Forest Management

Home , Forest management, Shelterwood cutting

PART III: Forest Management

n the early 1800s, forests cov- hold the soil in place and prevent Forest types reflect changes in ered most of Michigan's more erosion. They remove carbon diox- climate and soil texture. Within the Ithan 36 million acres of land. ide from the air and replace it with Lower Peninsula, an imaginary line Today, nearly all of the state's land- oxygen, furnish shade, and help called the “tension zone” (that runs scape has been disturbed by cool rivers and streams. In addi- from Muskegon to Saginaw Bay) human activity. This disturbance tion, they furnish homes, food, and demonstrates such changes. South has decreased our forests by 50 shelter for wildlife and provide of the tension line the presettle- percent. A long period of heavy wood for the production of lumber, ment forests were primarily decidu- logging and fires, which began paper, and various other products. ous on all but the wettest sites. about 1840 and ended about 1930, Black oak, white oak, red maple, substantially contributed to this and shagbark hickory grew on dry, loss. Currently, the largest threat to Forest Types well-drained uplands. Sugar maple, our remaining forests is fragmenta- Michigan forests form a broad beech, basswood, and red oak tion, which occurs when larger transition zone between the conifer flourished on moist, somewhat fine properties are divided into smaller forests (evergreens that bear nee- soils. Lowland areas, river bot- parcels. Also, the lack of old growth dle leaves) of Canada and the toms, and lake plain soils support- forests, which provides structural deciduous forests (those broadleaf- ed forests of ash, silver, and red diversity, is a threat to our land- bearing trees) of the eastern maple, swamp white oak, American scape ecosystems. Current logging United States. For example, elm, and cottonwood. White pine practices favor certain tree species Michigan is in the southern range and hemlock grew along dunes. over others causing forests to of the jack pine and white spruce become “over simplified” and alter- and in the northern range of the North of the tension zone the ing natural processes. Other Kentucky coffeetree, shagbark soils tend to be coarser, the grow- threats to Michigan forests include hickory, and tuliptree. As a result of ing season is shorter, and the cli- over browsing by deer, hydrologic this transition, there are many mate is cooler. As a result, beech alterations, and the timber harvest- kinds of trees found throughout the and sugar maple, mixed with hem- ing process of “high grading” which state. lock, white pine, and yellow birch is a profit motivated technique that grew on all but the driest uplands has no value for wildlife. and wettest wetlands. Pines and mixed-pine communities were Importance as a prevalent as they prospered on drier soils. In the Upper Peninsula, Natural Resource similar patterns developed with Michigan's more than 19.3 mil- pines growing on sandy, acidic lion acres of forest provide ecologi- soils. Cooler summers promoted cal, economic, recreational, and the growth of hemlock, yellow aesthetic benefits to the state's cit- birch, balsam fir, and white spruce. izens. One of Michigan's important Poorly drained sites contained black natural resources, these forests spruce and larch (tamarack), which range in size from small, privately tended to grow in bog communi- owned woodlots to larger areas ties. owned by the public, industry, or timber companies. Trees help to Knowing what type of forest quality pine barrens exist today. If The wild turkey, white-tailed historically grew on your land will presettlement maps show that his- deer, porcupine, red and gray squir- help you understand what is there torically there was a pine barren on rel, chipmunk, and black bear favor today. It is important to know what your land, chances are it can be white pine dominated forests. Bird kind of forest is on your property restored. species include woodpeckers, before you can make any manage- crossbill, redpoll, scarlet tanager, ment decisions. Although you can Common mammals found in red-breasted nuthatch, black- identify individual tree species with dry conifer forests are the badger, throated green warbler, black- the help of field guides, it is more coyote, snowshoe hare, and black capped chickadee, great-crested difficult to recognize forest types. bear. Birds include the upland flycatcher, and pine warbler. The One reason is because your proper- sandpiper, northern harrier, red blue racer, a snake, lives there, and ty may contain more than one soil crossbill, hermit thrush, bluebird, the rare Karner blue butterfly is condition. Another reason is red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, sometimes attracted to the forest because individual trees don't and raven. The Kirtland's warbler edge of open oak-pine forests. always grow in only one type of is the best known of the rare soil. A professional forester or species, which include the prairie MESIC CONIFERS are upland wildlife expert can help you identify warbler, black-backed woodpecker, forests of evergreens that grow in the kind of forest you own. sharp-tailed, and spruce grouse. moderately moist The frosted elfin butterfly and soils. There are This section contains chapters secretive locust are two other rare two major types of that explain eight different types of creatures that inhabit dry conifer mesic conifer for- forest. These types are categorized forests. A large number of rare ests. One type is by soil moisture content. The term plant species are also found here. dominated by east- "mesic" refers to soil that is moder- ern hemlock, while ately moist. Listed below are the DRY MESIC CONIFERS are northern white white spruce, bal- classifications and their respective evergreens that grow on dry, sandy cedar sam fir, and north- importance to wildlife. Keep in soils. The key tree ern white cedar dominate the other mind that just as a tree species species of this type type. These forests typically occur may occur in more than one kind of is white pine. in northern Michigan along Great forest, a species of wildlife may Because white pine Lakes shorelines, along peatland also use more than one kind of for- was favored by log- edges, in narrow zones between est. gers it no longer wetlands and uplands, or in areas dominates dry with seasonally wet soils. DRY CONIFERS are northern white pine mesic sites. Histor- Historically, about 15 percent of Michigan forests ically, white pine grew with red Michigan's forests contained mesic containing stands pine, white oak, beech, maple, and conifers. Today, only a few small of jack pine and red hemlock. These mixed stands pockets of hemlock dominated pine as well as mix- include white pine-red pine forests forests still exist in Michigan, and tures of these in the high plains and rolling hills of very little hemlock can be found species with north- the northern Lower Peninsula and growing in northern hardwoods or ern pin oak, white white pine-white oak forests on the other forest types. jack pine pine, and aspen. dry hills of west-central lower They grow on very dry, sandy Michigan. White and red pine also Mesic conifer forests provide plains and ridges that are acidic mixed at times with combinations winter cover, thick branches for and low in nutrients. Today, about of red, black, and white oak. Mixed nesting, and seed food sources for 800,000 acres occur mainly in the hardwoods of beech, red maple, many wildlife species. Such species high plains region from Mio to and red oak grew with white pine include the Canada warbler, ruffed Vanderbilt and in flat, sandy areas and hemlock. Today, mature grouse, brown creeper, junco, of the Upper Peninsula. Historically, stands of white pine dominated for- veery, pine siskin, red crossbill, red- dry conifer forests were found in a est are very uncommon. poll, black-capped chickadee, mosaic of pine "barrens" and- white-tailed deer, bobcat, red squir- prairies. Only 100 acres of high INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW rel, and spotted and blue-spotted Lower Peninsula. These forests, These forests are home to the salamanders. Also, many species which thrive best after fire, typical- ruffed grouse, woodcock, cottontail of birds migrating along the Great ly contain white, black, or red oak, rabbit, snowshoe hare, elk, fox and Lakes rely on early spring insect along with pignut hickory. Other Eastern gray squirrel, wild turkey, production from shallow bays bor- components may include white white-tailed deer, bobcat, fox, coy- dering mesic conifer forests. ash, red maple, black cherry, ote, raccoon, black bear, American beech, and shagbark hickory. marten, fisher, gray wolf, barred LOWLAND CONIFERS com- White and black oak with smaller owl, broad-winged hawk, wood prise about 4.4 million acres of amounts of black cherry, pignut frog, chorus frog, and vole. Michigan forest. hickory, and sassafras dominate Uncommon animals include the These evergreen mixed-oak forests. northern goshawk, red-shouldered forests of black hawk, and black-throated blue and spruce, white cedar, Dry hardwoods attract the Blackburnian warbler. and tamarack grow great-crested flycatcher, Eastern in muck- or peat- wood pewee, rose-breasted gros- LOWLAND HARDWOODS are bottomed swamps beak, scarlet tanager, ruffed hardwood swamps and floodplain tamarack and other poorly grouse, wood duck, ovenbird, forests that com- drained depressions mostly in the white-breasted nuthatch, red-bel- prise about five northern Lower and Upper lied woodpecker, downy woodpeck- percent of Michigan Peninsulas. Sometimes these er, northern flicker, wild turkey, and and provide some conifers mix with hemlock, white black-capped chickadee. White- of the state's larg- pine, and some hardwoods such as tailed deer, squirrels, chipmunks, est remaining nat- black ash. These forests often deer mice, and voles are common ural forest habitats. appear as a transition between mammals. swamp white oak Red maple, black wetland and upland habitats. and red ash, and swamp white oak Today, white cedar swamps have MESIC HARDWOODS are dominate in mixed hardwood dramatically declined due to devel- Michigan's most common forest swamps, and may include pin and opment, hydrologic alterations, type because they black oak, and black gum. Black roads, and over browsing by deer. grow in cool, moist ash swamps also occur on flat, soils that fall sandy plains in southern Michigan. Spruce-tamarack bogs attract between drylands In northern Michigan, black ash white-tailed deer, spruce grouse, and wetlands. sometimes mixes with northern snowshoe hare, bobcat, black bear, About 19 percent white cedar or tamarack. white-throated sparrow, ovenbird, of the state's forest Canopies are typically dense in red-eyed vireo, Nashville warbler, beech community are hardwood swamps as well as in and common yellow-throat. mesic hardwoods consisting mainly floodplain forests whose rich soils Additional species that favor white of beech and sugar maple. In tend to flood in spring and some- cedar swamps include the southern Michigan, these forests times fall. Southern Michigan Swainson's thrush, Tennessee war- occasionally include a component floodplain forests support silver and bler, and yellow-bellied flycatcher. of conifers along with basswood, red maple, red ash, and cotton- red oak, white ash, American and wood with minor components of DRY HARDWOODS are domi- red elm, shagbark hickory, black swamp white oak, black willow, and nated by several species of oak and walnut, bitternut hickory, and tulip- black walnut also occurring. hickory and com- tree. North of the tension zone, Several southern trees reach their prise six percent of hemlock, white pine, and yellow northern ranges in these forests. Michigan forests. birch replace tuliptree, bitternut These forests were hickory, and other more southern Songbirds that inhabit these historically found species. In the western Upper forests include the warbling and mostly in the south- Peninsula, beech is rare and white red-eyed vireo, northern oriole, ern Lower Penin- pine, yellow birch, basswood, and indigo bunting, gray catbird, and oak sula. Today, they hemlock become major compo- eastern wood pewee. Other are mostly found in the northern nents. INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW species include the wood duck, rac- bler, indigo bunting, least flycatch- oak forest that you might want to coon, woodcock, white-tailed deer, er, yellow-bellied sapsucker, ruby- manage for wild turkey habitat as wild turkey, bats, salamanders, throated hummingbird, red-eyed well as generate income. An exam- frogs, snakes, and many species of vireo, ovenbird, and pileated wood- ple of when not to cut involves a migrant waterfowl. Uncommon pecker. Other species include the conifer swamp of white cedar or species include the red-shouldered black bear, white-tailed deer, wood- hemlock that you want to maintain hawk, Indiana bat, smallmouth cock, snowshoe hare, cottontail for thermal cover for wintering salamander, spotted turtle, rabbit, ruffed grouse, woodland wildlife. Blanchard's cricket frog, several jumping mouse, porcupine, white- species of mussels, and the footed deer mouse, flying squirrel In summary, Michigan's consid- cerulean, prothonotary, and yellow- and, where evergreens are present, erable forest resources are charac- throated warbler. the American marten and fisher. terized into eight different communities keyed to soil moisture and Management Options conditions of climate. Over the ASPEN-BIRCH forests comprise Managing these forest types years many of these forests have about 3 million acres, or roughly 10 begins with defining what your been dramatically altered, and may percent, of the goals are. Refer to the Habitat require some type of manipulation state's land base. Planning section for more infor- in order to provide optimal wildlife Not truly a forest mation. Perhaps more than any habitat for some species of wildlife. type, it is an early other type of natural resource you Although several million forested growth stage within may own, forests require the skills acres are owned by the public or by a variety of forests. of a professional to help you sort timber industries, about half of Historically, less through the many options avail- Michigan's forests are owned by aspen than 270,000 acres able. Your goals may or may not more than 350,000 private proper- of aspen-birch forests were present include a timber harvest. If you ty holders. On these private lands in Michigan. These sun-loving, fast- decide to harvest your forest, a lies the future for improving or cre- growing, relatively short-lived forester or wildlife biologist can ating wildlife habitats. The type of forests often grow with smaller help you receive its full economic management style a landowner components of balsam fir, pin cher- value. Also, they may be able to chooses to conduct on their land ry, red maple, white and red oak, supervise timber removal in a way will effect the kind of wildlife that and white and red pine. Aspen, that minimizes impact to the envi- are supported on the property. often called poplar, regenerates ronment, and to help you achieve best after it is clearcut by sending your goals for improving or creating thousands of sprouts above the wildlife habitat. ground soon after the forest is harvested. Aspen and birch form open Not cutting your forest is a forests that allow many species of management option that has both ground covers and fruiting shrubs positive and negative conse- to grow beneath the forest canopy, FOR ADDITIONAL quences for wildlife. Harvest strate- CHAPTERS CONTACT: and these in turn attract a wide gies of shelterwood cutting, variety of wildlife. Michigan United clearcutting, and seed-tree man- Conservation Clubs agement also have far-reaching PO Box 30235 At varying stages of growth, implications. An example of when Lansing, MI 48909 aspen-birch forests attract the to cut occurs with a closed-canopy 517/371-1041 chestnut-sided and mourning war-

Private Land Partnerships: This partnership was formed between both private and public organizations in order to address private lands wildlife issues. Individuals share resources, information, and expertise. This landowner’s guide has been a combined effort between these groups working towards one goal: Natural Resources Education. We hope this manual provides you with the knowledge and the motivation to make positive changes for our environment.

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART III: Forest Management

DRY CONIFERS (JACK & RED PINE)

ry pine forests include pure sandy areas of the Upper stands of jack pine and mix- Peninsula. Perhaps more than any Dtures of jack, white, and red other single influence, the timber- pine, northern pin oak, and aspen. cutting operations that occurred These communities, which forest- between the eraly 1800’s and early ers collectively call dry conifers 1900’s changed the way these (evergreens) because pine is the forests look today. key component, occur on dry, sandy soil that is acidic and nutri- Before the loggers arrived, red ent-poor. Landscapes here are typ- and white pine were often mixed ically high and flat. These forests within dry conifer forests. Large- also occur on sandy ridges within diameter trees that had survived large wetland complexes and on wildfires helped to form a complex steep, cobblestone ridges next to forest that varied from young spotted knapweed - large sandy plains. seedlings and saplings to large an exotic species canopy trees. Other typical trees, Areas with frequent fires, such Historically, this landscape was shrubs, and groundcovers included as portions of Lake, Crawford, a shifting mosaic of forest and open balsam fir, black cherry, paper Iosco, and Oscoda counties, were grasslands, or "barrens," that was birch, sweetfern, blueberry, huckle- dominated by jack pine barrens. primarily maintained by wildfires of berry, sand cherry, and bearberry. The barrens were not wastelands, varying frequency and intensity. In Bracken fern, poverty grass, as the name suggests, but rather a the 1800’s, there were approxi- Pennsylvania sedge, and hairgrass unique grass-dominated ecosystem mately 1.3 million acres of dry were other common plants. with only a few jack pine trees per conifer forest in Michigan, with Loggers removed much of the acre. Because this system was so about 80 percent of the total found favored red and white pine, and the open, it admitted sunlight to reach in the northern Lower Peninsula. fires that followed helped jack pine the forest floor allowing a diverse Today, about 800,000 acres to regenerate over many more understory of shrubs, grasses, and remain. They occur mostly in the acres than before. wildflowers to flourish. Shrubs high plains region from Mio to found here include those from the Vanderbilt east of I-75 and in flat, These "slash" fires of a hun- adjacent forest, along with prairie dred years ago, so-called because willow and hazelnut. Today, fire they burned the logging debris, left suppression and the establishment charred stumps throughout the of pine plantations have reduced northern Michigan landscape. the number of high-quality jack They also contributed to the rapid pine barrens to only a few hundred spread of bracken fern and many acres. Inappropriate off-road- exotic species such as spotted vehicle (ORV) use, a boom in sec- knapweed. Were the timber cut- ond-home development in northern ters to return, they would not rec- Michigan, and the invasion of inva- ognize the landscape that was orig- sive plants are other reasons why inally a shifting mosaic of dry-pine this unusual ecosystem is losing forest and open grasslands or "bar- ground. Today, only 100 acres of rens" containing some pines. jack pine red pine high quality barrens remain. hoary birdfoot acres of dry conifer forest. The fol- puccoon violet lowing are options to consider when managing dry conifers.

