The Grindstone City Boating Access Site will be closed temporarily June 2 to 20 for dredging, the Department of Natural Resources announced today.

"The access site channel and launch have filled in with silt and is only passable by the smallest of boats, canoes or kayaks," explained George Lauinger, supervisor of the access site and Sleeper State Park. "The accumulation of silt is a normal occurrence that generates the need for dredging every two to three years. We will reopen the site sooner if the dredging is completed ahead of schedule."

During this closed period, boaters are encouraged to use the boating access site at Port Austin State Harbor, located at 8795 Lake St. in downtown Port Austin, five miles west of the Grindstone City access site.

Financial support for this project will come from the Michigan Waterways Fund, a restricted fund comprised of marine fuel taxes and boater registration fees.

Boating access permits are required at the Port Austin State Harbor. The annual permit is $24 and the daily is $6. More information may be obtained by calling 989-856-4411.