A land use order designed to retain the wild character of the Pigeon River Country State Forest, while managing the use of the forest by multiple groups, was signed by DNR Director Rebecca Humphries at Thursday's Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing.

The order regulates equestrian camping and riding, and bicycling within the Pigeon River Country State Forest. The restrictions are needed to implement and enforce the recommendations outlined in the recently updated Pigeon River County Concept of Management. A link to the Concept of Management is available online to read on the DNR's Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrpigeonriver.

Camping with horses or other riding or pack animals will be restricted under the land use orders to the Elk Hill Equestrian State Forest Campground and Trail Camp, and Johnson's Crossing Trail Camp.

Trail riding with horses, other riding or pack animals will be restricted to certain roads and pathways. A person riding or leading a horse, other riding animal or pack animal will be restricted to the north spur of the Shore to Shore Riding-Hiking Trail; a county road; a forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map; or a service trail road posted open by the DNR, providing over 280 miles of riding opportunities.

Bicycling in the Pigeon River Country will be restricted to the High Country Pathway, the Shingle Mill Pathway and the Pickerel Lake Pathway; a county road; a state forest road designated and illustrated as open on the Pigeon River Country State Forest access map, providing 300 miles for bicycling.

"These land use orders will help us preserve the wild character of this particular area and will help the department achieve greater compatibility with federal grant fund requirements associated with the acquisition and management of the Pigeon River Country," Humphries said. "These regulations will allow for many different outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the Pigeon River Country while keeping with the original intent of 'the Big Wild,' and that is to preserve the natural and wild character of this special part of Michigan."