{"id":73211,"date":"2026-02-26T15:36:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T20:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/?p=73211"},"modified":"2026-02-26T17:31:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T22:31:57","slug":"us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/","title":{"rendered":"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The US Forest Service is proposing the Silver Branch Vegetation Management Project in the Ottawa National Forest in the western Upper Peninsula<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The project would involve logging, gravel mine expansion and forest restoration efforts<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Some groups are opposed because they worry about environmental impacts and a decrease in off-road vehicle trails<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>The US Forest Service is proposing a massive project in a national forest in Michigan that would log land roughly the size of Detroit, expand gravel mining and build roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/r09\/ottawa\/projects\/68075\">Silver Branch Vegetation Management Project<\/a> would span about 40 miles from north to south on the eastern edge of the Ottawa National Forest in the western Upper Peninsula. The area along the border with Wisconsinincludes habitat for the endangered <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/species\/northern-long-eared-bat-myotis-septentrionalis\">northern long-eared bat<\/a>, one of several reasons environmental groups have raised alarms about the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The multi-faceted proposal also includes a wild rice seeding project, improvements to campgrounds and lake access and attempts to bolster habitat for the protected Kirtland\u2019s warbler. The whole thing is projected to last around 30 years, with periodic reviews.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike national parks, national forests serve multiple purposes. They\u2019re set aside for recreation, wildlife habitat and to provide timber. Ottawa National Forest officials say the Silver Branch project is not primarily about logging, it\u2019s about getting the right tree mix for forest maintenance and health.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the project has drawn concerns from a wide range of groups, from environmentalists <a href=\"https:\/\/blueribboncoalition.org\/michigan-upper-peninsula-routes-at-risk-with-silver-branch-vegetation-management-project\/\">to off-roaders<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-environment-watch\/groups-mobilize-protect-upper-peninsula-forest-lands-mining-logging\/\"><strong>Groups mobilize to protect Upper Peninsula forest lands from mining, logging<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-government\/singapore-owns-5-michigans-upper-peninsula-its-wealth-fund-bet-timber\/\"><strong>Singapore owns 5% of Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula. Its wealth fund bet on timber\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-environment-watch\/northern-michigan-cleans-out-storm-some-find-new-use-dead-wood\/\"><strong>As northern Michigan cleans out from storm, some find new use for dead wood<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt involves 25,000 acres of national forest clear-cutting and yet the determination has been that there would be no significant impacts from such activities. That&#8217;s just not plausible,\u201d said Kelly Thayer, a senior policy advocate at the Environmental Law &amp; Policy Center, a Midwest-based legal advocacy group.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\" style=\"--aspect-ratio:calc(1024 \/ 683)\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" alt=\"A map showing the location of the Ottawa National Forest\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-73207\" data-id=\"73207\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1024 \/ 683\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_OttawaNationalForestMap_Bridge.png?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_OttawaNationalForestMap_Bridge.png?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_OttawaNationalForestMap_Bridge.png?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_OttawaNationalForestMap_Bridge.png?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_OttawaNationalForestMap_Bridge.png?resize=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_OttawaNationalForestMap_Bridge.png?resize=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_OttawaNationalForestMap_Bridge.png?resize=400%2C267&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_OttawaNationalForestMap_Bridge.png?w=1500&amp;ssl=1 1500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_OttawaNationalForestMap_Bridge-1024x683.png?w=370&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">(Bridge Michigan\/Esri)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"638\" alt=\"A map shows where a logging project will take place\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-73208\" data-id=\"73208\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1024 \/ 638\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_SilverBranchProjectMap_Bridge.png?resize=1024%2C638&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_SilverBranchProjectMap_Bridge.png?resize=1024%2C638&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_SilverBranchProjectMap_Bridge.png?resize=300%2C187&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_SilverBranchProjectMap_Bridge.png?resize=768%2C479&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_SilverBranchProjectMap_Bridge.png?resize=1200%2C748&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_SilverBranchProjectMap_Bridge.png?resize=780%2C486&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_SilverBranchProjectMap_Bridge.png?resize=400%2C249&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_SilverBranchProjectMap_Bridge.png?w=1319&amp;ssl=1 1319w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_Logging_SilverBranchProjectMap_Bridge-1024x638.png?w=370&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">(US Forest Service\/Bridge Michigan)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>That group and a loose coalition of organizations and businesses expressed concerns about the project <a href=\"https:\/\/elpc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Silver-Branch-Vegetation-Management-Project-Letter-to-ONF-Supporting-Wilderness-and-Calling-for-EIS-1-22-2026.pdf\">in a letter<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/elpc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ELPC-et-al.