Eagle/Juno Access Inches Closer to Reality

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Published: 29 July 2013

By Louie Stout

The Michigan DNR’s proposed community park and boat access to Eagle and Juno lakes is moving through the system and gaining support - despite continued resistance from lakefront property owners.

The proposed development was approved by the Michigan Waterways Commission recently and now awaits final approval from the DNR Natural Resources Commission at its meeting Aug. 8.

But first, the DNR must present a preliminary review of its plans to the Ontwa Township Planning Commission Aug. 7.

Along with its blessing, the Waterways Commission recommended the DNR make the site fee-based, meaning users would have to purchase a recreation Passport sticker that also provides access to state parks, campgrounds and other fee-based boat launch sites.

Once the DNR Commission gives its approval, officials can finalize the $600,000 purchase from 1st Source Bank and start developing. The property sits across from the Eagle launch ramp and served as parking area for boaters before 1st Source Bank obtained it in a foreclosure. It consists of 9.62 acres on the east side of Eagle Lake Road.

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Michigan Cuts Antlerless Permits

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Published: 17 July 2013

(Provided by Michigan DNR)

The Michigan DNR will make approximately the same number of public-land antlerless deer licenses available to hunters this fall as last.

Private-land licenses, however, will decrease by about 25 percent, most significantly in southern Michigan.

The DNR will make 70,550 licenses available for public land, down slightly from last year’s 70,750. A total of 483,400 private-land licenses will be available, down from 637,900 in the 2012 season.

“An overall decrease in antlerless licenses was recommended in many deer management units (DMUs) in anticipation of increased adult deer mortality and low fawn recruitment due to the prolonged winter,” said DNR deer and elk program leader Brent Rudolph.

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