MDNR Report
Torch River Ramp
Work on the planned Torch River Bridge Boating Access Site enhancement project – located at the mouth of Torch River on the south end of Torch Lake in Antrim County – will resume next week with a four-week site closure.
The site is anticipated to reopen by Labor Day weekend.
In 2020, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources purchased an additional 1.5 acres to enhance the boating access site. A design and engineering team was hired to develop and design a new site plan, which was informed by public feedback collected at a public meeting in June 2022. Site enhancements will include:
Torch River Plan
- New entrance/exit onto Southwest Torch Lake Drive.
- A new boat launch that includes one new skid pier and two launch lanes.
- The addition of vehicle-and-trailer and vehicle-only parking spaces.
- A new carry-down launch and vehicle-only parking spaces for kayakers, paddle boarders and canoers.
- A vault toilet.
- Paving of one parking lot and new sidewalks/crosswalks.
- Redesign of a gravel lot across from the paved boat launch.
During the closure, there are alternative sites that also provide access to Torch Lake, including the following DNR-managed sites:
- Lake Skegemog Boating Access Site.
- Torch River Boating Access Site.
- Eastport Boating Access Site.
"The goal of this project was to enhance the boating experience, particularly with regard to safely launching and retrieving watercraft," said Stephanie Rosinski, Traverse City and Leelanau state parks supervisor. "We're excited to bring this along awaited project to the public this summer."
This project is funded through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, a restricted fund derived from boat registration fees and Michigan gas tax for the construction, operation and maintenance of public recreational boating facilities.
Anyone planning to visit the Torch River Bridge Boating Access Site is encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures to view any anticipated changes to the reopening date.
For more details on the project, contact Stephanie Rosinski, Traverse City and Leelanau state parks supervisor, at 231-922-5270 or RosinskiS@Michigan.gov.