-Comments-on-the-Silver-Branch-VMP-EA.pdf\">a 73-page document<\/a> sent to the US Forest Service. They\u2019re worried that logging would spread invasive species, increase water runoff and impact habitat for protected animals found in the area like gray wolves and northern long-eared bats. They also don\u2019t like that trees more than 100 years old would be taken out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe mature forest is most important for sequestering carbon and helping to stabilize our climate,\u201d Thayer said. \u201cReplanting with young trees in their place will not replicate the kind of benefits that the public receives now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The groups want to see the project boundary changed to better preserve current and proposed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wilderness.org\/articles\/article\/national-wilderness-preservation-system#\">protected wilderness areas<\/a>. They also want to see an environmental impact statement produced.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"73209\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/20251006__logging_trees_ottawanationalforest\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?fit=1920%2C2560&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1920,2560\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Galaxy S25&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1759756387&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;7&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;25&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.003484966&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;A mix of deciduous and coniferous trees in the Ottawa National Forest. (Courtesy of the US Forest Service)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A forest\" class=\"wp-image-73209\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=900%2C1200&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=450%2C600&amp;ssl=1 450w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C400&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C1600&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=2000%2C2667&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=780%2C1040&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?resize=400%2C533&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251006__Logging_Trees_OttawaNationalForest-768x1024.jpg?w=370&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A mix of deciduous and coniferous trees in the Ottawa National Forest. (Courtesy of the US Forest Service)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The federal government already put together an <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Silver-Branch-Environmental-Assessment.pdf\">environmental assessment<\/a> and determined there would be \u201cno significant impact\u201d from the project. If the Forest Service pursued an environmental impact statement, it would need to answer tough questions about environmental concerns and potentially propose alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Forest Service previously offered a 30-day comment period for the project beginning Dec. 23. It\u2019s planning to open a window for objections in March, though an exact date is not posted. It\u2019s currently anticipating making a decision on the project that same month.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the project is approved, it is expected to begin in June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The project as it stands involves a mix of logging: about 1,500 acres of clear-cutting and around 24,000 acres of a kind of clear-cutting that leaves certain trees. These sections are dispersed throughout the project area (see proposed <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/10-Proposed-Vegetation-North.pdf\">north<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/11-Proposed-Vegetation-Middle.pdf\">middle<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/12-Proposed-Vegetation-South.pdf\">south<\/a> maps). There would also be around 57,000 acres of other kinds of more-targeted logging. Add up the areas slated to have tree removal and they equal about 130 square miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The district ranger in the Bessemer, Iron River and Watersmeet Ranger Districts of the Ottawa National Forest, Trevor Hahka, told Bridge Michigan in an email it\u2019s unclear how much money the project would generate from logging.<br>\u201cRevenue from timber sales depends on market conditions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Who would do the logging has not been decided but would be offered to private contractors through a competitive bidding process. Selected logging companies would then pay fees to the federal government for the timber they harvest and the companies would keep any profits. The money from the fees would go into federal accounts and not stay solely within the Ottawa National Forest. Contracts for gravel mining would also be competitively bid but the gravel wouldnot be sold but used for Forest Service roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignright has-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sign up for our outdoors newsletter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Want more coverage like this delivered directly into your inbox? Sign up for the Bridge Michigan Outdoors newsletter <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bridgemi.com\/signup\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Hahka said the proposed logging is \u201cnot the primary goal\u201d and restoring ecological balance to the woods is. He said there are too many hardwoods, aspen trees that are getting older than desired and conifers that are declining.