Charlevoix Harbor channel dredging operations

Maintenance dredging has commenced in the Charlevoix Harbor channel and will see around 13,000 cubic yards of material removed by May 15 allowing continued safe navigation of the channel.

The contractor, Great Lakes Dock and Materials will perform the work and place the dredged materials in open water in Lake Michigan. The state-approved open water is located about a mile and a half northwest of the harbor entrance.

USACE maintains about one mile of inner channel between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan, supporting the U.S. Coast Guard Station Charlevoix, commercial traffic – including a ferry to Beaver Island and commercial fishing charters – and heavy recreational boat use.

Charlevoix Harbor is a deep draft harbor maintained under the authority of the U.S. Rivers and Harbors Act to 18 feet in Lake Michigan and the inner channels of Lake Charlevoix.

To protect fish spawning, dredging is not allowed from May 15 to July 15 in the channel, in accordance with Michigan Department of Natural Resources regulations.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors and channels joining lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.