Environmental Group Challenges Massive U.P. Logging Project in Ottawa Forest
Chicago environmental group challenges Forest Service plan to clear-cut 25,000 acres across three U.P. counties, calling it ‘historically massive.’
IRON RIVER, MICHIGAN — Environmental advocates are challenging a U.S. Forest Service decision to proceed with a large logging project in Ottawa National Forest, arguing federal officials did not adequately assess the environmental impact of clear-cutting 25,000 acres across three Upper Peninsula counties.
The Forest Service released its draft decision April 16 for the Silver Branch Vegetation Management project, which covers roughly 177,772 acres in Baraga, Houghton, and Iron counties. The project would clear cut just over 25,000 acres of forest while leaving some trees that provide seeds or habitats for wildlife.
Forest Service Cites Fire Risk, Health Concerns
Ottawa National Forest District Ranger Trevor Hahka told the Detroit News the project aims to reduce wildfire risk and address forest health issues, including aging aspen trees, overcrowded hardwoods, and declining conifers.
The logging operation would affect an area nearly 1.5 times the size of Detroit, according to the Environmental Law and Policy Center, a Chicago-based advocacy group opposing the project.
Environmental Groups Argue Inadequate Review
The Environmental Law and Policy Center contends the Forest Service’s draft decision fails to properly consider environmental impacts or possible alternatives to the extensive logging plan.
“The Forest Service is clearly wrong to claim this project would not have significant impacts and should not be studied further,” Kelly Thayer, the center’s senior policy advocate, said in a statement. “The Silver Branch Vegetation Management Project is historically massive, proposing to log across an area of Ottawa National Forest nearly 1.5 times the size of the city of Detroit.”
Thayer argued the project would clear-cut 25,000 acres and log an additional 55,000 acres of national forest lands, potentially impacting wildlife and wilderness areas.
Project Spans Three Counties
The proposed logging operation represents one of the largest vegetation management projects in recent years for the Ottawa National Forest, which encompasses portions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The 177,772-acre project area stretches across multiple counties in the western Upper Peninsula region.
Forest Service officials maintain the project follows established protocols for forest management and fire prevention in the region. The draft decision marks a preliminary step in the approval process, with opportunities for public comment and review.
Environmental groups plan to continue challenging the project through the federal review process, arguing the scope requires more comprehensive environmental analysis before proceeding.
