CADILLAC, Mich. – February 12, 2020 – The Huron-Manistee National Forests will waive fees at most of its day-use recreation sites on Presidents Day, February 17, to give the public an easier way to experience their national forests and grasslands.
The fee waiver is a cooperative effort of the federal land management agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Fees are waived for day-use areas, such as the:
- 38-mile Big M Cross-Country Ski and Mountain Bike Trail in Manistee County; and
- 28-mile Corsair Hiking and Cross Country Ski Trail in Iosco County.
The Presidents Day fee waiver does not apply to camping fees or the day-use fees at the 14 sites on the Manistee National Forest that are managed by concessionaire American Land and Leisure. The fee waiver also does not apply to any special fees, such as those for Pine or Pere Marquette River watercraft and AuSable primitive camping.
The other USDA Forest Service fee-free days in 2020 are:
- Saturday, June 13—National Get Outdoors Day
- Saturday, September 26—National Public Lands Day
- Wednesday, November 11—Veterans Day Weekend
The other federal agencies – the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers – determine their own fee-free schedules.
No fees are charged at any time on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands, and approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. Most proceeds from recreation fees and passes goes back into maintaining and improving the things you use most like bridges, buildings, trails, boat ramps, and visitor centers. Funds also provide services like interpretive tours and cleaning up sites.
National forests and grasslands are working lands that provide a multitude of benefits to the American public, including contributing more than $30 billion annually to the American economy and supporting nearly 360,000 jobs. Recreation alone accounts for nearly $10 billion in annual visitor spending.
For more information about Presidents Day 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
Learn more about passes and permits.
