STATE OF THE STATE FORESTS
 by Bill Botti 

This is the final installment of the state forest centennial story. By the time you read this the centennial year will be history. In the first two chapters, we looked at how the state forests were formed - from tax-reverted land and land purchased with license fees. We looked at the growth of forest recreation and the increase in timber sales. This portion of the story is to show the importance of the state forests to the people of Michigan.

In 1917, state forester Marcus Schaaf predicted it would take 60 years for the state to see the economic benefit from the planting of pines that was then taking place. Sixty years later, state forester Hank Webster proved him right. Webster led the state through a major expansion of the forest products industry - one brand new paper mill and another greatly expanded, three new wafer-board mills, wood chips for energy, a pole treatment plant and a high-production pine sawmill were added to the state's market picture.

The state forests figured prominently in the expansion of timber markets in the 1970s. One company built a large new plant based in large part on the amount and availability of timber from the state forests. This company had never before built a factory without a land base of their own. The state land was assur- ance enough. Some private landowners have been critical of the state forests as unfairly competing for wood markets and driving stumpage prices down by their voluminous sale offerings. That's an interesting question - especially when markets are limited. But the other side of the story is that the state land has been instrumental in expanding markets so that everyone would have a better opportunity to market their wood. Through the past three decades, the state forests, representing 20% of the state's forest land, have provided about 20% of the raw material for the forest products industry. Thus, from that stand- point, they have not sold more than their fair share. It's interesting to note that others criticize the state forests for not offering enough wood for sale. It's probably safe to say the state forests have contributed to community stability through the provision of raw materials for industry and jobs for local people. That was one of their objectives. The forest products industry accounts for over 41,000 jobs in Michigan. If the state forests represent 20% of the raw material, might they also represent a similar proportion of the jobs? That would be well over 8,000 jobs.

Another objective in establishment of the state forests was to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. One hundred fifty campgrounds and thousands of well- used miles of trails for hiking, skiing and off- road vehicles attest to the fact that this objective, too, is being met. Of course, 4 million acres of land open to the public for hunting, berry-picking and just riding around enjoying the scenery further illustrate the value of the state lands for recreation.

Most of the revenue from the timber and recreation activities on the state forests goes into a fund for state forest operations. As a result, most costs are covered by the revenues. The only major cost not covered by the timber and mineral revenue is the payments in lieu of taxes made to local governments.

The state pays $2.00 per acre in lieu of taxes on the tax-reverted lands and pays the ad valorum rate on purchased lands. Rural governments have complained from time to time about the large amount of state land holding down their tax base, but studies have shown the lack of demand for services more than compensates for the difference between undeveloped public land and residential development. This is another way the state forests contribute to economic stability.

The foregoing describes a little of the benefit of the state forests to the state's people. There is also a significant benefit to the state's wildlife. Large blocks of wild land provide habitat characteristics not available on areas with a more broken pattern of land uses. Fishers, wolves, martens and eagles are some of the wildlife that thrive in large blocks of forest land. It is likely that the state forests provide much more than 20% of the suitable habitat for those wildlife species dependent on large blocks of forest land.

Even if we never venture north into the state forests - never use a state forest camp- ground or trail - we derive some of the benefit of the economic activity they generate. We can also gain some satisfaction in the knowledge that through the efforts of several generations of foresters and government leaders over the past century, we have re- stored 10% of Michigan's land, or 20% of its forests, to useful productivity. As development pressures whittle away at the forest land in other ownerships, let's hope we can maintain the foresight of our forebears in maintaining and managing this outstanding resource that is Michigan's state forest system.

PRIVATE FOREST LAND NEEDS OVERLOOKED
By Rick A. Lucas Conservation District Forester

During the month of September, several Legislative public hearings were held around the state focusing on the steward- ship and management of Michigan's state forest system. The hearings, being con- ducted jointly by the Senate Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism Committee and the House Agriculture and Resource Subcommittee on Forestry and Minerals will aid Legislators in the development of a plan called, "Michigan Healthy Forests for the 21"Century."The so called plan is designed to promote the use of forests in the state for logging, tourism and other economic activities. At the request of the state association of Conservation Districts, I was asked to attend the meeting as the joint committee gathered in Grayling.

What follows is a slightly expanded version of my testimony. Several others in attendance expressed similar concerns in regards to the lack of discussions relating to the needs of our private forests.

Forests are a major feature of our Michigan landscape. We're all proud of the fact that we can boast of having the fifth largest commercial forest land area of any state in the nation. And, all 19 million acres of that forest land area contribute directly to Michigan's economy through timber production and supporting our forest products industries. And, it takes all 19 million acres of that forest land area to contribute to our quality of life here in Michigan. These forests are home to many of our wildlife species, contribute directly to our recreational and tourism industry, and provide aesthetic and environmental benefits that all of us in this great state enjoy.

