Let me try and respond to several of the questions that have come up in the latest round of discussion.
1) The Beaver Island Conservation Club is a member of the MUCC. We have met with Erin McDonough on several occasion and will be meeting with her and Russ Mason (DNRE - Wildlife Chief) later this month. We believe our association with the MUCC and our relationship with Erin will help bring additional assets and focus to the island. Both Erin and Russ will be visiting the island on the weekend of March 6th largely to discuss the potential for QDM on the island.
2) With regards to CWD. There is absolutely no evidence linking QDM practices with CWD. One of the benefits of QDM is that we manage the herd so that it does not overpopulate and is in good health. Keeping the heard healthy and avoiding overpopulation are two of the best ways to keep disease from being transferred from animal to animal. If CWD is a concern to anyone I urge them to plant food plots instead of putting out piles of food for deer. This has two benefits. It keeps the animals separated while they feed reducing the chance of disease being passed, and it provides more food per acre. If we put our efforts into food plots instead of protesting DNR rulings on baiting it would be more beneficial for the island.
3) The BICC supports scientific forest management for wildlife management. The BICC also recognizes the importance that the forest plays both for economics and recreation on the island. Their is certainly a balance that can be struck to support all of these goals. They are not mutually exclusive. Every type of forestry practice may be employed based on the forest type, location, age, ect. To rule one type out completely or to embrace only one management technique would be to embrace a poor and narrow view of the situation. The BICC wants to consult with professional forest managers familar with Northern MI to help adjust and implement the DNRs plans that are already on the book.
I am happy to continue to answer any questions related to QDM and hope everyone will bring them out to the QDM public meeting in March. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
Introducing the Beaver Island Conservation Club
Moderator: Gillespie
Edgar Johnson wrote:gavin.west wrote:
Edgar Johnson wrote:
First off Gavin I'm not prone to taking parts of someones posts out of context, but I got to answer the other part, before my wife dragged me to a play the other night.
Gavin West wrote:
In fact, just yesterday the Michigan DNRE announced an agreement with the Quality Deer Management Associating advocating QDM in Michigan. With Michigan fear of CWD so strong that it outlawed baiting, would they have signed an agreement advocating QDM if they had any fear of it contribution to CWD? I think not, and I think your fear unfounded.
Edgar Johnson wrote:
Well, Gavin this is the same DNRE that allowed baiting for how many decades, and (still) allows it in part of the state. It's really quite difficult to tell what they might do. They might let us do it on the island because it's not attached to the state?
Personally I don't see any reason a food plot would cause disease transmission. The only thing that ever crossed my mind is the prions living in the dirt for years.
With those prions living for years like they do, normaly oaks and other mast trees and forage have years they're good and a couple
bad. Farmers rotate the crops they plant, so in both cases the deer are distributed.
I don't see that happening on a lot of the food plots I have seen. The same spots have deer unmolested eating nose to nose day and night. Waste tilled right back in and another rack building crop on the way.
Gavin West wrote:
Second, to answer your question regarding Trophies. QDM improves the age and sex structure of the herd. It also focuses on keeping the herd at or below carrying capacity and providing them all the forage they need. Though it is not the goal of QDM to produce trophies, by creating mature healthy deer you naturally get a lot of trophy animals. If implemented properly it can certainly help put Beaver Island "on the map" as a top deer hunting destination in the state. That can only have positive economic effects on the island and its residents.
I always hear that QDMA isnt about racks, from members and maybe the core organization is not. However I've seen and talked to the folks with the QDMA bumper stickers in their windows, at the restaurant, the archery range, in the blogs.
I talk to the guys in camp and at work and the guys that are in QDM for the horns sure seem to be outwieghing the healthy deer folk. Also some of these people are useing QDMA ideas such as plots, to increase carrying capacity of their property (way above goal).
Obviously these things can and do cause problems such as car deer accidents. It only takes one place like this to cost an officer or mom their life in an accident. One of the things noted about the location of the first 3 positive CWD's in Wild deer out of Wisconsin was a high density of deer.
I'm really trying to be respectful, but the individualism that is allowed in this management could end up costing us our herd.
Last edited by edgar on Thu Feb 11, 2010 6:51 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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gavin.west
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:56 pm
Edgar,
Let me respond to a couple of your points. If anyone examines what youâ??re saying I think they will find your logic unsound.
1) With regards to deer car accidents. The biggest cause of deer / car accidents if an overpopulation of deer. It follows that if you have a lot of deer you are going to have more accidents. One of the most important parts of QDM is the concept of "carry capacity". Carrying Capacity is the number of deer for a given area based on the food supply. On the island we routinely go above carrying capacity and then have an associated die off as much of the forage is destroyed and deer subsequently die during the winter. QDM allows us to manage the herd, and keep it at or below carrying capacity. This allows us to avoid the overpopulation, subsequent die off...AND....the deer car accidents that you talk about. Additionally, I donâ??t think deer / car accidents have ever caused a fatality on the island - we generally drive slow enough to reduce the chances of deer / vehicle collision.
