CADILLAC, Mich. (November 5, 2019) – The USDA Forest Service will waive fees at most day-use recreation sites in the Huron-Manistee National Forests on Monday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Hikers, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts will have free access to some of the forests’ most popular recreation sites, including:
- The Nurnberg Trailhead at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area in Mason County;
- The Reid Lake Foot Travel Area in Alcona County;
- 4001 Canoe Landing and other access sites on the AuSable Wild and Scenic River;
- Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary in Newaygo County; and
A 12-mile trail leads hikers around the small, remote Reid Lake. 
Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary is the only wildflower sanctuary in the National Forest System.
The Veterans Day fee waiver does not apply to:
- Camping fees;
- Day-use fees at the 14 sites in the Manistee National Forest that are managed by concessionaire American Land and Leisure; or
- Special fees, such as Pine and Pere Marquette River watercraft permits.
The fee waivers are made possible by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Other federal land management agencies, including the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, determine their own fee waiver schedules.
For more information about fee waivers at specific recreation sites, please contact the Huron-Manistee National Forests district offices:
- Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station: Phone (231) 745-4631
- Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station: Phone (231) 723-2211
- Huron Shores Ranger Station: Phone (989) 739-0728
- Mio Ranger Station: Phone (989) 826-3252
National forests and grasslands are working lands that contribute more than $30 billion annually to the American economy and support nearly 360,000 jobs. Recreation alone accounts for more than $9 billion in annual visitor spending.
