RIVER BENDS PARK-WEST AND HOLLAND PONDS … · RIVER BENDS PARK-WEST AND HOLLAND PONDS SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MACOMB COUNTY, MICHIGAN FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN Plan Prepared by Rick McAvinchey

RIVER BENDS PARK-WEST

AND HOLLAND PONDS

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MACOMB COUNTY,

MICHIGAN

FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN

Plan Prepared by Rick McAvinchey

The Land Steward, LLC

Ortonville, Michigan

June, 2010

FOREST

STEWARDSHIP

PLAN

RIVER

BENDS

PARK-

WEST

AND

HOLLAND

PONDS

JUNE 2010

V. APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: SOILS INFORMATION

APPENDIX B: WILDLIFE AND FORESTRY

INFORMATION

APPENDIX C: TRAILS INFORMATION

APPENDIX D: PLANTS LIST

1

FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN

WEST RIVER BENDS PARK AND HOLLAND PONDS

SHELBY TOWNSHIP,

MACOMB COUNTY, MICHIGAN

This is a forest management plan developed under current Federal and State forest stewardship guidelines.

Date Prepared: June, 2010

Plan Time Frame: 2010 - 2019

Property Owner(s): Charter Township of Shelby

Address: 52700 Van Dyke Road

Shelby Township, Michigan 48316

Telephone: 586 7312645

Email: [email protected]

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Legal description or directions to site:

The west half of River Bends Park includes lands in the south half of the southwest quarter of Section 18,

and the north half and southeast quarter of Section 19, Shelby Township. The west half of the Park lies

between DeQuindre Road on the west and Ryan Road on the east, south of 23 Mile Road and north of

Hamlin Road. Established trails within the west half of the park include the Holland Ponds trails, accessed

from the parking lot on the west side of Ryan Road, just south of where 22 Mile Road connects with Ryan,

and a portion of the old Conrail railroad, accessed from Yates Cider Mill on Avon Road just south of 23

Mile Road. There are two old abandoned roads used for fishing access immediately north and south of the

Clinton River on the west side of Ryan Road. These have gated entrances, and there is space at each for one

or two vehicles to park between Ryan Road and the gates. The northern portion of the Park in Section 18

can also be accessed at the parking lot for the former Soccer City complex, along 23 Mile Road.

Property Code: 23-07-18-300-014; 23-07-19-100-013; 23-07-19-400-005

Prepared By: Rick McAvinchey

Company: The Land Steward, LLC

Address: 300 Woodbridge Lane

Ortonville, Michigan 48462

Telephone: 2486277109 home 2484623524 mobile

Email: [email protected]

Approvals:

Landowner: Date:

Preparer: Date:

Approving Agency: Date:

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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Landowner Assessment

Description of resources and level of interest from the landowner:

Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department will maintain and improve trails and other

recreation facilities, wildlife habitats and cultural resources in River Bends Park using Township employees

and equipment, and volunteer help. The time and expenses will vary annually.

Landowner's goals for the property:

- Provide both local and broad-scale variation in the overstory canopy

- Maintain a closed overstory canopy with an open or sparse understory

- Minimize disturbance

- Leave many big trees

- Promote vegetation that displays colorful foliage and/or fruit in autumn

- Promote vegetation that displays attractive flowers

- Promote vegetation that produces interesting fruit (berries, seeds, nuts, etc.)

- Protect and improve wildlife habitats for native species.

- Maintain water and soil quality, and protect wetlands and riparian areas.

- Enhance biological diversity on a local level

- Promote a variety of forest types

- Restore native ecosystem elements

- Discourage or eliminate exotic elements

- Develop hiking trails

- Protect water resources

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General Property Information

Total land area: 390.6 Acres

Number of stands: 31 stands

Region/subsection or ecosystem type:

General property description:

The west side of River Bends Park, even more than the east side, is an amazing and very important remnant

of relatively undisturbed or regenerated wild forests, wetlands and river channels. It also includes the

Holland Ponds complex of highly disturbed habitats that are transforming into acceptably naturalized

swamps, ponds and surrounding upland forests, with durable access roads through the middle and south of

the ponds. Segments of the old Clinton-Kalamazoo Canal still exist in the Holland Ponds complex and in

the northwest forest between the former Conrail railroad bed and 23 Mile Road. In the forest just south of

the Holland Ponds complex is the foundation of a building that is reputed to be a former park ranger's house

or office. Also south of the Holland Ponds is an extensive wetland complex, which blends into Clinton

River floodplain forest. The Park encompasses both sides of the river west of Holland Ponds north and west

almost to Dequindre Road at Avon Road. Much of the parkland between the river and Dequindre Road was

formerly owned by the Earl family, acquired decades ago by Michigan DNR as part of the Rochester-Utica

State Recreation Area, and transferred to the Township with the rest of the Park around 1994.

The wetlands and river floodplain complex provide valuable habitats for a wide variety of wildlife species,

including a rookery for great blue herons. The upland forest and clearings in the former Earl property offer

early- and mid-successional habitats for many other songbirds, deer, turkeys, rabbits, opossums, snakes and

some raptors. Conversely, the bulldozed clearings along 23 Mile Road are notable for their absence of

important wildlife habitats.

Description of surrounding properties:

There is considerable interaction between sections of the Park and certain surrounding properties. There is a

direct and intentional cooperative connection between Yates Cider Mill and the north compartment of the

Park, via the old Conrail railroad bed. There is a foot trail, called the Cider Mill Trail, which connects this

railroad trail to the Holland Ponds complex off Ryan Road. There is evidence of periodic use of the

informal Park trails by neighbors along the two small roads off Dequindre Road, in Stand 26 and Stands 17 -

22 in the former Earl estate. The most significant interaction is from members of the Detroit Sportsman‟s

Congress, who have developed an extensive field and 3D archery trail system almost entirely on the Park

property. This trail is at least 6,325 feet long and occupies at least 14.28 acres in the Park.

Soils information:

Basic soils information, including maps and tables, is located in Appendix A of this plan. Soil type

descriptions in this plan are taken from the Web Soil Survey, and from the Macomb County Soil Survey

book, published in 1971. Soils information provided in the Web Soil Survey is synthesized from

information in the Soil Survey book. The soil maps in this book were constructed in 1969 from 1955 and

1964 aerial photographs. Therefore, while the soils underlying most stands have not changed since 1969,

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the vegetation growing in some stands may be very different from what was there in 1955 and 1964.

Especially in stands that were gravel or clay pits, or open fields in those years, primary succession has been

proceeding, and most formerly open areas are now filling in with trees and shrubs. Further soils information

is included in descriptions of many forested stands.

Management access:

Vehicular access for management of the Park is primarily through the Holland Ponds roads, along the old

railroad trail from Yates Cider Mill, and at the Soccer City complex along 23 Mile Road. There is also a

road in the southeast corner of Section 18, the first road on the east side of DeQuindre Road south of Avon

Road, which services 3 private homes. This road passes through Township property after the second home,

connecting to foot trails in Stands 27 and 26. Approximately 1200 feet south of this road is the old driveway

entrance to the Earl homesite. This gated driveway is another access point for management of a system of

informal trails in the former Earl family homestead portion of the Park, and may become a public access

point if these trails are updated as a formal trail system.

Presence of threatened and endangered species:

Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) database search shows information on 11 threatened (T),

endangered (E) or special concern (SC) plant and animal species, and one being considered for listed status

(X), found at various times in Section 18 or Section 19 or both. They are listed in a table following this

section. The following are the plants and animals, with their state or federal status, and the year(s) they were

observed in or near the west side of the Park:

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Common Name Scientific Name Status Year Observed

American burying

beetle

Nicrophorus

americanus

State X 1934

Downy Gentian Gentiana

puberulenta

State E 1848

Gattinger's

Gerardia

Agalinis gattingeri State E 1914

Hill's Thistle Cirsium hillii State SC 1896

Missouri Rock-

cress

Arabis

missouriensis var.

deamii

State SC 1914

Panicled

Hawkweed

Hieracium

paniculatum

State T 1843

Richardson's Sedge Carex richardsonii State SC 1854, 1927

Snowy Orchis Galearis spectabilis State T 1916, 1919

Stiff Gentian Gentianella

quinquefolia

State T 1923

Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata State T 1981

Most of these species were observed in or near the Park before there was a threatened and endangered list.

I did not find any of these species in my investigations of the Park.

Cultural importance:

In Stand 4, south of Holland Ponds is an old road that leads to the foundation of a small house or

combination house/office. This building is believed to have been a park ranger house or office prior to the

acquisition of the park by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. At the end of a short abandoned

road in Stand 1, south of the Clinton River, are areas of asphalt pavement, large I-beams and other old metal

appliances rusting away. There was no obvious sign of buildings reputed to have been there. At the end of

the abandoned road in Stand 1 on the north side of the river were the foundations of very small houses or

cottages, a small rectangular fenced area that suggests an old tiny garden or a grave site, and two old swing

sets rusting away. At the former Earl homesite there remained a large garage structure with an attached

concrete channel or raceway, which may have been part of a small hydro-electric system. There was also a

small concrete bridge over the creek at that location. There were also remnants of at least 2 small house

foundations near the river in Stand 27, along with an old sports car, some old fence and a bicycle.

The former Conrail railroad bed and the former Clinton-Kalamazoo Canal are significant remnants of the

transportation systems of two previous eras in our state's history. Interpretive information furnished in the

forms of signage and/or brochures might help acquaint people with these relics of times before the modern

highway system.

Map information:

A map based on an aerial photograph is included in the plan. Items with an asterisk are shown on the map:

* North arrow (required)

* Scale bar (required)

* Legend (required)

Locator map

* Stand boundaries

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II. MAPS

Stand Maps with Trails

Topographic Map

Recommended Practices Maps

8

9

10

11

12

13

III. STAND DESCRIPTIONS

AND

MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

14

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 1. SOUTHEAST FLOODPLAIN'

Land area: 75.34 Acres

Land use history: This floodplain forest may have been here as forest for 100 years or more, as some of the

larger trees are in that age range. There is evidence of a small community or camp at the end of an

abandoned road on the north side of the river, and remains of a business or other old human activity at the

end of a short road south of the river.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Southern Hardwood Floodplain Forest

-Potential: Same

Successional trend: Pole-size to large sawlog-size eastern cottonwoods and silver maples dominate this

extensive and variable river floodplain stand. Also numerous among sawlog-size trees are black willow,

black maple, American sycamore, sugar maple and American basswood. Other trees present in the canopy

are black walnut, boxelder, American elm, bitternut hickory, red maple, northern red oak, swamp white oak,

white oak, bur oak and green ash. The understory includes ash, buckthorn, bur oak, boxelder, silver, black,

red and sugar maples, elm, non-native honeysuckles, sycamore, hawthorn and basswood. Ground vegetation

and vines includes poison ivy, wild grape, Virginia creeper, black swallowwort, multiflora rose, barberry,

various goldenrods, reed canary grass, common St. John's-wort, jewelweed, stinging nettle, garlic mustard,

various thistles, moneywort, enchanter's nightshade, dames rocket, ostrich fern, dandelion, wild strawberries,

meadow horsetail, white avens, wood sorrel, jack-in-the-pulpit, white grass, spotted Joe-Pye-weed, small

forget-me-not, iris, violet, agrimony, early meadow-rue, currant, wild parsnip, bedstraw, sedges, wild

geranium, wild leek, green dragon and giant ragweed.

Forest health: There were no obvious signs of disease, insect infestation or malnutrition among the trees and

shrubs in this stand. The ash trees are dead or dying from emerald ash borer infestation.

Site quality: Site index is estimated at 66 for Silver maple. This stand appears to be a moderate site for

growing silver maples and cottonwoods, and in some areas of higher ground it supports good quality sugar

maple and black walnut. A site index of 66 for silver maple is in the low to moderate range.

Approximate age: 93 Size Class: Medium Sawlogs (17.5 - 23.5")

Trees per acre: 178 Mean Stand Diameter: 16 in.

Basal Area (BA): 69 Acceptable BA: 90 or more

Growth Rate: % Timber Quality: medium

Stocking: Total basal area of 69 square feet per acre is toward the low end of the fully stocked range for this

forest type, equivalent to just over 50% stocked, or 50% of the average maximum stocking expected in

undisturbed stands of similar size and species composition. This relative density is in the optimum range for

best individual tree growth, with excellent growth rate of the largest trees, good growth of medium to

smaller trees, and low mortality from crowding.

Cottonwood and silver maple together comprise nearly 40% of the total basal area, and black willow, black

maple, sycamore, sugar maple and basswood account for another 44% of the basal area. Three oak species

make up only 3 percent of the basal area. Basal area is a method used by foresters to approximate density

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and size of trees in a forest stand, based on sample plots done at randomly or systematically chosen

locations. If a circular acre of trees around a plot center were all cut down, leaving 4.5 foot tall stumps, the

sum of the area of the tops of all those stumps in that acre, calculated in square inches and converted to

square feet, would be the basal area for that acre. Basal area is expressed in square feet per acre, for all trees

of all diameter sizes combined, or for all the trees of each species. When sampling trees in a forest, foresters

typically measure diameter of the trees at 4.5 feet above the ground, referred to as diameter at breast height,

or DBH.

Stand volume: 19 Gross cords per acre

Habitat and wildlife use: It is well known by researchers and land managers that the ecological integrity of

stream corridors is directly related to surrounding terrestrial plant communities. Perhaps the highest use of

riparian (river-side) forests is to protect water quality while providing much needed habitat combinations for

many different species of wildlife, on the land and in the water. The guilds of fish, turtles and frogs,

salamanders and mudpuppies, crayfish and other crustaceans, snails and insect larvae that find home in a

particular stream or river depend on the relative temperatures and chemical nature of the water. In general,

the cooler the average temperatures of a river, the healthier the river remains and the more diverse the fauna

will be. Keeping undisturbed buffers of forest vegetation along both sides of a stream will keep water cooler

in summer, and provide thermal cover along the stream in winter. Forest vegetation also serves to stabilize

stream banks, minimizing erosion during flood events, and covering and anchoring forest soil, keeping more

of it in place on land and out of the stream during heavy rains and snow melt. Another important element of

a river is how much microhabitat is available for shelter, feeding sites and reproductive sites for fish,

amphibians, insects and others. The Clinton River as it passes through River Bends Park would be

considered a type C stream in David Rosgen's stream classification/river morphology descriptive system4.

The river has meandering channels with frequent point bar development, and continuous series of well-

defined ripples and pools. The dominant streambed material is gravel. The sensitivity of the river channel

to disturbance, and stream bank erosion potential are both very high, the supply of sediment is high, and the

recovery potential following disturbance is good. The controlling influence of terrestrial vegetation is very

high. The adjacent forest contributes trees and other woody debris with each major storm and flood event.

All these physical characteristics contribute to a rich diversity of habitat elements and spaces for fish, turtles,

insects and other guilds, which in turn provide food sources for otters, raccoon, mink, herons, kingfishers,

swallows, beaver, deer, snakes and many other wildlife groups. Rivers offer a unique menu of food items

for visiting wildlife - fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects, plants, reptiles and amphibians, some of which are

themselves predators5. Riverbanks provide easy access to drinking water, den sites for muskrats and

beavers, nesting sites for bank swallows and eastern phoebes, and often sunny spots for the growth of

grasses, nuts and berries. Phoebes will also make use of the undersides of bridges as nest sites. Several

species of bats find roost trees and caves in riparian corridors, including silver-haired bats, and Indiana bats

in at least the southern two tiers of Michigan counties. River otters, bald eagles, northern water snakes and

several turtles are among the many predator species that may use the river corridors in the Park. In addition

to providing food and shelter habitats for relatively stationary wildlife species, riparian corridors provide

safe travel corridors for many large and small individual animals on the move from one territory to another.

Also there are wildlife species, from deep forest birds like pileated woodpeckers to red-shouldered hawks to

several warblers, as well as certain salamanders, that need large uninterrupted tracts of forest to live and

prosper. The relatively large blocks of riparian and adjacent upland forests in the Park are among few

contiguous forested communities in southeast Michigan that may provide for the needs of these animals.

For these and other reasons the riparian corridors in the Park can perhaps be considered the single most

important group of habitat communities to protect from disturbance, to monitor and in some locations to

restore buffers of undisturbed natural vegetation. Recommendations for the widths of natural vegetation

buffers along streams, lakes and other wetland types vary greatly, from an absolute minimum of 10 feet in

very urban settings6, to more than 700 feet on either side of large rivers in very rural or wild settings

7. The

minimum buffer width agreed upon by most researchers and land managers is between 50 and 100 feet. The

16

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides guidelines for at least 100 foot wide vegetated

buffers, with no disturbance allowed within a minimum of 50 feet along each side of the stream, and

minimal disturbances such as hiking trails allowed within the next 50 foot band out from the stream8.

Shelby Township is able to offer very good to excellent protection for these highly valuable stretches of the

Clinton River corridor by prohibiting or limiting human-caused disturbances.

Recreational opportunities: The most obvious recreation activity currently taking place in these floodplain

forests is fishing along the Clinton River. Some people also use the abandoned roads and foot paths along

the river for nature walks and hikes in the woods. There could be seasonal harvest of fruits, nuts,

mushrooms and other edible or medicinal plants occurring in these forests. With improved trails, there

could be better opportunities for hiking or biking in pursuit of picnicking or bird watching in areas currently

seldom used by human visitors. Small groups of dedicated people have been canoeing and

Asphalt beginning of one of two abandoned roads into this stand. Ryan Road in background.

kayaking on the river for many years. The Parks and Recreation Board may want to add one or more fishing

platforms at the river, perhaps at the river near the end of the abandoned road on the north side of the river,

if that road is rejuvenated as a trail. Another option may be to develop a small picnic area near the old swing

sets at the end of this north road. Also Park managers may wish to consider improving and linking to a foot

trail from the area of the end of the abandoned road along the north side of the river, north along the east

side of the river to link up with the west end of the Holland Ponds roadways at Stand 12. Interestingly, there

is a 2008 map of the Holland Ponds area of the Park, made by Clear Communications Group, which shows

17

just such a trail in existence along the river. This is a simple fisherman's trail, like those along the river

below the railroad trail, which might be easily improved with slight rerouting for general hiking use. This

trail is depicted on the map as linking to the Cider Mill Trail. The abandoned road north of the river in

Stand 1 is roughly one-third mile, and the connecting trail along the river to the west end of Holland Ponds

road would be another 0.57 mile. To complete a loop, one would hike about 0.61 mile back to the Holland

Ponds parking lot, then about a third of a mile south on Ryan Road back to the beginning of the abandoned

road, for a total round trip of about 1.84 miles.

Peninsula inside tight bend in river in Stand 1: river in three directions.

Potential for timber production: There is potential for development of some high value sawtimber and

veneer in this floodplain forest, referred to as Elm-Ash-Cottonwood forest type by the U.S. Forest Service1.

This can include the following cover types: black ash-American elm-red maple; silver maple-American elm;

cottonwood; sugarberry-American elm-green ash; sycamore-sweetgum-American elm; and black willow,

with many associated species. This type is common on land subject to annual flooding and can survive

flooding during as much as 50 percent of the growing season. Cottonwoods and willows are pioneer species

which cannot subsequently regenerate in their own shade (they are considered shade-intolerant), and are

gradually replaced by more shade tolerant species including silver maple, American elm, green ash,

sycamore and river or yellow birch. Although timber management for the purpose of current or future

economic return from periodic sale of trees (timber harvest) is not currently a goal of the Township for River

Bends Park, the floodplain hardwood forest is a primary source of habitats for a variety of wildlife. Timber

harvest is one way to provide the disturbances necessary to regenerate the pioneer species of this forest type

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and thereby provide the diversity of habitats that are desirable for wildlife. Most of the ash trees in the Park

are either dead or dying from emerald ash borer infestation. If dead ash trees in small designated areas were

offered to private individuals for firewood, or to firewood producers, their removal might expose mineral

soil and eliminate some competing vegetation. If light and soil moisture are sufficient and this partial

harvest is done in the dormant season and/or in mid-to-late-summer, natural reproduction of cottonwood,

willow, yellow birch and sycamore can be expected. Their seeds are transported by wind and water, require

mineral soil and direct sunlight to germinate, and remain viable only for a few days or weeks. Seeds of

silver maple, American elm and green ash can germinate on moist litter as well as on mineral soil, and make

best early growth in partial shade. They can regenerate profusely from either seed or vegetatively after

cutting or disturbance. Elm-ash-cottonwood is a pioneer to intermediate type that cannot be maintained

without management or natural disturbance. Flooding and timber removal provide important conditions for

its establishment and continued existence.

In current markets the majority of tree species in floodplain forests have low commercial value, the

exceptions being the occasional good quality black walnut, black cherry and sugar maple. The best use of

deciduous wetland forests is the protection of the water resources that produce them and the unique biota

associated with them2.

Potential for other uses:

Water quality issues: The Township has important water quality issues to deal with in the Forester estate

north and east of the Park, and may not be entirely able to protect water quality in private and

commercial/industrial properties upstream of the Park, except through ordinances. Within the Park, the best

way to protect the quality of water resources is to maintain relatively undisturbed natural vegetation along

both sides of the river, and within and around the various other wetlands in the Park. This includes

maintaining healthy and natural upland vegetation communities throughout the Park. It could also include

developing long-term cooperative relationships to adopt and promote best management practices with your

neighboring landowners around the Park boundaries.

Important natural features: The Clinton River and its adjacent riparian corridor is the most important set of

natural features in this stand and others, and may be the most important natural features in the Park.

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MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 1. SOUTHEAST FLOODPLAIN'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Retain the forest in its current condition for wildlife habitat, river

corridor protection and water quality. Remove trees only to improve wildlife and fisheries habitat, to further

recreation opportunities and forest health, and possibly for private or municipal production of firewood,

mostly ash. Consider improving or creating a hiking trail from the end of the abandoned road north of the

river, north along the east side of the river to the west end of Holland Ponds roads. Retain all cavity and den

trees, and promote the placement and annual maintenance of roosting and nesting boxes or tire structures for

birds, bats, squirrels or raccoons. Consider improving recreational access by restoring old roads to

walking/biking trails, and by adding fishing platforms at strategic points along riverbanks. Retain most

near-shore trees and woody debris in the river and along the shore, except those blocking trails.

Silvicultural Prescription:

Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring cottonwood, silver and red

maples, swamp white, bur and white oaks, and sycamore.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Manage the riparian forest for wildlife and fisheries habitats, and for

water quality. Remove primarily dead ash trees and other dead trees for private or municipal firewood

production. Retain most trees within at least 100 feet of the river on both sides, and restrict motorized

wheeled or track vehicles from operating in that buffer zone. Retain trees and other woody debris along the

banks of the river and in-stream as habitat elements for fish and other river animals, and to reduce erosion of

stream banks. Retain den trees and cavity trees, productive fruit and nut trees and large "wolf" trees,

especially oaks, hickories and others that provide crops of acorns or nuts.

Planned Activities:

2011: Clear and improve old roads south and north of river for hiking and biking. Restrict motorized

vehicle access.

Begin salvaging dead ash trees for firewood or timber. Open to firewood producers or public.

Priority: 1

2012: Place bird and mammal roosting and nesting structures in forest. Maintain annually or biennially.

Priority: 2

2013: Install fishing platform at riverbank, accessed by trail.

Also begin improving informal riverbank trail from end of north road toward Stand 12.

Priority: 1

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Small vernal pond south of Clinton River in Stand 1.

2014: Continue improving riverside trail to Stand 12.

Also develop picnic area near old swings at end of north road.

Priority: 1

2015: Check and maintain nesting and roosting boxes and platforms.

Priority: 4

2017: Check and maintain nest and roosting boxes and platforms.

Priority: 5

2019: Check and maintain nest and roosting boxes.

Priority: 4

21

One of several large steel girders at end of south abandoned road.

22

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 2. SOUTHWEST CLEARING'


Land use history:

It appears that this small spot may have been cleared along with the adjacent large landfill area to the west,

or with the open fields now used for trailer/recreational vehicle storage adjacent to the south.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Birch-Cottonwood-Pine Savannah

-Potential: Same

Successional trend: This is a mostly open clearing, with a few scattered paper birch, cottonwood, Scots

pine, red cedar and sycamore trees of pole size or smaller. There are also willows, buckthorn, autumn olive,

blue spruce and ground juniper. Ground vegetation includes grasses, sedges, bulrush, black-eyed Susan,

butterflyweed, white asters and spotted Joe-Pye-weed. The soils map indicates that this clearing was part of

a larger gravel pit in the past, although the land surface is more flat than bowl-shaped as most gravel pits are.

If left alone this clearing will probably follow its natural successional trend toward an upland forest of the

same tree species.

Forest health: The trees and other vegetation appear to be quite healthy, with no apparent insect or disease

infestations.

Site quality: Site quality is not known, with no indication of poor quality.

Approximate age: 42 Size Class: Poles (5.5 - 11.5")

Trees per acre: 2-4 Mean Stand Diameter: 8 in.

Basal Area (BA): Very low Acceptable BA:

Growth Rate: % Timber Quality:

Stocking: This clearing has only scattered trees, as described above.

Stand volume:

Habitat and wildlife use: This clearing is not a forest opening in the usual sense, because it is not

surrounded by forest but is adjacent to large private land field areas to the west and south. Still the value of

this clearing to a variety of wildlife species in the adjacent forest is fairly high. It offers turkeys and other

birds, deer, mice and other animals areas to feed on plant foods and abundant insects in summer, in relative

safety without venturing out into the very large open fields west and south. Because this clearing has some

larger trees along the west and south edges, and the forest to the east and north, it is likely also used as a

hunting ground for hawks and owls, perching in some of the same trees that offer visual cover for deer and

others. It is likely that this clearing is or may be used by woodcock for their courtship flights.

23

Even though they provide fruits for many birds, the buckthorn and autumn olive in this clearing are highly

invasive plants and should be removed by cutting and immediately applying herbicide to the low stumps.

If Park managers wish to maintain this clearing in its present successional stage, they will need to set back

succession by disking or mowing every three to five years, being careful to avoid damaging any trees and

shrubs they want to keep. A mix of native grasses and forbs, such as Canada wild-rye, little bluestem,

Indian grass and bush clover, along with wildflowers could be planted in the more open areas of the clearing

after disking. Fruit bearing shrubs and trees could be planted near the edges of the clearing to support a

greater variety of wildlife, including bees, moths and butterflies.

