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Storm response

downed trees

Storm response

DNR storm response efforts

Following severe ice storms in northern Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a 12-county disaster area encompassing Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties.

The storms profoundly impacted nearly 1 million acres of DNR-managed lands, including 3,400 miles of state roads, 19 state parks, 55 state forest campgrounds, 169 boating access sites, and 3,290 miles of state-managed trails (including 1,700 miles of state-designated ORV trails and routes).

DNR staff continue to assess damage and conduct cleanup at these sites, prioritizing public and staff safety.

For statewide resources related to the ice storm, visit Michigan.gov/IceStorm.

A view of trees frozen with ice after a historic ice storm damaged over 919,000 acres in northern Michigan. There is a black text box centered in the image that reads Check out the DNR ice storm story map

Find ice-storm related closures

To find ice-storm related closures, visit our dedicated map and dashboard:

  • Navigate to the upper right corner and select either the "Parks & Facilities" tab (for state parks, campgrounds, and boating access sites) or the "Trails" tab (for state-managed trails).
  • Once selected, you can sort the information by "Type" or "Status" on the map or the list provided.
Open map and dashboard
screenshot of public dashboard featuring map, list of closed and open facilities

Private landowners

Landowners across the state were left with damaged or downed trees and fallen debris after the ice storm that occurred on March 28-31, 2025.
Whether you own .1 acres or 100 acres, we have resources to help you manage your property following the storm.

  • Fallen trees and branches are expected to increase fire danger in the forests moving into fall and next spring as they dry out and become more flammable. 

    We understand that landowners may consider burning storm debris. If you intend to burn leaves or yard debris, always check online for a burn permit to make sure weather conditions are safe for burning. In the southern Lower Peninsula, check with your local fire department or municipality to make sure conditions allow for safe burning.

  • Michigan residents can obtain a $20 annual permit from the DNR to collect fuelwood from designated state-managed lands.

    This permit allows one household to collect five standard cords of wood per year. However, residents in the 12-county disaster area can collect up to 10 standard cords under the same permit. A standard cord measures 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet high.

  • Michigan's registered foresters are highly qualified professionals who can help landowners manage their forest land. The voluntary program ensures foresters have up-to-date training and provides landowners with a complaint review process.

    Find a registered forester to help you reach your forest management goals.

  • For cleanup assistance in the 12-county disaster area, 17 public debris disposal sites are open. Consult the 2025 Northern Michigan Ice Storm dashboard for a map, operating hours and accepted debris types (note that some sites are for tree debris only, while others accept all vegetative debris).

    Please be aware that disposing of debris on public land is unlawful, and moving tree limbs, wood debris and other plant materials can contribute to the spread of invasive insects, plants and diseases.

Outdoor recreation

Adventure enthusiasts looking to enjoy the outdoors are advised to take extra precautions when traveling near storm damaged areas in northern Michigan. Hanging branches, downed trees and storm debris make state forests difficult to navigate by foot and many state parks are still cleaning up storm damage.
  • Excess moisture from the ice storm may encourage growth of wild mushrooms, including morels. If you plan to head into the state forest to go mushroom hunting, please be advised that the forest floor is scattered with storm debris and branches hanging from trees could easily fall from above.

    Since morels commonly grow on previous burn sites, use the DNR's morel map to find locations of previous prescribed burns.

  • Parks may look different from the storm damage, and some areas, such as trails and day-use areas, may still be temporarily closed. As we continue to restore the park, you may also see and hear extra noise from cleanup crews.

    Find information on state park and other closures related to the ice storm on our dedicated ice storm closure map and dashboard.

  • Waterways may contain new obstructions, including downed trees and branches. Please also be aware of possible boating access site closures.

    Navigating or portaging around trees in the river is an expected part of the fishing or paddling experience. The right to portage or go around obstructions or hazards in the river on private property is typically allowed in Michigan. If entering private land, an individual must stay close to the defined riverbank and immediately re-enter the river after walking around the obstacle.

Forest health

The storm severely impacted northern Michigan’s forests, leaving behind damaged and downed trees that pose serious forest health risks. Be advised that downed pine can quickly attract bark beetles and fungal diseases like Heterobasidion root disease, threatening healthy trees. Oak trees are at high risk of fatal oak wilt if they are cut or wounded during the vulnerable spring months.

Additionally, storm-stressed trees may become targets for pests and diseases in coming years, including Armillaria root rot and invasive species that thrive in disturbed areas. Proper cleanup, pest prevention, and cautious tree management are critical to protecting long-term forest health.

These forest health recommendations are to help forest managers plan and prioritize cleanup and salvage operations following the severe damage from the ice storm to mitigate future forest health impacts to these forests.

DNR storm-related updates

A vertical graphic from Great Lakes Proud supporting ice storm recovery