2) With regards to disease. Again, I sight the DNRE endorsement of QDM. If QDM was a vector for disease transmission I donâ??t believe the DNRE would be endorsing it. Second, common sense dictates that if we plant crops and keep deer separate while feeding, they are less likely to transmit any disease. Third, CWD does not exist on Beaver Island. The only location in MI where it exists was a â??game farmâ? that had deer imported into it. Fourth, I agree that Overpopulation can be a cause of disease transmission. I refer you to the above discussion regarding CARRYING CAPACITY, and will tell you that our plan will actually help reduce that chance.
3) If people are using food plots solely to increase the total number of deer, then they are not following QDM. QDM preaches balance....in herd ratio, total population, doe to buck ratios, ect.... No one in the BICC is advocating developing the herd beyond Carrying Capacity. You may have spoken to other people who have different feeling at the "archery shop, on the blog" or anywhere else you noted, but I assure you we donâ??t believe that. Improved racks are a natural consequence of the actions we want to take, but not the sole goal of the program. Furthermore, all of our literature, the website, the QDMA speak who is coming to the island on the 6th of March, Russ Mason, and everyone else we are coordinating with will tell you the same thing. So, instead of relying on some unnamed blogger, perhaps you should read the articles we have posted on our website.
4) Speaking of unnamed bloggers....who are you? Most of us on this forum have long standing ties to the island and are not afraid to post our names. As Richie points out I donâ??t think any of us are familiar with an "Edgar". I always find that the power of ones words are multiplied when they have the conviction to stand behind them. Perhaps if you shared your name with us we could be a better judge of your motives
Let me respond to a couple of your points. If anyone examines what youâ??re saying I think they will find your logic unsound.
1) With regards to deer car accidents. The biggest cause of deer / car accidents if an overpopulation of deer. It follows that if you have a lot of deer you are going to have more accidents. One of the most important parts of QDM is the concept of "carry capacity". Carrying Capacity is the number of deer for a given area based on the food supply. On the island we routinely go above carrying capacity and then have an associated die off as much of the forage is destroyed and deer subsequently die during the winter. QDM allows us to manage the herd, and keep it at or below carrying capacity. This allows us to avoid the overpopulation, subsequent die off...AND....the deer car accidents that you talk about. Additionally, I donâ??t think deer / car accidents have ever caused a fatality on the island - we generally drive slow enough to reduce the chances of deer / vehicle collision.
2) With regards to disease. Again, I sight the DNRE endorsement of QDM. If QDM was a vector for disease transmission I donâ??t believe the DNRE would be endorsing it. Second, common sense dictates that if we plant crops and keep deer separate while feeding, they are less likely to transmit any disease. Third, CWD does not exist on Beaver Island. The only location in MI where it exists was a â??game farmâ? that had deer imported into it. Fourth, I agree that Overpopulation can be a cause of disease transmission. I refer you to the above discussion regarding CARRYING CAPACITY, and will tell you that our plan will actually help reduce that chance.
3) If people are using food plots solely to increase the total number of deer, then they are not following QDM. QDM preaches balance....in herd ratio, total population, doe to buck ratios, ect.... No one in the BICC is advocating developing the herd beyond Carrying Capacity. You may have spoken to other people who have different feeling at the "archery shop, on the blog" or anywhere else you noted, but I assure you we donâ??t believe that. Improved racks are a natural consequence of the actions we want to take, but not the sole goal of the program. Furthermore, all of our literature, the website, the QDMA speak who is coming to the island on the 6th of March, Russ Mason, and everyone else we are coordinating with will tell you the same thing. So, instead of relying on some unnamed blogger, perhaps you should read the articles we have posted on our website.
4) Speaking of unnamed bloggers....who are you? Most of us on this forum have long standing ties to the island and are not afraid to post our names. As Richie points out I donâ??t think any of us are familiar with an "Edgar". I always find that the power of ones words are multiplied when they have the conviction to stand behind them. Perhaps if you shared your name with us we could be a better judge of your motives
A Different Acronym please
I get it when you use QDM. I know what that means.
I know that this will seem petty to some, but Beaver Island already has too many BICC's and this request does not seem to me to be very difficult to accomplish. Beaver Island has the Catholic Church, the Christian Church, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Center, and the Conservation Club.
This makes five BICC's, and to avoid confusion, can the Conservation Club refer to itself as the Conservation Club instead of BICC? So is the BICC going to meet at the BICC?
Joe Moore, BINN, VIDIOT, EMT-P, IC, BA, BS, AS, and others
I know that this will seem petty to some, but Beaver Island already has too many BICC's and this request does not seem to me to be very difficult to accomplish. Beaver Island has the Catholic Church, the Christian Church, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Center, and the Conservation Club.
