Department of Natural Resources forest recreation managers today announced that recent storm damage has caused the temporary closure of the Silver Creek State Forest Campground in Lake County and several trails in Lake and Osceola counties.

Silver Creek State Forest Campground is located 5.5 miles north of Luther in Lake County. This campground, which adjoins the Pine River, has sustained severe flooding. DNR crews are working to reopen this popular campground; however, the water needs to recede to allow for restoration and repair work to be completed. The Silver Creek hiking pathway that is adjacent to the campground and follows along the Pine River also will remain closed until further notice.

Canoeists using the Pine River should be aware that there are numerous log jams upstream from Lincoln Bridge.

The other trails impacted by last week's storm include the Evart Motorcycle Trail, Little Manistee Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Route and Little Manistee Trail.

The Evart Motorcycle Trail is located three miles west of Evart. This cycle trail is closed due to an excessive amount of downed trees blocking the trail corridor. DNR crews are working to clear the trail. A reopening date is unknown at this time.

The Little Manistee ORV Route and Little Manistee Trail are located west of Luther and are closed due to flooding and hazardous conditions. DNR officials will begin efforts to reopen these trails once the water recedes and the status of the bridges can be assessed.

Questions concerning these closures may be directed to Todd Neiss, DNR recreation specialist, at (231) 775-9727, ext. 6045. Information regarding other camping, ORV riding or hiking opportunities in Lake and Osceola counties may be found on the DNR Web site at www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails, or by calling the DNR Cadillac Operations Service Center at (231) 775-9727, ext. 0 for the operator.