NATIONAL CITY The Huron-Manistee National Forests (HMNFs) will reopen Round Lake
on the Huron Shores Ranger District while the Forests re-examine alternate forms of funding.
Currently, forest visitors can reserve their camping spot at Round Lake through Recreation.gov for the upcoming season which starts May 15, 2024.
Wiese did ask for the public to be patient while the district examines the planned work and creates a new schedule that will not impact visitor use.
The retaining wall between the boat ramp and the campground is a primary focus for repairs.
“Estimates to perform the work planned was assessed higher than anticipated for Round Lake, which impacted the start date of the project. The HMNFs are currently looking into alternative sources of funding so that the
project can occur in 2025,” said District Ranger Ben Wiese.
Last Fall, the HMNFs set forth plans for improvements that would require the long-term closure of the popular camping and day use destination. Engineers planned for the commencement of the work to be timed to reduce the overall impact to forest visitors, opting to start work while the sites would typically be closed during the winter season.
However, due to the increase in building materials and other supplies, returning bids for the projects have prompted the Forests to re-examine preliminary designs and priorities as well as alternate forms of funding to
offset costs.
“Opening the site until we resolve funding issues was a logical decision since Round Lake
experiences high use,” Wiese explained, adding “Chances are we will see all the construction take place in 2025.”