Recreational opportunities: Being off any trail system from within the Park, it is not likely that this clearing

will receive much use from Park visitors. However, there is an established trail connecting the landfill trails

to the west with the Clinton River, passing through the middle of this clearing and into Stand 1. This trail

was used by people on 4-wheeled ATVs just before I surveyed this stand. This trail, clearing and forest area

were also used by an elder nudist celebrating Independence Day.

Park managers may want to close this trail from the landfill, at least to vehicular use.

Potential for timber production: This little clearing provides a small area of herbaceous vegetation with

scattered trees and shrubs, important for a variety of wildlife species. There is no need to consider managing

this clearing for timber production.


Water quality issues: As long as there is no increase in human activity that involves toxic chemicals use,

there should be no particular water quality concerns with this stand.

Important natural features: The clearing itself with its mostly herbaceous vegetation plus scattered shrubs

and trees should be considered an important natural feature, adjacent as it is to large blocks of forest.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 2. SOUTHWEST CLEARING'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and improve wildlife habitat.


Recommended silvicultural system: None

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Remove non-native invasive shrubs. Maintain this clearing in its

current successional stage by disking or mowing every 3 to 5 years. Plant native grasses and wildflowers,

especially after disking. Plant fruiting trees and shrubs in clumps around edges, especially near the forest.

Planned Activities:

2010: Block vehicle access at trail from landfill.

Remove buckthorn and autumn olive.

Priority: 3

24

2011: Disc open areas of clearing. Plant native grasses and wildflowers.

Priority: 2

2012: Plant fruiting and nut trees and shrubs.

Priority: 3

2015: Disc to maintain clear areas and reseed if necessary.

Priority: 5

2019: Mow to maintain open areas.

Priority: 4

25

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 3. CENTRAL SWAMP'

Land area: 32 Acres

Land use history: More than half of this stand is over Tawas muck, which occurs in swamps, along

waterways, and in depressions in the uplands. The water table is near the surface most of the year unless the

soil is artificially drained. Runoff is therefore very slow. Most areas of the county with this soil are wooded

or idle land. The rest of the stand is over Cohoctah fine sandy loam, floodplain soils that are poorly drained,

have a high water table and are frequently flooded. Because of these limitations for agriculture these soils

are mainly used as wildlife habitat and intermittent pasture. Native vegetation consists of elm, oaks, maple,

ash, willows, grasses and reeds.

With these soils, it is most likely that this stand has been in its current semi-wooded, wetland status for a

very long time.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Cedar-Cottonwood-Yellow Birch-Basswood

-Potential: Same

Successional trend: This is a varied wetland stand, with some areas at the west end dominated by northern

white-cedar, areas in the northeast corner dominated by tamarack and elm, much of the central areas

inhabited by scattered cottonwoods, black willows and few silver maples. Phragmites and cattails

dominated the ground vegetation in most areas of this stand, with nearly pure stands of either or both in

several locations. A few locations had open water in July. There were green ash trees in several plot

locations, nearly all dead. The few other individual trees found in or near plots included bur, white and red

oaks, American basswood, white pine, yellow birch and sycamore. Shrubs and vines included sandbar

willow, buckthorn, Virginia creeper, hornbeam, poison ivy and river grape. Herbaceous vegetation also

included duckweed, reed canary grass, several sedges, bulrush, skunk cabbage, moneywort, jewelweed,

swamp and common milkweeds, sensitive fern, goldenrods, stinging nettle, St. John's-wort, fireweed,

dogbane, mullein, wild parsnip, swamp horsetail, purple loosestrife, virgin's bower, spotted Joe-Pye-weed,

boneset and bedstraw.

Forest health: Nearly all of the ash trees in the stand, as in the entire Park, were dead or dying, presumably

from emerald ash borer. About half of the tamaracks in the northeast corner were dead from unknown

causes. There were no other conditions noted during inspection of this stand that would indicate insect or

disease infestations, or other tree health problems.

Site quality: Most of the trees in this stand were of slightly poor to moderate quality as potential timber.

They are doing well in their role as swamp trees providing wildlife habitats.


Trees per acre: 129 Mean Stand Diameter: 9.7 in.

Basal Area (BA): 34 Acceptable BA:

Growth Rate: % Timber Quality: low

26

Stocking: Stocking of trees is quite variable in this stand, ranging from nearly 70 square feet per acre of

basal area in the northern white-cedar grove at the west end to no trees at all in a few plot locations. Swamp

hardwoods and white pine are sparse in most locations in the stand; therefore the trees per acre and basal

area estimated for the entire stand were elevated by inclusion of a couple plots with many northern white-

cedars, and are not representative of the stand as a whole.

Stand volume: 6 Gross total cords/acre

One of several swampy areas. Buckthorn in left foreground.

Habitat and wildlife use: Most notable and maybe noticeable of the wildlife using this swamp stand is the

great blue heron rookery near the center of the stand. There were at least 18 heron nests observed in

cottonwood trees, most apparently in use by herons. This swamp may also provide habitats for mink,

muskrats, beaver, maybe otter, deer, squirrels, barred owls, various woodpecker species, wood ducks,

nuthatches, different warblers, chickadees, snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders, Indiana and/or other

bats, dragonflies, butterflies and other insects10

.

Den and cavity trees should be preserved and managed throughout this swamp forest. Installing nest boxes

for wood ducks, woodpeckers and others will add further housing options that may be lacking now.

Buckthorn and other invasives should be removed from this and all parts of the Park as much as possible

within the Park's budget, which can be a good project for volunteers.

27

Recreational opportunities: The west end of the stand is along the south edge of the Holland Ponds complex

of roads and trails, and therefore gets some visitation by Park patrons. The rest of this stand is not readily

accessible, and is probably visited by only a hardy few each year. Bird watching and nature observation,

with or without a camera, are the most likely recreational activities in most of the stand.

Potential for timber production: Other than the small grove of northern white-cedar, tamarack, basswood,

oaks and elm at the west end, there is little potential for sustainable timber production in this stand.


Water quality issues: The most important water management strategy for this swamp is to protect the water

sources and enhance adjacent uplands, with undisturbed buffer zones at least 100 feet where possible. Do

not change the water levels in the swamp by draining water from adjacent uplands into the swamp or

diverting any of its current water supply10

.

Important natural features: Besides the swamp itself, a great blue heron rookery is an important natural

feature that needs to be protected from disturbance.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 3. CENTRAL SWAMP'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Protect the swamp in its current condition. Prevent disturbance to the

great blue herons and other wildlife living there.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring cottonwoods, silver maples, oaks,

and basswood.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Since this hardwood-conifer swamp is under-stocked in most areas,

there is little need to open the canopy for the purpose of stimulating the understory vegetation. Hence there

is no need for any timber harvest activities within this stand. Protect den, nest and cavity trees. Control

buckthorn.

Planned Activities:

2010: Remove buckthorn, Phragmites and other invasives. Do 1-2 acres per year.

Priority: 4

2011: Control invasives.

Priority: 3


Priority: 4

2013: Install nest and roosting boxes and platforms.

Control invasives.

Priority: 5

28


Priority: 4

2015: Check and maintain nest and roosting structures.

Priority: 4


Priority: 4


Priority: 4


Priority: 3


Priority: 4

29

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 4. OAK-HICKORY'

Land area: 7 Acres

Land use history: The foundation of an old park ranger station or home remains at the southern part of this

stand, just north of part of the Stand 3 swamp. Unverified information suggests that this ranger station was

in use by Huron-Clinton Metroparks prior to ownership by Michigan DNR as Rochester-Utica State

Recreation Area.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Oak-Hickory

-Potential: Black Cherry-Maple

Successional trend: Red oak, pignut hickory, black cherry and sycamore dominated this stand, with small

numbers of sugar and red maple, pin oak and shagbark hickory pole-size trees. Just north of the old ranger

station foundation were groves of larger white pine and northern white-cedar. East along the trail defining

the northern boundary of this stand were also cottonwoods, quaking aspen and black maple. Understory

trees, shrubs and vines included dogwoods, ash, multiflora rose, staghorn sumac, elm, cherry, shagbark

hickory, silver maple, non-native honeysuckle, buckthorn, barberry, wild grape, Virginia creeper and poison

ivy. Ground vegetation included prickly gooseberry, ebony spleenwort, goldenrods, enchanter‟s-nightshade,

garlic mustard, Pennsylvania sedge, other sedges, St. John‟s-wort. At the old ranger station site were

periwinkle, jack-in-the-pulpit and New York fern.

Forest health: All the trees in this small stand appeared in good health, with no evidence of insect or disease

infestation or environmental problems.

Site quality: Site index is estimated at 65 for red oak. This site appeared to be of good quality for

supporting mixed hardwoods and the pine and white-cedars growing there. The Boyer loamy sand

underlying this stand has moderately rapid to rapid permeability, slow runoff and very rapid infiltration, with

medium available moisture capacity. Natural fertility is moderately low. The native vegetation is deciduous

hardwoods, chiefly oak, hickory and maple.

Approximate age: 66 Size Class: Small Sawlogs (11.5 - 17.5")



Growth Rate: % Timber Quality: high

Stocking: Northern red oak accounted for 39% of the basal area, with pignut hickory and black cherry each

comprising 17% of basal area. Sycamore accounted for 9%, and red and sugar maples, white pine and pin

oak each contributed 4%. Other trees present in very low numbers were eastern cottonwood, northern

white-cedar, quaking aspen and black maple.

Stand volume: 20.5 Gross total cords/acre

30

Habitat and wildlife use: This stand was primarily a dry hardwood oak-hickory type, with minor

components of maples, black cherry and shagbark hickory. Birds that live in oak-hickory forests include

great-crested flycatcher, eastern wood pewee, rose-breasted grosbeak, scarlet tanager, blue jay, ovenbird,

black-capped chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, northern flicker,

ruffed grouse and wild turkeys10

. White-tailed deer, squirrels, deer mice and voles are the most common

mammals. Many of these species prefer and depend on acorns, but the hickory nuts with their hard shells

are significant foods primarily for wood duck, wild turkey, squirrels and chipmunk. Hickory nuts and/or

flowers are incidental foods in the diets of ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, crow, rose-breasted

grosbeak, blue jay, white-breasted nuthatch and red-bellied woodpecker. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers feed on

the sap. Deer feed on leaves, twigs and nuts, white-footed mice feed on leaves and nuts, and raccoon, rabbit,

gray fox and black bear feed on hickory nuts and/or bark.

Recreational opportunities: This stand is a destination site as part of the Holland Ponds complex, and

receives frequent visitation by patrons. The old ranger station foundation could be made much more

interesting if an interpretive sign with old pictures of the building and the rangers using it, perhaps with a

floor plan of the building, were assembled and erected at the site. This could be accompanied with an old

map of the park or recreation area at the time the building was used. There is a side trail going east along

the hilltop, with a bench in serious need of graffito removal. This particular trail was established and signed

to allow visitors to get a glimpse of the heron rookery to the south. For better viewing, some tree branches

or entire small trees may need to be cut out of the way at different locations along the hilltop.

Potential for timber production: If timber production were a goal of the Park, this small stand may be worth

managing for long-term sustainable harvest. The oaks, sugar maple and black cherry are the most valuable

species in current markets. Nearly all the species in this stand provide valuable food sources and

nesting/roosting sites for wildlife, so they should be maintained for that purpose. The maples are more

shade tolerant than oaks and hickories, and without some kind of disturbance, such as fire, wind-throw or

timber harvest, the oak-hickory forest will eventually convert to maple-beech or some other forest type10

.

This stand is very accessible by Holland Pond roads.


Water quality issues: Activities in this stand which could potentially allow chemical pollutants to fall on the

ground surface should be avoided, as such pollutants could migrate downhill to the swamp below.

Important natural features: All the trees in this stand have importance for wildlife and people. The slopes

are also important features, influencing vegetation and wildlife use.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 4. OAK-HICKORY'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain this mixed hardwood/conifer forest for its aesthetic, wildlife

and recreation values. If feasible, add interpretive signing next to the old ranger station foundation.

Maintain the various trails in and along this stand.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring oaks, hickories, and maples.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: If perpetuating the oak-hickory dominance in this stand is

considered important, periodic small disturbances may be necessary to open the forest floor to sunlight,

allowing oak and hickory seedlings to grow. Planting these seedlings would help the process. Alternatively

31

the stand can be allowed to eventually convert to a maple-dominated forest, which may take a few human

generations.

Planned Activities:

2010: Remove branches or small trees along trail to improve heron rookery viewing.

Clean graffito from bench.

Priority: 3

2011: Develop and install historical signage at old ranger station foundation.

Maintain all trails in stand.

Consider planning for timber management.

Priority: 4

2012: Remove branches or small trees to improve views of heron rookery.

Priority: 2

2013: Maintain trails within stand.

Priority: 4

2015: Keep views of heron rookery clear of branches and small trees.

Priority: 5

2016: Maintain trails in stand.

Priority: 5

2019: Maintain trails in stand. Maintain benches and signage.

Maintain views of heron rookery by removing branches and small trees.

Priority: 3

32

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 5. WATER LILY POND'


Land use history: This and the other Holland Ponds were created at the direction of the Environmental

Protection Agency as part of a remediation effort for the G&H landfill to the north, date unknown.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Excavated pond

-Potential:

Successional trend: This is an apparently excavated pond with the surrounding banks. At the water's edge

and in water were cattails, Phragmites, sandbar willow, swamp thistle, 3-square, purple loosestrife, sedges,

red-osier dogwood and water lily. On the shore and bank were grasses, common milkweed, spotted

knapweed, goldenrods, Queen-Anne's-lace, St. John‟s-wort, ash seedlings, daylily, buckthorn, burdock,

yellow and white sweet-clovers, birdfoot trefoil, tartarian honeysuckle, yarrow, basswood seedlings, small

cottonwoods, everlasting pea, mulberry and poison ivy.

Forest health: Plants were growing well, and waterfowl, blackbirds and other wildlife were using the pond

and shore.

Site quality: Acceptable for plant growth.

Habitat and wildlife use: The water lilies, cattails, Phragmites and purple loosestrife and surrounding

shoreline vegetation offer habitat elements for a variety of birds, including herons and waterfowl, plus

muskrats, deer, woodchucks, mice, snakes, turtles and frogs. Swallows and bats would feed on the abundant

insects. Presence of fish in the pond is unknown.

Phragmites and especially purple loosestrife are highly invasive aquatic plants that most land management

agencies in Michigan are trying to control or eradicate.

Recreational opportunities: If the water and soil of the pond have been tested and found to be free of toxic

chemicals, this pond could theoretically be used for fishing and boating in spring-summer-fall, and ice

skating in winter. Primary recreational use seemed to be bird-watching and photography.

Potential for timber production: None.


Water quality issues: This pond and others in the Holland Ponds complex were created to help deal with a

highly polluted landfill to the north. The Township, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the

Environmental Protection Agency have been monitoring these ponds for toxic chemicals since they were

first created.

Important natural features: While the pond is apparently man-made, it functions as a facsimile of a natural

pond in many ways, and offers important habitats for a variety of wildlife.

33

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 5. WATER LILY POND'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and enhance wildlife habitats. Try to prevent introduction

of non-native animals and plants into the ponds.

Silvicultural Prescription: None.

Planned Activities:

2010: Determine if fishing, boating and ice skating are safe activities, allow them if safe.

Priority: 7

2011: Begin control of purple loosestrife and Phragmites.

Add trees and root wads for fish cover, plus turtle, duck and heron resting logs.

Priority: 5

34

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 6. FROG POND'


Land use history: This is another excavated pond related to remediation of the G&H landfill, excavation

date unknown.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Willow, cottonwood and northern white-cedar around excavated pond.

Successional trend: Willows, ash, cottonwood and dogwoods are the dominant woody vegetation. Plants in

the water and on shore are similar to those in the Water Lily pond. There was a small stand of northern

white-cedar at the west end of this pond, next to the north-side trail. Phragmites were growing there also.

There were cottonwoods of various sizes with honeysuckles along the north shore of this pond.

Forest health: See comments for Stand 5.

Stocking: None.

Habitat and wildlife use: In addition to the recommendations for Stand 5 pond, the trees and shrubs around

the shoreline of this and Stands 10 and 11 ponds provide shade to keep the waters cooler in summer and

some thermal cover in the winter. The shrubs provide shade for animals using the shore in summer as

resting or nesting sites, while providing some food sources. The trees along the shore serve as staging areas

and predator escape cover for birds coming to the pond from the nearby forest. When large branches or

entire trees fall into the edge of the pond, they provide some habitat and cover elements for aquatic insects,

frogs, toads, and fish, and resting logs for turtles, ducks and herons. It is important to retain trees, logs and

large branches that fall into or along the edges of ponds, and to add them to ponds that don't have trees

growing along their shores, such as Stands 5, 12 and 13. Logs and other woody debris are important habitat

elements that are missing in those ponds.

Recreational opportunities: See Stand 5. There is a chain-link fence along the north side of this pond which

doesn't seem to serve any purpose. Perhaps this pond could be used for fishing, or boating, or ice skating in

winter.


Potential for other uses: There is no apparent purpose for the armored overflow channel at the east end of

the road between Stands 6 and 11. No suggestion to remove it.

Water quality issues: See Stand 5 comments.

Important natural features: See Stand 5 comments.

35

One view of Stand 6 pond. Note the heavy algae growth.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 6. FROG POND'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and enhance wildlife habitats and use, for wildlife benefit

and for viewing opportunities for visitors.

Silvicultural Prescription: None.

Planned Activities:

2010: Determine if fishing, boating and ice skating are safe activities. Allow them if safe.

Priority: 5

2012: Add trees and root wads for fish cover if needed. Add turtle, duck and heron resting logs if needed.

Retain trees that fall into water along shore.

Priority: 3

36

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 7. SWAMP FOREST'

Land area: 9 Acres

Land use history: The soils map shows this entire Holland Ponds area as a former gravel pit. Yet some of

the larger cottonwoods are estimated to be close to or over 100 years old. Those trees may have been spared

during the gravel extraction.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Cottonwood-Sycamore-Basswood

-Potential: Same

Successional trend: Cottonwoods were dominant here, from small to large sawlog size. Next in abundance

were American basswood, American elm and sycamore, mostly small pole-size. Other trees were paper

birch* and black maple. Understory trees and shrubs included elm, basswood, ash, pignut hickory,

buckthorn, autumn olive*, gray dogwood, tartarian and amur honeysuckles and multiflora rose. Virginia

creeper, wild grape, poison ivy, swamp white oak seedlings*, white avens, enchanter‟s-nightshade, marsh

and swamp horsetails, Queen-Anne's-lace, black swallow-wort*, American raspberry*, wood sorrel*, white

sweet-clover* and birdfoot trefoil were also present (* along road). There were also a few black cherries

and large sycamores along the canal.

Forest health: There were no signs of poor health among the trees and shrubs present, except that the ash

trees encountered were dead.

Site quality: Site index is estimated at 70 for eastern cottonwood. This appeared to be a slightly better than

average site for cottonwoods.



Basal Area (BA): 53.3 Acceptable BA:


Stocking: Cottonwood made up 38% of the estimated basal area, with basswood and elm each making up

19%. Sycamore accounted for 13% of basal area, and paper birch and black maple each made up 6%. By

timber management standards this is an understocked stand, almost as sparse as a savannah.


Habitat and wildlife use: This habitat is similar to the floodplain forest of Stand 1, but with ponds rather

than river as the water bodies. Some of the wildlife species will use both plant communities, but this stand

is too small and broken up for deep woods species such as pileated woodpeckers or veeries. It offers

37

important wildlife habitat complexes.

Recreational opportunities: The most likely recreation happening around this stand would be bird watching

and photography. Some people may also try to harvest fruits, roots or other parts of certain plants and

mushrooms. Hiking and biking are performed around the perimeter of this stand almost daily.

Potential for timber production: Cottonwoods were growing well in the east half of this forested stand.

There were areas of standing water with few trees in the center of the stand. None of the tree species found

in this stand has any significant value in current timber markets. This stand is best left to grow for wildlife

habitats.


Water quality issues: If the water of the Holland Ponds are polluted with toxic chemicals from the G&H

landfill, the soils beneath this stand may also be contaminated. Even so, all manner of wildlife species make

use of the ponds, so activities that could further pollute these waters should not be allowed in this stand or

along the roads.

Important natural features: Along the south edge of this stand there exists the linear remnant of the

Kalamazoo-Clinton Canal, still holding water. This is not a natural feature, but it has been supporting frogs,

turtles, herons, ducks, muskrats and deer, and trees for many decades, so it has habitat value.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 7. SWAMP FOREST'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and enhance wildlife habitat values of this slightly swampy

forest stand.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring cottonwood and basswood.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: These trees should best be allowed to grow for the wildlife habitats

they provide. There is no need or compelling reason to harvest them.

Planned Activities:

There are no activities planned for this stand.

38

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 8. COTTONWOOD'


Land use history: Like other parts of this Holland Ponds complex, the soils map shows this area as a former

gravel pit.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Cottonwood

-Potential:

Successional trend: Cottonwood was the main tree in this relatively upland stand located between wetland

areas. All were poles or small sawlogs. There were a few twisted or corkscrew willows. In the understory

were sycamore, autumn olive, buckthorn and sandbar willow. Ground vegetation in the sparse forest

included birch, buckthorn, marsh and swamp horsetails, Canada anemone, bee balm, goldenrod, poison ivy,

tartarian honeysuckle, daisy, yarrow, heal-all, tall buttercup, aster and grasses. Vegetation in the southwest

corner, devoid of tree cover, included birdfoot trefoil, crown vetch, yarrow, sandbar willow, a sycamore

sapling, spotted knapweed, curly dock, staghorn sumac, common milkweed, Queen-Anne's-lace, quack-

grass, English plantain, brome, redtop grass, bouncing bet, wild grape and white sweet-clover.

Forest health: Trees appear to be healthy, but autumn olive, tartarian honeysuckle and buckthorn should be

controlled or eradicated.

Site quality: Site index is estimated at 65 for cottonwood, a moderate to good site for cottonwoods and

associated species.





Stocking: Pole-size and small sawlog size cottonwoods make up 98% of the trees surveyed. Corkscrew

willow is the other tree species.


Habitat and wildlife use: As an upland area surrounded on 3 sides by wetlands, this small stand is probably

used by a large variety of wildlife species, especially birds. With the small clearing in the center and the

extensive shrub component, it is not surprising that woodcock were observed using the stand. Others

observed were catbird, goldfinch, purple finch and cedar waxwings. Unfortunately much of the shrub

component consisted of autumn olive and buckthorn, which provide abundant foods for birds but are highly

invasive. These should be removed, and replaced with appropriate native fruiting shrubs.

Recreational opportunities: Wildlife observation is perhaps the most likely human recreation that may take

place here. Another would be gathering wild edible foods. There are some small open areas in the middle

39

of the stand that would lend themselves to picnicking.

Potential for timber production: There is little reason to consider harvesting trees in this small stand. The

cottonwoods growing there are of little commercial value, but are of greater value to wildlife and people if

left in place.


Water quality issues: As with all uplands near water, any pollutants dumped on the land will work their way

into the water. The likelihood of toxic chemical spills in this little stand is quite low.

Important natural features: The higher elevation of this stand relative to the surrounding low wetlands

makes this a very important resting, feeding, travelling and likely young-rearing site for deer, for many

birds, turtles and snakes, frogs, toads and maybe salamanders. The fairly open tree canopy, small clearing

and dense shrub component make this potentially ideal habitat for woodcock, ruffed grouse, rabbits, and

mice, and those hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes and others who hunt them.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 8. COTTONWOOD'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and enhance this upland cottonwood stand for wildlife

habitat elements it provides. Remove autumn olive and buckthorn.

Perhaps allow visitors to discover this place on their own, without overt signage or direction.


Recommended silvicultural system:

Details of the silvicultural prescription: There is no silvicultural prescription for this small stand. Protect

the trees and shrubs for the wildlife habitat they provide. However, the buckthorn and autumn olive that

have taken over parts of this stand should be removed and replaced with native fruiting shrubs.

Planned Activities:

2011: Place 1 or 2 picnic tables in open areas, improve trail from west end to reach picnic tables.

Priority: 8

2012: Remove autumn olive and buckthorn.

Priority: 6

2013: Plant native fruiting and nut shrubs and trees.

Priority: 7

40

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 9. BUR OAK-IRONWOOD'


Land use history: This stand was apparently heavily modified from any natural landscape it may have been

before its gravel pit period. Ditches were dug throughout, and the spoils piled to form ridges. The ditches

and other open water areas held water in July.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Oak-Elm-Ironwood

-Potential: Lowland Hardwoods

Successional trend: This is a very disturbed stand, mainly made up of ridges alternating with water-filled

ditches and open water areas. Most of the trees were on the ridges. The trees recorded were bur oak, elm,

hop-hornbeam (ironwood), and green ashes which were dead. In the understory were buckthorn, hop-

hornbeam and staghorn sumac. Ground vegetation was sparse, consisting of goldenrod, St. John's-wort,

buckthorn and silver maple seedlings, and barberry.

Forest health: The trees and shrubs appeared to be reasonably healthy. The true health of these

contaminated areas is unknown. Ash trees have died or were dying in July.

Site quality: Site index was estimated at a moderate 66 for Bur oak.

With ridges and troughs this stand is not expected to grow high quality trees, nor trees at high density.





Stocking: Large pole-size bur oaks, small pole-size elms and sapling hop-hornbeam made up the fairly

sparse tree canopy of this swampy stand.


Habitat and wildlife use: This stand has developed into a hardwood swamp community, and as such has

much the same habitat elements and wildlife use as Stand 7 and Stands 1 and 3. See those stand narratives

for descriptions of wildlife species that may use these vegetation types, and for management and habitat

improvement recommendations. The buckthorn and perhaps barberry in this stand should be eliminated.

Recreational opportunities: Few people probably enter this stand. Those that move quietly into this wet

forest probably have many opportunities to observe wildlife species and activity that are not available to

those who pass by on the main trails.

Potential for timber production: There is no reason to consider timber management for this swampy forest

stand. The tree canopy provides shelter, nesting sites, foods and predator escape cover for a variety of

41

wildlife species.


Water quality issues: Much of this stand has standing water, and it is adjacent to the Stand 10 pond.

Therefore extra caution must be used to prevent any petroleum products or other toxic chemicals from

spilling within or near these stands. This is not likely with only occasional foot traffic into this swamp.