This makes five BICC's, and to avoid confusion, can the Conservation Club refer to itself as the Conservation Club instead of BICC? So is the BICC going to meet at the BICC?
Joe Moore, BINN, VIDIOT, EMT-P, IC, BA, BS, AS, and others
Edgar Johnson wrote:Gillespie wrote:OK, Edgar, you have lots of "information" but you are unknown and are throwing spitballs however small. I note as a moderator where your messages originate and would rather not gong you but you should either identify yourself or delete your posts. Fair is fair.
Not trying to hide anything Gillespie, your profile screen had no place to enter a name.
My name is Edgar Johnson and I visit the Island when time permits. I have not thrown any spitballs, just straight fastballs, maybe a cutter, they are legal.
I think the Island is a beautiful resource, with great potential, and want nothing but the best for it. It was my understanding this forum was for residents, visitors and folks that had interest in what was happening on the Island.
I've had a deep attachment to the enviorment and wildlife here in Michigan for almost half a century now. Beyond the hunting, and financial aspect, I genuinely care about it's future.
I was just trying to make sure that the residents were made aware of some of the concerns I've heard about with a management system their considering for the Island.
I can tell my presence here is causing conflict, so I will leave. The information is all there to back up everything I've said, just look
. I personally don't believe censorship (however slight or heavy handed) is what is in the Islands interest, however.
Last edited by edgar on Thu Feb 11, 2010 6:54 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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gavin.west
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:56 pm
Joe,
We dont care what you call us, we just want to get our wildlife management initiatives accomplished. Feel free to refer to us as the Conservation Club, if it makes you happy.
I think most people can figure out what organization is in question based on the context....I dont think Father Pat is confused by this thread of discussion.
And please, come see us at the BICC on the 6th for our PUBLIC meeting.
Gavin
We dont care what you call us, we just want to get our wildlife management initiatives accomplished. Feel free to refer to us as the Conservation Club, if it makes you happy.
I think most people can figure out what organization is in question based on the context....I dont think Father Pat is confused by this thread of discussion.
And please, come see us at the BICC on the 6th for our PUBLIC meeting.
Gavin
Edgar,edgar wrote:Not trying to hide anything Gillespie, your profile screen had no place to enter a name.Gillespie wrote:OK, Edgar, you have lots of "information" but you are unknown and are throwing spitballs however small. I note as a moderator where your messages originate and would rather not gong you but you should either identify yourself or delete your posts. Fair is fair.
My name is Edgar Johnson and I visit the Island when time permits. I have not thrown any spitballs, just straight fastballs, maybe a cutter, they are legal.
I think the Island is a beautiful resource, with great potential, and want nothing but the best for it. It was my understanding this forum was for residents, visitors and folks that had interest in what was happening on the Island.
I've had a deep attachment to the enviorment and wildlife here in Michigan for almost half a century now. Beyond the hunting, and financial aspect, I genuinely care about it's future.
I was just trying to make sure that the residents were made aware of some of the concerns I've heard about with a management system their considering for the Island.
I can tell my presence here is causing conflict, so I will leave. The information is all there to back up everything I've said, just look
I have no doubt that you care for the island and the wildlife on it. The problems with these debates is they often fall into "I feel" and "I heard" or "A friend of a friend told me". Most people that are anti-QDM, anti scientific forest management are doing so because of feelings and emotions as opposed to real data. I have a business partner who lives in Montcalm County. He and all his neighbors have done QDM and food plots for about 7 years now and they all kill big 8 points or better each year. They see a ton of deer while out hunting and a ton of bucks. His kids are really into deer hunting because of the quality experience they have.
I am sure that all the QDM folks up on the island would gladly put their money where their mouth is. Why not try it for 10 years and see what happens. We've tried nothing for 70 years and all it seems to produce is weakened deer going into winter and an uneven population of bucks to does.
I think public debate on topics like these are healthy and will hopefully lead to a fully informed public but, I to agree that with a small community like Beaver Island it's only fair to say who you are.
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Keith Szczepanski
- Posts: 35
- Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2009 1:17 pm
- Location: Lansing,MI
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gavin.west
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:56 pm
Keith,
Fair question.
First, are working with some of the best and brightest wildlife managers on the forefront of science. That is exactly why we are bringing a professional wildlife manager and Regional Director for QDMA to speak on the island. He is, by far, one of the leading authorities on the subject and is working with us to educate, inform, and construct a tailored plan for the island. Second, for each of our initiatives we have identified and / or will identified the best professional manager on that subject. For instance, I just had the first of many meetings with Bryan Burroughs, PHD in Fisheries, and head of Michigan Trout Unlimited. He will help guide us in constructing a policy for Brown Trout and Steelhead in the archipelago. So, as you can see we are not solely relying on our own education or experience, but seeking TRUE EXPERTISE in the area to guide us, educated all on the island, and help us implement a comprehensive plan.
