Click here to view an conceptual illustration of the DNR’s proposed access site.

Not surprisingly, the Eagle Lake Improvement Association has stepped up efforts to block a proposed public access site and community park for Eagle/Juno lakes.

Attorneys for The Eagle Lake Improvement Association filed objections with the Michigan DNR prior to its presentation to the Michigan Waterways Commission, prompting Michigan Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson to postpone the project.

While this doesn’t mean it’s dead, the association’s interference does create delays in the DNR’s option to purchase the land from First Source Bank.

The project would provide badly needed launching facilities to two of southwest Michigan’s most popular fishing lakes, Eagle and the Juno Chain, not to mention offer shore fishing for children and families around a pond located on the land parcel.

The DNR’s plan would improve the appearance and functionality of the site, but the association doesn’t want to hear about that.

It made it clear during the meeting that it wants to limit – if not prevent - public access to the lake. In the attorney’s letter to the DNR, the association contends Ontwa Township officials did not vote before authorizing its approval for the project and that the land in question is not properly zoned to allow the new facility.

DNR Lands Program Manager Paul Yauk, who spearheaded the land acquisition, said his team had garnered support from township and county officials who saw the merit in providing a first-class site and access to the lakes.

However, the association’s opposition apparently prompted DNR executives to put the plan on hold.

Yauk plans to meet with township officials to resolve the issues raised by the attorneys and believes there is still time to meet the deadline with First Source Bank to complete the $600,000 acquisition.

The DNR proposal includes several amenities that would benefit the community as well as lake visitors as noted in a conceptual illustration provided this week by the DNR.

The concept includes a boat washing station to be used prior to launching, public restrooms, a shelter building and a public fishing pond and fishing pier. Access would be handicap accessible.

The DNR also wants to add a boat launch on the channel leading to the Juno Chain and construct a safer and improved Eagle Lake launching ramp. The new ramp would be added south of the existing, dilapidated ramp and positioned where it would offer better views of oncoming traffic. Trailer parking on the proposed development across from the ramp would accommodate 25 rigs for Eagle and 10 for Juno.

If the association is successful in preventing the DNR from completing the purchase, it won’t set well with sportsmen and nearby businesses who have worked hard with the DNR to develop a quality site.

“I’m extremely disappointed that the Eagle Lake Association chose not to work with the DNR in a positive fashion,” said Kevin Claire, general manager of Lunker’s in Edwardsburg. “This project has the potential to be a huge benefit to not only Lunker’s, but many other retailers in the area.”

Darrin Schaap, owner of Clear H20 Tackle near the Juno Chain, added that the project would be a tremendous asset and improvement for the community.

“It would give the public (even lakefront owners) access to a public resource as well as beautify a vacant, depreciating property,” he said. “As a business owner and lifetime resident of Edwardsburg, this can only help. I hope that the DNR holds course and is able to make it happen.”