New State Forest Plan being Drafted for the Great Lakes State
By Nick Sanchez, Network Manager
On May 31st, the Old-Growth Forest Network joined timbermen associations, hunting organizations and other stakeholder groups in Marquette, Michigan for an opportunity to learn about the process and weigh-in on the developing 2023 state forest management plan for the nearly 4 million-acre state forest. For the first time, this management plan will include “desired future conditions”, identifying targets for what the forest should look like in the future. Stakeholders were given an overview and opportunity to review and ask questions about the proposed priorities for desired future conditions and a chance to provide written feedback.
Oden Island Nature Preserve- Emmet County, MI
“Unlike a property-level forest plan, the sheer size and scope of this plan makes its interpretation a challenge and we’re glad to be in the room and part of the conversation from the beginning, advocating for old forests in Michigan” remarks Nick Sanchez, Network Manager for OGFN.
Witherell Woods at Palmer Park- Wayne County, MI
Michigan, like many other states, is severely deficient in the amount of old forests present on the landscape. Historical estimates for the amount of old-growth in the upper Great Lakes range up to 70% prior to European settlement. While the state’s forests were almost completely leveled at the turn of the last century, these forests could be restored with time, resulting in a partial recovery of old forests. Currently, just 1.5% of the forest is 121+ years old, an amount that has remained relatively unchanged since at least 1980, despite the passing of over 40 years and its accompanying advancements in the understanding of the functions and benefits of old forests. With timber harvesting being the dominant disturbance, and no coordinated effort to recruit old forests from the younger classes, Michigan’s forests have simply not been allowed to grow old.
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area- Mason County, MI
OGFN offered comments recommending the addition of a management priority specific to old forests referencing their importance to ecological and economic sustainability and value as wildlife habitat, as well as their contributions as a carbon sink. Recommendations were also made to include management priorities for the retention and recruitment of large and old trees within managed portions of the forest, an expansion of special conservation areas from 10% to 30% of the state forest, and a priority to identify and conserve portions of the State Forest that can act as a carbon sink to support Michigan's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
Oden Island Nature Preserve- Emmet County, MI
OGFN will have another chance for review after initial feedback is considered and a second draft of the plan is released. The Michigan DNR expects to have the plan ready for public comment later this fall. Michigan supporters of the Old-Growth Forest Network will receive an email notification from OGFN as a reminder to weigh in on the management direction of their state forest.