Second, with regards to our academic pedigrees. I have a BS from the United States Naval Academy, and a MS from Johns Hopkins University. Neither is in Wildlife Management, however, I think it shows you my intellectual curiosity. Most of that curiosity is focused on Wildlife and Fisheries Management. I, as well as the other founders, read and study this material voraciously. I am also a member of Trout Unlimited, The Ruffed Grouse Society, QDMA, Federation of Fly Fishers, MUCC, Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and several other organizations. This helps provide us access to their educational materials and personnel as well. All have professional wildlife managers who we interact with regularly.
I think the combination is pretty good - we are very motivated to improve things and pretty good at using resources to get them done. Hope that answered your question.
Fair question.
First, are working with some of the best and brightest wildlife managers on the forefront of science. That is exactly why we are bringing a professional wildlife manager and Regional Director for QDMA to speak on the island. He is, by far, one of the leading authorities on the subject and is working with us to educate, inform, and construct a tailored plan for the island. Second, for each of our initiatives we have identified and / or will identified the best professional manager on that subject. For instance, I just had the first of many meetings with Bryan Burroughs, PHD in Fisheries, and head of Michigan Trout Unlimited. He will help guide us in constructing a policy for Brown Trout and Steelhead in the archipelago. So, as you can see we are not solely relying on our own education or experience, but seeking TRUE EXPERTISE in the area to guide us, educated all on the island, and help us implement a comprehensive plan.
Second, with regards to our academic pedigrees. I have a BS from the United States Naval Academy, and a MS from Johns Hopkins University. Neither is in Wildlife Management, however, I think it shows you my intellectual curiosity. Most of that curiosity is focused on Wildlife and Fisheries Management. I, as well as the other founders, read and study this material voraciously. I am also a member of Trout Unlimited, The Ruffed Grouse Society, QDMA, Federation of Fly Fishers, MUCC, Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and several other organizations. This helps provide us access to their educational materials and personnel as well. All have professional wildlife managers who we interact with regularly.
I think the combination is pretty good - we are very motivated to improve things and pretty good at using resources to get them done. Hope that answered your question.
Keith,
I would like to expand on what Gavin said. First I would like to assure you that neither, Gavin, Jared, or I are under any sort of illusion that we have all the answers to conservation management. Our careers and education have however given us the ability to effectively manage people and projects on a large scale. Personally, I have managed multimillion dollar engineering projects for a number of years. Gavin has effectively managed numbers of troops and logistics for the Marine Corps, and Jaredâ??s sales and personal skills have allowed him to stay within the top salespeople of his company. We all feel passionately that the previously mentioned skills will allow us to bring the most knowledgeable professionals in wildlife, fisheries and forest management together for the betterment of the resources on the island. We also have a deep belief that wisdom and understanding can only come from a perpetual commitment to reading and learning. This is the basis of why we will work hard to find the best professionals and reading materials available on each of our initiatives. With quality information everybody interested can make their own informed decisions on how to help us move forward towards our goals.
Hope this helps.
Todd
I would like to expand on what Gavin said. First I would like to assure you that neither, Gavin, Jared, or I are under any sort of illusion that we have all the answers to conservation management. Our careers and education have however given us the ability to effectively manage people and projects on a large scale. Personally, I have managed multimillion dollar engineering projects for a number of years. Gavin has effectively managed numbers of troops and logistics for the Marine Corps, and Jaredâ??s sales and personal skills have allowed him to stay within the top salespeople of his company. We all feel passionately that the previously mentioned skills will allow us to bring the most knowledgeable professionals in wildlife, fisheries and forest management together for the betterment of the resources on the island. We also have a deep belief that wisdom and understanding can only come from a perpetual commitment to reading and learning. This is the basis of why we will work hard to find the best professionals and reading materials available on each of our initiatives. With quality information everybody interested can make their own informed decisions on how to help us move forward towards our goals.
Hope this helps.
Todd
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kerriegillespie
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Sun May 04, 2008 5:04 am
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
It seems the Conservation Club is and has been "under fire," so to speak, ever since they formed an official club. I am hopeful that the project managers are able to sustain their motivation for this long-term journey as they are bombarded with questions. It is useful, when paired with good intentions, to be critical of the unknown---that's how you learn, gain insight, become aware of flaws, and consider things maybe you hadn't yet thought of.
BUT, i also think people need to just chill out a little bit. This is going to be one of those "wait and see" kind of risks. We'll never know the benefits (or the costs, for that matter) until we actually try QDM and similar strategies. If the risks start to appear, then the strategy should be re-evaluated and potentially terminated.
I think people are scared that once this project starts there will be no turning back and no way to fight the mighty BI Conservation Club or something. If it hasn't been done already, perhaps building some sort of public voting system into the structure of the club will ease tension and increase support. Once QDM has been practiced for a few years, this would allow the public to assess the progress (or lack thereof) of QDM, and vote on whether or not the people of the island wish for it to continue.
