Project Updates

Update, Sept. 25: The effort to partially draw down the level of Cornwall Creek Flooding has concluded, resulting in a stable water elevation that is approximately 6.5 feet below the typical level of the flooding.

Cornwall Creek Flooding is a 161-acre impoundment located within the Pigeon River Country State Forest in Cheboygan County. It is a popular area for fishing, paddling and other forms of recreation.

A series of safety inspections by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)—the state agency which regulates dams—concluded that Cornwall Creek Dam and its water control infrastructure are in poor condition. To address critical dam safety concerns, a partial drawdown of the water level of Cornwall Flooding impoundment was necessary to reduce the risks of dam failure until problems with the dam can be addressed. The drawdown was done over the course of several weeks in August and September 2024 via a controlled and incremental process.

For safety reasons, access to the dam levee was closed and the Shore-to-Shore equestrian trail rerouted during active construction. The partial dewatering phase has now concluded, and the Shore-to-Shore trail is scheduled to reopen for public use beginning Sept. 27. Visitors should continue to exercise extreme caution when trying to access the water as exposed bottomlands are very soft.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, which owns the dam, is working with Huron Pines, Wade Trim and Michigan EGLE on the next phase of the project which is to secure an amended permit for the proposed renovation of the dam, which the project team is aiming to complete in summer 2025. Moving forward with renovation work will require the approval of requested Michigan EGLE permit revisions and is dependent on sufficient funding to cover project costs. The project team anticipates a permit decision by EGLE will be made later in 2024 and that contractor bids will be solicited soon after.

Questions about this project can be directed to Tim Cwalinski, Fisheries Unit Supervisor, Michigan DNR Fisheries Division, Northern Lake Huron Management Unit, at cwalinskit@michigan.gov, 231-340-0276; or Josh Leisen, Senior Project Manager, Huron Pines, josh@huronpines.org, 989-448-2293 x16.

Cornwall Drawdown Underway

Update, Aug. 14: The process of lowering Cornwall Creek Flooding has begun. This dewatering period is expected to take approximately six weeks in good weather and the flooding will remain lowered until all safety concerns with the dam have been addressed.

Users of the equestrian Shore-to-Shore Trail should follow posted detours.

Public access via Tin Bridge Road will remain open during this period but access to the water will become increasingly difficult or impossible as it recedes. Exposed soils will be very soft and may be dangerous to people attempting to reach the water.

Huron Pines has installed a trail camera at the site to document the drawdown process. Please do not touch or move this equipment. Visitors who notice anything out of place should contact Josh Leisen, Senior Project Manager, Huron Pines, (989) 448-2293 ext. 16, josh@huronpines.org; or Tim Cwalinski, Supervisor, DNR Fisheries Division, (231) 340-0276.