<br>\u201cActive management in overstocked or aging stands prevents decline and promotes long-term forest health,\u201d he said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Forest Service, Hahka said, recognizes many of the concerns outlined by the coalition and have included measures to address them. He noted there are protective buffers around known northern long-eared bat roosts, they\u2019re following best practices to reduce water runoff issues and limit the spread of invasive species, and that the project, through thinning and prescribed burns, would increase forest resilience to pests, disease and wildfire, issues amplified by climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thayer, with the Environmental Law &amp; Policy Center, said that sometimes invasive species spread happens unintentionally during the logging process, when plants and seeds get stuck in equipment tread. He also pointed to findings in the Forest Service\u2019s own <a href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Silver-Branch-Environmental-Assessment.pdf\">environmental assessment<\/a> that seemed to suggest some fire risk from logging:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere is a potential for the accrual of hazardous surface fuels after a timber harvest due to limbs, tops, and dead material within a stand after harvesting,\u201d the environmental assessment reads. \u201cThis potentially heightens wildfire risk in stands that contain spruce and fir that have been affected by the spruce budworm and in areas with a heavy conifer component.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In response to the groups\u2019 asks, Hahka said no activities are proposed in designated wilderness areas, but the Forest Service does not anticipate putting together a full environmental impact statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>David Carter, a forestry professor at Michigan State University, said the Silver Branch proposal \u201cdidn\u2019t really raise any red flags.\u201d He said it looked like a run-of-the-mill Forest Service project that involved some timber harvests, road maintenance and a lot of habitat restoration work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said Forest Service officials often become \u201cpunching bags\u201d for people who have their hearts in the right place but who are misguided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s just so stinking hard to do the work, period, but let alone have the additional hurdle of people thinking you&#8217;re trying to do harm to the landscape when usually it&#8217;s the exact opposite,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carter said that, when residents oppose projects like this, it\u2019s mostly a \u201cnot in my back yard\u201d-type situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPeople\u2019s demand for wood products has not gone down. It only goes up,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd so if we don&#8217;t harvest it here, we&#8217;re just going to harvest it from somewhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said increasingly that ends up being places like Brazil, South Africa or southeast Asia, where \u201cthe regulatory infrastructure is not what it is here\u201d in the United States.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The US Forest Service is proposing a project in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula that would involve logging, gravel mining expansion and forest restoration efforts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":73210,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","inline_featured_image":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"2026-02-26T20:36:51Z","apple_news_api_id":"778093c3-d02f-43a4-803b-6eb257e8c7cf","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2026-02-26T22:32:03Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAg==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/Ad4CTw9AvQ6SAO26yV-jHzw","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"_newspack_byline_active":false,"_newspack_byline":"","newspack_featured_image_position":"","newspack_post_subtitle":"","newspack_article_summary_title":"Overview:","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":false,"newspack_show_updated_date":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[2448],"tags":[1720,62,4328,2396],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"coauthors":[2473],"class_list":["post-73211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-outdoors-life","tag-northern-michigan","tag-rural-michigan","tag-top-of-homepage","tag-upper-peninsula","entry"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species - Bridge Michigan<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species - Bridge Michigan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The US Forest Service is proposing a project in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula that would involve logging, gravel mining expansion and forest restoration efforts.