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Art and photos on this website may not be reproduced without written
permission of Michigan Forest Association. Other material may be
reprinted with appropriate credit.
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Privacy
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| Forests To Visit In
Michigan
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Michigan's forests provide a broad range of
"products" including pulpwood and lumber, veneer, game animals,
non-game wildlife, songbirds, flowers, fall colors, and recreational
opportunities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, snowshoeing, skiing,
snowmobiling and bird watching. Here are a few of the many forests
available to visit: |
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The Fred Russ Forest |
Located in Southwest Michigan near Decatur, Fred Russ Forest is a research
facility of the
Michigan State University Department of Forestry. University researchers
use this facility to learn more about the growth of both native and exotic
trees in southern Michigan. Their work leads to a better understanding of
how to manage forest land for a variety of purposes.
Major
experiments include tree improvement plantations, genetic research on Black
Locust, plantation management, seedling establishment, plantation thinning,
natural stand management, natural areas, wildflower preservation and study
and Shitake mushroom studies.
Of special interest at Russ Forest is Newton Woods- a Registered National
Landmark, Russ Forest Park- picnic grounds and hiking trails, Newton House-
a good example of Italianate architecture built in the 1860's, and the Log
Cabin- an example of pegged beam construction.
For Group Tours and demonstrations of forest ecology and management,
telephone (616) 782-5652, or write Resident Forester, Fred Russ Forest,
Rural Route #3, Decatur, MI 49045. |
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W.K. Kellog Experimental Forest |
Also located in Southwest Michigan near Augusta,
W. K. Kellog Experimental Forest is another research
facility of the
Michigan
State University Department of Forestry.
Major experiments here include gypsy moth monitoring,
genetic research on Black Locust, a Larch species trial,
seedling establishment, plantation thinning, English oak and
Douglas fir progeny tests, an experiment with Northern White
cedar, and insect resistance studies.
 The
forest is open for picnicking, hiking, cross-country skiing,
hunting and biking. Motorists can drive around the 2.5 mile
Lemmien Loop, and in early spring, visitors can see maple
syrup being made in the log cabin made from W. K. Kellog
Experimental Forest timber.
For more information, contact Greg Kowalewski, Resident
Forester, W.K. Kellog Experimental Forest, 7060 N. 42nd,
Augusta, MI 49012, telephone (616) 731-0091. |
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Huron-Manistee National Forest |
 Located in
northeast Michigan near Tawas and Oscoda, the
Huron National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, fishing and
canoeing, mushroom gathering, mountain biking, hunting,
birding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, horseback
riding and off-road vehicle riding, in addition to providing
a good source for timber products.
 The
Lumbermen's Monument, located 15 miles west of the Tawases
on the banks of the AuSable River, provides a Visitor's
Center which perpetuates the memory of the Michigan
Lumbermen. The Center also provides information on the
multiple-use management philosophy of the National Forest
which now provides for recreational opportunities, wildlife
enhancement and timber production.
The Manistee National Forest is located in west-central
lower Michigan provides most of the same recreational
opportunities and features the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
Area. The Lake Michigan Recreation Area next to the Dunes
provides hiking trails and interpretive panels.
For additional information on these National Forests,
contact the Huron-Manistee National Forests, 1755 S.
Mitchell Street, Cadillac, MI 49601, telephone (231)
775-2421. |
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Hartwick Pines State Park |
Located in north central Michigan near Grayling,
Hartwick Pines State Park includes a stand of virgin White
Pine showing what much of the northern area of Michigan
looked like prior to the lumbering of the 1800's.
The Park also contains a reconstruction of a logging camp,
including a sawmill. The new visitor's center houses a
number of exhibits showing the forests of Michigan and
tracing the history of timber operations in the State. Many
hiking trails are available as well as a complete campground
area. Nearby North Higgins Lake State Park contains a forest
nursery interpretive area where you can learn about the
reforestation of Michigan.
For more information, contact Hartwick Pines State Park,
Rte. 3, Box 3840, Grayling, MI 49738, telephone (989)
348-7068.
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| Hiawatha
National Forest |
 The
Hiawatha National Forest is located in Michigan's upper
peninsula and is divided into two forest areas (Eastside and
Westside).
The Hiawatha boasts four distinctly different Great Lakes
islands. The largest and most visited of these, Grand Island
National Recreation Area, offers outstanding opportunities
to interpret natural and cultural history in diverse
recreation settings. Mountain bikers, hikers, boaters, sea
kayakers, campers, public transportation tour participants,
and snowmobilers enjoy an excellent network of trails,
overlooks, and spectacular cliffs, and expansive sand
beaches. Round Island, next to bustling Mackinac, is a
designated Wilderness. Government Island is nestled amongst
an archipelago of privately owned islands on Lake Huron. The
smallest, St. Vital, on Lake Michigan, offers remote
recreation settings.
For more information, contact Hiawatha National Forest 2727
N. Lincoln Road Escanaba, MI 49829, Phone: (906) 786-4062
FAX: (906) 789-3311 TTY: (906) 789-3337 |
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