MARQUETTE, MI-- Higher temperatures and melting snow has Department of Natural Resources officials concerned about heavy spring runoff in Houghton County areas affected by last summer’s disastrous flooding.
The DNR will make reconnaissance flights over the former railroad grades now used for off-road vehicle and snowmobile trails.
But officials want the public to report any problems that arise. That includes pooling of water upstream of designated trails and in areas where it does not naturally occur, new washouts, new slumping of the trail grades, and blocked water flow on existing structures like storm drains and culverts.
The DNR has been working to repair damage created by two historic rainfall and flooding events last summer. Officials say many sections of trail washouts need to be rebuilt before some trails, or trail segments, can be reopened for recreational use.
To report spring runoff concerns in Houghton County, contact Matt Torreano, DNR easements and lands analyst, at 906-226-1342 or John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer, at 906-250-7260.
