Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 2, 2009

Contacts: Lee Osterland 989-275-4622, Robin Pearson 989-732-3541 or
Mary Dettloff
517-335-3014

Au Sable River Canoe Landings Closing for Improvements

The Department of Natural Resources announced today that two popular canoe landings along the south branch and mainstream of the Au Sable River, east of Grayling in Crawford County, will be closed for improvements beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The improvements will impact the riverfront at the popular Castle rest stop located within the Mason Tract and Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground (SFCG). Rainbow Bend SFCG will remain open to camping during this time period. This initiative, funded with a grant from the Recreational Trails Program, will replace the existing docks at these sites and provide improved access.

“Boaters who are planning to paddle this segment of the river this fall should utilize other portage points to begin and end their trip,” said Lee Osterland, DNR Roscommon fire supervisor. “Caution should also be used while paddling past the two construction sites, as the state’s contractor will be working within the river channel to remove the old dock and to install the new docking structures.”

Questions concerning this closure may be directed to Osterland, at 989-275-4622, extension 2750, or DNR Recreation Specialist Robin Pearson, at 989-732-3541, extension 5045. Information regarding other paddling, camping, ORV riding, or hiking opportunities in Crawford County may be found on the DNR’s Web site at
www.michigandnr.com/parksand trails, or by calling either the DNR Roscommon Operations Service Center at 989-275-5151, or the DNR Gaylord Operations Service Center at 989-732-3541, both followed by extension “0” for the operator.

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, accessible use and enjoyment of the State’s natural resources for current and future generations.