US plans to clear-cut in Michigan forest. Some fear for endangered species – Bridge Michigan

Report on the Silver Branch Vegetation Management Project and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Project Overview

The US Forest Service has proposed the Silver Branch Vegetation Management Project in the Ottawa National Forest, located in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. This extensive project covers approximately 40 miles north to south along the eastern edge of the forest near the Wisconsin border.

• Logging operations including clear-cutting and selective tree removal over approximately 130 square miles.
• Expansion of gravel mining activities to support road construction and maintenance.
• Forest restoration efforts including wild rice seeding, campground and lake access improvements, and habitat enhancement for protected species such as the Kirtland’s warbler.
• Projected duration of around 30 years with periodic environmental reviews.

Environmental and Social Concerns

The project has elicited concerns from environmental organizations and recreational groups, particularly regarding potential impacts on biodiversity, climate regulation, and recreational trail availability.

• Potential habitat disruption for endangered species including the northern long-eared bat and gray wolves.
• Risk of spreading invasive species and increased water runoff due to logging activities.
• Removal of mature trees over 100 years old, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration and climate stabilization.
• Reduction in off-road vehicle trails, affecting recreational use.

Stakeholder Engagement and Responses

A coalition of organizations submitted detailed concerns to the US Forest Service, requesting:

1. Modification of project boundaries to better protect designated wilderness areas.
2. Preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to thoroughly assess potential environmental effects.

The Forest Service has conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) and concluded no significant impact is expected. However, they have incorporated measures to mitigate risks, including:

• Protective buffers around northern long-eared bat roosts.
• Best management practices to reduce water runoff and limit invasive species spread.
• Forest thinning and prescribed burns to enhance resilience against pests, disease, and wildfire exacerbated by climate change.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Silver Branch project intersects with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably:

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Preservation of mature forests contributes to carbon sequestration, aiding climate stabilization.
• Forest restoration and management practices aim to increase resilience to climate-related disturbances such as wildfires and pest outbreaks.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Protection and enhancement of habitats for endangered species including the northern long-eared bat and Kirtland’s warbler.
• Efforts to control invasive species and maintain biodiversity within the national forest.
• Maintenance of ecological balance through active forest management.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Timber harvesting conducted through competitive bidding promotes sustainable resource use.
• Use of gravel mined on-site for forest roads supports efficient resource management.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Improvements to campgrounds and lake access enhance sustainable recreational opportunities.
• Balancing multiple forest uses including recreation, habitat conservation, and timber production.

Project Implementation and Future Steps

• Logging contracts will be awarded to private contractors via competitive bidding, with fees paid to the federal government.
• The Forest Service plans to open a formal objection period in March, followed by a decision expected the same month.
• Project commencement is anticipated in June, subject to approval.

Expert Opinions

Forestry experts acknowledge the complexity of managing national forests to meet ecological, economic, and social objectives. While some view the project as a standard forest management initiative, others emphasize the need for thorough environmental scrutiny to safeguard ecosystem services and community interests.

Conclusion

The Silver Branch Vegetation Management Project represents a multifaceted approach to forest management that aims to balance ecological restoration, sustainable resource use, and recreational access. Its alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals underscores the importance of integrating environmental stewardship with community and economic considerations. Ongoing stakeholder engagement and rigorous environmental assessments will be critical to ensuring the project’s success and sustainability.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses forest management to stabilize climate and sequester carbon, addressing climate change mitigation.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Concerns about habitat for endangered species like the northern long-eared bat and Kirtland’s warbler.
   • Forest restoration efforts and protection of biodiversity.
   • Management of invasive species and wildfire risk.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Logging and timber harvesting practices, including sustainable forest management.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Concerns about water runoff and its environmental impact.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Recreation and access improvements in national forests.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies and strategies.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.2: Promote sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including forests, to improve water quality and reduce runoff.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Forest Area and Health
   • Area of forest logged or restored (e.g., 25,000 acres clear-cut, 57,000 acres targeted logging).
   • Presence and health of endangered species habitats (northern long-eared bat, Kirtland’s warbler, gray wolves).
   • Forest composition and age structure (e.g., proportion of trees over 100 years old, hardwood vs. conifer mix).
2. Carbon Sequestration
   • Carbon storage capacity of mature forests versus replanted young trees.
3. Water Quality and Runoff
   • Measurement of water runoff and sedimentation levels post-logging activities.
4. Invasive Species Spread
   • Incidence and spread of invasive species linked to logging equipment and activities.
5. Wildfire Risk
   • Accumulation of hazardous surface fuels after timber harvest.
   • Incidence of wildfires in treated vs. untreated forest areas.
6. Recreation and Access
   • Number and condition of off-road vehicle trails and campground improvements.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bridgemi.com