It IS our home and those that live there, grew up there, or visit regularly ARE responsible for the quality of the environment------- or the natural aspects that are possible to manage at least. My opinion, of course.
Jared, Todd, and Gavin won't reap any major individual benefits from this non-profit that Iâ??m aware of-----other than the personal benefits they define for themselves. You can oftentimes make many more accurate judgments on the integrity and genuine intention of an organization, or individual, by being informed of what benefits they could reap had things gone their way. Assuming Iâ??m right that there are no hidden agendas, I believe us to be in safe hands here as far as conservation efforts go.
BUT, i also think people need to just chill out a little bit. This is going to be one of those "wait and see" kind of risks. We'll never know the benefits (or the costs, for that matter) until we actually try QDM and similar strategies. If the risks start to appear, then the strategy should be re-evaluated and potentially terminated.
I think people are scared that once this project starts there will be no turning back and no way to fight the mighty BI Conservation Club or something. If it hasn't been done already, perhaps building some sort of public voting system into the structure of the club will ease tension and increase support. Once QDM has been practiced for a few years, this would allow the public to assess the progress (or lack thereof) of QDM, and vote on whether or not the people of the island wish for it to continue.
It IS our home and those that live there, grew up there, or visit regularly ARE responsible for the quality of the environment------- or the natural aspects that are possible to manage at least. My opinion, of course.
Jared, Todd, and Gavin won't reap any major individual benefits from this non-profit that Iâ??m aware of-----other than the personal benefits they define for themselves. You can oftentimes make many more accurate judgments on the integrity and genuine intention of an organization, or individual, by being informed of what benefits they could reap had things gone their way. Assuming Iâ??m right that there are no hidden agendas, I believe us to be in safe hands here as far as conservation efforts go.
Kerrie Consuela Gillespie
"At the end of the day, who you are is completely up to you."
"At the end of the day, who you are is completely up to you."
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gavin.west
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:56 pm
We invite everyone on the island to join the club and have a voice in it. As we move forward we will be haivng regular meeting open to all members to bring forth ideas and have a voice. The first is obviously our meeting on the 6th of March. Please visit the website at www.beaverislandconservation.org to join.
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Jon Livingston
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Sat Aug 15, 2009 6:21 pm
Beaver Island "News on the 'Net" has a very interesting article about clear cutting forests and deer management. It addresses managing natural resources and the impact on the total ecosystem. What is the official position of the new Beaver Island Conservation Club on clear cutting in a beech/maple forest as an impact on conservation and managing natural resources?
I can remember driving down the Westside Road "Natural Beauty Trail" and rarely seeing the sun break through the canopy of trees until reaching Iron Oar Bay. Last summer in driving that road we rounded several bends to see not only glaring sunlight but the long term scars of forest clear cutting with its ugly debris field left behind.
I'm afraid the beauty of the road I remember will not be there for my children and grandchildren to enjoy. Will the Conservation Club take a position on preserving all of the island's natural resources and beauty or will it be narrowly focused only on game animal management? I would encourage a wide spectrum of conservation that will appeal to all those who love and appreciate nature beyond hunting and fishing.
This might be a good topic of public interest to put on the March meeting's agenda.
Jon
I can remember driving down the Westside Road "Natural Beauty Trail" and rarely seeing the sun break through the canopy of trees until reaching Iron Oar Bay. Last summer in driving that road we rounded several bends to see not only glaring sunlight but the long term scars of forest clear cutting with its ugly debris field left behind.
I'm afraid the beauty of the road I remember will not be there for my children and grandchildren to enjoy. Will the Conservation Club take a position on preserving all of the island's natural resources and beauty or will it be narrowly focused only on game animal management? I would encourage a wide spectrum of conservation that will appeal to all those who love and appreciate nature beyond hunting and fishing.
This might be a good topic of public interest to put on the March meeting's agenda.
Jon
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gavin.west
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:56 pm
Mr. Livingston,
Here is another opion on island Forest Management that advocates a more BALANCED and COMPREHENSIVE approach to it. When managing a forest for its longevity we need to examine all types of forest management. TO BE CLEAR the Beaver Island Conservation Club is not in favor of large tracts of clear cuts, but we do want to see all variety of forest from young to mature on the island. Like you, I enjoy driving on west side drive and seeing mature tall Maple and Oaks. I also enjoy a young aspen stand in the fall. On the 35,000 Acres that is Beaver Island I think we have room for both. Furthermore, as the below PHDs indicate, we can ensure a larger variety of animials by ensuring a mix of forest. Their are multiple methods to ensure forest regeneration in additon to clear cut. We are on our way to creating a Comprehensive Management Plan to adress all needs of the widlife ( game and otherwise) on the island, and seek input from the DNR, Townships, islanders ect..... just like we are now with QDM, we are attempt to engage the public in all of the process and discussion. Islanders, choosing for the island.
