Background
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. It has been a part of the Department of Forestry's
research, education, and demonstration program since 1925. From 1940 through
the 1970s this forest was extremely active with planting, tending, and harvesting
research programs, a forest seedling nursery, and a field program for forestry
and civil engineering students from the main campus. A summary of the activities
at Dunbar Forest Experiment Station during these years was compiled by Maurice
W. Day (forest manager from 1938-1974). Contact
our main office in Escanaba for more information. Activity at this forest
has increased recently to capitalize on the value of the long-term genetics
and silvicultural studies at the site.
The last resident manager of Dunbar Forest retired in the fall of 1990 and responsibility for management of the property was transferred to UPTIC in Escanaba. Most of the equipment was transferred to the Escanaba location and a caretaker was engaged to watch the buildings and take care of the grounds at Dunbar. The old office building has been converted into a bunk house that can house up to six visiting researchers. It is regularly used by faculty, staff, and graduate students from MSU and other institutions and agencies. If you are interested in using these facilities please consult our lodging policy and on-line reservation page.
A thorough review of the research potential and management needs of
Dunbar Forest is underway. The long-term research projects at Dunbar Forest,
its diversity of forest stands, and its location on the Saint Mary's River
are valuable assets. The University is working to capitalize on these
assets as we enter the 21st century.
