Mio in Oscoda County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

In Memory of James L. Swiderski

November 8, 1950 - May 5, 1980

James L. Swiderski Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 21, 2021

1. James L. Swiderski Marker

Inscription. Wildlife Biologist
Who died while trying to help control the Mack Lake Fire, started by the U.S. Forest Service as a prescribed burn. The burn was to create an area of nesting habitat for the Kirtland's warbler. The fire then ravaged 25,000 acres of the Huron National Forest.
James was a wildlife enthusiast who was personally involved with and dedicated to the Kirtland's warbler management and recovery effort.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1980.

Location. 44° 38.949′ N, 84° 7.789′ W. Marker is in Mio, Michigan, in Oscoda County. Marker is at the intersection of Morenci Avenue (State Highway 33) and 11th Street, on the right when traveling north on Morenci Avenue. Located at the Oscoda County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 311 Morenci Avenue, Mio MI 48647, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oscoda County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Mio Hydro (approx. 0.9 miles away); Mio Hydroelectric Plant / Hydroelectric Power (approx. 0.9 miles away).

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Also see . . . Staff Ride to the Mack Lake Fire. Excerpt:

Due to a series of events, ignition of the prescribed burn was started later than planned. This, in combination with a frontal passage and increased winds, led to frequent spot fires. Eventually the fire spotted on the east side of Highway M-33.

(Submitted on September 23, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 21, 2021

2. James L. Swiderski Marker

Marker is on the right.

Kirtland's warbler image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Trick of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, January 23, 2012

3. Kirtland's warbler

Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 259 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.