06/28/2006

News in brief

DNR eyes property for boating access

FROM STAFF REPORTS

CHARLEVOIX — The state is planning to buy property for a future boating access site on a small lake in western Charlevoix County.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking at two parcels on East Twin Lake in Marion Township that have been seized by the county in foreclosures. The state's Natural Resources Commission will consider purchasing the two properties for a combined $76,000 at its July meeting.

Approval would be step one in a likely long process, said spokeswoman May Dettloff. If the state buys the land, funding for improvements — likely a paved parked area and a boat ramp — would have to go through a legislative allocation process.

"This whole process could take anywhere from two years, I'm told. That would be best case scenario," Dettloff said.

Marion Township clerk Tim Matchett said he hadn't heard of the DNR's plan. He said East Twin Lake is less than 100 acres and has no public access.