Prescribed Burning If used safely, fire is the most effective management tool, partic- ularly if a composite of forest, barrens, and grassy openings is your objective. Also, fire is the common means by which jack pine forests are rejuvinated. Jack pine is unusually adapted to fire because Prairie species that may be found in a remnant pine barren. their pine cones are coated with a resin that melts at 112 degrees F., Species Present and northern harriers are uncom- a temperature normally reached If you own a jack pine forest mon wildlife species that live in only through fire. Once the resin that is a fragmented patchwork of these areas. Unique to Michigan, melts, the cones open and thou- grassy openings and woods, look the federally endangered Kirtland's sands of seeds are released. Fire for prairie-associated shrubs, warbler heads the list of rare also decreases competition, grasses, and wildflowers growing in species in this area. This songbird reduces leaf litter on the forest the openings and along the forest builds its nest on the ground under floor, prepares a good seed bed for edges. Plants to look for include young jack pines between eight regeneration, and releases nutri- rough blazing star, prairie cinque- and 20 years old. Other rare birds ents into the soil. Besides the posi- foil, birdfoot violet, butterfly weed, found here include the prairie war- tive influence on jack pines, fire harebell, and hoary puccoon. In bler, black-backed woodpecker, and maintains the variety of prairie addition, hill's thistle, rough fescue, sharp-tailed and spruce grouse. grasses and flowers that are also Alleghany plum, and pale agosersis Prairie chickens, now extirpated dependent on fire for their survival. are rare plants that live in jack pine from Michigan, were found in jack Consider conducting a con- barrens. Grasses include big pine barrens that were at least sev- trolled burn on any complex of for- bluestem, little bluestem, poverty eral square miles in size. The est, grasslands, and barrens that is grass, hair grass, June grass, and frosted elfin butterfly is an uncom- needle grass. The presence of mon species, and the secretive these species suggests that a seed locust, which lives in shallow wet- bank exists beneath the maturing lands among the pine barrens, is forest canopy. These rare commu- also considered rare. nities are an important part of Michigan's heritage. Through pre- Management scribed burning and possibly planting, you might be able to restore Considerations what was originally a special kind Some type of disturbance, such of prairie. See the section on as fire or timber harvest, is needed Grassland Management for to maintain a jack pine forest. more information. However, fire as a management technique has its perils. As a result, Common animals found timber harvesting, often followed throughout the dry conifer mosaic by artificial seeding or planting, is include the red crossbill, hermit more commonly used in forest thrush, bluebird, red-tailed hawk, management. Professionals recom- raven, American kestrel, coyote, mend either or both management snowshoe hare, and black bear. techniques, especially for those property owners with 200 or more Also, badgers, upland sandpipers, black bear DRY CONIFERS at least 20 acres in size. Leaving 20- to 40-foot- Such areas should be wide strips of mature trees burned at 10 to 20 year between the harvests will intervals. You may also minimize short-term distur- want to consider burning bances to the site. Avoid after your forest is clearcut trying to manage frost and then follow with seed- pockets(low areas that ing or planting with trees. experience late spring Because of economies of frosts) because these low- scale, bigger burns are lying areas do not respond more appropriate and well to clearcutting. Also, cheaper. within each cutting area consider leaving small Fire, as a tool, can be clumps of 10 to 20 white complex and dangerous. pines, oaks, or shrubs such Rightly so, it is best left in as serviceberry and hazel- the hands of a trained nut because these species resource professional. Also, provide food and cover for whenever prescribed fire is wildlife. used as a management tool, you must work with You can also your local fire officials to Kirtland’s warbler increase cover for rabbits obtain permits and regula- Jack pine and Kirtland warbler and other wildlife by mak- tions. In many instances, the use of management plans commonly call ing brush piles of at least 15 feet in prescribed burning of jack pine for- for a complete harvest of jack pine diameter and five feet high from est is very limited on private lands, every 40 to 60 years. Kirtland’s slash and other harvest debris. It especially on smaller tracts. For warbler management blocks are is preferable in these areas to more information, see the chapter usually several hundred acres in maintain only one brushpile for on Prescribed Burning in the size. every five acres as too many rab- Grassland Management section. bits will consume jack pine To manage for other species of seedlings. Leave standing snags for Timber Harvesting wildlife, it is best to cut in smaller cavity-nesting birds like woodpeck- Timer harvesting produces blocks to produce a variety of age ers and bluebirds, or put out nest- many but not all of the same posi- classes and densities. Such a sys- ing boxes. For more information, tive effects as fire. The Timber tem can be used to manage stands see the Homes for Wildlife chap- Harvest chapter, located in the of jack pines as small as 80 acres ter in the Backyard section. Forest Management section, by cutting 20 percent of the total explains several options to consid- (about 16 acres) every 10 years to Remember, pine barrens are er. Clearcutting is the preferred give the entire stand as much very rare and are home to several way for managing jack pine stands diversity as possible. Make the cuts rare plants and insects. If you own from 20 to 200 acres in size. In this at least 100 yards wide and 300 a jack pine forest that is currently a scenario, young pine is promoted yards long in a north-to-south highly fragmented patchwork of soon after the mature trees are cut. direction whenever possible. grassy openings and forest where Larger cuts are, of course, more prairie-associated shrubs, grasses, Professionals that manage for economical when profitability is the and forbs are found, you may have Kirtland's warblers use prescribed goal. If you own 20 acres or less, a former pine barren. You should burning and jack pine planting or cut all the jack pine at one time. consider restoring it through pre- seeding to produce the dense, scribed burning and selective tim- young thickets these birds demand Clearcuts that follow the topog- ber harvest. for nesting. Jack pines from eight raphy of the land are preferred, as to 20 years old offer the abundance are irregularly-shaped cuttings In summary, dry conifer forests of low branches the birds require. instead of straight-sided block cuts. are a valuable part of Michigan's DRY CONIFERS

40 acres

Jack Oak Jack pine & stand mixed with white pine Existing features red pine, oak, B Jack pine Road and aspen harvest House year 10 Stream Habitat projects

B Buffer zone Jack pine Jack pine A Areas left uncut harvest harvest s Jack pine year 10 year 35 All cuts are 20% of entire stand p with intervals as stated onmap. barren Cuts are made in N-S strips. e burn n every 10yrs Young Jack pine jack pine harvest B year 20 Jack

pine Harvest Maple & year 40 oak stand

natural landscape. Pine barrens are a unique and uncommon ecosystem within the dry conifer spectrum. If you have a dry conifer forest on your property, you may have the opportunity to manage for many wildlife species, including several rare ones.

FOR ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS CONTACT: Michigan United Conservation Clubs PO Box 30235 Lansing, MI 48909 517/371-1041

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART III: Forest Management

DRY MESIC CONIFERS (WHITE PINE)

ry mesic conifers are ever- Unfortunately, most of the green species that grow on white pine forests never recovered Ddry, mostly sandy soils, from this logging. Today, many although they can also tolerate a former white pine sites have con- variety of conditions including drier verted to a variety of forests includ- mounded areas in wet depressions. ing oak, aspen-birch, and red pine White pine is the dominant species plantations. The white pine forests in this forest type. Michigan was were also converted to farmland, once known as the king of white especially along the Saginaw pine, and today this majestic ever- watershed. Although heavily green is the official state tree. logged, white pine is still found in Before the logging era of 1840 to mixed forests. These mixed com- 1930, white pines dominated these munities include white pine-red red pine forests and were found along Lake pine forests in the high plains and again increase in numbers within Michigan and throughout the rolling hills of the northern Lower these forests. Current locations of northern Lower Peninsula and the Peninsula and white pine-white oak forests with white pine include the Upper Peninsula. By far, the north- forests on the dry, rolling hills of west central Lower Peninsula from ern Lower Peninsula contained the west-central Lower Peninsula. the Allegan State Game Area in largest tracts of white pine forest. White pine and red pine grow in Allegan County to Evart in Osceola From 1850 to 1900, Michigan deliv- combination with red, black, and County to Hartwick Pines area near ered more board feet of this prized, white oak. White pine may also Grayling. White pine forests are long-lived tree to the lumber mills grow with eastern hemlock in also found in the Upper Peninsula. than did any other state. Two of the mixed hardwoods of beech, red This tree is restricted in ornamental most productive regions in maple, and red oak. plantings due to its susceptibility to Michigan for white pine during that the white pine blister rust fungus time period were the Muskegon White pine regenerates well fol- and the white pine weevil. River and Saginaw River water- lowing fire on a variety of sites. sheds. Fire is beneficial to the regeneration of white pine because it expos- Wildlife Value es the soil, releases nutrients from White pine forests provide the leaf litter, and kills hardwoods roost trees for wild turkeys, browse such as sugar maple and beech for deer in winter, dens for porcu- that compete with white pine for pines, and nesting cavities for space. However, white pine is also woodpeckers, flickers, and flying able to regenerate without the aid squirrels. Crossbills, red squirrels, of fire because it is able to tolerate chipmunks, and gray squirrels eat a variety of sun-shade conditions, the pine cone seeds in winter. except for extremely dense shade. Common plants that grow in the For this reason it can be found understory include bracken fern, growing in the understory of young blueberry, bush honeysuckle, win- stands of red and jack pine, and tergreen, and hazelnut. These red, white, and black oak. If man- food-producing shrubs attract aged correctly, white pine can white pine oak with white pine growing in the group, or strip formations. The understory, a timber harvest strate- trees left in the first cut provide gy could reestablish white pine as a shelter for the regenerating trees. dominant species and also produce They also provide shade that helps income. the young white pines to compete with more aggressive, sun-loving Preferred management for a plants. Again, if regeneration is variety of white pine forest systems mostly hardwoods, then treatment are timber harvesting methods that with herbicides may be needed. can include group selection, shel- Once the new pines are well estab- porcupine terwood, strip clearcut, or seed lished in the overall mix, then the tree techniques. The openings that remaining mature trees can be har- result from these cuts allow the vested. Most shelterwood cuts are ruffed grouse, rabbits, and many regeneration of a diverse stand of from two to 20 acres in size. Be other species of wildlife. Black pines, hardwoods, and herbaceous sure to make the first cut areas bears make dens under the roots of cover. These harvest methods leave small enough to provide some uprooted trees. The forest pro- mature trees in or adjacent to the shade for the regenerating white vides thermal protection in winter cut to provide a seed source and/or pines. for many wildlife species. Also, the shelter for the regenerating majority of eagle nests found in seedlings. For more information The clearcutting method Michigan are in tall white pines refer to the Timber Harvesting involves removing all trees greater near lakes and rivers. Other birds chapter in this section. than one inch in diameter in one that frequent white pine habitats cut. This method can be used when include scarlet tanagers, black- Of these methods, the group there are many young white pines throated green warblers, black- selection method creates the least found in the understory as it allows capped chickadees, great-crested amount of disturbance to the exist- them to grow without competition flycatchers, and pine warblers. The ing forest. It involves cutting small from larger trees. Plan cuts that blue racer is a species of snake that patches in the stand up to 1/2 acre are two to 10 acres in size, and likes the coolness of the white pine in size. Trees adjacent to these provide for at least 100 feet of forest floor. The uncommon Karner patches will provide both the seed buffer forest between cuts. Smaller blue butterfly is attracted to the source and shelter for the regerat- clearcuts scattered over an area edges of open dry white pine-white ing trees. This cut should be no produce the greatest amount of oak forests in limited areas in the wider than 150 feet. If possible, edge, while one large cut produces Lower Peninsula. plan the harvest across a diversity the least amount of edge. In areas of forest types with a mixture of with high deer numbers, cuts may Management pines and hardwoods preferred. have to be larger to overcome the Considerations Although some hardwood regener- impact of browsing on the regener- If you own a stand of white ation is good because it adds to ating trees. Clearcutting can also pine mixed with some hardwoods new-stand diversity, you may need be done in strips. The exact size of in a multiple-aged forest of to apply a selective herbicide to the strips depends on the size of seedlings, saplings, mature trees, keep maples and other shade-lov- your property, the mix of forest and dead trees, then your forest is ing hardwoods from completely species, and your overall goals. high-quality habitat and little fur- taking over. ther management may be needed at this time. However, in most A shelterwood harvest involves cases you will probably need fur- a two-cut strategy where 40 to 60 ther management to successfully percent of the trees are removed in reestablish white pine in your for- the first cut, and the remaining est. If your forest consists of a trees are taken out 10 to 20 years later. This can be done in uniform, majority of red pine, jack pine, or blue racer DRY MESIC CONIFERS

The seed tree harvest method to consider the options that are is a type of clearcut that leaves best for your forest. specific mature trees or groups of trees within the cut itself to provide seeds for regeneration. These trees are chosen to dominate the stand. In this case, you would leave any white pine existing in the stand, young or mature, as well as some mature red pine and/or hardwoods to provide diversity. The remaining trees also decrease the environmental and visual impact of the clearcut.

