Healthy Forest Initiative Huron-Manistee National Forest Fuels Reduction Projects 2003

Central Lower Michigan The HMNF includes a majority of lower Michigan’s jack pine and red pine forests - (blue area of this satellite image).

The Huron-Manistee NF is nested within an extremely diverse landscape 8 Land Type Associations (LTA’s) occur on the HMNF. Of these - LTA 1 & 2 are fire dependant systems. Tree species - Primarily jack pine with black, pin and white oaks. These LTA’s included dry sand prairies, pine-oak barrens, and jack pine flats with frequent fire intervals. Pine and pine/oak types on LTA 1 & 2 are considered HIGH hazard fuel areas. Other types on LTA 2 have MODERATE hazard. All other LTA/types are considered LOW hazard.

LTA 1&2’s are characterized by large fires Larger fires include: Oscoda Fire (1911) - 30,000 acres + Mack Lake (1980) – 26,000 acres River Road (1984) – 1,300 acres No Pablo (2000) – 5,200 acres Rapid rate of spread (>5 mph) Historic fire return interval estimated at 27 years. Large catastrophic fires common (10,000 acre +).

LTA’s 1& 2 are home to many fire dependent Endangered, Threatened or Sensitive Species

Pale Agoserus Hill’s Thistle Karner Blue Butterfly

The Kirtlands’ Warbler is the most well known fire dependant species on the Huron-Manistee National Forests

The HMNF is a Wildland Urban Interface Forest

The 1984 River Road Fire was a large fire near Oscoda, MI acres between noon and midnight. Threatened the Oscoda High School, Richardson Junior High and River Road Elementary. School was in session. Threatened more than 30 homes on River Road and Grass Lake Road. Threatened over 2 million dollars worth of improvements. At least 10 fires have occurred within this burn area since 1984.

Several positive things came from the 1984 River Road Fire Approximately 300 acres of Kirtlands’ Warbler Habitat was created. Increased awareness that lives and property are at risk in this area. A comprehensive plan to reduce this risk while providing for ETS species needs.

Oscoda School Area Fuel Break Plan Provide additional acres of fuel breaks within the River Road fire area in large semi-open areas.Provide additional acres of fuel breaks within the River Road fire area in large semi-open areas. 130 additional acres of fuel break providing protection to homes along Grass Lake, River Road, the Industrial Park and the Silver Sands Subdivision.130 additional acres of fuel break providing protection to homes along Grass Lake, River Road, the Industrial Park and the Silver Sands Subdivision. Increased patrols and public contact in this area to bring awareness to the problem.Increased patrols and public contact in this area to bring awareness to the problem. Several roads were closed at traditional “party spots” within 2 miles of the Schools.Several roads were closed at traditional “party spots” within 2 miles of the Schools.

1984 River Road Fire 1998 Fuel Break Fire Oscoda School Complex

The 1998 Fuel Break Fire showed how effective fuels work can be. 69 acres in size Fire contained in 3 hours. Running crown fire in young jack pine that dropped to the ground when reaching the fuel break. Fuel break credited for saving homes along Grass Lake Road.

2003 Healthy Forest Initiative Fuels Reduction Project Expands on existing fuel breaks around the Oscoda School complex, industrial park and subdivisions. Targets areas that have historically had high fire occurrences. All projects are located adjacent to “Communities at Risk” as identified in the National Fire Plan.

Healthy Forest Initiative Huron-Manistee National Forest Fuels Reduction Projects 2003 Oscoda Area Fuel Breaks - HFI Create 132 acres of additional fuel breaks Maintenance of existing fuel breaks Sand Lake Fuels II Create 192 acres of new fuel break Red Keg Additional Create 70 acres of additional fuel break Pine River Fuel Break Create 30 acres of additional fuel break Improve 291 acres of existing fuel break Proposed Actions: