The Leland Township board approved a long-term lease with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to operate and maintain the Carp River boating access site on Carp River for public use and enjoyment at its regular meeting on April 14. The initial lease term for 25 years begins March 17 and ends at midnight on Nov. 30, 2049, but there are options for renewal and it can be extended.
The lease agreement will allow for a dock to be re-installed on the river at a future time after the former decrepit 96-foot dock was first removed over a year ago by DNR staff. The state-owned boat launch located between the Bluebird and Riverside restaurants was a popular stop for boaters, however, it had to be removed as it became dangerous and was in need of repair. The Carp Lake launch has 312 feet of frontage on the Leland River and parking for only five vehicles with trailers.
Leland Township Supervisor Clint Mitchell said they previously had a maintenance agreement with the DNR, in which the DNR operated the park and dock area, while the township was responsible for mowing the grass and placing the picnic tables and trash bins outside. With the new lease agreement, the township is now the lessee for the entire .45 acres of land owned by the state, including the parking lot and grounds. In lieu of payment, the lessee is responsible for all costs associated with operation and maintenance of the premises.
