During a summer recreation season already hampered by pandemic-related delays and restrictions, many of Michigan’s state parks are now wrestling with another force of nature: historically high water along the Great Lakes, according to MLive.com.
From the east side to the west side and up north, the record-setting water levels are reshaping shorelines, eroding beaches, submerging docks and piers, and rendering roads and trails inaccessible. The unprecedented situation has manifested in high water-related closures statewide at harbors, parks and boating access sites managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
In East Tawas, Lake Huron’s high levels coupled with historic spring rains have left much of Tawas Point State Park water-logged, requiring the shut-down of park facilities, cabins and some campsites.
Meanwhile, 185 miles to the west, Ludington State Park’s Jack Pine campground — only several hundred feet from Lake Michigan — has been forced to close due to flooding.
And to the north in Charlevoix, a water-covered road at Fisherman’s Island State Park has blocked access to the park’s South Campground, closing off more than half of the park’s campsites.
Last week, the DNR issued a notice about water-related closures statewide.
