Huron National Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Huron National Forest |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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The Au Sable River in the Huron National Forest
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Map showing National Forests in Michigan.
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| Location | Lower Peninsula, Michigan |
| Area | 438,584 acres (1,770 km2) |
| Established | 1909 |
| Governing body | United States Forest Service |
| Website | Huron-Manistee National Forests |
The Huron National Forest is a special protected area in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It's like a big natural park managed by the government. It was created in 1909. This was after a time when a lot of trees were cut down for wood.
Later, in 1945, it joined with the Manistee National Forest to form the Huron-Manistee National Forests. But remember, they are still two separate forests, not connected. This forest offers fun activities for visitors. It's also a home for many fish and wild animals. The main office for the forest is in Cadillac, Michigan.
Forest History
During the Great Depression, a tough economic time, the U.S. Forest Service bought land. They did this to help farmers and landowners. It also helped to put money back into the economy.
The Huron National Forest was officially started in 1909. It covers about 437,287 acres. This area stretches 70 miles from east to west and 30 miles from north to south. In 1929, the forest was renamed. It was named after the Huron, an Iroquoian tribe from the Great Lakes Region.
Forest Geography
The Huron National Forest often has seasonal forest fires. This happens because of the types of trees and soil there. For example, the jack pine trees in some parts of the forest have very flammable needles.
The soil is also sandy. This is because of how glaciers shaped the land long ago. Also, the forest managers help create homes for the Kirtland's warbler bird. They do this by growing dense, young stands of jack pine trees. These areas can catch fire easily.
In 2010, a big fire called the Meridian Boundary Fire happened. It burned over 8,500 acres in and near the Huron National Forest. This fire destroyed 13 homes and damaged many other buildings.
Forest Features
The Bull Gap ORV Trail is found in the Huron National Forest. It has 115 miles of trails for off-road vehicles. These are vehicles designed for driving on rough terrain.
The threatened Kirtland's warbler bird nests in this area. You can even take tours to see these special birds. However, these tours are only available at certain times of the year.
Images for kids
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A trail in the Huron National Forest, Michigan.
