MUNISING, Mich. – While some may be delighted at the consistently warmer temperatures so far this winter, others are frustrated at the events that have been cancelled and the recreational activities that have been suspended. Another such disappointment has been the temporary closure of a popular ice climbing area of Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore.
On Thursday, park officials announced that, effective immediately, the Sand Point area is closed to all ice climbing activity. Further, they also cited that a combination of melting snow and ice, along with increased foot traffic has had a negative impact on the condition of the trails.
“We value our long-standing partnership with Michigan Ice Fest”, Superintendent David Horne said, “and we both remain committed to protecting park resources and maintaining recreation access into the future.”
NPS staff will be actively monitoring conditions to hopefully announce if and when climbing can continue at Sand Point. Updates from the National Park Service can be found here.
In an unhappy coincidence, the announcement comes on the second day of the Michigan Ice Fest in Munising, which traditionally brings in climbers and enthusiasts from across the country as well as some international attention. Updates on the festival can be found here.
— with files from upmatters.com
