National Forests in Michigan

THE HURON NATIONAL FOREST, named for a once powerful Indian tribe, sweeps westward 50 miles from the western shore of the great lake which bears the same name. It covers 770,000 acres in the heart of what was once the virgin forest of Michigan and ranges in length north and south from 15 to 50 miles. Once the home of the redman, it is rich in Indian lore. East Tawas, its headquarters, was named for the Chippewa Chief O-Ta-Was, and numerous arrowheads found on the site of the Beal Nursery indicate that this area was once an Indian camp.

HURON NATIONAL FOREST (click on image for a PDF version)

Re-creation and Recreation.

The Huron is re-creating the rich forests of earlier days and is at the same time providing recreation for the public. During the last few years forest recreational developments on the forest have grown from a few scattered tables and fireplaces to well developed areas for the public enjoyment of camping, picnicking, winter sports, and visiting historic sites. The use of these areas is free. In order to keep woods and water attractive, the cooperation of visitors in preserving the natural beauty of the forest is encouraged and appreciated.

ENTERING THE HURON NATIONAL FOREST. F—391139

REPLANTED FORESTS ARE RECLOTHING THE HURON NATIONAL FOREST. F—327298

Timber.

The Huron Forest as created in 1909 consisted of scattered areas of the poorer timberlands which were considered worthless by private timberland buyers. These areas have been consolidated by purchase and exchange and are now contributing materially to the economic welfare of this section of the State.

Management plans provide for the annual harvest of 8,000 cords of pulpwood, 600,000 board feet of sawlogs, and 50,000 Christmas trees, in addition to a considerable volume of fuel wood, posts, poles, cabin logs, and other forest products needed by local industries and farmers in and adjacent to the forest. The harvesting and primary processing of these forest products provides annually more than 20,000 man-days of employment. In addition, as on all the national forests, 25 percent of the revenue from the timber is returned to the counties for schools and other purposes, and another 10 percent is expended for roads, thus contributing many thousands of dollars to local governmental units.

With continued protection and proper forest practices the area is gradually becoming more productive, and in 50 years should provide 120,000 man-days of employment a year in utilizing its timber resources.

The Beal Forest Tree Nursery at East Tawas covers 37 acres and has a capacity of 12,000,000 trees annually. Trees from this nursery are all planted within the Huron Forest, and each year from 5,000 to 10,000 acres of denuded lands are again placed in production.

The nursery provides seasonal employment for from 35 to 50 men, and it attracts hundreds of visitors, who learn to identify the jack pine by its pairs of needles, the red pine by its clusters of three, and the white pine by its clusters of five.

Campgrounds.

The 16 campgrounds on the Huron National Forest provide pure water fireplaces, tables, sanitary facilities, and cleared spaces for pitching tents or parking trailers. All are situated close to water, 3 have excellent places for swimming, and 5 have shelters where campers may gather for campfire tales or for an evening's impromptu entertainment. In addition to the campgrounds, there are 6 picnic grounds with similar facilities and central parking areas.

A map showing the location of the campgrounds may be secured from the forest supervisor at East Tawas or from the ranger at Mack Lake or Silver Creek. Information may also be secured at any time at the fire towers.

RED PINES ON THE SKYLINE ABOVE PERCH LAKE. F—386585

ROLEWAYS PUBLIC CAMPGROUND. F—291136

Winter Sports.

For the winter recreationist the winter sports area at Silver Valley, 10 miles northwest of the Tawases, offers skiing, skating, coasting, tobogganing, and snowshoeing. Skiing and snowshoeing are not limited to the developed runs, however, as the surrounding forest is ideal for cross-country trips.

A large warming shelter is provided for users of the area, and no charge is made for the use of the slides, shelter, and other facilities. You may bring your own equipment or rent it from the concessionnaire.

The development of winter sports provides recreation for thousands of Michigan residents and extends the business season for those engaged in the recreation industry, thus contributing to the general welfare of the community and the State.

Places to Go.

Lumberman's Monument on the Au Sable River, north and west of East Tawas, depicts in bronze the "Landlooker, Lumberjack, and Riverman" of early days.

Impressive young forests established by Kiwanis, the Flint Chamber of Commerce, and the Michigan Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs lie within the vicinity of the monument and contain trees ranging in height from 4 inches to 30 feet.

At Iargo Springs visitors may rest a bit while listening to the rush and roar of water.

At Pine River, near Glennie, and at the Silver Creek Ranger Station are fish-rearing ponds with thousands of young trout to make life more abundant for the fisherman.

Along the historic Au Sable River are power dams at Mio, Alcona, Loud, Five Channels, Cooke, and Foote, and three free public campgrounds on the banks of the ponds.

The Michigan Department of Conservation maintains a State park and campground for public use at East Tawas.

TOBOGGANING AT SILVER CREEK. F—381654

LUMBERMAN'S MONUMENT. F—291125

THERE IS BEAUTY ALL ALONG THE AU SABLE AND GOOD TROUT FISHING, TOO. F—180117

Things to Do.

You may come to the Huron to hunt or fish, as 90 percent of the campers on the forest do, or you may sight-see, take pictures, or merely rest in the great outdoors. But whatever you do—

Leave your camp site as if you were coming back.

Keep lakes and streams free of fish scales and soapsuds.

Bury excretions and garbage a foot deep.

Remember the ember.

Drop in and see the men who work for you at the supervisor's office and Beal Nursery at East Tawas and at the ranger stations at Silver Creek and Mack Lake. The lookout towers near Luzerne, Mack Lake, Old Baldy, Rollways, Hayes, Russell, and Silver Creek are also points of interest, and the towermen will welcome your visit.