Marilla Hills Ecologically Managed Forest

For Marilla Hills Ecologically Managed Forest

This ecologically managed forest demonstrates sustainable forestry practices while protecting species diversity, ecosystem health, water quality, climate resilience and other ecosystem services. Unlike nature preserves and natural areas, this site does not have trails or parking areas, and it contains limited signage. Please be aware that active timber management may be underway, and avoid any activities that may interfere with sustainable forestry operations. This property is open from dawn until dusk. 

To protect the sensitive natural features, rare species and wildlife corridors this property supports, please follow these guidelines while visiting:

PERMITTED ACTIVITIES

• Hunting is allowed, but regulations vary. Please refer to the hunting rules tab on the page of the preserve you’d like to hunt before you go. 

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

• Camping
• Fires
• Cutting or collecting live or dead wood for firewood
• Mountain biking 
• Electric bikes
• Commercial harvesting of ANY species
• ORVs
• Drone usage 
• Trapping
• Metal detecting
• Geocaching 
• Horseback Riding
• Target Practice (including skeet or other types of recreational shooting)
• Foraging: Removal of natural features, plants or animals, outside of allowable hunting seasons, is prohibited. This includes firewood, ramps (wild onions or leeks), fiddleheads of ferns, and all native plants that are dug, cut, or damaged upon harvest. Common species of fruits, like apples or raspberries, nuts, and mushrooms that are growing in abundance, may be collected in small quantities, by hand, for personal use only. Commercial harvest of plants, animals or mushrooms is not allowed.
• Placement of items or structures of any kind: For the enjoyment of all users and the preservation of natural spaces, we ask that visitors take only memories and leave only footprints. Placement of memorial items, painted rocks, fairy houses, geocaches, or the construction of benches, bridges, teepees, or other man-made items using natural materials is not allowed.
• Introduction of plants or animals, dead or alive
• Weddings and other large private events
• Glass containers

Please contact us directly at (231) 929-7911 if you have any questions, notice a maintenance need, or witness an inappropriate activity taking place on this property.

For Marilla Hills Ecologically Managed Forest

This ecologically managed forest demonstrates sustainable forestry practices while protecting species diversity, ecosystem health, water quality, climate resilience and other ecosystem services. Please be aware that active timber management may be underway, and avoid any activities that may interfere with sustainable forestry operations. 

Hunters are welcome and play an important role in the ecological management of this property. While hunting here, please respect wildlife, fellow sportsmen and all other visitors. This is a multi-use area open to the public year-round for passive recreation, and shared use is expected. 

The Conservancy has rules specific to this property for hunting and trapping. Beyond those rules set forth by GTRLC, the rules, regulations and seasons established by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources broadly apply. All persons hunting or fishing on this property are liable to prosecution for noncompliance with the rules and regulations stated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. MDNR Conservation Officers are requested by GTRLC to patrol its preserves. Michigan Conservation Officers are fully commissioned Peace Officers and are empowered to arrest for all violations of Michigan’s laws. The conservation officers’ primary duties are the enforcement of natural resource and environmental protection laws. MDNR rules and regulations can be found at: www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Certain types of hunting are allowed in accordance with state regulations: 

• Deer hunting; all forms.
• Small game, waterfowl and turkey hunting. When waterfowl hunting, GTRLC prohibits targeting of coots, common moorhens/gallinules and rail species.

• Hunters are responsible for knowing all rules that are specific to this property.  
• GTRLC reserves the right to deny or revoke hunting permission at its sole discretion.
• Baiting is prohibited.
• No trapping.
• Unless otherwise noted, rules regulating hunting at this property are the same as those set forth by the MDNR, including special hunting seasons available to youth and hunters with disabilities.
• Permanent deer blinds, tree stands, or duck blinds are prohibited.  
  • Screw-in steps and other devices that penetrate the bark of a tree are prohibited.  
  • Portable stands and blinds must be labeled with the owner’s name and address so that they are easily visible at ground level. 
  • Stands cannot be installed before September 1 and must be removed by April 1.
  • The Conservancy has no responsibility for tree stands, blinds or other items placed on GTRLC property.
• The cutting of shooting lanes, or cutting or destruction of brush, trees or other plants for any purpose, is prohibited.
• The release of live animals is prohibited.
• Hunting within 450 feet of any occupied building, or within 100 feet of any maintained parking area or recreational structure, is prohibited.
• Motorized vehicles, camping and open or contained fires are prohibited.
• There are no designated parking areas, so please park within the right-of-way of a maintained road such that no vegetation is harmed.
• There is no charge or fee for hunting on this property.
• The enforcement of hunting rules and regulations is carried out by Conservation Officers. If you experience an issue while hunting or would like to report suspicious activity, please contact MDNR.

For more information, please visit our Property Rules and Hunting Regulations page.