The Mason Tract, a 4,700-acre special management area in southeast Crawford County, is undergoing some timber cutting as a part of the area's management plan, said Department of Natural Resources officials.

"We realize that some area residents may find it unusual that we are allowing some timber harvesting on the Mason Tract, but it is in the best interest of the wildlife habitat that this cutting occurs," said Lynne Boyd, chief of the DNR's Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division. "Timber harvesting is used to sustain and enhance habitat for both game and non-game wildlife."

The harvests taking place in the Mason Tract area are designed to regenerate stands of over-mature and declining oak, jack pine and aspen; to thin red pine plantations; and to remove hazardous trees in the Canoe Harbor Campground.

The Mason Tract was bequeathed to the State of Michigan in 1954 by ardent conservationist George Mason. With very few private in-holdings, this tract encompasses nearly 10 miles of the south branch of the Au Sable River. It was Mason's wish that the land be managed as a "game preserve." With that in mind, the DNR has actively managed the forests on the tract to enhance wildlife habitat and ensure conservation of the south branch of the Au Sable River. Active forest management practices today enhance woody debris in the river, regenerate cedar along the river corridor, regenerate oak and aspen stands for wildlife, and remove old jack pine and oak trees to prevent large-scale insect and disease infestations in the area.

Persons interested in becoming involved in the long-term planning process for the Mason Tract can contact DNR Forest Unit Manager Susan Thiel, DNR Grayling Field Office, at 1955 N. I-75 Business Loop in Grayling or by calling 989-348-6371, ext. 7441.