The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is keeping boating access sites plowed at more than two dozen Upper Peninsula ice-fishing locations, including several in Dickinson and Iron counties.

Various local partners assist the DNR with the program. The DNR enters into agreements with partners to plow the access sites, which are primarily managed for recreational boating.

“This program has been a big help in maintaining public access to hard water resources throughout the wintertime,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer. “Those using the access sites should keep ice safety in mind and take extra caution not to damage any boating infrastructure, like docks or boat landing surfaces, at these locations.”

Lakes where boating access sites are being plowed include Lake Louise in Dickinson County and Indian Lake, Swan Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Emily and Lake Ellen in Iron County.

An evaluation takes place each spring to assess several things, including how often the plowed sites are used and whether damage occurs to the access ramps.

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The 20th annual Pete “Toad” Church Ice Fishing Derby is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, coinciding with Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin.

The “fish anywhere” tournament is hosted by Homestead-Aurora Conservation Club and C & R Bar in Aurora, Wis. Entry fee is $10, or free for ages 12 and under.

Register in advance at Bob’s Midland Service in Aurora.

There are cash prizes for perch, walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill and pumpkinseed. Register derby day catches by 7 p.m. at C & R Bar in Aurora. The event also features door prizes.

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MJE Cares Foundation will host an ice fishing tournament Saturday, Feb. 28, at Lake Antoine. Preregister at https://www.zeffy.com/…/lake-antoine-fishing-tournament.

Participants will compete across multiple categories including northern pike, walleye, perch, bluegill and crappie. Cash payouts will be awarded based on entry revenues. Raffle prizes, food, and hot drinks will be available throughout the day.

Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Feb. 28 and fishing will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, go to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/lake-antoine-fishing-tournament.

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Tip-Up Town of the U.P. is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, hosted by the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club north of Channing. The ice fishing contest is on Sawyer Lake and Edey Lake with cash prizes. Registration begins at 7 a.m. For more, go to https://stsportsmen.com/.

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Tri-County Snowmobile Club reported that Thursday night’s rain put a hit on snow depth, but didn’t wreck local trails completely.

Groomers won’t be going out until after the next snowfall, the club said. In general, caution is advised on all trails.

This is free snowmobiling weekend in Michigan. Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride Michigan’s trails while rail permit and registration requirements are waived. All other snowmobile rules and regulations still apply.

The Wisconsin DNR, meanwhile, reminds riders to be aware of unsafe ice.

“Ice conditions can be unpredictable with fluctuating temperatures, and we urge snowmobilers to be extra careful when driving on ice,” said Lt. Jake Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. “Remember that no ice is ever completely safe, and that even areas that seem thick and covered with snow may be hiding patches of black ice that could break apart under the weight of the machine and riders.”