LANSING — Young forest habitat provides food and shelter for wildlife from small insects to migratory birds to large mammals, such as white-tailed deer and black bears. Being a forest landowner can be fun and quite rewarding, but it also requires time and effort to reap those rewards. Being a good steward of the land is one responsibility that forest landowners must undertake.

If one of your goals is to manage your property for forest health and wildlife habitat, American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has foresters available to help. ABC works in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide landowners with technical and financial assistance to manage their forest habitat for at-risk bird species.

“Since 1970, North American has lost almost one quarter of its bird population and one reason is due to habitat loss and fragmentation from agriculture and development,” ABC Forester Michael Paling said.

With over 50% of Michigan’s forestland being privately owned, individual landowners must consider how their property plays a role in the wildlife habitat in the local landscape, especially in a heavily fragmented area.