Published: September 03, 2009 07:15 am      

Canoe landings to close for repairs

GRAYLING -- Two popular canoe landings along the south branch and mainstream of the Au Sable River will soon close for repairs.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will close the landings east of Grayling in Crawford County on Sept. 8.

Improvements will include replacing existing docks at the Castle rest stop within the Mason Tract and at Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground. Camping will remain open at Rainbow Bend, but riverside access will be closed.

Paddlers should plan to use other portage points this autumn and be careful while floating past construction zones, as workers will be in the river channel, officials said.

The work is funded through the state's Recreational Trails Program.

Call (989) 275-4622, extension 2750, with any questions.