June 2, 2011

The Department of Natural Resources announced today that the trailhead and overlook at Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway are temporarily closed for improvements. The trailhead is located on Ocqueoc Falls Road, east of Onaway in Presque Isle County. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground, south of the trailhead, will not be impacted by this closure and is open for camping.

The improvements include the enlargement and resurfacing of the parking lot for cars and cars with trailers; installation of an accessible walking trail between the falls' overlook area, parking lot and the campground; improved access from the overlook area to the river's edge; and new picnic tables and grills at the overlook. These improvements are being paid for by grants from the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund, the Recreation Improvement Fund, and the Recreational Trails Program.

"The access routes to the river corridor are the primary feature of this project," said Brenda Curtis, DNR forest recreation planner. "The routes are intended to provide users a choice in how they access the shoreline that fits their ability and desire for adventure."

A recycled plastic decked ramp that complies with Americans with Disabilities Act design requirements will provide the easiest route of travel to the river. Other access routes will utilize natural rock tiers placed to offer a variety of climbing challenges.

"This site has been a local attraction for generations," said Marty Osantowski, DNR fire officer for this area. "We wanted to keep the current site use intact for our repeat visitors who enjoy the existing climbing experience." The new upgrades will open up the climbing activity to more users, while armoring the bluff to reduce erosion caused by the heavy foot traffic and weather.

One of the climbing routes will provide transfer stations at the top and bottom of the bluff so an individual with mobility impairments may transfer out of their wheelchair to start their climbing challenge. The height of the risers on this route will range between four to eight inches and the tread will be smooth and large enough to allow movement between tiers while seated. Steeper inclines and smaller tread surfaces will increase the climbing challenge on other routes.

"Our first construction effort will be to block off access to the overlook area from the river corridor," said Osantowski.

Wildlife biologists have identified the plateau area above the river as potential nesting habitat for the rare wood turtle. "The biologists asked us to put measures in place to minimize harm to this year's nesting turtles," said Curtis. "As a result, our design consultant suggested increasing the amount of silt fencing that we typically install during construction as a barrier to the turtles."

The fence will need to be in place while the turtles are searching for a place to nest. In Presque Isle County, this will be the entire month of June. The public is asked to help maintain the integrity of this fence line and to contact the DNR if they witness a breach. Fence alerts and questions concerning this closure may be directed to Rob Pelton, DNR forest fire supervisor, at 989-785-4251, ext. 5250; or Paige Perry, DNR recreation specialist, at 989-732-3541, ext. 5086.

Information regarding other hiking, camping, ORV riding, or boating opportunities in Presque Isle County may be found on the DNR's website at www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails, or by calling the DNR Gaylord Operations Service Center at 989-732-3541.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.