Important natural features: The native trees, shrubs and other plants are the natural features of this highly

modified land area. They are healing the many scars left by people with heavy equipment.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 9. BUR OAK-IRONWOOD'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Protect the vegetation and waters of this stand from disturbance and

pollutants. Maintain the current water regime in the stand by avoiding changes in water input and outflow

through the stand. Remove invasive plants. Add nest boxes or platforms for wood ducks, woodpeckers,

owls or forest small mammals, including bats.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring bur oak.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: There is no active silvicultural prescription for this stand.

Planned Activities:

2013: Control buckthorn and barberry.

Priority: 7

2014: Add nest boxes and platforms for wood ducks, owls, woodpeckers, small mammals and bats.

Priority: 5

42

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 10. MUSKRAT POND'


Land use history: This pond was probably part of a gravel pit in the past, before the Holland Ponds complex

was developed.

Forest Type:

-Existing: None

-Potential: Swamp

Successional trend: Vegetation is similar to that in Stands 5 and 6 ponds, with willows, buckthorn, elm,

oaks and maples around the shoreline and emergents such as cattails, Phragmites, bulrush, sedges and some

purple loosestrife in the shallow water near shore. Sawlog-size cottonwood and sycamore form the narrow

forest between the pond and parking lot.

Duck just north of road in Stand 10. Plenty of resting logs here.

43

Forest health: Ducks and other waterfowl, wading birds, frogs and turtles use these ponds. One hopes the

water and substrate are reasonably free of toxins.

Site quality: Not applicable.

Stocking: Not applicable.

Habitat and wildlife use: See narratives for Stands 5 and 6. There are wood duck boxes on metal pipes, plus

some smaller bird house, 10 inches tall and narrow, also over the water.

Recreational opportunities: Wildlife viewing and photography may be the most important recreational uses

for people walking the road past this pond. There may be fishing practiced here as well.



Water quality issues: See narratives for Stands 5, 6 and 9. A culvert under the road connects the west end

of this pond with a wet area of Stand 7.

Important natural features: The Holland Ponds, while not natural features, are becoming naturalized by the

healing properties of the plants that grow there and the animals that use them.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 10. MUSKRAT POND'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Protect the water regime of the pond by not causing water to be

added or taken away by human modifications to adjacent land areas.

Maintain and enhance wildlife habitats with nest boxes and platforms as time, materials and workers are

available.

Silvicultural Prescription: Very limited.

Recommended silvicultural system: None.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Maintain tree and native shrub cover around the shoreline of the

pond.

Planned Activities:

2015: Add nesting platforms for ducks and geese. Plan to inspect for use and maintain platforms annually

or biennially.

Priority: 6

44

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 11. SNAPPER POND'


Land use history: See Stand 10 narrative.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Excavated Pond

-Potential:

Successional trend: Very similar to Stands 10 and 6 ponds. Cottonwood, sycamore, dead ash and black

cherry grow on north east end, with these species plus pin oak in the southeast corner.

Forest health: See Stand 10 narrative.

Habitat and wildlife use: See Stands 5 and 6 narratives. Small bird house in a tree at the shore. Geese on

very small islands, possibly nesting. This pond could use duck boxes and goose nesting platforms.

Recreational opportunities: See Stand 10 narrative. There were informal trails along the shore.

The old barn foundation at the parking lot could be a great sun garden, or a roof-less pavilion, if cleared out.



Water quality issues: Same as for Stands 5,6 and 10.

Important natural features: See Stand 10 narrative.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 11. SNAPPER POND'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Same as for Stands 6 and 10.

Silvicultural Prescription: Protection of existing trees.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Maintain native trees and shrubs around the shoreline of the pond,

to stabilize the soil and provide shade and wildlife habitats.

Planned Activities:

2016: Add wood duck boxes, duck and geese nesting platforms. Plan to inspect and maintain structures at

least biennially.

Priority: 2

45

Swamp, showing emergents, scattered trees and wood duck box.

46

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 12. SMALL POND'


Land use history: Same as the other excavated ponds in the complex, it was a gravel pit as part of the G&H

landfill remediation operation required by EPA.

Forest Type: -Existing: Excavated Pond

Successional trend: The actual pond is 0.7 acres, with 2.27 acres of grassy field rising up away from the

pond. Pond vegetation and surrounding shoreline and field vegetation is similar to that in and around Stand

5 pond. There were cottonwood saplings, plus autumn olive and non-native honeysuckles around the pond.

There were also willows and autumn olive growing around the spillway at the south end of the pond. In the

clearing west of the pond, beyond the fence, were autumn olive, spotted knapweed and various grasses, plus

at least one apple tree.

Forest health: No forest growing at this pond. See Stand 10 narrative.

Habitat and wildlife use: See Stands 5 and 6 narratives. There were bird houses in the clearing north of the

pond. More so than Stands 6, 10 and 11 ponds, the shore and area around this pond is lacking tree and shrub

cover. It would be very useful for wildlife cover and wildlife use of this pond to plant some native Michigan

conifer and hardwood trees around at least half the perimeter, and plant native fruiting shrubs adjacent to the

trees, on the pond side in some areas and on the other side in other spots, such as closer to the woods on the

west. Those down near the water should include shrubs like viburnums and dogwoods that grow in moist or

wetter sites. See Landscaping for Wildlife for choices of trees and shrubs.

Recreational opportunities: Same as for Stands 5, 6, 10 and 11 ponds. There is an anchored sloping bench

uphill north of the pond. The Park management may want to add amphitheater bench seating along one of

the back slopes of this pond, preferably the north side, as a place to hold interpretive talks. A permanently

anchored table near the pond would also be useful for talks. It would be useful to clear 2 or more view

windows through the Phragmites in order to see into the pond.

The clearing west of the fence is a very nice overlook spot to look down at the abandoned river loop. I

observed wood ducks in that idle river loop.


Potential for other uses: Water flows from Water Lily Pond west into this small pond through a culvert.

Water leaves this pond at the south outlet culvert, forming a 2 to 3 foot wide stream flowing southeast into

the Phragmites field at the west end of Stand 3.

At the inlet from Stand 5 was a depth gauge, reading 1.08. The clamp fell off the top of the lower meter

section. Couldn't find the missing nuts.

Water quality issues: Same as with the other ponds, pollution avoidance is important.

Important natural features: This man-made pond has not changed since its creation nearly as much as Stands

6, 10 and 11 ponds. It needs some help healing, with a change in management approach.

47

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 12. SMALL POND'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and improve habitat for wildlife, including any fish that

may inhabit this small pond. This should include planting trees and shrubs around the perimeter and on

portions of the grassy slopes out from the pond. Add resting logs and one or more large stumps with root

wads for additional cover and loafing areas.

Silvicultural Prescription: Add trees and shrubs for wildlife habitat in the open clearing around the pond.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Plant conifer and hardwood trees and fruiting shrubs in clumps for

improved wildlife cover and food sources around at least half the pond perimeter.

Planned Activities:

2011: Consider adding amphitheater bench seating on northeast slope above pond, for Park interpretive

programs. Add a permanent table near pond for presentations.

Place turtle-duck loafing logs and 1 or more stumps with root-wads in water for fish cover.

Priority: 5

2013: Plant Michigan native conifer and hardwood trees and fruiting shrubs around at least half the

perimeter of the open upland areas of the stand.

Priority: 1

48

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 13. WATERFOWL POND'


Land use history: According to the soil survey information this pond began as a gravel pit. The shore and

upland around the pond are being revegetated naturally by succession.

Forest Type: -Existing: Excavated pond

Successional trend: Cattails, sedges, bulrush, Phragmites and other emergents line the shores. Willows,

cottonwood, red-osier dogwoods surround the pond. Other vegetation is similar to Stand 5 pond.

Forest health: The combination of water and surrounding vegetation appears to be in a positive balance.

Habitat and wildlife use: Wildlife use is similar to the other ponds, possibly more use by waterfowl for

nesting as indicated by the more developed emergent and shore vegetation. This may be a good place for

duck and goose nesting platforms in addition to existing wood duck boxes. It is important to remember that

any nesting or roosting boxes placed in the Park to increase available nesting sites must be well constructed

and installed, permanently numbered, and inspected and maintained at least every other year. Inspect boxes

to keep records of their use and hatching/fledging success. Also nesting boxes easily become infested with

bird lice, mites and sometimes fleas. These parasites can be a heavy burden on hatchling birds, sometimes

overwhelming their energy and immune systems. Boxes need to be cleaned out and refilled with fresh wood

shavings or other nesting material, required by wood ducks and some other birds, before nesting season,

preferably every year if possible. Try to assign these tasks to enthusiastic, reliable volunteers.

Recreational opportunities: This pond is already fitted with interpretive signing, encouraging visitors to

observe the many animals that use its varied habitats. Observation and photography are probably the most

frequent recreational use here. This might be a good place to build a photo blind, on a platform along the

shore somewhere, or at a strategic spot on the hillside in Stand 14. This may also be the pond to use with

canoes and poke boats to get back into the hidden places. For this it may be useful to build a small dock.


Potential for other uses: One of the concerns of Park managers was the introduction of unwanted non-native

fish species into the ponds. It is doubtful that Park managers can prevent visitors from introducing foreign

fish into the ponds. If this has been a problem in the past, perhaps the best way to deal with it is to work

with MDNRE fisheries biologists to set up a means of monitoring fish species and populations in each pond.

Then when an unwanted species shows up, the biologist team can advise the Park on the best ways to

remove non-native species, preferably without eliminating welcome fish species. One relatively benign

method would be to encourage your usual fishing visitors, along with new fishers, to learn to recognize

native fish species, and non-native unwanted species, perhaps with some training sessions or workshops.

You would then set up a data collection system that they can contribute to. When an unwelcome species

appears in a particular pond, they will let you know, and they may even be able to selectively remove that

species over a season in the course of their fishing. Such a system would require close cooperation between

Park managers and this trained cadre of fishing volunteers. This is not a fool-proof, absolute way to control

unwanted fish that appear in the ponds, but it would develop good working relationships with another guild

of volunteers, giving them a sense of responsibility to the Park that they may not feel now. Park managers

may prefer such an approach to fish management rather than depending on DNRE biologists' use of nets and

chemical poisons.

49

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a similar precedent in its Earth Team Volunteer

Program. Information about this program is available by calling 1-888-LANDCARE, and on the USDA-

NRCS website.

Water quality issues: Water chemistry needs to be, and probably already is, monitored regularly to

determine if this pond is a healthy place for wildlife and people.

Important natural features: Native vegetation and animals in and around this gravel pit pond are the

important natural features associated with it.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 13. WATERFOWL POND'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and enhance wildlife habitats in and around this pond.

Provide recreation opportunities, including environmental education. Consider allowing exploration of the

pond by canoe or poke boat by visitors. Protect water quality, and prevent bank erosion. Monitor fish

populations in this and the other Holland Ponds, remove unwanted introduced problem fish species.

Silvicultural Prescription: There is no silvicultural prescription for this pond.

Planned Activities:

2012: Install wood duck box if none present, plus duck and goose nesting platforms. All nesting and

roosting boxes should be numbered. Plan to inspect for use and clean out boxes annually or biennially,

according to a schedule (cultivate a few reliable and fascinated volunteers to handle these bird and mammal

house duties - use data is important to collect and keep).

Consider building a photo blind in a strategic location along shore.

Priority: 3

2013: Consider installing a small boat dock somewhere around this pond shore. This may be a good pond

to explore by poke boat or canoe.

Priority: 4

50

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 14. POND BUILDINGS'


Land use history: The soils map shows this stand as part of the gravel pit in the 1950's and 60's. The

buildings may have been established when the ponds were excavated to attempt to mitigate toxins in the

landfill to the north.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Cottonwood-Sycamore-Black Maple

-Potential:

Successional trend: North of Stand 13 pond and the buildings was a small forested patch of sawlog-size

cottonwoods, with younger sycamores. Along the south edge of the forest was an east-west ridge, partially

covered with multiflora rose and non-native honeysuckle. Young maples and oaks were growing along the

pond edge. In the clearing west of Stand 13 pond were scattered autumn olive, multiflora rose, non-native

honeysuckle and eastern red cedar. In the forested area south of the buildings, along the canal were larger

cottonwood, sycamore, black maple and younger red oak. Autumn olive is abundant along the canal. There

is a large weeping willow in the yard west of the building.

Forest health: The trees appeared to be relatively healthy, with no insect or disease problems noted.

Autumn olive, non-native honeysuckles and multiflora rose need to be controlled or eradicated throughout

this and other stands.

Site quality: Site index is estimated at 82 for cottonwood. The higher ground areas of this stand are

relatively dry, while those areas closer to the pond and the canal have more mesic soils. Fertility is probably

fairly low in this former gravel pit. Cottonwoods are growing well.





Stocking: Basal area in the forested areas of the stand was between 70 and 130 square feet per acre, which is

in the low and middle of the fully stocked range. Cottonwoods were medium to large sawlog-size,

sycamores were pole-size in the north woods patch and small sawlogs in the south. Black maples in the

south were poles, with sapling and small pole-size red oaks. Measures below are for the wooded portions of

the stand only.

Stand volume: 19 net total cords per acre

Habitat and wildlife use: The combination of pond, clearing and forest patches can be attractive to many

birds, including red-tailed and marsh hawks, ducks, geese, herons and egrets, grebes, woodpeckers,

kingfishers, blackbirds and many smaller forest birds. Muskrats, mink, mice, voles, woodchucks and deer

are among the mammals that would and probably do make use of this complex, along with turtles, frogs,

51

salamanders and snakes. There are a few bluebird houses in the yard west of the building. Nest boxes in the

north forest patch and along the canal should receive use by birds. After removing the autumn olive,

multiflora rose and non-native honeysuckle, plant clumps of red cedar, white pine and white spruce in 3 to 4

spots around the clearing, at the edge and 1 or 2 places near the center. Also plant clumps of fruiting shrubs

such as shadbush, Alleghany serviceberry, red-osier and gray dogwoods, maple-leaf viburnum and highbush

cranberry (viburnum), elderberry, scarlet elder, American plum, Nanking cherry, chokecherry, sand cherry,

mountain ash, winterberry, cotoneaster, buffaloberry, staghorn and smooth sumacs, Siberian, "red-splendor"

and "prairie fire" crabapples or blueberry. Add nut and acorn trees such as beaked or American hazel, any

of the oaks, American chestnut, bitternut, shagbark and shellbark hickories, and black walnut or butternut.

In between the clumps of shrubs or trees it would be good to establish some areas of native grasses and

legumes, and mixes of butterfly, bee and moth plants. See "Landscaping for Wildlife" from Minnesota DNR

for excellent information and lists of butterfly larvae and nectar plants, plus bee and moth plants, oriole and

hummingbird plants, grasses and legumes. Park managers can put volunteers to work transforming many of

the lightly-vegetated clearings in the Park to lush and productive habitats for wildlife.

Recreational opportunities: There was a small east-west hiking trail along the north side of the Stand 13

pond, with 4 by 4 inch wooden posts along the shoreline apparently delineating this trail. The trail leads

from the road on the east toward the buildings at the west side of the stand.

The clearing west of Stand 13 pond could be a good location for a picnic area, or another pavilion with

tables. This could be the base from which wildlife activities in the pond are observed.

Potential for timber production: Roughly 4.3 acres is wooded to the north of Stand 13 pond and the

buildings, while around 1.4 acres is wooded south of the buildings along the canal. These areas may have

been spared during the gravel pit operations prior to the 1950's. The cottonwoods appear to be at least 70

years old, although I did not take core samples to count their ages. Cottonwood and sycamore have low to

moderate value, respectively, in current markets, and are not in much demand except as pallet wood. Black

maple and red oak are higher value trees, and it may be worth managing for those in the long term. A major

drawback is the small size of the wooded patches in this stand. Timber harvest in the Park, if approved as a

forest management activity, would be conducted as a series of small harvests in many stands during one

period. Of all the forested upland stands in the Park and Holland Ponds, this stand and Stand 4 may be the

easiest to access with logging equipment.


Water quality issues: Care must be used in all activities within this stand to avoid spilling chemicals on the

ground that would work through the soil into the pond water table.

Important natural features: Neither a gravel pit, an excavated pond nor a canal are natural features, but the

unstoppable forces of nature are revegetating this highly disturbed landscape.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 14. POND BUILDINGS'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Protect water and soil quality. Protect and improve wildlife habitats.

Provide recreational opportunities for Park visitors. Maintain the buildings and protect them from damage

from visitors. Manage the forested areas for tree health, and to control invasive species. Maintain the

integrity of the old canal.

52


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring cottonwood, sycamore, black

maple and red oak. Target maximum diameter is 34 inches. The desired cutting cycle is 16 years.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: If acceptable to the Township, manage forested areas by favoring

young oaks and maples in the south forest patch, and periodically thinning the cottonwoods and sycamores

in both north and south. Maintain a well-stocked forest in each patch by removing individual trees or small

patches of 1 to 4 trees per location.

Remove non-native invasives. Plant conifer clumps, and clumps of fruit and nut shrubs and trees in the

clearing west of the pond.

Planned Activities:

2010: Begin to eradicate invasive plants.

Priority: 7

2011: Continue eradicating invasive plants.

Plant clumps of conifers, fruit and nut trees.

Priority: 7

2012: Continue planting trees and shrubs.

Plant grasses, legumes, butterfly, moth, bee, hummingbird and oriole plants in remaining open spaces.

Consider setting up a picnic area.

Priority: 7

2014: Begin to thin cottonwoods and sycamores, favor maple and oak.

Priority: 7

53

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 15. NORTH FLOODPLAIN'


Land use history: The floodplain is entirely over Cohoctah fine sandy loam, with no evidence of gravel or

borrow pits. Therefore it is reasonable to predict that most of this floodplain has been forested for a long

time.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Southern Floodplain Hardwood Forest

-Potential: Same

Successional trend: Predominant trees were silver and black maples, sycamore, cottonwood and American

elm, with smaller numbers of black walnut, white oak, American basswood, swamp white oak, sugar maple

and black willow. Most or all of the ash trees surveyed were dead. The understory included black maple,

ash, elm, boxelder, sycamore, basswood, black cherry, hawthorn, prickly ash, hornbeam, sugar maple, gray

dogwood, Norway spruce, staghorn sumac, swamp white oak, hop-hornbeam, black walnut, highbush-

cranberry, buckthorn and honeysuckle. Ground vegetation varied greatly and included Virginia wild-rye, St.

John's-wort, brome, bottlebrush grass, stinging nettle, bee-balm, white vervain, goldenrod, tall sunflower,

violets, Virginia creeper, enchanter‟s-nightshade, early meadow-rue, river grape, ostrich fern, bedstraw, wild

geranium, poison ivy, jewelweed, prickly gooseberry, forget-me-not, reed canary grass, skunk cabbage,

sensitive fern, white avens, dame's rocket, red raspberry, crown vetch, marsh horsetail, white grass, wood

sorrel, black swallow-wort, Virginia knotweed, swamp dock, moneywort, multiflora rose, false nettle, wild

leek, garlic mustard, and Phragmites.

Forest health: Other than ash trees killed by emerald ash borers, the trees and shrubs, in fact all the

vegetation in the forest appears to be healthy. There are buckthorns, multiflora rose, garlic mustard, black

swallow-wort and perhaps other non-native invasive plant species in the forest that need to be removed or

controlled.

Site quality: Site index is estimated at 74 for silver maple, which is about average for a hardwood floodplain

forest in southern Michigan. Quality of trees appears to be moderate to good.





Stocking: An estimated basal area of 83 is in the middle of the acceptable range of basal areas (70-95) for

mixed hardwood forests in Michigan. Silver maple, black maple and sycamore account for 61% of the

estimated basal area, with cottonwood and American elm adding another 19%. Black walnut, white oak and

basswood comprise another 15% of the basal area. Of these tree species present, all but elm averaged

sawlog size. The relative stand density is estimated at 63% of the average maximum stocking expected in

undisturbed stands of similar size and species composition. At this optimum relative density, growth rates

of the biggest trees is probably excellent, growth rate of the medium and small trees is probably good, and

54

mortality due to crowding is likely low.


Habitat and wildlife use: This floodplain forest is quite similar to Stand 1, and the narrative information,

concepts and suggestions for Stand 1 apply to this stand as well.

There was recent beaver chewing on large cottonwoods along the river in the east end of Stand 15.

Recreational opportunities: Canoeing, fishing and hiking are the most likely activities visitors enjoy in this

floodplain. There has been another recreation activity occurring in this stand and Stands 17 and 19. Over

the past 2 or more decades the Detroit Sportsman's Congress (DSC), which owns much of the property

adjacent to the Park to the south in Section 19, has developed an extensive field archery and 3D target

archery range almost entirely within the Park boundaries. This trail system is at least 6,325 feet in length

and occupies at least 14.28 acres of the Park. The DSC may have developed this trail system without the

Township's knowledge or permission. This trail system was discovered during my forest inventory survey

of Stands 19, 17 and 15.

Four ditched draws lead south from Stand 12 pond through Stand 15 to the swampy areas of Stand 3 and 15.

The west draw is straighter than the others and serves as a trail south to the Clinton River across from DSC's

eastern buildings and property. This may be a good trail link from Holland Ponds road system to the

informal fishing trail that exists along much of the east bank of the river from the west side of Stand 1

through Stand 15 and into Stand 16.

Potential for timber production: This stand is very similar to Stand 1, the southeast floodplain. Refer to the

Stand 1 narrative for ideas for this stand as well.


Water quality issues: Refer to Stand 1 narrative.

Important natural features: The Clinton River is the most significant and important natural feature of this

floodplain stand, having created the floodplain, and is constantly altering it. The river creates the diversity

of macro- and micro-habitats in the floodplain, and influences wildlife use throughout the Park and

surrounding lands.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 15. NORTH FLOODPLAIN'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Protect and perpetuate the forest in its current species composition.

Plant and/or favor oaks, hickories, black walnut, cottonwood, willows, aspen, hazel and black cherry for the

foods they provide for many wildlife species.

Consider removing dead ash as firewood in accessible areas, to create small openings in the forest canopy.

This will allow sunlight to the forest floor and stimulate understory growth, especially shade -intolerant

species.

Protect the conditions and integrity of the river, by maintaining an undisturbed buffer of natural vegetation at

least 100 feet wide on both sides of the river where possible. Work with neighbors on this and other

practices to protect the river.

55


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring maples, sycamore, cottonwood,

oaks, and black walnut.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Protect the floodplain forest from biologically unnecessary human

disturbance. Allow fallen trees, large limbs and other woody debris to accumulate along the river banks to

help stabilize the banks and reduce erosion.

Consider removing dead ash trees in accessible sites, to open the forest canopy and promote understory

development. However, keep such new openings small to avoid further fragmenting the forest.

Planned Activities:

2012: Consider firewood harvest operation for dead ash, either by firewood producers or general public.

If accepted, plan harvest with consulting forester and implement.

Priority: 5

2013: Formalize westernmost north-south draw to develop connecting trail from Stand 12 to riverside trail

being developed through Stands 1 and 15.

Priority: 3

2014: Begin to install nesting and roosting boxes and platforms for wood ducks, owls, woodpeckers,

perhaps squirrels. Number, describe and map each and add to Park nesting structure database and

inspection/maintenance schedule.

Priority: 7

56

One of the shooting platforms in the DSC archery trail system.

57

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 16. CIDER TRAIL WOODS'


Land use history: According to the property maps and information I received from the Township assessor‟s

office, most of this stand, between the river and the fence along the east boundary of the forest, is part of

Parcel 23-07-19-200-008, part of the former Forrester Estate, part of the G&H Landfill. It does not belong

to the Township. The rest of that parcel was part of the landfill, but the part that is currently forest was not

cleared for landfill use. In spite of this ownership, that part of the stand owned by G&H seems to be

managed as part of the Park, with the Cider Mill trail laid out through it, linking the old railroad trail from

Yates Cider Mill with the Holland Ponds complex.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Sycamore-Maple-Ash-Basswood-Oak

-Potential: Maple-Oak

Successional trend: Sawlog-size sycamore, white oak and silver maple dominate the canopy in much of this

stand. Small sawlog-size butternut, black walnut and a few living ash are the second group by abundance.

Smaller sugar maple, basswood, elm and northern white-cedar also occurred in the stand. Understory

included the listed tree species plus boxelder, hawthorn, hornbeam, buckthorn, prickly ash, honeysuckle,

multiflora rose, Virginia creeper, river grape, oriental bittersweet and poison ivy. Ground vegetation species

were enchanter's nightshade, jack-in-the-pulpit, sedges, bloodroot, Virginia knotweed, reed canary grass,

field horsetail, moneywort, jewelweed, white vervain, garlic mustard, avens, tall meadow-rue, prickly

gooseberry, goldenrod, swamp white oak seedlings, red raspberry, stinging nettle, wood sorrel and wild

geranium.

Water plantain, southern blue flag (iris), arrow-root, wood sunflower, wild calla and hawthorn were

observed near the bridge at the base of the stairs in the south half of the trail.

Forest health: Most ash trees have died, presumably from emerald ash borer. The rest of the trees appeared

to be healthy.

Site quality: Site index was estimated at about 70 for white oak, which indicates quite a good site for

growing white oaks and associated trees. The stand is floodplain hardwoods, with drier areas where sugar

maple and black walnut thrive.





Stocking: Small to medium sawlog-size sycamores, ash, white oak, butternut, silver maple and black walnut

make up about 64% of the basal area of this stand. The rest is comprised of smaller sugar maple, basswood,

elm and northern white-cedar. Relative stand density is estimated at 75%, which is in the optimum range for

best individual tree growth. Trees of acceptable quality for future growing stock provide enough stocking

58

by themselves to warrant stand management.


Habitat and wildlife use: See the narrative for Stand 1 for wildlife that would use this floodplain stand, and

suggestions for management. My only note about wildlife observations was that mosquitoes were quite

dense here.

Recreational opportunities: Canoeing, fishing and hiking or biking the Cider Mill trail would appear to be

the primary recreational uses of this stand, and it does get a great deal of use. Hardy individuals and

families use the trail quite often. Bird watching, photography and foraging for wild edibles may also be

common. Work needs to be done on the very north end of the trail where it joins the old railroad trail, with

improvement needed to the steps, to the railroad bank and a foot bridge there.

