Recreation

To achieve the stated objectives it will be necessary to manage people who use the Pigeon River Country as well as the natural resources of the area. This we hope to accomplish through "gentle persuasion" by encouraging recreational pursuits most in harmony with the character of the Pigeon River Country.

For control and management of recreational activities the entire tract will be divided into two zones. The Central Zone contains the majority of campgrounds and trails. This zone also has land, water and forest conditions which people like best for active recreation and passive observation. The Outer Zone contains some of the most remote and secluded portions of the Pigeon River Country and is least used by people. Wild life need it to remain this way.

People's activities, their distribution and numbers in these zones as well as the effects they create will be controlled. The intent will be to minimize disturbing activities by the nature of facilities and circumstances and by areas and facilities made available or withheld from use.

Both wildlife and people are disturbed by loud unnatural noises and rapid movements. Truck traffic, clanking and hammering of construction or repair, engine and motor noises, and fast-moving vehicles are all very disruptive, especially if continuous or if they occur at seasons when wildlife especially seek seclusion or when people are enjoying quiet, leisurely activities.

In large areas access by vehicles will be restricted to existing roads. In keeping with the general character of the area and to protect the wildlife and environment from disturbing intrusion at critical times of the year, some recreational activities will be confined to certain zones or limited to certain periods of time. No restrictions will be applied except for these reasons.

Camping: Camping will be of two kinds: "drive-in" camping, where access roads permit vehicles to enter campgrounds with prepared sites and simple facilities (no electricity will be available), and "Primitive" camping, which will be away from vehicular access routes but in prescribed areas, and in which no facilities will be provided (until when and if use or abuse requires it).

There are five drive-in campgrounds in the Central Zone and one in the Outer Zone. These will be maintained to emphasize natural features of the area and shall be controlled to avoid crowding or over-use. No new drive-in camping facilities are being planned. Employees stationed in the area will visit each campground regularly.

In both Central and Outer zones primitive walk-in camping will be controlled to perpetuate the very essence of the high quality recreational experience obtainable now in the Pigeon River Country. Both over-use and uncontrolled use could destroy this potential. '

For safety and possible emergencies, for fire control and planning purposes, persons who will be primitive camping will be required to obtain a fire and camping permit and to leave an itinerary of their intended route.

Primitive camping "sites" will be provided in the central zone. The Outer Zone will be restrictive in regards to where and when camping will be permitted. Primitive campers will be required to carry out all trash; burning combustible material will be allowed (fire conditions permitting). Open fires will be allowed only in approved fire rings. Only dead and downed wood material may be used for fire. Cutting of live trees, brush, poles, or timber for recreation use is not permitted.

Continued review of these camping policies and guidelines will be necessary in order to insure an enjoyable experience.

Pathways (non-motorized trails): In response to recent increased interest and the growing need for marked pathways for back-packing, day hiking (nature walks), cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the Department will encourage these activities as least damaging or disturbing to the environment and wildlife.

Pathways of varying length will be provided to serve not only the day hiker, but also the weekend and vacation user. The same pathways will be used by a variety of people: back-packers, skiers, snowshoers, and hunters.

There are presently three marked pathways in the Central Zone. More will be established, both here and in the Outer Zone, where service roads will be used as portions of trails. Within the Central Zone, to accommodate organizations, there will be no restrictions on sizes of groups hiking or camping together, but to avoid disturbing wildlife in the Outer Zone such groups will be limited to 10 or less together.

Plans for a Pathway [now known as the "High Country Pathway"] which will link the Pigeon River Country with the three surrounding State Forests are being proposed. The route, or routes will go from the Pigeon River Country area east across the Black River into Presque Isle County in the Sink Holes Area of the Black Lake State Forest, then south to Clear Lake State Park, and then west through Rattlesnake Hills of the Thunder Bay River State Forest back to the Pigeon River Country. All of it will be on state-owned land. There are not many places in the lower peninsula which offer this possibility.

The Michigan Riding-Hiking Trail traverses this area from north to south. It will be relocated off roads and possibly incorporated into the longer Pathways system. One drive-in horse camp will be permitted in the Central Zone, primitive camps may be established in the Outer Zone.

Canoeing: The Pigeon River, south of Webb Road, is not suitable for canoeing; north of Webb Road, it offers poor canoeing possibilities. Access is available at Mclntosh Landing, but there are over 30 "carry-over" points in the first 20-mile stretch. Take-out will be outside of the area. Canoeing of the upper Black River (up stream) of Clark Bridge is not recommended and shall not be encouraged. From Clark Bridge down-stream, canoeing is possible and access will be provided. Permits for commercial use of canoe landings will not be granted.

Visitor Center: A Visitor Center will be provided for convenience and emergency use of the public. Information about the area, maps of trails and roads, and restrictions which must be observed will be dispensed. A public telephone and toilets will be available. Other facilities and conveniences will be added later.

With the help of seasonally employed students, the Center will be open 7 days a week from April 15 through October 30. If use and demand warrants it, an interpretive center will be established later. Present buildings are very adaptable for these uses.

Picking: Berry and mushroom pickers are welcome. They must not pick in the Natural Area or Nature Study Area, each of which will be posted.

Hunting and Fishing: Hunters and fishermen are welcome. Provisions will be made for the fishermen and hunters in the way of access to areas they frequent. Water access points will be improved to prevent erosion, but to discourage greater use they will not be enlarged. Some new access points will be provided.

Parking Areas: For visitor convenience, parking areas will be cleared and graded at water access points and at road and trail intersections throughout the area where they are needed.

Recreation Vehicles: Off-road vehicles (ORV's), including motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles will be allowed to use roads as governed by state and local laws. They will be prohibited from travel on service roads, trails, or paths. Service roads will be posted or have gates and signs identifying them as service roads, closed to public vehicles. To avoid disturbance to wildlife and possible damage to vegetation and land surface, no new trails will be provided for ORV's. One 12-mile snowmobile route located in the southern portion is marked on country trail roads which are not plowed in winter.

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File: COMrec.htm 11/27/2001