News Release

Prescribed Fire Planned for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

News Release Date: May 26, 2026

Contact: Hannah Bradburn, [phone]

Contact: Alisa Hardin-Lapp, [phone]

MUNISING, Mich.- The National Park Service plans to conduct a prescribed fire in the Miners Beach area of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The prescribed fire is expected to take place no later than June 30, 2026. Weather conditions will determine the specific day. Once burning begins, closures are expected to last one to two days.

The prescribed fire will occur east of Miners Castle and south of Miners Beach, in an area of approximately 166 acres. For public safety, a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) between Miners Beach and Miners Castle will be closed for a short period of time during fire operations. NCT hikers will have the opportunity to be safely escorted around the closure. Miners Beach will be inaccessible via Miners Beach Road. Potato Patch backcountry campsites will also be closed for the duration of the prescribed fire. See attached map for location details.

Fire is a historic part of Michigan's environment. Prescribed fire is used as part of the National Park Service mission to preserve natural and cultural resources. Prescribed fires are conducted by trained and experienced federal wildland fire personnel under carefully monitored weather conditions. The National Park Service has coordinated with US Wildland Fire Service and Michigan DNR for this prescribed fire.

Updates on fire activities will be posted on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s website.

Additional information regarding Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore can be found at www.nps.gov/piro or on Facebook @PicturedRocksNL and Instagram @picturedrocksnps.

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About the National Park Service The National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.