Potential for timber production: Certainly there are some good quality trees in this stand which have value

in current timber markets, such as black walnut, butternut, white oak and sycamore. If Township managers

become interested in timber harvest, it might be advantageous to harvest trees in parts of this stand, while

leaving at least a 100 foot buffer of natural forest vegetation along the river undisturbed. Access to the area

outside such a buffer would be difficult unless the landfill fence was breached to enter the forest from there.

The potential for timber production in this stand is low at this time, but could improve with some access

concessions.

Potential for other uses: In the south part of this stand, next to Stand 12, a fence remains with a slight road

to the west of the fence. It appears that this fence can and should be removed to allow access to the small

clearing immediately south.

Water quality issues: In addition to the issues stated for the other floodplain stands, use of the trail through

this stand must not be allowed to contribute trash to the river or land, nor cause erosion of the river banks

from off-trail use.

Important natural features: The river is the natural feature that affects all the plants and animals that grow in

or use this floodplain.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 16. CIDER TRAIL WOODS'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: This forest stand must remain intact to protect the integrity of the

river and minimize soil erosion from the land and the river banks.

Wildlife habitats will be maintained and enhanced where needed and achievable.

Hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing and other recreational activities will be provided for Park visitors.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring larger mast-producing trees.

Target maximum diameter is 34 inches. The desired cutting cycle is 16 years.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Maintain the forest stand for wildlife habitats it provides, and to

protect the riparian community. Consider single tree or small group selection harvest east of a 100 foot

buffer along the river.

59

Planned Activities:

2010: Improve Cider Mill Trail, especially at north end where it joins railroad trail. Plan and build new

bridge and steps up railroad bank.

Consider removing fence west of Stand 12.

Priority: 1

2011: Continue improvements to the Cider Mill Trail.

Priority: 4

2015: Consider planning and implementing a selection timber harvest in the portion of Stand 16 outside a

100 foot buffer along the river. Work with a consulting forester to develop and market the harvest.

Priority: 2

2016: Install appropriate nesting and roosting boxes in the forest and along the river. Add them to the

nesting and roosting structure database and schedule.

Priority: 2

60

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 17. EARL UPLAND EAST'


Land use history: This stand appears to have been forested for at least the past 80 years. It is part of the

former Earl estate, which was deeded to the state of Michigan well before 1994 when Shelby Township

acquired the Park.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Mesic hardwoods

-Potential:

Successional trend: Red oak, cottonwood and red maple averaged medium sawlog-size, and black walnut,

white oak, silver maple, sugar maple, paper birch, butternut, bur oak and sycamore averaged small sawlog-

size. Pole-size trees included ironwood, shagbark hickory, black maple, yellow birch, beech and elm.

Understory trees and shrubs included hornbeam, ash, black cherry, prickly ash, sugar maple, basswood,

beech, witch-hazel, black maple, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, elm, gray dogwood and shagbark hickory.

Ground vegetation and vines included Virginia creeper, raspberry, tall meadow-rue, St. John's-wort, white

avens, white grass, white vervain, goldenrod, sedges. Virginia knotweed, may-apple, smooth brome,

cleavers, aster, Virginia wild-rye, grasses, poison ivy, agrimony, river grape, blackberry, early meadow-rue,

wood sorrel, false solomon-seal, enchanter's-nightshade, wild geranium, dame's rocket, Christmas fern,

rattlesnake-root, tall lettuce, wood anemone, jack-in-the-pulpit, black-eyed Susan and black raspberry.

Forest health: All elements of this stand appear to be healthy and growing.

Site quality: This stand appears to be a fairly high quality site, with a site index for black walnut of 65, well

above average.





Stocking: Black walnut, elm, red oak, white oak, silver maple and American beech made up 74% of the

estimated basal area. Sugar maple, paper birch, yellow birch, butternut, bur oak, red and black maples,

cottonwood, shagbark hickory, ironwood and sycamore made up the remaining stocking of trees. Relative

stand density was 71%, in the optimum range for best individual tree growth.


Habitat and wildlife use: This stand is similar in tree size and species composition to Stand 4. See this

section in the Stand 4 narrative for descriptions of wildlife species that will use this forest type, and for

suggestions for management. The primary wildlife management principles that apply are to: 1) favor tree

and shrub species that provide both good quality timber and nuts, fruits and other food sources; and 2) retain

cavity, den and "wolf" trees, at least 2-4 dead standing trees (snags) and 1-2 logs on the ground per acre,

61

while maintaining a reasonably intact forest canopy to avoid further fragmentation of the forest10

.

Recreational opportunities: There is an informal system of trails in the northern half of this stand,

apparently remaining from the Earl estate, with some possibly developed by neighbors. Some of these trails

may be formalized and improved to present another system of looping foot and bike trails for public use.

The DSC archery trail system lies within the south half of this stand.

Potential for timber production: The high variety of tree species present indicates a mix of southern

hardwood floodplain and southern mesic deciduous forests. This stand has good potential for long-term

sustainable timber management. Red and white oaks, black walnut and sugar maple have moderately high

to very high value in current timber markets, and except for sugar maple their value to wildlife is high. Red,

silver and black maples, yellow and paper birches, and bur oak have moderate market value. Elm, beech,

butternut, hickories, cottonwood, butternut, hop hornbeam and sycamore have relatively low value as timber

trees3. Having stated that, the upland stands that support the growth of sugar maple, beech, oaks, ash, black

cherry, hickory and other hardwoods are the most valuable for timber production3. In general, management

of mesic deciduous upland forests involves careful selective harvesting of a few mature trees plus crowded

and poor form younger trees per acre. If oaks and other moderately shade tolerant species are to be favored,

it is necessary to use single and small group selection, making small patch clearcuts of 1/2 to 1 acre or

larger. In this way the less shade tolerant species can eventually reestablish themselves as members of the

overstory canopy. Such thinning is used to favor tree species most valuable for timber and wildlife2. There

are existing trails to access much of this stand with wheeled equipment.

Under the current Township prohibition on harvesting trees in the Park for income, this still might be a good

stand to develop a demonstration area for timber stand improvement, where smaller and/or lesser value trees

are removed to allow more valuable, better form trees to grow faster with less competition.

If Township policy should change in the future to allow timber harvest for income, this stand may be one of

the two best stands for long-term sustainable timber management, the other being the adjacent Stand 21

black walnut grove. In that case, the Township, through the Parks, Recreation and Maintenance

Department, would be best to contract the services of a consulting forester to choose trees that could be

harvested for income and to improve the remaining forest for future harvests and for wildlife habitats,

recreation and water quality. A consulting forester would work to ensure that good, science-based

sustainable forest management practices are used in a timber harvest, in accordance with this forest

management plan, and to protect the short-term and long-term forest management interests of the Township.

Trees to harvest would be marked, as would the boundaries of the sale area(s), and the consulting forester

would solicit bids from logging companies interested in the sale. With approval of one of the bids, the

forester would write up a contract between the Township and the chosen logging company for the timber

sale, and then administer the sale to be sure the logging company complied with the terms of the contract.

As compensation for this service the consulting forester would charge either a percentage of the Township's

income from the sale, or would charge an hourly fee and probably some amount per miles driven for the

project.

Potential for other uses: Where there are sufficient sugar and black maple trees of small sawlog size or

larger, there is the potential for operating a maple syrup production operation. If interested, the Township

can find books on the subject, plus considerable information from the Michigan State University Extension

office. This could potentially become an annual activity operated by a volunteer group, similar to the way

Master Gardeners manage the Shadbush Teaching Gardens. The Master Woodlot Managers might be the

first place to look for such interested volunteers.

Water quality issues: There are no particular water quality issues in this stand.

62

Important natural features: This mostly upland forest adjacent to the river floodplain forest is an important

natural feature, which is fortunately in the protective custody of the Township.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 17. EARL UPLAND EAST'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain a healthy forest, which provides habitat for a diversity of

wildlife species, and dispersed passive recreation opportunities for local residents. Improve trails for public

use. Harvest trees if necessary to improve wildlife habitats, maintain tree health, enhance recreation

opportunities, safeguard Park users and possibly provide firewood.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring oaks, sugar maple, hickories, and

black walnut. Target maximum diameter is 30 inches. The desired cutting cycle is 11 years.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Level One: Clear out dead trees or other hazard trees within a tree

height of the new hiking trails or existing archery trails. Market any valuable logs and firewood, or allow

tops to be taken as firewood by township crews or local residents on a permit basis.

Level Two: In addition to removing hazard trees along the trails, develop a forest stand improvement (FSI)

demonstration area along the hiking trail. Show trees marked as crop trees, and others marked to remove,

with explanatory signage. Market harvested trees as timber and firewood. Treat 2-4 acre patches annually

or semi-annually.

Level Three: If the Township accepts periodic timber harvest as a legitimate forest management practice to

raise funds for other parks management projects: in addition to the above hazard tree removal and FSI

demonstration area, develop an unevenaged forest management demonstration area.

In about one-third of the stand use small patch clearcuts about one acre in size combined with group

selection harvest of a few trees in different locations to harvest timber sustainably and maintain a diversity

of tree species. In another third choose crop trees to favor, and remove poorly formed competing trees

around each crop tree.

Planned Activities:

2010: Develop and improve existing trail system from Earl home site north to Stand 25.

Resolve DSC archery trail matter.

Priority: 2

2011: Consider harvesting trees using unevenaged management system. Work with consulting forester to

prepare and administer initial timber harvest.

Develop forest stand improvement demonstration area, with interpretive signage, in this stand and/or in

Stand 21.

Priority: 3

63

2012: Consider developing maple syrup production operation, run by volunteers.

Priority: 9

2013: Continue developing maple syrup production operation.

Priority: 10

The largest 3-D target in the DSC archery trail.

64

A field archery target backdrop.

One of several bridges in the archery course.

65

The main north-south road with several shooting stations.

66

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 18. TRAIL CLEARING'


Land use history: According to the soils map, this clearing was the result of a clay pit. Although the ground

surface is mostly flat, it may have been a clay pit at one time that was eventually filled in or leveled.

Because the original surface vegetation was removed, the vegetation layers growing now are comprised

almost entirely of early successional plant communities.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Old Field with Black Cherry, Aspen, Cottonwood

-Potential:

Successional trend: Old field filling in with black cherry and aspen poles, larger cottonwood, boxelder,

autumn olive, buckthorn, gray dogwood, multiflora rose, red oak saplings, ninebark, blackberry, raspberry,

grape and poison ivy vines. Also goldenrods, Queen Anne‟s-lace, timothy, spotted knapweed, heal-all, wild

bergamot, field horsetail, avens, false solomon-seal, ebony spleenwort and other grasses and sedge.

Forest health: Autumn olive, buckthorn and spotted knapweed are invasive non-native species of

considerable concern, and should be eradicated where they are found in the Park. Otherwise the plant

communities in this stand appear to be healthy.

Site quality: Because the organic layers of this stand's soils were removed during borrow pit operations in

the past, the productivity of this stand will be relatively low for centuries while the A horizons of the soil

slowly redevelop. This appears to be a dry-mesic site.


Trees per acre: N/A Mean Stand Diameter: 8 in.

Basal Area (BA): N/A Acceptable BA:


Stocking: The trees in this clearing are so sparse that no measure of stocking was attempted. There are

aspen poles in a small clone in the east side, with scattered black cherry poles, a few red oak saplings, and

buckthorn and autumn olive shrubs throughout the stand. There are also scattered boxelders and a few

larger cottonwoods in certain locations.

Stand volume: N/A

Habitat and wildlife use: A variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects require early successional habitat

for all or part of their cover and food needs. Among these are deer mouse, voles, rabbits, woodchucks,

shrews, foxes and deer5. Great horned owls and red-tailed hawks are among the raptors that will hunt in

these clearings. Ruffed grouse and woodcock use them for feeding and rearing their young, and woodcocks

for courtship behaviors. Snakes, salamanders and toads make use of these clearings for much of their habitat

needs. Some of the songbirds found at these small clearings are goldfinch, flicker, rufous-sided towhee,

67

gray catbird, song sparrow, indigo bunting and brown thrasher.

One of the practices to improve wildlife habitats in shrubby clearings is to plant clumps or clusters of food

and/or cover shrubs, such as summer fruiting native species saskatoon berry, downy, Bartram, shadblow,

apple, running and Alleghany serviceberries (all Amelanchier species), wild and Canada plums, pin cherry

and common chokecherry (all Prunus species), highbush blackberry, northern dewberry, black raspberry, red

raspberry and thimbleberry (all Rubus species), American elderberry, lowbush and velvetleaf blueberries

and lingenberry (Vaccinium species), black huckleberry, and black and buffalo currants, prickly gooseberry

and gooseberry (all Ribes species). Native shrubs that provide foods and cover in fall and winter include

gray, round-leaved, red-osier and alternate-leaf dogwoods and bunchberry (all Cornus species), silverberry,

winterberry, various apples and crabapples, silver and Canadian buffaloberries (Sheperdia species),

Arrowwood viburnum, American highbush cranberry, witherod and nannyberry (all Viburnum species),

bearberry, black chokeberry, eastern wahoo, and common snowberry, wolfberry, and coralberry (all

Symphoricarpos species). You may also consider planting pasture and meadow roses (but not multiflora

rose), and beaked and American hazel (Corylus species). In this and any open stand the Township wants to

reforest, some important nut and acorn trees to consider planting are painted buckeye, American chestnut,

bitternut, shagbark and shellbark hickories (Carya species), butternut and black walnut (Juglans species),

white, swamp white, scarlet, northern pin, bur, northern red and black oaks (Quercus species) and bigtooth

and quaking aspens (Populus species). It is also important to provide roosting, nesting and winter thermal

cover for birds and other small animals, by planting clusters of conifers. Some of the better native conifers

that provide the best shelter and some foods are eastern white and red pines (Pinus species), eastern red

cedar, northern white-cedar, white spruce and balsam fir. One more way to provide cover for small

mammals, woodchucks, rabbits and snakes (and sometimes hunting sites for weasels and mink) is to use cut

branches and logs, rocks or old ceramic or concrete drain tiles to build brush piles. More branches can be

added to these brush piles indefinitely. Before leaving the subject of nesting and roosting cover, you must

also consider building, installing and maintaining nesting and roosting boxes and platforms, for open stands

as well as throughout the forested stands and in wetlands. The excellent book "Woodworking for Wildlife",

available from your local conservation district office, has dozens of plans and instructions for making these

boxes and platforms for a large number of birds and mammals that would use them.

Recreational opportunities: The extensive network of existing dirt trails that access much of this stand can

be selectively used as part of a larger trail network in the Park west of the river (see Recreation Map). There

is also good potential for a group camping area in this stand, to be used by Scout troops or other youth

groups. Parking can be at the Earl homesite, and campers can carry their gear the short distance back to the

center of the stand. There is the opportunity for Saturday night campfires, for fun and ceremony, to be held

at the campfire ring in Stand 25, next to the river. Campers can walk the trail system from the camping area

to the campfire circle single file, usually in silence, and return to their campsites in the dark. This would

lend itself especially well to solemn ceremonies such as Order of the Arrow initiation, or the awarding of

higher Boy Scout ranks such as Life or Eagle, or Gold Badge in Girl Scouts. The stand and surrounding

forests offer ample firewood. Water would need to be provided by the groups using the site. If this group

camping area became a reality and was working well, there could be a potential to build camping cabins and

a central dining hall eventually. See examples below of an existing setup at Kenai National Wildlife

Refuge‟s Outdoor Education Center in Alaska.

68

Campfire circle at Outdoor Education Center (OEC), where much training takes place.

Concrete Outhouse at OEC.

69

Camping cabin at Kenai NWR OEC.

Bear Den dining/working hall at OEC.

70

Interior of Bear Den.

Firewood crib at OEC.

71

Potential for timber production: With the surrounding landscape in Shelby Township and just west in

Rochester largely denuded of forest, there may be a compelling resource management purpose to reforest

this clearing, to reverse forest fragmentation. However, there is considerable value in this essentially shrub-

sapling opening for many species of wildlife (see below). Therefore, it may be advisable to reforest only the

southwest quarter of the clearing, and retain the remainder as a shrub-sapling-pole clearing that is slowly

revegetating. Although much of the shrub component consists of autumn olive and buckthorn, these should

be eradicated, which will help keep the clearing open longer. Plant a variety of oaks, hickories, hazelnuts,

serviceberries and blueberries to reforest parts of this stand.


Water quality issues: This stand is far enough from the river and tributary streams that there should be no

water quality issues or concerns with the proposed activities and management.

Important natural features: The natural features in this stand are the trees and shrubs that are reclaiming this

former clay pit.

Part of the informal trail system in Stand 18.

72

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 18. TRAIL CLEARING'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and improve aesthetics, wildlife habitat and water and soil

quality. Develop recreation opportunities.

Silvicultural Prescription: Reforest portion of clearing, preserve the remainder as clearing.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Remove invasive autumn olive, buckthorn and honeysuckles.

Consider reforesting the southwest quarter of the stand with oaks, hickories, hazelnuts and maybe beech,

and fruiting shrubs such as amelanchier, dogwoods and viburnums.

Planned Activities:

2010: Choose segments of existing trail network to improve for public use. Work on selected segments.

Develop map of trail system.

Priority: 1

2011: Continue trail improvements as needed.

Develop group camping area in this stand, for use by Scout troops, 4-H and other groups.

Priority: 2

2013: Work to eradicate invasive plant species throughout stand. Make brush piles at edges of stand with

cuttings.

Priority: 3

2014: Plant fruiting shrubs and small nut trees in clumps around edges of clearing.

Priority: 6

2015: Reforest southwest quarter of clearing.

Install bluebird and swallow nest boxes along edges of clearing. Number each and add to database and

maintenance schedule. Assign volunteers to monitor boxes annually.

Priority: 1

2017: If group camping area is working well, consider upgrading site to include central dining hall and

maybe camping cabins, similar to those at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Priority: 1

73

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 19. LOWLAND HARDWOOD'


Land use history: This stand apparently was forested for most of the past century. Some buildings and

other human deposits from the Earl homestead are found in the north end of the stand. The Detroit

Sportsman's Congress has developed an extensive archery trail in the south area of the stand, also developed

in Stands 17 and 18.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Cottonwood, black walnut, red maple

-Potential:

Successional trend: Sawlog size black walnut, cottonwood, silver maple and black willow, and smaller red

maple, elm, basswood and boxelder were the dominant trees, with some northern white-cedar, aspen, black

cherry and mostly dead ash. Understory plants included ash saplings, boxelder, non-native honeysuckle,

buckthorn, staghorn sumac and gray dogwood, multiflora rose, plus poison ivy, wild grape, Virginia creeper

and black swallowwort vines. Ground vegetation included garlic mustard, white avens, dame‟s rocket,

enchanter‟s-nightshade, jewelweed, reed canary grass, smooth brome, boneset, goldenrods, white vervain,

ostrich fern, stinging nettles, cleavers, red raspberry, blackberry, pokeweed, St. John's-wort, common

plantain, heal-all, wild bergamot, field horsetail and white aster.

Forest health: Fairly healthy black walnut trees are in the north end of the stand. There is general decay of

the trees in all but the northern and southern ends of this stand. Most of the center of the stand is a lowland

floodplain around the small stream that flows from north to south through this stand and Stands 18 and 17.

In much of the floodplain the trees are sparse, in poor condition and species of low value, mostly

cottonwood, black willow and boxelder. Many trees have fallen over.

Site quality: Site index of 65 indicates that the north end of the stand may be an above average site for

growing black walnut. The central area of the stand is wet enough that the trees appear to be of low quality.



Basal Area (BA): 45 Acceptable BA: 70


Stocking: Eastern cottonwood small, medium and large sawlogs make up almost 37% of the total basal area.

Black walnut, black willow and red maple sawlogs account for another 37% of basal area. Pole-size

boxelder, American elm, quaking aspen and black cherry, and small sawlog silver maple make up the

remaining stocking. Relative stand density of 38% is below optimum for best individual tree growth, so

growth rate of open-grown large trees is probably excellent, growth of smaller trees is probably good, and

mortality due to crowding is probably low. Large open-grown trees do not usually make good timber trees,

but may make good food and shelter trees for wildlife if they are mast-producing species (nuts and fruits).

74

Stand volume: 15 gross total cords per acre

Habitat and wildlife use: The majority of this stand is lowland floodplain, and the habitat it provides is

similar to Stands 1, 15 and 16. One difference is the close proximity to Dequindre Road, the traffic of which

may deter some wildlife species that prefer less disturbance, such as thrushes, some woodpeckers,

ovenbirds, and some warblers.

Recreational opportunities: One major recreational activity already occurring is use of the DSC 3-D archery

trail. This trail system could also be used for birding or nature walks, and the bridges could provide

numerous fishing access sites, if the creek supports sufficient stocks of fish.

Potential for timber production: The best timber production potential was in the north end of this stand.

The black walnut stand in the north end, just south of the old Earl garage, had medium to large sawlog size

trees, with good form. If timber harvest becomes an option for the Township, this may be one small place to

harvest from. Meanwhile the lower floodplain areas of this stand may be good places to plant new trees,

including bur and swamp white oaks, white pine, black walnut, sugar and red maples, hickories and black

cherry. Plant red and white oaks and sugar maple in the higher ground areas, sugar maple especially in

shaded areas. These tree seedlings will probably need to be protected with tree tubes, and competing

vegetation will need to be controlled for the first few years with mulch or mowing. I'm not suggesting

planting trees in evenly-spaced rows as a plantation, but rather scattering trees throughout the stand in a

more natural pattern. This should take no more than 130 trees per acre, planted over several spring seasons.


Water quality issues: Ideally there should be no well-travelled road near any stream, but winter salt and

petroleum-based fluids from automobiles must certainly wash off Dequindre road and into the stream each

year. The only realistic way to minimize these pollutants from entering the stream (and hence the Clinton

River) is to maintain vegetation buffers between the road and stream.

Important natural features: The small stream that flows north to south through the stand is a defining natural

feature, affecting habitats and wildlife use throughout the stand.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 19. LOWLAND HARDWOOD'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain forest health. Maintain stream water quality and wildlife

and fish habitats. Develop recreation opportunities where appropriate. Maintain forest aesthetic condition,

especially as seen from Dequindre Road. Control invasive shrubs and herbaceous plants.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring black walnut and red maple.


Details of the silvicultural prescription: Reforest areas of the stand with low tree density. If timber harvest

in the Park is approved by the Township, the black walnut sawlogs in the north end of this stand should be

considered for thinning and timber stand improvement.

75

Planned Activities:

2010: Once the DSC archery trail matter is settled, begin using the trail for guided birding/nature walks,

or fishing from bridges.

Priority: 9

2015: Reforest areas of stand with sparse tree cover, mostly middle and south end of stand. Reestablish

forest buffer along stream. Plant appropriate oaks, hickories, maples and walnut according to conditions at

specific locations.

Priority: 3

2016: Consider managing to favor and harvest walnut trees at north end of stand. This would include

harvesting walnut trees at economic maturity, and removing poor quality trees through forest stand

improvement. Work with a consulting forester for this project.

Priority: 1

76

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 20. EARL HOME SITE'


Land use history: This mostly open area had been the home site of the Earl estate for several decades. The

old garage and bridge are still intact.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Boxelder, Cottonwood, Sycamore

-Potential:

Successional trend: This is the mostly open home site of the Earl estate, with a few scattered sycamore and

cottonwood large sawlog trees, smaller Norway maple and apples, and a Chinese chestnut. In the northeast

corner is a grove of pole- and small sawlog-size boxelders, with an understory of buckthorn, ash saplings,

grape and non-native honeysuckle, and ground vegetation including dame‟s rocket, garlic mustard, avens,

prickly gooseberry, virgin's bower and Virginia knotweed. The more open areas have mostly grasses,

goldenrods, wood sorrel, St. Johnswort, white vervain, white asters, avens and red raspberries.

Forest health: Boxelders are the majority of trees, and they appear to be as healthy as boxelders typically

are.

Site quality: Site index was estimated at 56 for eastern cottonwood. Site quality for tree growth is difficult

to assess in a mostly open grassy stand. The boxelders are growing rapidly. The site appears to be

relatively fertile.





Stocking: The boxelder poles and small sawlogs make up 86% of the estimated basal area, with sawlog size

cottonwood and sycamore and smaller Norway maple and one Chinese chestnut contributing the remainder.

The majority of this stand remains a grassy clearing.


Habitat and wildlife use: Wildlife use will be similar to that for Stand 18, with a variety of birds foraging

for insects in the tall grasses, and deer feeding on the grasses and forbs and, with squirrels, on chestnuts

from the one Chinese chestnut tree. Some of the animals that feed on maple seeds and buds are ruffed

grouse, wild turkey, purple finch, goldfinch, evening, pine and rose-breasted grosbeak, red-breasted

nuthatch, yellow-bellied sapsucker, fox, gray and red squirrels and eastern chipmunk, and meadow and

white-footed mice. Beavers and rabbits eat the seeds, flowers, bark and twigs, and deer feed on maple twigs

and foliage. Buckthorn, non-native honeysuckles, garlic mustard and dame‟s rocket should be eradicated or

at least controlled in this stand and throughout the Park, to allow native plants to flourish. Consider adding a

few bluebird houses around the perimeter of the stand on the east side, and perhaps a bat house on or near

77

the old garage.

Recreational opportunities: This open grassy stand will probably be managed as an informal parking lot if

the trail system is improved and opened to the public, or if Stand 18 is developed as a group camping area.

Potential for timber production: Timber production is not a reasonable goal for this stand. It will probably

be kept open by annual mowing to maintain a park-like appearance, and serve as an informal parking lot.

Potential for other uses: One note: the locked cable closing the driveway into this stand from Dequindre

Road was clamped around a tree at the north side, and was killing the tree, including the last time I stopped

there in April. The cable needs to be loosened so the tree can live.

Water quality issues: Keep parking areas away from the stream in the southwest corner of this stand, to

reduce the risk of pollutants leaking from cars and trucks reaching the stream waters.

Important natural features: The stream that enters the property in this stand is the most notable natural

feature. It is not known if this grassy savannah was originally open or cleared from previous forest.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 20. EARL HOME SITE'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain the stand in mostly open grassy vegetation. Maintain health

of the existing trees and native shrubs. Eradicate non-native invasive shrubs and forbs. Manage parts of this

stand as an informal trail-head parking lot.

Silvicultural Prescription: No silvicultural prescription for this stand. Control invasive shrubs.

