Aspen Bibliography

Habitat analysis and management considerations for ruffed grouse for a multiple use area in Michigan

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Wildlife Management

Volume

33

Issue

4

First Page

769

Last Page

778

Publication Date

1969

Abstract

Observations of ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) and analysis of grouse habitat were made during all seasons for 2 years in aspen, lowland hardwood, and northern hardwood types on glacial moraines in the Manistee National Forest in Wexford County, Michigan. The areas containing the necessary diversity for grouse were centered around drainage areas where there was a gradual transition from a lowland soil (α gley) to a well-drained upland soil. This transition zone was, in most cases, dominated by trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), and was the focal point of the brood range. The aspen type appeared to be important because of the available food, and because of the moderately dense shrub and herbaceous layers under the canopy. Grouse management would be most fruitful if done in the transition zone. Clear cutting in short cycles (10 years) is recommended, with a 40-year rotation to maintain even-age stands in different age-classes in close proximity to each other. At least 10 percent of the habitat should be kept in small permanent shrub openings which will provide food and cover species for broods and adults.

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