Emergency crews search for missing hiker.

Emergency crews search for missing hiker.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

Lisa Casler

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP — Emergency crews are searching for a missing 54-year-old Coopersville woman who is believed to be in the Manistee National Forest in the Pines Point area near Hesperia over the last few days, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast.

Lisa Ann Casler was last seen Friday, Oct. 16, in Coopersville, Mast said. Authorities believe Casler has been in the woods since Saturday, Oct. 17. “We’re leaning to believe she’s been there since Saturday.”

Casler is an “avid bird watcher,” the sheriff said. Her vehicle, which is a small Chevrolet hatchback, was found in the center of Pines Point, said Mast. Her car contained bird watching supplies, such as cameras, binoculars and a spotting scope. Casler went to Pines Pint by herself, said Mast.

“We’re very concerned due to the temperatures, especially how cold it gets at night.”

Search crews, including K-9 trackers, a Michigan State Police helicopter, Ferry Township and Hesperia fire departments, the Oceana County sheriff’s posse, Oceana sheriff’s deputies and Mason County Search and Rescue, began searching late Monday afternoon, Oct. 19.

“We have searched a considerable amount of the area without success,” said Mast. “There are no obvious signs of foul play.” So far, the dogs have not come up with any tracks.

Ottawa County authorities contacted the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office after an employee from Casler’s workplace contacted them, Mast said. Casler did not show up to work Monday for her job at Ottawa County Mental Health.

Casler may be wearing a brown NorthFace jacket, blue jeans and hiking boots. She is 5’3″ and 200 pounds with black/gray hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call Mason-Oceana Central Dispatch at 231-869-5858.

Please consider helping to fund local news. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press are available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals who support our service. Click on the PayPal donation button located on the top right of our website.

This story is copyrighted © 2020, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.