Why Manage Your Forest Lands?

Forests cover about 52 % of the State of Michigan, providing numerous benefits for wildlife, recreation, the environment, the timber production industry, and the forest product industry. Private ownership accounts for 55% of the total forest area in the state, making individual landowners such as yourself, the key in creating new and healthy forests.

Many private forests are poorly managed, and are producing at 1/2 or less their potential. These forests can create more of an environmental problem than a solution if they continue to be poorly managed. The following is an overview of some of the tremendous benefits of managing your timber lands using our proven methods:

Wildlife Habitat Improvement:
Overcrowded forests block the sun, inhibiting the growth of ground cover and food sources that wildlife, such as deer, need for food and cover.

Environmental Benefits:
By removing low quality trees, growth will be Concentrated on higher quality trees which will grow faster and provide environmental benefits, such as cleaner air. Strategically placed buffer zones (groups of trees) near streams and wetlands can filter runoff and remove pollutants, and the ground cover the trees provide cools streams, improving fish habitat.

Recreation Benefits:
Along with all the wildlife and hunting benefits, many other recreational benefits exist. One example is that the use of the skid road made & used by the harvesting operation can later be converted into hiking or ski trails for your further enjoyment.

Income Benefits:
A better managed forest leads to more money for you, the landowner. Higher quality trees of desired species can appreciate in value at rates up to 20% per year.