Possible Leakage at Hodenpyl Dam

Hodenpyl Dam and Pond

mostly from M-Live

The severe flooding this spring has changed the condition of many of the dams that Consumers Energy has been trying to sell to a third party, and is one of the factors affecting the status of that salw. One of the potential problem areas is at Hodenpyl Dam near Mesick, Michigan, on the Manistee River.

There are potential leaks, sinkholes and damage to sheet piling at Hodenpyl. Inspection could require shutting off the flow of water, and dewatering parts of the river. This could impact fish and other aquatic wildlife, as well as recreation. The inspection is being delayed until August as Consumers Energy contemplates a way to keep some water flowing downstream during that time.

Dam failure is not considered a concern, but inspection and repairs do need to take place soon. Consumers is recommending the condition be checked before fall.

Hodenpyl impounds 2025 surface acres of water, and is considered "high hazard," because failure is likely to cause property damage and death. The dam pond and the Manistee River are high value recreation venues. A portion of the North Country Trail closely follows the shore of the pond.


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Alpine Firefighters Use what3words to Rescue Cyclist

recue in progress (photo from Alpine Firefighters)

from Alpine Firefighters Association

Alpine Township Fire Department (Kent County, Michigan) responded this week to a report of an injured mountain biker on the Perrin Flow Trail of the Wahlfield Park trail system. This is in a remote section of the park and is not easily reached by traditional emergency apparatus.

The location of the injured cyclist was pinpointed using what3words. This location system divides the globe into 3-meter squares each with a unique address consisting of three words.

Kent County Sheriff's Office dispatch relayed that location to responding crews in real time. Alpine Firefighters determined the fastest entry point to reach the victim, always a challenge in remote locations. Advanced Life Support personnel assesed and treated the patient before transporting to a hospital.

The ATVs used to reach the site were received through the Firehouse Subs Foundation grant program. The department states that this is a good example of layering technology with traditional radio communication to locate and aid the injured person in a timely manner.


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Kent County Dog Park Opens

aerial view of Kent Co. Dog Park (photo from Wahlfield Construction)

from Kent County Parks

The new Kent County, Michigan, 10-acre, fully fenced, off-leash dog park will open Friday, July 24, 2026. A grand opening celebration is planned for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wahlfield Park - North, located at 7117 M-37 in Comstock Park.

A facility of this size dedicated to dog recreation is highly unusual. Ben Swayze, director of the Kent County Parks Department, said, “Wahlfield Dog Park fills a need we've heard from the community for years.”

The park is completely enclosed and features
• a swimming pond with jumping dock (for dogs only)
• a 1-acre area for small dogs
• a 2-acre open activity field
• crushed stone walking trails through natural areas
• a four-season family restroom with a dog wash station

The park hours will be from 7 am until sunset.

Dogs must be spayed/neutered to use the facility. Complete rules can be found at the link below.

See Kent County Parks


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Rabid Bat Found in Ottawa County

bat (photo from Michigan Field Guide)

from M-Live

Ottawa County (Michigan) Department of Public Health has announced the first case of rabies in the county this year in any species of animal. No human cases have been reported to date.

Bats are most active from May through September, and people should take precautions. Any scratch or bite should prompt capture of the animal for testing. Finding a bat in a room where people have been sleeping or finding a bat in a room with people such as children or the infirm who cannot clearly communicate any interactions should cause concern.

Do not release of dispose of the bat. Confine or collect the bat and contact your local health department so it can be tested. Rabies is curable if treatment begins before symptoms begin.

So far in 2026, Michigan has found 22 cases of animals with rabies.

See Bat in Emmet County Tests Positive for Rabies


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Wildwood Harbor Nature Area Expands

Wildwood Harbor Nature Area (photo from Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy)

from M-Live

The Walloon Lake, Charlevoix County, Michigan, Association and Land Conservancy has just expanded its Wildwood Harbor Nature Area by 30 acres. This is now the largest property managed by that group.

The purchase links the land with other parcels forming a 285-acre block of protected land. The wetland and forested section, in the southern part of the Walloon Lake watershed is now permanently conserved.

Protection of the property will also maintain a high-quality wildlife corridor supporting species including black bear, bobcat, beaver, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, mink, and numerous species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and pollinators. WLAC plans to develop a comprehensive management plan for the property later in 2026 to guide long-term stewardship activities, forest management, wildlife habitat protection, and public access considerations.

The total project cost was $294,148. The acquisition was made possible in part through WLAC’s Land Protection Fund.

Wildwood Harbor supports hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, birding, kayaking and other quiet activities.

See Wildwood Harbor Preserve


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Musketawa Trail Upgrades Near Completion

newly paved Musketawa Trail (photo from West Michigan Trails)

from West Michigan Trails

The Musketawa Trail in Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, Michigan, is a 25-mile paved route that forms a connection leading to Grand Rapids and to the Lakeshore Trail.

Beginning in 2025, complete reconstruction began using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Most of the work will be completed by August 2026, with the exception of the Crockery Creek bridge. This may not be complete until mid-September, but users will be able to once again enjoy most of the trail. The new pavement is ten feet wide.

The planning for additional trail amenities is ongoing. The Friends group has made a memorial shelter project their priority and is raising funds. A comprehensive amenities plan is still in development

See Musketawa Trail


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Pentwater Junior Sailing Program Gets New Dock

building the new dock (photo from the Oceana Echo)

from Oceana Echo

The Pentwater (Michigan) Junior Yacht Club was the recipient of a new dock this week where they can store their boats.

