An Ecosystem Approach

The Wildlife Division has adopted ecosystem management as our method for managing our wildlife resources. What is ecosystem management? It’s an approach, philosophy, attitude, and way of thinking which:

• Recognizes that all species have value
• Can be done at local, regional, and global scales
• Uses short-term and long-term views
• Combines biological, social, and economic values

Simply put, it is a way of thinking about the management of natural resources which is much broader in scope.  The ultimate goal of ecosystem management is to achieve multiple and sustainable values from our natural resources by protecting all resources.

The jack pine forest ecosystem is a great example of how to employ ecosystem management.  From a biological standpoint, dense stands of jack pines provide great habitat for bluebirds, deer, rabbits, bear, wild turkeys, and several protected prairie plants.  It is also the primary nesting habitat for the federally endangered Kirtland’s warbler.

The Kirtland’s warbler will only nest near the ground of jack pines that are between 5-20 years old.  Because of its strict nesting criteria, the Kirtland’s warbler is found in only a few counties in Michigan and management for this type of habitat is critical for the survival of the species.  When the forests become too old, they have an economic value and are harvested.  From a social standpoint, tours are offered in these rare areas to educate the public about this rare species and how managing for it can prove to be beneficial in many ways.  Instead of managing only for deer or only for the Kirtland’s warbler, the DNR manages for a healthy jack pine forest ecosystem.  By working with the ecosystem, the DNR is creating habitat for many species and many stakeholders.

To effectively implement an ecosystem management approach, the Landowner Incentive Program focuses on certain ecosystems in each region of the state.  The Upper Peninsula focuses on the management of mesic conifers, the northern Lower Peninsula concentrates on restoring jack pine forests and jack pine barrens, while the southern Lower Peninsula focuses on grassland and wetland ecosystem management.