By Louie Stout

Eagle/Juno lake anglers have reason to smile.

Their prayers have been answered.

An abandoned property on the east end of Eagle will be converted into a quality boating/fishing access with parking and boat launches to serve both of the popular waterways.

The Michigan DNR has agreed with First Source Bank to purchase the former Dock Property near Edwardsburg and develop it into a multiple public access facility.

Preliminary plans include a parking area for the Eagle Lake boat launch, development of the pond located on the property into a family fishing site, and a boat launch on the channel leading to Christiana Lake and the Juno Chain.

The state’s bid to purchase the 9.62-acre property from First Source Bank was accepted last week. The closing likely won’t occur until this fall - after the DNR complies with state regulations regarding such purchases - and will be paid for with DNR funds.

The property has changed hands over the years but remained open for public parking until two years ago when it was obtained by First Source Bank.

As a result, there has been limited, roadside-only parking for Eagle boaters who launch on the ramp at the east end of the lake.

“We will work closely with the township, county and boaters to create a quality facility with access to Eagle, Juno, Christiana and Painter lakes,” said DNR spokesman Paul Yauk. “We also want to provide public fishing in the pond there for parents and grandparents to teach youths how to fish.”

Yauk said development won’t begin until sometime next year and hopes it will be completed by the end 2014 fishing season.

The purchase, he added, has been a long process but was initiated by some 350 supporters who signed petitions at the Trading Post and Lunker’s, two tackle retailers in Edwardburg.

“That indicated that there was a tremendous interest and a need for this project,” Yauk added.

The DNR has held discussions with Cass County and Ontwa Township officials who lent support for the project.

The next step, however, is a public meeting that Yauk hopes to be scheduled sometime in May.

“We will work with the community to develop the layout and incorporate these outdoor recreation elements,” Yauk said.

Eagle (400 acres) is the fourth largest lake in Cass County. The lake flows under Eagle Lake Road and down a channel along the north side of the property and into Christiana Lake (179). Juno (190) and Painter lakes (92) are accessible by boat from Christiana.

The DNR currently oversees a recently renovated, yet poorly designed launch ramp on Juno that offers limited parking. Yauk said the proposed launch on the Christiana channel would provide more access to the lake and the Juno access would remain open.

The DNR also plans to stock the small pond on the purchased property, although the former restaurant building on the land will be demolished.

“We may keep some building’s elements, such as the stone fireplace and maybe use the existing restroom plumbing to create modern bathroom facilities,” Yauk said.

Meanwhile, news of the DNR acquisition brought happiness to nearby businessmen and anglers.

“This is tremendous news and a great opportunity for sportsmen,” said Kevin Claire of Lunker’s. “I’m 61 years old and there hasn’t been one new access added in Cass County in my lifetime. It’s great to see the DNR step up and provide such a tremendous facility for the anglers in this part of the state.”

Edwardsburg angler Mickey Thomas, who said he’s fished the Juno/Eagle lakes for 35 years, cited the DNR’s efforts as “a tremendous opportunity to promote fishing and give people here and from outside our community a facility in which they can enjoy these great fishing waters.”

“Kid fishing is growing and this is a place to teach them as well as provide boaters a safe place to park,” said Thomas. “What we have there now is next to nothing, so this will become a tremendous asset.”