The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public open house on Wednesday, Feb. 20, to review design plans for the new Mackinaw State Harbor, which is the redevelopment of the old state car ferry dock in Mackinaw City.

The open house will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at the village of Mackinaw City office located at 102 South Huron in Mackinaw City. Individuals can visit the office anytime during the open house to ask questions and discuss the project with DNR Parks and Recreation staff.

The new Mackinaw State Harbor will add up to 129 transient slips and include harbor buildings, floating piers, roads, parking, pedestrian walkways and many environmentally friendly, sustainable design elements.

"We are proud to announce the new green design at this facility," said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR's Parks and Recreation Division. "We are considering up to eight small-scale wind turbines, the first in the state, which will provide up to 80 percent of the electrical demands to operate the harbor."

The DNR also is inviting the public to provide input and ideas for the redevelopment of the east end of the dock, referred to as "the triangle" and formerly the ferry loading and unloading area. Redevelopment of the triangle will occur after the Mackinaw State Harbor is complete.

"Public input and awareness of this important project is crucial to achieve an effective harbor design for the future," said Olson.

Michigan is one of the nation's leaders in registered watercraft, approaching nearly 1 million. Boaters enjoy more than 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline -- more than any other state.

This project is supported through the Michigan State Waterways Fund, which is comprised of revenues received from boat registrations and marine fuel taxes. These revenues are dedicated by state law to be used for the benefit of boating.

Individuals attending this meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for the meeting should contact Paul Petersen at (517) 335-3033 a minimum of five business days before the meeting. Requests made less than five business days before events may not be accommodated.

For more information about this meeting or this project, contact Paul Petersen at (517) 335-3033.