Forest Caretakers

Forest Caretakers. . , In 1921, the state passed a bill creating the Michigan Department of Conservation. The bill consolidated management of game, fish, forests and state parks from other agencies to the new department. , , During the early years of state forest management, many properties with unpaid taxes reverted to state ownership. This gave the public greater access to the forest to engage in recreational activities. In 1968, the state changed the name to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reflect the wider priorities of a multi-use land management agency. , , Conservation Officers , The history of conservation officers in Michigan dates to 1887, when the state appointed William Aldan Smith as the first salaried "game warden." DNR conservation officers enforce laws related to fish and wildlife, state parks and trails, forests and outdoor recreation activities. They are also first responders to natural disasters and emergencies. , , Reuben S. Babbitt , A guide and early settler of Grayling, Reuben S. Babbitt spent most of his life in Crawford County's forests. Commissioned in 1908 as a State Deputy Game and Fish Warden, he earned $114 that first year. , , "Rube" was beloved by locals and described as uniquely loyal to the public trust. In 1931, Babbitt was reportedly found unconscious on the frontline of a wildfire. He had succumbed to heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation after refusing to give up his position to younger personnel. He served until his death in 1932. , , Camp Wa-Wa-Sum , In 1897, Reuben Babbitt built the first structure at Camp Wa-Wa-Sum from red pine and tamarack logs. The building, known as "one of the best examples of a summer fishing camp on the 'Holy Water' stretch of the Au Sable River," served as a summer fishing camp for wealthy Toledo businessmen. , , In 1980, Michigan State University (MSU) took ownership of Camp Wa-Wa-Sum's buildings and 251 acres. It is used by MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources as a research facility and small conference center for forestry, fisheries and wildlife projects. , , Partnerships , The Anishnaabek have legal rights and long-standing interests in the management of public forests. Michigan's 12 sovereign nations partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service on public land management practices. , , Huron National Forest , Established in 1909, the Huron National Forest covers more than 430,000 acres, including a large portion of southeast Crawford County. When the federal government began acquiring the land, it consisted of cutover forests, failed farmlands, and poor timberlands deemed worthless by private buyers. In 1945, the Huron National Forest combined with the Manistee National Forest for administrative purposes. , , 2019 Forest Land Ownership , The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is the largest single manager of public forest in the state. This includes nearly 200,000 acres here in Crawford County. , , The Anishnaabek , One of the earliest caretakers of Michigan's forests are the Anishnaabek. They have lived here for thousands of years and believe all life around them are respected elders and teachers. The forest landscape once provided for all their needs. They harvested, hunted, fished and farmed, and used material from the woods to build shelters, canoes and tools.