(GLADSTONE, MI.)– District Ranger Charlie Marsh and Forest Supervisor Cid Morgan recently signed Decision Notices finalizing the planning process for the Camp Cooks Integrated Management Project located in Delta and Schoolcraft Counties (see map below). The project analysis and decisions support a variety of forest management activities including vegetation treatments, road modifications, and riparian and wetland conservation activities.
“We are pleased that the Camp Cooks decision reflects public input and prepares us to implement numerous resource and restoration projects that are well-integrated to simultaneously benefit a range of resource concerns – from timber to trails, from roads to riparian areas, and so on,” stated Ranger Marsh.
What kinds of projects are included in the decision?
- Vegetation treatments include prescribed fire, non-native invasive plant treatments, wildlife habitat improvements, logging and regeneration. Benefits of these treatments range from reduction of hazardous fuel levels to improvement of habitat for piping plover, deer, ruffed grouse, cavity-nesters and pollinators.
- Road modifications include reconstruction, temporary construction, new construction, conversion of road to OHV trail, and decommissioning. Benefits of these treatments include providing public access to the Forest, preserving public access to private lands, providing access to vegetation treatment areas, mitigating resource impacts and maintaining road-density goals identified in the Forest Plan.
- Riparian and wetland conservation activities authorized by the decision include riparian structure repair, bank stabilization and sedimentation basin reclamation projects, and culvert replacement. Objectives of these projects include maintenance of cover for fish; restoration of natural stream function, reduced sedimentation, and reclamation of sediment spoils; and reduced erosion and sedimentation from roads and waterways.
(Aaron Harper,WJNR,WOBE,WHTO)
aaronharper22@gmail.com