The below is in reference to Eric Myers piece regarding Forest Management within the Beach / Mapple froests on the island.
More on Habitat Management
(from email)
Regarding the forwarded email. I am not sure what context or discussion this email was taken from or where it was intended to go in its final format. I agree with some of what is written in the email regarding management. I agree that clear beech-sugar maple forests is generally a poor idea, especially the few remaining stands that contain the suite of late succession species and a complex forest structure and stands that are â??on the cuspâ? of this succession stage. That said, eliminating clear in general is not a good idea and there may even be times when clearcutting a specific northern hardwoods stand is the appropriate management activity. Here are my thoughts backing up this statement in no particular order. Please see the attached article for a much more eloquent and well organized argument supporting clear cutting as a tool in forest management.
I think that clearcutting has been given a bad rap in the forwarded email. The diversity and productivity of an even aged forest stand (aspen, alder, hardwoods, etc.) can be very high. There are many species of birds that breed only in these types of stands, many of which are attractive to bird watchers in their own right. From my experience bird watchers like seeing lots of birds and adding them to their lists, having a diversity of habitats attracts a diversity of bird species, thus shouldnâ??t it be true that maintaining diverse habitats on the island would attract the most bird watchers and their dollars?
In the Technical Guide to Forest Wildlife Habitat Management in New England edited by DeGraaf, Yamasaki, Leak, and Lester (all researchers at the USFS Northeastern Research Station) they list 13 bird species that occupy a clearcut hardwood forest in the first 1-3 years after it is cut but disappear from the forest once it reaches 7-15 years in age (or less). They list 149 species of mammals, amphibian, birds, and herps that are associated with clearcut hardwoods and aspen/birch forests. They also list 118 species that are associated with closed canopy northern hardwood stands that receive no treatment. Many, but not all, of the species listed use both habitats. Is one habitat â??betterâ? than the otherâ?¦of course not. There are many species of wildlife in northern Michigan that require different habitats. To treat one type of habitat as preferred eliminates species that require other types of habitat. What will come of the American woodcock, chestnut-sided warblers, golden-winged warblers, and ruffed grouse, to name a few, if early successional forest is eliminated or drastically reduced on Beaver Island? If clearcutting is taken off the table as a management option then maintaining early successional habitat will be totally dependent on natural events such as tornados, insect infestations, and fires. These natural events have been present on Beaver Island since the glaciers receded and have frequently reduced old growth northern hardwood stands to piles of wood and stumps surrounded by open sky and thus making room for the successional cycle to begin again. Do these events occur frequently enough on the island to provide habitat for the species that need it? Iâ??m not sure but I doubt it.
Snags and other course woody debris can, and should, be maintained in any clearcut to address the habitat and ecosystems needs pointed out in the email. This material functions just like the dead wood in the beech-maple forest mentioned in the email. In the aspen regeneration cuts we perform we maintain all standing dead trees, create them if there are too few, and always leave a portion of the cut to rot on the ground (never in large piles). All tops are left on the site as well and are sometimes formed into loose brush piles for wildlife habitat.
Initially, these clearcuts are visually unappealing. But, given the few short years they need to regenerate they can become quite beautiful. I think many people find the sight of trembling aspen leaves in the summer or the golden yellow aspen stand in the fall aesthetically appealing. Think of Colorado in the fall (minus the mountains of course). I think these forests are some of the most beautiful places to be in the fall in northern Michigan. If I get to drive past or through a northern hardwood stand in its full autumn glory, even better. It is the diversity of the landscape that can make it beautiful AND support healthy wildlife populations. For example, white-tailed deer will browse young aspen in a clearcut and bed in a dense protected cedar grove. In the spring does will hide their fawns in dense aspens or thick grassy areas. Fall will often find them searching for acorns and beech nuts in the beech-maple forests. A ruffed grouseâ??s diet is primarily large aspen buds in the winter found on old aspen trees, usually near an area with dense conifers used for cover. In spring they will use the dense early successional forest for nesting and protecting their broods. When autumn rolls around they are searching out areas with soft and hard mast. What is initially visually unappealing becomes beautiful and turns into fantastic wildlife habitat REQUIRED by many species of wildlife at various times of the year.
The pre European settlement maps of Michigan are only one snapshot in time. It would be reckless to try to mimic this habitat composition as the end all be all of the archipelago ecosystem. They do give us a good idea of what ecosystems were present on the island but they do not tell us much about what was there 100, 500 or even a 1000 years before that. Perhaps there was a large tornado that went through the island creating huge aspen stands and tremendous amounts of downed wood that increased subsequent fire intensities. Maybe the surveyors in the 1800â??s were not as interested in the aspen or found it a poor use of time to document the numerous small stands created by fires or tornados. The data in these maps is fascinating and can be used for very rough management planning but in the end is a bit course to make fine tuned stand level decisions.
