DNR trying to get Shagawa Lake public access reopened

[Lee Borgersen]

Saturday, September 02, 2006

DNR trying to get Shagawa Lake public access reopened

by Nick Wognum


The biggest news in the fishing world as of late has been the lack of progress in a construction project at the Shagawa Lake Public Access off of Pioneer Road.

This DNR project came to an abrupt halt, apparently caused by differences between the state agency and the contractor.

Scott Kelling of the DNR Trails and Waterways office in Tower said the agency is as frustrated as anglers looking for a place to launch their boats.

There is another public access on Shagawa on the north side, but there is basically no parking and with Highway 88 so close to the lake, it can be treacherous trying to back a boat in with traffic zooming by.

"We had given the site to the contractor to finish but he has gone beyond the completion date, which was August 15," said Kelling.

"We're hoping he can finish up as soon as possible. We share the public's frustration in the amount of time this is taking," said Keller, who was in Ely Wednesday to inspect the site and try to get the project jumpstarted.

The improvements were needed, but closing a public access in the summer is never a popular decision.

"There is no real good time to do it during the construction season," said Kelling.

The $160,000 project includes removing and replacing the blacktop for the entrance road and parking lot. New boat ramps are to be installed as well as handicap-accessible parking.

For fisherman, waiting for something to happen is a common occurence, it just usually happens out on the lake in the boat instead of in a truck at the landing.

[GOGETTER]

Just spent the weekend on Birch Lake in the Ely area and what a beautiful area.  Our first trip in that area.  Did some pontooning on birch and caught a few northerns.  We had fantastic weather and a wonderful weekend.  Great area!