Planned Activities:

2010: Improve existing trail system, beginning in this stand. Develop simple, informal trailhead parking

lot for no more than a dozen cars, preferably fewer. Priority: 1

2011: Eradicate invasive plant species.

Priority: 8

2013: Add bluebird/wren houses around perimeter of clearing, and bat house on or near old garage.

Priority: 8

78

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 21. BLACK WALNUT'


Land use history: These black walnuts do not appear to have been planted in rows, as a plantation. Yet

many of the medium and larger trees have numbered aluminum tags nailed to them. A check with Michigan

DNR foresters produced no knowledge of any study that would explain the tags.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Black walnut, elm

-Potential: Same

Successional trend: Black walnuts, from poles to large sawlog-size, are the dominant tree species found in

this long east-west oriented stand. Also present in small numbers are hawthorn, prickly ash, honeysuckle,

staghorn sumac and dogwood. Vines include grape, Virginia creeper and greenbrier. Ground vegetation

includes red raspberry, Virginia knotweed, goldenrods, yellow avens, agrimony, cleavers, may-apple, white

vervain, Virginia wild-rye, path rush, St. John‟s-wort and wild bergamot.

Forest health: Most of the walnuts appeared to be extremely healthy, and growing well. The only invasive

shrubs found in the stand were non-native honeysuckles, which should be controlled.

Site quality: Site index was estimated at 74 for black walnut, which means this is considered an above

average site for growth of black walnuts. The Cohoctah fine sandy loam shown on the soil map for this

stand is considered primarily a floodplain soil type, although this stand is on higher ground than the

floodplain to the east and south, indicated in part by the healthy black walnut trees growing there. Most

areas of this soil type have high water tables and flood one or more times per year, so they do not allow deep

tree root growth deep enough to hold the trees firm against high winds.





Stocking: Black walnuts make up 88 percent of the estimated basal area of the stand. Diameters (dbh) of

those trees sampled in plots ranged evenly from 7 inches up to 19 inches, and also 36 inches. The only other

trees sampled were a 7 inch dbh hawthorn and an 11 inch dbh elm.

Relative stand density of 59 percent is in the optimum range for best individual tree growth. Growth rate of

the largest trees is probably excellent, of smaller trees is probably good, and mortality due to crowding is

likely to be low.

This stocking percent is just above the minimum for full stocking.


79

Habitat and wildlife use: This forest stand provides the same habitat benefits as any other upland hardwood

stand. Fox, gray and red squirrels, and red-bellied woodpeckers, are known to eat black walnuts, and

beavers use the wood. Of course many birds may nest in the crowns or cavities of these trees, and

salamanders, frogs and toads, and invertebrates such as worms and slugs inhabit the forest floor.

Recreational opportunities: As mentioned in the Timber production potential section, the current informal

trail system passes through this stand, and this trail system could be improved and opened to the public with

minimal modifications. If a Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) demonstration area is developed in this stand

and/or adjacent Stand 17, this can be a site for repeat workshops over time with forest landowners learning

how to improve their own woodlots.

Black walnuts are a valuable food item for squirrels and a few other wildlife species, and for humans willing

to work a bit for the nuts. The green hulls over the nuts also have valuable medicinal properties, one of

which is to rid humans and pets of internal parasites. Park managers may want to look at regulations for any

restrictions on foraging of black walnuts.

Potential for timber production: This stand, along with Stand 17, may have the highest value for timber

management in this half of the Park. Good form, healthy black walnut trees remain among the most

valuable species in timber markets, and this is nearly a pure stand of black walnut. It is recommended that

the Township consider developing a forest stand improvement (FSI) demonstration area in this stand, with

informational signing. The existing informal trail system passes through this stand, making it likely that

many people would read the information. The Township could also conduct FSI or timber management

workshops here and in Stand 17, including hands-on workshops for Master Woodlot Managers. The

minimum required tree removal would be for hazard trees that appear likely to fall on the trail once it is

opened to the public (pro-active management), or for trees or large limbs that have fallen across the trail

(twice-yearly or as-needed maintenance).

If the Township decided to allow periodic timber harvest for sustainable forest management as well as

income for Park operations, this would be a good forest stand to start. This stand, with many smaller

diameter trees and fewer older trees, resembles an uneven-aged distribution. In sustainable timber

harvesting in the hardwood forest, especially with shade-tolerant species, you aim to have an uneven-aged

stand and to harvest the maturing timber as it reaches the largest economic size, while leaving plentiful

younger trees to continue growing3. Optimum stocking after harvest in a northern hardwood forest stand

should consist of 60 to 70 square feet of basal area per acre in trees greater than 9.5 inches dbh. One should

not reduce saw logs below 50 square feet per acre or leave above 90 square feet per acre11

. The estimated

basal area per acre in such trees, averaged over the two plots sampled, is 40 square feet, below what is

considered minimum stocking. However, parts of this stand are stocked with 80 or more square feet of basal

area in small sawlog-size trees, and other areas of the stand are more like a savannah, with 30 square feet of

sawlog basal area per acre. Therefore the areas of this stand with lower sawlog stocking should be left to

grow, and a FSI thinning operation planned to remove poorly formed smaller trees that may be crowding

better form trees. Trees that are crooked, diseased or otherwise damaged will never make useful sawlogs,

and these are the trees that would be removed in a FSI operation. However, most trees in the sparsely

stocked areas of this stand will be left to provide enough stocking to encourage the upward growth of other

trees, since current stocking is below the minimum desirable level.

If timber harvest becomes acceptable to the Township, the first activity recommended would be to have two

or more veneer buyers come to the stand and determine if any of the walnut trees are of veneer quality at

that time. If so, those individual trees that have reached their economic potential could be sold and

harvested for income to the Park, while most remaining walnut trees would be left to grow larger. It would

be best to obtain the services of a consulting forester to prepare and administer any harvest or FSI

80

operations.


Water quality issues: This stand is far enough away from the river and stream that there should be no

specific water quality issues. There were old 55 gallon drums discovered just south of the main east-west

trail near Plot 2, but no water nearby to leak into.

Important natural features: The forest of mostly black walnut trees represents the most important natural

feature here.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 21. BLACK WALNUT'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Protect and improve wildlife habitat, especially for native wildlife

species.

Harvest trees as needed for safety reasons, and to improve forest health and recreation values.

Improve recreation opportunities, including improving the existing informal trail system for public use.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring black walnut. Target maximum

diameter is 28 inches. The desired cutting cycle is 16 years.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: At minimum, remove hazard trees and large branches that threaten

trail users or impede trail use.

Consider developing a FSI demonstration area in this stand and Stand 17, with informational signage and

periodic workshops.

If the Township decides to allow some carefully planned timber harvest for sustainable forest management

and periodic income, begin with an inspection by veneer buyers for veneer quality black walnut. Sell any

larger veneer quality trees. Follow this with a planned limited FSI operation. Leave most trees to grow in

the sparsely stocked areas of the stand until stocking reaches at least 80 square feet of basal area per acre

(16-22 years).

Planned Activities:

2010: Improve trail system.

Clean up 55 gallon drums next to trail.

Have veneer buyers evaluate walnut trees. Sell those mature trees considered veneer or high quality sawlog

trees. Work with consulting forester.

Priority: 2

2011: Develop forest stand improvement demonstration area, perhaps with one in Stand 17.

Continue trail improvements.

Continue walnut timber harvest if necessary.

Priority: 2

2012: Continue to develop forest stand improvement (FSI) demonstration area.

Plan and present an FSI workshop, perhaps with help from a consulting forester, MSU Extension forester,

MDNRE foresters. Invite Master Woodlot Managers to participate.

81

Priority: 2

2015: Conduct second FSI workshop. Have Master Woodlot Managers help plan workshop.

Priority: 1

2018: Conduct third FSI workshop in Stand 21 and/or 17.

Evaluate walnut trees for further harvest this year.

Priority: 2

82

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 22. SAVANNAH'


Land use history: The soil survey map shows the west portion of this stand was a clay pit, and most of the

rest of the stand as a cleared field. It is not known if the open fields shown in the soils survey map were

crop fields. This area was designated as a stand because it is slowly filling in with trees and shrubs, a

different vegetative cover composition and age-class from the mature forests in adjacent stands.

Parts of the northern edges of the stand, adjacent to private parcels to the north, have been maintained in

lawn, apparently by the adjacent landowners.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Cottonwood, Silver Maple, Black Walnut, Elm

-Potential: Same plus Aspen

Successional trend: The soils map shows the west part of this stand as a former clay pit, and the rest having

been open field in the past. The current savannah consisted of scattered sawlog-size cottonwood and silver

maple, with pole-size black walnut and black cherry, and small sapling-pole aspen thickets. Small trees and

shrubs included hawthorn, ash, quaking aspen, non-native honeysuckle, buckthorn, pale dogwood, prickly

ash and multiflora rose. Woody vines and ground vegetation included wild grape, poison ivy, Virginia

creeper, red raspberry, blackberry, prickly gooseberry, dewberry, goldenrod, heal-all, St. John‟s-wort,

enchanter's-nightshade, white vervain, cleavers, Queen Anne's-lace, jack-in-the-pulpit, wood anemone,

sunflower, flowering spurge, path rush, field horsetail, agrimony, wild strawberry, Virginia knotweed,

parsnip, two sedges, and grasses.

Forest health: Trees and shrubs appeared to be healthy. There were buckthorn and multiflora rose that are

invasive plants and should be eradicated or controlled.

Site quality: Site index is estimated at 85, an above average site for silver maple and other tree species.

Parts of the stand that were not excavated for clay are most likely more fertile than the pit area in the west.





Stocking: Silver maple and cottonwood sampled were medium sawlog-size, making up 20% and 40% of the

estimated basal area, respectively. Black walnuts were pole-size, making up 40% of the basal area. There

was also a small thicket of quaking aspen saplings and poles. Overall this stand can be considered a

savannah, with its low density of mostly scattered trees.

Stand volume: 5.4 gross total cords per acre

83

Habitat and wildlife use: This section is well covered for Stand 18.

Recreational opportunities: One branch of the informal trail system loops within this stand, and parts of this

existing trail system may be formalized and improved for public use. This would provide easier access to

this area for Parks and Recreation-sponsored guided bird, flower, wild edible plants, night-time owl and

other walks with the naturalist and others.

Potential for timber production: This stand is in the density range of a savannah, and need not be considered

for timber production at this time. Sparser areas could be reforested by planting a variety of hardwood and

conifer tree species in naturalized clumps around the stand. The best trees to manage in natural stands are

white ash (no longer true with emerald ash borer), red maple, silver maple, cottonwood, sycamore and red

oak.


Water quality issues: Being a distance from the river and creek, the major water quality issue for this stand

is protecting the soils and groundwater from chemical spills and other obvious pollutants.

Important natural features: With part of this clearing resulting from an old clay pit and the rest from cleared

fields, it cannot be considered a natural feature as a whole. However many of the species that are

revegetating this clearing are Michigan natives, part of the natural process of succession.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 22. SAVANNAH'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and protect wildlife habitat, water and soil quality and

aesthetics of the stand. Develop recreational opportunities. Provide for visitor safety to the extent feasible.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring black walnut, oaks, aspen, and

maples. Target maximum diameter is 34 inches. The desired cutting cycle is 18 years.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Control or eradicate non-native invasive woody and herbaceous

plants. Consider partially reforesting some sparser areas by planting naturally arranged clumps of

hardwoods and conifers, with fruit and nut shrubs and trees, near edges of the stand.

Planned Activities:

2010: Improve trail system as part of overall effort to formalize these trails and open them to the public.

Choose and clear short route to connect existing trail back to Stand 20 trailhead.

Close and sign trail segments where they connect with private neighbors' properties.

Priority: 2

2014: Reforest selected sparse areas of the stand with hardwoods, conifers and fruiting shrubs. This is an

excellent volunteer project.

Priority: 5

84

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 25. RIVER CLEARING'


Land use history: Part or all of this cleared stand appears to have been mostly open back when the soils map

aerial photos were taken. Currently it appeared that the neighbors along the west half of the stand have

periodically mowed the open portion, and kept a path mowed to the river from their yard, and a path mowed

along the river. Also it appeared that the east end clearing, in the bend of the river, is kept open by either

mowing or burning annually. There was a large, frequently used fire pit in the middle of the clearing, with a

picnic table and large supply of miscellaneous wood. A driving trail was kept open by apparently frequent

use between the stand and another neighbor directly west of the clearing. Evidence suggested that this

neighbor may have supplied and used the fire pit repeatedly.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Cottonwood savannah

-Potential:

Successional trend: Scattered clumps of cottonwoods, dead or dying ash, poles and small sawlogs. Sawlog

black willow individuals and sandbar willow shrubs along river. Ash and buckthorn saplings in center area.

West clearing is mowed occasionally, east end is a grassy field. Ground vegetation in center area of stand

includes field horsetail, goldenrods, St. Johnswort, jewelweed, poison ivy and wild parsnip.

Forest health: Other than ash trees dying, there were no forest or grassland health problems discovered in

this stand.

Site quality: Trees are very sparse, and they were not aged or measured for site index.


Trees per acre: N/A Mean Stand Diameter: 8 in.



Stocking: There were trees along the river bank, and one small grove of pole-size elms and cottonwoods in

the southeast half of the stand. There were dead and dying ash trees there also. Most of the stand is open or

savannah.

Stand volume:

Habitat and wildlife use: Most of the same conditions and principles described in this section for Stand 18

also apply to this long narrow clearing, with the additional condition of being directly along the Clinton

River. Therefore most of the wildlife species that make use of river floodplains, described in Stand 1

narrative, will be found here also. The Park needs to be careful to maintain existing trees and shrubs, and

could plant more in small patches at the edges of some of the more open areas of this stand. Also a few

wood duck boxes could be installed on trees along the shore or a short distance away from shore. These

85

would need to be monitored and maintained annually.

Recreational opportunities: This stand currently appears to serve the local neighborhood residents as a place

to enjoy bonfires and walk or sit along the river. With the effort to improve and formalize the current trail

system in the former Earl estate, the trail and bonfire area can be incorporated into this system as a

destination for campfire programs. If a youth camping area is developed as suggested for Stand 18, campers

could follow the trail system to arrive at the bonfire area at the east end of Stand 25 for ceremonies and

campfire programs, which are standard parts of Boy Scout and Girl Scout campouts. Another option for this

stand is to make a small trailhead parking area for a few cars at the west end of Stand 25, or preferably in

Stand 27. Park visitors could then hike or bike the whole trail system west and south of the river, or as

much as they want, and return either on the trails or along Dequindre Road to their vehicles, or stage a

second vehicle at the parking lot at the former Earl home site. Walking or biking along Dequindre Road

may be too potentially hazardous to promote it as part of a loop in this way. For official Park campfire

programs or guided walks, parking would probably be limited to a small area in either Stand 27 or Stand 25.

Potential for timber production: The value of this clearing along the river is probably greater for habitat

diversity than it could be for timber management. It is an early successional stage, similar to what might

exist if a major flood had scoured away the trees, shrubs and other vegetation and returned the site to bare

soil, as often happens along Alaska rivers. If any planting is warranted, it would be to add fruit- and nut-

producing shrubs and small trees in clumps along the edges of open areas.

Cohoctah soils are grouped with others that are somewhat poorly drained and poorly drained, moderately

coarsely textured to moderately finely textured soils. Water tables are high, flooding is a hazard, and natural

fertility is moderately high or moderate. Most areas of these soils have such severe limitations for trees that

their use as woodland is questionable9. Natural regeneration is not dependable, because overflowing streams

wash away the seeds and the stands tend to be scattered. Seedling mortality is severe. Windthrow is a

moderate to severe hazard because the water table keeps tree roots from penetrating deeply enough to hold

the trees firm against high winds. In order of descending priority, the best trees to manage in natural stands

are white ash, red maple, silver maple, cottonwood, sycamore and red oak. Cottonwood is the only tree

recommended for planting.

Potential for other uses: There was an old township sign on a tree along the river in the west half of Stand

25, similar to the sign at the Earl home site, warning people not to trespass on this tract. If it is to be opened

to the public, that sign may need to be removed.

Water quality issues: All important best management practices for water quality need to be implemented in

planning for management of this stand. See the appendix for a brochure on these practices. The most

important are to maintain at least a 100 foot wide naturally vegetated buffer along the river, with no mowing

down to the river bank, and to prevent discharge of chemical and mineral pollutants that could wash into the

river with heavy rains or snowmelt.

Important natural features: This long narrow clearing is bordered by the most important natural feature in

the Park, the Clinton River. The clearing itself is probably not natural, but it helps to maintain biodiversity

in the Park.

86

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 25. RIVER CLEARING'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and improve wildlife habitats. Protect water and soil

quality. Provide opportunities for passive recreation. Provide for public safety.

Details of the silvicultural prescription:

Manage as a clearing, allowing natural succession to progress. Control invasive shrubs and herbaceous

plants. Consider planting clumps of fruit- and nut-bearing shrubs and small trees along the edges of the

stand. Manage for (in this case that means accept) red and silver maples, cottonwood, sycamore and red,

white, bur and swamp white oaks.

Planned Activities:

2011: Improve and formalize existing trails through the stand and along river edge. Close and sign trail

where it connects to south neighboring property, perhaps with an agreement with the neighbor for

occasional use with written permission from Park manager each time. Work out use agreement with north

neighbors, if necessary.

Improve or replace existing bonfire pit and picnic table.

Develop small informal trailhead parking area, preferably in Stand 27, or in Stand 25.

Perhaps remove Township sign on tree along river.

Priority: 6

2013: Install a couple of wood duck boxes at or near the river bank. Number and enter them into database

and schedule. Assign volunteers to monitor them.

Priority: 9

2014: Add clumps of fruit and nut shrubs and trees along edges of this stand.

Priority: 7

87

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 26. RIVER HARDWOODS'


Land use history: History of the stand is not known.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Black Cherry-Maple

-Potential: Black Cherry-Maple

Successional trend: Forest trees were silver maple, black cherry, white oak, swamp white oak, cottonwood,

sycamore, basswood, aspen and elm, with dead ash. Understory included honeysuckle, buckthorn, boxelder,

shadbush, hawthorn, and apple. Ground vegetation was made up of white avens, Virginia creeper, poison

ivy, bedstraw, greenbrier, tall meadow-rue, white grass, river grape, false Solomon-seal, wild geranium,

raspberry, dame‟s rocket, goldenrod and sedges.

Forest health: Except for having numerous buckthorn and non-native honeysuckle shrubs, this stand of trees

and smaller plants seemed to be quite healthy.

Site quality: Site index was estimated at 65 for eastern cottonwood, which is at the low end of average. The

soil under this stand is mostly Cohoctah fine sandy loam, 0 to 2% slopes, which, as described in Stand 25, is

considered poor soil for growing and keeping trees. However, tree growth and variety in this stand are

rather good.



Basal Area (BA): 48 Acceptable BA: 60-90


Stocking: The largest trees, medium sawlog-size, surveyed in this stand were silver maple and sycamore,

while swamp white and white oaks, silver maple, black cherry, cottonwood and basswood were all small

sawlog-size. Pole-size trees include silver maple, black cherry, sycamore, American elm, ash and aspen.

Relative stand density is estimated at 34 percent of the average maximum stocking expected in undisturbed

stands of similar size and species composition, below optimum for best individual tree growth. Even though

trees growth rates are good to excellent at this low density, relatively open-grown trees usually grow large

crowns with many side branches, which are usually not good timber trees. Hardwood trees need to be

somewhat more crowded to grow taller and straighter, because they then reach for greater access to sunlight.

These taller, straighter and less branchy trees make better timber than open-grown trees. The estimated

basal area in this stand is 48 square feet per acre. For good timber management hardwood forests need to

have between 60 and 90 square feet of basal area per acre. This will crowd the trees just enough to force

them to reach skyward in competition for sunlight.


88

Habitat and wildlife use: Wildlife use and habitat management of floodplain forests is well described in

Stand 1 narrative, and the same information applies to this stand. There is a small wetland in the portion of

this stand just south of the private road.

Recreational opportunities: If this area is opened to general public use, Stands 26, 27 and 25 can be

expected to be used for fishing access along the river. Close proximity to homes on two sides would likely

deter most people from engaging in other recreational activities, such as picnicking or gathering mushrooms

and other wild edibles.

Potential for timber production: The soils under this stand are Cohoctah fine sandy loam, with severe

limitations for growing trees as described for Stand 25. Therefore this is not an ideal candidate stand for

high quality forest management. One rule of good forest management is to refrain from harvesting trees

within a minimum 100 foot buffer along a river. A buffer of that width would restrict timber harvest from

approximately 1.4 acres along the river, or about 1/6 of the stand. That still leaves at least 6 acres in which

to harvest timber in this stand. If timber management becomes an acceptable option for this stand, a forest

stand improvement (FSI) project would be appropriate to remove a small number of poor quality trees to

allow better quality trees to grow faster and more robust. Some planting may also be appropriate to increase

the basal area of chosen trees in the stand, if a separate seedling/sapling survey indicates a scarcity of

desirable young trees in the understory.


Water quality issues: See this section for Stand 25.

Important natural features: The Clinton River is the important natural feature.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 26. RIVER HARDWOODS'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain and improve forest aesthetics, wildlife habitat, forest health

and water and soil quality. Provide opportunities for passive recreation. Protect fisheries and the riparian

corridor. Control invasive plant species.

Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring oaks, sycamore, and black cherry.


Details of the silvicultural prescription: Manage this stand to maintain an undisturbed buffer of forest

vegetation along the river, at least 100 feet wide. If timber harvest becomes an acceptable option in the

Park, consider conducting a forest stand improvement project, and managing the higher quality trees in this

stand for eventual harvest. Planting hardwood trees may be an option to increase density of trees.

Planned Activities:

2010: Conduct seedling/ sapling survey throughout stand to determine if under-planting is needed for full

stocking of trees. Park naturalist or consulting forester can do this.

Priority: 7

2012: Conduct FSI project to improve growth of high quality trees. Do not cut within 100 foot buffer

along river. Have forester mark trees to remove.

Priority: 8

89

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 27. CEDAR-TAMARACK'


Land use history: This small patch of woods between the private road and the river still had an old driveway

leading to at least 2 small house foundations near the river. There were northern white-cedar groves, an old

sports car body, an old bicycle and numerous other remains of human habitation. There are also human-

maintained trails parallel to the river, still being mowed, presumably by the neighbors to the east.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Cedar-Tamarack-Sycamore

-Potential:

Successional trend: South of the private road: field of goldenrods with staghorn sumac and ash saplings;

also river grape, poison ivy, garlic mustard, raspberry and yarrow.

North of road: northern white-cedar, tamarack, bitternut hickory, sycamore, with red oak, Chinese chestnut,

poison ivy, goldenrod, stinging nettle, St. John‟s-wort, bouncing bet, swallow-wort, wood sorrel and garlic

mustard.

Forest health: The forest and field appeared to be quite healthy, except for the presence of garlic mustard

and swallow-wort. This should be removed, and monitored for 2-3 years.

Site quality: Site index is estimated around 50 for northern white-cedar, which is well above average

growth. Soils that formed this stand are mostly Cohoctah and Ceresco fine sandy loams, with Boyer sandy

loam south of the private road.





Stocking: Sawlog-size northern white-cedar and tamarack are the dominant trees in this sparsely forested

stand. The white-cedars especially were in clusters or groves. Sycamores were pole-size, with understory

trees including bitternut hickory, sycamore and red oak.


Habitat and wildlife use: This riparian forest will have similar wildlife use as that described for Stand 1.

Recreational opportunities: After the old car, bicycle, fence and other human debris is removed from this

stand, a small (3 to 4 car) trailhead parking area could be established using the current old driveway north of

the road or the small open field south of the road. Plans for establishing this site as a trailhead should

probably be discussed with the three neighbor families along the private road before any work begins.

90

Potential for timber production: The Cohoctah and Ceresco fine sandy loam soils that grow this stand are

not very productive soils for tree growth. As described for Stand 25, these soils can have severe limitations

for growing trees. The best trees to manage in natural stands, in order of priority, are white ash, red and

silver maples, cottonwood, sycamore and red oak. Cottonwood is the best tree for planting. Of these trees,

only red oak has significant value in current timber markets. White ash is nearly gone due to infestation of

emerald ash borer. Cottonwood has very low value, used now mostly for pallets. Red maple can have

moderate timber value in southeast Michigan when grown in upland soils. Northern white-cedar can have

moderate timber value in current markets. Overall, the best management option for this stand is to maintain

this savannah for wildlife and recreation values, and as an intact buffer along the river.


Water quality issues: Being located next to Clinton River and next to a small wetland makes it important to

exercise careful management in this stand to prevent water pollution, stream bank erosion and removal of

the forest canopy along the river.

Important natural features: The river and the white-cedar trees are the most important natural features

affecting this stand.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 27. CEDAR-TAMARACK'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain aesthetics, maintain and enhance wildlife and fish habitats,

protect water and soil quality and riparian zone. Provide for passive recreation.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring red oak, northern white-cedar,

sycamore, and hickory. Target maximum diameter is 34 inches. The desired cutting cycle is 18 years.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: No silvicultural prescription at this time for this stand.

Planned Activities:

2011: Develop very small, informal trailhead parking lot, either north of access road, or in clearing south

of road.

Remove old car, fence, bicycle and other junk.

Priority: 4

91

.

Old house foundation near river,

one of at least two.

Old sport convertible of unknown

make next to the old driveway.

92

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 28. RAILROAD FOREST'


Land use history: This stand was bisected by the old railroad, and was modified by the construction of the

railroad bed. The small stream that flows southeast through the stand passes under the railroad through

culverts. Informal foot trails have developed along the riverbank, mostly by people fishing and enjoying the

river. This is one of the most frequently used and viewed stands in the Park, due to many Yates cider mill

customers and fishers walking the old railroad, just out for a walk or accessing the riverbank.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Oak-Hickory

-Potential: Oak-Hickory

Successional trend: This variable forest stand was dominated by small to large sawlog-size white oak and

sycamore, pole-size to small sawlog-size basswood, bur and swamp white oaks, shagbark hickory, quaking

aspen and cottonwood, and sapling American elm and black cherry. Ash trees were dead. Understory trees,

shrubs and vines included basswood, hickory, ash, buckthorn, dogwood, barberry, apple, prickly ash,

honeysuckle, blue beech, multiflora rose, oriental bittersweet, raspberry, Virginia creeper and poison ivy .

