For those who have a few acres of forestland – one acre, 10 acres, 20 acres, even 80 acres or more – the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Skills Academy will host a workshop on managing your forestland Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Hartwick Pines Visitor Center in Grayling.
In this workshop, which runs 9 a.m. to 4 pm., professional foresters will explain how to manage forestland based on the landowner's specific goals, whether it's for hunting, collecting firewood, maple sugaring, bike riding, harvesting timber for sale, or simply walking among the trees and watching wildlife.
For ages 16 and older, the workshop will cover a variety of topics, including:
- Recognizing invasive species (plants and pests).
- Identifying trees.
- Understanding tools foresters use to take inventory of a stand of trees.
- Choosing management options for your forest.
- Creating your own Forest Stewardship Plan.
The cost of the workshop is $25, which includes lunch. Participants will receive handouts about forest management, a tree identification book, and the Forest Management Guidebook from the Michigan Chapter of the Society of American Foresters.
A portion of the workshop will be held in the field, so participants should dress to walk off-trail.
Register online at the
Michigan e-store. The class is limited to 20 participants, so those interested in attending should sign up soon. Cancellations must be made by
Sept. 8 in order to guarantee a full refund.
For more information, contact Craig Kasmer at
kasmerc@michigan.gov or
989-348-2537.
The Hartwick Pines Visitor Center is located in
Hartwick Pines State Park, at 4216 Ranger Road in Grayling, Michigan. A
Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park and can be purchased at the park entrance.
The DNR Outdoor Skills Academy offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. Learn more about the Outdoor Skills Academy at
michigan.gov/outdoorskills.
Contact: Craig Kasmer, 989-348-2537
