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Forest management strategies
Forest management strategies
How and 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.
Share your thoughts on forest management using our forest input webpage.
Special management areas
Designated natural areas, including places on state forest lands called Ecological Reference Areas, are places with unique natural features or ecosystems.
These "best of the best" locations include muskeg peatlands in the eastern Upper Peninsula, fens in northern Lower Michigan and limestone bedrock glades on Drummond Island. Special areas like this are generally not harvested for timber, may have motorized access restrictions and are monitored to support the rare species and habitats within.
Forest management practices
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.
These include activities such as cleaning up fuel spills, minimizing ruts left by heavy equipment and installing properly sized culverts and bridges that allow fish to swim through.
Anyone involved in growing, managing or harvesting trees should follow these guidelines.
For a printed version, contact Margaret Spagnuolo, 517-284-5903.
Generally Accepted Forest Management Practices
The Right to Forest Act of 2002 ensures that forestry activities are protected from nuisance complaints when management actions follow a set of Generally Accepted Forest Management Practices.
A forest is defined as any tract of land at least 10% stocked with trees. Forestry activities include harvesting, planting, pest control, fertilization and wildlife management consistent with sustainable forestry principles.
These practices are part of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, a sustainability verification of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.