Habitat Restoration - Forests
Hitting a Snag
There is "life in dead wood." Retaining some logs and standing dead trees (snags) after logging operations provides habitat for a wide variety of birds and small mammals.
In northern Michigan, maintaining at least four potential den trees or snags per benefits many species of wildlife. Trees 12 inches in diameter or larger are preferred for use as snags.
In the past, forested stands, especially red pine plantations, were managed with only timber products in mind. Deformed, cavity-producing trees were removed and the resulting forests or plantations were left largely devoid of dead wood and dying trees. This resulted in loss of habitat for woodpeckers, nuthatches, squirrels, and many other animals which use cavities for nesting, or feed on the insects that infest dying trees.
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There is "life in dead wood." Retaining some logs and standing dead trees (snags) after logging operations provides habitat for a wide variety of birds and small mammals.
In northern Michigan, maintaining at least four potential den trees or snags per benefits many species of wildlife. Trees 12 inches in diameter or larger are preferred for use as snags.
In the past, forested stands, especially red pine plantations, were managed with only timber products in mind. Deformed, cavity-producing trees were removed and the resulting forests or plantations were left largely devoid of dead wood and dying trees. This resulted in loss of habitat for woodpeckers, nuthatches, squirrels, and many other animals which use cavities for nesting, or feed on the insects that infest dying trees.
[Return to Habitat Restoration Page]