The Department of Natural Resources announced today that Tomahawk Creek Flooding State Forest Campground will begin phased improvements to two of its three campground units. These improvements are funded with grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Recreational Trail Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The campground is located in the southwest corner of Presque Isle County, 13 miles north of Atlanta on M-33.

Renovations on the east unit will begin this summer and improvements to the west unit will begin in spring 2009. The east unit is now closed to camping. The west and southeast units will remain open for use during this time.

The east unit renovation will expand this campground from nine to 23 sites, reroute campground roads, relocate and enlarge campsite pads and drives, replace and relocate the vault toilets and install an accessible path to the shoreline. New directional signage and entrance sign will also be installed as a part of this project.

Improvements to the west unit will also enlarge this campground from 15 to 24 sites by expanding the south campground loop to the west. New vault toilets and a new water well will be installed to service this renovated facility. The existing north campground loop will be redeveloped into a new boat-trailer parking lot to service the new improved boat launch area. All improvements will provide barrier free access to the services in this area for individuals with physical impairments.

"We are excited about the improvements that are planned for this campground over the next couple of years," said local Forest Fire Officer Martin Osantowski. "The final result of these improvements will be two larger camping areas instead of three."

"By redesigning the east and west units to incorporate the sites that currently exist in the southeast unit, we are able to reduce our infrastructure costs and consolidate our operations," said Laurie Marzolo, Atlanta Management Unit manager. "We are expanding into some very pretty areas that will provide larger, flatter and shaded sites for campers. The changes will provide easier access for everyone."

Questions concerning the improvements at Tomahawk Creek Flooding State Forest Campground may be directed to DNR Forest Recreation Planner Brenda Curtis at 517 373 6260. Information about other camping opportunities may be found on the DNR's Web site www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails, or by calling the DNR Gaylord Operations Service Center at 989-732-3541, extension "0" for the operator.