The Michigan Department of Natural Resources advises anglers, paddlers and boaters to use caution when navigating waterways in areas affected by the late-March ice storm. New obstructions, such as fallen trees and branches, may be present in rivers and streams in the 12-county disaster area encompassing Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties.

While fallen trees and branches are natural and expected in bodies of water, the effects of the severe ice storm in northern Michigan mean that significant additional woody debris may be present in water in the affected area. This increased woody debris may impact navigation in rivers or streams.

Trees, branches and other woody debris are important for healthy aquatic ecosystems, providing shelter to fish and creating the meanders (bends and turns) in streams that result in different types of fish habitat – such as deep pools or undercuts that provide cover for trout, and slack water behind debris where the flow is slower and fish can rest.

Woody debris also creates beneficial environments for the macroinvertebrates that fish eat. Although the ice storm was destructive in many ways, the additional trees and woody debris in the area rivers and streams are an aspect of the storm that will benefit fish, along with insects, amphibians and other wildlife.