Herbaceous vegetation included enchanter‟s-nightshade, bedstraw, wild geraniums, field and marsh

horsetails, Joe-Pye-weed, boneset, willow-herb, goldenrod, St. John‟s-wort, southern blue flag, green-brier,

turtlehead, jewelweed, Virginia knotweed, skunk cabbage and garlic mustard.

Forest health: Several problematic invasive plants were found in this stand, including non-native

honeysuckles, buckthorn, oriental bittersweet, barberry and garlic mustard. These should be controlled or

eradicated if possible. There were no insect or disease problems noted in the stand, and the trees appeared

generally healthy.

Site quality: Site index is estimated at 60 for white oak, an above average site. This site was quite variable,

with upland mesic areas and lower floodplain areas along both the Clinton River and the small stream.

Therefore the trees and smaller vegetation included those characteristic of upland sites, such as white oak,

basswood and black cherry, and floodplain sites, such as cottonwood, American elm and swamp white oak.

Bur oak, sycamore, shagbark hickory and quaking aspen are typical of transition zones between upland and

floodplain forests. The upland areas of the stand are capable of supporting more valuable tree species, the

lower areas sustain a useful combination of species for wildlife habitats and shading the streams.





Stocking: Stocking of trees was quite variable in different parts of this stand; high basal area (120 square

feet/acre) in the southeast end, within the best range of basal area for good tree growth at the west end (80

square feet/acre), and very low at plots in the middle half of the stand, especially near the small stream (10-

20 square feet/acre). If timber management were a goal for this stand, the sparse upland areas in the west

93

half might be planted to oaks, sugar maples, black cherry and/or black walnut to raise the stocking levels

with more valuable trees, while the areas along the small stream would be kept intact as a vegetated buffer.


Habitat and wildlife use: Wildlife use of the lower floodplain areas would be similar to that described for

Stand 1, while the uplands would also be used by wildlife species described for Stands 4 and 17. There are

low marshy wetland spots in both Stand 29 to the east and 30 to the north, so this is quite a variable complex

of wildlife habitats in a relatively small space. Manage standing snags, den and wolf trees, and down trees

and logs for nesting, roosting and feeding sites for a large variety of wildlife species. Consider building and

installing a variety of nesting and roosting boxes and platforms for woodpeckers, wood ducks, owls,

raccoons, squirrels and other wildlife species that use human-provided structures. Remember, however, that

nest boxes need to be inspected and maintained annually or at least biennially after they are installed. This

can be a good project for volunteer woodworkers initially, and for certain dedicated people that enjoy

inspecting and keeping yearly data on the use of these nest boxes, by the intended birds or other birds, mice,

squirrels and others. See Minnesota DNR's excellent book "Woodworking for Wildlife", which is available

from Conservation Districts and some birding supply stores. It has many plans and directions for placement

of nesting and roosting structures. You probably already have it in the nature center.

Recreational opportunities: The old Penn-Central or Conrail railroad trail currently gets heavy use by

visitors to Yates Cider Mill, just west of the Park property. Some folks use the Cider Mill trail, through

Stand 16, to reach the Holland Pond trail system.

There exists an informal hiking trail along the south and west side of the old canal that begins in Stand 29 at

the east end of the old railroad trail and continues west almost to the Yates property. This small walking

trail, which follows the ridge along the canal, was probably maintained in recent years by people exploring

the forest. With a small effort this trail could be cleared out, maybe signed, and connected through Stands

30 and 28 back to the west end of the railroad trail, thereby creating a loop trail for the hardier visitors

parked at Yates lot. Another consideration is to connect this small trail to the old Soccer City site along 23

Mile Road, by means of a small bridge across the canal. This would allow people to access this trail system

and the north section of the Park without parking at Yates mill. Those who wished could also park at Soccer

City and follow the Cider Mill trail to the Holland Ponds complex.

Park managers should consider using National Park Service/ U.S. Forest Service style rustic log bridges for

any small foot bridges built in the Park. Examples are included in the Appendix. These bridges are

inexpensive, can be built with minimal labor, including volunteer labor, and are safe and very durable for

decades.

Some thoughts about trail signing are in order. People have come up with various means of helping trail

users figure out where they are. One simple system that works very well is to have a map of the trail system

posted at each intersection, with a letter on the map at each intersection. The letter of the intersection the

sign is at is marked on the signpost, usually routed into the post, or on a separate small 4 x 4 attached board,

and painted a bright color. It is important to orient all intersection signs so that when reading the map the

person is facing north, and this is clearly stated on the map. That way there is little or no confusion about

which way to go toward a destination. Such a map can be drawn for each separate trail system.

This also becomes very useful when managers are using a trail log to evaluate segments of a trail, or do

maintenance on segments of trail. Each segment has a two letter designation, such as B-C or G-H. River

Bends Park Trail Log samples are in the Trails appendix.

Potential for timber production: This entire stand is over Cohoctah fine sandy loam, which as described

before has considerable limitations for growing high quality trees. Judging from the current tree species and

94

conditions, Stand 28 has some potential to grow high quality trees on the higher ground areas, at the west

and east ends of the stand. Access to the north side of the small stream could be difficult, especially at the

east end. Access to the west half might be easier, if timber operators were able to enter along the railroad

trail from Yates Cider Mill parking lot. A small forest access road at the west end of the stand could be

designed as a dual-purpose connecting trail between the railroad trail and the west end of an upgraded canal

trail (see the Recreational opportunities section below).


Water quality issues: In all human activities within and along this stand, it is important to use best

management practices to avoid spilling detergents, petroleum products and other chemicals on the ground or

water, and to the extent possible maintain an undisturbed buffer of forest and shrub canopy along both river

and stream for erosion control, filtering of spilled products before they reach the water, and keeping the

waters shaded and cool in summer.

Important natural features: The stream and Clinton River are important natural features within and

bordering this stand, as are the very large sycamore and white oak trees growing there.

Small stream in Stand 28, looking east. Sparse tree cover near the stream, with mostly herbaceous

vegetation (wet meadow) in the stream floodplain.

95

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 28. RAILROAD FOREST'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Protect water and soil quality. Protect, maintain and improve

wildlife and fish habitats and aesthetic values of this stand. Provide fishing, hiking and other recreational

opportunities within this stand and connecting to other stands in the Park. Manage trees in the forest for

health, wildlife and fish habitats, removal of hazard trees, and potentially for firewood and timber

production.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring oaks, sycamore, black cherry,

basswood and hickory. Target maximum diameter is 34 inches. The desired cutting cycle is 16 years.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: To favor and perpetuate the oaks and hickories in this stand,

especially for timber management if chosen as a goal, even-aged management using small patch clearcuts or

shelterwood harvests (i.e. removing about half of the overstory trees) is recommended. Thinning the stand

to invigorate large mast-producing oaks and other species is an alternative that would create less aesthetic

impacts while still promoting oaks and hickory. Protect snags, den trees and wolf trees.

Sloping area of young maple and older sycamore, with full sapling layer.

96

Planned Activities:

2012: Develop connecting trail from west end of canal trail to near west end of railroad trail. This can

also be used as an access road for timber harvest if approved by Township.

Priority: 1

2013: Consider thinning upland areas of Stand 28, to remove some fully mature trees and smaller poorer

quality trees. Work with consulting forester to prepare and administer sale.

Priority: 6

2018: Install nesting and roosting boxes and nesting platforms for wood ducks, owls, woodpeckers, bats

and others. Number and add each to database and schedule. Assign volunteers to monitor them.

Priority: 1

Bees visiting Joe-Pye-weed in Stand 28.

97

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 29. CANAL HARDWOODS'


Land use history: This complex stand appears to have been formed between the confluence of the old

Clinton-Kalamazoo Canal and the Railroad. The two ridges that resulted from the construction of these

travel ways essentially boxed in the previously open lowland on two sides. Based on tree size, this stand has

been forested for at least several decades.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Elm-ash-cottonwood

-Potential: Lowland hardwoods

Successional trend: This stand amounts to a mixed lowland - high ridge complex, with an upland guild of

tree species on a central ridge, and a mix of mesic and floodplain species along the canal ridge and in lower

parts of the stand. The stand included some small marsh and bog areas. The higher ground areas had

chinkapin, pin and red oaks, black cherry and dead ash, with understory trees and shrubs including elm,

silver maple, black cherry, autumn olive, dogwood, buckthorn, prickly ash and non-native honeysuckle.

Smaller shrubs, vines and ground vegetation included poison ivy, Virginia creeper, prickly gooseberry, red

raspberry, cleavers, St. Johnswort and Pennsylvania sedge. In the middle and lower ground plots the trees

sampled were cottonwood, northern white-cedar, black and silver maples, white, swamp white and bur oaks,

basswood, American elm and dead ash, with honeysuckle, basswood, white and bur oaks, black cherry, ash,

alternate-leaf dogwood and multiflora rose in the understory. Poison ivy, Virginia creeper, raspberry, river

grape, blue flag iris, swamp thistle, goldenrod, jewelweed, St. John‟s-wort, cleavers, boneset, Joe-Pye-weed,

false nettle, enchanter‟s-nightshade, Canada anemone and maidenhair fern were the smaller plants present.

Forest health: Other than the invasives buckthorn, autumn olive, non-native honeysuckle and multiflora

rose, this stand of trees appears to be quite healthy, with no obvious insect or disease problems.

Site quality: The variety of trees and other plant species in the upland areas indicated fairly high quality

sites. Estimated site index of 78 for silver maple indicates an average site for growing silver maple.

Uplands are on ridges, with xeric to mesic soil conditions. Lowlands are wet-mesic to wet. Uplands are

more capable of supporting sustained vigorous tree growth than the lowlands.

Approximate age: 90 Size Class: Large Sawlogs (23.5" +)


Basal Area (BA): 73.3 Acceptable BA: 73.3


Stocking: Medium and large sawlog cottonwoods, small sawlog red and chinkapin oaks, northern white-

cedar, silver maple and basswood, and pole-size black cherry comprised the bulk of the live trees. The

upland canal ridge area was well stocked with healthy trees, while the lowland areas in the west side of the

stand were lightly stocked. Both areas have a variety of age classes.

98


Habitat and wildlife use: Wildlife species use of similar lowland and upland forested habitats is described in

this section for Stands 3 and 4, respectively. This stand has good locations to place wood duck boxes, both

along the canal and in the wetlands.

Recreational opportunities: The most likely recreational activities to occur in this stand would be hiking

along the old canal trail, by people who stroll along the old railroad trail from the cider mill. If the canal

ridge trail is cleared of obstacles, it can become a regularly used trail as it exists now. See this section in

Stand 28 for further discussion of potential enhancements to this primitive trail. Other recreational activities

could, and may already, include foraging for wild edible berries, nuts, mushrooms and herbs.

Potential for timber production: The ridge areas have some potential for sustainable high quality forest

growth, although it would be impractical to attempt timber harvests on the narrow ridge-tops and slopes. It

is also recommended that an undisturbed natural vegetated buffer be maintained within at least 100 feet

along a water body, which would include the old canal and the small marsh communities in the lowlands of

this stand. Boyer loamy sands, which underlie the canal area, are significantly better for tree growth than

Cohoctah fine sandy loam, Tawas muck or Wasepi sandy loam, which underlie the lower areas of the stand.

On Boyer soils the best tree species to manage in natural stands are oaks, sugar maple, basswood, beech and

walnut. White pine is best for planting, followed by red pine, white spruce and jack pine. There would be

no point in trying to manage high quality trees for timber harvest in the lowland portions of this stand. The

limitations for seedling establishment and potential for windthrow due to shallow root systems are severe.

Best trees to manage in the lowland soils are red and silver maples, cottonwood, sycamore, basswood,

swamp white oak and red oak. Recommended trees to plant include white pine, cottonwood, white spruce,

Norway spruce, white-cedar and Austrian pine. Overall the trees within this stand are best maintained for

the various wildlife habitats they provide.


Water quality issues: Certainly this is an area in the Park where it is critically important to use best

management practices to keep pollutants out of the wetlands and the canal. The risk of negatively impacting

water quality within this stand is relatively low, due to the types of activities that usually take place there.

At most, people merely hike on the trail in this stand.

Important natural features: The marshy areas may be natural features, or they may have been created by

construction of both the canal and the railroad. They function now as important natural features. The canal

itself is not a body of flowing water, but functions as a linear pond, offering the same wetland benefits as an

oxbow lake.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 29. CANAL HARDWOODS'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Protect and enhance aesthetics and wildlife habitats. Protect water

and soil quality. Provide recreational opportunities. Manage the trees in this complex for wildlife habitats

and to promote safety of Park visitors by removing hazard trees along the trail.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring oaks, basswood, maples,

cottonwood, and hickories. Target maximum diameter is 34 inches. The desired cutting cycle is 13 years.

99

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Maintain a forest canopy where it currently exists in the uplands

and lowlands of this stand. Remove hazard trees as they occur along the trails. Remove or control non-

native invasive species of woody plants. Preserve most den and wolf trees and snags.

Planned Activities:

2012: Improve and formalize old trail along canal. Remove hazard trees along trail.

Priority: 1

2015: Control or eradicate non-native invasive plants (a volunteer project).

Priority: 6

2016: Install wood duck boxes along canal and in wetlands. Number and add to database and schedule.

Assign volunteers to monitor and maintain boxes.

Priority: 3

100

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 30. LOWLAND SAVANNAH'


Land use history: History of this stand is not known, except as part of the old canal route.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Cottonwood-Elm-Sycamore

-Potential: Same

Successional trend: Cottonwood, basswood, sycamore, elm, silver maple and black cherry dominated the

canopy, with fewer numbers of boxelder, bitternut hickory and tamarack. Dead ash trees were common.

The understory was dominated by hickory, swamp white oak, hawthorn, elm, ash, sycamore, staghorn

sumac, non-native honeysuckles, dogwood, buckthorn and multiflora rose. Ground plants and vines

consisted of red raspberry, oriental bittersweet, poison ivy, wild grape, currant, Virginia creeper, ash

seedlings, jewelweed, goldenrod, Joe-Pye-weed, Virginia knotweed, garlic mustard, Virginia wild-rye,

nightshade, false nettle, early meadow-rue, cattail, bur-reed, ferns. Buttonbush grows in the canal.

Forest health: Buckthorn, oriental bittersweet, non-native honeysuckles, multiflora rose and garlic mustard

are alien invasive plants that need to be eradicated or controlled in this stand. Other than ash trees dead

from emerald ash borers, there were no observed insect and disease infestations.

Site quality: This stand is a mesic to wet-mesic, mostly open savannah, with two small, more densely

forested areas in the west half. Cottonwoods, silver maple, sycamore and black cherry are growing very

well. Site index for cottonwood was estimated at 75, which indicates an average site for growing

cottonwoods.





Stocking: From a timber production perspective this mostly low density savannah was not fully stocked with

trees. Estimated basal area of 60 square feet per acre averaged over 4 plots is misleading, however, since

Plot 4 was at the middle of a cattail marsh with no trees recorded. The estimated average basal area of just

the 3 plots with trees is 80 square feet per acre, and the average number of trees per acre is then estimated at

118. This puts the forested portion of Stand 30 near the low end of a fully stocked stand, at around 57

percent stocking1.


Habitat and wildlife use: Ecologically this stand provides floodplain forest habitats, even though it is cut off

from the Clinton River by the railroad. The wildlife species and habitat management concerns expressed for

Stand 1, with the exceptions of promoting woody debris in the river, apply also to this stand.

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Recreational opportunities: This stand, like Stands 29 and 31, encompasses parts of the old canal and the

canal trail. Considering how wet some areas of this stand are, hiking the trail along the old canal is the most

likely recreation activity. Foraging for wild edible foods could be another, as could bird watching.

Potential for timber production: I described this stand in my notes as areas of open savannah with adjacent

areas of regularly stocked forest. Stocking across this stand is variable, but overall it is in the low end of

what is considered a fully stocked stand. Nearly all of Stand 30 is based on Ceresco fine sandy loam (Cf).

These somewhat poorly drained, moderately coarse textured soils are formed in floodplains of rivers and

streams. They are subject to flooding one or more times each year. An intermittent high water table and

frequent flooding are the major limitations for growing crops, and to a lesser extent limitations for growing

and maintaining forest cover. The native vegetation consists of elm, oak, maple, ash, willow and grasses9.

Before the canal and then the railroad were built, this stand was within the floodplains of the small stream

and also the Clinton River. As stated earlier, the best trees to manage in natural stands over Ceresco fine

sandy loam are white ash, red maple, silver maple, cottonwood, sycamore and red oak9. Cottonwood is the

only species recommended for planting in the soil survey book. Ecologically, the elm-ash-cottonwood

forest type is found on alluvial soils along rivers and streams throughout the North Central States1. This is a

subclimax type that follows pure cottonwood and willow pioneer stands which establish wherever sufficient

light and moist bare soil are available. Cottonwood and willow cannot regenerate under shade and are

gradually replaced by more shade tolerant species including silver maple, American elm, green ash,

sycamore and river birch. Thus this stand is currently in a transitional successional stage short of the climax

stage.

Recommendations in the Manager's Handbook for Elm-Ash-Cottonwood in the North Central States1 (1984)

suggest that for a stand where site index is 70 or greater, as this stand, where dominant-codominant trees

average less than 24 inches dbh as they do here, where the stand contains no patches ready for final harvest

(i.e. patches where dominant-codominant trees average 24 inches dbh or more), and the stand is considered

fully stocked, that is at least 50 percent stocked, that the stand be thinned down to the 50% stocking level.

However, there is no point in thinning down to 50 percent stocking from the current 57 percent stocking, as

that would probably not be enough volume of timber to make a commercial thinning viable at this time. For

management purposes the stand is only marginally fully stocked, or marginally under-stocked, so the

recommendation for that condition is to clearcut when merchantable. The stand would become

merchantable when the dominant-codominant trees average at least 24 inches dbh. This could develop in

another dozen or so years.

The reason for the recommendation to clearcut the stand when the dominant-codominant trees average 24

inches dbh or larger is that most tree species in this forest type are intolerant of shade, that is they cannot

grow well under the shade of an existing forest canopy. This includes cottonwood, sycamore, black willow,

black cherry, bitternut hickory and green ash. American elm is intermediate in shade tolerance, while

basswood and silver maple are tolerant of shade. Only these three species of the forest community present

in this stand can grow well in the shade of an existing forest canopy. In this 1984 publication1 green ash and

cottonwood were considered to have high timber value, sycamore was considered of moderate value, red

and silver maples were ranked moderate-low value, and elm was considered to be of low value. In current

markets ash has very little value except as firewood, due to the emerald ash borer epidemic, while

cottonwood is only used as pallet material, and is of low value. On a good site red and silver maples can

have at least moderate value in current markets.

If the Township decided to engage in more intensive forest management for goals which included periodic

timber harvest, this stand could be at best a demonstration of floodplain forest management for moderate to

low value timber species, with clearcutting as the most likely harvest strategy. If not, this floodplain forest

should be protected for the good wildlife habitats it supports.

102


Water quality issues: Recommended harvests or other passive activities should have little if any effect on

water quality or quantity as the stand is relatively flat, with slow runoff. Water yields may increase slightly

following timber harvest, but will soon return to normal as reproduction is established1.

Important natural features: The cattail marsh in the east end of this stand may be the most significant natural

feature. The areas of savannah, with low density trees and a varied collection of shrubs and vines,

contribute to the diversity of the plant community in this northern compartment of the Park.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 30. LOWLAND SAVANNAH'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Protect water and soil quality, protect and enhance wildlife habitats.

Provide for recreation opportunities. Maintain safe conditions for Park visitors.


Recommended silvicultural system: Even-aged management, favoring silver maple, sycamore, black cherry,

and bitternut hickory. Desired rotation age is 66 years.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: When the stand becomes merchantable, that is average dbh of

dominants-codominants reaches or exceeds 24 inches, clearcut patches of the stand. Manage regeneration.

Planned Activities:

2019: Check size, age and density of trees to consider if harvest is appropriate at that time.

Priority: 1

Joe-Pye-weed, goldenrod and others.

103

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND STAND 31. CEDAR-COTTONWOOD'

Land area: 8 Acres

Land use history: The north half of the stand was part of a gravel pit, reflected now in the rough old mounds

and east west ridges. The south part of the stand appears to have been undisturbed since the old canal was

constructed, although the white-cedars and tamaracks are not as old as the canal. Numerous recently placed

numbered orange flags suggest that clearing done for athletic fields along 23 Mile Road may have been

originally intended to extend south to within 1 chain of the canal.

Forest Type:

-Existing: White-cedar-cottonwood-tamarack

-Potential: Same

Successional trend: The south part of this stand was a very dense upland white-cedar stand just uphill from

the canal, with tamarack and basswood in smaller numbers. Ground vegetation was sparse there, with

buckthorn, ash, skunk cabbage and grass. The north part of the stand regenerated from an old gravel pit, and

had sparse white-cedar and cottonwood, with a few black cherry, red oak and boxelder. Understory was ash,

hickory, sycamore, maple-leaf viburnum, basswood, non-native honeysuckle, buckthorn, autumn olive, red

oak, ash and alternate-leaf dogwood. Also present were poison ivy, Virginia creeper, raspberry, skunk

cabbage, goldenrod and common scouring rush (horsetail).

Forest health: Insect or disease problems were not detected among the trees in the stand. Autumn olive,

buckthorn and non-native honeysuckles should be controlled or eradicated.

Site quality: Site index is estimated at 67 for eastern cottonwood. The gravel pit portion of this stand is

estimated to be a poor to moderate site for growing eastern cottonwood and white-cedar, with low moisture

and low organic content being the most limiting factors for tree establishment. The south half is over a

narrow east-west band of Boyer loamy sand, which is very good soil for growing higher quality hardwood

and conifer trees. The area of the canal is in Ceresco fine sandy loam, which as mentioned earlier can be

moderately to severely limited for tree establishment and growth. Cottonwood is the only species

recommended for planting in this soil type.




Growth Rate: % Timber Quality: Medium

Stocking: The white-cedar, tamarack and basswood in the south and white-cedars in the north were nearly

all sapling and pole-size, while the cottonwood in the north half were small to large sawlog-size. Basal area

at the southern plot just north of the canal was an unusually high 190 square feet per acre of pole-size trees,

with 100 square feet of saplings per acre. This is a very well-stocked white-cedar stand. As one would

expect, stocking of cottonwood and white-cedar in the gravel pit portion of the stand was relatively

moderate, at just 60 to 70 square feet per acre. Also as expected, several sapling tree and shrub species are

104

quickly filling in the gaps.


Habitat and wildlife use: Most of the same birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals that use Stand 30 will

be found in Stand 31, especially the southern areas close to the canal. This dense white-cedar stand provides

excellent thermal cover in winter for deer, turkeys if present, and many smaller bird species, and nesting

sites for many birds, including perhaps saw-whet owls and mourning doves. Just uphill from the dense

white-cedar grove is a very small forest pond area, less than 1/4 acre. This depression may be a remnant of

the gravel pit. Wildlife species that use the former gravel pit area with its scattered trees and fairly dense

shrubs would be similar to those described for Stands 22 and 18. This may be a good stand for installation

of a variety of small bird, owl and squirrel nesting or roosting structures, especially near the canal, provided

they are maintained regularly over time.

Recreational opportunities: This stand is available for hikers on the canal trail, and to bird watchers and

others who may access it from the cleared areas along 23 Mile Road.

Potential for timber production: The upland area of the stand north of the canal and not in the former gravel

pit area should have excellent potential for growing white-cedar, white pine, white spruce, and jack pine,

and high quality hardwoods including oaks, sugar maple, basswood, beech and walnut. It is now occupied

with mostly white-cedar, and is most certainly an upland white-cedar stand, which is very different from the

familiar white-cedar/tamarack swamps common in northern lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan (and

the remnant cedar swamps in your own Shadbush Tract and in Stony Creek Metropark). It probably

developed after a disturbance that removed the previous vegetative cover, and is effectively and ecologically

a transition zone between upland and lowland areas.

Northern white-cedar is shade tolerant, grows slowly, and can be relatively short-lived, although I have

cored white-cedar trees along rivers in Michigan that were over 340 years old. Stunted white-cedars have

been found growing on limestone cliffs in Ontario that were over 700 years old, and one was found along

the St. Lawrence River that was over 1,200 years old12

. Known for its resistance to rot, white-cedar posts

and wood is used commonly for construction in and near water - in cedar-strip canoes, boats, fence posts,

shingles and dock posts. Cedar splits easily so is also used for split-rail fences. Native peoples used white-

cedar to prevent scurvy, and taught this practice to French settlers, giving rise to the name arborvitae or "tree

of life"12

.

Because white-cedar will reproduce with an uneven-aged management system2, the Township could conduct

periodic selective harvests of cedar trees for posts to be used for rustic construction projects within the

Parks. If timber is removed, it should be done in small cuts that harvest one to four trees at a time, which

will imitate natural disturbances10

. To prevent soil compaction and disturbance, and to benefit deer and

rabbits, such small harvests should be carried out in winter when the soil is frozen and the foliage from

harvested trees will be welcome food for those browsers. Do not remove more than one-fifth of the trees at

any one time, to maintain the forested buffer along the canal. While clearcuts or small strip cuts are often

used to harvest and regenerate white-cedar stands, this stand is so small that it would be best to keep it

intact, with only minimal disturbance as described above.

In the very north part of this stand are large sawlog cottonwoods, which could be harvested if there were

another harvest taking place in another stand, such as Stand 30. Cottonwoods are not a high value timber

species in current markets, so it is not likely that a logging company would go to the expense of bringing

their equipment to the site just for those few large trees.

105


Water quality issues: Maintaining a forested buffer along the canal and small pond, and avoiding activities

that could spill petroleum products and other harmful chemicals on the land will prevent most problems with

water quality in or near this stand.

Important natural features: The young white-cedar forest is one important natural feature in this stand. It

provides important thermal cover for birds, rabbits and deer, especially in winter, as well as supplementing

their winter food sources.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 31. CEDAR-COTTONWOOD'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Maintain water, soil and aesthetic quality. Protect and enhance

wildlife habitats. Provide for recreation opportunities if appropriate, and for Park visitor safety.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring northern white-cedar, basswood,

cottonwood, tamarack, and oaks. Target maximum diameter is 24 inches. The desired cutting cycle is 6

years.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Control or eradicate invasive autumn olive, buckthorn and non-

native honeysuckles. This stand can be a source of cedar posts and poles for Park or Township projects, by

periodically removing individual trees or small groups of up to four trees in one spot, removing no more

than one-fifth of the total trees in any area of the stand at one time. Such harvest should be restricted to

winter when the ground is frozen.

