LANSING – State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) today announced that the House has approved a plan that earmarks nearly $600,000 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Project (MNRTFP) for the construction of campground facilities at Camp Pet-o-se-ga and to acquire land establishing additional access to the Crooked River.
"I am very pleased that the House has set aside these funds for two very important projects in Emmet County," McDowell said. "Both Camp Pet-o-se-ga and the Crooked River are popular and well-loved destinations in northern Michigan. By ensuring that they remain accessible to the public, we will improve our quality of life and keep our economy strong."
Camp Pet-o-se-ga encompasses 300 acres of land and offers year-round recreation to visitors, including a swimming beach on Pickerel Lake and trout fishing on Cedar Creek. The $490,700 in MNRTFP funds will be used to add a new loop with additional campsites, construct a restroom and shower facility near the beach and create new day-use parking spots, among other improvements.
The Crooked River is a popular boating and fishing destination in northern Michigan. The $99,000 in MNRTFP funding will be used to acquire one acre of land to establish additional recreational access to the river and a nearby island park.
"Visitors come from around the country to hunt in our forests and fish our waters," McDowell said. "These funds will help ensure that Michigan remains an outdoorsman's paradise. It is vital that we protect our natural resources and keep our air, land and water clean."