Wetland Burn Occured on April 19, 2007

See the wetland burn pictures.

Here at Camp Friedenswald, there are many plant and animal species that are of special concern in Michigan, and at least one that is federally endangered. Camp also hosts many interesting habitats: a Beech/Maple woodlands( Mature Mesic Southern Forest), an Oak/Hickory preserve, a prairie area along North Peninsula Drive, and a wetland, called a prairie fen. Friedenswald’s prairie fen is of specific interest to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Historically, much of land in the US, including prairie fens, would burn on a regular basis and keep shrubs and small trees from gaining a foot hold. Many native wetland plants and animals depend on open wetlands for their survival. Through the Michigan DNR’s “Landowners Incentive Program”, Friedenswald is able to maintain this endangered wetland habitat. This spring (2007), a licensed burn professional will be implementing a controlled burn on camp’s property on the northeast end of Lake Shavehead. The net result is that this burn will help keep the wetland open promoting a healthy habitat for many native species that are endangered or threatened.

The burn occured April 19, 2007. Specific weather conditions determed by the controlled burn contractor decided the date. Visual effects of the burn will likely not be noticeable after just a few weeks from the time of the burn.