NORTHEAST MICHIGAN – Following last week’s massive ice storm in northern Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Incident Management Team has been working around the clock to clear roads and restore access to critical infrastructure.
In just five days, and with support from the Michigan National Guard and other partners, the team has cleared nearly 500 miles of roadways in the 12-county area hardest hit by the storm.
“From sunrise to sunset, our crews have been out there removing trees, branches and debris so emergency vehicles can reach residents who need help,” said Mike Janisse, Incident Commander. “They’ve worked through wind, rain, slush, snow — and even more ice — to keep people safe and reconnect communities.”
Currently, 15 field crews are still at work in some of the most severely affected counties. Their top priority remains public safety and ensuring road access for emergency services.
Restoring communication access
A key part of the response has also involved clearing paths to communication towers vital to Michigan’s emergency systems. The state’s Public Safety Communications System — used by more than 2,600 police, fire, EMS, and hospital agencies — experienced disruptions when access roads were blocked by storm debris.
“Getting to those sites quickly was critical,” said Bradley Stoddard, Director of the Office of Michigan’s Public Safety Communications System. “If power fails or damage occurs, crews need to get in fast to maintain service for 911 and other emergency responders.”
The Incident Management Team successfully cleared access to 33 public safety communication towers, along with all 13 assigned cellular towers.
Ongoing response
Storm cleanup operations are continuing in Cheboygan, Emmet, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties. Plans are also underway to ferry a team to Beaver Island beginning Tuesday, April 8.
“This is a true team effort,” said Janisse. “We’re grateful to our partners and to the communities who’ve shown so much resilience. We’re making steady progress every day.”
For updates on state park and trail closures, visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.
To learn more about available resources for those affected by the storm, visit Michigan.gov/IceStorm.