Thinning, followed by planting, is another management option to consider. This method is used when you do not want to change the dominant tree species in your oak forest, but want to establish some white pine. For example, if you own Following these timber harvests a large, red-pine plantation which with fire will also help in establish- you want to keep but also wish to ing white pine. Burning the open- establish some white pine, you can ings created by the harvests will accomplish this by thinning the red discourage the establishment of pine by 30 percent or more and hardwoods such as sugar maple planting white pine seedlings in the and beech that compete heavily created openings. This is a good with white pine. It will also encour- option to consider in these planta- age the establishment of oaks tions as straight-growing red pines which will increase the wildlife begin to lose their lower branches value of the white pine forest. and their food and cover value to Further, burning the stand will wildlife at about 20 years of age. increase the amount of ground- Underplanting the red pines with cover diversity which is also benefi- white pine or oak will increase the cial to many species of wildlife. If wildlife value of the stand. prescribed burning is part of your overall management plan, be sure In many black oak-white oak to contact local fire authorities for forests, white pine often grows in permits and advice. For more infor- the understory. Thinning around mation refer to the Prescribed the young pines in these forests Burning chapter in the Grassland will decrease competition for food, Management section. water, and light and encourage them to grow. You can also help to In summary, if white pine is establish more white pine in these found in your forest, you have the forests by planting. If you are potential to create valuable habitat planting white pine within a mixed- for wildlife, especially if it is mixed species forest, try to plant up to 20 with other tree species. Consult percent white pine. with a forester or wildlife biologist DRY MESIC CONIFERS

40 acres

Brush Red pine Oak Oak, white pine plantation Existing features and aspen remove 50%

Road TP House SH Stream

Habitat projects

SH Shelterwood Harvest 50% harvest leaving Hayland white pine White pine H Strip Harvest H Crop-tree Harvest white pine release TP White pine plantings aspen

Hayland Oak & pine

FOR ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS CONTACT: Michigan United Conservation Clubs PO Box 30235 Lansing, MI 48909 517/371-1041

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART III: Forest Management

MESIC CONIFERS (HEMLOCK, WHITE SPRUCE, BALSAM FIR)

esic conifer forests are northern hardwoods such as by white spruce, balsam fir, and upland forests of ever- beech, sugar maple, and yellow northern white cedar and are typi- Mgreens (conifers) growing in birch, and occasionally with white cally too cold, humid, wet, or nutri- moderately moist (mesic) soils. pine and northern white cedar. ent-poor for other trees to survive. There are two major groups of Historically, hemlock-yellow birch These areas include sandy soils, trees that occur in this type of for- forests existed along lake margins rocky shorelines, and thin soils over est: 1) Eastern hemlock often in the western Upper Peninsula. bedrock. Here windthrow from mixed with yellow birch, red maple, Forests of hemlock and white pine storms occurs frequently because or white pine, and 2) white spruce, occurred on flat, sandy areas root growth is usually shallow. balsam fir, and northern white throughout the northern Lower Paper birch and aspen often grow cedar. Mesic conifer forests are Peninsula of the Saginaw Bay in these naturally created openings. typically found in northern parts of region. Hemlock can live to be 600 Ground cover in the boreal forest the state along shorelines of the years old. Good places to see old includes sedges, mosses, lichens, Great Lakes, along peatland edges, stands of hemlock include the twin flower, star flower, wild sarsa- in narrow ribbons between low- Porcupine and Huron mountains of parilla, bunchberry, and mayflower. lands and uplands, along ravines the Upper Peninsula, high spots and river corridors, or in areas with along old floodplains of the lower Wildlife Value seasonally wet soils. It is estimat- Manistee River in west-central Mesic conifer forests provide ed that about 15 percent of Lower Michigan, and in the Black good habitat for a variety of wildlife Michigan's overall land base histor- River gorge of the Port Huron State species. Bald eagles and ospreys ically supported mesic conifer Game Area. perch and sometimes nest in the forests. tall evergreens. This is especially Today, hemlock is an uncom- seen along the northern Great At one time hemlock was the mon component in most Michigan Lakes. Uncommon plants that grow dominant tree species along transi- forests for several reasons. During in these forests include the ram's tion zones from lowlands to northern Michigan's logging era head orchid and dwarf lake iris. The uplands. Here, it often grew with from about 1840 to 1930, the tan- dwarf lake iris is found only along nin in hemlock bark was highly prized for tanning leather. Thus, hemlock became a targeted species. Since it is a shade-tolerant, slow-growing tree that needs rotting nurse logs or moist, acidic soils with very little leaf litter in order to grow, it is hard to regenerate. Also, hemlock is a favorite winter food of deer and elk, which cause damage by heavily browsing on seedlings and young trees.

The other kind of mesic conifer forest is often referred to as boreal forest. Those sites are dominated eastern hemlock yellow birch Management best performed near the forest edge, will mimic natural distur- Considerations bances as it limits your cuts to sin- There are two management gle trees or small clumps of five to options to consider: protection or ten trees. If you have pure stands timber harvesting. of hemlock, it is best to leave uncut Protection groves that are several acres in size. You can also use this practice In forests with a large amount spotted salamander for managing mesic conifer forests of hemlock and yellow birch, or of mostly white spruce and balsam northern shorelines of Lake white spruce, balsam fir, and north- fir. However, be sure to spare any Michigan and Lake Huron, and is ern white cedar, little or no timber northern white cedar as it is very the official state wildflower. Mesic harvest may be necessary to hard to regenerate, especially in conifers offer thermal protection for increase habitat value to wildlife. areas that support moderate to deer, ravens, sharp-shinned hawks, Therefore, healthy mesic conifer high deer numbers. and other wildlife species during forests and their adjacent uplands cold weather. Moose, fishers, and should be disturbed as little as pos- Timber Harvesting American martens also live in these sible. In fact, because wet or sea- In mixed hardwood forests with forests, as well as Blackburnian sonally wet soils are typical of this hemlock present in the understory, warblers, winter wrens, Canada forest type, logging operations if timber harvesting of the overstory warblers, ruffed grouse, brown done poorly can have a negative hardwood trees may help hemlock creepers, white-tailed deer, bob- impact because they often disturb to grow and become a dominant cats, and spotted and blue-spotted the soil and impound water. species. Hemlock regenerates in salamanders. The veery and junco Mature hemlock are especially sus- moist soils beneath the shade of in particular like to nest in thick ceptible to disturbance. Therefore, more sun-loving trees. Seedlings hemlock groves. The seeds from avoid creating roads, trails, or often establish themselves on large hemlock cones provide food for openings as much as possible. If fallen rotting logs or on moist red crossbills, pine siskins, you must make roads, maintain a exposed soils. However, if these black-capped chickadees, and gradual edge, and reseed and block shady conditions remain, the hem- red squirrels. Shrubs and access when they are no longer lock can remain stunted for 25 to ground cover attract insects needed. that provide food for migrating 200 years. When some type of disturbance, such as windthrow or bird species such as However, without fire, opens the canopy and lets warblers, vireos, some type of disturbance, sunlight in hemlock begins to grow thrushes, flycatchers establishment of a very rapidly. The following are tim- and tanagers. younger hemlock stand ber harvesting methods to be used may occur once every moose in forests where hemlock is found 50 to 200 years in the understories of other because of the slow species, and needs help becoming rate of regeneration. more quickly established. Please Landowners can help refer to the Timber Harvesting speed up this process with chapter in this section for more several timber harvesting tech- detailed information on these techniques. However, if your forest niques. already has a large amount of these species present it is best to Uneven-aged management disturb the forest as little as possi- causes the least amount of distur- ble. If you wish to remove timber bance and comes closest to provid- but want to retain maximum value ing the greatest diversity of tree for wildlife, use uneven-aged man- ages and heights, which are of the agement. This practice, which is greatest benefit to wildlife. Single MESIC CONIFERS tree or small group selections of to 80 years. The different stages five to ten trees promotes a diverse of growth and diversity of tree stand. Locate hemlock seedlings in species will provide varying habi- the understory and remove com- tats that will attract different peting trees around them. Creating species of wildlife over a long peri- these small openings will allow od of time. hemlock to receive enough sunlight to grow. Follow-up with group If you choose to harvest your selection treatments every three to mesic conifer forest, all cutting five years to thin out competing activities should be conducted after hardwoods. the ground is frozen to minimize disturbance to the soil. In Even-aged management using bald eagle clearcuts, consider leaving clumps shelterwood cuts is the preferred of 20 plus trees to provide nesting method when conducting a large form, group, or strip formations. habitat and thermal cover for scale harvest. This method wildlife. Wherever needed, add removes 40 to 60 percent of the Even-aged management using culverts to maintain normal water mature trees but leaves the health- clearcutting followed by planting flow. iest and largest trees to provide can also be used when managing shelter for the growing seedlings. areas with few hemlock, spruce, fir, A clear forest is not beneficial Because the tree species in a mesic or cedar. However, it may be diffi- to wildlife. Leaving large branches conifer forest prefer shade or par- cult to regenerate a diverse stand on the forest floor is beneficial to tial sun, cut small areas of 60 feet of tree species with this method. many species of wildlife. Creating to a side and leave these tree Small patch cuts of five to 10 acres brushpiles provides essential cover, species as well as others to ensure in size and narrow strips are pre- especially for rabbits and snowshoe a diverse regeneration. This first ferred. Strips should be no wider hares. However, be aware that cut will allow sunlight to reach the than 150 feet in areas with mild attracting these species to the area forest floor and prompt tree winds and no wider than 50 feet in can lead to over-browsing of regen- seedlings to sprout and grow areas with strong winds that are erating seedlings. Leaving dead beneath the protection of the shel- prone to windthrow. Desired standing trees (snags) and fallen terwood trees. When seedling and species can then be planted in the logs, provides valuable habitat for sapling development has reached cut areas. Adjacent uncut areas invertebrates, amphibians, wood- four to six feet in height, and shel- should be at least 100 feet wide. peckers and cavity-nesting birds. ter is no longer necessary, the These cut areas will progress from Also, leaving logs on the forest remaining mature trees can be cut. open ground to saplings and finally floor aids with the regeneration of This technique can be done in uni- to mature trees over a period of 50 hemlock and yellow birch.

white spruce balsam fir northern white cedar MESIC CONIFERS

that can help them become established. Knowing how different 40 acres wildlife species are impacted by hemlock, your decisions should help guide yellow birch you in the management choices and hemlock white pine maple & beech you make. Existing features and white cedar SH Road

House & yard Stream

LB Lowland brush grassland Habitat projects

SH Selection Harvest single trees or LB small groups (0.5-1 acre) hayland H Strip Harvest cut all trees in an east to west strip LB aspen

white cedar and balsam fir

Exotic Mesic Conifers spreading limbs of trees under 20 years old, if they are periodically Norway, Austrian, and blue thinned. Mourning doves often spruce are not native to Michigan. nest in the crotched branches of However, some landowners add blue spruce. However, these exot- them to their property where they ic species lose their limited wildlife provide aesthetic value as land- value the older they grow, and scape screens and have some ben- Scotch pine in particular is suscep- efit for wildlife--mostly in the form tible to insects and diseases. of travel lanes and corridors as well as winter cover. In summary, wherever mesic conifer forests grow in Michigan, Blue spruce and Scotch pine they have high value for wildlife. If (Scots pine) have economic value FOR ADDITIONAL you have healthy mesic conifer for- when they are grown in Christmas CHAPTERS CONTACT: est you should protect it if possible. Michigan United tree plantations. Rabbits, mice, If your forest has the potential to Conservation Clubs and other small mammals may find PO Box 30235 contain more of these species there shelter and nesting sites under the Lansing, MI 48909 are timber harvesting techniques 517/371-1041

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART III: Forest Management LOWLAND CONIFERS (TAMARACK, BLACK SPRUCE & WHITE CEDAR)

owland conifers are forests of Northern white cedar is the domi- an underlying layer of peat that is evergreens that grow in asso- nant species in lowlands of the shallower than that found in bogs. Lciation with swamps, in areas northern lower and eastern Upper Cedar swamps are common adjacent to streams, or other poor- Peninsula, and tamarack tends to throughout Presque Isle county, ly drained depressions where peat dominate in southern Michigan the eastern Upper Peninsula within or muck accumulates. These lowlands. However, conifer the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, forests are found in the transition swamps vary throughout the state, and within Lake Skegemog Natural between aquatic environments and and what grows on your property Area near Traverse City in the uplands. There are two groups of depends upon soils, climate, northern Lower Peninsula. Cedar tree species associated with these drainage, and past disturbances. swamps are also found in southern areas: 1) tamarack (larch), black Michigan lowlands within the spruce, and northern white cedar For example, in areas where Highland Recreation Area and are the most common and 2) there is significant water flow Horseshoe Lake State Game Area, white pine, balsam fir, eastern through calcium-rich bedrock or which have significant cooler tem- hemlock, and some hardwoods soil, northern white cedar is the peratures than surrounding such as black ash. These forests of most common species. Cedar will uplands. Although white cedar is lowland conifers are primarily be the first of these species to col- the dominant tree, there are also found in the northern Lower onize in very alkaline, high flowing some balsam fir, eastern hemlock, Peninsula and Upper Peninsula groundwater conditions. In white spruce, red maple, and paper although they also grow in south- swamps, cedar is often accompa- birch. ern Michigan. Foresters estimate nied by black ash, balsam poplar, there are about 4.4 million acres speckled alder, aspen, and red Black spruce is dominant in throughout the state. maple. In lowland stream borders, acidic areas with cold, stagnant cedar is found with balsam fir, black water. This includes very slow mov- In general, black spruce is the spruce, eastern hemlock, white ing swamps and the edges of dominant tree in the lowlands of spruce, and other hardwoods. sphagnum bogs. In these areas, the western Upper Peninsula. Many swamps of white cedar have tamarack, balsam fir, red maple,

northern white cedar tamarack black spruce and yellow birch are also found. Wildlife Value Tamarack grows in most wet low- Those conifer swamps especial- lands that receive full sunlight and ly rich with white cedar provide have acidic soils. Spruce-tamarack habitat for many types of amphib- bogs, which are basically peat- ians, songbirds, reptiles and mam- lands, are common in the Upper mals seeking water, insects and Peninsula and in northern Lower dense cover. Wood frogs breed in Michigan. They occur as scattered pools within these forests. White- trees over an open area containing tailed deer, elk, snowshoe hares, a surface layer of deep peat, Swainson's thrush, American red- sphagnum moss, and sedges. The start, black-throated green war- trees, seldom taller than 60 feet, blers, and black and white warblers bobcat give way to red maple around the are also species that use cedar edges, and these in turn progress swamps. Uncommon birds include to white pine and white cedar on the palm warbler, boreal chickadee, adjacent areas. Sphagnum moss and yellow-bellied flycatcher. often blankets the ground of these Uncommon mammals include the conifer peatlands and is inter- moose, spruce grouse, and wood Most lowland conifer stands in spersed with a variety of ferns, turtle. Examples of rare plants are Michigan are in good condition, and orchids, and acid-loving shrubs the Michigan monkey-flower, there is no need to regenerate such as Labrador tea, bog rose- round-leaved orchid, ram's head them over the next 20 to 40 years. mary, and leatherleaf. Cranberries orchid, Calypso orchid, and marsh Further, researchers and other pro- frequently grow in black spruce grass-of-parnassus. fessionals have experienced limited swamps and are typical inhabitants success in duplicating the natural of open sphagnum bogs. Common wildlife species that conditions that created these inhabit spruce-tamarack bogs forests. Therefore, unless there is Many white cedar forests of the include white-tailed deer, spruce an economic need to harvest your Upper Peninsula are 200 years old grouse, snowshoe hares, bobcats, lowland timber, you are best or older, are in healthy condition, black bears, mink frog, bog turtles, advised to leave these forests and in no danger of being lost white-throated sparrows, oven- alone. except for their timber value. birds, red-eyed vireos, Nashville However, these areas were histori- warblers, and common yel- Protection cally not harvested for timber as lowthroats. Lowland conifers provide ther- much as other species on drier mal protection for several species sites. Therefore, healthy lowland Management of birds and mammals. The dense conifer forests can still be found Considerations evergreen branches furnish escape throughout Michigan. Forests of lowland conifers are cover from predators and offer susceptible to windthrow, fire, secure nesting sites. Maintaining insect damage, and water level the hydrology (water level) of these fluctuations. Small-scale distur- forests is important because severe bances from insects and fire open flooding or years of drought can up the canopy, allowing sunlight to have a major impact on the health snowshoe hare reach the forest floor and develop a of the stand. Draining adjacent diverse understory of shrubs and uplands can lead to a higher water other plants. Larger scale distur- table which will flood lowland bances such as logging, road build- conifers. Flooding can eventually ing, or intense beaver activity can convert the forest to a stand of cat- have vast negative effects on low- tails or a thicket of alders and wil- land conifers. Often after these dis- lows. Conversely, if the soil dries turbances aspen and birch, or in out over a long period of time, an wetter sites cattail and sedges, invasion of upland trees and shrubs move in and dominate the area. will likely occur. LOWLAND CONIFERS