The large cottonwoods in the north part of this stand, near 23 Mile Road, could be selectively harvested if

other harvests were taking place in other areas of the Park.

Planned Activities:

2011: Periodically thin cedar stand for posts.

Priority: 7

2015: Thin cedar stand for posts, if needed.

Priority: 8

2017: Install variety of small bird, owl and squirrel nesting and roosting structures.

Priority: 3

2019: Thin cedar stand for posts, if needed.

Priority: 5

106

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 32. 23 MILE CLEARING'


Land use history: Almost the entire area along 23 Mile Road that is now Park property was a gravel pit in

the 1950's and 60's. As described for Stand 31 much of that cleared and destroyed land has grown back to a

mix of trees and other vegetation. This stand was cleared of vegetation again in the past decade, to make

room for proposed field sports. The sports field development did not occur, and the cleared field remains,

slowly revegetating.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Cleared field

-Potential: Spruce-Fir

Successional trend: This area along the south side of 23 Mile Road, just east of Dequindre Road and the

Yates homesite, was cleared by bulldozer several years ago as part of a proposed field sports complex.

White fir and white spruce saplings were planted in the southeast portion of this clearing. Also growing in

that area were an abundance of boneset, with Joe-Pye-weed, goldenrod, great lobelia, blue vervain and

patches of Phragmites.

Forest health: The fir and spruce trees planted appeared to be healthy, with no signs of insect or disease

problems.

Site quality: The productivity of this site was destroyed with excavation of the gravel pit, and has once

again been bulldozed free of vegetation and any topsoil that had re-established during the intervening years.

Soil organic matter will very slowly accumulate if allowed to.

Approximate age: 8 Size Class: Saplings (1 - 5.5")



Growth Rate: % Timber Quality: None

Stocking: There was no forest here to describe, only a few planted young fir and spruce that were small

Christmas tree size.

Stand volume: 0

Habitat and wildlife use: See this section for Stand 18 for a good description of wildlife habitat concerns

and potential, and for wildlife species that may use revegetating old fields. Being adjacent to 23 Mile Road

will probably limit some animals from making use of this clearing, until a visual barrier of trees and shrubs

develops or is planted along the road.

Recreational opportunities: If the proposed sports fields are not developed, the most likely recreation

activities for this clearing would be to pass through it on the way to the forest to the south. It would also be

possible to place a small collection of picnic tables here (or in the Soccer City clearing) for people too busy

107

to venture into the Park proper to relax for a short time. Another possibility for this and/or Stand 33 would

be an informal field archery course, or target archery, especially if the Detroit Sportsman's Congress field

archery course down Dequindre Road does not continue or is not made available to Park visitors. If both

clearings were included in such an archery complex, there could be a maintained path developed through or

along the forest between the two clearings.

Potential for timber production: There is currently no timber production in the near future for this stand. If

proposed sports fields are to be developed, reforest areas surrounding the fields with mostly Michigan native

trees, shrubs and forbs, in natural arrangements, to the edges of the clearing. If the proposed sports fields

are not to be built at this site, the best management practice would be to reforest the clearing, with natural

arrangements of mixtures of spruce, white-cedar and white pine in zones, interspersed with zones of big-

tooth aspen, red and white oaks, sugar maple, sycamore, black cherry and black walnut. Leave a couple of

small 1/2 acre irregular-shaped areas open, in the south and east edges next to existing forest.


Water quality issues: There should be no significant water quality issues with this stand.

Important natural features: Due to the repeated clearings suffered by this site, there are no important natural

features remaining except the exposed subsoil.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 32. 23 MILE CLEARING'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Provide recreation opportunities for Park visitors, and/or protect soil

and water quality. Improve wildlife habitats and aesthetic qualities of the site. Reforest parts or all of the

clearing.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring oaks, sugar maple, hickories,

white pine, white-cedar, fir, spruce and aspen. Target maximum diameter is 44 inches. The desired cutting

cycle is 18 years.

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Consider partial or complete reforestation of this very disturbed

clearing, with a mix of mostly Michigan native species in zones. Once established, follow unevenaged

management.

Planned Activities:

2013: Reforest with native trees, shrubs and forbs in natural arrangements around sports fields: or, if not to

be used for sports fields, reforest most of clearing.

Design and install field archery course, in Stand 32s and 33, with connecting trail through Stand 31.

Priority: 2

2015: Install picnic tables in remaining clearing, or in Stand 33.

Priority: 7

108

A clump of spruce, white-cedar and apple. Good cover and food together.

109

EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR 'STAND 33. SOCCER CITY'


Land use history: Forest, then gravel pit, then young forest, then cleared for Soccer City, which is now

abandoned.

Forest Type:

-Existing: Clearing

-Potential: Mixed hardwoods/conifers

Successional trend: All forest was cleared from this site when the Soccer City building and lots were built.

Herbaceous vegetation species present were crabgrass, red clovers, birdfoot trefoil, common ragweed,

Queen-Ann's-lace, dandelions, green foxtail, small hop clover, common plantain, horseweed, goldenrod and

boneset.

Forest health: There is no forest stand here.

Site quality: The soil that remains varies from quite dry to mesic or slightly moist. Most of this former

gravel pit has poor fertility and little organic matter in the surface layer of soil. The site will probably

support aspen, cottonwood, pines and spruce.

Habitat and wildlife use: See this section for Stand 32.

Recreational opportunities: See this section for Stand 32 for suggestions.

Potential for timber production: The asphalt pavement east of the Soccer City building was being covered

with piles of soil. This may be an attempt at revegetating the site. Trees planted in a thin layer of soil over

asphalt would likely do very poorly. The unpaved areas of this site could be reforested, as described for

Stand 32.


Water quality issues: There are no significant water quality concerns for this site, other than keeping

petroleum products and other toxic chemicals off the ground, especially at the south end, overlooking the

wetland forest. A silt fence placed before the initial clearing was still in place along the south edge.

Important natural features: There are no natural features remaining at this site.

MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 'STAND 33. SOCCER CITY'

Landowner's objectives for this stand: Same as for Stand 32.


Recommended silvicultural system: Uneven-aged management, favoring oaks, sugar maple, hickories,

white pine, white spruce, white-cedar and aspen. Target maximum diameter is 44 inches. The desired

cutting cycle is 18 years.

110

Details of the silvicultural prescription: Same as for Stand 32.

Planned Activities:

2013: Consider developing a trail and bridge over the canal to connect from Soccer City parking lot to the

old canal trail.

Design and install field archery course, in Stands 32 and 33, with connecting trail through Stand 31.

Priority: 2

2014: Reforest unpaved areas not used for sports fields with mostly Michigan native trees, shrubs, grasses

and wildflowers.

Priority: 2

111

IV. SUMMARY INFORMATION

112

DETAILED PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS BY YEAR

- 2010 -

'Stand 16. Cider Trail Woods' - Priority 1: Improve Cider Mill Trail, especially at north end where it joins

railroad trail. Plan and build new bridge and steps up railroad bank.

Consider removing fence west of Stand 12.

'Stand 20. Earl Home site' - Priority 1: Improve existing trail system, beginning in this stand. Develop

simple, informal trailhead parking lot for no more than a dozen cars, preferably fewer.

'Stand 18. Trail Clearing' - Priority 1: Choose segments of existing trail network to improve for public use.

Work on selected segments. Develop map of trail system.

'Stand 21. Black Walnut' - Priority 1: Improve trail system.

Clean up 55 gallon drums next to trail.

Have veneer buyers evaluate walnut trees. Sell those mature trees considered veneer or high quality sawlog

trees. Work with consulting forester.

'Stand 22. Savannah' – Priority 2: Improve trail system as part of overall effort to formalize these trails and

open them to the public. Choose and clear short route to connect existing trail back to Stand 20 trailhead.

Close and sign trail segments where they connect with private neighbors' properties.

'Stand 17. Earl Upland East' - Priority 2: Develop and improve existing trail system from Earl home site

north to Stand 25.

Resolve DSC archery trail matter.

'Stand 4. Oak-Hickory' - Priority 3: Remove branches or small trees along trail to improve heron rookery

viewing.

Clean graffiti from bench.

'Stand 2. Southwest Clearing' - Priority 3: Block vehicle access at trail from landfill.

Remove buckthorn and autumn olive.

'Stand 3. Central Swamp' - Priority 4: Remove buckthorn, Phragmites and other invasives. Do 1-2 acres per

year.

'Stand 6. Frog Pond' - Priority 5: Determine if fishing, boating and ice skating are safe activities. Allow

them if safe.

'Stand 5. Water Lily Pond' - Priority 7: Determine if fishing, boating and ice skating are safe activities, allow

them if safe.

113

‟Stand 14. Buildings Pond‟ – Priority 7: Begin to eradicate invasive plants.

'Stand 26. River Hardwoods' - Priority 7: Conduct seedling/ sapling survey throughout stand to determine if

under-planting is needed for full stocking of trees. Park naturalist or consulting forester can do this.

'Stand 19. Lowland Hardwood' - Priority 9: Once the DSC archery trail matter is settled, begin using the trail

for guided birding/nature walks, or fishing from bridges.

- 2011 -

'Stand 1. Southeast Floodplain' - Priority 1: Clear and improve old roads south and north of river for hiking

and biking. Restrict motorized vehicle access.

Begin salvaging dead ash trees for firewood or timber. Open to firewood producers or public.

'Stand 2. Southwest Clearing' - Priority 2: Disc open areas of clearing. Plant native grasses and wildflowers.

'Stand 18. Trail Clearing' - Priority 2: Continue trail improvements as needed.

Develop group camping area in this stand, for use by Scout troops, 4-H and other groups.

'Stand 21. Black Walnut' - Priority 2: Develop forest stand improvement demonstration area, perhaps with

one in Stand 17.

Continue trail improvements.

Continue walnut timber harvest if necessary.

'Stand 3. Central Swamp' - Priority 3: Control invasives.

'Stand 17. Earl Upland East' - Priority 3: Consider harvesting trees using unevenaged management system.

Work with consulting forester to prepare and administer initial timber harvest.

Develop forest stand improvement demonstration area, with interpretive signage, in this stand and/or in

Stand 21.

'Stand 4. Oak-Hickory' - Priority 4: Develop and install historical signage at old ranger station foundation.

Maintain all trails in stand.

Consider planning for timber management.

'Stand 16. Cider Trail Woods' - Priority 4: Continue improvements to the Cider Mill Trail.

'Stand 27. Cedar-Tamarack' - Priority 4: Develop very small, informal trailhead parking lot, either north of

access road, or in clearing south of road.

Remove old car, fence, bicycle and other junk.

'Stand 5. Water Lily Pond' - Priority 5: Begin control of purple loosestrife and Phragmites. Add trees and

root wads for fish cover, plus turtle, duck and heron resting logs.

'Stand 12. Small Pond' - Priority 5: Consider adding amphitheater bench seating on northeast slope above

pond, for Park interpretive programs. Add a permanent table near pond for presentations.

114

Place turtle-duck loafing logs, and 1 or more stumps with root-wads in water for fish cover.

'Stand 25. River Clearing' - Priority 6: Improve and formalize existing trails through the stand and along

river edge. Close and sign trail where it connects to south neighboring property, perhaps with an agreement

with the neighbor for occasional use with written permission from Park manager each time. Work out use

agreement with north neighbors, if necessary.

Improve or replace existing bonfire pit and picnic table.

Develop small informal trailhead parking area, preferably in Stand 27, or in Stand 25.

Perhaps remove Township sign on tree along river.

„Stand 14. Building Pond‟- Priority 7: Continue eradicating invasive plants.

Plant clumps of conifers, fruit and nut trees.

'Stand 31. Cedar-Cottonwood' - Priority 7: Periodically thin cedar stand for posts.

'Stand 8. Cottonwood' - Priority 8: Place 1 or 2 picnic tables in open areas, improve trail from west end to

reach picnic tables.

'Stand 20. Earl Home site' - Priority 8: Eradicate invasive plant species.

- 2012 -

'Stand 29. Canal Hardwoods' - Priority 1: Improve and formalize old trail along canal. Remove hazard trees

along trail.

'Stand 28. Railroad Forest' - Priority 1: Develop connecting trail from west end of canal trail to near west

end of railroad trail. This can also be used as an access road for timber harvest if approved by Township.

'Stand 21. Black Walnut' - Priority 2: Continue to develop forest stand improvement (FSI) demonstration

area.

Plan and present an FSI workshop, perhaps with help from a consulting forester, MSU Extension forester,

MDNRE foresters. Invite Master Woodlot Managers to participate.

'Stand 4. Oak-Hickory' - Priority 2: Remove branches or small trees to improve views of heron rookery.

'Stand 6. Frog Pond' - Priority 3: Add trees and root wads for fish cover if needed. Add turtle, duck and

heron resting logs if needed. Retain trees that fall into water along shore.

'Stand 13. Waterfowl Pond' - Priority 3: Install wood duck box if none present, plus duck and goose nesting

platforms. All nesting and roosting boxes should be numbered. Plan to inspect for use and clean out boxes

annually or biennially, according to a schedule (cultivate a few reliable and fascinated volunteers to handle

these bird and mammal house duties - use data is important to collect and keep).

Consider building a photo blind in a strategic location along shore.

'Stand 2. Southwest Clearing' - Priority 3: Plant fruiting and nut trees and shrubs.


115

'Stand 1. Southeast Floodplain' - Priority 5: Place bird and mammal roosting and nesting structures in forest.

Maintain annually.

'Stand 15. North Floodplain' - Priority 5: Consider firewood harvest operation for dead ash, either by

firewood producers or general public. If accepted, plan harvest with consulting forester and implement.

'Stand 8. Cottonwood' - Priority 6: Remove autumn olive and buckthorn.

„Stand 14. Pond Buildings‟ – Priority 7: Continue planting trees and shrubs.

Plant grasses, legumes, butterfly, moth, bee, hummingbird and oriole plants in remaining open spaces.

Consider setting up a picnic area.

'Stand 26. River Hardwoods' - Priority 8: Conduct FSI project to improve growth of high quality trees. Do

not cut within 100 foot buffer along river. Have forester mark trees to remove.

'Stand 17. Earl Upland East' - Priority 9: Consider developing maple syrup production operation, run by

volunteers.

- 2013 -

'Stand 12. Small Pond' - Priority 1: Plant Michigan native conifer and hardwood trees and fruiting shrubs

around at least half the perimeter of the open upland areas of the stand.

'Stand 1. Southeast Floodplain' - Priority 1: Install fishing platform at riverbank, accessed by trail.

Also begin improving informal riverbank trail from end of north road toward Stand 12.

„Stand 32. 23 Mile Clearing‟ – Priority 2: Reforest with native trees, shrubs and forbs in natural

arrangements around sports fields: or, if not to be used for sports fields, reforest most of clearing.


„Stand 33. Soccer City‟ – Priority 2: Consider developing a trail and bridge over the canal to connect from

Soccer City parking lot to the old canal trail.


'Stand 18. Trail Clearing' - Priority 3: Work to eradicate invasive plant species throughout stand. Make

brush piles at edges of stand with cuttings.

'Stand 15. North Floodplain' - Priority 3: Formalize westernmost north-south draw to develop connecting

trail from Stand 12 to riverside trail being developed through Stands 1 and 15.

'Stand 4. Oak-Hickory' - Priority 4: Maintain trails within stand.

'Stand 13. Waterfowl Pond' - Priority 4: Consider installing a small boat dock somewhere around this pond

shore. This may be a good pond to explore by poke boat or canoe.

116

'Stand 3. Central Swamp' - Priority 5: Install nest and roosting boxes and platforms.

Control invasives.

'Stand 28. Railroad Forest' - Priority 6: Consider thinning upland areas of Stand 28, to remove some fully

mature trees and smaller poorer quality trees. Work with consulting forester to prepare and administer sale.

'Stand 9. Bur Oak-Ironwood' - Priority 7: Control buckthorn and barberry.

'Stand 8. Cottonwood' - Priority 7: Plant native fruiting and nut shrubs and trees.

'Stand 20. Earl Home site' - Priority 8: Add bluebird/wren houses around perimeter of clearing, and bat

house on or near old garage.

'Stand 25. River Clearing' - Priority 9: Install a couple of wood duck boxes at or near the river bank.

Number and enter them into database and schedule. Assign volunteers to monitor them.

'Stand 17. Earl Upland East' - Priority 10: Continue developing maple syrup production operation.

- 2014 -

'Stand 1. Southeast Floodplain' - Priority 1: Continue improving riverside trail to Stand 12.

Also develop picnic area near old swings at end of north road.

„Stand 33. Soccer City‟ – Priority 2: Reforest unpaved areas not used for sports fields with mostly Michigan

native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers.


'Stand 9. Bur Oak-Ironwood' - Priority 5: Add nest boxes and platforms for wood ducks, owls, woodpeckers,

small mammals and bats.

'Stand 22. Savannah' - Priority 5: Reforest selected sparse areas of the stand with hardwoods, conifers and

fruiting shrubs. This is an excellent volunteer project.

'Stand 18. Trail Clearing' - Priority 6: Plant fruiting shrubs and small nut trees in clumps around edges of

clearing.

„Stand 14. Pond Buildings‟ – Priority 7: Begin to thin cottonwoods and sycamores, favor maple and oak.

'Stand 15. North Floodplain' - Priority 7: Begin to install nesting and roosting boxes and platforms for wood

ducks, owls, woodpeckers, perhaps squirrels. Number, describe and map each and add to Park nesting

structure database and inspection/maintenance schedule.

'Stand 25. River Clearing' - Priority 7: Add clumps of fruit and nut shrubs and trees along edges of this

stand.

- 2015 -

117

'Stand 21. Black Walnut' - Priority 1: Conduct second FSI workshop. Have Master Woodlot Managers help

plan workshop.

'Stand 18. Trail Clearing' - Priority 1: Reforest southwest quarter of clearing.

Install bluebird and swallow nest boxes along edges of clearing. Number each and add to database and

maintenance schedule. Assign volunteers to monitor boxes annually.

'Stand 16. Cider Trail Woods' - Priority 2: Consider planning and implementing a selection timber harvest in

the portion of Stand 16 outside a 100 foot buffer along the river. Work with a consulting forester to develop

and market the harvest.

'Stand 19. Lowland Hardwood' - Priority 3: Reforest areas of stand with sparse tree cover, mostly middle

and south end of stand. Reestablish forest buffer along stream. Plant appropriate oaks, hickories, maples,

walnut according to specific locations.

'Stand 1. Southeast Floodplain' - Priority 4: Check and maintain nesting and roosting boxes and platforms.

'Stand 3. Central Swamp' - Priority 4: Check and maintain nest and roosting structures.

'Stand 2. Southwest Clearing' - Priority 5: Disc to maintain clear areas and reseed if necessary.

'Stand 4. Oak-Hickory' - Priority 5: Keep views of heron rookery clear of branches and small trees.

'Stand 10. Muskrat Pond' - Priority 6: Add nesting platforms for ducks and geese. Plan to inspect for use

and maintain platforms annually or biennially.

'Stand 29. Canal Hardwoods' - Priority 6: Control or eradicate non-native invasive plants (a volunteer

project).

„Stand 32. 23 Mile Clearing‟ – Priority 7: Install picnic tables in remaining clearing, or in Stand 33.

'Stand 31. Cedar-Cottonwood' - Priority 8: Thin cedar stand for posts, if needed.

- 2016 -

'Stand 19. Lowland Hardwood' - Priority 1: Consider managing to favor and harvest walnut trees at north

end of stand. This would include harvesting walnut trees at economic maturity, and removing poor quality

trees through forest stand improvement. Work with a consulting forester for this project.

'Stand 11. Snapper Pond' - Priority 2: Add wood duck boxes, duck and geese nesting platforms. Plan to

inspect and maintain structures at least biennially.

'Stand 29. Canal Hardwoods' - Priority 3: Install wood duck boxes along canal and in wetlands. Number and

add to database and schedule. Assign volunteers to monitor and maintain boxes.


'Stand 4. Oak-Hickory' - Priority 5: Maintain trails in stand.

118

- 2017 -

'Stand 18. Trail Clearing' - Priority 1: If group camping area is working well, consider upgrading site to

include central dining hall and maybe camping cabins, similar to those at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

'Stand 16. Cider Trail Woods' - Priority 2: Install appropriate nesting and roosting boxes in the forest and

along the river. Add them to the nesting and roosting structure database and schedule.

'Stand 31. Cedar-Cottonwood' - Priority 3: Install variety of small bird, owl and squirrel nesting and roosting

structures.


'Stand 1. Southeast Floodplain' - Priority 5: Check and maintain nest and roosting boxes and platforms.

- 2018 -

'Stand 28. Railroad Forest' - Priority 1: Install nesting and roosting boxes and nesting platforms for wood

ducks, owls, woodpeckers, bats and others. Number and add each to database and schedule. Assign

volunteers to monitor them.

'Stand 21. Black Walnut' - Priority 2: Conduct third FSI workshop in Stand 21 and/or 17.

Evaluate walnut trees for further harvest this year.


- 2019 -

'Stand 30. Lowland Savannah' - Priority 1: Check size, age and density of trees to consider if harvest is

appropriate at that time.

'Stand 2. Southwest Clearing' - Priority 2: Mow to maintain open areas.

'Stand 4. Oak-Hickory' - Priority 3: Maintain trails in stand. Maintain benches and signage.

Maintain views of heron rookery by removing branches and small trees.


'Stand 1. Southeast Floodplain' - Priority 4: Check and maintain nest and roosting boxes.

'Stand 31. Cedar-Cottonwood' - Priority 5: Thin cedar stand for posts, if needed.

119

COMPARISON OF MANAGEMENT UNITS ON THE PROPERTY

UNIT ACRES COVER TYPE STAND

DBH

BASAL

AREA

SILVICULTURAL

SYSTEM

Stand 1. Southeast

Floodplain

75.34 Southern

Hardwood

Floodplain

Forest

16 in. 69 Unevenaged mgmt.

Stand 2. Southwest Clearing 3.4 Birch-

Cottonwood-

Pine Savannah

8 in. Very low

Stand 3. Central Swamp 32 Cedar-

Cottonwood-

Yellow Birch-

Basswood

9.7 in. 34 Unevenaged mgmt.

Stand 4. Oak-Hickory 7 Oak-Hickory 11.6 in. 77 Unevenaged mgmt.

Stand 5. Water Lily Pond 4.4 Excavated pond in.

Stand 6. Frog Pond 1.16 Willows around

excavated pond

in.

Stand 7. Swamp Forest 9 Cottonwood-

Sycamore-

Basswood

12 in. 53.3 Unevenaged mgmt.

Stand 8. Cottonwood 2.6 Cottonwood 9.9 in. 15.4

Stand 9. Bur Oak-Ironwood 3.1 Oak-Elm-

Ironwood


Stand 10. Muskrat Pond 4.4 None in.

Stand 11. Snapper Pond 2.85 Excavated Pond in.

Stand 12. Small Pond 0.7 Excavated Pond in.

Stand 13. Waterfowl Pond 1.75 Excavated pond in.

Stand 14. Pond Buildings 10.0 Cottonwood-

Sycamore-

Black Maple


Maximum diameter

34 inches. Cutting

cycle of 16 years.

Stand 15. North Floodplain 41.4 Southern

Floodplain

Hardwood

Forest

17.2 in. 83.3 Unevenaged mgmt.

Stand 16. Cider Trail Woods 11.94 Sycamore-

Maple-Ash-

Basswood-Oak


Maximum diameter

34 inches. Cutting

cycle of 16 years.

Stand 17. Earl Upland East 26.28 Mesic

hardwoods


Maximum diameter

30 inches. Cutting

cycle of 11 years.

Stand 18. Trail Clearing 7.8 Old Field with

Black Cherry,

Aspen,

Cottonwood

8 in. N/A

120

UNIT ACRES COVER TYPE STAND

DBH

BASAL

AREA

SILVICULTURAL

SYSTEM

Stand 19. Lowland

Hardwood

21.8 Cottonwood,

black walnut,

red maple


Maximum diameter

28 inches. Cutting

cycle of 12 years.

Stand 20. Earl Homesite 2.3 Boxelder,

Cottonwood,

Sycamore

10.7 in. 70

Stand 21. Black Walnut 3.4 Black walnut,

elm


Maximum diameter

28 inches. Cutting

cycle of 16 years.

Stand 22. Savannah 13.4 Cottonwood,

Silver Maple,

Black Walnut,

Elm


Maximum diameter

34 inches. Cutting

cycle of 18 years.

Stand 25. River Clearing 3.1 Cottonwood

savannah

8 in. 8

Stand 26. River Hardwoods 8.4 Black Cherry-

Maple


Maximum diameter

34 inches. Cutting

cycle of 12 years.

Stand 27. Cedar-Tamarack 1.7 Cedar-

Tamarack-

Sycamore


Maximum diameter

34 inches. Cutting

cycle of 18 years.

Stand 28. Railroad Forest 21.7 Oak-Hickory 12.7 in. 63 Unevenaged mgmt.

Maximum diameter

34 inches. Cutting

cycle of 16 years.

Stand 29. Canal Hardwoods 10.6 Elm-ash-

cottonwood

14.5 in. 73.3 Unevenaged mgmt.

Maximum diameter

34 inches. Cutting

cycle of 13 years.

Stand 30. Lowland Savannah 14.1 Cottonwood-

Elm-Sycamore

16.3 in. 60 Even aged mgmt.

Rotation age is 66

years.

Stand 31. Cedar-Cottonwood 8 White-cedar-

cottonwood-

tamarack


Maximum diameter

24 inches. Cutting

cycle of 6 years.

Stand 32. 23 Mile Clearing 6.7 Cleared field 2 in. 0 Unevenaged mgmt.

Maximum diameter

44 inches. Cutting

cycle of 18 years.

Stand 33. Soccer City 13.9 Clearing 0 in. 0 Unevenaged mgmt.

Maximum diameter

44 inches. Cutting

cycle of 18 years.

121

Sources (Numbered) for West River Bends Park/Holland Ponds Forest

Stewardship Plan, Plant Identification Manuals Used, and Recommended

Literature

(1) Manager’s handbook for elm-ash-Cottonwood in the North Central States. Gen. Tech. Rep.

