The unit encompasses approximately 279,000 acres of State-owned land within a four county region: Crawford, Oscoda, Alcona, and the north half of Iosco Counties. You can reach the Unit Manager, Susan Thiel at 989-348-6371 - or send an email to her at DNR-Grayling-FMU@michigan.gov.

What Forest Management Activities are Occurring?

Approved Annual Forest Management Plans
Forest management activities may begin as early as the year listed on the approved plan (Year-of Entry/YOE), and will be carried out during the 10-year period that follows.

Open House Schedule for Public Comment on Annual Forest Management Plans

2011 YOE State Forest Compartment Reviews Schedule

Go to Compartment Review Packets

Fuelwood Permit Information for the Grayling Forest Management Unit:

Collecting fuelwood off of State Forest land requires a Fuelwood Permit. A permit costs $20.00 and allows the permittee to collect up to 5 standard cords of dead and down wood off designated areas of state land for personal use only. Each County may have slightly different restrictions. We typically issue a permit for all state land in a county. A map will be attached to the permit to show areas of state land that are open to fuelwood collection. Areas that prohibit fuelwood collection will be identified. Commercial timber sales that have active contracts are a restricted area. The general locations of commercial timber sales are marked on the map and these sale areas can be identified on the ground as areas surrounded by trees marked with red and/or blue paint marks. The wood located within these painted boundaries is legally contracted to a timber producer and cannot be available for fuelwood collection until the contract is closed. Contracts can last up to 2-3 years, so some areas may remain closed for that period of time. When a contract is closed, the area will be re-opened on the following year's fuelwood permit map.

Please note, No Dead Standing Trees may be cut under this type of permit. Typically a permit is valid for 90 days from issuance. Fuelwood permits are issued starting April 1st and are discontinued as of December 31st.

For specific rules and requirements, please view the Grayling FMU State Forest Fuelwood Permit Requirements.

To view areas available for fuelwood cutting, view the map for the county you are interested in:

• Alcona Fuelwood Cutting Map
• Crawford Fuelwood Map
• Isoco Fuelwood Cutting Map
• Oscoda Fuelwood Cutting Map

Fuelwood permits are available for purchase via mail order using the Instructions for requesting State Forest Fuelwood Permits by mail for CRAWFORD, ALCONA, & OSCODA COUNTIES & NORTHERN IOSCO COUNTYmail-in-request or can be purchased directly from the Grayling Field Office from 8 am - 9 am M-F or the Roscommon Operations Service Center 8 am - 5 pm M-F. For more information, contact the Grayling FMU at (989) 348-6371 or email Unit Manager Susan Thiel at Thielsj@michigan.gov.

Unit staff are tasked with management activities on state forest lands, wildfire protection on all ownerships across the unit, and administration of an extensive motorized recreational trail system in the four counties. Central headquarters for the unit is located at the Grayling Field Office, with satellite offices located in the communities of Mio and Lincoln. The Area is unique in many respects. It contains the entire watercourse of the Au Sable River, a designated natural river and a nationally recognized trout stream. It also contains the headwaters area of the Upper Manistee River, another blue ribbon trout stream and designated Natural River.

The Unit contains a wide variety of forest types, ranging from northern hardwoods to oak, aspen, and jack pine plains. Vast portions of the unit are covered by nearly continuous jack pine forests, making the area especially vulnerable to wildfires.

Crawford County was home to the famous Stephan Bridge fire in 1990. This fire burned 5,916 acres in less than five hours, wiping out homes and causing $5.5 million in damage.

This combination of jack pine forests and repeated fires helped establish the area as prime nesting habitat for the endangered Kirtland's Warbler. As a result, over 54,000 acres of land have been set aside in the Unit to be managed specifically for this tiny bird's nesting habitat.