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Bridge Michigan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BridgeMichigan\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-26T20:36:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-26T22:31:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1442\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Laura Herberg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@bridgemichigan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@bridgemichigan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Laura Herberg\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Laura Herberg\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d869edf1b96643575801a11aa4806782\"},\"headline\":\"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-26T20:36:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-26T22:31:57+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/\"},\"wordCount\":1287,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"Northern Michigan\",\"Rural Michigan\",\"Top of Homepage\",\"Upper Peninsula\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Outdoors Life\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/\",\"name\":\"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species - Bridge Michigan\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-26T20:36:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-26T22:31:57+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1442,\"caption\":\"The US Forest Service is proposing logging, gravel mining expansion and restoration efforts in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula. Pictured here is a forest and a wetland area within the proposed project boundary. (Courtesy of the North Country Trail)\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/\",\"name\":\"Bridge Michigan\",\"description\":\"Michigan\u2019s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Bridge Michigan\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-500.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-500.svg\",\"width\":500,\"height\":188,\"caption\":\"Bridge Michigan\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BridgeMichigan\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/bridgemichigan\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bridge.michigan\",\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/bridgemi.com\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@bridge.michigan\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d869edf1b96643575801a11aa4806782\",\"name\":\"Laura Herberg\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/9c517ba459de6401565bf8287c127d82\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LauraHerbergheadshot-96x96.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LauraHerbergheadshot-96x96.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Laura Herberg\"},\"description\":\"Laura Herberg comes to Bridge from Outlier Media, where she worked as a Civic Life Reporter. Her journalism career took off at WDET, where she produced daily talk shows, created audio vignettes for galleries, anchored the news and hosted podcasts. Known for her sound-rich feature stories, Laura has won several awards and was named the Michigan Associated Press Best Reporter for Radio Broadcasting four times. In 2012, she produced a prototype for a Detroit mobile audio tour as part of a SoundCloud fellowship. Laura\u00a0attended classes at\u00a0the Salt\u00a0Institute for Documentary Studies,\u00a0has a master\u2019s degree in Urban Planning from Wayne State University and a bachelor's in psychology from Lewis &amp; Clark College. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has lived in several places, including West Virginia and Scotland. After moving to Detroit in 2010, Laura chose not to own a car and commuted primarily by bicycle for nearly a decade. These days she embraces the Motor City lifestyle and shares two vehicles with her husband.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/author\/laura-herberg\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species - Bridge Michigan","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species - Bridge Michigan","og_description":"The US Forest Service is proposing a project in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula that would involve logging, gravel mining expansion and forest restoration efforts.","og_url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/","og_site_name":"Bridge Michigan","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BridgeMichigan\/","article_published_time":"2026-02-26T20:36:42+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-02-26T22:31:57+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1442,"url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Laura Herberg","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@bridgemichigan","twitter_site":"@bridgemichigan","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Laura Herberg","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/"},"author":{"name":"Laura Herberg","@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d869edf1b96643575801a11aa4806782"},"headline":"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species","datePublished":"2026-02-26T20:36:42+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-26T22:31:57+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/"},"wordCount":1287,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1","keywords":["Northern Michigan","Rural Michigan","Top of Homepage","Upper Peninsula"],"articleSection":["Outdoors Life"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/","url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/","name":"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species - Bridge Michigan","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1","datePublished":"2026-02-26T20:36:42+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-26T22:31:57+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1","width":2560,"height":1442,"caption":"The US Forest Service is proposing logging, gravel mining expansion and restoration efforts in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula. Pictured here is a forest and a wetland area within the proposed project boundary. (Courtesy of the North Country Trail)"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/","name":"Bridge Michigan","description":"Michigan\u2019s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#organization","name":"Bridge Michigan","url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-500.