Huron Pines takes an ecosystem approach to protecting and restoring wildlife habitat. Through activities like installing instream habitat structure, we are sustaining diverse Michigan river systems that provide refuge for fish and other wildlife. At the core of our work is a dedication to promoting wise stewardship of our most critical coastal and inland landscapes.
River Wildlife Benefits From Habitat Diversity
Often called “Large Woody Debris,” instream habitat is actually so much more. It includes complexes of rock, living and dead wood, overhanging plants and aquatic plants. These items serve as sources of food and shelter for the many species of fish, insects and other aquatic organisms that live in or near rivers. It is a dynamic system: when trees fall into the river naturally, they often move with high flows until they catch against a bank. In many streams in northern Michigan, much of this habitat was removed in order to facilitate the logging industry over 100 years ago. Huron Pines works with landowners of all types to help them manage their river banks. Through our holistic watershed restoration projects, we use an experienced crew to install instream habitat complexes like tree revetments in stretches of river that lack habitat. We also work to reduce erosion and promote native plant growth to provide more habitat.
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CONTACT: Watershed Coordinator John Bailey, john@huronpines.org, (989) 448-2293 ext. 19