Au Sable State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Au Sable State Forest |
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Map showing State Forests in Michigan.
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| Location | Lower Peninsula, Michigan |
| Governing body | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
The Au Sable State Forest is a huge state forest in the middle of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It's managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which helps take care of Michigan's natural places.
This forest exists because of Michigan's big lumbering boom in the late 1800s. Many huge, old trees were cut down. After forest fires burned the leftover wood and branches, the land wasn't worth much. Often, it was sold to farmers or given back to the state because people couldn't pay their property taxes.
Today, the Au Sable State Forest is very important for Michigan. Much of it is near growing towns like Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, and Lake St. Helen, close to Interstate 75. The forest is also used to manage wildlife and protect rare animals. For example, it helps the Kirtland's warbler, a special bird. A lot of the area is on something called the "Grayling outwash plain," which is a unique natural place.
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Special Natural Landmarks
Two areas inside the Au Sable State Forest are called National Natural Landmarks. These are places that have special natural features. You can find out more about them on the List of National Natural Landmarks.
Dead Stream Swamp
The Dead Stream Swamp is a large area, about 11,680-acre (47.3 km2), within the Au Sable State Forest. It's located about 30 miles northeast of Cadillac. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment describes it as a very big example of a northern white cedar freshwater swamp forest. This type of forest is considered a final stage in how a bog forest grows. The Dead Stream Swamp became a National Natural Landmark in 1976.
Roscommon Virgin Pine Stand
The Roscommon Virgin Pine Stand is a 160-acre (650,000 m2) area inside the Au Sable State Forest. It's about 8 miles (12 km) north of St. Helen, Michigan, near Roscommon. This area has very old red pine trees. One of these trees was once the biggest red pine in the whole country! The Roscommon Virgin Pine Stand was named a National Natural Landmark in 1980.
Other Cool Places to Visit
Backus Creek State Game Area
The Backus Creek State Game Area is a state game area in Roscommon County. It covers about 4,379 acres (17.72 km2) of land. This area is used for hunting, recreation, and protecting wildlife and wetlands in rural Backus Township and Higgins Township.
Mason Tract
The Mason Tract is a special part of the Au Sable State Forest. It's a 4,493-acre area along the South Branch of the Au Sable River. It was created to protect the great fishing in this river. The Mason Tract started in 1954 when the George Mason family gave 1500 acres of land. Over time, more land was added.
The Mason family wanted the area to be a permanent game preserve. They said no part of it should ever be sold or developed by the state. They also said no camping was allowed for 25 years. The State of Michigan still keeps the no-camping rule in the Mason Tract. The only place you can camp is at the Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground, which is at the north end of the Tract.
The Mason Tract is a wonderful place for fishing, hunting, and canoeing. It's also home to the beautiful Mason Chapel. The Mason Family built this Chapel in 1960 so fishermen would have a quiet place to reflect. It has become a popular spot for visitors. The Mason Tract also has the Mason Tract Pathway, which is great for hiking and cross-country skiing. However, mountain biking is not allowed on this pathway.
