Several state parks in northern Michigan are temporarily closed after severe ice storms hit the region this week.
Downed trees and power lines have made some of the parks and trails inaccessible. The parks will be closed while crews work to clear debris and restore safe access.
“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 in a news release. “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.”
The DNR released a list of state parks that are closed.
Michigan state parks closed to the public
The DNR customer service center in Gaylord and the Oden State Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center are also included in the closures.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties Monday.
More: Another storm set to hit Northern Michigan as ice storm recovery efforts continue
Danger on trails and at public lands
The DNR also warned that trails near the state parks and public lands could be dangerous due to fallen trees and branches.
“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 in the news release. “We urge off-road vehicle riders to slow down, take corners with extra caution, watch for potential hazards and stay on designated trails.”
The DNR is advising against riding, hiking or biking on state forest lands in the region and to use extreme caution if an activity is necessary.
Camping reservations canceled
The DNR is contacting campers who have reservations at any of the affected parks to cancel existing reservations.
Campers who have reservations in the Upper Peninsula are also strongly encouraged to cancel for a full refund.
Campers with questions should call the reserved park.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Northern Michigan state parks closed after ice storm damage
Reporting by Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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