The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is evaluating proposed actions for Black River Lake Dam in Gogebic County. At a public meeting on March 12, David Caroffino, DNR Lake Superior Basin coordinator, and Eric Cadeau, DNR engineer, presented the history and possible next steps for the future of the dam, which failed in June 2024.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy — the state agency that regulates dams — conducted an assessment of Black River Dam in 2024 after a dam failure and issued a violation notice to the DNR. Dam removal is being considered, given that the current state of the stream channel and former impoundment poses no environmental risk and the DNR does not have the personnel or financial resources to manage the dam.

It has been incorrectly reported that the DNR was inviting public comment on McDonald Dam in Erwin Township, instead of Black River Lake Dam. McDonald Dam is not owned by the DNR but by Gogebic County. The DNR has no information on or responsibility for McDonald Dam.

Prior reporting also included an email address for Caroffino that was incorrect — any public comments sent to an email address other than CaroffinoD@Michigan.gov have not been received and should be sent to the email address listed above to ensure receipt.

The DNR has not yet made a final determination on the next steps for Black River Lake Dam. Written comments may be provided to David Caroffino, Lake Superior Basin coordinator, at CaroffinoD@Michigan.gov.

For more information on the management of DNR-owned dams, visit Michigan.gov/DNRDams.