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-500.svg","width":500,"height":188,"caption":"Bridge Michigan"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BridgeMichigan\/","https:\/\/x.com\/bridgemichigan","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bridge.michigan","https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/bridgemi.com","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@bridge.michigan"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d869edf1b96643575801a11aa4806782","name":"Laura Herberg","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/9c517ba459de6401565bf8287c127d82","url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LauraHerbergheadshot-96x96.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/LauraHerbergheadshot-96x96.jpg","caption":"Laura Herberg"},"description":"Laura Herberg comes to Bridge from Outlier Media, where she worked as a Civic Life Reporter. Her journalism career took off at WDET, where she produced daily talk shows, created audio vignettes for galleries, anchored the news and hosted podcasts. Known for her sound-rich feature stories, Laura has won several awards and was named the Michigan Associated Press Best Reporter for Radio Broadcasting four times. In 2012, she produced a prototype for a Detroit mobile audio tour as part of a SoundCloud fellowship. Laura\u00a0attended classes at\u00a0the Salt\u00a0Institute for Documentary Studies,\u00a0has a master\u2019s degree in Urban Planning from Wayne State University and a bachelor's in psychology from Lewis &amp; Clark College. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has lived in several places, including West Virginia and Scotland. After moving to Detroit in 2010, Laura chose not to own a car and commuted primarily by bicycle for nearly a decade. These days she embraces the Motor City lifestyle and shares two vehicles with her husband.","url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/author\/laura-herberg\/"}]}},"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species","url":"http:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1"},"articleSection":"Outdoors Life","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Laura Herberg"}],"creator":["Laura Herberg"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Bridge Michigan","logo":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-500.svg"},"keywords":["northern michigan","rural michigan","top of homepage","upper peninsula"],"dateCreated":"2026-02-26T20:36:42Z","datePublished":"2026-02-26T20:36:42Z","dateModified":"2026-02-26T22:31:57Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/bridgemi.com\\\/outdoors-life\\\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/bridgemi.com\\\/outdoors-life\\\/us-plans-to-clear-cut-in-michigan-forest-some-fear-for-endangered-species\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/bridgemi.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/bridgemi.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/02\\\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1\"},\"articleSection\":\"Outdoors Life\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Laura Herberg\"}],\"creator\":[\"Laura Herberg\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Bridge Michigan\",\"logo\":\"https:\\\/\\\/bridgemi.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/logo-500.svg\"},\"keywords\":[\"northern michigan\",\"rural michigan\",\"top of homepage\",\"upper peninsula\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2026-02-26T20:36:42Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-26T20:36:42Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-26T22:31:57Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/bridgemi.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Logging_TrailPic_NorthCountryTrail-scaled-e1772137631699.jpg?fit=2560%2C1442&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5294,"url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-environment-watch\/groups-mobilize-protect-upper-peninsula-forest-lands-mining-logging\/","url_meta":{"origin":73211,"position":0},"title":"Groups mobilize to protect Upper Peninsula forest lands from mining, logging","author":"Kelly House","date":"August 2, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"A coalition known as Keep the U.P. Wild wants Congress to designate 51,000 acres in the Ottawa National Forest as a \u2018wilderness.\u2019 A logging representative asks \u2018how many set-aside areas do we really need?\u2019","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Michigan Environment Watch&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Michigan Environment Watch","link":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/category\/michigan-environment-watch\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"backpackers","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Trap-Hills-Fall-Backpackers.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Trap-Hills-Fall-Backpackers.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Trap-Hills-Fall-Backpackers.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Trap-Hills-Fall-Backpackers.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Trap-Hills-Fall-Backpackers.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":736,"url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/michigan-environment-watch\/wildfire-spreads-225-acres-baraga-county-danger-remains-high-michigan\/","url_meta":{"origin":73211,"position":1},"title":"Wildfire spreads 225 acres in Baraga County; danger remains high in Michigan","author":"Janelle D. James","date":"October 23, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"A fire spreads in the McCormick Wilderness in the Upper Peninsula, as dry conditions increase risks of blazes statewide.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Michigan Environment Watch&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Michigan Environment Watch","link":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/category\/michigan-environment-watch\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"An aerial view of smoke from a wildfire in the Upper Peninsula","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UP-wildfire-DNR-.png?fit=520%2C369&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2535,"url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/guest-commentary\/opinion-case-adding-51k-acres-wilderness-upper-peninsula\/","url_meta":{"origin":73211,"position":2},"title":"Opinion | The case for adding 51K acres of wilderness in Upper Peninsula","author":"Marvin Roberson","date":"August 9, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"The Michigan Sierra Club is urging U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow to add the proposal to the farm bill. The designation would keep motorized vehicles from a small portion of Ottawa National Park but won\u2019t restrict hunting, fishing or camping.