COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – There are no plans for boat launches but the Department of Natural Resources says they would like to expand the size of the little used Coldwater Lake State Park. About 50 people turned out last night in Coldwater for a DNR open house and public input session on a draft plan for further development of the park located on the south shore of Coldwater Lake.
DNR Park Management Plan Administrator Debbie Jensen said the draft was well received with a lot of questions including several related to funding as well the park boundaries which are proposed for a long range expansion to the east with an additional 200 acres. According to Jensen, they may consider a walk-in/carry-in canoe-kayak access, pedestrian only. Overall increased access to the park is one of the goals both by vehicle and for the trails leading to the lake.
The 400 acre property which the state purchased in 1988 has been primarily used for hunting with some of it leased for farming, which would be phased out in 3 years in favor of limited low impact recreational opportunities. Jensen described it as a 20-year plan. She also said the DNR already has huge funding commitments or needs which is why the Coldwater Park hasn’t really been developed.
Volunteer groups have come forward to assist with habitat restoration. Accoring to Jensen, the bottom line is they are looking at a park plan that won’t require a lot of money or staff to develop or maintan.
