BARAGA COUNTY, MI— The Department of Natural Resources is in the process of restoring the Net River Dam in southern Baraga County.
The dam partially failed in 2022 after a corroded water control structure in the middle of the dam collapsed, creating a sinkhole and washing out a road. Work started in late June and is expected to be completed in the fall.
The dam, built in the early 1960s, and the 200-acre wetlands impoundment it creates are part of the DNR-managed Net River Flooding State Wildlife Management Area. During construction, the parking area and boating access site will be closed.
Water levels in the impoundment area have been drawn down to accommodate construction. The wild rice beds on Net River will not be accessible this summer and fall due to the low water levels.