As a trained natural resource professional, my concerns relate to forest health on all the forests found in Michigan, regard less of their ownership. Active forest management has played a big role in adding to the high quality of our forests. Just as active management is essential on our public lands, the same needs apply to our private lands. As information is being gathered to develop a plan for addressing the overall health of our state forests, that discussion should also include the often over-looked needs of the non-industrial private forest lands.

Non-industrial private forest land owners are the predominant timberland owner in Michigan. They account for nearly 50% of Michigan's 19 million acres of forestland. As we all deal with the increased pressures placed on our public lands, we also have to recognize the additional pressures placed on our private lands in meeting the needs of the public. Despite the importance of our private lands, these lands continue to be the least intensively managed and most underutilized potential resource of any forest ownership category in the state.

The most optimistic studies show that only about 10% of non-industrial private forest landowners consult with a professional forester prior to implementing a harvest on their land. The most pessimistic studies place that figure closer to 5%. One glaring fact can be gathered from these figures. A lot of private landowners are making important decisions for their forests that likely only focus on short-term financial gains rather than managing the resource for long-term considerations that takes into account impacts on the soil, the water, animals, and other plants which are routinely addressed when professional advice is applied.

The demand for forest products and other non-consumptive products will only continue to increase in the future. All of us collectively, need to look at our private lands with a greater sense of priority and to some extent, a sense of urgency.

I fully support, and I encourage our Legislature to support the DNR in their management responsibilities to the state forest system in our state. However, managing all of the forest ownerships of this state is the best guarantee to maintaining the continued health and productivity of our forests. Actively managing state forest land represents only half of the equation. When a doctor prescribes a drug to make you feel better, do you only take half? We have to swallow a full dose of the prescription for active management on all forest lands if we truly want to create a plan for, "Michigan Healthy Forests for the 21st Century."

FOREST CERTIFICATION
by Bill Cook MSU Extension Service Forester

Forest certification is a growing world- wide trend and certainly a major issue in the State of Michigan. Essentially, certification is a method to show that forest management is practiced the way that managers claim, according to a set of guidelines. For credibility, examination is done by an independent third party.

Forest certification systems vary in their approaches. In Michigan, the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) are the principle certification systems. SFI has, by far, the largest number of acres in Michigan and in the USA. For more information about these systems, try the following websites:

Sustainable Forest Initiative: www.afandpa.org

Forest Stewardship Council: www.fscus.org

Is forest certification a good thing? On the surface, forest certification sounds like a great thing. But when you look more carefully, it isn't always an easy question to answer. "Good" is a term that changes as contexts change. The role and nature of forest certification is fluid. A moving target is harder to hit. For the most part, forest management in Michigan has been "certifiable" but has not been formally certified. "Certified wood products" carries no premium in the market place. Consumers will not pay more for a "green tag". There might be an edge in holding a market percentage, but increased revenue hasn't happened.

So. why certify forests?

Demand for certified wood isn't coming from consumers. it's coming from major retailers such as Home Depot. Time-Warner, Anderson Windows, and others. These companies have either bought into the concept on their own or have been forced into compliance by radical environmental groups. They are the ones who buy the products coming from our mills. They could buy elsewhere.

The cost of certification is borne mostly by the forest owner. Forest industry led the way to certification in Michigan, about two million acres. The major forest owners and corporations have expended millions of dollars in the process. Michigan loggers and truckers have paid a price, too, in the way they do business. If the "Master Logger" program comes to Michigan, certification will be one of the reasons why.

Almost five million acres of public forest have been certified in nine states. Pennsylvania was the first to certify state forest lands. Currently, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are considering certification options. Other forest ownerships may need to consider certification further down the road, depending upon who buys their wood. For family ownerships, watch the American Tree Farm System. They are addressing the issue of forest certification.

As retailers demand a higher percentage of certified wood, forest industry must reach to their suppliers. Suppliers not certified may not be able to sell wood, even if they practice good forestry. So, it's in the best interest of most ownerships to have their forest management certified. However, there are many small mills that still accept "uncertified" wood.

Keep in mind that forest industry is one of the keys to sustainable forests and sustainable communities. It is in all our interest to have a healthy forest industry. Without primary producers, there are fewer markets. Without markets wood cannot be sold. Without commercial timber harvest, forests cannot be managed. Without forest management, society will have fewer forest out- puts. Outputs include things like timber. recreation, wildlife habitat, clean water, and healthy soils. Some of the most productive forests in the world could become more underutilized and less productive. USA dependency upon wood imports would in- crease.

Is certification a good thing? Maybe? Probably? It's hard to tell depending upon your perspective. However it's likely to be part of our future no matter what.

As an MSU Extension forester, I provide educational programming for the entire Upper Peninsula. My office is located at the MSU Upper Peninsula Tree Improvement Center near Escanaba.

INTERESTING FOREST LANDMARKS

Black Spruce Bog Natural Area This state-dedicated Natural Area in the SE of the Lower Peninsula holds a unique remnant of the glacial age. Left in the wake of the receding ice sheet, the Black Spruce Bog is the most southerly known site for the black spruce.