For these reasons, plan for Therefore, the financial return- minimum disturbance to both low- should be highly justified if you land conifers and nearby uplands. decide to harvest the forest. White Maintain a buffer strip of at least cedar, tamarack, and black spruce 100 feet wide around the site. Do reproduce best in full sunlight. not plan a major tree harvest or Although some professionals build roads or trails within the low- encourage the harvest of cedar as land stand or the buffer strip part of an overall deer manage- because little or no timber harvest ment plan, only in limited cases will is needed to increase the value of cedar regenerate. Typically, only the stand to wildlife. If timber is white spruce and balsam fir will removed, it should be done by grow because deer will browse on removing single trees, preferably their preferred food-- young cedar along the stand's edge. Small cuts sprouts. that harvest one to four trees at a time is the closest method to imi- If you want to harvest your tating natural disturbance. To min- stand of lowland conifers, consult imize impacts to the soil surface with a professional forester who eastern hemlock and water table, any cutting should will consider the potential for be done after the ground is frozen. regeneration. Sites with productive organic soils, slow-flowing Management of a large cedar A clear forest is not helpful to groundwater, high soil pH, and low swamp that may be several square wildlife. Building brushpiles and deer populations have the best miles in size will likely require the leaving large branches on the for- chance at cedar regeneration. An cooperation of several landowners. est floor are beneficial to wildlife. example of this is seen in the The overall goal should be to iden- Leave dead standing trees (snags) northern Upper Peninsula and the tify harvest blocks of 40 to 60 acres and fallen logs because they pro- north-central Lower Peninsula in size and then cut the block over vide valuable habitat for inverte- where areas receive at least 100 a 10-year period by removing two brates, amphibians, woodpeckers, inches of snowfall each year. They to 10 acres of cedar each year. and other cavity-nesting birds. have a good potential for regrowth Stands dominated by black spruce Avoid making roads, adding build- because seedlings are somewhat and tamarack may need clearcut- ings, or opening up clearings. protected from browsing deer in ting as large as 40 acres in order to winter. Because young cedar ensure regeneration. If you or your Timber Harvesting grows slowly--about six inches per fellow landowners are not able to The low success rate of regen- year--it may take 20 years for trees follow this plan or can not get pro- erating lowland conifers should to grow tall enough to escape fessional help, you should delay or preclude a major timber harvest. being damaged by deer browsing. cancel your cutting plans.

If it is determined by a profes- Of critical importance with any sional that the area has a high harvest of lowland conifers is to chance of successful regeneration, avoid disturbing the peat layer and lowland stands can be harvested avoid creating logging roads that using seed tree, shelterwood, or will alter the flow of water. Locate clear-cut methods, all of which are main skid trails and any roads on described in detail in the chapter the upland edge of the cut to mini- on Timber Harvest in this section. mize soil disturbance and soil com- Cutting is often done as clear-cuts paction. Log only when the ground in strips and blocks. They should is frozen, and leave clumps of scat- be 150 to 250 feet wide and at tered trees as seed sources for least two acres in size. Cuts from regeneration. After the harvest, close any roads or trails against fur- balsam fir two to 10 acres on the correct site will often result in regeneration. ther use and reseed them if neces- LOWLAND CONIFERS

40 acres

SH lowland conifers

Existing features lowland conifers Road House & yard Stream

B Habitat projects

Seed tree harvest SH aspen maple-beech H Strip harvest on a B Buffer clear-cut plan Trail

hayland lowland conifers

H aspen

This map is an example that demonstrates the many management options discussed throughout this chapter. The option(s) you choose should depend not only on your goals, but the location, condition, and present use of your land. sary. Leftover branches and other for permits and assistance. For slash should be evenly distributed more information refer to the chap- over the harvest area or stacked in ter on Prescribed Burning in the brushpiles along the edge of the Grassland Management section. cut. For instructions on making brushpiles, see the chapter on As you can see, lowland Rabbits in the Species Manage- conifers are among the hardest of ment section. However, be aware all forest types to regenerate. For that attracting too many rabbits this reason, and because of their may be detrimental to the regener- great value to wildlife, lowland ation of lowland conifers due to conifers are generally best left over browsing. Also, do not har- alone and protected. If you have vest white cedar where deer a swamp of black spruce, white FOR ADDITIONAL browsing is moderate to severe. cedar, or tamarack on your proper- CHAPTERS CONTACT: ty, it is probably already very bene- Michigan United Conservation Clubs Burning the site may also help ficial wildlife habitat. You will be PO Box 30235 in the regeneration process. If you able to enjoy a variety of wildlife on Lansing, MI 48909 choose to burn, however, be sure your property with a very small 517/371-1041 to develop fire lanes around the amount of work. area and consult with local officials

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART III: Forest Management

DRY HARDWOODS (OAK-HICKORY)

ry hardwood forests are there was in the 1800’s, the distrib- snakeroot, whorled loosestrife, fra- those dominated by several ution of these forests has changed. grant bedstraw, wild strawberry, Dspecies of oak and hickory. The northern Lower Peninsula has and sweet cicely. Before settlement, mixed oak/oak- greatly increased from only a small hickory forests covered approxi- scattering of dry hardwood forests Wildlife Value mately six percent of Michigan's to approximately nine percent of Wildlife prefer white oak landscape and about 16 percent of the landscape, while southern acorns, which are produced in the southern Lower Peninsula Michigan has lost two-thirds of the abundance every two to six years. where they were primarily found. dry hardwood forests. This increase However, since they are susceptible Even though more than nine million of dry hardwoods in northern to frost damage they are often people now live in Michigan, the Michigan is a result of the logging unpredictable as a food source. amount of dry hardwood forest has and slash fires that took place 70 to Red oak acorns, which are pro- remained surprisingly stable. 150 years ago. Loggers removed duced in abundance every two to Today, it is estimated that five per- the favored red and white pine, and three years, are less prone to frost cent of the state still supports this because dry hardwoods regenerate damage. Hickory trees produce an type of habitat. with fire, the fires that followed annual crop of nuts, which are Although there is presently helped dry hardwoods to become eaten by a variety of small mam- almost an equal amount of dry dominant in some of these areas. mals but seldom eaten by birds as hardwood forests in the state as The loss of dry hardwood forests in the nut is too big, and hard to southern Michigan is due to the crack. increase in human developments and the suppression of fire, which Bird species that live in oak caused dry hardwood forests to forests include the great-crested convert to beech-maple forests. flycatcher, Eastern wood pewee, rose-breasted grosbeak, scarlet Most dry hardwood forests are tanager, ruffed grouse, wood duck, red oak black oak dominated by white, black, and blue jay, ovenbird, white-breasted northern red oak, and pignut hick- nuthatch, red-bellied woodpecker, ory with minor components of downy woodpecker, northern flick- white ash, red maple, white and er, wild turkey, and black-capped red elm, black cherry, beech, and chickadee. White-tailed deer, squir- shagbark hickory. Mixed-oak rels, chipmunks, deer mice, and forests are dominated by black and voles are common mammals. Deer, white oak with smaller amounts of squirrels, wild turkeys, and wood white oak black cherry, pignut hickory, and ducks in particular prefer a dry sassafras. The understory of dry hardwood forest because it pro- hardwood forests often contains duces hard mast (nuts). A proper- witch hazel, hazelnut, arrow-leaved ly managed oak-hickory forest con- viburnum, blueberry, and black tains a mixed stand of white, north- huckleberry. Common ground-layer ern red, and black oaks and hicko- plants include May apple, clus- ries. tered-leaved tick-trefoil, naked tick- pignut hickory shagbark hickory trefoil, white snakeroot, black often kill oak and hickory seedlings there is a remnant seed bank before they can establish them- under the maturing forest canopy. selves. If you live in west-central Michigan and own a black oak-white oak for- Without some kind of distur- est that contains prairie associated bance, such as fire, wind throw, or shrubs, grasses, and flowers, con- timber harvest, your dry hardwood sider encouraging regeneration of forest will convert to maple-beech these species through prescribed or some other forest type. In burning and selective timber har- scarlet tanager stands with mature oaks and vest. Refer to the chapter on saplings of maple and beech, this Prairie Restoration in the The Importance of conversion may occur over a 20- to Grassland Management section to Disturbance 40-year period. For dry hardwood learn more. Over many centuries, fire forests that are young and contain played a major role in the perpetu- many pole-size and sapling oaks, Another rare community asso- ation of the oak-hickory communi- this conversion may take 100 to ciated with these oaks is the white ty. Whether started by lightning 200 years. When conversion pine forest. Since white pine is a or native Americans, fires killed occurs, both the habitats and the transitional species it is found competing vegetation and released kinds of wildlife that live there mixed with red pine in the northern nutrients in the soil, which promot- slowly change. The result is not Lower Peninsula and mixed with ed the growth of fire-adapted necessarily bad, just different. oaks in the southern Lower species such as oaks. Historically, These converted forests have Peninsula. Historically, white pine oak forests probably burned more value for wildlife too, as the soft dominated these mixed forests. frequently than most other forest mast of red and sugar maple in Today, white pine is found only as types. Today, many of these forests spring and the beechnuts in fall a small component in these have converted to closed-canopy provide food. However, if your goal forests, and is rarely a dominant oak forests and beech-maple is to maintain your oak-hickory for- species. However, white pine is forests because of fire suppres- est, then this conversion needs to presently making a comeback and sion. be prevented. can be found along the tension zone in western Michigan. Only about one-third of south- Associated Rare Oak/white pine forests are present ern Michigan's original oak forests in Newaygo, Mason, Lake, and remain, and many of these are Communities Manistee counties. If you own a There are several rare commu- contained in small, fragmented forest of dry hardwoods mixed nites historically associated with woodlots of 20 to 40 acres. These with some white pine, you may dry hardwood forests that may forests declined because the par- want to restore white pine as a have the potential to be restored tially open forest canopy that was dominant species instead of man- on your property. All of these rare created historically by fire closed in aging for dry hardwoods entirely. communities are home to several and now produces too much shade Refer to the chapter on Dry Mesic uncommon plants and insects and for oak seedlings to grow. Conifers for more information on should be restored whenever pos- Competition with shade tolerant managing for white pine. species is also a factor in this sible. decline. Most downstate oak-hickory forests support seedlings of red Many of Michigan's current maple and beech, both of which white oak-black oak forests may are more shade-tolerant than are have historically been dry sand oak and hickory. Eventually, these prairies in the southern Lower shade-tolerant species will domi- Peninsula or oak-pine barrens in nate the forest. Another factor fac- the northern Lower Peninsula. The ing regenerating dry hardwoods is presence of prairie-associated veg- the large numbers of browsing etation in forest openings or along deer in southern Michigan, as they forest edges may indicate that nuthatch DRY HARDWOODS

Another associ- smaller by creating openings. be limited on small southern ated community Certain birds that require deep-for- Michigan forests. Get assistance occured on cer- est interior habitats are easily from your local forester or wildlife tain flat, sandy threatened by fragmentation that biologist and work with local fire lake plains in pushes them closer and closer to officials to obtain any required per- southeastern the habitat edges. As a general mits and to understand regulations. Mich-igan. This rule, creating large openings is dis- Refer to the chapter on Pre- community most couraged in oak-hickory forests scribed Burning in the Grassland often grew on smaller than 100 acres in size. Management section. beach ridges and is a variation of Selective cutting that allows sun- the mixed-oak forest. Black oak, light to penetrate the forest floor Timber Harvesting bur oak, white oak, and scarlet oak for regeneration of oaks will not If you have a forest of mature were the dominant species. These highly impact the health of a forest oak trees with an understory of most often occurred in southeast of this size. young maple and beech and you Lower Michigan. However, very few wish to maintain the forest as oaks, examples of this forest type exist The best way to increase then a timber harvesting strategy today. wildlife numbers and diversity may be needed. Removing a few across the southern Michigan forest big-crowned oaks in a closed- Management landscape is to increase the size of canopy forest will allow sunlight to individual woodlots and reduce reach the forest floor encouraging Considerations their fragmentation. Planting the oak regeneration. Therefore, to Landowners have three man- kinds of trees and shrubs described ensure regeneration of the stand, agement options to consider: pro- earlier to connect one or more you must use harvest strategies tection, prescribed burning, and woodlots and to encourage wide such as group selection cutting, timber harvesting. Protection is habitat corridors between habitats shelterwood cutting, strip cutting, most often used in areas that are is one method to consider. or seed tree cutting. highly fragmented, or in plans that However, be aware of surrounding wish to maintain mature forests. landscapes and do not fragment These timber harvesting tech- Prescribed burning and timber har- other, more dominant habitats in niques, all of which are explained in vesting are both tools that are used the area. the Timber Harvest chapter in to maintain dry hardwood forests this section, help to promote a and to restore former communities. Prescribed Burning diverse forest of mixed ages. Each The management option you The natural process of main- strategy involves a minimum choose will depend on your goals taining oak-hickory stands is fire. A amount of stand disturbance and and the condition and location of prescribed burn will decrease com- can be a low-impact alternative to your land. petition from shade-tolerant clearcutting the entire stand. species such as red and sugar Protection maple, and beech. Fire also These timber harvesting tech- If you own a high-quality stand reduces leaf litter, prepares a good niques focus on the harvest of of oaks supporting a mixed-age seed bed for oak and hickory small to large groups of trees that stand of seedlings, saplings, seeds, releases nutrients into the remove a total of 40 to 70 percent mature trees, and snags, then your soil, and maintains or increases the of the stand. Space timber har- forest may be in great shape. You variety of ground plants. Burning vests 10 to 20 years apart to mini- may opt for no action as your man- should be done on a 10 to 20 year mize disturbance and yet promote agement decision. Another exam- rotation. The whole stand should diversity. Any harvest should spare ple of areas that need protection not be burned at one time. It is a good mix of valued species such are forests that have been severely especially useful in restoring as birch, basswood, and ironwood. fragmented through road building, prairie and barren landscapes as it It should also retain a few large property divisions, house construc- regenerates prairie vegetation. Fire trees that may function as cavity tion and other human disturbances. is a complex tool that should be trees, whether these solitary trees These sites should not be made managed by a trained resource are dead (snags) or living (den professional. The use of fire may trees). Do not remove flowering DRY HARDWOODS

40 acres white pine, and black cherry per H acre. When the regenerating oak, maple, and beech seedlings are 20 to 30 feet tall the

Existing features oak, maple, mature trees can then be cut if and beech desired. Follow-up herbicide treat- Road 30yr House & yard ment may also be needed to con- H Stream trol maple, cherry, and sassafras. grassland Habitat projects 20yr TP The shelterwood or seed tree H Group selection 0.5-1 acre TP techniques can be cut in circles, Shelterwood mgt. 40-60% cut on a squares, or strips. The cuts should 10 yr rotation for 30 yrs. not be wider than 150 feet so adja- TP Oak planting hayland cent trees can provide seed for new 10yr growth and protect young trees

cropland from wind and sun.