One feature that distinguishes the Unit is that it is home to Camp Grayling, training grounds for the National Guard. Some type of Military use agreement affects 47% of the total acres in the Unit. Crawford County contains approximately 132,000 acres of Camp Grayling National Guard Camp on which the DNR manages the surface resources. Within those 132,000 acres, the Military has leased approximately 53,000 acres in perpetuity from the State of Michigan (i.e.; long-term lease lands) for training purposes. Approximately 20,000 more acres in Crawford County are under a short-term lease agreement, which is reviewed and renewed every ten years. The remaining lands are either part of the initial Hanson gift that established the camp, were purchased with Military Board funding, or ownership was transferred from the state of Michigan to Department of Military Affairs via a deed transfer. While the Military does not have absolute control over this entire acreage (specifically short-term lease lands), they do exert a significant influence on the management practices. Click here for a map showing military lands

                           
The Grayling FMU has a very active forest management program largely due to the fact it contains large acreages of forested lands that are centrally located near several wood mills. Harvests ranging from clearcuts of jack pine and aspen forests to thinning of oak and hardwood stands occur year around to regenerate stagnating forests and wildlife habitat while simultaneously providing wood products and commodities for public use. Averages of 4000-5000 acres are treated annually via some type of harvest and regeneration activity.

The Grayling FMU is heavily involved with recreational management: The unit contains 19 State Forest Campgrounds, including 3 horse trail camps and several canoe campgrounds. The Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail traverses the unit, connecting three trail campgrounds.
               
Snowmobiling is of great economic importance to the area, having approximately 165 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. The Unit also contains approximately 321 miles of ORV trail, 22 miles of ORV routes, and 89 miles of MCCCT trail. It contains several hiking and cross-country ski trails, including the Mason Tract Pathway and a portion of the Midland to Mackinaw Hiking Trail. The Grayling Area offers hundreds of acres of diverse wildlife habitat, creating wonderful hunting and trapping opportunities for deer, grouse, turkey, bear, and small game. The unit also contains many informal access points along the two river corridors, providing multiple access opportunities for fishing, canoeing, swimming, and other river recreation. Fishing opportunities abound with multiple quality trout streams, inland lakes, and access to Lake Huron.

The Grayling FMU is home to the following unique management areas:

DeWard Tract: The DeWard tract is a 4,720 acre special management area located in Antrim, Crawford, Kalkaska, and Otsego Counties. Plagued by damage from motorized vehicles, this special area was designated in 1980 to protect the Upper Manistee River Corridor. Today lush vegetation and wildlife in the area attribute to the success of the protection measures put in place. A majority of the Tract (2,470 acres) is managed by the Grayling FMU. Access is restricted in the area to protect the Upper Manistee River corridor and to provide a "quality" fishing experience. Camping is limited to within 50 feet of roads posted as open to protect this sensitive river corridor. The area encompasses the site of the historic lumbering village of DeWard. It also contains the only Pine Stump Preserve in Michigan. In 1958 an area of 42.5 acres was dedicated as a Pine Stump Preserve in efforts to protect evidence of the early logging efforts in Michigan. Several foot access sites are maintained throughout the DeWard Tract providing user access to the river.

Hanson Game Refuge: The Hanson Refuge is a tract of approximately 20,000 acres located in southwest Crawford County. Deed restrictions have designated these lands as a "game preserve", deeming them as closed to hunting and trapping.The Hanson Refuge is also home to Hanson Hills Recreational Area. Managed by the Crawford County Recreational Authority, Hanson Hills provides an extensive cross-country ski and mountain bike trail system, as well as downhill skiing and other recreational trail programs. The DNR manages the surface resources of Hanson lands; hence management efforts have to be closely coordinated to minimize impact on these areas' recreational trails and activities. Map of the Hanson Refuge

The Beal Plantation: The Beal Plantation is possibly the oldest known plantation in North America. Professor Beal planted over 5,000 trees of 76 species in 1888. The plantation is home to multiple research activities. A parking lot was developed along with an ADA accessible interpretive trail in year 2000, highlighting the unique features of the plantation. For detailed directions to the Beal Plantation, visit http://www.grayling-mi.com/attractions.html#historical

