Black River National Forest
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| Black River National Forest | |
|---|---|
| Name | Black River National Forest |
| Location | Michigan, United States |
| Nearest city | Ironwood, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 46°38′N 90°05′W |
| Area | 282,445 acres |
| Established | 1935 |
| Governing body | United States Forest Service |
Black River National Forest is a United States National Forest located in the western part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, near the city of Ironwood, Michigan. The forest is situated near the Ottawa National Forest and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in neighboring Wisconsin. It is managed by the United States Forest Service and is part of the Eastern Region of the United States Forest Service, which also includes the Hiawatha National Forest and the Ottawa National Forest. The forest is near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the Keweenaw National Historical Park.
Geography
The Black River National Forest is located in Gogebic County, Michigan, and Iron County, Michigan, and covers an area of 282,445 acres. The forest is situated near the Lake Superior shoreline and includes parts of the Black River and the Presque Isle River. The forest's terrain is characterized by glacial features, including drumlins and eskers, which were formed during the Pleistocene epoch. The forest is also home to several lakes, including Lake of the Clouds and Beaver Lake, which are popular for fishing and boating. The forest is near the Porcupine Mountains and the Keweenaw Peninsula, which are known for their copper and iron deposits.
History
The Black River National Forest was established in 1935, during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, as part of the New Deal program. The forest was created to conserve the natural resources of the area, including the timber and wildlife, and to provide recreational opportunities for the public. The forest has a rich mining history, with copper and iron being extracted from the area since the mid-19th century. The forest is also home to several historic sites, including the Copper Harbor Lighthouse and the Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. The forest is managed in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Ecology
The Black River National Forest is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the black bear, the white-tailed deer, and the bald eagle. The forest is dominated by coniferous tree species, including the eastern white pine and the red pine, which are well adapted to the cool and moist climate of the region. The forest is also home to several wetland areas, including bogs and fens, which support a wide range of plant and animal species. The forest is near the Seney National Wildlife Refuge and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, which are known for their waterfowl and songbird populations.
Recreation
The Black River National Forest offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The forest has several trails, including the North Country Trail and the Iron Belle Trail, which offer opportunities for hiking and biking. The forest is also home to several campgrounds, including the Black River Harbor Campground and the Lake of the Clouds Campground, which offer camping facilities and access to lakes and rivers. The forest is near the Tahquamenon Falls State Park and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which are known for their waterfalls and scenic coastline.
Management
The Black River National Forest is managed by the United States Forest Service, which is responsible for conserving the natural resources of the forest and providing recreational opportunities for the public. The forest is managed in accordance with the National Forest Management Act of 1976 and the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, which require the United States Forest Service to manage the forest for multiple uses, including timber production, wildlife conservation, and recreation. The forest is also managed in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which provide guidance on wildlife conservation and habitat management. The forest is part of the Eastern Region of the United States Forest Service, which also includes the Hiawatha National Forest and the Ottawa National Forest.