Following the severe ice storms in northern Michigan this week, numerous state Department of Natural Resources parks and trails, customer service centers and other facilities remain closed as damage assessment and cleanup continue throughout these weather-affected areas. During this time, the DNR is advising the public to heed the closures and use extreme caution when engaging in any outdoor activities in the affected region.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday declared a state of emergency for the counties of Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle to help with response and recovery efforts in the communities affected by the ice storms that caused thousands of residents to be without power and basic necessities.
“The ice storms and powerful winds that tore through the northern Lower Peninsula left a lot of damage, including at some state parks and trails and other DNR-managed facilities,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “While we work behind the scenes to assess the impact and restore these resources, our top concern is keeping people safe outdoors. Please avoid storm-damaged areas, give our crews the space they need, and follow public safety guidance around downed trees and power lines and other storm-related hazards.”
Closures: state parks, trails and facilities
Downed trees and power lines have made some state parks and trails inaccessible, and DNR crews are working to safely clear debris and restore safe access.
The following state parks and facilities are closed to the public (find more detailed and up-to-date closure information at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures):
- Aloha, Burt Lake and Cheboygan state parks (Cheboygan County).
- Clear Lake State Park (Montmorency County).
- DNR Customer Service Center in Gaylord (Otsego County).
- Fisherman’s Island and Young state parks (Charlevoix County).
- Hartwick Pines State Park and Visitor Center (Crawford County).
- Negwegon State Park (Alcona and Alpena counties).
- Onaway, Thompson’s Harbor and P.H. Hoeft state parks (Presque Isle County).
- Oden State Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center (Emmet County).
- Otsego Lake State Park (Otsego County).
- Rockport Recreation Area (Alpena and Presque Isle counties).
- Wilderness and Petoskey state parks (Emmet County).
Many trails near these state parks and in affected counties are also closed. Many trees and branches broke and fell onto trails, creating hazardous obstacles.
As trail assessments take place, closure signs and blockades will be placed in areas that are determined unsafe. In the meantime, trail users are asked to used extreme caution when using trails.
“The trails could be dangerous, especially for motorized trail users who come up on unsafe trail conditions quickly,” said Scott Slavin, Northwest Lower Peninsula trails specialist for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “We urge off-road vehicle riders to slow down, take corners with extra caution, watch for potential hazards and stay on designated trails.”
Trail assessments and cleanup efforts are a collaborative effort between the DNR and the many volunteers who maintain these trails on a regular basis. Trail users can report significant obstructions or erosion to Jessica Roehrs at 517-331-3790 or HolleyRoehrsJ@Michigan.gov.
Camping reservations
The DNR is contacting camping reservation holders in affected areas of the northern Lower Peninsula to cancel existing reservations. Upper Peninsula reservation holders traveling from the Lower Peninsula are strongly encouraged to cancel for a full refund. Please call the reserved park with questions.
Public lands
In addition to state parks and trails, state forest lands welcome people year-round for hiking, ORV use and other outdoor recreation. These lands also provide access to downed trees that some people gather for home heating help.
During this time, while trees are still snapping and falling, the DNR advises against riding, hiking or biking on state forest lands in the emergency area. If such activity is necessary, use extreme caution.
Also, please remember that you need a fuelwood permit to remove downed wood from state-managed land. Learn more about the process at Michigan.gov/Fuelwood.
Additional resources, ways to help
Check the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry webpage for guidance on tree care and maintenance.
Michigan State University Extension offers storm damage tips.
Illustrations from the Arbor Day Foundation can help homeowners assess levels of damage to their trees.
To help you prepare for the future, the Michigan State Police MIREADY program has planning and preparation tips for a variety of situations. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MIREADY.
Also, donation/volunteer coordinators at Michigan State Police recommend the following resources for anyone who would like to support storm-affected communities:
Otsego Community Foundation. To give a tax-deductible donation today, choose Disaster Response Fund from the webpage’s dropdown menu. (Only cash donations are encouraged at this point because none of the jurisdictions are yet able to receive donations.)
Michigan Volunteer Registry. This website, through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is used to register, notify and inform people who are interested in helping out in the event of a natural or public health emergency.