To directly address a statement in the email, I am suggesting that a forest management plan be put in place that includes rotational clearcuts for appropriate species (aspen, alder, possibly some hardwood stands), on a time frame that is appropriate to the species in question. These cuts should be done on soils without steep slopes and follow all other BMPâ??s to reduce erosion and impacts on adjacent water quality. Snags and course woody debris should be maintained; soft and hard mast species (i.e., nannyberry, hawthorns) should not be damaged during the cuts and planted as needed. Cuts should only be made during the dormant season to reduce erosion, avoid most wildlife breeding periods, and promote the best regeneration. Adjacent sites should be planted with a diverse mix of soft and hard mast species to replace the mast lost as beech bark disease moves through the island. I am by no means suggesting that all forest stands need to be clearcut or put into a cutting rotation. The goal is to maintain habitat and species diversity. Keeping early successional habitat in place on the island is vital to achieving this goal. It will also give private landowners a valuable source of income and possibly an incentive to not parcel up their undeveloped property.
In closing, properly performed and planned clearcuts with maintaining wildlife habitat as the main goal can replicate the natural disturbances that have been occurring on the island for millennia and will not increase soil erosion, invasive species, or fire risks. They will help maintain vital forest and shrub habitat that is used by numerous species of wildlife and, in conjunction with the preservation of late successional beech-maple stands, lead to a diverse and healthy ecosystem on Beaver Island. The Conservation Resource Alliance strongly suggests that responsible and well planned clear cutting to maintain early successional habitat be included in any future Beaver Island management planning.
Best Regards,
Eric J. Ellis
Biologist/Manager
Wild Link Program
(231) 946-6817
Eric@rivercare.org
I very much agree with Eric. Too often we forget about the natural and necessary successional reset mechanisms, such as fire, that we have eliminated and artificially allowed these systems to reach climax, ultimately loosing ecosystem structure and function.--Don
Dr. Donald G. Uzarski
Director of CMU Biological Station
Director of Great Lakes and Environmental Research
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
Central Michigan University
Brooks 156
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Here is another opion on island Forest Management that advocates a more BALANCED and COMPREHENSIVE approach to it. When managing a forest for its longevity we need to examine all types of forest management. TO BE CLEAR the Beaver Island Conservation Club is not in favor of large tracts of clear cuts, but we do want to see all variety of forest from young to mature on the island. Like you, I enjoy driving on west side drive and seeing mature tall Maple and Oaks. I also enjoy a young aspen stand in the fall. On the 35,000 Acres that is Beaver Island I think we have room for both. Furthermore, as the below PHDs indicate, we can ensure a larger variety of animials by ensuring a mix of forest. Their are multiple methods to ensure forest regeneration in additon to clear cut. We are on our way to creating a Comprehensive Management Plan to adress all needs of the widlife ( game and otherwise) on the island, and seek input from the DNR, Townships, islanders ect..... just like we are now with QDM, we are attempt to engage the public in all of the process and discussion. Islanders, choosing for the island.
The below is in reference to Eric Myers piece regarding Forest Management within the Beach / Mapple froests on the island.
More on Habitat Management
(from email)
Regarding the forwarded email. I am not sure what context or discussion this email was taken from or where it was intended to go in its final format. I agree with some of what is written in the email regarding management. I agree that clear beech-sugar maple forests is generally a poor idea, especially the few remaining stands that contain the suite of late succession species and a complex forest structure and stands that are â??on the cuspâ? of this succession stage. That said, eliminating clear in general is not a good idea and there may even be times when clearcutting a specific northern hardwoods stand is the appropriate management activity. Here are my thoughts backing up this statement in no particular order. Please see the attached article for a much more eloquent and well organized argument supporting clear cutting as a tool in forest management.
I think that clearcutting has been given a bad rap in the forwarded email. The diversity and productivity of an even aged forest stand (aspen, alder, hardwoods, etc.) can be very high. There are many species of birds that breed only in these types of stands, many of which are attractive to bird watchers in their own right. From my experience bird watchers like seeing lots of birds and adding them to their lists, having a diversity of habitats attracts a diversity of bird species, thus shouldnâ??t it be true that maintaining diverse habitats on the island would attract the most bird watchers and their dollars?
In the Technical Guide to Forest Wildlife Habitat Management in New England edited by DeGraaf, Yamasaki, Leak, and Lester (all researchers at the USFS Northeastern Research Station) they list 13 bird species that occupy a clearcut hardwood forest in the first 1-3 years after it is cut but disappear from the forest once it reaches 7-15 years in age (or less). They list 149 species of mammals, amphibian, birds, and herps that are associated with clearcut hardwoods and aspen/birch forests. They also list 118 species that are associated with closed canopy northern hardwood stands that receive no treatment. Many, but not all, of the species listed use both habitats. Is one habitat â??betterâ? than the otherâ?¦of course not. There are many species of wildlife in northern Michigan that require different habitats. To treat one type of habitat as preferred eliminates species that require other types of habitat. What will come of the American woodcock, chestnut-sided warblers, golden-winged warblers, and ruffed grouse, to name a few, if early successional forest is eliminated or drastically reduced on Beaver Island? If clearcutting is taken off the table as a management option then maintaining early successional habitat will be totally dependent on natural events such as tornados, insect infestations, and fires. These natural events have been present on Beaver Island since the glaciers receded and have frequently reduced old growth northern hardwood stands to piles of wood and stumps surrounded by open sky and thus making room for the successional cycle to begin again. Do these events occur frequently enough on the island to provide habitat for the species that need it? Iâ??m not sure but I doubt it.
