Air quality across the state is being affected by wildfire smoke. Before heading outdoors, get information on current conditions and alerts at Michigan.gov/MiAir, and learn about the state’s response to inform and protect the public at Michigan.gov/EGLEWildfireSmoke.
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Recreational Safety and Hunter Education
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August 05, 2026
Those interested in learning more about the upcoming removal of three aging dams in the eastern Upper Peninsula — Brockies Pond Dam (Luce County), Millecoquins Pond Dam (Mackinac County) and Silver Creek Pond Dam (Luce County) — are welcome to attend a public meeting 6-7:30 p.m. EDT Thursday, Sept. 3, in Newberry. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host the meeting at the DNR’s Newberry Customer Service Center, 5666 State Highway M-123.
The meeting is an opportunity to get information on why and how these projects will be completed, as well as to learn more about possible effects on fishing and recreation at the sites. This is also a chance for the public to meet fisheries managers and biologists and stay current on local fisheries.
Silver Creek Pond, Brockies Pond and Millecoquins Pond dams were built in the mid-1960s, each with an intended operational life of 50 years. In 2023, these dams were inspected by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy dam safety engineers who recommended repairing or replacing the aging corrugated metal pipe components within three years. In addition, EGLE noted that these dams each have seepage areas on the downstream embankment slope, which can indicate that the embankment stability is compromised. Repairing or replacing these components would require extensive work to the physical structure, replicating a dam replacement in cost — estimated at around $2.5 million per dam. Removal cost per dam is estimated by DNR engineers at less than $300,000.
Removal is expected to take place in 2027. These dams are being removed as part of the DNR’s overall strategy for managing its dam assets; this includes removing dams that are not critical to its mission and ensuring that 90% of retained dams are rated in “fair” or “better” condition within the next five years.
The decision to remove a dam is difficult, with several important factors to weigh, including public safety, natural resources and recreational benefits, and wise stewardship of limited funding. With over 200 dams in the DNR inventory, engineers estimate that approximately $74 million will be required over the next five years to address dams that need maintenance, repair or removal. The DNR is working to make the best use of all internal and external funds to accomplish responsible dam management.
To learn more about the DNR’s dam management strategy, visit Michigan.gov/DNRDams.
Individuals who need mobility, visual, hearing, written or other assistance for effective participation in the meeting should contact the DNR Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator to make their needs known as far in advance as possible, but preferably at least 10 business days before the date of the scheduled meeting or event. Visit Michigan.gov/ADA for a list of state ADA coordinators.
Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
One of Ludington State Park’s most scenic and iconic attractions is getting a major upgrade.
Registration is open for more than 50 in-person hunter safety education classes, all taking place during the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Education Week Aug. 10-16.
Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at a public meeting Monday, Aug. 10, to learn about and share feedback on a new draft general management plan for W.J. Hayes State Park, primarily located in Lenawee County.
Decreasing revenues, increasing costs from inflation and years of deferred maintenance on critical infrastructure have prompted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to adjust hours at four managed waterfowl areas this fall.
Mass timber is making it possible to build taller wood buildings, even skyscrapers, in ways that were not possible before, and a new online guide developed by MassTimber@MSU provides resources to support the success of builders adopting this technique.
Thomas House, 26, was arraigned Thursday, July 23, in 65A District Court in St. Johns on 50 counts of combined firearm and wildlife violations.
The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Make the most of summer with visits to Tawas Point State Park and other amazing places! Here are a few of this week's stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
