Eagle Lake public access site land purchased

[djkimmel]

I don't have specific details altogether yet but I did talk to MDNR Parks Division chief Ron Olson at Outdoorama this weekend to confirm the MDNR has already purchased the 2nd set of properties on Eagle Lake.

They will be proceeding with development of the 16 trailer parking site with 2 ramps giving access to all 4 lakes. The MDNR was really happy the way all the various groups came together this 2nd time around to support the new ramp site. There was even a 250+ signature petition from locals around the lake supporting the new public access site. Probably why the local zoning board of appeals voted 4-3 in favor of the site as meeting their zoning.

If I get any final plans and more details on timelines I will share them. Thanks to those of you who went to the meetings. Thanks to Louie Stout. Thanks to MUCC, the Steelheaders and walleye groups, both Michigan bass federations and all the groups and individuals who spoke in favor of this new boat ramp. I think we've won this one.

No word yet if the lake association plans on wasting anymore tax money trying to keep the public off public lakes. Hopefully they realize this one is going to get built and the public has the right to have good access to public lakes.

[mikesmiph]

A big step in the right direction. Great job to everyone involved.

[bob o]

wow good news from the state. it looks like a nice little chain, eagle looks shallow from google earth anyway. keep us posted on "opening day" at eagle

[21XDC]

Cool.... I love fishing "New" water 

[djkimmel]

It will be four total lakes between the ramp on Eagle Lake, and the ramp on the canal will give access to Juno, Christiana and Painter Lakes. That was the last plan I saw anyway. No idea when it will be done and ready to go, but fast would be nice for the anglers in that area.

[21XDC]

It doesn't look like the canal it navigable to Eagle from Christina lk. I assume they will fix that.

http://binged.it/1duReSa

[djkimmel]

No - there's a small tube most boats won't go through (maybe none? don't recall how small I was told it is), but the new boat ramp design includes two ramps - one on Eagle Lake and one on the back side of the site going into the canal directly so you can get to the other 3 lakes.

You would have to make a choice when you launch of which lake(s) you want to fish. Wow! How many ramps can you launch into two different choices from the same parking lot?

I think I already loaded the plan up on another thread on here but I've attached the one-page summary DRAFT conceptual site layout here in PDF form. This is draft not final but I wouldn't expect a big change barring some unexpected complication before they start building (which can happen with boat ramp site acquisition...).

It even includes a small shore fishing area with a few non-trailer parking spots. Considering lack of public access for all types of anglers is a major contributing factor cited in the decline of participation, retention and recruitment of anglers I believe including shore fishing options is very important whenever remotely possible.