GLADSTONE, MI-- The Hiawatha National Forest has released maps of prime blueberry picking areas.
Official say U.S. Forest Service land managers clearcut and use low-intensity prescribed fire to mimic natural wildfire patterns. They also revitalize worn out blueberry bushes.
Officials say on a rotational basis each year different parts of the National Forest are treated to benefit blueberries and support other management objectives. They say blueberry bushes are most productive between two and four years after treatment, so the Forest Service can predict when blueberries are best for picking in certain areas.
Late July and August are usually the peak of the blueberry season.
