IRONWOOD – Effective today, the Ottawa National Forest will be open for dispersed camping and is lifting the campfire ban.

Forest Service campgrounds will remain closed until further notice, including backcountry camping in Sylvania Wilderness.

For a full list of open areas and up-to-date information go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/ottawa.

“We ask that visitors please continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines on staying safe and social distancing wherever they choose to visit,” said Jon Stansfield, acting Ottawa Forest supervisor.

Visitors are now permitted to have campfires, use charcoal grills, and wood-burning camp stoves on Ottawa National Forest lands. Visitors are urged to use care with campfires and make sure they are completely cold to the touch before leaving the area.

Visitors are asked to stay local whenever possible and pack out everything they bring, especially trash.