Clean up the Hiawatha – A National Trails Day Event
Celebrate National Trails Day by cleaning up the Hiawatha National Forest! In honor of the 10th Annual National Trails Day (Saturday, June 7), the Hiawatha National Forest would like to encourage all Alger County residents to participate in a clean up event on the Munising Ranger District. Illegal trash dumping and littering spoil the recreational experience for all who utilize public lands. In addition, it can pollute soil and groundwater causing problems for fish and wildlife populations. We want visitors and residents of Alger County to be able to experience the wonder and beauty of the UP without being exposed to trash.
There are many areas that need attention, including roads, trails, parking lots, trailheads, lakes, and other forest areas. The Clean-up will be concentrated from 10 am-1pm. Contact Autumn Jauck, Munising Ranger District, 906-387-2512 ext. 11 for details. In addition to trash pick up, there will be some tasks involving trail reroutes on Bruno’s Run Trail. This activity will begin at 9 a.m. at the Moccasin Lake rest area along FH13. This group should come dressed for work including long pants, work goves, and leather boots. Tasks will include: constructing about 200 yards of new trail to bypass a steep/eroding section of trail on the south end of Moccasin Lake; and rehabilitating and obliterating the trail section bypassed.
Afterwards, all the groups will gather at Valley Spur Day Lodge for refreshments and entertainment coordinated by the Hiawatha National Forest. To sign up yourself, your family, or your organization, contact Autumn Jauck, Munising Ranger District, 906-387-2512 ext. 11 (e-mail: ajauck@fs.fed.us).
This event is partly intended to raise awareness of the Adopt-A-Forest Program. This Program allows groups or individuals to specify a Forest road or area that they would like to adopt on a long-term basis. Volunteers are asked to pick up trash at least twice a year and receive a posted sign recognizing their organization. Current participants include: boyscouts, church groups, school groups, and employee groups from organizations such as Alger County Probate and Pathways. The Adopt-A-Forest Program is also an excellent family activity. The U.S. Forest Service is a partner, along with several other organizations including the Department of Natural Resources, in the Michigan Coalition for Clean Forests. To find out more about this organization, visit www.cleanforests.org.