Michigan DNR closes boat access to Black River Lake indefinitely

The Michigan Department of Natural Resource will close the boat ramp at Black River Lake in Gogebic County indefinitely. Earlier this week, the MDNR announced that the boat ramp at Black River Lake will be closed indefinitely and advised the public to avoid the area because the ground has become soft from water released from the reservoir. Since June 28, the DNR has received reports of extremely low water levels on Black River Lake. The reservoir, about 10 miles southeast of Ironwood, was maintained by a water control structure on the north side of the lake. During an investigation, DNR fisheries division staff found that the dam had partially failed and one of the lower dam logs broke, causing slow drainage. The Department of Natural Resources classifies the dam, which is located in a remote part of Gogebic County, as a low-risk structure. That means a potential breach poses a low risk to public safety, property or the environment. To reduce the likelihood of the area refilling, the DNR will remove the remaining dam logs and close the boat ramp indefinitely. The Michigan Department of Environment’s Great Lakes and Energy Dam Safety Unit has been made aware of the issue and will continue to review next steps and future management.