April 29, 2025: Red Flag Warning: Delay burning today, especially in northern Lower Peninsula

April 25, 2025: DNR to schedule storm-related timber salvage sales

April 25, 2025: Looking for wood to burn? Fuelwood permits now available

April 12, 2025: Ice storm damage will affect spring turkey hunters in units J, A and F

April 11, 2025: About 750 miles of road-clearing, and what did we find? Community

April 10, 2025: DNR ice storm cleanup updates: State parks, trails, campgrounds and boating access sites

April 9, 2025: Interactive map shows northern Michigan roads now open following ice storm

April 8, 2025: After the storm: DNR's efforts to restore state forests

April 7, 2025: DNR Incident Management Team completes first five days of storm cleanup

April 5, 2025: Burning ice storm debris? Check for a burn permit first

April 4, 2025: DNR trails in northern Lower Peninsula, eastern Upper Peninsula temporarily closed

April 3, 2025: DNR, Michigan National Guard work together to clear vital areas of fallen trees

April 1, 2025: Have a downed tree due to ice or wind? Be careful with cleanup

April 1, 2025: DNR parks, trails, facilities closed following northern Michigan ice storm

The majority of state park campgrounds and overnight lodging locations (ie. cabins, lodges and tiny houses) are expected to open by their scheduled spring 2025 opening dates. The exceptions are Clear Lake, Petoskey and Otsego state parks, where opening has been postponed from May 1 to May 15.

Please note that the park may look different, 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.

If there are any cancelations, reservation holders that impacted by this change will receive an email from the reservation system with further instructions.

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

Many motorized and nonmotorized state-managed trails in the 12-county disaster area remain temporarily closed. Trails will reopen individually as assessments and cleanup are completed. While the exact timeline is currently unknown, trails staff anticipates a phased reopening.

Find information on trail and other closures related to the ice storm on our dedicated ice storm closure map and dashboard. Tip: Navigate to the upper right corner and select the "Trails" tab.

Several state forest campgrounds and boating access sites are either delayed in opening or will not open on schedule. The DNR anticipates a phased reopening over the coming weeks, though specific timelines for each location are currently unavailable.

We advise caution to anglers, kayakers and other boaters due to the increased hazards (trees, branches) in rivers and streams. 

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

For those fishing or paddling in the affected counties, please be aware that waterways may contain new obstructions, including downed trees and branches. Please also be aware of possible boating access site closures.

Find information on boating access site and other closures related to the ice storm on our dedicated ice storm closure map and dashboard.

Wood removal for navigation purposes:

Trees are integral to Michigan's river ecosystems. This woody material is vital for healthy aquatic life and fisheries, offering shelter, resting and spawning grounds for fish and habitat for insects and amphibians.

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; however, if entering private land, an individual must stay close to the defined riverbank and immediately re-enter the river after walking around the obstacle.

When portaging is not possible and there is a need to move wood from the river, keep in mind the following:

• Verify if landowner permission is needed. Landowner permission is not needed if trees are an impediment to navigation and are not connected to the shoreline or ground.
• Obtain landowner permission to move trees connected to the shoreline or ground.
• Obtain permits from EGLE if the tree is embedded in the stream such that bottom sediments or banks of the stream will be disturbed during removal of a fallen tree. Removal of large logjams and beaver dams also require a permit.
• Remove the minimum amount of wood. In general, the portion cleared should not exceed 8 feet in width. On slow moving streams, the cleared width should be limited to 6 feet or less.
• Only remove wood for reasonable uses associated with navigation such as boating, fishing or swimming. 
• Use only hand tools. Any wood removal should be conducted using hand-held tools that
  do not disturb the stream bed.

A significant amount of state forest land in the impacted counties has been impacted by the ice storm, including downed trees and branches.

As a result, most of the state forest roads within this area are not accessible at this time, limiting motorized access to significant acres of state forest land. Additionally, many seasonal county roads that provide access to state forest lands are also currently inaccessible.

Please be aware that walking in many areas of the state forest is also hazardous at this time due to downed trees and branches covering the forest floor. If you venture out on state forest land, please also be alert for trees and branches that may continue to fall.

Michigan residents in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula 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.

In these 12 counties, all permits purchased since the season opened April 1 are eligible for 10 cords of wood.

All wood must be collected from already dead and downed trees within 200 feet of the road. Permits are valid for 90 days after the date they are issued, but all expire Dec. 31 regardless of when they were purchased.

How to obtain a permit:

• Buy a permit online at mdnr-elicense.com.
• Purchase a permit in person. Permits are available at DNR customer service centers in the northern Lower Peninsula or Upper Peninsula. A few forestry field offices also will sell permits in person; call ahead to confirm business hours and availability. Collection in roadside areas within ice storm-affected counties may be authorized by unit managers at the available forestry field offices.
• Mail a fuelwood application to the DNR office that manages the part of the state forest where you wish to collect wood.

Find safety tips and other fuelwood permit info »

Spring turkey hunters may face limited access and unsafe conditions on state lands in turkey management units J, A and F.

Downed trees and power lines have temporarily closed some state parks and all DNR-managed trails in the 12 affected counties until debris is cleared and safe access is restored.

Public hunting areas remain open, but hunters are strongly encouraged to use extreme caution if accessing the impacted area. Stay alert, use good-judgment and avoid areas with significant damage or unstable conditions and follow these safety tips:

• Watch for tree hazards. Ice can weaken branches or bring down whole trees, even days after the storm. Stay alert for hanging limbs (widow-makers) and unstable trees, especially in wooded areas.
• Tread carefully. Ground conditions may be slick with mud or thick with downed sticks and twigs. Wear footwear with good traction and consider using a walking stick for balance.
• Drive cautiously. Avoid driving down soft or muddy roads that could trap vehicles or damage the road.
• Share your plans. Tell someone your hunting plans and expected return time in case of emergencies.

We fully appreciate those who are interested in assisting the DNR with cleanup efforts, and recognize the role of volunteers in protecting our natural resources. However, until the DNR develops an approved volunteer action plan, we ask that interested volunteers await further guidance and instructions. This plan will prioritize safety protocols, ensure efficient resource allocation and prevent duplication of efforts.

For your safety and to avoid hindering emergency operations, please do not attempt any trail or state park cleanup without explicit DNR approval. The immediate priority is for utility companies and emergency services to complete their critical work.

If you’re interested in assisting with cleanup efforts, please begin by completing the ice storm recovery volunteer interest form.

We'll follow up with you when it’s safe for everyone to get to work.

* Because of safety concerns, the DNR’s Adopt-A-Forest program has put a hold on volunteer efforts until further notice.