aspen In summary, dry hardwood forests of mixed oak/oak-hickory This map is an example that demonstrates the many management options discussed provide valuable habitat for many throughout this chapter. The option(s) you choose should depend not only on your species of wildlife. Although slow goals, but the location, condition, and present use of your land. growing and sometimes difficult to regenerate, they can be managed. dogwood, witch hazel, arrow wood, 20 acres. A total of 40 to 60 per- Alternatives range from protection serviceberry or other berry-produc- cent of the trees are taken during to mimicking natural disturbances ing shrubs. Remove competing the initial removal, and the remain- through prescribed fire and several shade-tolerant trees such as sugar ing mature trees that surround the timber harvest methods. There are and red maple. site are harvested five to 10 years also several rare communities asso- later after they have prompted ciated with these forests that may Group-selection harvests are rapid regrowth. The first cut have the potential to be restored usually small cuts of only 1/8 to 1/2 leaves adjacent trees to provide on your property. Be aware of acre in size that mimic natural dis- shelter for regenerating young these restoration possibilities turbances from lightning strikes seedlings. If regeneration is mainly before making any management and windthrow. If your stand is maple, cherry, and sassafras, then decisions. larger than 20 acres, you may con- treatment with an herbicide may be sider taking out a total of two to necessary to ensure the return of five acres at a time (about four to oak. However, allowing some ten groups). The groups should be maple and pine to grow will help to no wider than 150 feet. The goal is create a diverse stand. to create a varied stand of mostly FOR ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS CONTACT: oaks and hickories with compo- A seed tree harvest is a clear- Michigan United nents of other hardwoods and a cut that spares specific mature Conservation Clubs few pines. trees or groups of mature trees PO Box 30235 within the cut to provide a seed Lansing, MI 48909 517/371-1041 Shelterwood harvest involves source for regeneration. Leave five a two-cut plan in stands of two to to 10 large nut producing trees,

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART III: Forest Management

MESIC HARDWOODS (SUGAR MAPLE & BEECH)

esic hardwood forests are as the "tension zone," these forests with large-flow- areas where hardwoods blend into northern hardwood ered trillium, Mgrow in cool, moist soils that stands. Tuliptree, bitternut hickory, wild ginger, fall between wetlands and dry- and other more southern species hepatica, lands. From the sugar maple- give way to eastern hemlock, white bloodroot, beech forests in southern Michigan pine, and yellow birch. In the and wild to the sugar maple-basswood western Upper Peninsula, beech is geranium. forests of the western Upper replaced by white pine, yellow Because of Peninsula, mesic hardwood forests birch, basswood, and hemlock. the high levels are the state's most common forest of shade, morel type. Before European settlement, Mesic hardwood forests are mushrooms, and trout lily these forests were the most domi- typically dominated by plant ferns also appear nant forest types in Michigan and species tolerant of dense shade. in abundance in these forests. covered nearly half the state. For this reason, few shrubs are Uncommon ferns include green Today, these forests cover about 19 found in the understory, although spleenwort, American hart's- percent of Michigan's landscape Canada yew was an important his- tongue fern, expanded fern, and with more than half of the total torical component in northern male fern. Rare plants associated occurring in the Upper Peninsula. tracts. Shade tolerant shrubs that with the southern Michigan beech- sometimes grow under the canopy maple forests are prairie trillium, Southern Michigan mesic hard- include maple-leafed viburnum, green trillium, toadshade, nodding woods are dominated by beech and leatherwood, spicebush, and prick- pogonia, cranefly orchid, gold- sugar maple but also contain bass- ly gooseberry. In spring before enseal, and purple twayblade. wood, northern red oak, white ash, leaves emerge to shade the forest Ginseng, which is listed as a state- American and red elm, shagbark floor, an array of wildflowers often threatened species, grows in both hickory, black walnut, bitternut carpets the ground. Common beech-maple and northern hard- hickory, and tuliptree. Along an species include trout lily, spring wood-conifer forests. maginary line that runs from Bay beauty, toothwort, Dutchman's City to Muskegon, or what is known breeches, and squirrel corn along A unique microhabitat associat-

beech sugar maple basswood ed with mesic hardwoods is the The American marten, fisher, elk, seasonal wetland. These shallow and gray wolf live here along with pools of water occur in the spring the barred owl, pileated woodpeck- within small depressions on the for- er, broad-winged hawk, bald eagle, est floor. Many of these wetlands wood frog, chorus frog, and deer include a large amount of standing mouse. Other species include dead or dying trees (snags) that morels ruffed grouse, woodcock, cottontail provide homes for many wildlife rabbit, snowshoe hare, fox and species. For more information, see eastern gray squirrel, wild turkey, the chapter on Seasonal Wet- white-tailed deer, bobcat, fox, coy- lands in the Wetlands Manage- ote, raccoon, and black bear. ment section. Seasonal wetlands in these were allowed to grow back as Mesic forests host a diverse forests attract many migrating and forests often regenerated into mixture of trees, shrubs, flowers, nesting birds due to large amounts even-aged forests of aspen and and other plants. This diversity is of insects present at these times. birch. This conversion to aspen- maintained by periodic distur- The wetlands within these forests birch stands is also seen in south- bances. For example, lightning also provide critical habitat for sev- ern Michigan where severe distur- strikes kill individual trees and eral kinds of frogs--the chorus, bance has effected these forests. sometimes create fires. Insects wood, and gray tree species. and diseases also are responsible for killing trees, and even take out Wildlife Value Diverse mesic hardwood stands Management large groups of trees. Windthrow, offer varied habitats that are used Considerations caused by tornadoes and other Management options for mesic by a wide variety of songbirds, severe storms, topple single trees hardwood forests include both pro- invertebrates, amphibians, and or knock down groups of trees. tection and timber harvesting. If mammals. Deep leaf litter in these Historically, these natural forces you own a mature mesic hardwood stands affords different levels of created a complex forest canopy of stand that is diverse in structure decomposition. Combined with many-aged trees with shade-intol- and species composition, it may be fallen branches and logs in varying erant early successional species, best to disturb the stand as little as stages of decay, the forest floor is such as aspen and birch, often fill- possible. Structural diversity refers critical habitat for insects, blue- ing in where large disturbances had to age, tree diameter, crown size, spotted salamanders, white-footed taken place. and shape of trees within the mice, shrews, and chipmunks. stand. Included are microhabitats, Furthermore, certain types of Depending on location within such as cavities and crotches, with- wildlife use the different layers of the state, soil type, moisture gradi- in individual trees. Compositional the forest such as various levels of ent, and age of the stand, mesic the overstory, understory, as well forests have different compositions. as the forest floor. Aspen and birch eventually mature and give way to maple-beech, The red-shouldered hawk, a white pine, or hemlock depending state-threatened species, prefers to on the site. Today, however, many nest in the lower crotches of of these northern Michigan stands, mature trees in northern hardwood lack the white pine and hemlock and southern floodplain forests. that historically were common Other uncommon or declining birds components. Reasons include fire found in mesic hardwood forests suppression, intensive timber har- include the northern goshawk, vesting over short rotation periods, black-throated blue warbler, and-- and intensive deer browsing on especially where hemlock is pre- young hemlock. After these hard- sent--the blackburnian warbler. wood sites were cleared, areas that red-shouldered hawk MESIC HARDWOOD FORESTS diversity promotes a mixture of several tree species. In a forest Single trees or small groups of like this, little timber harvest is trees are harvested with no more needed to increase the value to than 25 percent of the trees in the wildlife. stand removed at any one time. However, like all other forest Space cuttings 10 to 20 years apart types, mesic forests change with and retain a broad mix of species. time, and some type of manage- Spare some basswood, beech, and ment may be needed to keep them other large, mature trees that may viable for some species of wildlife. serve as dens, snags, or wolf trees Also, the market value of the forest (mature, large sprawling trees that is sometimes an important consid- pileated woodpecker are still alive). Limit your group eration to landowners. When con- cuttings to one-half to one-acre ducting timber harvesting, you parcels. Because of the overall must take into account the full ings, or allowing livestock to graze. dominance of sugar maple, remove Also, stands that connect water- range of benefits that these forests this species in favor of less-domi- ways or other woodlands offer the provide. Such benefits include nant ones such as basswood, oak, greatest benefit to wildlife and habitat for wildlife, soil protected yellow birch, white pine, spruce, should be maintained or restored from erosion, good water quality in and hemlock. whenever possible. Please see the streams and ponds, and a healthy chapter on environment for soil organisms. Edges and Michigan property owners who Any cutting program you choose Fragments in the Habitat decide to cut their mesic hard- should also take into account local Planning section for more informa- woods tend to prefer an even-aged factors--problems with gypsy moth tion. management technique such as infestation or overbrowsing by clear-cutting. However, in the past deer--and the importance or Timber Harvesting this strategy has focused on short unique nature of the forest relative There are two timber harvest- harvest rotations of 30 to 50 years ing methods: uneven-aged man- to surrounding landscapes. to promote aspen, which grows in agement and even-aged manage- the early successional stage of this Protection ment. Both methods are discussed ecosystem. By managing in longer in detail in the If your forest has a diversity of Timber Harvest- rotations, the hardwoods-conifer chapter in this section. trees along with a variety of under- ing mix of the original mesic forest can story shrubs and plants, it is prob- return to provide the habitat diver- ably in good shape to be managed Uneven-aged management sity that attracts many types of as a mature stand. Many migrato- promotes a forest of mixed-aged wildlife. ry songbirds that nest in these trees of many species and is the forests are declining due to stand- best timber harvesting method for Even-aged management of size reduction, which occurs when wildlife in these forests. It creates mesic hardwood forests involves property is developed or subdivid- the least amount of disturbance two- to 10-acre cuts using the seed and helps to maintain the integrity ed. Species that need a large tree or shelterwood techniques. of the ecosystem. The forest amount of interior forest are jeop- Trees are left within the cutting should contain multiple levels from ardized when large, intact, mature area to provide shelter or a seed the canopy trees to shrubs to stands of 100 acres or larger are source, which will promote regen- downed logs. This method can fragmented. Such interior species eration of that species within the include either single tree or group include the American redstart, stand. To minimize the amount of ovenbird, wood thrush, and red- selection cutting techniques. Single edge, plan the cut as a circle or eyed vireo. Because there are not tree selection calls for removing square rather than a rectangle or many large tracts of mature forest, single trees, especially along the other shape. This practice will these forests should not be frag- edge. Group selection calls for reduce the impact of parasitism by mented if possible. Therefore, do small cutting areas that remove brown-headed cowbirds on nesting not disturb intact stands by adding two to four trees. These techniques interior woodland bird species. are supposed to mimic natural dis- roads and clearings, erecting build- turbances. MESIC HARDWOOD FORESTS

and vehicles. Leave a vegetative 40 acres buffer at least 100 feet wide around any ponds, streams, rivers, and lakes, and protect any corri- maple, beech, mature dors that connect waterways to the Existing features white pine, and oak maple & beech forest interior. In northern Mich- Road igan, if no conifers are present in House & yard Stream the forest, consider planting a few H after the harvest, but realize that CC Habitat projects cedar and hemlock are hard to CC Clear-cut 2-10 acres leaving conifers establish, especially in areas where and oaks deer are plentiful, as they take a H Single tree or small aspen group harvest resulting in 25% TP relatively long time to grow. of 2-10 acre area H TP Tree planting grassland Small road In summary, mesic hardwood maple forests are Michigan's most wide- and spread forest type. Those stands some pine that offer the most diversity attract the largest number of wildlife species. It is beneficial to protect the integrity of these forests. This map is an example that demonstrates the many management options discussed Landowners have several timber throughout this chapter. The option(s) you choose should depend not only on your goals, harvesting options to consider that but the location, condition, and present use of your land. may help to maintain the diversity of these forests. If you decide to Seed tree and shelterwood har- ry. Saving only 10 to 15 percent of harvest your forest, you should vests can help maintain the diversi- these mature trees will add diversi- consult with a forester or wildlife ty of mesic hardwood forests. In ty values. About 60 years later, a biologist. They will help you sort cuttings larger than eight acres, total of 40 to 70 percent of the for- through the many options to make leaving small stands of trees 1/2 to est can again be cut, once more the best decision. one acre in size within the cut will leaving a diversity of species as provide diversity. Even when focus- shelter and future seed sources. ing on conifers, sparing important species such as oak will add diver- A clear forest is not beneficial sity. Remove mostly dominant to wildlife. Building brush piles and broadleaf bearing trees, such as leaving large branches on the for- maple, and leave a variety of other est floor are helpful to wildlife. species for regeneration of a Also, save any standing dead trees diverse forest. If your sugar maple (snags) and fallen logs because FOR ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS CONTACT: forest is in southern Michigan, they too provide valuable habitat Michigan United leave species such as northern red for invertebrates, amphibians, Conservation Clubs oak, white ash, black cherry, and woodpeckers, and other cavity- PO Box 30235 tuliptrees. For property in northern nesting birds. During the harvest, Lansing, MI 48909 517/371-1041 Michigan, leave hemlock, white protect all waterways and seasonal pine, yellow birch, and black cher- wetlands from logging equipment

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART III: Forest Management

LOWLAND HARDWOODS (RED &SILVER MAPLE, RED ASH & COTTONWOOD)

owland hardwoods are found in inant than it is today, but the elm Seasonally flooded in spring and fall areas that hold water at least blight has shortened its life cycle and by the wide rivers and streams they Lsome part of the year. There are reduced its dominance. A variation of flank, these forests grow in loam or two kinds of lowland hardwood the mixed hardwood swamp occurs silt-loam soils that are rich in miner- forests: hardwood swamps and in depressions on southern Michigan als. Silver maple, red ash, red maple floodplain forests. Hardwood sandy plains where the soil is very and cottonwood dominate these swamps are forests that grow in acidic. Pin oak, black oak, and black forests. Red oak, swamp white oak, depressions containing standing gum dominate this rare kind of wet- black willow, and black walnut also water at least part of the year. land. Black ash swamps can also occur as smaller components. Trees Floodplain forests are found next to occur on flat, sandy plains in south- that reach their northern limit in rivers along flat, seasonally flooded ern Michigan, but also mix with these forests are Ohio buckeye, paw- areas. Lowland hardwoods form a northern white cedar or tamarack in paw, red bud, blue ash, Kentucky dynamic ecosystem containing many scattered regions of northern coffee tree, honeylocust, sycamore, trees and shrubs not commonly Michigan. Swamps have dense hackberry, and red mulberry. Shrubs found in other forest types. They are canopies and are often flooded in and small trees include spicebush, one of the state's largest remaining spring and fall causing the ground hawthorn, alternate-leafed dogwood, natural habitats because they are not layer to be relatively sparse. American hornbeam, American blad- easily farmed or logged. However, if there is a drought, or dernut, steeplebush, prickly ash, and severe windthrow occurs, the ninebark. Common ground-layer Lowland hardwoods occur mostly groundcover can also be dense. The plants are skunk cabbage, jewel- in southern Lower Michigan. trees in these swamps are often sub- weed, wild geranium, cinnamon fern, However, some hardwood swamps ject to windthrow during severe sensitive fern, buttercup, jack-in-the- can be found in northern Michigan storms as they have shallow roots. pulpit, and meadow rue. Rare plants depressions, and there are some This disturbance, along with lightning include winged stemmed monkey occurrences of floodplain forests in strikes, creates a complex forest of flower, prairie trillium, snow trillium, the Upper Peninsula. Today about many age classes and tree species. black cottonwood, and twinleaf. five percent of the entire state is comprised of this forest type. The southern floodplain forest is Wildlife Values one of Michigan's most diverse natur- Floodplains, swamps, and sea- Mixed hardwood swamps contain al communities as well as one of its sonal pools offer water, food, and red maple, black and red ash, swamp most threatened. Damming, dredg- cover for many kinds of birds and white oak, and American elm. ing, and channelization are all human mammals. The warbling vireo, north- American elm used to be more dom- induced threats to these forests. ern oriole, red-eyed vireo, indigo

