The Weeks Act of 1911 allowed the purchase of units of land for public use, and in 1931 the Ottawa National Forest was created through the purchase of such units. It was dedicated by Secretary of Agriculture Vernon William. In 2006, the Ottawa National Forest celebrated 75 years of excellence in connecting people with the land while honoring those who helped make it what it is today. Lands cut over during the late 19th and early 20th centuries became a viable forest again, setting the stage for future generations.