Ishpeming’s Lake Angeline, which is used by many Upper Peninsula residents for boating and fishing. (Journal file photo)

By ALEXANDRIA

BOURNONVILLE

Journal Staff Wrtier

ISHPEMING–Access to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources boat launch at Lake Angeline has been restored.

A DNR work crew spread gravel Thursday to create an alternative road entrance to the site, according to a department press release. The alternative road was built along an old U.S. Steel easement.

The issue first came to light when someone posted a photo on Facebook of the road to the boat launch, which had been gated off.

DNR deputy public information officer John Pepin confirmed that the owner of a parcel near the boating access site in Ishpeming erected a cattle-style gate to block entry.

The road to the site is bordered by several residential properties.

The property has been under dispute since the DNR obtained ownership of it from Cliffs Forest Products in 1984.

The state held the parcel until 1994, when its access was severed due to objections from surrounding residents.

The adjacent property owners alleged the state was dumping trash on their easement.

In 2014, the DNR took back ownership of the parcel it lost in the 1990s. The public boat launch was built in 2015.

Officials said real estate easement negotiations have resumed with the property owner as the DNR looks for an alternative entry.

Pepin said DNR officials talked to the owner of the property, who reported concerns about safety, liability and trespassing. As of Wednesday, the owner agreed to leave his gate open for boaters and anglers.

While negotiations continue, the DNR work crew spread gravel along an old U.S. Steel easement to create an alternative entry road.

The public is urged to respect private property surrounding the access site and to keep the area clean.

Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 506. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.