F.J. McLain State Park closes campsites due to unsafe conditions
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 01/29/2015 11:15 AM EST|
Severe erosion along Lake Michigan shoreline forces campsite closures. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 29, 2015
Contact: Jamie Metheringham or Peggy Tanskanen, 906-482-0278
F.J. McLain State Park in western Upper Peninsula closes several campsites
due to unsafe conditions
The Department of Natural Resources today announced that F.J. McLain State Park in Hancock, Michigan, has closed a total of 32 lakefront campsites due to unsafe conditions and extreme Lake Superior shoreline erosion.
Campsites 86-103 will remain permanently closed, but campsites 72-85 will be re-evaluated in the spring for safety and accessibility. If sites 72-85 are reopened, they will be available for local sale only, meaning that they will only be available at the park on a first-come, first-served basis. This provides staff the ability to monitor the sites and close them if safety issues occur, without canceling campers’ advance reservations. Campers can expect a different look to the park due to the site closures, including a different traffic layout and signs.
The DNR Parks and Recreation Division currently is working on a management plan for F.J. McLain State Park to address the zoning, erosion and infrastructure issues that have affected the landscape of the park. Engineering studies also have been conducted to assess the long-term impact to the park from the erosion.
For more information about the park or site availability, contact the park at 906-482-0278.
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
A Recreation Passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check “YES” during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks and local outdoor recreation opportunities at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/Editors, please note: Accompanying photos are available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
Severe erosion has occurred along the Lake Superior shoreline in F.J. McLain State Park in Houghton County, causing traffic reroutes and campsite closures../