Fishing in the Forest? Forests provide the cleanest water and the best fish habitat for our lakes and streams. Forests have undisturbed soil and permanent vegetation to slow surface runoff and minimize soil erosion. The leaves, roots and soil in forests filter surface and ground water. Forests shade the water to keep it cool and provide inputs for the aquatic food chain. Fish eat the insects that feed on the leaves that fall into the water. Dead trees fall into water to provide shelter to hide fish from predators. Tree roots protect the soil along the bank to prevent erosion. By contrast, urban areas, industry and agricultural land deliver far more sewage, chemical, thermal and sediment pollution into our rivers and lakes.
Forests for Fish. Landowners, anglers and natural resource professionals have many options to protect water quality and improve fish habitat in the woods.
- Landowners can prevent soil erosion along lakes and streams by planting trees and shrubs or installing materials to protect the bank.
- Anglers should use caution when walking along streams to minimize soil erosion and not spread insects, diseases or other invasive species.
- Foresters manage riparian zones (where land meets water) to retain lots of dead and living trees near water. Tree roots protect the bank and dead trees fall into the water to provide good fish habitat.
- Loggers follow Best Management Practices to protect soil and water quality when doing a timber harvest. Common activities include building roads to reduce soil erosion and installing properly sized culverts or bridges to get equipment across streams.
- Fisheries biologists place wood, rocks or other structures in the water to improve fish habitat in streams. These and other activities can improve the fish habitat in your forest and help you provide clean water for people and fish downstream.
Partners. Forests for Fish is a partnership of several organizations with funding by a grant from the US Forest Service, State and Private Forestry. All partners are equal opportunity providers and employers.
- Trout Unlimited. Michigan is the birthplace for Trout Unlimited. This national conservation organization started in Grayling in 1959 to restore the native trout population on the Au Sable River. Trout Unlimited and DNR fisheries biologists work with landowners in the woods and in the water because planting trees and protecting forests can prevent very expensive restoration work downstream.
- Foresters and Loggers. If you need help with a forest management project, can contact a local forester and logger. Consulting foresters work for landowners to help them plan and implement forestry activities. Qualified logging professionals have training, experience and specialized skills to harvest trees for the forest products industry. The Forest Stewardship Program connects landowners with 150 foresters and 20 biologists to develop a Forest Stewardship Plan to help them manage, protect and enjoy their forest.
- People with at least 10 acres of wood can network with other landowners and certify their excellent forest management through the American Tree Farm System. Tree Farm’s “big green sign” helps people brag about how their forest provides wood, water, wildlife and recreation.
- Money and Advice. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides money and advice to help implement forestry, water quality and fish habitat projects. Landowners can apply any time at their local NRCS Service Center for funding to implement “conservation practices” to improve their forest and water resources.
- The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) helps us protect clean water in Michigan. Stream crossings, placing objects into streams, removing small dams or modifying streambanks require a permit from EGLE.
