Department of Natural Resources state parks and recreation officials today announced that four separate access sites in the Lower Peninsula will undergo construction in July. DURING CONSTRUCTION ALL FOUR ACCESS SITES WILL BE CLOSED.

In Montcalm County, construction on the Dickerson Lake access site is scheduled to begin July 7 and continue until July 18. A complete redevelopment of this site will include ramp replacement, a new parking lot and a new Americans with Disabilities Act accessible vault toilet. Currently, cars at this access site have been parking on the grass.

Also in Montcalm County, construction on the Derby Lake access site begins July 21 and is scheduled for completion around Aug. 1. Similar work is planned for this site, including the addition of a skid pier.

During the construction on Dickerson and Derby lakes, anglers are advised that Nevins and Clifford lakes are within a five-minute drive. For construction updates on Derby and Dickinson lakes, contact the DNR's Flat River Field Office at (616) 794-0250.

In Grand Traverse County, the Lake Skegemog access site will be closed July 14-25. Construction at this site includes a ramp replacement, dredging the boat launch basin and a new skid pier. Until repairs are complete at Lake Skegemog, boaters and anglers can find alternative launching at the Whitewater Township Park on Elk Lake. This ramp is operated by the township and there is a cost of $5 to launch for the day or $40 for an annual pass. For updates on Lake Skegemog, contact the DNR's Grawn Field Office at (231) 263-7905.

In Lapeer County, construction on the Big Fish Lake access site, located in the Ortonville Recreation Area, begins July 21 and is scheduled for completion by the end of the month. Ramp replacement is necessary at this site to remove a blow-out area at the end of the existing ramp, which likely has resulted from power loading boats onto trailers. This is the only access site at Big Fish Lake. Residents who live on the lake are encouraged to have their boats in the water before work begins July 21. Other anglers and boaters should contact the Ortonville Recreation Area at (810) 797-4439 for construction updates and to learn about public access to other lakes in the area.

These projects are being accomplished with monies from the Michigan State Waterways Fund, which is made up of watercraft registration fees and gasoline taxes collected in Michigan. Under state law, these funds can be used only for the construction, operation and maintenance of recreational boating facilities, harbors and inland waterways.