To recognize the uniqueness of this site, it has been recognized as a Legally Dedicated Natural Area. Here is a little information about this interesting site: mostly unknown to the millions of people who live in the surrounding region.

Black Spruce Bog National Landmark Size: 120 acres

Location: Approximately 14 miles north- east of Jackson.

Management: Waterloo Recreation Area

Activities: Hiking, bird watching, photography, outdoor education, nature study. Importance: Contains the southerly third of a large black spruce and tamarack bog (resulting from a large ice-block depression), adjoining poorly drained land with a red maple swamp.

Ecologically, black spruce bogs are at the extreme southern limit of their natural range in this portion of Michigan. More at home in the boreal north of Canada and the Upper Peninsula, this small enclave of black spruce offers downstaters a chance to visit a black spruce bog -- without the black flies.

KNOW YOUR TREES

Norway spruce (Pinaceae Picea abies)

The large Norway Spruce that were showpieces of Christmas celebrations in New York, Washington, and other major cities is a non-native species that adapted well to the U.S. Common to Europe, especially its name sake country of Norway, it is a species that found Michigan to its liking and has thrived here.

Many of the large Norway Spruces that have graced the lawns of the White House the State Capitol came from our own state forestlands, both public and private.

This is the species that make large public celebrations awesome when the lights are turned on to open the Holiday Season.

Here are some facts about this naturalized evergreen.

Leaf: Evergreen, stiff, 1/2 to 1 inch long.

Needles are 4-angled but somewhat flattened, with a sharp pointed tip, shiny green. • Flower: Monoecious; males yellow-brown in large groups; females upright, purple.

Fruit: Cones are very large, cylindrical, 4 to 6 inches long, with stiff scales that are irregularly toothed, turning brown and maturing September to November.

Twig: Slender to medium in size, lacking hair, orangish brown. Needles are borne on woody pegs.

Bark: Red-brown and scaly, later turning gray with flaking scales or plates.

Form: A medium to large tree with conical form, with horizontal to upward sweeping branches that have drooping branchlets.

Source - USDAFS

Balsam Fir  (Abies balsamea)

Form: Medium size, attaining heights of 40 to 60 feet and diameter of 1 to 2 feet; short- spreading branches form a handsome, sym- metrical, spire-like crown.

Bark: Thin, smooth, grayish, prominently marked by blisters filled with resin or balsam pitch.

Leaf: Needle-like, stalkless and flat; length 1/2 to 1 inch with rounded point, dark green and lustrous above and silvery white bands beneath; twisted; 2-ranked arrangement on twig; resinous and fragrant. Fruit: Cones upright on branches, purple, oblong; length 2 to 4 inches; be- comes mature in first year; seeds when ripe fall together with scales of cone, leaving hard central axis standing upright on branch like a spike.

Range: Found in forests of northern Michigan usually in association with white spruce from which it can easily be distinguished by its large upright cones and soft leaves; thrives in cool, moist, or shaded places.

Wood: Light brown, soft, not strong or durable; coarse grained; is used mainly for paper pulp; also an important Christmas tree. The oleoresin from the pitch blisters on the bark is "Canada Balsam," much used in optical instruments, microscopic slides, etc. as a transparent cement for glass.

Notes: 2 serious insect pests occur on balsam fir: the spruce budworm and balsam woody aphid.

Needles often used as an ingredient in potpourri for their fragrance.

Balm-Of-Gilead Poplar Populus candicans Ait.

Other common names.-Balsam poplar, balm buds.

Habitat and range.-The balm-of-Gilead tree, which has mostly escaped from cultivation, is found along roadsides or streams from Newfoundland to Minnesota and Georgia.

Description.-This is a large tree reaching a height of 100 feet with a maximum trunk diameter of about 6 1/2 feet with spreading branches, the young twigs slightly hairy, and with very resinous, fragrant buds. The broad, pointed leaves, 2 1/2 to 6 inches long, are somewhat heart-shaped at the base, fine toothed, dark green above, pale beneath, and hairy when young. The male and female flowers are borne in separate catkins 6 inches or less in length, which appear before the leaves.

Part used.-The leaf buds.

Big Tooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata)

Big tooth aspen is a medium size tree and at best grows only 60 to 70 feet high. It is actually a small northern tree but found throughout the mountain ranges of Virginia as far south as the North Carolina/Virginia border.

The leaves are circular, coarse, and irregularly toothed and are smooth, thin, olive-green to gray-green bark. It is a prolific seeder and is commonly found on burned-over areas and on dry, sandy, or stony sites. The early American pioneers found that the decoctions made from the inner bark could be used as a substitute for quinine.

The bark goes from having white-gray smooth bark with dark longitudinal fissures to white-creamy bark with large black horizontal bands, to furrowed and ridged, dark gray bark at the base of the trunk.

Bigtooth Aspen has large male and female flowers on separate trees in early spring, making this species dioecious. The male flowers occur as large pendulous catkins (upper left), but it is the female flowers that produce the cottony seeds that disperse in the wind.