U.S. Forest Service - Ottawa National Forest

10/06/2026

Upper Peninsula Fire and Aviation Management is planning ignition operations for Thursday and Friday this week. Units include Pinto (27 acres) on Thursday and 6950 (17 acres) on Friday. If weather conditions are not conducive, burning will be postponed.

Smoke will be visible during firing operations. There may also be residual smoke within the unit for some time after. Watch for warning signs when driving, slow down, and turn on your headlights if you encounter smoke on the road. Fire personnel will continue to check and monitor each unit long after the initial burn day.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/miotf-2026-upper-peninsula-fire-and-aviation-management-unit-planned-prescribed-fires

Map: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=0b202f990a244b669a85acff82bc66c5

10/05/2026

Cool crisp nights and long days spent in the woods make it very enticing to have a campfire but leaving them behind means leaving the forest at risk In the last week, Ottawa fire personnel have put out multiple abandoned campfires around the forest. For your safety and the safety of others, before you leave the campfire unattended, make sure to put it out completely.

Drown it with water, stir with a tool, and drown it again until it is cold to the touch.

10/02/2026

The crisp air of Autumn is here, and with it the magnificent colors! 🍁
Be sure to get outside and see beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows across the Ottawa before they're gone!

Check the link below to learn about many kinds of recreation opportunities that await you on the Ottawa National Forest.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/ottawa/recreation/opportunities

📷 Josh Lopac, USDA-Forest Service

09/30/2026

The Ottawa National Forest has granted authorization to LSPR Inc. from October 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. (EST) through October 10, 2026, at 1 a.m. (EST) for the Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) Recreation Event on the Ottawa National Forest near Kenton, Michigan. To accommodate the event and provide for safety, an official temporary road closure order has been issued during that time frame.

Link to Ottawa National Forest Webpage Alerts:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/ottawa/alerts

09/29/2026

Fire personnel successfully burned 93 acres of the Cooks Prescribed Fire Unit on September 24. The burn will continue to smolder and produce smoke throughout the week and into the weekend, as there are small pockets of unburned fuel within the unit. With little chance of rain in the forecast, smoke may be visible on this unit for a longer duration. Prescribed Burn Ahead signs are posted on the road and at the OHV trail. Heed all posted signs and use caution while in the area.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/miotf-2026-upper-peninsula-fire-and-aviation-management-unit-planned-prescribed-fires

Map: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=0b202f990a244b669a85acff82bc66c5

09/24/2026

Today, conditions permitting, Upper Peninsula Fire and Aviation Management Unit fire personnel are going to begin ignitions on the Cooks Rx Unit (93 acres). This unit is right on the north side of the Basswood Road just east of Forest Highway 16 and Golden Lake. Smoke will be visible while ignitions are occurring from US Highway 2, Forest Highway 16, Golden Lake and the area around Basswood. Signs will be posted near the unit and along roads.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/miotf-2026-upper-peninsula-fire-and-aviation-management-unit-planned-prescribed-fires
Map: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=0b202f990a244b669a85acff82bc66c5

09/21/2026

Rainbow Falls trail and platform is open! The approaches, railings, and stairs have been repaired to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors at one of the Ottawa National Forests most popular attractions.

For information on this project visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/ottawa/newsroom/releases/black-river-waterfall-platforms-and-trails-undergoing-major-repairs

(Forest Service photo)

09/17/2026

09/16/2026

Tomorrow through next week, conditions permitting, U.P. Fire and Aviation Management Unit fire personnel plan to conduct prescribed fire operations on the Ottawa National Forest. Based on current weather forecasts, tomorrow is looking favorable to start operations at the Watersmeet Office.

Units being considered through next week include: Watersmeet Office (6 acres), 1300 Railroad (39 acres), 6950 (17 acres)

Smoke may be visible from the highway, forest roads, and trails. Take care if driving near the area where operations are occurring and smoke is present. Signs will be posted close to units.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/miotf-2026-upper-peninsula-fire-and-aviation-mana%E2%80%A6

Map: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?
appid=0b202f990a244b669a85acff82bc66c5

09/15/2026

Happy Birthday, Woodsy Owl! 🦉💚

Thanks for inspiring generations to “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute” and care for our national forests and public lands. Here’s to another year of spreading stewardship, kindness, and conservation across the country.

Give a hoot, lend a hand and care for the land today!