Michigan DNR Says Clear-Cutting Helps Elk (Yes, Really)

You know that uneasy feeling when you drive past a patch of northern Michigan woods that's been completely shaved bald and think to yourself, "Someone's not happy about that"? Well, hold onto your flannel, because according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), that's not destruction — it's elk fine dining.

That's right, in an email newsletter, the DNR states that the clear-cutting of aspen trees in the northeastern Lower Peninsula — especially in Montmorency and Otsego counties — isn't just logging. It's a full-blown habitat improvement plan. The argument? Aspen trees are the buffet line of the forest. Elk are basically oversized, 600-pound customers that keep coming back for seconds.

Why Aspen Trees Are the “Buffet Line” for Elk

Aspen regenerates quickly, sprouting fresh shoots from underground roots without any replanting. Elk and deer apparently love the tender young growth, especially when their snacks are buried under snow or otherwise unavailable thanks to Michigan's seemingly endless winters.

Speeding Up the Timeline: From the 2030s to Now

The DNR admits they're speeding up tree removal that was originally planned for the 2030s, thanks in part to damage from that delightful spring 2025 ice storm. So now, a 30-square-mile stretch of forest will get its makeover sooner than later.

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And before you panic — no, they're not cutting more trees, just cutting them faster. So next time you see a "clear-cut" forest when your travels take you to northern Michigan, don't despair. According to the DNR, it's not deforestation — it's dinner prep.