Michigan Society of American Foresters

2026 Research Priorities

Mitigating deer herbivory impacts on forest regeneration

Justification: Excessive white-tailed deer populations in many parts of Michigan are currently preventing the successful regeneration of desired plant communities and silvicultural crops. Research suggests that when deer densities exceed 10–15 deer per square mile, forest sustainability and vegetation diversity are significantly compromised. This "chronic regeneration failure" threatens the forest certification status of both public and private lands, potentially barring Michigan wood products from certain markets. Michigan SAF recognizes that solutions to promote forest regeneration in the face of high deer populations could include forest operational practices (e.g., slash barriers, scarification) as well as reducing deer densities (e.g., outreach to forest landowners regarding the ecological consequences of managing for high deer populations).

Expected Impact: Improved forest health, ecological integrity, and long-term timber supply by ensuring that tree regeneration can outpace deer herbivory.

Developing markets for low-quality timber

Justification: Michigan's forests have large volumes of underutilized low-quality standing timber and wood lost to mortality annually. The lack of markets for this material hinders the ability of foresters to perform essential thinning operations, which are required to build high-quality, high-value forest stands and to support forest restoration and conservation projects (e.g. Kirtland’s warbler habitat). Michigan SAF seeks research and Extension that will help advance markets for low quality wood, including but not limited to mass timber, wood-based energy, biochar, and lignin and nanocellulose based products.

Expected Impact: Increased economic value for low-quality wood, support for local jobs, and enhanced forest health and conservation through improved management of overstocked stands.

Enhancing wildland-urban-interface resilience in the face of wildfire

Justification: Decades of fire exclusion have led to dangerous fuel accumulations in Michigan's conifer forests, particularly in the "wildland-urban interface" (WUI). These dense stands are highly vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires, which threaten human life, property, and forest vigor. Michigan SAF seeks research and Extension solutions to reduce fire risk, which could include prescribed and cultural fires and other fuel hazard reductions. Michigan SAF recognizes barriers (e.g., economic, social, political, financial, etc.) to successfully implementing prescribed/cultural burn projects across the landscape, the importance of prescribed fire plans and associated financial and technical barriers to their creation and implementation, and the cultural significance of prescribed fire for Michigan tribes.

Expected Impact: Reduced wildfire suppression costs and the restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems, such as those required by the Kirtland’s warbler, and more social, political, and financial support for cultural/prescribed burning.

Protecting Forestland from Fragmentation and Industrial Land-Use Change

Justification: Michigan is currently facing "net-zero deforestation," but new contributors to forest loss—such as industrial solar arrays and data centers—threaten to increase the rate of land-use change. Forests are often treated as "undeveloped" land of low value, yet they provide $26 billion in economic output and $14 billion in recreation value to the state. Protecting these forests from fragmentation is essential for maintaining their ability to provide clean air, water, timber, recreation, and other ecosystem services. Michigan SAF recognizes that local zoning ordinances, property tax incentives, conservation easements, and other factors influence forest land use change.

Expected Impact: Preservation of Michigan’s 20.1 million acres of forest land, ensuring the long-term viability of the state’s forest products and recreation industries.

Develop and recruit talent into the Michigan forestry sector

Justification: Attracting talent to the forestry sector is of paramount importance for its future viability. Talent is needed across the value chain, including forest operations (loggers), development and implementation of forest management plans (foresters), and wood products. Michigan SAF seeks research and Extension projects that could develop and recruit talent into Michigan’s forestry sector.

Expected Impact: A vibrant forestry sector that supports sustainable economic activity, employment, and forest conservation.