public education and signs
and any other meritorious
wildlife habitat projects accepted by the committee are considered.
A primary goal of wildlife management on the County Forest
is to provide a diversity of healthy ecosystems necessary to sustain wildlife populations
for their biological, recreational, cultural and economic values. Planning is a
cooperative effort between the Forestry Department and the Department of Natural
Resources.
(photos of Reno Lake, Underdown and Newwood)
Aspen, jack and white pine, red oak, fir spruce and other early
successional species are considered to be valuable habitat types for many forest wildlife
species; especially deer, ruffed grouse, black bear, timber wolves and numerous song
birds. Long range planning will attempt to maintain these types where practical and
essential to meet habitat requirements.
Permanently sodded openings are essential to well-balanced wildlife
habitat. Openings will be maintained where they exist or be developed where needed.
(photos)
Cedar, hemlock and balsam fir-spruce types are important for winter
cover for many wildlife species and are especially important in deer yarding areas. These
forest types will be maintained where practical.
(photos)
The oak type is important to wildlife because of its cavity forming
potential and mast production. Future management should focus on increased regeneration of
this type.
Efforts will be made to maintain habitat types within the forest for
other wildlife species (non-game, endangered and threatened).
(photos-Trapper Morrison, Armstrong Creek, Harrison
Flowage)
Flowages for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife will be developed
in areas scattered throughout the forest. Local wildlife managers work with the liaison
forester and County Forestry Department in identifying, recommending and planning such
projects.