Mason Tract: A 4,493 acre special management area along the South Branch of the AuSable River designed to protect the quality fishing waters of this area. The Mason Tract originated from acceptance of a 1500-acre gift from The George Mason family in 1954. Over time, additional acreage has been acquired from the US Forest Service and private individuals through land exchanges. The Mason gift was contingent the area be used as a permanent game preserve, no part shall ever be sold by the state, and no camping be allowed in the area for 25 years. The State of Michigan has continued the no camping restriction in the Mason Tract. The only camping allowed is within Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground, located at the north end of the Tract on the AuSable River. The Mason Tract offers quality fishing, hunting, and canoeing opportunities. The Mason Tract is home to the pristine Mason Chapel. The Mason Family constructed the Chapel in 1960 to provide fishermen with a place of reverence and has developed into a popular tourist attraction. The Mason Tract also contains the Mason Tract Pathway, which is used for hiking and cross-country skiing. Mountain biking on the Mason Tract Pathway is prohibited via a Director's Order. Mason Tract Map

Pine Barrens Area: The Grayling Unit currently has two areas designated for Pine Barrens management. Pine Barrens is currently a rare ecosystem that is typically inhabited by many threatened and endangered species. It occurs in jack pine forests frequented by fire. In 1997, DNR staff worked to develop a management plan for the 1,400-acre "Frost Pocket" Pine Barrens area in Oscoda County. The "Frost Pocket" is one of the purest Pine Barrens systems remaining in Michigan. A detailed plan of timber harvesting and regular prescribed burning was outlined to restore this rare ecosystem. To date, active management and regular burns have occurred in the "frost pocket". Most recently, a plan was developed to restore an additional 5,120 acres of pine barrens identified in Crawford County. This area occurs within Camp Grayling; so extensive planning with the National Guard has occurred. The "North Camp Grayling Pine Barrens Management Plan" has been completed and is awaiting approval of the National Guard and DNR Divisions before prescribed harvesting and burning practices are instituted.

Dyer Red Pine Proposed Natural Area: A small parcel proposed as a natural area as it contains some remnant old growth red pine. For more information click here

Partnerships on the Grayling FMU: The Grayling FMU is part of multiple partnerships, helping to make many projects possible. Below are a few examples:

Cooperative efforts with local RC&D and SCD Offices, the AuSable River Restoration Committee, the Upper Manistee River Restoration Committee, and various Trout Unlimited Chapters have allowed restoration of many erosion sites along waterways. In year 2000, many of these partners worked on a woody debris project, involving harvesting of whole trees, including roots, and placing them by helicopter along crucial stretches of the AuSable River in an effort to improve river habitat. This project was so successful; this type of restoration is being extended along other stretches of the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers.

Hartwick Pines State Park: Grayling FMU staff regularly work with park staff providing forestry expertise and assisting with the park's annual Forest Fest celebration.

The Mason Tract Northern White-Cedar Restoration Project: Long-lived Northern White-Cedar Trees are an important part of the ecosystem along river corridors. It is felt juvenile cedars are missing due to browse from deer and hare. It is feared without intervention, the cedars will die and will no longer be a component of this ecosystem. Members of the Upper AuSable River Preservation Association and Huron Pines RC&D Area Council are working with the MDNR to try to re-establish young cedar seedlings along the AuSable River Corridor within the Mason Tract. This partnership involves having various groups planting cedar seedlings, caging planted and naturally existing seedlings for protection, and watering new plants to assist with establishment. Our goal is to plant and protect 2000 seedlings by year 2009 and remove enclosures within 15 years of planting. The project is still in its infancy, with the first plantings performed in 2004.

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 Grayling Forest Management Unit's compartments, view the Grayling Locator Map.

Posted Grayling additions to 2010 YOE POW

Compartment 011 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 011 Stand Listing

Compartment 021 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 021 Stand Listing

Compartment 025 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 025 Stand Listing

Compartment 066 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 066 Stand Listing

Compartment 179 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 179 Stand Listing

Compartment 186 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 186 Stand Listing

Compartment 203 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 203 Stand Listing

Compartment 216 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 216 Stand Listing

Compartment 224 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 224 Stand Listing

Compartment 236 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 236 Stand Listing

Compartment 238 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 238 Stand Listing

Compartment 251 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 251 Stand Listing

Compartment 254 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 254 Stand Listing

Compartment 258 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 258 Stand Listing

Compartment 288 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 288 Stand Listing

Compartment 292 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 292 Stand Listing

Compartment 297 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 297 Stand Listing

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