supervisor.