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News ArchiveVI
RGS Meets with U.S. Forest Service Region 9 Office
Aug 26, 2002
Senior RGS Biologist Dan Dessecker and Regional Biologists Rick Horton, Gary Zimmer, and Adam Bump traveled to Milwaukee August 8 to meet with the Forest Service's new Regional Forester, Randy Moore and regional staff. This was the second such meeting over the past year in an effort to increase communications between the two organizations. The Society presented several topics of concern in Forest throughout Region 9. Of specific concern was the continued decline of aspen regeneration in the Upper Great Lakes Region despite Forest Plans that call for maintaining aspen. Recent projects on the Chippewa in Minnesota show how aspen management is being de-emphasized, even on areas slated for aspen management in the current Plan.
Projects on the Ottawa in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula demonstrated the Society’s concern over the use of "alternative" aspen harvesting techniques. Recent harvests on the Ottawa and other Forests have left large numbers of trees on sites after harvesting. These trees shade aspen sprouts and reduce the thickness of the new stand, decreasing its value to grouse and other wildlife.
Finally, the we discussed the Wayne National Forest's complete lack of young forest management, along with a proposed amendment to the Wayne National Forest Plan that could end young forest management in favor of Indiana bat habitat.
The meeting went well. Both organizations committed to continued work at improving communications and partnerships to achieve mutual goals. The Regional Office was responsive to our concerns and expressed a sincere desire to work with the Society to improve habitat conditions on our National Forests for young forest species such as grouse and woodcock. The support of the Regional Office is critical, especially as we proceed into a time where most Forests are in the Forest Plan Revision process. The Regional Office plays an important role in the development of revised Forest Plans. Also, the Regional Office can have a strong influence on projects on each Forest.
RGS Forced to Appeal More Projects on the Chippewa
Recent projects on the Chippewa National Forest clearly show declining interest in regenerating aspen stands in a manner and volume necessary to maintain quality grouse and woodcock habitat. The most recent 5 projects on the forest affect over 144,000 acres that are 95% Management Area 1 (aspen, grouse, woodcock, deer emphasis). Only 1,100 acres are slated for regeneration in the next 5 years!
This wholesale shift away from traditional aspen management has forced RGS into a position where we are using the administrative appeal process to make the Chippewa adhere to the current Forest Plan. Two recent appeals are:
• Winnie North - The Decision will clearcut 314 acres, but shelterwood and underplant another 342 acres. RGS feels the latter will not produce quality grouse habitat and will eventually lead to stand conversion. Restrictive goshawk guidelines don't allow regeneration of the other 2,300 acres of aspen over age 60. We are asking them to explain these guidelines further.
• Rice River - We appealed this project last January, but the District did not address our original appeal points when the project was remanded. We are forced to appeal it again. There is no part of this decision that creates quality habitat for early successional wildlife, yet 100% of the area is in Management Area 1.
We hope that our meeting in Milwaukee, coupled with these appeals, will help the Chippewa recognize that RGS is committed to seeing the maintenance of quality early successional habitat on federal lands expressedly designated for this purpose. They also must understand that sportsmen and women are increasingly dependant upon public lands to provide hunting opportunities, and we expect to find huntable game populations on them. The future of our sport depends upon actions taken now.
Rick Horton
Forest Wildlife Biologist
Ruffed Grouse Society
www.twincitiesrgs.org