Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
WHIRLPOOL PARKING LOT ENHANCEMENT
Release Date: Jun 22, 2017
Contact(s): Kenneth Arbogast
The Forest Service has temporarily closed the Whirlpool Recreation Site along the Au Sable River during periods of active construction which began May 15 and continues for approximately six weeks. The site is located west of Oscoda on River Road National Scenic Byway. Work is expected to be completed no later than June 30. During construction the public will not be able to access the site and it will be closed with a barricade to inform the public.
The Forest Service designed this project to slow and retain soil and water runoff above the boat ramp thus decreasing runoff into the Au Sable River. Through this design we were able to enhance the parking lots and increase parking to accommodate about 75 vehicles, which is about 20 more than before. An overflow parking area will be constructed as well for the heavier use on holiday weekends. Once construction is complete, vehicles will no longer be allowed to park along the side of the main access road. The overflow lot is located on the right-hand side before you drop down the hill to the main parking area.
“I understand this is an impact to our public and businesses that enjoy and rely on access to the Au Sable River. Please be patient as we complete this much-needed work,” said District Ranger Tony Martoglio. “The Forest Service is happy to see these improvements at Whirlpool. I hope our public sees and enjoys these benefits this summer and for years to come.”
This contract is expected to be complete before the 4th of July Weekend. If not, contract operations will be temporarily suspended to allow access to the site during this time.
Please consider our other comparable float trip options. You can contact the Huron Shores Ranger Station, (989) 739-0728 or Lumberman’s Monument, (989) 362-8961 for additional information. You can also contact local canoe liveries to experience these other options.
A list of launches for the Au Sable River can be found in the Huron Adventure Planner on pages 6 and 7.