The Gwinn Unit manages state forest lands in Marquette and western Alger Counties.

2010 YOE State Forest Compartment Reviews Schedule

2010 YOE State Forest Open House Schedule

The Gwinn Unit's open house for 2010 Year Of Entry (YOE) will be held on October 23, 2008 with the compartment review on November 7, 2008.

Compartments with treatment decisions now approved for 2009 are shown on theGwinn Locator Map.

You can reach the Unit Manager, Bill Brondyke at 906-346-9201 or send him an email at DNR-Gwinn-FMU@michigan.gov.

Passive and active recreational uses of lands under the Gwinn Unit's jurisdiction are extensive. Blueberry Ridge, Anderson Lake, and Harlow Lake are three developed pathways managed by the Unit. Blueberry Ridge is one of the cross country ski trails managed by the DNR that is lighted for night time use. Seven State Forest campgrounds are managed and maintained by Gwinn Unit personnel. Bass Lake and Porterfield Lake are two constructed ORV trails operated by the Unit. There are approximately 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails traversing Gwinn's forest land. The North Country Trail and the Tioga Trail, both rustic wilderness hiking opportunities, utilize State lands within the Gwinn Unit.

Other public jewels that are part of the Gwinn Unit are the Little Presque Isle Tract, The Donnelley Tract, and Rocking Chair Lakes. Located just north of Marquette, the Little Presque Isle Tract is a 3150 acre parcel of land that includes roughly 5 miles of pristine Lake Superior shoreline. The State offers six cabins for rent in this area of popular sand beaches that is used extensively for hiking, mountain biking, and cross country skiing. The Donnelley Tract is 1450 acres that was purchased by Elliott Donnelley and gifted to the State on behalf of Trout Unlimited. The purpose of this gift was to protect the Little Garlic River and its watershed for the blue ribbon trout fishery it provides. Rocking Chair Lakes is a natural area in a rugged inaccessible part of Marquette County. The lakes being managed trout lakes, offer a true hike in only wilderness fishing experience.

Forest types occurring over the Gwinn Unit are diverse. In any given year, Gwinn's forest management involves regenerating short lived trees to maintenance of the long lived trees. Annually, the Gwinn Unit conducts forest management activities on approximately 3400 acres. Average yields from the Unit's forests approximate 50,000 cords per year. As the forest industries are well established in the Upper Peninsula, and play a major role in local economies, the Gwinn Unit's contribution of forest resources is important to the health of local society.

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