The Gwinn Unit manages state forest lands in Marquette and western Alger Counties. You can reach the Unit Manager, Jim Ferris at 906-346-9201 or send him an email at ferrisj@michigan.gov.

Click on the map to view the Gwinn Forest Management Unit Scroll to the bottom of the page for more infomation on current management strategies and specific State Forest compartments

2014 Year of Entry Open House Schedule for Public Comment on Annual Forest Management Plans

2014 Year of Entry State Forest Compartment Reviews Schedule

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 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.

• All State Forest Compartment Review maps and documents are drafts to be used for general planning purposes. Links to these documents will be removed after the review occurs.

• For a map of the Gwinn Forest Management Unit's 2013 compartments, view the Gwinn Locator Map.

• The Gwinn Forest Management Unit has 2013 YOE Review packets available for the following compartments. The packets were posted August 25, 2011 unless noted otherwise:

• The Gwinn Unit's 2013 YOE Compartment Review was held on October 11, 2011. The following linked document presents the changes and decisions made at this Compartment Review to the Inventory Database, Reports, and Compartment Maps, presented at Open House, for the Gwinn Forest Management Unit. This document is the official record of changes and decisions.

  Gwinn Record of Changes and Decisions - Posted November 23, 2011

Compartment 005 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 025 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 030 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 035 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 042 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 056 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 068 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 082 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 089 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 103 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 209 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 219 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 229 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 239 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 249 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 259 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 269 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 279 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Compartment 289 Narrative, Maps and Reports

Archived State Forest Compartment Maps
2012 YOE Compartments
2011 YOE Compartments
2010 YOE Compartments
2009 YOE Compartments
2008 YOE Compartments
2007 YOE Compartments