The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking to purchase property for a boat access at the east end of Eagle Lake and drew a large crowd when it presented a proposal to the Ontwa Township Planning Commission on Wednesday.

Held at the Ontwa Township Hall, planning chairman Chris Marbach allowed five-minute remarks from spokespersons and set a timer so they wouldn’t over talk.

The proposal includes the purchase of six lots north of the former Dock property on Eagle Lake Road. It is to include a boat access to Eagle Lake and access to the channel leading east to Juno, Christiana and Painter lakes.

After the hearing, Marbach said the planning commission will put together a report of the discussion.

Then, at 7 p.m. on Feb. 25, the Ontwa Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hear from concerned citizens who filed an appeal for the determination whether the DNR’s proposal constitutes a park for purposes of development.

Most of the 22 spokespersons in favor of the landing were fishermen, including Mike Rhodes, who said it was a great open area for fishing. “Fishermen spend a lot of money in the community. It opens up marinas and restaurants. I want to bring my grandchildren here,” he said.

Dale Miller who is president of the Painter, Juno and Christiana Lake Association said Eagle Lake has a weed mess. He said the channel is not dredged and there is need for a boat wash. “You will have a hell of a problem going through the channel. There is need for a boat wash,” he said

Thomas Kendle, of Edwardsburg, said his mom and dad used to take the family over to Eagle Lake to go swimming. “For people to say Eagle Lake is a private lake makes my blood boil. A ramp needs to be put in and well maintained,” he said.

About 20 other spokespersons made similar remarks pertaining to swimming and fishing at the lake.

Robert Kaufman said he has fished Eagle Lake and other lakes. “I am in favor of a boat ramp and hope it goes through,” he said. Similar remarks were heard about nearby lakes that have only one ramp to launch a boat with no places to park.

Those who were concerned with the launch site made remarks about crowding the lake with boats, kayaks and canoeists and not enough parking spots. It was also mentioned the need for a boat wash to clean off boat bottoms.

Margie Allen, who heads the Eagle Lake Improvement Association, read a paper showing that the association has always supported responsible public access to the waters of Eagle Lake. She said they have installed safety information at both the public access points at Brady Road and the former Dock property at the east side of the lake. She said they have also paid for weekly trash removal. However, she said it is ELIA’s position that a full support of the proposal is not applicable to the current DNR proposed boating access. She said with modifications, there could be a basis to extend limited support.

Allen also mentioned that there is no guarantee that the parking area would not be expanded for satellite parking and that there should be a condition that no further expansion is to be made without approval of the planning commission.

Allen also said that Eagle Lake is noted as being one of the most invasive species prone lakes in the State of Michigan and is the first lake in Michigan to have the arrival of invasive Zebra Mussels. There is also Eurasian Water Milfoil weeds. She said over $20,000 per year is spent on the management of invasive species. She also mentioned the property must be designated as a park.

Others complained that the east end of Eagle Lake already has trash along the right of way. One resident said, “How would you like to have someone throw trash in your yard?” He said there are dirty diapers, bottles, rags and shoes along the road. He said the DNR doesn’t clean that up. “I don’t see where it will be a benefit to anyone. There is an access on Brady Road,” he said.

Shannon Longo said the larger boats often tow tubes as fast as possible with children on them, and there are swimmers. Noting safety, she said she would rather have a fishing pier instead of a boat launch. “It would be safer for all.”

Mark Jamrog, an Eagle Lake resident, questioned how the proposal is in compliance with the law and the township ordinances. With all the boats on the lake now, “What is safe?,“ he said. “Who will pick up trash and pay for the maintenance of restrooms?”

Robert Phaff said Eagle Lake is the most used public lake in Cass County. He said he visited other lakes in the area.  “There is nobody that has access to a public lake that is no better than anyone else.” He said people enjoy the use of the lake. “On Labor Day there was a band playing at the east end of the lake.  Eagle Lake is the most used public lake in Cass County. “ I am in favor of a responsible public use development of this property,” he said.