Michigan DNR to sell timber damaged by March ice storm; forestry experts warn bark beetles could cause additional damage if trees are not removed

April 29, 2025 (Grand Rapids Press) –

GAYLORD — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will be selling timber damaged in the March ice storm.

The late-March storm coated trees in northern Michigan with up to an inch of ice. Pockets of pine and hardwood trees on state forest land were “severely damaged,” the DNR said.

If the damaged trees aren’t removed, Michigan forestry experts fear an invasion of bark and wood-boring beetles would bring another wave of damage to state forests.

“Salvaging and removing downed and damaged trees as quickly and efficiently as possible are critical to moving our forests into the next phase of recovery and restoration,” said Jeff Stampfly , Michigan’s state forester and chief of the DNR forest resources division.

The DNR soon will announce salvage timber sales to remove the damaged trees, officials said, but no start date for the sales was mentioned.

The DNR periodically sells timber from state-managed lands to harvest mature trees, respond to insect and disease outbreaks, salvage fire-damaged trees, enhance wildlife habitat and improve forest health, according to the DNR website.

Companies apply for bids and are awarded contracts to harvest the timber from state lands.

When the sales are announced, contracts will be awarded within seven days.