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U.P. campground set to reopen after unexpected closure

Pigeon River Country State Forest, Fall 2019
Matthew Clara/MI Dept. of Natural Resources
Pigeon River Country State Forest, Fall 2019

A campground in the upper peninsula is preparing to open tomorrow (August 12) for the first time this summer. The park is one of six that had closed abruptly due to concerns over hazardous trees.

Campers who had their reservations canceled were offered first choice of Lake Michigan Campground’s thirty-five sites.

Janel Crooks is a public affairs officer for the U.S. Forest Service. She says it takes a lot of work to open a campground.

“Everything from making sure that the sites are all clean and safe to setting up the garbage pickup and arranging staffing...We’re ready to go and looking forward to getting folks out in their tents and RVs and enjoying Lake Michigan.”

Crooks says a second campground might reopen this season... all six are expected to be ready next year.

Rebecca Particka is a reporter / producer for WCMU.