Timbermen tell committee northern Michigan ice storm damaged decades of red pine; urge rapid salvage and replanting

Representatives of the Michigan Association of Timbermen told the committee that a recent severe ice storm in northern Michigan caused widespread forest damage requiring urgent salvage and replanting efforts.

Speakers, including Joe Doyle of Doyle Forest Products and industry leaders, said the storm damaged large tracts of red pine plantations and hardwood stands. They estimated that red pine losses could amount to roughly 20–30 years of growth in a single event for affected stands and suggested a preliminary statewide red pine loss estimate near 30% of certain plantation acres. Industry witnesses said timely salvage is critical because decay, staining and insect infestations reduce timber value within months; they urged the Department of Natural Resources to accelerate timber sale offerings and to work with loggers to move product before value is lost.

Witnesses described logistical challenges: getting equipment to sites, market access for salvaged wood and capacity constraints at biomass plants that process debris. They urged the state to consider emergency funding for seed supply and replanting, and to preserve biomass and processing capacity to avoid buildup of ground fuels that would raise wildfire risk.

Committee members asked about hardwood recovery timelines, effects on maple syrup production and old‑growth stands. Industry witnesses said some hardwoods may survive but that many stands will take years to recover and that the window to salvage marketable material is limited. The Association requested continued communication with the committee and the DNR to coordinate salvage sales and replanting strategy.