Forest and Wildlife Management Assistance Program

Site visit with family forest owner

The Forest and Wildlife Management Assistance Program of Marquette and Alger Counties promotes stewardship of forest resources on private lands in local communities by providing information to private landowners, community groups, local governments and the general public. Technical assistance is available regarding wildlife habitat, timber production, tree planting, recreation, and forest health. Assistance is also available for urban forestry and backyard wildlife. On-site consultation, basic written information, and referrals to other service providers are all provided free of charge. Management suggestions are based on sound resource science and owners' goals.

Five basic types of service:

On-site Property Evaluations
Information & Referral Services
Presentations/Workshops
Partnerships
Cost Share Opportunities

For more information, contact: Gary Bucklin gary.bucklin@mi.nacdnet.net

2012 Mesic Conifer Program: a collaboration of conservation districts

The Michigan DNR and U.P. Conservation Districts have formed a cooperative partnership to assist with an on-going initiative to restore mesic conifers where they once grew in the Upper Peninsula, MI.

As part of this partnership, 160,000 Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) plugs are being offered at a special price to Conservation District customers and land managers across the U.P. in Spring 2012. Why Hemlock?Hemlock has largely disappeared from U.P. forests, where it was once a significant component of the mesic conifer forest that dominated this area. Mesic conifers are trees associated with moderately moist soil conditions and include white pine, hemlock, white spruce, and balsam fir. Mesic conifers have undergone a steep decline in the U.P. since the mid-1800’s. During the early 20th century, Hemlock was particularly over harvested for its tannins. Here is what Hemlock can do for the forest:· Provide essential thermal cover and habitat for species such as Whitetail Deer, American Marten, Fisher, Northern Goshawk, and Blackburnian Warbler.· Hemlock and White Pine can become super –canopy trees that function as nest sites for raptors and many other migratory birds.· In winter, mesic conifer limbs intercept snowfall, providing essential winter habitat and greater mobility for a wide variety of wildlife species. · Conifers capture moisture from the air and deposit water to the forest floor. · Shallow -rooted mesic conifers tend to tip over rather than break off, helping recirculate soil nutrients, provide forest gaps that allow seedling regeneration, and act as nurse logs for new seedlings and a variety of wildlife species.