NEWBERRY, MI-- The Michigan DNR is moving ahead into the second round of timber salvage sales in the Duck Lake Fire area.
Trees on 5,887 acres of burned state forest land were sold last Friday for a total of $394,368. Timber on the remaining 3,887 acres will be sold this Friday at the DNR field office in Newberry.
Officials say even though the bark and part of the outer wood is charred on affected trees, there is still solid, unburned wood in the center that can be used. They say they’re moving quickly before the trees lose further value from insect infestation.
The DNR says some portions of the fire area won’t be harvested because they’re in protected or inaccessible locations or the trees are too small. Insects that invade the burned wood will provide food for wildlife.
