DNR Begins Restoration of Houghton County Recreation Trails

HANCOCK — Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials are preparing to reopen some recreation trails in Houghton County areas that were hit by heavy rains on June 17th. Some trails will be open by the weekend.

A DNR incident management team spent several days over the past week doing initial damage inspections, closing trail access points, and cleaning plugged culverts, according to incident commander Brian Mensch.

With Independence Day coming up next week, DNR officials stressed that most area recreational facilities are intact. “All three state parks in Houghton and Keweenaw counties, plus our state forest campground at Emily Lake are open for business,” said Parks and Recreation District Supervisor Doug Rich.

Storm damage also forced closure of five area boating access sites. However, two of those facilities have since reopened at Otter Lake and Otter Dam, said Rich. “Boat ramps at Lily Pond, Boston Pond, and Bootjack remain closed till further notice. But we have 33 other accesses still open in Houghton County and another 12 in Keweenaw.”

Hazards remain on many area roads, trails, and waterways. The DNR advises trail users, campers, and boaters to use caution in affected areas and to be alert for unstable or dangerous conditions. For more information on DNR Closures, click here.