State park and recreation officials today announced the Michigan State Waterways Commission has approved a fee increase for boat passage through the Alanson (Crooked River) and Cheboygan locks.

The two locks are located on the popular Inland Waterway, which runs 38 miles from Crooked Lake near Petoskey through Mullett and Burt Lakes to the mouth of the Cheboygan River at Lake Huron.

Effective for the 2007 boating season, the seasonal pass for these two locks will increase from $30 to $45, and the daily passage fee will increase from $4 to $6.

The additional revenue will help fund needed repairs, and operational and maintenance costs of the two locks. The Alanson Lock is owned by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and is operated by the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division under a lease agreement.

The Cheboygan Lock opened for the season May 1. Following extensive repairs to the motors and drive shaft that operate its gates, the Alanson Lock is scheduled to reopen on weekends only beginning May 12 and will begin daily operation May 26.

The Inland Waterway winds through wetlands full of wildlife and several communities that offer a wide variety of amenities, including shopping, restaurants and sleeping accommodations, all within walking distance of local dockage. Staying overnight or day travel is a convenient, popular and pleasurable experience along the waterway. For more information, contact Gary Ellenwood, supervisor of the Parks and Recreation's Gaylord District at (906) 293-5131.