How & Why We Manage Forests
We care for the state forest by helping new trees to grow, improving wildlife habitat, protecting the forest from wildfires, forest pests and diseases and ensuring our forests are around for future generations to enjoy.
We do this by harvesting trees, planting trees, conducting prescribed burns and more. Methods are chosen based on what foresters want to accomplish in a particular area. We might clear cut several acres of aspen to provide a fresh food source for grouse, or we might burn an area to get rid of troublesome invasive species. It’s all part of a forest management plan, carefully laid out and intended to help Michigan’s forests thrive.
- See a map of management activities in each forest »
Forest Management Plans
- Regional forest plans
These plans provide guidance for land managers at a local level.
- Forest Action Plans
Learn about the state of Michigan’s forests and see how we’re assisting private landowners, urban forests and more.
- Strategic plan
Learn about Forest Resources Division’s mission of healthy forests that provide social, economic and ecological benefits.
- State forest plan
Find out more about our actions to ensure sustainable forestry practices on public land.
Forestry Best Management Practices
Best management practices are voluntary guidelines that help foresters, loggers and others who work in the woods protect soil and water quality. They include things like cleaning up fuel spills, minimizing ruts left by heavy equipment, and installing properly sized culverts and bridges that allow fish passage.
We strongly encourage anyone involved in growing, managing or harvesting trees to follow these guidelines. If you would like a printed version of the guidelines, please contact Margaret Spagnuolo at spagnuolom2@michigan.gov or 517-284-5903.
- 2018 Forestry Best Management Practices Manual
