Challenges and opportunites of eastern Wilderness

Managing the smaller wilderness areas of the east can pose significant challenges for the USDA Forest Service. The 3,450 acre Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area is located on the Huron-Manistee National Forest in the lower peninsula of Michigan. Recreationists from nearby metropolitan areas flock to Nordhouse Dunes to experience one of the largest fresh water dunal ecosystems in the world. This article delves into one Forest's approach in dealing with the challenges and opportunities of managing high levels of recreational use while trying to protect a wilderness areas unique attributes.