The group, whose mission is to promote, fund and conduct the education and training of wildlife and fisheries management and foster enhancement of habitats of indigenous species in Dickinson County, has always emphasized keeping the pier in good repair.

But it wouldn’t be possible without support from the local community. Original WU board member Bob Baker lives on Lake Antoine and views the pier as one of WU’s greatest community collaborations.

“We are so fortunate to have so many great community partners that have helped us, both with this most recent update and over the lifetime of the pier,” Baker said. “It’s such a great asset to the lake and we are so pleased to have the investment of time and products from so many different people and businesses, keeping the pier in great working condition.”

In 2014, WU worked with 41 Lumber, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department and the Iron Mountain High School varsity football team to completely update the pier to maintain handicap accessibility and eliminate safety issues caused by warped and cracked decking.

Wildlife Unlimited Board members Dr. Dane Baker, left, and Dr. Bob Baker are shown with the fishing pier on Lake Antoine in the background. Thanks to community efforts over the past 25 years, the pier has provided continued opportunities to access the lake.

The city of Iron Mountain also strategically placed several rocks at the entrance to the pier to deter vehicle access over the winter months that could cause damage to the approach. The updates brought much more activity to the lake and pier.

This spring, WU again looked to community partners to help keep this fishing gem open for use. Bacco Construction and Doug Caudell addressed damage from heaving ice, replacing broken hardware and realigning the pier approach with floating deck sections.

Hometowne Lumber and 41 Lumber donated supplies and offered items at cost for necessary repairs and new lumber. Nelson Paint Co. donated all of the stain needed to protect the deck boards.

Finally, in a partnership with Iron Mountain Public Schools, students from Jeff Christensen’s Building for Wildlife project-based learning class came out to the pier on several occasions to help stain and make necessary repairs.

WU now is working on updated signage to place at the pier displaying all of the organizations and businesses that have significantly helped to keep the pier viable for so many years.