MONTMORENCY, MI -- Northern Michigan’s elk country will see an increase in felled aspens as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources speeds up its clearcutting process.

This quicker and more condensed clearing will benefit elk and deer who feed on aspens in the 30-square-mile area, according to DNR.

The spring ice storm brought down nearly 1 million acres of state forest land , particularly impacting elk country Up North.

“Aspen is a critical food source for elk,” said Shelby Adams, DNR wildlife biologist for the Pigeon River Country. “This area is the heart of elk range, and we want to find ways for both the elk and forest to thrive.”

Clearcuts originally planned over the next 10 years will be grouped into a shorter time frame to better support forest regeneration and elk habi

See Full Page