Huron Pines Transfers ‘AuSable River Scenic Preserve’ to Oscoda Charter Township

A view of the Au Sable River from an overlook on Hull Island that’s set to become Au Sable Scenic Preserve, a public recreation area and nature sanctuary just minutes from downtown Oscoda.

Forty-two forested acres on Hull Island are set to become the AuSable River Scenic Preserve following its transfer Oct. 28 from Huron Pines to Oscoda Charter Township.

Located a stone’s throw west of downtown Oscoda, this pocket of wilderness features an oak-dominant forest with resident squirrels and deer, vistas of the AuSable and 3,300 feet of river frontage, and a web of winding footpaths. Along with having high conservation value for wildlife habitat and water quality protection, the site holds great potential for recreation for Oscoda’s residents and visitors.

“In 2023 Huron Pines and Oscoda Township partnered to move forward on a vision to permanently protect this special place and make it available for the public to recreate, to access the river and to enjoy events like the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon which finishes just downstream from here,” said Abby Ertel, Director for Community Engagement. “Today I’m excited that we’ve achieved that goal and we’re really looking forward to seeing the community of Oscoda enjoy this protected place.”

Oscoda Charter Township Engineer Rick Freeman, Huron Pines Executive Director Brad Jensen, Township Supervisor Nicole Tregear, Huron Pines Director of Community Engagement Abby Ertel and Township Manager Adam Kline (l-r) celebrate the transfer of the preserve at closing Oct. 28, 2025.

Huron Pines bought the property from a private landowner in 2023 with funds from our donor-supported Land Protection Program. Oscoda Charter Township applied for and received grant funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund which was used to reimburse Huron Pines for the purchase.

This is the second time Huron Pines has acquired undeveloped waterfront property and transferred ownership to a local government for permanent protection and public access. In 2022, we protected 145 acres and 4,000 feet of Lake Huron frontage to Alabaster Township who now manages and stewards it as Lake Huron Coastal Preserve.

Existing trails meander through the oak-dominant forest of AuSable River Scenic Preserve.

A red squirrel pops up from a log on Hull Island.

Protecting this piece of Hull Island meets Huron Pines’ objectives of preserving ecosystems for wildlife, recreation, human health and local economic benefit, and supports the goals of Oscoda Charter Township as a Lake Huron Forever Community. In their Lake Huron Forever pledge, the township stated their intention to “advance plans for the AuSable River Scenic Preserve with design and installation of signage, continued trail improvements, addressing temporary parking needs and including ongoing maintenance in annual budgets.” Huron Pines will continue working with township officials on a management plan which would include recreational access, invasive species control and other habitat restoration efforts.

“The focus will be on improving community access without significant changes to the scenic perspective of the property as a whole or to the shoreline of the AuSable River,” the township said in a statement issued Nov. 10.

We congratulate Oscoda Charter Township for their commitment to this years-long effort, and thank our partners at the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, The Carls Foundation, and everyone who supported our Community-Driven Conservation fundraising campaign.