MARQUETTE — A temporary re-route has been constructed to again allow public access to the East and West pond boating access sites in the Groveland Mine area in northern Dickinson County, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Wednesday.

A permanent fix is anticipated to take place soon, said DNR spokesman John Pepin. The reroute will allow for public access in the interim.

In September, the washout of a culvert along West Pond Road at the Groveland Mine Recreation Area left boating access sites to the East and West ponds inaccessible. The washout repair road work requires permits and the use of heavy equipment, Pepin noted.

Access to the South Pond and Island Pond has remained open.

The Groveland Mine Recreation Area is located west of Felch at the site of an abandoned iron ore mine. The old mine’s four man-made ponds, which cover more than 600 acres, were used to supply the mine with fresh water for production of iron ore pellets.

The area is open to the public for fishing, hunting, dispersed camping and other recreational activities.