WATERSMEET — The Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center in Watersmeet will remain closed until further notice.

The Ottawa National Forest is working to rebuild staffing levels post-pandemic and currently doesn’t have enough staff to open the center. Once it is staffed and ready to open, the Ottawa will notify the public.

“We regret the inconvenience this causes to the public. We know the Visitor Center is an important part of the community,” said Tony Crump, acting Forest supervisor. “We are working hard to bring up our staffing levels and are looking forward to reopening.”

Passes and permits can be purchased at the following locations: Forest Supervisor/ Bessemer Ranger District Office, Watersmeet Ranger District Office, Ontonagon Ranger District Office, Kenton Ranger District Office, and at several concessionaires.

For any inquiries to the forest, please call 906- 932-1330 or email ottawa@usda.gov.

Recreational, resource management, and other information can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/ottawa/.