Could Michigan’s old growth forests return? Conservationists say yes, with the right help
The Old-Growth Forest Network is supporting the return of mature forests in Michigan and nationwide.
Less than 5 percent of old growth forests remain in the western United States, and in the east, including Michigan, less than 1 percent remain. After centuries of logging and human development, these mature forests are rare.
One organization, the Old-Growth Forest Network, is working to support the return of mature forests. To do that, the group takes a long-term approach.
Old-Growth Forest Network spokesperson Nick Sanchez explains, “There’s very, very little old growth left. To find one forest in each county [in each state], we often have to look for what might be the next best example.”
Right now, the Old-Growth Forest Network recognizes 19 forests in Michigan as ‘old growth’. The latest is inside the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton.
Sanchez said that Michigan’s history of logging has made it hard to find forests that have been untouched. “Much of Michigan was logged in the past,” he said. “But some places haven’t been cut again or have only been lightly cut since then.”
Some of these forests are starting to grow back and develop ‘old growth’ characteristics. Sanchez says, “It takes a very long time for forests to fully become old, but they are starting to reach that point again.”
The organization also looks at what Sanchez calls “future old growth,” which are younger forests that show signs they’ll mature into old growth someday. “We’re very interested in protecting some of those lands as well, so they can become future old growth,” he says.
Unlike some groups that define old growth by specific age or tree size, the organization doesn’t stick to one strict definition. “There’s a lot of disagreement about what old growth actually is,” Sanchez said. “Different groups have different ideas. We don’t have one set definition because forests across the entire U.S. vary so much.”
Instead, they work with local partners to look at each forest’s unique characteristics. “It’s better to focus on old trees rather than just big trees,” Sanchez said. “Because in different kinds of forests, trees and their maturity can vary a lot.”
This story is part of The Detroit Tree Canopy Project, a WDET series exploring the trees, forests, and environmental future of Detroit and beyond. ,
