The Iron Lantern · Lender Working Plan · Version 7.3

Operational Plan

A controlled spring takeover that preserves hunting operations while building 40 compliant campsites, aqua-park parking and core guest infrastructure before opening.

Opening gate: the ranch does not open to general camping or aqua-park guests until sanitation, parking, emergency access, insurance, inspections, staff training and operating procedures are complete.

Spring takeover sequence

Window	Priority work	Exit gate
Close + 30 days	Full building access; herd, fence, utility, road, water, septic, forestry and safety inspections; preserve existing hunt bookings.	Verified asset/condition register and corrective-action plan.
Days 31–75	40 campsite materials, sanitation/utilities, aqua-park lot, pavilion, gate/check-in, communications and emergency routes.	Approvals, fixed scopes, procurement and inspection schedule.
Days 76–105	Install/test equipment, mark guest and hunt zones, train staff, coordinate fire/EMS, conduct drills and invite-only soft opening.	Written readiness sign-off; unresolved critical items close the affected activity.
Opening onward	Measured capacity ramp, daily logs, guest feedback, incident review and weekly cash/occupancy dashboard.	Safety, liquidity and service metrics remain within limits.

Operating structure

General manager

P&L, lender reporting, permits, staffing and daily operating mode.

Herd and hunting lead

Animal inventory, fence, biosecurity, hunt zones, guides and separate harvest-fee controls.

Guest operations lead

Camping, check-in, pavilion, rentals, groups, housekeeping and service recovery.

Facilities and safety lead

Roads, utilities, water access, inspections, maintenance, radios and emergency readiness.

Separate operating zones

Hunting core: controlled access, guide authority, firearm rules, harvest documentation and no incompatible guest activity.
Campground: 40 initial sites with quiet hours, fire rules, waste controls, accessible routes and backcountry check-in/out.
Aqua park: timed capacity, staffed launch point, PFD rules, weather closure, rescue equipment, water monitoring and documented inspections.
Service hub: parking, pavilion, vending, firewood/ice, rentals, digital guides and guest assistance.
Future zone: distinctive lodging, group/winter building, disc golf, ropes/AR and robotics remain closed until phase gates are met.

Daily control cycle

Open

Fence/gates, herd, weather, fire conditions, water, trails, sanitation, equipment and staff briefing.

Arrive

Identity, payment, waiver, orientation, boundaries, emergency contact, vehicle and equipment assignment.

Operate

Capacity counts, radios, inspections, weather monitoring, hunt separation and exception escalation.

Close

Guest/site count, gate/herd check, equipment return, incidents, cash, waste, food/fire controls and next-day handoff.

Regulatory workstreams

Captive cervids: confirm MDARD/DNR registration, identification, inventory, movement, testing, mortality, escape, fencing and biosecurity obligations.
Campground: confirm zoning, site capacity, water/wastewater, fire access and Michigan campground licensing before construction.
Aqua park: obtain site-specific zoning, environmental, electrical, public-swimming/amusement, inspection, rescue and insurance determinations before purchase.
Food/venison: vending and packaged goods begin first; any prepared food or venison sales require lawful sourcing, plan review and licensing.
Forestry/earthwork: coordinate wetlands, soil erosion, inland-lake/stream, road and timber-contract requirements.

Technology with an outdoor purpose

Phase 1 uses reservation integration, automated gate/check-in, cameras, connectivity, digital cooking/fishing guides, firewood requests and equipment tracking. Later phases add automated mowing, forestry scanning/digital twins, an outdoor AR arena and robotics demonstrations only after core operations meet DSCR, safety and guest-satisfaction gates.

Operating scorecard

Area	Weekly measures
Safety	Incidents, near misses, closures, drill findings and overdue corrective actions.
Hunting	Bookings, harvested animals, separate trophy fees, guide utilization, herd/fence exceptions.
Camping	Occupied site-nights, ADR, cancellations, group nights and guest rating.
Aqua park	Admissions, revenue per visitor, capacity, weather closures and equipment defects.
Finance	Cash, labor productivity, contribution margin, CFADS and covenant forecast.

Management principle: one manager on duty controls the operating mode. Only trained, authorized staff change gates, guest zones, hunt zones or safety conditions.

Planning framework only. Verify all licenses, approvals, professional advice, insurance and site-specific requirements before launch.