DNR reopens the Cheboygan Lock

Garfield Road and Lincoln Street boating access sites also are expected to reopen later Friday

Boaters in northern Michigan, get ready: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced Friday that the Cheboygan Lock has officially reopened.

The Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex, located in the city of Cheboygan, is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It consists of the DNR-managed lock, spillway and a privately owned hydroelectric dam.

The facility closed in early April due to high-water conditions that threatened the structural integrity of the Cheboygan Dam and private and public property downstream. It remained closed, even after the immediate flooding threat subsided, due to scheduled repairs as part of a recent infrastructure improvement project and the discovery of new mechanical issues to be addressed. The repairs couldn’t be completed until sandbags were removed from the lock.

The emergency closure was triggered by record-breaking snowmelt and heavy rains. A multiagency team worked around the clock in April to redirect massive amounts of floodwater away from the dam, stabilize the site and prepare the surrounding community for potential evacuations.

"When Mother Nature hit us with this unrelenting water, it was all hands on deck to protect the people and places in harm’s way," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "The emergency response was a partnership across the board, with local, state and federal agencies and private companies coming together to get the job done. Thank you to everyone who helped keep Michiganders safe and returned recreational opportunities to northern Michigan."

The response effort included staff and experts from the DNR, the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, other state agencies, Consumers Energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and HydroMine, as well as local emergency officials.

DNR Director Scott Bowen praised the initial response and the work that has since gone into readying the lock and dam to reopen.

"When this northern Michigan community was threatened, our staff — more than 150 employees across all divisions — jumped into action, working night and day to protect people and property," said Bowen. "Our staff has been there ever since, making sure these important waterways are available for use this summer. This incident is another clear reminder of the need to care for dams across Michigan and of the need to invest in DNR-managed dams."

Additionally, Garfield Road and Lincoln Street boating access sites are expected to reopen later Friday. The Crooked River Lock in Emmet County also has reopened Friday.

The Cheboygan Lock provides seasonal access to Michigan's Inland Waterway for recreational and commercial watercraft up to 16 feet wide and 75 feet long. The lock is open daily through Sept. 28. As the season winds down, hours vary. The facility closes Oct. 21 for the season. Check the season schedule for more information.

Before visiting any DNR-managed facility, it's recommended to visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. 

• Cheboygan Lock: Photo courtesy of Spence Brothers.