Severe ice storms have disrupted operations at the University of Michigan Biological Station in Pellston. The storms caused extensive damage by toppling trees and power lines, affecting thousands in northern Michigan.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for 10 northern Michigan counties, including Cheboygan County, to aid recovery efforts.

A photo of people cleaning up debris from an ice storm
Building and Facilities Supervisor Eareckson Myers left and Facilities Manager Scott Haley work to clean up at the U M Biological Station in Pellston on April 1 after severe ice storms in northern Michigan Photo by Renee Kinney UMBS

Felled trees and branches created obstacles on roads and trails, posing serious hazards. The public is advised to avoid these storm-affected areas for safety reasons.

Visitors are urged not to use hiking or cross-country ski trails and to avoid driving through the campus along Douglas Lake, allowing crews to safely manage debris clearance and damage assessment.

UMBS Director Aimée Classen praised the team, stating, “I want to give a huge shoutout to the UMBS team in Pellston for their dedication and resilience in cleaning up after the severe ice storms in northern Michigan. We’re grateful for their hard work and commitment to the community.”

Located 20 miles south of Mackinac Bridge, UMBS is among the largest and longest-operating field research stations in the U.S. It encompasses over 10,000 acres of forested land, featuring laboratories, classrooms, and cabins along South Fishtail Bay. The station hosts more than 23 miles of trails, serving as a hub for research and education.