The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that the East Houghton Lake boating access site ramp, which provides access to Houghton Lake and is located in Markey Township (Roscommon County), temporarily is closed to vehicles.

The DNR surveyed the site and determined that the combination of vehicle traffic and ice likely caused the ramp planks to lift. As a result, vehicles will be welcome to enter the East Houghton Lake boating access site, but will not be permitted to take vehicles on the boat ramp. The parking lot will be plowed and accessible by foot.

Anglers are encouraged to use one of two alternate DNR boating access sites on Houghton Lake:

• South Houghton Lake boating access site, located on Townline Road, north of M-55.
• West Houghton Lake boating access site, located north of M-55 on Old U.S. 27.

"DNR construction crews will make repairs as soon as weather and conditions allow," said Rachel Roberts, supervisor of South Higgins Lake State Park. "Since Houghton Lake is the largest inland lake and very popular for ice fishing, making these repairs is a high priority for the DNR."

It is recommended that anyone planning to visit East Houghton Lake boating access site visit www.michigan.gov/dnrclosures for updates on an anticipated reopening date. Additional information on closures and trail detours in DNR facilities, including state trails, boat launches, parks and campgrounds, also are listed on this page.

For more information, contact Rachel Roberts at 989-821-6374 or robertsr1@michigan.gov. Information on additional boating resources is available at www.michigan.gov/boating.

Contact: Rachel Roberts, 989-821-6374