Beginning of State Reforestation
A concern over the depletion of Michigan’s forests led in 1899 to the creation of a forestry commission. In 1903 the first state forest was set up by the legislature on cutover, burned-over lands in Roscommon and Crawford Counties. The same year also saw the start of organized forest fire protection and the establishment of Higgins Lake Nursery at its present site. Thus began the program of reforestation in Michigan.
Plaque via Michigan History Center