Gogebic County to oversee dredging of Oman's Creek

LITTLE GIRL’S POINT — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has agreed to provide $20,000 for Gogebic County to continue dredging operations at Oman’s Creek this year, resolving a few years of negotiations.

As a result, the Gogebic County Forestry and Parks Commission is seeking bids on dredging the boat access site at Little Girl’s Point.

The site is owned by the state of Michigan and has historically been operated by the MDNR. The creek mouth often closes with strong north winds.

The forestry and parks commission has agreed to assist the MDNR, on a trial basis, by operating and maintaining the landing site for the 2013 boating season, ensuring public access to Lake Superior for small boats at the creek north of Ironwood.

Eric Oman previously dredged the site for the MDNR, but he has retired.

The county forestry commission will select a contractor to perform dredging at the channel, as authorized in permits issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

When a bidder is selected, a dredging schedule will be drafted and made available to the public. Dredging will be subject to weather conditions and funding.

Questions about the dredging and the bidding process may be directed to the county forestry and parks commission at 906-663-4428.