The Crystal Falls Unit manages state forest lands in Iron and Dickinson counties. You can reach the Unit Manager, Steve Milford at 906-875-6622, or send him an email at DNR-CrystalFalls-FMU@michigan.gov.

What Forest Management Activities are Occurring?

Approved Annual Forest Management Plans
Forest management activities may begin as early as the year listed on the approved plan (Year-of Entry/YOE), and will be carried out during the 10-year period that follows.

2011 YOE State Forest Compartment Reviews Schedule

Go to Compartment Review Packets

The Crystal Falls Unit's open house for 2010 Year Of Entry (YOE) was held on September 16, 2008 with the compartment review on October 6, 2008.

The Crystal Falls Management Unit is located in the South Western Upper Peninsula and borders the state of Wisconsin with the Brule and Menominee Rivers dividing the states. The unit manages the state land in Iron and Dickinson counties of which approximately 300,000 acres is state owned. The unit's primary office is located in Crystal Falls but the unit is also served by two satellite offices located in Felch and Norway. The ownership in Iron County is broken by many private in holdings which includes large blocks of corporate ownership. Dickinson County is more contiguous state ownership. The large corporate land ownership on the unit enhances the recreational opportunities such as hunting and fishing by allowing public access for these sports.

The Crystal Falls area has a multitude of lakes, rivers, and streams, that along with the diverse mix of timber types make the area a great place to live, work, and play. Logging and tourism dominate as the areas biggest industries since the decline of the once booming mining industry. For history buffs the area is rich in both mining and logging history and evidence of both is common as one drives about the area. Due to the areas abundant wildlife it is also a popular destination for grouse, deer, and bear hunters as well as fishermen who arrive to fish the inland lakes and streams.

Developed recreational opportunities abound on the unit and include the following for those wishing to experience the area. The unit has the responsibility of maintaining five state forest campgrounds with a total of 84 campsites. All are on local inland lakes with the exception of one which is located on a river. The unit is also responsible for 368 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that traverse the two counties connecting you to other Upper Peninsula destinations as well as the trail systems of Wisconsin. On the unit there are two cross country ski trails that are maintained by local staff. The Merriman East and Glidden Lake cross country ski trails are comprised of approximately 30km of groomed trail. The Glidden Lake trail is located about 5 miles east of Crystal Falls and the Merriman East trail is north of Iron Mountain off M-95. The combined trails offer a diverse skiing experience for many local and visiting skiers. The unit also boasts a very challenging ORV trail that is approximately 24 miles long and is recommended for experienced riders.

All State Forest Compartment Review maps and documents are drafts to be used for general planning purposes. Links to these documents will be removed after the review occurs.

For a map of the Crystal_Falls Forest Management Unit's compartments, view the Crystal_Falls Locator Map.

NOTE: As of August 12, 2009, additional stands have been appended to the 2010 YOE Plan of Work. These stands may be prescribed for harvest. The link below provides a general summary of these additions. More information will be available regarding these additions at the Crystal Falls Management Unit Open House scheduled for September 2, 2009.
Posted Crystal Falls additions to 2010 YOE POW

The Crystal_Falls Forest Management Unit has 2011 YOE Review packets available for the following compartments. The packets were posted 08/11/09, unless noted otherwise:

Compartment 001 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 001 Stand Listing

Compartment 003 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 003 Stand Listing

Compartment 006 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 006 Stand Listing

Compartment 022 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 022 Stand Listing

Compartment 026 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 026 Stand Listing

Compartment 042 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 042 Stand Listing

Compartment 046 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 046 Stand Listing

Compartment 063 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 063 Stand Listing

Compartment 080 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 080 Stand Listing

Compartment081 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 081 Stand Listing

Compartment 097 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 097 Stand Listing

Compartment100 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 100 Stand Listing

Compartment 106 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 106 Stand Listing

Compartment 125 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 125 Stand Listing

Compartment129 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 129 Stand Listing

Compartment 139 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 139 Stand Listing

Compartment 159 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 159 Stand Listing

Compartment 172 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 172Stand Listing

Compartment 183 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 183 Stand Listing

Compartment 187 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 187 Stand Listing

Compartment 194 Narrative, Reports and Maps

Compartment 194 Stand Listing

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