Foresters Found Old-Growth Red Pine Stand in Michigan
The 105-acre Upper Peninsula forest, rediscovered in 2026, requires active fire management to survive.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Botany
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On June 6, 2026, a forester discovered a 105-acre stand of old-growth red pine along Michigan's Two-Hearted River. The area has since been designated as an ecological reference area by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Why it matters
This forest represents a rare remnant of pine ecosystems that largely vanished during the widespread logging boom of the 1800s. Without recurring fire, the stand is currently being outcompeted by species like red oak, paper birch, spruce, and fir.
The stand features trees aged at least 200 years, with the oldest specimens potentially exceeding 400 years. Management reports propose a prescribed fire interval of 10 to 30 years to suppress understory competition.
The players
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing public lands and implementing ecological preservation policies.
The details
Researchers identify these fire-dependent ecosystems using field surveys and core sampling, a process of extracting a thin cylinder of wood from a tree trunk to analyze growth rings. The red pine stand persists on sandy dune ridges, a unique topography that supports its specific root requirements. Because fire-dependent seedlings need exposed mineral soil to germinate, foresters may remove spruce and fir trees by hand before conducting controlled burns.
Timeline
1800s: Widespread logging clear-cut most native pine forests.
June 6, 2026: A forester observed the stand during a routine compartment review.
The Tech Race
This stand serves as a rare biological survivor of the clear-cutting trends established during the 1800s logging boom. It stands in contrast to the heavily harvested forests that defined the state's industrial history.
The forest is located along the Two-Hearted River near Lake Superior, featuring a 1.5-mile stretch of trees. Future access and public recreation details will depend on the implementation of the prescribed fire management plan.
The takeaway
The survival of this forest depends on replicating natural disturbance cycles through controlled burns. Observers should track the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for updates on the implementation of the 10 to 30-year prescribed fire schedule.
Further reading
For more on the state of regional flora, browse our Botany coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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Should local agencies use controlled burns to restore natural forest ecosystems in your area?
