The Huron–Manistee National Forests consist of two separate national forests, the Huron National Forest and the Manistee National Forest. These forests were combined in 1945 for easier management and cover 978,906 acres (3,960 square kilometers) of public land, including 5,786 acres (23 square kilometers) of wetlands. They are located across the northern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan. The Huron–Manistee National Forests offer many benefits, such as clean air and water, opportunities for outdoor activities, homes for fish and wildlife, and resources like timber, minerals, and energy for local industries. The forests are divided into four sections. The Baldwin/White Cloud District is located in the center of the forest. The Manistee/Cadillac District is in the northwest part of the forest. The Huron and Tawas/Harrisville District is found on the eastern edge of the forest. The Milo District is in the southern part of the forest. The main office for the forests is in Cadillac, Michigan.
History
The Huron National Forest was created in 1909, and the Manistee National Forest was created in 1938. In 1945, the two forests were combined under one management, even though they are not next to each other. Huron makes up about 44.8% of the total area, while Manistee, which is larger, makes up about 55.2%.
The Huron National Forest often experiences forest fires during certain seasons because of natural and land features. These include the presence of many jack pine trees, whose needles burn easily, sandy soil from glacial activity in parts of the forest, and management methods to help Kirtland's warbler. These methods create dense, young jack pine trees that are more likely to catch fire and spread flames quickly.
In 2010, the Meridian Boundary Fire burned more than 8,500 acres (3,400 hectares) in and near the Huron District of the Huron National Forest. The fire destroyed 13 homes, damaged two others, and damaged or destroyed 46 outbuildings.
Features
The Huron–Manistee National Forests have a large network of waterways, including over 1,800 miles of rivers and 17,000 acres of lakes. These waterways support different types of fish and wildlife habitats and provide many outdoor activities. The Huron-Manistee National Forest includes eight major river basins: the Pine, Manistee, Little Manistee, Pentwater, Big Sable, Pere Marquette, Muskegon, and White Rivers. The Pere Marquette and Au Sable Rivers are well-known for canoeing and fishing. Additionally, there are 330 miles (531 kilometers) of trails for hiking.
The Huron-Manistee National Forests offer many outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, canoeing, snowmobiling, scenic drives, off-road vehicle use, and harvesting natural resources. The forest has developed areas for outdoor enjoyment, including campgrounds, picnic spots, observation areas, visitor centers, and other facilities. Campers often find developed campgrounds with restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables. These sites usually require a reservation and a fee. Tent camping in the forest, whether in dispersed or primitive areas, is allowed in most places unless restricted. No fees are needed for dispersed camping. A permit is required to cut firewood.
The Manistee National Forest is located in northwest lower Michigan. It has sandy land covered with trees, many lakes, and frontage on Lake Michigan. The area is popular for fishing, camping, boating, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hunting. The North Country Trail passes through it. The forest covers 540,187 acres (2,190 km²) and spans parts of Lake, Newaygo, Wexford, Manistee, Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Mecosta, and Montcalm counties. Ranger offices are located in Baldwin and Wellston at the historic Chittenden Nursery.
The Manistee National Forest is not one continuous area but is separated by private land and towns. Much of the land was abandoned by logging companies after being logged over a century ago. The Lumberjack 100, a 100-mile ultra-endurance mountain bike race, is held annually within the forest.
The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is a special area in the Manistee portion. This 3,450-acre (14 km²) area on Lake Michigan’s east shore is one of two designated wilderness areas in Michigan and one of few in the U.S. with a large lake shore dunes ecosystem. Most dunes are 3,500 to 4,000 years old and some rise about 140 feet (43 meters) above the lake. Woody plants like juniper, jack pine, and hemlock grow in the area. Small water holes, marshes, and dune grass cover much of the landscape. The beach is wide and sandy. Two trailheads access the dunes: one from the Lake Michigan Recreation Site and another from Nurmberg Road.
The Huron National Forest is in northeast lower Michigan and covers 438,538 acres (1,770 km²). It spans parts of Oscoda, Alcona, Iosco, Crawford, and Ogemaw counties. Ranger offices are located in Mio and Oscoda.
The Huron-Manistee National Forest has about 6,997 miles of primitive scenic roads and 3,730 miles of forest roads for off-road motor vehicle use. The Manistee portion has four trail systems for off-road activities. The Cedar Creek Motorsport Trail, near Twin Lake, is a 24-mile (38 km) single-track trail for off-road vehicles and runs along Pine Creek with mostly flat and rolling terrain. The Holton Motorcycle Trail, near Holton, is a 28-mile (45 km) trail through dense oak-pine forests for off-road use. The Horseshoe Motorcycle Trail, near Hesperia, is a 32-mile (51 km) trail surrounded by oak forests with grass and ferns for off-road use. The Michigan Cross-Country Cycle Trail, near Baldwin, is a 177-mile (284 km) trail through the Manistee Forest, passing through forests, hills, meadows, and grassy areas. The Bull Gap ORV Trail, in the Huron portion, has 115 miles (185 km) of off-road vehicle trails.
The Huron-Manistee National Forest is home to five federally listed threatened and endangered species, including the Bald Eagle, Indiana bat, Karner blue butterfly, Pitcher’s thistle, and Kirtland’s warbler. Tours to see Kirtland’s warbler are available, but they depend on time restrictions.