The U.S. Coast Guard says it is scheduled to begin ice breaking operations in the lower St. Marys River next week in preparation for the 2025 Great Lakes commercial shipping season.
The ice breaking activity will begin March 10 and initially focus on the lower St. Marys River, south of Munuscong (Mud) Lake and the Middle Neebish Channel north and east of Neebish Island.
The Coast Guard is scheduled to extend ice breaking activities into the southern half of the West Neebish Channel, as the week progresses, working from Mud Lake Junction Light northward to Moon Island.
The Coast Guard is not scheduled to disturb the ice south of West Neebish Channel Light 45, above the ferry crossing, or the ice north of Moon Island below the ferry crossing.
The targeted opening of the Sault Locks for 2025 is scheduled for March 21.
"Coast Guard ice breaking activities will encompass all navigable waters of the St. Marys River," the maritime service said in a news release.
The Coast Guard recommended all recreational users of the ice to "plan their activities carefully, use caution near the ice and stay away from charted navigation areas".
Further inquiries can be made by phone to Vessel Traffic Service St. Marys River at (906) 635-3299 or via email at [email protected].
