Group size is limited to 20 (there are 16 bunks in the cabin, plus floor space in the dining area). Special permission may be granted for larger groups. All group use must be approved in advance by the Little Traverse Conservancy.
Approved and confirmed user groups must pick up the key for the gate, cabin, and woodshed at the Indian River Trading Post (6153 M-68, just West of I-75 next to MacDonalds). They are open 24/7. The phone number there is 231-238-9081. Please be sure to return the key to the Trading Post when you are finished using the cabin.
When you arrive at the cabin, turn on the electricity at the outside electrical switch-box. Please unplug appliances and turn off the outside electrical switch when you leave.
Firewood for use in the wood stove is stored in the outside woodshed. Please do not use this wood for outside campfires (you must bring your own wood for this purpose). You’re welcome and encouraged to bring your own dry hardwood for use in the inside woodstove to supplement the limited supply. However, to prevent the spread of forest diseases, please either burn all of the wood you bring in or take leftover wood back out with you. Do not leave any of your wood behind.
Please do not leave firewood in the cabin when you leave. Storing wood in the cabin can lead to insect problems. However, leaving a little dry kindling inside is fine and will probably be greatly appreciated by the next group.
Campfires are allowed only in the fire ring in the yard.
Do not collect live or dead wood from the preserve property for firewood or other purposes.
Do not cut or deface live trees (e.g. limbs removed, nails placed, bark damaged). Do not collect any plants or animals (other than fish--sport fishing in accordance with State regulations is allowed)
ALL garbage and leftover food must be removed from the property. Please do not burn garbage either inside or outside, put it in the pit toilet, or dispose of it (including food scraps) outside.
The kitchen sink drains to buckets beneath the sink. Please be sure to empty the buckets before they overflow by disposing of the kitchen “greywater” outside in the woods a short distance from the cabin.
Groups using the cabin must use the pit toilet. Do not construct or use temporary latrines.
Please respect neighbors, other preserve users, and the wildlife by refraining from excessive noise. Please do not trespass on adjoining private land.
To help prevent erosion, please use only the stairway and wood-chipped path to access the river. Do not climb up or down the streambanks.
Users are allowed to drive to the cabin to drop off supplies, but long-term parking out by the access gate is required. However, the access drive is steep and winding, and there is limited maneuvering room. It may be hard to get back up the hill in icy or muddy conditions. The access drive is not plowed in winter. For these reasons, cabin users are urged to park near the access gate and walk-in whenever possible.
Suggested items to bring with you to the cabin include:
• Drinking water
• Food
• Toiletries
• Bug Spray (n the summer)
• Flashlights • Wood (especially for outdoor burning)
• Sleeping bags, sheets, blankets, pillows, etc.
• Cups, plates, and eating utensils
For more information about the Preserve, stewardship projects, or to report problems please contact the Little Traverse Conservancy staff. All stewardship projects must be approved in advance by the Conservancy.