FS 4302

Trail Overview

FS 4302 starts as a two-lane dirt road and then ends as a nice two-track that is not maintained and is made up of a pine hardwood mix. During winter and spring, you can run into mud and snow, so make sure you assess the trail before you explore. This trail can be run in either direction. The trails in the area are all part of the Huron National Forest.

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Difficulty

This trail is rated a 2 because you could encounter mud and sand.

History

KIRTLAND WARBLER'S FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL: This open area was recently regenerated to provide future suitable nesting conditions for the Kirtland's Warbler. This endangered warbler is a songbird that nests only in this area of Michigan and migrates to its wintering grounds in the Bahamas. It nests only in young jack pine forests on sandy soils. An adequate nesting area consists of approximately 320 acres or larger. The Kirtland's Warbler management areas are usually burned to reduce the residues left from logging. The areas are then densely planted with jack pine seedlings. About 125 seedlings per acre are planted to create desirable nesting conditions. The warblers will nest on the ground along the edges of small openings. They will continue to use this area until the needles on the lower branches of the trees start dropping off. This usually occurs when the trees reach a height of 16 to 20 feet (about 2 years old). This area will be harvested again after the trees reach about 50 years old and the warblers have ceased nesting here. Repeating the cycle will result in a continuous supply of nesting habitat for the warbler. These areas also provide important habitats for other species such as Upland Sandpipers, Bluebirds,* Kestrels, Snowshoe Hares, and Whitetail Deer. Kirtland's Warbler habitat management is a combined effort of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S.D.A., the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Michigan Audubon Society.

Technical Rating