Gwinn

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

2015 Year of Entry Open House Schedule for Public Comment on Annual Forest Management Plans

2015 Year of Entry State Forest Compartment Reviews Schedule

The Gwinn Management Unit only issues Specific Area Permits for fuelwood. Please contact Monica Weis at 906-346-9201 or 410 W. M35, Gwinn MI 49841 for permit availability in this area.

http://www.michigan.gov/fuelwood

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.

The bridge over the East Branch of the Whitefish River in T44N-R21W, section 25, Mathias Twp, Alger County has been damaged by fire. Therefore the DNR is recommending that the bridge be officially closed to full sized vehicles but remain open for ORVs. The undamaged portion of the bridge is safe for ORV use. See map and pictures below. Closure of the bridge to full-sized vehicles simply recognizes the obvious; that the bridge is unsafe for full-sized vehicles. This review, required by the DNR Forest Certification process (Work Instruction 3.3) formalizes the partial bridge closure.

Proposal to Partially Close Bridge - 8/30/2012

2014 YOE Compartments
2013 YOE Compartments
2012 YOE Compartments
2011 YOE Compartments
2010 YOE Compartments
2009 YOE Compartments
2008 YOE Compartments
2007 YOE Compartments