Snags and other course woody debris can, and should, be maintained in any clearcut to address the habitat and ecosystems needs pointed out in the email. This material functions just like the dead wood in the beech-maple forest mentioned in the email. In the aspen regeneration cuts we perform we maintain all standing dead trees, create them if there are too few, and always leave a portion of the cut to rot on the ground (never in large piles). All tops are left on the site as well and are sometimes formed into loose brush piles for wildlife habitat.
Initially, these clearcuts are visually unappealing. But, given the few short years they need to regenerate they can become quite beautiful. I think many people find the sight of trembling aspen leaves in the summer or the golden yellow aspen stand in the fall aesthetically appealing. Think of Colorado in the fall (minus the mountains of course). I think these forests are some of the most beautiful places to be in the fall in northern Michigan. If I get to drive past or through a northern hardwood stand in its full autumn glory, even better. It is the diversity of the landscape that can make it beautiful AND support healthy wildlife populations. For example, white-tailed deer will browse young aspen in a clearcut and bed in a dense protected cedar grove. In the spring does will hide their fawns in dense aspens or thick grassy areas. Fall will often find them searching for acorns and beech nuts in the beech-maple forests. A ruffed grouseâ??s diet is primarily large aspen buds in the winter found on old aspen trees, usually near an area with dense conifers used for cover. In spring they will use the dense early successional forest for nesting and protecting their broods. When autumn rolls around they are searching out areas with soft and hard mast. What is initially visually unappealing becomes beautiful and turns into fantastic wildlife habitat REQUIRED by many species of wildlife at various times of the year.
The pre European settlement maps of Michigan are only one snapshot in time. It would be reckless to try to mimic this habitat composition as the end all be all of the archipelago ecosystem. They do give us a good idea of what ecosystems were present on the island but they do not tell us much about what was there 100, 500 or even a 1000 years before that. Perhaps there was a large tornado that went through the island creating huge aspen stands and tremendous amounts of downed wood that increased subsequent fire intensities. Maybe the surveyors in the 1800â??s were not as interested in the aspen or found it a poor use of time to document the numerous small stands created by fires or tornados. The data in these maps is fascinating and can be used for very rough management planning but in the end is a bit course to make fine tuned stand level decisions.
To directly address a statement in the email, I am suggesting that a forest management plan be put in place that includes rotational clearcuts for appropriate species (aspen, alder, possibly some hardwood stands), on a time frame that is appropriate to the species in question. These cuts should be done on soils without steep slopes and follow all other BMPâ??s to reduce erosion and impacts on adjacent water quality. Snags and course woody debris should be maintained; soft and hard mast species (i.e., nannyberry, hawthorns) should not be damaged during the cuts and planted as needed. Cuts should only be made during the dormant season to reduce erosion, avoid most wildlife breeding periods, and promote the best regeneration. Adjacent sites should be planted with a diverse mix of soft and hard mast species to replace the mast lost as beech bark disease moves through the island. I am by no means suggesting that all forest stands need to be clearcut or put into a cutting rotation. The goal is to maintain habitat and species diversity. Keeping early successional habitat in place on the island is vital to achieving this goal. It will also give private landowners a valuable source of income and possibly an incentive to not parcel up their undeveloped property.
In closing, properly performed and planned clearcuts with maintaining wildlife habitat as the main goal can replicate the natural disturbances that have been occurring on the island for millennia and will not increase soil erosion, invasive species, or fire risks. They will help maintain vital forest and shrub habitat that is used by numerous species of wildlife and, in conjunction with the preservation of late successional beech-maple stands, lead to a diverse and healthy ecosystem on Beaver Island. The Conservation Resource Alliance strongly suggests that responsible and well planned clear cutting to maintain early successional habitat be included in any future Beaver Island management planning.
Best Regards,
Eric J. Ellis
Biologist/Manager
Wild Link Program
(231) 946-6817
Eric@rivercare.org
I very much agree with Eric. Too often we forget about the natural and necessary successional reset mechanisms, such as fire, that we have eliminated and artificially allowed these systems to reach climax, ultimately loosing ecosystem structure and function.--Don
Dr. Donald G. Uzarski
Director of CMU Biological Station
Director of Great Lakes and Environmental Research
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
Central Michigan University
Brooks 156
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859