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Editor's Note: This Cleveland-Cliffs public notice is being issued by the Michigan DNR because the project will affect the DNR boating access site and recreation at Deer Lake.
Cleveland-Cliffs lowering water level of Deer Lake to complete repairs and
maintenance on the Deer Lake Dam
This notice is to inform the
public that Cleveland-Cliffs has begun a temporary drawdown of the water level
of Deer Lake, located north of Ishpeming, Michigan. This drawdown is expected
to affect the entire lake and all connected surface waters upstream of the Deer
Lake Dam, which outlets to the Carp River.
Cleveland-Cliffs, owners and
operators of the Deer Lake Dam, must lower the water level 5 to 7 feet to
complete scheduled repairs and maintenance. Cliffs will be restoring the concrete
on the dam to ensure its continued safe operation.
Work is scheduled to begin in mid
to late June and is anticipated to be completed between the end of August and
mid-September. The gradual drawdown of the lake has begun, with water levels
dropping over several weeks. The lake water level will be noticeably lower
during this time. Most visible will be a significant retreat of the normal
shoreline.
Normal seasonal public access
and recreation on Deer Lake may be affected during the project. Water normally
stored by the Deer Lake Dam provides recreation and fishing opportunities for
the public.
A public boat launch managed
by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at Deer Lake may be temporarily
closed, for short intervals, during the restoration work. Notifications will be
posted at the boating access site as necessary.
Boaters should be aware that
navigational hazards, such as logs and stumps, may be more common during the
lake drawdown period. As always, caution should be exercised when boating on
Deer Lake.
Water levels will be restored
to normal levels following the restoration project. Thank you for your patience
and understanding during this period.
For more information about the
drawdown of the lake water level or the upcoming work on the Deer Lake Dam,
contact Cliffs by email at info@clevelandcliffs.com or call (906) 250-5084.
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