red maple silver maple cottonwood swamp white oak black ash bunting, gray catbird, and eastern tion, and the hydrology of the area table has been greatly affected by wood pewee are birds that live in would be changed. Floodplains bene- the harvest. As stated before, this these forests. Other species include fit humans directly as they provide can reduce the value to wildlife. the wood duck, cottontail rabbit, rac- areas for water overflow, which helps Fully-crowned lowland hardwoods coon, woodcock, white-tailed deer, prevent upland flooding. When will release up to a quarter-inch of wild turkey, and many species of floodplain forests are developed by soil moisture into the air each day. migratory waterfowl. Rare animals humans, there are frequent and Therefore, if these trees are taken include the red-shouldered hawk, often severe flooding occurrences out, there may be more water pre- Indiana bat, several amphibians that affect cities and residential sent on the ground than before. A (smallmouth salamander, spotted areas. Floodplain forests also help to high water table and seasonal flood- turtle, and Blanchard's cricket frog), maintain cool waterways in the sum- ing can add to this and completely and at least three warblers (cerulean, mer. change the vegetation composition. prothonotary and yellow-throated). Instead of trees, sedges and cattails Streams and rivers, which flow Management may grow if the area is too wet. through these forests, are home to Limitations However, if the area is too dry shrub- numerous rare mussels such as the Many larger forested lowlands by brush may grow. Either way, you clubshell, catspaw, northern rif- have been broken up into fragments. have destroyed the lowland hard- fleshell, and round hickory nut. Reasons include excessive logging, wood forest. It may be helpful to farming and grazing. Fragmentation know the stand's elevation above the Floodplains, swamps, and sea- tends to lessen wildlife values of the local groundwater table before sonal pools provide many benefits to forest. Other problems include the choosing a management option. wildlife. These areas are rich in invasion of aggressive non-native Agency technicians in your county plants and invertebrates because of plants such as glossy buckthorn, pur- Conservation District office can help their shallow depths and warm tem- ple loosestrife, reed canary grass, you determine the elevation of the peratures. They provide beneficial and garlic mustard; and Dutch elm present water table. food and breeding grounds for many disease. These problems have species of wildlife including migratory reduced tree species and diversity. As Management birds, frogs, toads, and salamanders. trees die or are removed, the forest Condsiderations Refer to the Swamps and Season- canopy changes in structure and Given these limitations, it may be ally Flooded Wetlands chapters in composition and loses some of its best to manage for protection of your the Wetland Management section for value for wildlife. lowland hardwoods instead of har- more information. vesting timber. However, there are There are several things to con- still several management options to Floodplains are also an important sider when weighing your manage- consider if harvesting timber will best aspect in many of these forests. They ment options. What little information achieve your goals. exist along rivers, lakes, and streams that has been published on how best and provide many benefits not only to manage lowland hardwoods sug- Protection to wildlife, but also to humans. gests that these stands present spe- In a mature floodplain forest lit- Floodplains provide corridors for cial problems when harvesting tim- tle or no timber harvest is needed to wildlife to move from one habitat to ber. Because they occur on poorly increase wildlife values. The decline another, which is especially important drained sites, access with equipment of certain migratory songbirds in low- in urban and residential areas where is difficult. The quality of wood land hardwoods is primarily due to few natural places occur. Without varies but typically is less valuable fragmentation of large, intact tracts floodplains, the river system would than other forest types. of mature forest. For more informa- be altered in structure and composition, see the chapter on Woodland Where stands exist on poorly Birds in the Species Management drained muck soils or in places with section. Many lowland hardwood high water tables, the regrowth fol- fragments should simply be protect- lowing a timber harvest may not be ed and allowed to mature. Planting predictable. Sometimes the makeup native trees and shrubs to reconnect of the new stand is not at all like the fragments is also a consideration. Be parent forest, especially if the water sure to choose species suited to site

wood duck LOWLAND HARDWOODS conditions. Connecting other wood- woods as they lessen species diversi- years. Because of the overall domi- lands can greatly benefit wildlife, ty. Learn to identify purple looses- nance of red maple, plan to remove especially when the forest size trife, garlic mustard, reed canary this species in favor of less-dominant exceeds 100 acres. If possible, man- grass, or glossy buckthorn. Cut them types such as ash and American elm. age for a mature forest on parcels back in late winter or early spring, Retain a good mix of species includ- larger than 100 acres. Be advised, and apply a glycophosphate herbi- ing swamp white oak, basswood, however, that the creation of a full cide, such as Rodeo in wet areas, to ironwood, and hackberry. Retain canopy from the crowns of mature the stumps within ten minutes of cut- some den trees, snags, and wolf trees will produce little ground cover ting. Follow all label directions. trees (mature, large sprawling trees for other species that require this that are still alive). Plan the harvest kind of habitat. Timber Harvesting for late summer when soils are dry Occasionally, lowland hardwood and firm or winter when the ground Allow seasonal water fluctuation stands lack the young growth of is frozen. to occur naturally. Leave most cavity saplings, shrubs, and ground covers trees regardless of age. Eliminate or that benefit deer, grouse, woodcock The selective harvest method limit trails and roads to lessen the and many other animals. If creating promotes a forest of mixed-aged impact on wildlife species that move more young growth is part of your trees of many kinds. Structural (age, back and forth from the water's edge management plan, opening the diameter, crown size, and shape of to upland areas. This consideration canopy through timber harvest will tree) and compositional (species of is especially important during the permit sunlight to reach the forest trees) diversity is therefore assured. spring and early summer when birds, floor and stimulate the growth of Also maintained are micro-habitats amphibians, and reptiles are breed- many kinds of plants. There are sev- within individual trees--cavities that ing and laying eggs, and when young eral timber harvesting methods that attract flying squirrels and northern of the year disperse. can acheive this and still maintain the flickers, and low crotches in large integrity of the forest. Again, you trees that red-shouldered hawks find Large logs play a key role in a should check the hydrology of the suitable for nesting. This strategy is stream's health because they help area before conducting any harvest- a low-impact timber removal alterna- retard bank erosion, provide shelter ing to determine the chances of tive that maintains the integrity of for fish, sunning sites for turtles, cre- regeneration of the stand. If the the ecosystem. Many landowners ate sandbars and other depositions, regeneration rate is expected to be prefer it because of its overall value encourage channel scouring, and low, you may want to reevaluate your to wildlife although it is not as bene- retain nutrients. Therefore, if possi- goals and chose another manage- ficial for some game species as other ble leave trees that fall into the river. ment option. harvest techniques. Allow the river system to naturally meander, which helps slow the water One timber harvesting method Another method of timber har- flow. This reduction in velocity per- used in lowland hardwood stands is vesting conducted in lowland hard- mits the growth of vegetation and selection cutting. This method best woods is seed tree cutting. In low- stream microorganisms which start mimics natural disturbances and is land hardwoods seed tree cutting is the food chain. Major threats to the least detrimental to forest struc- done in strips, and is a type of southern Michigan floodplains include ture and composition. This method clearcutting where all, or most, of the water diversion for dams and wells, focuses on the harvest of single trees timber is removed. Trees left stand- channelization, and dredging. An- or small groups of trees. It is often ing next to the strips will furnish other key concern is non-point used to obtain firewood or veneer- seeds needed for regeneration. source pollution from runoff from grade lumber. In these cases limit the Landowners who do not want the farms and urban area storm water, harvest to single trees along the stand to convert to marsh grass or construction, and leaky septic sys- stand's edge or one to four trees shrubs, but who wish to remove tems. For more information refer to within the forest itself. Plan to more timber than the selective har- the chapter on Streams and Rivers remove no more than 25 percent of vest method, often choose seed tree in the Wetlands Management sec- the trees in any one cutting. For strip cutting. The goal is to cut one- tion. group selection cuts concentrate on third of the stand, in strips 120 feet one-half acre to one-acre openings. wide. If possible, cut the strips in a Exotic nuisance plant species can To minimize large disruptions to the general east-to-west orientation to also lower the value of lowland hard- stand, space harvests by 10 to 20 reduce the chance for windthrow LOWLAND HARDWOODS

40 acres perature. Also, it is best to cut in winter when the ground is frozen to minimize soil distrubance. Red maple, black ash, Red maple, black ash, and and Existing features SH swamp white oak swamp white oak A clear forest--one with all Road downed timber, logs and branches House & yard SH Stream removed--is not beneficial to wildlife.

Habitat projects Leave most snags (dead or dying SH SH Selection Harvest standing trees), logs and fallen single trees or small groups (0.5-1 acre) branches because they provide valu- H H Strip Harvest able habitat for invertebrates, cut all trees in an east to west strip hayland TP hayland amphibians, woodpeckers, and other TP Tree planting to join fragments cavity-nesting birds. Building brushpiles will create habitat for many small creatures, including rabbits.

cropland H Red maple, and black ash In summary, if you have lowland hardwoods on your property you This map is an example that demonstrates the many management options discussed have an opportunity to attract a wide throughout this chapter. The option(s) you choose should depend not only on your goals, but the location, condition, and present use of your land. variety of wildlife. Large, unbroken tracts with a variety of trees of differ- from prevailing west winds. Retain ground covers and fruiting shrubs. ent ages provide the diverse habitats some swamp white oak and pin oak To increase diversity even more you that many kinds of wildlife use. within the strips, because these can plant some shrubs, such as nan- Protection may be the best manage- trees provide important mast (nuts) nyberry and highbush cranberry, ment strategy when harvesting and for wildlife food. Ground cover will along with a few lowland conifers regrowth may be difficult due to most likely increase in the remaining (evergreens). uncertain water tables. Lowland stand because of better light pene- hardwoods that were artificially tration. Most lowland hardwood forests drained can sometimes be restored are odd-shaped because of varying to original habitats if present trees After ten years, another 1/3 of soil types, topography, and old land- are cut and any drains plugged. the stand can be harvested. The use patterns. When cutting strips, remaining 1/3 can be cut ten years follow the land's contours as much as after that. On each cut, save enough possible, keeping in mind that long oak and den trees to comprise 10 to stretches of straight-edged cutting 15 percent of the remaining stand. blocks are less beneficial to wildlife The mixture of saplings, pole-sized, and may create a wind-tunnel effect and mature trees you will create with during storms. the strip harvest method should provide abundant cover for deer, rabbit, Cut no closer to waterways than FOR ADDITIONAL raccoon, grouse, wild turkey, cardi- 100 feet. This precaution will avoid CHAPTERS CONTACT: nals, and many other species. Wood problems with erosion and sedimen- Michigan United ducks, squirrels, and other cavity tation. The 100-foot-wide buffer you Conservation Clubs nesters will also find den sites. leave will also shade the stream, and PO Box 30235 Adding to habitat diversity will be help regulate water levels and tem- Lansing, MI 48909 517/371-1041

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART III: Forest Management

ASPEN & BIRCH

spen and birch forests are not hazel, and many other ground The dramatic increase of this truly considered a forest type cover and fruiting shrubs are able pioneering, sun-loving tree in Aas they are early growth to grow. For this reason, aspen- Michigan occurred as a result of stages within many different forest birch forests support a wide variety intense cutting and frequent fires types. However, these forests are of wildlife. that burned during and after the included here as there are large logging period. Since aspen regen- amounts of them throughout Aspen Regeneration erates best when it is cut, logging Michigan today. Though forests of Aspen and birch are not shade helped it become established in aspen and birch were scattered tolerant species and typically grow many more areas than before. throughout Michigan before the in sunlit areas unoccupied by other Because of fire suppression efforts, logging period, they covered less shade-tolerant trees. Therefore, fire no longer plays a large role in than one percent of the state's land historically aspen grew as minor the regeneration of aspen. base. Today, they comprise about components in openings of most Instead, today clearcutting has 10 percent of the landscape and other forest types. These openings become the main means of aspen occupy some 3 million acres. The were created by natural distur- regeneration. Once aspen is cut, its majority of these forests are locat- bances in the forest such as fire, root systems respond with a rapid ed in northern Michigan. storm windthrow, insects, and dis- production of 5,000 to 70,000 root ease. Aspen and birch established suckers per acre. Aspen-birch forests in northern in these disturbed areas as they Michigan and the Upper Peninsula received a lot of sunlight. As the If aspen is not cut, it will even- are dominated by white birch, aspen and birch grew, they provid- tually convert to shade tolerant trembling (quaking) aspen, and ed shade for regenerating shade species of the forest type it is grow- big-toothed aspen, all of which are tolerant saplings that would even- ing in. Left undisturbed on good shade-intolerant, fast growing and tually replace the aspen and birch sites aspen will be replaced by short-lived. In southern Michigan, and dominate the mature forest. more shade-tolerant species such white birch is not common in these as oak, maple, beech, balsam fir, or forests. Other trees associated However, upland stands of red spruce, depending on the forest with the aspen-birch community and white pine on dry soils, and type. On poor quality sites, aspen include balsam fir, pin cherry, red lowland stands of northern white may be replaced by grasses and maple, and white and red pine. cedar and white spruce-balsam fir shrubs. This process may take 50 The open forests that aspen and presented a different scenario as to 70 years. If your goal is to birch create allow sunlight to reach aspen had a larger impact on these regenerate aspen on your land, you the forest floor where wintergreen, forests. When natural disturbances must cut it. On the other hand, if bracken fern, serviceberry, beaked produced openings in these forest your goal is to convert the forest to types, aspen quickly colonized to its historical condition, you need to form solid stands. It was difficult let it mature. for the original species to regenerate in the presence of these dense The Aspen aspen stands and many of these Controversy forests were reduced because of Throughout much of the 20th this competition. century, due to its intensive man- white birch agement for pulpwood production quaking big-toothed and deer and grouse habitat aspen aspen improvement, aspen has increased ground covers, fruiting shrubs, and harvests. If you decide to cut your competing tree species that forest, you must decide between a advance or retreat. It is this plant short rotation period that will pro- diversity that attracts so many dif- duce ruffed grouse and deer habi- ferent species of wildlife. tat, or a long rotation period to grow sawlogs that will produce Young stands of aspen saplings habitat for bears and porcupines. are under three inches in diameter, You may want to allow natural suc- 10 to 20 feet in height, and less cession to convert your stand to woodcock than 10 years old. They attract the anther forest type beneficial for chestnut-sided warbler, mourning other wildlife species. and is now dominant in many for- warbler, indigo bunting, and gold- est types across the state. en-winged warbler which is a Mature Stand Management Through the 1950s, professional species that is quickly disappearing Mature stands of aspen-birch foresters managed many public in Michigan. Other species that use will contain many trees that are land upland sites for aspen and this stage of the aspen forest as dead or dying (mature aspen is vul- birch that once hosted white and habitat include woodcock, deer, nerable to hydroxylon cancer dis- red pine forests. Almost fifty per- cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, ease). These trees host an accu- cent of dry mesic conifer forests and ruffed grouse. mulation of insects, which in turn were converted to aspen and birch provide food for many kinds of forests. Lowland conifer and hard- When the stand grows to pole wildlife, especially black bears. As wood forests were also severely size, it will be 10 to 40 years old, 20 the forest matures and more trees impacted by the increase in aspen- to 70 feet high, and contain trunk die, other species will eventually birch forests. diameters of four to nine inches. replace the aspen and birch and Species that use this stage of the dominate the stand. On good to Many people believe there are aspen forest as habitat are the high quality sites, shaded areas too many deer in Michigan and that least flycatcher, yellow-bellied sap- provided by the maturing aspen intensive management of aspen is sucker, ruby-throated humming- have likely helped to increase one of the reasons, especially in bird, red-eyed vireo, ovenbird, pines, oak, maple, beech and other the northern Lower and western pileated woodpecker, woodland shade-tolerant species. On a poor Upper Peninsulas. When possible, jumping mouse, porcupine, deer, site consisting of dry, sandy soils- these individuals would rather let and ruffed grouse. the aspen will often be replaced by the aspen mature and manage for grasses, forbs, shrubs, and a few the mature forest type to attract When diameters exceed nine scattered oaks or pines. In areas other kinds of wildlife. Others inches, foresters classify the stand which were historically northern would rather manage for aspen, as a sawlog forest. Tree heights hardwoods, beech-maple forests, grouse, and deer. Those who may exceed 70 feet, and the stand white pine-red pine forests, or understand their options, and what will be at least 40 years old. savanna openings, it may be possi- changes will occur with each deci- Species attracted to this stage of ble to promote a conversion to the sion, are likely to make the best aspen forests include the black original condition. If this goal is choices for wildlife. For this rea- bear, porcupine, flying squirrel, part of your management plan, son, if your property contains white-footed deer mouse, pileated then do not cut the forest at all. aspen forests, you should also con- woodpecker, veery and--where sider reading the other chapters in conifers are mixed in--the American this section. and pine marten, and fisher. Wildlife Value Management Aspen-birch forests support a Considerations wide range of plant diversity over There are two ways to manage the stand's life span of 50 to 70 your aspen-birch forest stand--let it years. Different growth stages in grow to maturity, or subscribe to a aspen forests result in different series of planned even-aged timber ruffed grouse ASPEN & BIRCH

