Higgins Lake in Crawford County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Beginning of State Reforestation

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023

1. Beginning of State Reforestation Marker

Inscription. A concern over the depletion of Michigan's forest led in 1899 to the creation of a forestry commission. In 1903 the first state forest was set up by the legislature on cut-over, burned-over lands in Roscommon and Crawford counties. The same year also saw the start of organized forest fire protection and the establishment of Higgins Lake Nursery at its present site. Thus began the program of reforestation in Michigan.

Erected 1958 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S143.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.

Location. 44° 30.949′ N, 84° 45.462′ W. Marker is in Higgins Lake, Michigan, in Crawford County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Higgins Lake Drive and Conservation Drive, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located at the Higgins Lake Nursery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11128 North Higgins Lake Drive, Roscommon MI 48653, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cone Barn (a few steps from this marker); Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Packing House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hale Fire Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Michigan's First Fire Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Seed Beds (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Higgins Lake.

Also see . . . Higgins Lake State Park. Excerpt:

Exhibits tell the story of how the Michigan CCC planted 484 million trees, spent 140,000 days fighting forest fires and constructed 7,000 miles of truck trails, 504 bridges and 222 buildings.

(Submitted on January 4, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Additional commentary.
1. Seedling Nursery
Higgins Lake Nursery was once the world's largest seedling nursery.

— Submitted January 4, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023

2. Beginning of State Reforestation Marker

Fire Watch Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023

3. Fire Watch Tower

This is the top part of one of the 154 towers built to detect forest fires.

Seedling beds image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023

4. Seedling beds

This is what remains of the seedling beds that were harvested and sent across Michigan to replenish the forests.

Bob Ross hilarity image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023

5. Bob Ross hilarity

Higgins Lake Nursery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 2, 2023

6. Higgins Lake Nursery

The nursery is on the north side of the road with the entrance to Higgins Lake State Park on the south.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 72 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 4, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.