The Department of Natural Resources announced today that renovations to Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground in Ogemaw County are scheduled to begin late June. These improvements, funded with grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Recreational Trail Program and the Off-Road Vehicle Program, are scheduled to be completed by June 2009.

The improvements will be sequenced so that the campground may remain open for use during this season.

"This phased effort will enable us to keep 15 to 19 sites open for campers to use this summer," said Lee Osterland, DNR forest fire officer supervisor for the Roscommon Management Unit. "A new camping loop containing seven new campsites will be completed first. Opening these sites before starting renovations to the existing sites will allow us to maintain the current level of camping opportunities for 2008."

Once improvements are completed, the campground will have a total of 25 sites -- an increase of six sites. Other improvements include realignment and upgrades to the campground road, realignment and enlargement of campsites to improve privacy and access, development of walking access routes to amenities like vault toilets and hand pump, and the installation of a new concrete boat launch ramp and boat-trailer parking.

Questions concerning the improvements at Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground may be directed to Brenda Curtis, DNR forest recreation planner in the Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division, at 517 373 6260. Information about other camping opportunities can be found on the DNR's Web site at www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails, or by contacting the DNR Cadillac Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727, extension "0" for the operator.