TNC and USFS Partner to Plant 51,000 Seedlings in the Ottawa National Forest

The U.S. Forest Serve and The Nature Conservancy partner to plant 51000 trees in the Ottawa National Forest. Last Friday the USFS at the Ottawa National Forest and The Nature Conservancy announced, with the help of contractors, the partnership has planted 51000 native conifer tree seedlings across 170 acres of the east branch Ontonagon River watershed and perch river watershed near Kenton. The tree seedlings will help replace those impacted by spruce budworm infestation.

Spruce budworms defoliate spruce and fir trees along streams, allowing more sunlight to warm the waters, and increasing steel temperatures. Forest partnership project manager at TNC Mindy Kantola says that by restoring tree cover to streams in areas will help protect vital cold waters for trout species. Since 2018 the project has continued through multiple agreements to diversify stream forest cover needed for both aquatic and terrestrial species.

Ottawa National Forest Supervisor Darla Menz adds that the partnership has led to numerous projects beneficial to the forest. Including more than 1500 acres of planting efforts stewardship timber harvests, recreational and wilderness area trail maintenance, and boardwalk construction. TNC has identified and prioritized the underplanting of a mix of tree species including red and white pines, white spruce, tamarack, hemlock, and cedar seedlings.