stand as a "mature" aspen-birch to minimize shading from trees left black bear forest, make small clear-cuts of one standing, which will defeat your to two acres each scattered within purpose. Remove all trees larger the forest. The regeneration that than one inch in diameter. A long, occurs will provide diversity and linear cut provides more edge than give healthy, young aspen a chance a square, checkerboard harvest, to replace older, dying aspen. Also, but the best prescription is to fol- shelterwood or seed-tree cuttings low the topography of the land that promote a mix of conifers, when possible. Make the cut at oaks, beech, or maple will add least 50 yards wide and 100 yards diversity to the stand. For more long in a north/south direction if information on these timber har- possible to let sunlight penetrate vesting methods, see the chapters along the north side. on Timber Harvesting. If managing smaller stands up to 10 acres in size, cut a quarter of Letting the forest mature will Even-Aged Timber the stand every five to 10 years by result in a very diverse array of Management taking out two to three acres at species composition. With each If your goal includes maintain- each harvest. Begin with the change of vegetation, the habitat ing many ages of aspen on your southeast quarter, followed by the for wildlife will also change. For land, you will need to conduct a southwest quarter, then the north- example, if the aspen is replaced timber harvesting rotation. Most east parcel and finally the remain- by an oak forest, it will attract the professional managers prefer even- ing northwest piece. The goal is to fox squirrel, wild turkey, white- aged management for the regen- cut the entire stand over a period breasted nuthatch, black-capped eration of aspen. Besides quick of 40 years and then start the cycle chickadee, and downy woodpecker. regeneration, this management again. This same plan can be used If you continue to let the forest technique also can lead to to manage smaller stands of only mature, and the oak is replaced by increased revenue to the landown- 20 to 30 mature aspens if you a maple-beech forest it will attract er. The goal is to create a mixture shorten the rotation. Simply cut the broad-winged hawk, red-shoul- of young (sapling), medium-aged one-fourth of the stand every three dered hawk, black-throated blue (pole) and mature (sawlog) aspen years, starting with those in the warbler, and northern goshawk. If by clear-cutting blocks of one to 10 southeast quarter. Clearcuts that instead, the oak is replaced by a acres in size at intervals that will are two to four acres in size bene- stand of upland pines it will draw establish a 40 to 60 year rotation. fit ruffed grouse and woodcock. pine warblers, black-throated green This means that the whole stand Smaller cuts make more economic warblers, crossbills, redpolls, and will have been cut after 40 to 60 sense if they are connected by red squirrels. years. Cuts should be adjacent to each other to attain the maximum trails or are relatively close to each other. If you do not want your aspen wildlife benefits. This method can to be replaced but wish to maintain be used to manage aspen stands If managing larger tracts from a mature aspen stand on your as small as eight acres. For exam- 20 to 40 acres in size, make larger property, instead of a young stand, ple, cutting two acres of an eight cuts more often. On aspen stands you will need to do small amounts acre stand every 10 years will larger than 40 acres, manage the of clearcutting. Without some type result in a 40 year rotation. forest as several 20- to 40-acre of large disturbance, such as clearcutting, some successional change To ensure regeneration, you will happen. If you cut the stand must cut in winter when the trees when at least half the aspen is in will have stored energy in their healthy condition, then the site will root systems. The following regenerate to aspen-birch. On spring this energy will be many sites, this would need to be released in the form of numer- conducted before the stand is 80 ous new sprouts. Each harvest years old. To help maintain the should be at least one-acre in size flying squirrel ASPEN & BIRCH

birds, and small mammals depend 40 acres upon leaf litter, decaying logs, and lowland fallen branches for food and shel- mature conifers A10 ter. aspen oak A20 Build brush piles from the harvest slash by incorporating live- mature aspen & birch lopped trees when possible. These small trees are only partially cut and then bent over the pile, which should be at least 15 feet in diam- A45 A20 A35 A40 eter and five feet high. Reptiles, A10 B A25 A15 A30 aspen mixed amphibians, rabbits, and other with conifers small mammals will use them for shelter. Limit brushpiles to one to two piles per acre to reduce over-

grassland aspen browsing of saplings by rabbits. alders saplings alders In summary, aspen-birch forests are an early successional stage in many forest types. These This map is an example that demonstrates the many management options discussed forests offer great opportunities for throughout this chapter. The option(s) you choose should depend not only on your landowners that wish to manage goals, but the location, condition, and present use of your land. their property for wildlife. The relatively fast-growing trees love sun- parcels with cuttings following the and hazelnut will all help to provide light and are fairly easy to regener- above prescription. Larger cuts of the habitat mix that favors a variety ate when cut. Aspen-birch forests up to 10 acres each are most help- of wildlife. Leaving 20 to 40 foot permit a variety of understory ful to white-tailed deer. Larger cuts strips of mature standing trees shrubs and ground covers to grow. may be necessary to ensure regen- between cuts will help to minimize It is this diversity that attracts eration in areas where deer and elk the short-term disturbances after many kinds of animals. However, are numerous, as this will help pre- the cut and lessen the denuding you may choose to let your aspen- vent the browsing and subsequent appearance of the clear-cut. birch forest mature and be replaced loss of all or most of the saplings. by other species. This too will In areas with moderate to high Avoid clearcutting trees near attract a variety of wildlife to your deer or elk numbers, cuts may streams or seasonal wetlands--the property. have to be 40 acres in size or larg- best assurance is a vegetation er. Larger cuts are also more eco- buffer of at least 100 feet around nomical for commercial harvest. these sensitive areas. Leave standing snags (dead trees) and occa- To increase stand diversity, sional wolf trees (large, short- FOR ADDITIONAL leave several non-aspen trees per trunked, widely branching trees), CHAPTERS CONTACT: Michigan United acre. Small clumps of two to 10 which will provide food and homes Conservation Clubs individual trees and shrubs such as for wildlife. Remember that a clear PO Box 30235 white pine, hemlock, cedars, forest is not beneficial to wildlife. Lansing, MI 48909 spruce, oaks, hickory, serviceberry, Many insects, amphibians, reptiles, 517/371-1041

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART III: Forest Management

TIMBER HARVESTING

heat, cold and moisture. Further- goals of producing timber for prod- more, forests also recycle nutrients, ucts like firewood or lumber for per- regulate water flow, and modify our sonal use or commercial sale. climate locally. Trees and Shade Landowners can manage for a Tolerance wildlife species or a group of wildlife Trees grow differently in varying by managing for the forest type that soil, moisture, and sunlight condi- exists, or can potentially exist, on tions. Certain tree species are their land. Managing woodlands on "shade intolerant," requiring full sun- your property, whether small or up to light to regenerate and grow. Other thousands of acres, will provide valu- kinds of trees are "shade tolerant," able wildlife habitat. Forest manage- growing best in the shade of other ment can involve a combination of trees. In making forest management timber harvesting and site-prepara- decisions, it is helpful to understand tion practices followed by planting the importance of sun and shade in trees or allowing them to regenerate the forest. To do this, we need to orests of varying composition naturally. The type of management look at a forest's "overstory" and and successional stage domi- that you chose will depend on the "understory". Overstory is the crown Fnate much of Michigan's natural forest type present on your land, the or canopy of branches and leaves ecosystem. About 38 percent of the forest condition, and your goals. The that shut out sunlight. These trees state, or nearly 14 million acres, is key is to have both a short-range and receive the most sunlight. forest. The plant species (trees, long-range management plan that Understory is the assortment of shrubs, and wildflowers) that make addresses your wildlife management plants that grow underneath the up our forests yield food in the form goals. Other chapters in this section canopy as ground covers, forbs, of fruits, berries, and nuts for many describe how to manage for beech- shrubs, and young trees. These species of wildlife. Some examples maple, oak-hickory, and aspen-birch plants most often receive little sun- are browse for rabbits and deer, nec- as well as lowland hardwoods and light. tar and pollen production for bees upland and lowland conifers. and butterflies, and green matter for However, this chapter explains how If a forest is left unmanaged, caterpillars and other insect larvae. to harvest timber with the primary eventually succession will occur and Forests also offer critical cover for goal of maintaining or increasing shade tolerant trees will prosper and wildlife to nest, rest, hide from wildlife. It also addresses secondary predators and seek shelter from Appropriate Shade Tolerance Very Tolerant Tolerant Intermediate Intolerant Very Intolerant Balsam Fir American Basswood American Elm Black Ash Eastern Cottonwood E. Hemlock Black Spruce Bitternut Hickory Black Cherry Jack Pine Ironwood N. White Cedar E. White Pine Black Walnut Aspen Sugar Maple White Spruce Green & White Ash Butternut Tamarack American Beech Red & White Oaks Paper Birch Pin Cherry Serviceberry Red Maple Red Pine Willow Shagbark Hickory Silver Maple Pignut Hickory Black Oak replace the intolerant species. tain mostly shade tolerant trees, vide the highest level of forage, Timber harvesting can set back suc- where young trees grow in the shade shade intolerant tree mast, and cession of a more mature forest as it of older trees. These management woody stem density, and will attract removes trees from the forest. practices differ by the age distribu- ruffed grouse, snowshoe hares, rab- However, it can also move forward tion of trees left standing and the bits, deer, and edge-loving songbirds. succession of a new forest by allow- amount of sunlight that reaches the ing the understory shade intolerant forest floor after a harvest. Another Clearcutting results in the best trees to grow as they receive more practice called "high-grading" is a conditions for regenerating aspen as sunlight. Therefore, when making profit-motivated method, which has it responds to cutting with explosive management decisions, it is impor- little or no value to wildlife. High- root sprouting that can number 5,000 tant to know which trees are shade grading takes only the most econom- to 70,000 stems per acre. Aspen tolerant, and which are shade intoler- ically valuable trees--regardless of forests are early successional stages ant. The accompanying panel lists size or quality--and leaves the rest. of many forest types and need species according to their tolerance The undesirable trees left standing clearcutting to regenerate. If they are or intolerance for shade. are genetically inferior, and it is their not cut, they will be replaced by progeny that will regenerate the for- shade tolerant species. Timber Harvesting est. You may want to consult with a Techniques professional forester and wildlife biol- This technique benefits edge-lov- The main purpose of timber har- ogist before deciding which one of ing wildlife the most when the cut- vesting is to create conditions that the forest management practices is tings are from two to 10 acres in size will allow the forest to renew or best suited for your wildlife manage- and a different portion is cut every 10 reproduce itself. When trees are ment goals. to 20 years. Cuts of 20 acres or more removed, the canopy is opened and will result in large proportions of new trees are allowed to regenerate. Even-aged Management shade intolerant trees such as aspen, Also, removing trees creates more Clearcutting Technique pin cherry, black cherry, and red oak. space for mast producing trees to Clearcutting is the most common Cutting in patches or narrow strips grow. Since most seed is produced method of regeneration among the will produce more intermediately tol- on exposed portions of tree crowns, even-aged management practices. erant and tolerant trees. Best regen- fully exposed tree crowns offer This technique involves one cut, eration occurs when cuts are made in potential for the greatest mast pro- which may remove the entire stand. a north/south orientation to receive duction. Clearcutting is for landowners whose full amounts of sunlight. goals require a large amount of new There are basically two types of growth seedlings, and young shade Landowners that subscribe to forest regeneration management intolerant trees. These cuts will pro- this technique should consider leav- practices to consider for your proper- ing a buffer zone of trees of at least ty: even-aged management and uneven-aged management. Even- aged management creates stands that consist of trees of the same age, InInitialitial C uCuttingt ting and includes the "clearcutting technique", "seed tree technique", and various types of "shelterwood tech- CuCutt 10 10 ye ayearsrs late laterr niques". Forests with even-aged management will contain mostly shade intolerant trees, where all trees grow at approximately the CCutut 2 020 ye yearsars lat elaterr same height. Uneven-aged management creates stands that consist of at least three different age and size classes, and includes various types of CCutut 3300 y eyearsa rs la tlaterer "selection techniques". Forests with uneven-aged management will con- Clearcut management description for a 40 acre tract of land. Each section represents approximately 2.5 acres TIMBER HARVESTING

