The Huron National Forest is a National Forest located in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It was created in 1909 after logging became less common. In 1945, it was joined with the Manistee National Forest to form the Huron–Manistee National Forest. However, these two forests are not connected and remain separate. The Huron National Forest offers places for people to enjoy outdoor activities, provides homes for fish and wildlife, and supports resources used by local industries. The main office for the forest is in Cadillac, Michigan.
History
During the Great Depression, the U.S. Forest Service purchased land to assist farmers and landowners and to add money to the economy. Some landowners only sold land that was not productive and kept their most useful land, which made the land purchases less effective. The Forest Service created the Huron National Forest in 1909.
The Huron National Forest covers 437,287 acres (176,964 hectares) and spans 70 miles (110 kilometers) from east to west and 30 miles (48 kilometers) from north to south. In 1929, the forest was renamed after the Huron, an Iroquoian tribe from the Great Lakes region.
Geography
The Huron National Forest often experiences frequent seasonal forest fires because of natural conditions and land features. These include the presence of jack pine trees in parts of the forest, as their needles burn easily. The soil in some areas is sandy, formed by glacial activity. Additionally, forest management practices that create habitat for the Kirtland's warbler lead to dense, young jack pine stands that are highly likely to catch fire and spread quickly.
In 2010, the Meridian Boundary Fire burned more than 8,500 acres (3,400 hectares) in and around the Huron District of the Huron National Forest. The fire destroyed 13 homes, damaged two others, and caused damage to 46 outbuildings.
Features
The Bull Gap ORV Trail is in the Huron National Forest. It has 115 miles (185 kilometers) of trails for off-road vehicles. The Kirtland's warbler, a threatened bird, nests in this area. Tours are available, but they follow specific time limits.