Escanaba River State Forest, Protected forest area in Upper Peninsula, Michigan, United States.
Escanaba River State Forest spans four counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, combining wetlands and mixed forests across its protected lands. The forest includes numerous trails, camping areas, and waterways distributed throughout the preserve.
The forest developed from abandoned logging lands that reverted to state ownership through tax delinquency during Michigan's early resource management phase. This transition was part of the state's broader effort to reclaim and manage its natural areas.
The forest supplies raw materials to paper mills in Escanaba, shaping the local economy and community identity. This industrial connection remains visible in how people use and value the land today.
A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to the forest. Plan visits during warmer months when trails and waterways are fully accessible.
The forest balances active timber harvesting with public recreation, showing how resource extraction and outdoor access coexist on the same land. This working forest model offers insight into a practical approach to land stewardship.
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