2018 West Zone Oak-Blueberry Habitat Enhancement

This effort is to enhance the natural regeneration of blueberry by returning fire to a fire-dependent system. Fire has historically influenced many aspects of the environment from vegetation composition and structure to wildlife diversity. Without regular fire intervals on the landscape, shade tolerant species such as balsam and alder create a dense understory, out-competing and blocking light for desired native species. With little chance for new regeneration, the habitat becomes heavily over browsed and contributes to a loss of diversity.

Research has shown that by releasing fire depended micro-habitats (rocky oak outcrops) higher blueberry production is generated, benefiting many wildlife species such as bears, birds, and insects. The regeneration of tree species such as oak, maple, and pine following a prescribed burn is also vitally beneficial for mast-consuming species, including many small mammals, red squirrels, white-tail deer, and especially moose. The increase in prey species vitality in turn enhances conditions for predators like wolves, lynx, marten, and fisher.

The chosen sites are grouped according to their corresponding Vegetation Management Projects, and total 2,237 acres. Each Vegetation Management Project has stands containing smaller stands and rocky outcrops suitable for treatment.