RIPLEY – The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) has temporarily suspended a warning to avoid activity on a section of the snowmobile trail owned by the State of Michigan running through the Julio scrapyard property. The primary public health concern related to recreational use of the trail was exposure to asbestos and other potential hazards contained in the trail surface. Recent snowfall has sufficiently covered the trail, reducing the risk of exposure to these hazards. This temporary suspension is in effect for the current snowmobiling season expected to last through March 31, 2020 or as weather allows. The previous advisory is still in effect for all other non-trail areas of the Julio scrapyard.

WUPHD is working with local, state, and federal partners to reach a long-term solution to this issue. For more information, please contact the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department at 906-482-7382.

Please note: This advisory amendment does not affect flood-related trail closures; the trail section from Dollar Bay to Lake Linden remains closed due to flood damage, additional information regarding trail section closures can be obtained from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by calling 517-242-3773