Storm blowdowns remain one of the primary natural sources of disturbance in northern hardwood forests. The NPS considers these changes a natural, if dramatic, part of the life cycle of these forests. Shrubs and saplings will begin to fill in the forest gaps, dead and decaying trees will provide habitat for a host of birds, bats, insects, and other animals while returning nutrients to the soil. The return of mature hardwood forest will take decades, but it will happen. These forests have similarly recovered from major clear cutting in the past. In general, the NPS would not interfere with this natural recovery process through removal of downed woody debris, unless there are overriding concerns from a public safety standpoint, as the recent storm caused in several locations. The National Lakeshore may, however, clear and even re-plant in more managed landscapes such as campgrounds and historic areas.