The Au Sable State Forest is a state forest in the north-central Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It is operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The Au Sable State Forest is a byproduct of the lumbering boom in Michigan during the late 19th century. Many parcels of old growth timber were stripped of their largest trees. After forest fires had consumed the resulting detritus, the land had no economic value. Typically, it was sold to subsistence farmers or was reverted to the state in lieu of unpaid property taxes. Today, the Au Sable State Forest is a valuable asset to the state of Michigan. Much of it surrounds the fast-growing communities of Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake and Lake St. Helen adjacent to Interstate 75. In addition, much of the forest is used for wildlife game management and the fostering of rare and endangered species, such as the Kirtland's warbler. Much of the area sits on the "Grayling outwash plain", a unique habitat. National Natural Landmarks Two land parcels within the Au Sable State Forest are designated as National Natural Landmarks. See List of National Natural Landmarks. Dead Stream Swamp An parcel within the Au Sable State Forest, the Dead Stream Swamp, located 30 miles northeast of Cadillac, is described by its owner/operator, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, as "an exceptionally large example of a northern white cedar freshwater swamp forest (Thuja occidentalis), considered to be the climax in bog forest development." The Dead Stream Swamp was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976. Roscommon Virgin Pine Stand A parcel within the Au Sable State Forest, the Roscommon Virgin Pine Stand 8 miles (12 km) north of St. Helen, Michigan, (Location 8 miles east of Roscommon, off Sunset Drive) is an old-growth stand of red pine, which includes a former national champion red pine. Roscommon Virgin Pine Stand was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1980. Other points of interest Backus Creek State Game Area Backus Creek State Game Area is a state game area within Roscommon County. It incorporates of hunting, recreational, and protected wildlife and wetland areas of rural Backus Township and Higgins Township. Mason Tract The Mason Tract covers a portion of the Au Sable State Forest. It is "a 4,493 acre special management area along the South Branch of the Au Sable River designed to protect the quality fishing waters of