Pentwater's Junior Sailing Program provides lessons to all youth. There is a sailor scholarship program for any student that may need help with the cost. The goal is to be sure all children have an opportunity to learn to sail. They also offer private lessons for adults and children under 8 years of age.

The previous deck was broken and the seawall was in bad repair, allowing water to erode the land behind it.

Contributions were provided by The Pentwater Lake Improvement Board, The Village of Pentwater, the Pentwater Service Club, and the Pentwater Junior Women's Club. The Service Club also provided labor as a great cost-saving measure.

Once plans were approved and the beach area re-graded, building the dock took only two days.

See Pentwater Junior Saliing Program


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Another Mosquito-Borne Hazard

mosquito (photo by mycteria)

compiled from several sources

Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department has confirmed Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) in Michigan this year. The virus is mosquito-borne and causes Jamestown Canyon encephalitis.

The actual occurrance of the disease is quite rare and usually results only in mild flu or cold-like symptoms such as headache, sore throat, runny nose or cough. Some cases are totally asymptomatic.

In a few cases the progression will lead to nausea, vomiting, and fever. This can develop into meningitis or meningoencephalitis, both serious illneeses. Older persons or those with compromised immune systems are more susceptible. However, the CDC reports only 13 cases from 2000 to 2013.

The Environmental Health Division monitors mosquito populations in the Kalamozoo area and found the virus in a routine inspection.

Jamestown Canyon Virus is found throughout the United States, although it is not studied extensively since most cases are mild. Taking normal precautions against mosquito bites is recommended.

See WZZM article


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Ludington State Park Skyline Trail Will Be Rebuilt before Next Season

view from the Skyline Trail (photo by Steve Benoche- used with permission)

from the Ludington Daily News

Beginning in September, the Skyline Trail at Ludington State Park (Michigan) will be under reconstruction. A contract has been awarded to MIHM Enterprises for the large project.

The Skyline Trail is an elevated walkway that overlooks the southern dune portion of the park. It was originally built it 1979-80, and was constructed entirely of wood. The new trail will have steel support posts, and some sections will be even higher to allow the natural movement of sand.

Friends of Ludington State Park say this is one of the biggest projects they've undertaken. Over $350,000 was raised by the Friends. Another $50,000 came from Pennies From Heaven. The total cost of the project is $3.5 million, with the DNR picking up the bulk of the cost.

The project has been delayed from the original timetable, mostly due to engineering difficulties to bring the new trail up to current code standards while preserving the aspects that have made it a park favorite.

As pictured above, the trail has an En-Chroma viewer to enable color-blind persons to better enjoy the view, and that will be installed on the new walkway

The rebuilt trail is expected to be open in 2027.

See Friends of Ludington State Park


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What to Expect for Upcoming Air Quality

smoky haze in lower Michigan today (photo by jhy)

from Apostle Islands Facebook page

Almost every location in the United States east of Minnesota is experiencing air quality issues ranging from "Unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "Hazardous." This is due to smoke from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota. The fires were caused by lightning strikes. The entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is currently closed.

The downwind air quality may affect your decisions to recreate outdoors even in Michigan. In some cases, the smoke is so thick the air temperature is actually dropping.

There is unlikely to be any relief on Thursday with calm winds and still no rain.

Some chance of rain in the burning areas is in the forecast for Friday, but it may not be enough to put out the fires. However, it should scrub the air to some extent.

Only sustained rain will extinguish these fires, and until this happens, smoke will continue to affect Michigan off and on as winds shift and either carry smoke away or bring in even more.

See the link below for real time air quality anywhere in the U.S.

See real time air quality


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Hundred-Acre Wood Will Make 180 Acres Public

Hundred Acre Wood (photo from Little Traverse Conservancy)

from an article by M-Live

A 160-acre tract of land near Harbor Springs, Michigan, will be purchased by the Little Traverse Conservancy. They are currently raising the $3 million to make this a reality. An additional 20 acres will be donated by the Jeff Ford family, who has always called the property the "Hundred-Acre Wood," as in Winnie the Pooh.

The fundraising is already approaching $2.5 million, and if all goes well, the property could be open for skiing and snowshoeing this winter.

The West Traverse Township public trails abut the property on the west. All together, this will be 260 connected acres that will be available for public recreation and for wildlife. The ecosystem is primarily upland hardwoods.

Future plans could include a parking area, signage, and additional trails.

See maps of West Traverse Township Trails


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DNR Plans Auctions of Unnecessary Land

typical forested property (photo from Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

August land auctions help the DNR meet its mission to boost public recreation and protect natural resources. Nearly 100 parcels are available; sale proceeds will be used to acquire land that better fits the department’s outdoor recreation and conservation goals

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is busy preparing 97 properties for sale via online auctions later this summer. River frontage, lake frontage and forested acreage surrounded by private ownership — these characteristics describe some of the parcels that will be available Aug. 4-28.

Kerry Heckman, DNR forest lands and special projects administrator, said though it might seem counter-intuitive for the DNR to make any land available for sale, it’s important to note that the public benefit of some properties is severely limited. That’s due to factors such as lack of legal public access, size limitations that prevent appropriate public use, and development on adjacent privately owned land that negatively affects public use such as hunting.

"More importantly, the proceeds from our surplus-land sales are deposited into the Land Exchange Facilitation Fund,” Heckman said. “Those dollars are specifically used to acquire other properties that are more usable by residents and visitors, protect important natural resources and provide accessible, quality recreation opportunities throughout the state.”

Many of these properties are located in West Michigan. See complete listing and dates below.

See details of parcels


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