MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is continuing a successful program begun in 2021 to keep boating access sites plowed at more than two dozen popular Upper Peninsula ice-fishing locations, including several locations in the Keweenaw Waterway.

“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.”

Various local partners have again agreed to assist the DNR with the program to ensure access to ice fishing opportunities in the U.P. are available consistently during snow conditions.

The nearly 30 locations — situated across 10 of the U.P.’s 15 counties — are DNR boating access sites managed for recreational boating.

The DNR enters into agreements with partners to plow the access sites for the winter.

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

Local sites to have boating access plowed this winter include Vermilac Lake and Silver River in Baraga County and Gratiot Lake, Lake Medora and Lake Bailey in Keweenaw County.

Anyone interested in partnering with the DNR to keep more access sites plowed for winter access, should contact Stacy Welling-Haughey at WellingS1@Michigan.gov or 906-228-6561.

For more information on places to fish in Michigan, visit the DNR’s website at Michigan.gov/Fishing.