Crews rake Cheboygan dam gates as machinery and boats clear debris

Debris removal is cited as the key to keeping water moving through the Cheboygan Lock and Dam, according to Michigan State Police.

Staff working on the dam are using long-handled metal rakes, manually removing wood and other unanchored debris from the dam’s gates.

In addition to manually removing debris, heavy machinery and two marine vessels are being used to clear debris and keep water moving.

A marine vessel is also being used on Mullett Lake, upstream of the Cheboygan Dam, to remove logs and other vegetation as well as to break up the ice.

Michigan State Police said that the debris that is retrieved is being moved to the Forks Boating Access Site, which is currently closed to the public, before it is separated and permanently removed.