NC-98. Charles C. Myers; Roland G. Buchman. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture,

Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station; 1984. 11 p.

(2) Michigan Forest Communities: A Field Guide and Reference. Donald I. Dickmann. Michigan

State University Extension, 2004.

(3)The Woodlot Management Handbook. Stewart Hilts and Peter Mitchell. Firefly Books, Ltd.,

1999.

(4) Field Guide for Stream Classification. Dave Rosgen and Lee Silvey. Wildland Hydrology

Consultants, 1996. Pagosa Springs, CO.

(5) Northwoods Wildlife: A Watcher’s Guide to Habitats. Janine M. Benyus. North Central forest

Experiment Station, USDA Forest Service, St. Paul, Minnesota. NorthWord Press, Minocqua,

Wisconsin. Lake States Interpretive Association. 1989.

(6) Streamside booklet

(7) Conservation Thresholds for Land Use Planners. Christina Kennedy, Jessica Wilkinson,

Jennifer Balch. Environmental Law Institute, Washington, D.C. 2003.

(8) Riparian Forest Buffer (Acre) 391. Technical Guide, Section IV. Natural Resources

Conservation Service, USDA.

(9) Soil Survey of Macomb County, Michigan. United States Department of Agriculture, Soil

Conservation Service, and Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. 1971.

(10) Managing Michigan’s Wildlife: A Landowner’s Guide. Mark Sargent and Kelly Siciliano

Carter, editors. Michigan Private Lands Working Group. Printed by Michigan United

Conservation Clubs, PO Box 30235, Lansing, Michigan 48909. 517 3711041:

(11) Manager’s Handbook for Northern Hardwoods in the North Central States. General Technical

Report NC-39. Carl H. Tubbs. North Central Forest Experiment Station, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Forest Service. 1977.

(12) Trees of Michigan. Linda Kershaw. Lone Pine Publishing, International Inc., Auburn,

Washington. 2006.

Plant Identification Guides used:

122

Michigan Flora: A guide to the identification and occurrence of the native and naturalized seed-

plants of the state, Parts I, II and III. Edward G. Voss. Cranbrook Institute of Science and

University of Michigan Herbarium, 1972, 1985, 1996.

Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada, Second Edition.

Henry A. Gleason and Arthur Cronquist. The New York Botanical Garden. 1991.

Illustrated Companion to Gleason and Cronquist’s Manual: Illustrations of the Vascular Plants of

Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. Noel H. Holmgren. The New York Botanical

Garden. 1998.

Michigan Trees: A Guide to the Trees of Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. Burton V. Barnes

and Warren H. Wagner, Jr. The University of Michigan Press. 1996 printing.

Shrubs of Michigan. Cecil Billington. Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bulletin 20, Second Edition.

1943, 1977.

A Field Guide to Wildflowers of Northeastern and Northcentral North America. Roger Tory

Peterson and Margaret McKenny. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 1968.

A Field Guide to the Ferns and Their Related Families of Northeastern and Central North

America. Boughton Cobb, illustrated by Laura Louise Foster. Houghton Mifflin Company,

Boston. 1956, 1963. 1984.

The Shrub Identification Book. George W. D. Symonds. William Morrow & Company, New

York. 1963.

Fern Finder: Native Ferns of the Midwest and Northeast. :Nature Study Guild Publishers,

Rochester, New York. 1981.

Grasses: An Identification Guide. Lauren Brown. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York.

Sponsored by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. 1979.

How to Identify Grasses and Grasslike Plants (Sedges and Rushes). H. D. Harrington. The

Swallow Press, Inc., Chicago. 1977.

123

Also various pamphlets and articles from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and

Forest Service, Michigan State University Extension, Pennsylvania State University Extension and

Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Recommended:

*American Wildlife and Plants: A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits. Alexander C. Martin, Herbert S.

Zim, Arnold L. Nelson. USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. Dover Publications, Inc. New York.

1961. This book is quite dated, but useful.

*Living With Michigan’s Wetlands: A Landowner’s Guide. Third Printing. Wilfred Cwikiel. Tip

of the Mitt Watershed Council, Conway, Michigan. 1998

*Landscaping for Wildlife. Carrol L. Henderson. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,

1987. Highly Recommended: also by Henderson: Woodworking for Wildlife, Homes for Birds and

Mammals.

*Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality. Carrol L. Henderson, Carolyn J. Dindorf, Fred J.

Rozumalski. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

*Woodlands and Wildlife. Jerry Hassinger, Lou Hoffman, Michael Puglisi, Terry Rader, and

Robert Wingard. Pennsylvania State University, 1979. Recommended

**Wildlife and Timber from Private Lands: A Landowner’s Guide to Planning. D.J. Decker, J.W.

Kelley, T.W. Seamans and R.R. Roth. Cornell University Cooperative Extension Bulletin 193,

1983.

**Managing Northern Forests for Wildlife. Gordon W. Gullion. Minnesota Agricultural

Experiment Station, St. Paul, Minnesota, Publication No. 13,442, in conjunction with The Ruffed

Grouse Society, 1984.

124

125

i

Appendix D: Plants List

Plants discovered in the Holland Ponds and west River Bends Park property, Sections 18 and 19, Shelby Township, Macomb

County, Michigan. Surveyed during June and July, 2009 by Rick McAvinchey.

Key: ST = Status (E = Endangered, T = Threatened, SC = Special Concern, X = Extirpated)

C = Coefficient of Conservatism (Range from 0 for plants that may be found almost anywhere, to 10 for a plant that is likely to

occur in a landscape relatively unaltered from pre-European settlement vegetation condition.)

W = Wetness Coefficient: Ranges from -5 for obligate wetland species (OBL), which almost always occur in wetlands under

natural conditions; to 0 for facultative species (FAC) which are equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands; to 5 for

upland species (UPL) which almost never occur in wetlands under natural conditions.

Wet = Michigan Wetland categories: Upland- UPL, Facultative Upland- FACU, Facultative- FAC, Facultative Wetland- FACW,

Obligate Wetland- OBL; [ ] = Assigned for Michigan; Positive signs (+) indicating a wet tendency and negative signs (-)

indicating a dry tendency are attached to the three “facultative” categories to express these exaggerated tendencies for those

species.

Phys = Physiognomy (A = Annual, B = Biennial, P = Perennial)

Adventive (non-native) Species in this list have the scientific name written ALL UPPERCASE.

Table 1. Herbaceous Plants

Family Scientific Name Common Name ST C W Wet Phys Equisetaceae Equisetum fluviatile Water or Swamp Horsetail 7 -5 OBL Fern Ally

Equisetaceae Equisetum hyemale Scouring Rush 2 -2 FACW Fern Ally

Equisetaceae Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail 10 -3 FACW Fern Ally

Equisetaceae Equisetum pretense Meadow Horsetail 10 -3 FACW Fern Ally

Equisetaceae Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail 0 0 FAC Fern Ally

Adiantaceae Adiantum pedatum Maidenhair Fern 6 1 FAC Fern

Aspleniaceae Asplenium platyneuron Ebony Spleenwort 2 3 FACU Fern

Aspleniaceae Thelypteris noveboracensis New York Fern 5 -1 FAC+ Fern

Aspleniaceae Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern 6 5 UPL Fern

Onocleaceae Matteuccia struthiopteris Ostrich Fern 3 -3 FACW Fern

Onocleaceae Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern 2 -3 FACW Fern

Typhaceae Typha latifolia Broad-leaved Cattail 1 -5 OBL P-Forb

Sparganiaceae Sparganium eurycarpum Common Bur-reed 5 -5 OBL P-Forb

Alismataceae Alisma plantago-aquatica Water-plantain 1 -5 OBL P-Forb

ii

Family

(Tribe)

Scientific Name Common Name ST C W Wet Phys

Gramineae (Poeae) Phragmites australis Giant Reed 0 -4 FACW P-Grass

Gramineae (Poeae) BROMUS INERMIS Smooth Brome 5 UPL P-Grass

Gramineae (Oryzeae)

Leersia virginica White Grass 5 -3 FACW P-Grass

Gramineae (Agrostideae) PHLEUM PRATENSE Timothy 3 UPL P-Grass

Gramineae (Agrostideae) AGROSTIS GIGANTEA Redtop 0 FAC P-Grass

Gramineae (Triticeae) Elymus virginicus Virginia Wild-Rye 4 -2 FACW P-Forb

Gramineae (Triticeae) Hystrix patula Bottlebrush Grass 5 5 [UPL] P-Grass

Gramineae (Triticeae) AGROPYRON REPENS Quack Grass 3 FACU P-Grass

Gramineae (Phalarideae) Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass 0 -4 FACW+ P-Grass

Gramineae (Paniceae) SETARIA VIRIDIS Green Foxtail 5 [UPL] A-Grass

Gramineae (Paniceae) DIGITARIA SPP. Crab Grass 3 FACU A-Grass

Cyperaceae Carex comosa Sedge 5 -5 OBL P-Sedge

Cyperaceae Carex spp. Sedge P-Sedge

Cyperaceae Carex pensylvanica “Pennsylvania” Sedge 4 5 [UPL] P-Sedge

Cyperaceae Scirpus americanus Threesquare -5 OBL P-Sedge

Cyperaceae Scirpus spp. Bulrush -5 OBL P-Sedge

Araceae Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit; Indian turnip 5 -2 FACW- P-Forb

Aracaea Arisaema dracontium Green Dragon; Dragon-root 8 -3 FACW P-Forb

Araceae Symplocarpus foetidus Skunk-cabbage 6 -5 OBL P-Forb

Lemnaceae Lemna minor Small Duckweed 5 -5 OBL A-Forb

Iridaceae Iris sp. Iris; Flag 5 -5 OBL P-Forb

Juncaceae Juncus tenuis Path Rush 1 0 FAC P-Forb

Liliaceae HEMEROCALLIS FULVA Orange Daylily 5 [UPL] P-Forb

Liliaceae Allium tricoccum Wild Leek 5 2 FACU P-Forb

Liliaceae Smilacina racemosa False Spikenard 5 3 FACU P-Forb

Urticaceae Urtica dioica Stinging Nettle 1 -1 FAC P-Forb

Urticaceae Boehmeria cylindrica False Nettle 5 -5 OBL P-Forb

Caryophyllaceae SAPONARIA OFFICINALIS Bouncing Bet; Soapwort 3 FACU P-Forb

Polygonaceae Rumex verticillatus Water Dock 7 -5 OBL P-Forb

Polygonaceae RUMEX CRISPUS Curly Dock -1 FAC P-Forb

Polygonaceae Polygonum virginianum Jumpseed; Virginia Knotweed 4 0 FAC P-Forb

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca americana Pokeweed; Poke 2 1 FAC P-Forb

Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea odorata Sweet-scented Water-lily 6 -5 OBL P-Forb

Ranunculaceae Clematis virginiana Virgin‟s Bower; Clematis; Woodbine 4 0 FAC W-Vine

Ranunculaceae Thalictrum dioicum Early Meadow-Rue 6 2 FACU P-Forb

iii

Family Scientific Name Common Name ST C W Wet Phys Ranunculaceae Thalictrum dasycarpum Purple Meadow-Rue 3 -2 FACW P-Forb

Ranunculaceae RANUNCULUS ACRIS Tall or Common Buttercup -2 FACW P-Forb

Ranunculaceae Anemone canadensis Canada Anemone 4 -3 FACW P-Forb

Ranunculaceae Anemone quinquefolia Wood Anemone 5 0 FAC P-Forb

Berberidaceae Podophyllum peltatum May Apple 3 3 FACU P-Forb

Papaveraceae Sanguinaria canadensis Bloodroot 5 4 FACU-

P-Forb

Cruciferae HESPERIS MATONALIS Dame‟s Rocket 5 [UPL] P-Forb

Cruciferae ALLIARIA PETIOLATA Garlic Mustard 0 FAC B-Forb

Rosaceae Rubus pubescens Dwarf Raspberry 4 -4 FACW+ P-Forb

Rosaceae Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry 1 5 [UPL] Shrub

Rosaceae Rubus strigosus Wild Red Raspberry 2 -2 FACW- Shrub

Rosaceae Rubus hispidus Swamp Dewberry 4 -3 FACW Shrub

Rosaceae Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry 1 2 FACU+ Shrub

Rosaceae Geum sp. Avens

Rosaceae Geum canadense White Avens 1 0 FAC P-Forb

Rosaceae Geum laciniatum Rough Avens 2 -3 FACW P-Forb

Rosaceae Geum aleppicum Yellow Avens 3 -1 FAC P-Forb

Rosaceae Agrimonia sp. Agrimony 2-8 FAC-UPL P-Forb

Rosaceae Fragaria virginiana Wild Strawberry 2 1 FAC P-Forb

Leguminaceae TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE Red Clover 2 FACU+ P-Forb

Leguminaceae TRIFOLIUM DUBIUM Little Hop Clover 3 FACU A-Forb

Leguminaceae MELILOTUS ALBA White Sweet-clover 3 FACU B-Forb

Leguminaceae MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS Yellow Sweet-clover 3 FACU B-Forb

Leguminaceae LATHYRUS SYLVESTRIS Perennial or Everlasting Pea 5 [UPL] P-Forb

Leguminaceae LOTUS CORNICULATA Birdfoot Trefoil 1 FAC P-Forb

Leguminaceae CORONILLA VARIA Crown-vetch 5 [UPL] P-Forb

Oxalidaceae Oxalis stricta Common Yellow Wood-sorrel 0 3 FACU P-Forb

Geraniaceae Geranium maculatum Wild Geranium 4 3 FACU P-Forb

Balsaminaceae Impatiens capensis Spotted Touch-me-not; Jewelweed 2 -3 FACW A-Forb

Guttiferae HYPERICUM PERFORATUM Common St. John‟s-wort, Klamath Weed,

Goatweed

5 UPL P-Forb

Guttiferae Hypericum punctatum Spotted St. John‟s-wort 4 -1 FAC P-Forb

Violaceae Viola sp. Violets P-Forb

Lythraceae LYTHRUM SALICARIA Purple loosestrife -5 OBL P-Forb

Onagraceae Circaea lutetiana Enchanter‟s Nightshade 2 3 FACU P-Forb

iv

Family Scientific Name Common Name ST C W Wet Phys

Onagraceae Epilobium angustifolium Fireweed; Great Willow-herb 3 0 FAC P-Forb

Onagraceae Gaura biennis Biennial Gaura 2 4 FACU- B-Forb

Umbelliferae DAUCUS CAROTA Queen-Anne‟s-lace 5 UPL B-Forb

Umbelliferae PASTINACA SATIVA Wild Parsnip 5 [UPL] B-Forb

Primulaceae LYSIMACHIA

NUMMULARIA

Moneywort -4 FACW P-Forb

Apocynaceae Apocynum androsae-mifolium Spreading Dogbane 3 5 UPL P-Forb

Asclepiadaceae VINCETOXICUM NIGRUM Black Swallow-wort 5 [UPL] P-Forb

Asclepiadaceae Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly-weed 5 5 [UPL] P-Forb

Asclepiadaceae Asclepias incarnate Swamp Milkweed 6 -5 OBL P-Forb

Boraginaceae Myosotis spp. Forget-me-not -5 OBL P-Forb

Verbenaceae Verbena urticifolia White Vervain 4 -1 FAC P-Forb

Verbenaceae Verbena hastata Blue Vervain 4 -4 FACW P-Forb Labiatae Teucrium canadense Wood-sage; American Germander 4 -2 FACW- P-Forb

Labiatae Prunella vulgaris Heal-all; Self-heal 0 0 FAC P-Forb

Labiatae Monarda fistulosa Wild-bergamot 2 3 FACU P-Forb

Labiatae Monarda didyma Oswego-tea;Bee-balm X 9 3 [FACU] P-Forb

Solanaceae SOLANUM DULCAMARA Bittersweet Nightshade 0 FAC P-Forb

Plantaginaceae PLANTAGO MAJOR Common Plantain -1 FAC P-Forb

Plantaginaceae PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA English or Narrow-leaved Plantain;

Ribgrass; Buckhorn

0 FAC P-Forb

Scrophulariaceae VERBASCUM THAPSUS Mullein 5 UPL B-Forb

Scrophulariaceae Chelone glabra Turtlehead 7 -5 OBL P-Forb

Scrophulariaceae Veronicastrum virginicum Culver‟s-root 8 0 FAC P-Forb

Rubiaceae Galium aparine Cleavers;Annual Bedstraw; Goosegrass 0 3 FACU A-Forb

Rubiaceae Galium triflorum Fragrant Bedstraw 4 2 FACU+ P-Forb

Campanulaceae Lobelia siphilitica Great Blue Lobelia 4 -4 FACW P-Forb

Compositae TARAXACUM OFFICINALE Common Dandelion 3 FACU P-Forb

Compositae CHRYSANTHEMUM

LEUCANTHEMUM

Oxe-eye Daisy 5 UPL P-Forb

Compositae Achillea millefolium Yarrow 1 3 FACU P-Forb

Compositae Ambrosia trifida Great Ragweed 0 -1 FAC+ A-Forb

Compositae Helianthus giganteus Tall Sunflower 5 -3 FACW P-Forb

Compositae Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed Susan 1 3 FACU P-Forb

v

Family Scientific Name Common Name ST C W Wet Phys Compositae Solidago rugosa Rough-stemmed or Swamp Goldenrod 3 -1 FAC P-Forb

Compositae Solidago patula Rough-leaved Goldenrod 3 -1 FAC P-Forb

Compositae Solidago sp. Goldenrod sp.

Compositae Aster sp. Aster sp. P-Forb

Compositae ARCTIUM MINUS Common Burdock 5 [UPL] B-Forb

Compositae CENTAUREA MACULOSA Spotted Knapweed; Spotted Bluet 5 [UPL] B-Forb

Compositae Prenanthes altissima Rattlesnake-root: Tall White Lettuce 5 3 FACU P-Forb

Compositae Prenanthes alba Rattlesnake-root: White Lettuce 5 3 FACU P-Forb

Compositae CIRSIUM ARVENSE Canada Thistle 3 FACU P-Forb

Compositae Cirsium muticum Swamp Thistle 6 -5 OBL B-Forb

Compositae CIRSIUM VULGARE Bull Thistle 4 FACU B-Forb

Compositae CENTAUREA MACULOSA Spotted Knapweed 5 UPL B-Forb

Compositae Conyza canadensis Horseweed 0 1 FAC- A-Forb

Compositae Eupatorium maculatum Joe-Pye-Weed 4 -5 [OBL] P-Forb

Compositae Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset 4 -4 FACW P-Forb

Araceae Arisaema dracontium Green Dragon; Dragon-root 8 -3 FACW P-Forb

Araceae Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-Pulpit 5 -2 FACW P-Forb

vi

Table 2. Trees, shrubs, woody vines (all woody plants).

Family Scientific Name Common Name ST C W Wet Phys Pinaceae Larix laricina Larch; Tamarack 5 -3 FACW Tree

Pinaceae Pinus strobus Eastern White Pine 3 3 FACU Tree

Pinaceae Pinus resinosa Red Pine 6 3 FACU Tree

Pinaceae PINUS SYLVESTRIS Scots Pine 5 UPL Tree

Pinaceae ABIES CONCOLOR White Fir Tree

Pinaceae Picea glauca White Spruce 3 3 FACU Tree

Pinaceae PICEA ABIES Norway Spruce 5 UPL Tree

Pinaceae PICEA PUNGENS Colorado Blue Spruce Tree

Cupressaceae Thuja occidentalis Northern White-cedar 4 -3 FACW Tree

Cupressaceae Juniperous virginiana Eastern Red-cedar 3 3 FACU Tree

Cupressaceae Juniperous communis Common or Ground Juniper 4 3 [FACU] Shrub

Liliaceae Smilax hispida

(S. tamnoides)

Bristly Greenbrier 5 0 [FAC] Vine

Tiliaceae Tilia americana American Basswood 5 3 FACU Tree

Elaeagnaceae ELAEAGNUS UMBELLATE Autumn Olive 3 FACU Shrub

Salicaceae Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen 1 0 FAC Tree

Salicaceae Populus grandidentata Bigtooth Aspen 4 3 FACU Tree

Salicaceae Populus deltoids Eastern Cottonwood 1 -1 FAC Tree

Salicaceae Salix exigua Sandbar Willow 1 -5 OBL Shrub

Salicaceae Salix nigra Black Willow 5 -5 OBL Tree

Salicaceae Salix sp. Willow sp. Shrub

Grossulariaceae Ribes cynosbati Wild or Prickly Gooseberry 4 5 UPL Shrub

Grossulariaceae Ribes lacustre(?) Swamp Black Currant 6 -3 FACW Shrub

Grossulariaceae Ribes sp. Currant 6 -3 FACW Shrub

Hamamelidaceae Hamamelis virginiana Witch-hazel 5 3 FACU Shrub

Platanaceae Platanus occidentalis Sycamore; American plane-tree; 7 -3 FACW Tree

Rosaceae MALUS PUMILA Common Apple 5 UPL Tree

Rosaceae Prunus serotina Black Cherry 2 3 FACU Tree

Rosaceae Physocarpus opulifolius Ninebark 4 -2 FACW- Shrub

Rosaceae Amelanchier sp. Serviceberry 4 5/3 UPL/

FACU

Tree/Shru

b

Rosaceae Crataegus sp. Hawthorn 4 5 UPL Tree

Rosaceae Rubus strigosus Red Raspberry 2 -2 FACW- Shrub

Rosaceae Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry 1 2 FACU Shrub

Rosaceae Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry 1 5 UPL Shrub

Rosaceae Rubus hispidus Swamp Dewberry 4 -3 FACW Shrub

vii

Family Scientific Name Common Name ST C W Wet Phys Rosaceae ROSA MULTIFLORA Multiflora Rose 3 FACU Shrub

Rutaceae Zanthoxylum americanum Prickly-ash 3 5 UPL Shrub

Cornaceae Cornus alternifolia Alternate-leaved or Pagoda Dogwood 5 5 [UPL] Tree

Cornaceae Cornus amomum Pale, Swamp or Silky Dogwood 2 -4 FACW+ Shrub

Cornaceae Cornus stolonifera Red-osier Dogwood 2 -3 FACW Shrub

Cornaceae Cornus foemina Gray Dogwood 1 -2 FACW- Shrub

Aceraceae Acer saccharinum Silver Maple 2 -3 FACW Tree

Aceraceae Acer saccharum Sugar Maple 5 3 FACU Tree

Aceraceae ACER PLATANOIDES Norway Maple 5 [UPL] Tree

Aceraceae Acer rubrum Red Maple 1 0 FAC Tree

Aceraceae Acer nigrum Black Maple 4 3 [FACU] Tree

Aceraceae Acer negundo Boxelder 0 -2 FACW- Tree

Rhamnaceae RHAMNUS FRANGULA Glossy Buckthorn -1 FAC Shrub

Vitaceae Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeper 5 1 FAC W-Vine

Vitaceae Vitis riparia River-bank Grape 3 -2 FACW W-Vine

Vitaceae Vitis aestivalis Summer Grape 6 3 FACU W-Vine

Juglandaceae Juglans nigra Black Walnut 5 3 FACU Tree

Juglandaceae Juglans cinerea Butternut 5 2 FACU+ Tree

Juglandaceae Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory 5 0 FAC Tree

Juglandaceae Carya glabra Pignut Hickory 5 3 FACU Tree

Juglandaceae Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory 5 3 FACU Tree

Betulaceae Betula papyrifera Paper Birch 2 2 FACU Tree

Betulaceae Betula alleghaniensis Yellow Birch 7 0 FAC Tree

Betulaceae Carpinus caroliniana Hornbeam; Blue-Beech; Musclewood 6 0 FAC Tree

Betulaceae Ostrya virginiana Ironwood; Hop Hornbeam 5 4 FACU Tree

Ulmaceae Ulmus americana American Elm 1 -2 FACW Tree

Moraceae Morus spp. Mulberry Tree

Berberidaceae BERBERIS THUNBERGII Japanese Barberry 4 FACU Shrub

Lauraceae Lindera benzoin Spicebush 7 -2 FACW- Shrub

Fagaceae Quercus alba White Oak 5 3 FACU Tree

Fagaceae Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak 8 -4 FACW+ Tree

Fagaceae Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak 5 1 FAC- Tree

Fagaceae Quercus rubra Red Oak 5 3 FACU Tree

Fagaceae Quercus palustris Pin Oak 8 -3 FACW Tree

Fagaceae Quercus muehlenbergii Chinquapin Oak 5 5 [UPL] Tree

Fagaceae Fagus grandifolia American Beech 6 3 FACU Tree

Fagaceae CASTANEA MOLLISIMA Chinese Chestnut Tree

viii

Family Scientific Name Common Name ST C W Wet Phys Oleaceae Fraxinus americana White Ash 5 3 FACU Tree

Oleaceae Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash 2 -3 FACW Tree

Rubiaceae Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush 7 -5 OBL Shrub

Apocynaceae VINCA MINOR Periwinkle; “Myrtle” 5 UPL Shrub

Caprifoliaceae Viburnum acerifolium Maple-leaved Viburnum 6 5 UPL Shrub

Caprifoliaceae Viburnum opulus var.

americanum

Highbush-cranberry; Guilder-rose 5 -3 FACW Shrub

Caprifoliaceae LONICERA TATARICA Tartarian Honeysuckle 3 FACU Shrub

Caprifoliaceae LONICERA MAACKI Amur Honeysuckle 5 [UPL] Shrub

Caprifoliaceae LONICERA SPP. Non-native Honeysuckles 3-5 FACU-

UPL

Shrub

Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron vernix Poison Sumac 6 -5 OBL Shrub

Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron radicans Poison-ivy 2 -1 FAC W-Vine

Anacardiaceae Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac 2 5 UPL Tree

Celastraceae Celastrus spp. Bittersweet Vine

RIVER BENDS PARK, SHELBY TOWNSHIP

TRAIL LOG AND CONDITION/CORRECTION SURVEY

Trail Name Park West or East

Location Length

Maint. Level Type of Trail

Logged by: Surveyed by:

Date: Date:

Station

(dist.) Feature Condition/Correction Mat./Equip.

RIVER BENDS PARK-WEST AND HOLLAND PONDS … · RIVER BENDS PARK-WEST AND HOLLAND PONDS SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MACOMB COUNTY, MICHIGAN FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN Plan Prepared by Rick McAvinchey

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