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Guest Commentary&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Guest Commentary","link":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/category\/guest-commentary\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Marvin Roberson outside","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/marvin-roberson_0.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/marvin-roberson_0.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/marvin-roberson_0.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/marvin-roberson_0.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/marvin-roberson_0.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12460,"url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/business-watch\/ruling-could-bog-loggers-paperwork\/","url_meta":{"origin":73211,"position":3},"title":"Ruling could bog loggers in paperwork","author":"Jeff Alexander","date":"February 16, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Margaret Minerick\u2019s family has survived many challenges over the past four decades as they built a large and successful timber business in the Upper Peninsula community of Sagola. Today, Minerick Logging and its sister company, Sagola Hardwoods, employ more than 100 workers in the western U.P. But Minerick, who is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Business Watch&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Business Watch","link":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/category\/business-watch\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Forest-rule-pic-2-16.jpg?fit=900%2C598&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Forest-rule-pic-2-16.jpg?fit=900%2C598&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Forest-rule-pic-2-16.jpg?fit=900%2C598&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Forest-rule-pic-2-16.jpg?fit=900%2C598&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12457,"url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/quality-life\/policy-winds-blow-through-mich-forests\/","url_meta":{"origin":73211,"position":4},"title":"Policy winds blow through Mich. forests","author":"Jeff Alexander","date":"February 16, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"An hour\u2019s drive south of the Mackinac Bridge, a 67,000-acre patch of state forest known as Chandler Hills offers a stunning glimpse of how Michigan appeared in 1800, before a century of logging left much of the state looking like a moonscape. The hiss of wind coursing through towering hardwoods\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Quality of Life&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Quality of Life","link":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/category\/quality-life\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Forest-main-pic-2-16-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Forest-main-pic-2-16-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Forest-main-pic-2-16-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Forest-main-pic-2-16-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/02\/Forest-main-pic-2-16-scaled.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":222,"url":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/outdoors-life\/get-outside-michigan-celebrate-forest-winters-remnants-lumberjacks\/","url_meta":{"origin":73211,"position":5},"title":"Get outside, Michigan: Celebrate a forest, winter\u2019s remnants, lumberjacks","author":"Laura Herberg","date":"March 19, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"A nature preserve in Newaygo County joins an old growth network and the Winter Wander is happening in Copper Harbor, two days after the official start of spring.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Outdoors Life&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Outdoors Life","link":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/category\/outdoors-life\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"An old-growth forest in Michigan","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/OutdoorEvents_RichmondWoodsNaturePreserve_LandConservancyOfWestMichigan_Steve-Jessmore-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/OutdoorEvents_RichmondWoodsNaturePreserve_LandConservancyOfWestMichigan_Steve-Jessmore-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/OutdoorEvents_RichmondWoodsNaturePreserve_LandConservancyOfWestMichigan_Steve-Jessmore-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/OutdoorEvents_RichmondWoodsNaturePreserve_LandConservancyOfWestMichigan_Steve-Jessmore-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bridgemi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/OutdoorEvents_RichmondWoodsNaturePreserve_LandConservancyOfWestMichigan_Steve-Jessmore-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73211","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=73211"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73211\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":73215,"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/73211\/revisions\/73215"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/73210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=73211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=73211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=73211"},{"taxonomy":"newspack_spnsrs_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_spnsrs_tax?post=73211"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridgemi.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=73211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}