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The Dunbar Forest Experiment Station is a 5,700-acre tract near Sault St.
Marie. It is the university's largest and second oldest off-campus facility
and has been a part of the Department of Forestry's research, education
and demonstration program since 1925. The forest hosts long-term genetics
and silvicultural studies. Red pine is the most widely planted commercial
forest species in Michigan, occupying more than 25,000 acres. Management
of this red pine resource is partly based on results of research conducted
at the Dunbar Forest Experiment Station. Forest research projects often
have life spans as long as those of the trees in them. Work begun more
than 50 years ago continues to yield valuable information today and guide
future research. Lumber and wood products, wood furniture and pulp products
contribute nearly $2 billion to Michigan’s economy yearly.
Research conducted here over the years has helped to advance
the science of forest management in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
Many long-term forest research projects are still active today.
 The
Neebish Island Unit of Dunbar Forest has been largely unmanaged due to
the high costs of island operations. Recent improvements in timber markets
and harvesting systems have made it possible to apply forestry treatments
to the low-value stands on Neebish Island. This will lead to a range of
forest improvements there and provide new research opportunities to University
scientists. Read more or download the brochure.
More information about Dunbar Forest or Michigan State University's
other research forests can be obtained at the Upper
Peninsula Tree Improvement Center.
For more information, contact:
Upper Peninsula Tree Improvement Center
6005 J Road
Escanaba, MI 49829
Phone: 906/786.1575
FAX: 906/786.9370
uptic@msu.edu
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