Department of Natural Resources state park and recreation officials today announced the Crooked River (Alanson) Lock is officially open for the 2009 boating/fishing season.

All repairs have been completed, and the DNR has received approval from the Army Corps of Engineers to commence lock operations.

"We opened the lock this past weekend to test its soundness and to ensure its full functionality," said Tom MacLean, lock supervisor. "The lock ran smoothly. It was quieter than it's been in years."

The lock is located on the popular Michigan Inland Waterway in Emmet County. It is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers and operated by the DNR.

For information about the 2009 Crooked River/Alanson Lock schedule and hours of operation, contact Petoskey State Park at (231) 347-2311, or go to www.michigan.gov/dnr, and click on "Boating" under the Recreation, Camping & Boating link. Lock fees are $45 for an annual permit, or $6 for a daily permit.

Boating access site permits are $24 for an annual permit or $6 for a daily permit, for both residents and nonresidents. Boating access site permits also are available at fee sites. For a list of boating access sites that require a permit, visit the Boating page on the DNR Web site, or go to www.mcgi.state.mi.us/MRBIS for all boating access sites throughout the state.