Here is a map illustrating the area of an upcoming prescribed fire in the Miners area of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The area slated to be burned is denoted with diagonal red shading. It begins near the first major curve in Miners Beach Road, as the road turns north. The burn area extends around a quarter mile east of Miners Beach Road, terminating at the eastern edge of Miners Basin. The burn area also extends from Miners Beach Road west to the Miners River. The burn area terminates at the road perpendicular to Miners Beach Road, just south of Miners Beach. (Image courtesy of the National Park Service)

MUNISING – The National Park Service plans to conduct a prescribed fire in the Miners Beach area of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The prescribed fire is expected to take place no later than June 30. Weather conditions will determine the specific day. Once burning begins, closures are expected to last one to two days.

The prescribed fire will occur east of Miners Castle and south of Miners Beach, in an area of approximately 166 acres. For public safety, a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail between Miners Beach and Miners Castle will be closed for a short period of time during fire operations. NCT hikers will have the opportunity to be safely escorted around the closure. Miners Beach will be inaccessible via Miners Beach Road. Potato Patch backcountry campsites will also be closed for the duration of the prescribed fire. See attached map for location details.

Fire is a historic part of Michigan’s environment. Prescribed fire is used as part of the National Park Service mission to preserve natural and cultural resources. Prescribed fires are conducted by trained and experienced federal wildland fire personnel under carefully monitored weather conditions. The National Park Service has coordinated with U.S. Wildland Fire Service and Michigan Department of Natural Resources for this prescribed fire.

Updates on fire activities will be posted on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s website.