Input sought on proposed Belle Isle habitat project

Detroit — The state is seeking public input on a proposed habitat project to reconnect Lake Okonoka on Belle Isle to the Detroit River.

An informational meeting is scheduled April 14 at the park’s Flynn Pavilion.

Officials say the Friends of the Detroit River nonprofit has received funding through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to design a project connecting the small lake to the river. The project would allow fish to enter from the river. It also would expand kayaking, canoeing and fishing opportunities.

Work would include dredging in the lake.

Belle Isle became a state park in 2014 under a 30-year lease agreement with Detroit, which had struggled for years to come up with money to maintain and improve the park. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources now manages it.