All state park campgrounds and overnight lodging locations in affected parks have reopened. Please keep in mind that in some areas the landscape may look different and some day-use areas, such as boating access sites and park trails, may still be closed.

If you plan to hit a trail or a forest road, look ahead as usual – but also look up and down. Some broken limbs and branches are still hanging in some trees and may fall without warning. In other cases, trees are down or leaning on other trees. For your safety, please respect all closures. If there are open trails in the park or region, please stay on the trail corridor due to potential hazards in the surrounding forest.

The storms profoundly affected nearly 1 million acres of state forest land, including 3,400 miles of state forest roads, 19 state parks, 54 state forest campgrounds, 169 boating access sites and 3,260 miles of trails (including 1,700 miles of state-designated ORV trails and routes).

“Crews have been working hard to reopen forest roads and trails and repair state facilities, and they’ve made a lot of progress so far,” said Kerry Heckman, public information officer for the DNR Ice Storm Response Team. “We know everyone wants to get outside to enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors, and we want that, too. But it’s critical to use caution, steer clear of closed areas and be fully aware of your surroundings.”

Find a dedicated map and dashboard with the latest status (open, partially open, closed) of state parks, state-managed trails, boating access sites and state forest campgrounds, safety updates and more at the DNR’s Ice Storm Response page.

Questions? Contact Beth Fults at [email protected].

However, installation of swim buoys is delayed at several locations due to this year’s cooler temperatures in the Great Lakes and inland lakes. Those chillier temps are creating conditions that make it dangerous for DNR staff to complete the installation. Not all buoys will be in place until weather conditions allow for safe installation.

“We want to remind our visitors to be cautious of cold-water temperatures. Sudden immersion and/or sustained time in cold water can cause cold shock, making it hard to breathe and increasing your risk of drowning,” said Pat Whalen, Plainwell District supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

To keep everyone safe, follow these must-know tips throughout the swim season:

• Check beach flags in buoyed swim areas (double-red flags = water access closed, red flag = high hazard, yellow flag = medium hazard, green flag = low hazard). By law, you cannot enter the water from the beach when double-red flags are flying or if otherwise directed.
• The absence of flags does not ensure safe swimming conditions. Swim at your own risk and be vigilant about monitoring beach and water conditions.
• For safer swimming, choose buoyed swim areas when visiting many state parks. These areas offer added safety measures and visual cues, helping you avoid potentially hazardous locations like piers with structural currents. Keep in mind that not all state parks offer buoyed swim areas.
• Never swim alone, especially children.
• Keep close watch on children and less experienced swimmers: Stay within arm’s reach, have them wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, be conscious of their limits and take frequent breaks.
• Be aware of water temperatures and weather warnings.
• Water currents near piers, breakwalls and outlets of rivers can be extremely hazardous.

The DNR is proud to promote National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, and safe boating practices all year long. Where the cause of death was known, U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause in 75 percent of recreational boating fatalities in 2023, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Before leaving shore, consider these boating safety tips:

Keeping safety in mind is vital on any ride, for you and others. According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes were primarily due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use.

“Always ride within your and the machine’s capabilities,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When operators ride too fast, they are more likely to lose control when they hit even the smallest bump or try to make turns or stop.”

All ORV operators are urged to “Ride Right” and keep this other important guidance in mind, too:

• Ride at a safe speed.
• Ride sober.
• Ride on the right side of the trail.
• Keep lights on when riding.
• Always wear a helmet.

Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight. For more on state ORV laws and where to ride, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.

Questions? Email Cpl. Mike Hearn at [email protected].

People are responsible for starting nine out of 10 wildfires – almost never on purpose – and nearly all of these could have been prevented.

Next time you plan to burn, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Build your campfire in a metal ring or pit. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a moment. When you’re done, thoroughly douse the fire with water, stir and douse again.
• When using fireworks, keep a hose handy and make sure to soak used sparklers in water before discarding them. Never shoot fireworks into dry grass, brush or trees.
• When barbecuing, never leave the grill unattended and keep a water source nearby.
• Taking a trailer up north? Ensure tow chains don’t drag and cause sparks, which can light a fire along the road’s edge.
• Avoid using heavy machinery like lawnmowers in dry areas. Don’t park an ORV or other vehicle on dry grass, as a hot exhaust system can ignite the grass.
• Before burning yard debris, see if burn permits are being issued or if weather conditions allow for safe burning. Check the burn permit page or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876) for more information. People in Michigan’s 12-county ice storm emergency area are asked to hold off on burning and to take fallen limbs and other debris to dropoff sites.
• If you do burn, keep your debris piles small. A large pile can burn for hours.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/FireSafety. Questions? Contact DNR fire prevention specialist Paul Rogers at 616-260-8406.

Sometimes it’s just about knowing how to take action. Fortunately, Michigan’s Invasive Species Program has excellent, clear-cut guidance for boaters and anglers, campers, hunters and trail users, and land owners, gardeners and pond owners.

Before ever leaving the house, though, it’s good to know exactly what you’re looking for and what do do when you find it! Check out the invasive species identify and report page for profiles on different species and guidance on how best to report them. Invasive species of greatest concern in Michigan are on the Watch List, and several species are prohibited or restricted in Michigan.

Questions? Contact Joanne Foreman, DNR invasives species communications coordinator, at 517-243-6450.