most complicated of the space for large oak trees, acorn pro- 1 2 even-aged management duction increases and oak regenera- practices. It is used to pro- tion from seed is successful. vide protection and shade for the regeneration area. This Uneven-aged Management technique results in two to Selection Technique three even-aged classes of The selection technique is pre- trees, and is used to regen- ferred for landowners who wish to 3 4 erate trees that thrive in par- maintain a small amount of edge, tial shade. It involves a and manage a relatively mature, series of two or more cuts diverse forest with little amounts of over 15 to 30 years, in which disturbance. It is also a good tech- the first cut removes 50 to 70 nique to use when a long-term sup- percent of the canopy. The ply of quality sawlogs is an objective. rest of the stand, called the This technique promotes regenera- shelterwood, is left to pro- tion of shade tolerant trees, such as vide a partial canopy that sugar maple, basswood, beech, and protects the regenerating ash. If trees selected for harvest are stand. In the first cut, thick- in groups more than 1/2 acre in size, ets of saplings or poles that then oaks, hickories, red maple, and 100 feet around wet areas, and sav- are extensive enough to form a stand other intermediately shade tolerant ing valuable snags and mast produc- are left. After 5 to 10 years, when species will grow. The selection ing trees at the rate of one to five the new growth is well established, a technique employs light cuts that individuals per acre. Leaving small second cut can either remove all or remove 10 to 30 percent of the trees clumps of aspens and/or oaks, white half of the shelterwood stand. If only of all sizes at each cut. Trees are pine, and hemlock in clearcuts larger half of the stand is removed on the selected based on species, quality, than 5 acres is also encouraged to second cut, then a third cut is used biodiversity, and size. Selection sites maintain diversity of vegetation and 10 to 20 years later to remove the should be areas that are too dense wildlife. It is suggested, in any forest last half. The final cut may leave for optimum growth. The goal is to management plan, to leave 1/4 to trees that are long survivors such as provide proper spacing to encourage 1/3 of an acre uncut per 10 to 15 sugar maple, oaks, white pine and rapid growth and reproduction. Thin acres of timber harvested area to hemlock. lightly every 10 years or so to pre- maintain diversity. vent severe disturbance and to There are three ways to imple- encourage continuous rapid growth. Seedtree Technique ment the shelterwood technique. The result will be a variety of species The seedtree technique involves The "uniform" method harvests trees in many different size and age class- removing nearly the entire stand in that are evenly scattered throughout es. In other words, the forest will be one cut, while leaving a number of the stand. The "group" method structurally and compositionally trees, usually shade intolerant removes groups of trees at each cut. diverse. species, to provide seed for regener- The "strip" method uses an alternat- ation. These seedtrees can be left ing or progressing pattern that The crop-tree method is an either alone, in small groups, or nar- moves through a portion of the stand example of selection management. row strips. These trees do not pro- at each cut. The landowner decides what their vide enough cover to have any signif- primary wildlife improvement goal is icant sheltering effect on the regen- The shelterwood technique is and then inventories the property to eration. The seed trees are then har- used to regenerate moderately shade see which trees meet the goal. In vested after regeneration is estab- tolerant speces. It is especially suc- other words, trees are selected based lished. This technique is most often cessful in regenerating oak. Oak on species, size, or age. For exam- used for conifers. rebounds in forests that allow some ple, if you want to increase acorn sunlight to enter, while maintaining production for deer and squirrels, Shelterwood Management some shade and shelter for seedlings you would need to cut trees that are The shelterwood technique is the to become established. By creating competing with oaks. Cutting com- TIMBER HARVESTING

provide wildlife with shade and trees containing cavities, along intolerant mast producing with grapevines, serviceberries, and Do not trees and shrubs as it per- other wildlife food sources. Large Cut Cut mits more sunlight. trees with poor form and no com- Another way of providing mercial value can be girdled rather these trees and shrubs is than harvested, creating snags. To

Crop to plant them along the girdle a tree, which will eventually kill Tree forest edge, or along log- it, cut two rings two inches deep ging roads or trails. completely around the tree. Dead trees do not compete for light, mois- Cut ture or nutrients. Besides cavity-type Cut Other Considerations homes, they yield insect grubs for Edge occurs when two chickadees, nuthatches, and many different cover types, such kinds of woodpeckers. Leave har-

Selection management: Trees should be cut that touch or are as forest and open field, vested treetops and brush for slash about to touch the crop tree. Picture is viewed from the ground meet. Many species that will provide cover. Timber har- looking up through the canopy. require an abundance of vests that result in trees left on the edge, such as rabbits, ground create opportunities for build- peting trees will "release" the best deer, and ruffed grouse. ing brushpiles, and creating shelter oaks for growth. To determine Be aware, however, that there are for wildlife. Also, leave any logs on which competing trees must be cut also animals that shun the edge and the forest floor for decomposition. to release a crop tree, simply look up seek the safety of deep woods. Logs provide homes for wildlife and into the crop-tree crown and picture Examples include the broad-winged help replenish the soil. These few it divided into four separate sides. hawk, pileated woodpecker, acadian details will increase wildlife quality at Evaluate each side for interference flycatcher, yellow-throated vireo, little to no cost to the landowner. from neighboring crowns. Any crown American redstart, and cerulean, that touches or is about to touch the and hooded warblers. Before choos- In summary, careful planning will crop tree will compete with it for ing a timber harvesting technique, help you manage your woodland to growth and should be cut. you must be familiar with the species create diverse habitats. Each man- that inhabit your forest. If your for- agement practice will regenerate a There are two types of selection est is largely unfragmented, and specific group of trees, and should be techniques: single tree selection and there are species present that selected based on the present land- group selection. Single tree selec- depend on this type of habitat, it scape conditions and your goals. tions choose individual trees for cut- would be wise to choose the tech- Whichever you select, a wise choice ting, and are used in stands dominat- nique that produces the least amount will make the landscape more benefi- ed by shade tolerant trees such as of edge. cial for wildlife, and may produce beech and sugar maple. This income too. method is good for wildlife that do The management practice you not require openings or shade intol- choose is dependent upon your erant mast producing trees as it wildlife management goals. However, FOR ADDITIONAL maintains a relatively continuous for- there are some things you can do, CHAPTERS CONTACT: est canopy. Single tree selection is regardless of which management Michigan United also often used to obtain firewood. practice you choose, that will benefit Conservation Clubs PO Box 30235 Group tree selections choose groups wildlife and increase the diversity of Lansing, MI 48909 of trees for cutting, and are used to the forest. It is best to leave snags 517/371-1041

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART III: Forest Management

FOREST OPENINGS

rior to Michigan's settlement prairies, oak and pine savannas, millions of acres of pine and and wetlands. These areas experi- Phardwood forest covered the enced more frequent disturbances, landscape. Approximately 150 and thus had fewer trees. years ago these expansive tracts of Elk forest contained patches of scat- Michigan's forests have greatly tered grass or shrubland openings. changed since the early 1800's. These openings were created by The majority of the vast forests in natural disturbances such as fire, southern Michigan have been lost ice storms, wind, disease, insect to development. However, northern outbreaks, drought, and flooding. Michigan still remains largely These disturbances provided more forested. Even so, many of the sunlight and moisture to the forest remaining forests in Michigan are floor, reduced competing vegeta- severely fragmented. Fragment- tion, and generated a suitable seed ation occurs when roads, trails, bed for colonizing grasses, shrubs, homes, agricultural fields, pipeline and trees. Over time, shrubs and and powerline corridors, and other small trees would dominate the site forms of development break up a story vegetation. This is because and often in 10 -15 years trees natural area. Fragmentation pro- the overstory prevents sunlight would once again cover the area. duces a large amount of edge. from reaching the forest floor. These temporary openings provid- Edge is the transition zone between When openings are created, sun- ed browse, food, and cover to a two vegetation types. As a result of light is able to facilitate the growth variety of wildlife such as ruffed fragmentation, many species that of a variety of vegetation. A one grouse, white-tailed deer, elk, and have a high sensitiviy to edge have acre opening, with full sunlight, will rabbits. Examples of larger open been negatively impacted. These produce significant food for species areas that fit into Michigan’s highly species seek the interior of large such as deer, elk, hares, vireos, forested landscape are native forested areas hundreds of acres in warblers, and thrushes. Selecting size. When edge sensitive wood- where to place an opening is land birds are forced to nest within important because location, size, 300 yards of large openings or and slope will determine how the grassland edges, opening gets sunlight. In addition they become vul- to this, it important to know when Forest Escape Cover nerable to preda- creating openings will be beneficial 3

5 tion and nest para- or detrimental to the ecosystem. 0

t sitism by cowbirds. Species of wildlife such as the When to Create Opening least flycatcher, redstart, ovenbird, veery, and red-shouldered Openings hawk can all be negatively Landowners must consider impacted by the development of many factors before deciding when forest openings. creating openings is needed, and how large they should be. The lack of mature, old growth forest, and 150 ft A forest with a full canopy does not generally have a lot of under- rarity of many types of forest Example forest opening should be taken into consideration forest openings. Forest openings before any opening is planned. would mimic these unique grass- Maintaining and restoring these land communities and would types of forest may be the best restore them to the area. Edges alternative. Whenever trees are and openings of forests provide a harvested, whether the stand is 80 large variety of vegetation and, acres or over 200 acres, the kind consequently, support a variety and number of wildlife will change. of wildlife. The management of Species that require large, undis- forest openings has been tradi- turbed blocks of forest, may not be tionally conducted for game able to survive in the area if the and edge dependent species disturbance is too large. such as deer, turkeys, ruffed grouse, elk, rabbits, snowshoe Because of the large amount of hares, and songbirds such as fragmentation, especially in south- towhees, indigo buntings, cardi- ern Michigan, you must examine nals, and chipping sparrows. for openings on soil maps, aerial surrounding landscapes before cre- photographs, or topographic maps. ating openings. In general, forest Some openings may already A field examination will confirm openings should not be developed exist on your property. You should whether or not the location is suit- in extensively fragmented land- determine the amount of existing able. scapes. It may be better in these openings in your forest before cre- areas to connect existing fragments ating new openings. If your forest To minimize the impact of the rather than fragment the forest fur- already contains the necessary opening to area sensitive species ther by creating openings. If you amount of openings, you can you should place openings near are not managing for edge depen- enhance them instead of creating other existing openings such as dent species, openings are unnec- more. This will avoid fragmenting roads and trails or areas prone to essary in forest tracts less than 100 your forest, while fulfilling your windthrow. Enhancement of an acres in size since openings and goals for edge dependent species. existing opening will have less of a fields commonly already exist Blowdowns from storms and fires negative impact than creating a around them. from lightning strikes are examples new opening. Also, openings of naturally created openings. should be placed near the edge of However, there are instances Logging trails and log landings the forest, versus the middle, to where creating openings may be (where logs are piled and loaded) minimize any negative impacts beneficial to wildlife or habitat are examples of human created caused by increased fragmentation. diversity. For example, areas that openings. These openings can were historically prairies and savan- simply be maintained or enhanced SLOPE: Slope is an important con- na's are ideal locations for creating to fulfill wildlife needs. sideration when deciding on an opening location as it determines Management how much sunlight the opening will Considerations receive, and thus the potential for diverse vegetation growth. A south LOCATION: The best places for facing slope is the most desirable creating forest openings are where location because it will provide there are already only a few exist- more ground area exposed to sun- ing trees. Considerations include light. However, it will tend to be frost pockets (areas prone to late drier because of summer heat. In spring frosts), sites with shallow early spring many species will use soil, and those that are excessively openings with a south-facing slope well-drained. If your property is because green browse will appear large, you can often find good sites there first as the snow melts. Areas scarlet tanager FOREST OPENINGS with moderate or low slope should Openings should be at least be chosen if the area is to be plant- twice as long as they are wide ed. Areas with steep slopes are because small animals seldom ven- harder to plant and may cause ero- ture more than 50 feet from escape sion problems if not quickly reveg- cover. An opening that is 100 feet etated. wide by 200 feet long will be about 1/2 acre in size. Extending the SIZE: Openings are usually created length to 300 feet will produce an to allow for maximum plant growth opening of 3/4 acre. An opening of and diversity. A 1/2 to 2 acre open- 100 feet by 400 feet is about one raspberry ing will allow both shade tolerant acre. Long, rectangular shaped and intolerant species. Sun-loving openings will maximize the amount If you allow the site to regrow species such as grasses, legumes, of edge. Square and circular open- with trees, the opening's effect on crabapples, hawthorn, sumac, and ings will minimize the edge effect. some wildlife species will last less gray and silky dogwood will grow in Openings should be about 100 feet than 15 years. Deer, rabbits, the middle and north side of the wide to provide nearby escape grouse, cardinals, towhees, and clearing as these areas receive the cover and create an even amount certain other songbirds will use the most sunlight. Shade tolerant of shaded and sunlit areas. The rapidly closing open area, but if you species such as beaked hazel, ser- amount of shaded area that will wish to retain high populations of viceberry, flowering dogwood, and result from a stand can be deter- these species, you will need to cre- highbush cranberry will grow in the mined by the height of the trees. ate another opening every five to shade from adjacent trees on the A tree will produce shade equal to eight years. If your goal is to intro- south end of the clearing. half of its height. For example, duce native species of desirable Openings smaller than 1/2 acre will trees that are 70 feet tall will pro- trees (hickory, red oak) and shrubs only support shade tolerant species duce 35 feet of shade into the (serviceberry, beaked hazel) to as they are too small to receive opening. your forest, this prescription is much sun. Openings larger than ideal. two acres support more shade When the width of the opening intolerant species as they have only is narrow, there will be more time If you wish to establish the a small shaded area. that the opening will be shaded. opening as a brushland or grass- For example, a half-acre opening land, you will have to prevent suc- When managing for edge that is only 100 feet wide will be in cession from going past these dependent species, about five to 10 the shade for more than half of the stages. You may have to kill the percent of your forest should be in daylight hours. Increasing the stumps of the cut trees to prevent openings. If you own more than width will allow a greater share of their regrowth. This usually 100 acres of woods, five to eight the opening to receive full sunlight. requires a specialty herbicide. To acres of openings are ideal. One But don't always limit yourself to find out what herbicide is best for option is to maintain five to eight straight-sided rectangular open- your opening, contact the Michigan one acre openings, while another ings. Be creative: Nature seldom State University Extension office in option is to maintain three or four creates straight lines, and neither your county. Be sure to read, and two acre openings. should you. follow all container directions. Once stumps are dead, sun loving MAINTENANCE: Once openings grasses, broadleaf annuals and have been established, you have perennials will quickly fill the site, several options to maintaining along with raspberries, blueberries, them. You can either leave it alone and shrubs. Allow the site to and let succession reestablish it progress in natural succession as with trees, manage it as brushland, far as you want. When succession or manage it as a grassland. Your has reached the stage you desire, decision will depend on your man- set it back by disking or mowing agement goals. every three to five years, depending on soil moisture (moist soils FOREST OPENINGS

harsh edge by planting sun-loving fruit bearing shrubs along the north side of the opening and shade-tolerant species within the shaded zone of trees along the south side.

In summary, the decision to create openings in your forest depends on your management goals and your surrounding landscape. Forest openings can increase habitat diversity for many species of wildlife. However, they can also have negative impacts on other wildlife species. By carefully developing your goals you can determine if the practice will be diagram of a brushpile beneficial on your property and produce your desired results, or if it increase the rate of succession). Management section for more will be detrimental to the ecosys- Mark any trees and shrubs you information. tem. have planted to avoid damage while disking or mowing. GENERAL: When cutting trees to create openings save some snags Removing the stumps with a (dead trees) and wolf trees (large, bulldozer, stump rake, or stump wide spreading, short-trunked grinder will allow you to plant the trees) near edges as many species opening with grasses or forbs. of wildlife use the cavities often Mixes of native grasses and forbs found in them for shelter. Leave such as Canada wild-rye, little clumps of conifers in and around bluestem, Indiangrass, and bush openings because they provide clover are preferred. Other alterna- escape cover and shelter for tives, that are not native to wildlife. In openings greater than Michigan, include timothy grass, two acres in size you can also leave orchard grass, and many clovers. a clump of trees or shrubs in the Before planting, determine soil pH middle. Leaving some of the slash through the extension service, and on the ground provides habitat for apply fertilizer and lime, at the amphibians and reptiles. The addi- rates recommended. Adding wild- tion of brush piles along the forest FOR ADDITIONAL flowers, and fruit bearing trees and edge gives rabbits, snakes, turtles, CHAPTERS CONTACT: shrubs, not only increases the aes- grouse, and chipmunks additional Michigan United Conservation Clubs thetic value of an opening but will high-quality escape cover next to PO Box 30235 attract a greater variety of wildlife, food producing edges. Landowners Lansing, MI 48909 including bees, moths, and butter- can enhance fruit production along 517/371-1041 flies. Refer to the Grassland the edges, as well as reduce a

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