Michigan Forest Communities - Michigan Association of ...

WETLAND FOREST COMMUNITIES
• Sensitive fern
• Royal fern
• Marsh shield fern
* Exotic (non-native)
Distribution and status
Although not common, relict conifer
swamps are scattered across the southern
Lower Peninsula. Because the dominant
trees are not economically important,
they are in no danger from human
overexploitation. Nonetheless, drainage
and disruption of local hydrology by
human activities are threats, and collectors
have depleted populations of several
orchids.
Key viewing areas
• Kensington Metropark (Oakland
County east of Brighton).
Forest Community Type 2
Southern Relict
Tamarack Swamps
Wapato (arrowhead).
• Highland State Recreation Area
(Oakland County west of Pontiac).
• Pinckney and Waterloo state recreation
areas (Jackson and Washtenaw
counties north and west of Chelsea).
• Rose Lake Wildlife Research Area
(Clinton and Shiawassee counties
northeast of Lansing).
• Binder Park Zoo (Calhoun County
south of Battle Creek).
Uses and management
These wetlands are not managed for
timber or other purposes except for
some occasional firewood cutting
(tamarack wood is the heaviest among
Michigan conifers). Orchid collecting
does occur, but it is illegal. These singular
southern forests are best left alone
for wetland protection and to provide
valuable habitat for resident plants and
animals.
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