CHEBOYGAN COUNTY — The Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) are warning canoeists, kayakers, tubers, and those fishing that the footbridge over the Pigeon River on the High Country Pathway in the Pigeon River Country State Forest has collapsed and is blocking the river.

The bridge was closed in June because "there were obvious problems" with the structure, according to Laurie Marzolo, DNR Pigeon River Country Unit Manager at the Atlanta DNR field office. She said funding for repairs is still being secured and repairs on the bridge had not begun.

Marzolo said the bridge had no support beams in the river, and emphasized that the incident involving the Song of the Morning Ranch dam and the bridge collapse are completely separate incidents.

"River users will need to portage around the collapsed bridge until the debris can be safely removed, or completely avoid this part of the river," said  Marzolo, adding signs have been placed upstream of the debris to warn river users.

The Pigeon River footbridge has a 7.5-mile temporary reroute in place. This detour takes trail users on Campsite Road, the north spur of the Shore-to-Shore Trail and on Tin Bridge Road. Camping at Pine Grove State Forest Campground is available using a one-mile connector.

The north spur of the Shore-to-Shore Trail is a hiking and horse trail.

Mountain bikers need to keep in mind that other than on this temporary detour, the north spur of the Shore-to-Shore Trail is closed to mountain bike use in the Pigeon River Country State Forest.

For more information or questions regarding the status of the bridge repairs or about the High Country Pathway, contact the Pigeon River Country Forest Headquarters at (989) 983-4101.

Currently, the Black River footbridge also remains closed since June and should be considered unsafe until repairs are made on that bridge as well. Fording/crossing the rivers is not recommended, because the river currents can be strong at these locations.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

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