Michigan Mixed Bag: State Forest campground in Alger County to close after private land ownership change – Outdoor News
Marquette, Mich. — Forest Lake State Forest Campground, located about 10 miles south of AuTrain in the Upper Peninsula and managed by Indian Lake State Park, will close effective Monday, June 9.
The closure is a result of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources-leased property becoming bank-owned due to foreclosure and no longer being available for public recreation use.
Prior to becoming bank-owned, the state forest campground property was owned by a hydro power company that was required to provide recreation as part of its federal energy license for the operation of a dam. The property was leased and managed by the DNR as a campground to achieve that requirement, said Eric Cowing, district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.
“We’ve had an agreement in place to operate the facility for 70 years, through several dam ownership changes,” Cowing said. “Unfortunately, due to recent foreclosure, we will no longer be able to continue providing camping, boating and other recreation opportunities at Forest Lake. It is our understanding that the new owners do not wish to operate a campground or continue public access.”
MORE COVERAGE FROM MICHIGAN OUTDOOR NEWS:
Two new members join Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame
March ice storm devastated Michigan’s forest resources
How Can You Help Baby Wildlife? Leave Them Alone!
Lansing — Baby wildlife make springtime in Michigan feel like a fairy tale, but the best way to be a friend to wild animals is to keep them wild. That means leaving them outdoors where they have the best chance for survival.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, wildlife are well-adapted to live in the wild, and baby animals will be at much greater risk of dying if removed from their natural habitats.
“Many wild animals hide their young for safety. These babies are not abandoned; they have been hidden by their mother until she returns,” said DNR Wildlife communications representative Rachel Lincoln. “So, if you find a baby animal, leave it be.”
Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife. Unless a person is properly licensed, it is illegal to possess a live, wild animal in Michigan.
Another Great Demonstration Line-up for UP Trapper’s Convention
Escanaba, Mich. — The UP Trappers Association is well known for turning out great crowds and getting top-notch presenters at its events, and the 63rd annual Trappers Convention/Outdoor Expo on July 11 and 12th, 2025 at the UP State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, Michigan is no exception. The All-Star lineup of presenters includes Don Nyman, Les Johnson, Jeff Hagerty, Laura & Zac Gidney, Jeff Dunlap, Dave Radandt, Mountain Man Paul Antczak, and Jim Churchill. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days (all times EDT). Admission is $10 for both days and kids under 12 are free. Camping on the grounds is available, and food and refreshments will be for sale on the grounds.
For questions or “last minute booth space” contact Mary Theoret at (906) 241-6155. The few remaining spaces are filling up fast. For detailed Convention information go to www.uptrappers.com
COs Rescue Couple After Sailboat Gets Stranded in Lake Huron
Lansing — A 76-year-old man and 66-year-old woman from Ann Arbor were rescued last week after their sailboat ran aground in high winds and rough water on Lake Huron.
The boaters launched near the Point Au Gres Marina and Campground and planned to sail north to a boat slip they own at Tawas Marina.
Arenac County Central Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a boat that possibly had capsized off the south side of Point Au Gres, near North Rumsey Road.
Michigan DNR Conservation Officers Josh Jobin and Craig Neal heard the call and responded immediately.
The COs launched an 18-foot patrol vessel from the Au Gres River mouth. Deputies from the Arenac County Sheriff’s Office were on shore and able to direct the officers toward the vessel.
Contact was made about 400 yards offshore, where the COs secured the two boaters. Both were wearing life jackets and in stable condition.
Deputies from the Arenac County Sheriff’s Office met the COs and boaters at the private launch and transported the man and woman back to their vehicle. Medical assistance was not required.
The sailboat remains moored in Lake Huron at the time of this release. The DNR is not releasing the names of the rescued boaters.
Free Fishing Weekend on Tap
Lansing — Michigan’s summer Free Fishing Weekend is June 7-8.
All fishing license fees will be waived for these two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply.
A Recreation Passport will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekend.
The summer Free Fishing Weekend is held in conjunction with “Three Free” weekend, where residents and nonresidents can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails, or visit state parks and boating access sites – all free of charge.
Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr for more info.
