Rochester Fire Department Warns Park Goers of River Blockage

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Officials are asking residents in the area of Bloomer Park, near Clinton River, to use extreme caution after a log jam formed against a trail bridge.

Fire officials on Wednesday said a large tree had fallen into the Clinton River earlier this spring and drifted downriver, where it became pinned against the trail bridge. Other logs have since piled onto the jam, forming what officials deemed a hazard and referred to as a "strainer."

"This unstable pile of timber and debris not only presents a hazard for rafting and kayaking, but also for hikers or other nature goers who may be tempted to climb across it," officials said in a social media post Wednesday night.

The fire department said it is evaluating the safest mitigation option, and while the river is considered passable for kayakers and rafters, extreme caution is necessary as there are multiple loose logs in the blockage that may continue to shift.

"If you decide to join the many others that are enjoying the Clinton River Trail, please use caution if walking along the banks of the river in that area and refrain from climbing on the pile or attempting to move any logs," officials posted. "We will provide updates as we determine the best strategies for freeing or removing the debris."

Anyone with additional questions or concerns is asked to call fire department administration at (248) 651-4470.