Cleanup is still an ongoing process in Northern Michigan after a devastating storm hit the Traverse City region and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Sunday, August 2. Here is a great opportunity to help the Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association at the Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area.
The following is a note from Dave Hauser, who is coordinating the volunteer efforts at Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area:
The Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area was hit very hard during the storm on Sunday, August 2. Hundreds of downed trees blocked the trails in every direction. We are happy to report that so far, we have made great forward progress cleaning up the mess. The devastation was very extreme near the Rapid City Road parking area. Our DNR managers contracted a logger to work on that area. The rest of the pathways are being cleared by volunteers. They all have done a great job, and we are probably 75 percent complete. However, more work is needed.
The next planned work day is Saturday, October 10 starting at 9 am at the Rapid City Road parking area. We anticipate working about three hours. To help us plan, please let us know if you are available to lend a hand. We hope to break into teams to work on two or three remaining areas. Please bring loppers or pruning saws and wear durable work clothing. We will have a few chainsaw operators who have proper safety equipment and safety training. Heavy work shoes and gloves are a must for everyone.
We hope to have a picnic lunch for our crew, around noon. Hope you can join us. Even if you can’t join us this time, we appreciate your interest and support.
– Dave Hauser
If you’re interested in volunteering at the Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area, contact Dave at 231.620.5750 or dave@davehauser.net.