GOGEBIC COUNTY, MI— The Department of Natural Resources is considering what to do with the Black River Lake Dam in Gogebic County.
The dam failed last June. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy—which regulates dams—assessed it and issued a violation notice to the DNR.
Officials are considering removing the dam, given that the current state of the stream channel and former impoundment poses no environmental risk. They add the DNR does not have the personnel or financial resources to manage the dam.
The DNR has not yet made a final determination on the next steps for Black River Lake Dam. Written comments may be provided to David Caroffino, Lake Superior Basin coordinator, at CaroffinoD@Michigan.gov.
