State Forest or State Park?

State Forest or State Park?. . , Michigan's state forests and state parks both provide the public with opportunities to enjoy forests. However, each have notable differences in how they are managed. , , State forests are actively managed by professional foresters and wildlife biologists to ensure their health and to provide animal habitats. The state's forests provide recreation opportunities and products like wood, gravel, oil and gas. , , State parks are preserved for public recreation and enjoyment. They include campgrounds, picnic shelters, beaches, trails and other outdoor recreation facilities. Park and recreation professionals maintain the parks and provide natural and cultural resources education and programs. , , Both state forests and state parks work with historians and educators to share information about public lands on trail signs like these. , , State forest land is actively managed for people and wildlife using harvesting, prescribed burning, seeding and planting, soil stabilization and wildfire prevention methods. , Susan Thiel, retired forester , Michigan's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) , , You are standing on property dedicated in 1902 as one of Michigan's first state forests. Do you notice a difference between this state forest and nearby North Higgins Lake State Park? , , Lower left image caption: Harvesting timber in 2021. , , Top center images caption: In 2012, forester Ed Rice marked tree boundaries for a future timber sale. He noted the locations using GIS (geographic information systems). Foresters often carry paper maps in case they lose satellite signals or power. , , Top right image caption: In summer, 1910, Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University) held a session for forestry students in Roscommon County. In describing the challenging work, professor William J. Beal noted, "Reforesting a large area is such a preposterous project that you would not wish to father it." , , Bottom right image caption: In 2022, Michigan's DNR and the Arbor Day Foundation partnered with a goal of planting 50 million trees in state forests by 2030.