Book looks at history of Michigan’s forests

Photo illustration by Kurt Stepnitz “The Forests of Michigan,” written by Donald Dickmann and Larry Leefers, professors of forestry, takes a look at the history of Michigan’s forests, as well as the ecology, management and economic importance of today’s woods. It was published by the University of Michigan Press.

By Tom Oswald

In 1871, wildfires that practically dwarf the recent California fires swept through much of Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois, charring millions of acres of forests, killing thousands of people and nearly wiping out the Midwest’s largest city -- Chicago.

A new book written by two MSU forestry professors takes a comprehensive look at the history of Michigan’s forests, including the devastating fires of the late 19th century, as well as the ecology, management and economic importance of today’s woods.

Professors Donald Dickmann and Larry Leefers originally planned to write “The Forests of Michigan” as a textbook for the forestry course they teach, but quickly decided this was information anyone interested in Michigan’s forests could use.

“There is really no book out there that puts together the whole story of Michigan’s forests,” Dickmann said. “It’s written in a non-technical style, designed for a wide audience.”

In fewer than 300 pages, the authors present a comprehensive history of the state’s forests. It begins nearly 14,000 years ago when a half-mile thick sheet of ice covered what would become Michigan, and ends today, a time in which proper management is actually adding to the amount of forests that cover the state.

“The history here is somewhat unique, especially when you consider the magnitude of the disturbances that have occurred here, including logging and fires,” Dickmann said.

It was in the autumn of 1871 that what became known as the Great Michigan Fire moved quickly through the state, destroying millions of acres of woods and wiping out towns such as Glen Haven, Holland and Manistee.

Even East Lansing’s Michigan Agricultural College -- now, of course, MSU -- was threatened. The authors recounted the efforts made to save the school.

“Excused from the afternoon worship services, crews of young men from the college were formed, under the leadership of Drs. Robert Kedzie and Manly Miles.

They staved off flames approaching through the surrounding forest by working in relays throughout several long days and nights. By Tuesday evening the fires were under control and the campus was saved. The students were rewarded by the faculty with an oyster dinner.”

“The Forests of Michigan” also focuses on the economic impact of the woods.

Between lumbering, recreation and businesses such as the selling of Christmas trees, Michigan’s forests represent a multi-million dollar industry.

“There are a lot of wood-using industries in this state, including paper and furniture,” Leefers said. “Wood is still a very important raw material and creates a lot of jobs and economic prosperity.”

“The Forests of Michigan” offers a number of beautiful, full-color photographs, as well as historic black-and-white shots, charts and plat maps.

The book was published by the University of Michigan Press. For more information or to order the book, visit the University of Michigan Press Web site at
www.press.umich.edu/

Copyright 2001 Michigan State University Division of University Relations.