CUTTING & PLANTING A FOREST
When Michigan became a state in 1837, over 90% of the land was forested.
During the next 80 years, almost all of the original forest was cut, including stands of 200-foot white pine, as Michigan led the nation in lumber production. Forests were also cleared for farm fields. That amount of harvest wasn’t sustainable – this led to conservation efforts to protect and regrow Michigan’s forests.
During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) planted 485 million trees. Some of these stands are still growing in Michigan’s state and national forests.
Our Growing Forests Today
Today, Michigan is about 60% forested. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and its partners plant more than 7 million seedlings every year to help maintain Michigan’s forests. The size of Michigan’s forests grows larger every year, providing more wildlife habitat and economic opportunity.
“The Michigan DNR makes sure our state forests are harvested sustainably and in balance with wildlife and recreation values.”
During the next 80 years, almost all of the original forest was cut, including stands of 200-foot white pine, as Michigan led the nation in lumber production. Forests were also cleared for farm fields. That amount of harvest wasn’t sustainable – this led to conservation efforts to protect and regrow Michigan’s forests.
During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) planted 485 million trees. Some of these stands are still growing in Michigan’s state and national forests.
Our Growing Forests Today
Today, Michigan is about 60% forested. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and its partners plant more than 7 million seedlings every year to help maintain Michigan’s forests. The size of Michigan’s forests grows larger every year, providing more wildlife habitat and economic opportunity.
“The Michigan DNR makes sure our state forests are harvested sustainably and in balance with wildlife and recreation values.”
HISTORY OF PINE FORESTS IN MICHIGAN
More trees have been harvested from the forest on the left side of the road so the trees can grow even bigger. The two red pines are still there! Can you find them?
| INTRODUCTION In the 19th century, the state of Michigan sold millions of acres of forests to logging companies who cut and sold almost all of the trees. In the Saginaw Valley the cleared pine lands were quickly sold to settlers who built farms on the rich clay soils. However, in northern Michigan, the soils were poor and sandy and not good for farming. As a result, many of these lands were abandoned by loggers or farmers and returned to state ownership. In 1903 wise leaders decided that the best use for these lands was to grow trees, and the first state forest reserve was established on 34,000 acres in Roscommon and Crawford counties. | 1924: Twenty-one years later, the first forest reserve is just starting to return to forest in Roscommon Gounty. There are few young red pine trees. The rest is small brush. Note the leaning red pine tree with a "scar" running up the trunk. Be on the lookout as it will show up in photos from future years. |
| 1940: Sixteen years later a thick young forest of jack and red pine has become established. Can you find the red pine tree with the scar? | 1984: The forest is 60 years old and has become thick and shady. It's time to thin the forest to help the trees grow. |
| 1990: Some of the trees have been harvested from the 66-year-old forest. The remaining trees grow bigger because they don't have as much competition for sunlight, water and nutrients. | 2012: 88 years later the mature trees on the right side of the road have been harvested and the area has been replanted. |
