The Mason Tract was
bequeathed to the State of Michigan
in 1954 by ardent
conservationist George Mason.
With very few private
in-holdings, this tract encompasses
nearly 10 miles of the
south branch of the Au Sable River.
It was Mason's wish that
the land be managed as a "game
preserve." With that
in mind, the DNR has actively managed
the forests on the tract
to enhance wildlife habitat and
ensure conservation of the
south branch of the
Au Sable River. Active
forest management practices today
enhance woody debris in
the river, regenerate cedar along
the river corridor,
regenerate oak and aspen stands for wildlife,
and remove old jack pine
and oak trees to prevent large-
scale insect and disease
infestations in the area.
This cache is located
along the South Branch of the
AuSable River just to
the south of it's meeting with the
main branch of the
river. You will be able to drive
to a DNR turn around
loop that offers plenty of
parking. While most
canoeist typically don't make
it this far, you run a
good chance for meeting
a fisherman heading to
the river with a fly rod in hand.
