Location: Clare County, Greenwood Twp, Sec 36, T19N, R5W, NW1/4 of SW1/4
West Larch Road and North Old State Avenue
Overall property description
Until 2023, the property was primarily large, overmature aspen and oak sawlogs. In late winter/early spring 2023, the property was harvested to promote regeneration and improve food sources and habitat for wildlife such as deer, turkey, and grouse. Reducing the density and subsequent stress on the oak will hopefully help keep the stand healthy.
The north part of the property appears to have been a homestead long ago. This is evidenced by large, open grown oak and pine trees, as well as fruit trees that would have been planted, in a grassy area. This area offers much as a transition zone for wildlife, as well as a source of food and habitat.
It is enrolled in the Commercial Forest program, which means that it is open to the public for hunting and other nonmotorized access.
Management activity
The 2023 harvest removed all mature aspen, as well as other mixed hardwoods such as red maple and red oak. The harvest itself netted 1,710 cords for $37,121.79. Some of the aspen was of high enough quality to be sold as veneer, some of the fallen oaks were cut and sold as firewood, and remaining slash was mostly tamped down and retained as coarse woody debris. In other words, nothing went to waste. Honoring our promise to our late friend Fred Prince, proceeds from the sale will be devoted to outreach and education efforts.
By August of 2023, the aspens had already readily sprouted, especially on the north side of the property where there is less remaining oak and more available sunlight. The standing oaks look happy to have more room to grow!
May 2023: Immediate post-harvest view
August 2023: First Growing Season view
