Michigan

Forest Action Plan

Productive forests contribute to environmental, social and economic health

Natural resources have played an important role in Michigan’s growth and development and are critical to our quality of life. The growth of the forest-based economy and increased participation in outdoor recreation are key to the state’s future.

The Michigan Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy provides a statewide assessment of forest conditions and trends for rural and urban forest issues and landscapes, and provides a strategy containing direction and guidance for current and future investments in these rural and urban forest resources.

Implementation of our Forest Action Plan will result in healthier and more resilient landscapes, better and more fire-adapted communities, improved habitat, air, and water quality, and a host of other public benefits that come from actively and sustainably managed forests. Well-managed, productive forests contribute to environmental, social, and economic health.

Conserve productive, intact and functional working forests that are critical for maintaining communities and a vibrant and sustainable forest products industry

It is equally important tor reduce the threats from invasive species, pests and disease, the risk of wildfire, and the impact of un-managed recreational activities on forest resources to maintain the health of both terrestrial and aquatic resources on both public and private lands.

Protect forest resources while seeking to restore and maintain the health of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems on public and private lands

The Forest Action Plan aims to promote the sustainable active management of public and private forests to better position those resources to meet present and future needs. This type of management employs a land stewardship ethic that integrates the reforesting, managing, growing, nurturing, and harvesting of trees with the conservation of soil, air and water quality, biodiversity, wildlife and fish habitat, and visual qualities.

Enhance forest resources by advancing and improving the many tangible and non-tangible public benefits that are derived from rural and urban trees and forests

Urban forests are important components of the landscape. It is crucial that local communities have the necessary capacity to replant and sustainably manage their urban and ex-urban forests to maximize the environmental, economic, and social benefits of these resources.

Best Management Practices

Michigan’s best management practices (BMPs) program is quasi-regulatory. The state departments responsible for BMPs policy development are the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality.

Click here to view the most recent BMPs recommendations on the state forestry agency website.

Click the following links to view available BMP monitoring data and implementation rates from NASF’s 2015 BMP survey and NASF’s 2019 BMP survey.

Forest Action Plan

Productive forests contribute to environmental, social and economic health

Conserve productive, intact and functional working forests that are critical for maintaining communities and a vibrant and sustainable forest products industry

Protect forest resources while seeking to restore and maintain the health of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems on public and private lands

Enhance forest resources by advancing and improving the many tangible and non-tangible public benefits that are derived from rural and urban trees and forests

Best Management Practices

Michigan Forestry Publications

State Management Plans

Michigan Contact Information